“Sylvia, we have a problem.”
“…What kind of problem this time?”
“We need to hire a 15-year-old at Vermont Security. By the way, he’s an orphan.”
“That’s not possible.”
“…”
A firm response.
Sylvia adjusted her glasses and glared at me.
The elegant office in the training grounds made her look like a seasoned executive.
I can’t even remember who that strange woman was who used to walk around with a fork in her hair.
“The staff must be adults only. That was your directive, wasn’t it?”
“That’s true, but… the situation has changed. Though he’s still young, he’s a college student. Smart and strong.”
“That makes it even worse. A physically strong child is difficult to control and highly likely to cause accidents. Speaking from experience, don’t take this lightly.”
Sylvia spoke earnestly.
“Are you talking about yourself?”
“…Regardless, it’s not possible. We’re already busy with employee training; we can’t take on the task of looking after a child as well.”
“Come on, let’s give it a try. He figured out how to use mana on his own.”
“Is that really true?”
Only then did Sylvia show some interest.
Mana manipulation.
Sylvia, Julia, and even Charlotte manage mana through the Super Super Strong Sword, so it might not seem like much.
But in reality, it’s one of the crucial skills that determine a mage’s talent.
Many mages can’t manipulate mana themselves and have to rely on magic circles or tools.
Being able to use magic purely with one’s own body is a tremendous blessing.
Those who master mana manipulation alone are considered to have overwhelming talent.
Normally, mastering mana manipulation requires countless trials and errors unless you’re taught the technique.
The fact that he did it at such a young age is proof of his enormous mana reserves.
“Now I understand your intention…!”
“…?”
“You weren’t planning to make me a nanny for a child! You want to raise a loyal human weapon for the Vermont family—a child with an abnormal amount of mana and an affinity for it, who figured out mana manipulation on his own, and who is an orphan with no protector…!”
“No, that’s not it…”
“I’m a half-baked mage who can’t even generate mana. Charlotte can unleash Sword Master-level firepower with the Super Super Strong Sword, but she’s still somewhat unstable. And Julia is non-combat. Therefore, to create the Vermont family’s spear and shield, someone who would risk death on the front lines…!”
“…”
[The Evil God ‘Kali’ claps in admiration!]
Sylvia looked shocked as if she’d just heard part of a grand plan to wipe out humanity.
This has to be intentional at this point.
Human weapon, my foot. I’ve seen firsthand what happens to those who try that in the Aslan Vermont family—they end up humiliated.
I’m not about to repeat that.
Yuri, who’s a protagonist by nature, won’t be easily broken.
Even attempts to corrupt him won’t work.
‘This is absolute. There’s no way to manipulate it.’
From start to finish, he’s a consistently righteous protagonist.
The more pain and despair he experiences, the stronger he becomes.
In the original story, he only killed Aslan Vermont and let the hired staff go before leaving the mansion with grace—
That’s Yuri.
“No, I’m really asking you to be a nanny.”
“…?”
Sylvia tilted her head in confusion.
The room fell silent for a moment, and then I felt a chill down my spine.
[The Evil God ‘Kali’ demands an explanation, asking what you mean by this.]
“It’s Charlotte and Julia’s friend.”
“Oh, I understand. You should have said so earlier.”
[The Evil God ‘Kali’ fully supports your decision.]
Right. I should have just said that from the start.
I regretted it a little.
Kali also quickly changed its stance.
As expected, Kali becomes incredibly gentle when it comes to Charlotte and Julia.
“Oh, I remember now. Isn’t that the sl*ve Irene was transporting before he escaped?”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“Then we should inform Charlotte and Julia as well. They’ve been separated for months now, and I’m sure they miss him dearly.”
“No. We’re keeping it a secret for now.”
“Why is that?”
“Yuri is convinced that I’m abusing Charlotte and Julia. If we let them meet, who knows what kind of reaction it might provoke. For now, Yuri will be isolated at the Ariente territory training grounds.”
This is a necessary measure.
As a hot-blooded protagonist, once he forms a misunderstanding, it won’t be easily dispelled.
Even if Charlotte and Julia tried to explain that Aslan Vermont isn’t that bad, Yuri would probably suspect brainwashing.
I have to approach this carefully.
“May I ask why you think Yuri would be under such a misconception?”
“You know that academy student I sponsor? That’s him. We exchanged letters, and I figured it out.”
“Oh. So, you’ve been secretly exchanging letters with someone who hates you that much?”
“Exactly.”
“My lord… this might sound rude, but it seems rather creepy…”
“…”
If it might be rude, why say it at all?
I seriously considered docking Sylvia’s pay for a moment.
Meanwhile, Sylvia stroked her chin, looking more confused.
“If I understand correctly, Yuri Brussels chose to join Vermont Security as a way to keep an eye on you and seize any opportunity to take revenge.”
“Exactly.”
“Then why on earth would you let him in? Why would you harbor a knife that might stab you at any moment?”
[The Evil God ‘Kali’ nods vigorously, demanding an answer.]
It seems not only Sylvia but also Kali is curious.
The reason is quite simple.
“Sylvia, why did you choose to stay by my side instead of removing your mark and leaving?”
“You told me yourself: if you’re suspicious, stay close and watch. So, I decided to stick by your side and keep an eye on you. It just makes me feel safer knowing you’re within my sight.”
“For the same reason. I need to keep Yuri within my sight to feel at ease.”
“Oh…!”
If Yuri were in the military, there’d be no way to know what reckless things he might do or how far he’d stray, nor would I be able to respond.
But if he’s in Vermont Security?
I can monitor what techniques he’s honing and address any missteps through Sylvia.
On paper, it’s a flawless plan, except for one glaring flaw…
If Yuri decides to come for my head, he’d have a straight path to the mansion and could reach it in no time.
“Wait! How did you know I could remove the mark!?”
“In any case, I’m counting on you to take care of Yuri.”
Leaving a now-enlightened Sylvia behind, I quickly exited the office.
I’ve entrusted Vermont Security entirely to her now.
Things should work out somehow.
.
.
.
Vermont Highway.
Inside the carriage speeding along the road named after the Vermont family, Yuri bit his lip, his expression serious.
‘To catch a tiger, you must enter the tiger’s den…’
The moment he decided to enlist, he received an offer from his sponsor.
It was an offer to join Vermont Security.
A person named Sylvia, the manager of the security company, was an acquaintance of his sponsor or something.
Ironically, the owner of that security company was Aslan Vermont.
It was an ironic twist of fate that Yuri would be strengthening his skills under the very enemy he had long sought to defeat.
‘Will Aslan Vermont recognize me?’
Yuri shook his head.
Aslan had never seen his face.
He had escaped before arriving at the Vermont mansion. Even when they crossed paths at the Academy, Aslan didn’t seem to recognize him.
Aslan likely remembered this face as that of Yuri Brussels.
Given that Yuri had expressed his deep admiration for Aslan, perhaps he’d remain in Aslan’s good graces?
That would be ideal.
To pierce an enemy’s heart, you first need to win it over.
“Please take me to the Vermont mansion. Not too close, just near enough to get a good view.”
Yuri called out to the driver and changed the destination.
Although Vermont Security’s headquarters was in Ariente, he decided to take the opportunity to scout the Vermont mansion and, if possible, check if Charlotte and Julia were safe.
‘But what if I can’t confirm anything?’
A chilling thought crossed his mind—what if Aslan Vermont had locked Charlotte and Julia in a dark, lightless prison?
Was he feeding them from dog bowls, degrading their dignity?
Had he made them so sleep-deprived that they were being tortured…?
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, his anxiety grew.
“We’re here. Should I get closer?”
“No, this is fine.”
The carriage stopped in a spot where the mansion’s garden was clearly visible.
Yuri stared at the empty garden, sinking into melancholy.
It seemed he couldn’t see them after all.
Aslan must have hidden them well.
The moment he sniffed, he swallowed.
Thump, Thump!
Suddenly, the sound of the ground shaking began to grow louder.
“What in the world…!?”
A massive figure emerged from behind the mansion.
A monster! An ugly, mud-colored beast!
Could it be that such a beast was guarding the Vermont mansion?
The sheer size of the creature, towering over the mansion itself, made Yuri shiver in fear, feeling his body freeze.
“Oh! Oh no…!”
But what shocked him even more were the small figures riding on top of the beast.
Recognizing Charlotte and Julia, despair washed over Yuri’s face.
‘He’s put them on top of the beast’s head so they can’t escape! Aslan Vermont, you cruel, heartless villain…!’
Yuri had always thought that stories about locking hostages in the highest tower were just fairy tales.
He never imagined someone would actually do it!
As tears streamed down his face, Yuri sharpened his resolve for vengeance.
