The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind

Within a four year time frame, Aarons approach towards her had changed distinctly. It was plainly different from his attitude towards Citrina when they had first met and he had been so cautious.

Citrina took a deep breath.

She had two things she wanted to ask Aaron.

You know, Aaron,

Yeah?

One of the things she was curious about was the rumors surrounding the Pietro Duchy and Desian Pietro.

And then there was the other thing.

Arent you supposed to be at the academy right now?

It was rude to bring up rumors about the duke no matter how close they were personally.

It was a little better to ask about Aaron.

Aaron paused at Citrinas direct question.

It wasnt autumn when the academy began and ended.

Maybe, the school year had changed without her being aware.

Uh.

Citrina asked softly instead of complaining. The boy didnt say much in response.

Citrina waited calmly for his answer.

There was a commotion at the academy so the graduation ceremony got moved up.

The graduation ceremony was moved up?

Oh, yeah thats why I got here early.

Aaron was clearly hiding something. He refused to look her in the eye.

However, Citrina knew instinctively that he would never give her a straight answer.

Ill have to look into what happened.

More than anything, this was problematic for her. With the academy graduation moved up, Princess Iana would be returning quickly.

If the princesss return is sped up, will my plans be messed up?

Citrina frowned slightly.

Aaron, are you the only one who came back early?

Yeah. I saw a newspaper at the academy. I read you had started an atelier.

Oh, that was why Aaron had showed up at Citrinas atelier.

To be honest, Citrina had hoped that Princess Iana rather than Aaron would subscribe to the magazine . But this unexpected harvest wasnt a bad thing.

So is that way you came straight here?

The last requirement for the academy is to pledge your oath as a knight. Isnt that important?

How did you know? Umm..

Aaron dodged Citrinas gaze.

Anyway, I have someone to perform the knights oath, so I can do it later.

I see. Thats good. Who is it?

Its still a secret.

A secret.. Its not a dangerous person, right?

Yeah. Definitely not.

Seeing him affirm it so readily, there really must be someone.

Since she had changed his fate, she hoped he could achieve a different happiness in this life.

If youre happy with that decision, then its fine.

Im happy.

Aarons cheeks were red. He spoke in a low voice with a shy expression.

Well I thought I would get in trouble.

Youre also an adult now.

yeah, thats right.

Then when will the others arrive?

Citrina hinted. That way, she could guess when the princess would come.

If the academys graduation was sooner than the original work, the princesss arrival would be pushed forward as well; but there was also a high possibility that her schedule would be messed up too.

Her mouth went dry from anxiety.

Some may come a little later, but it usually takes around two weeks.

I see. So this week

This week, she was sure they were preparing a party for the princesss return.

Her newspaper article had definitely reached the academy, so Citrina decided to wait a little longer.

Then after seeing the newspaper article you came to me first?

Yeah! Ah, I have something to ask of you.

What sort of request?

It a bit strange since the sword is old.

As if he remembered what he was here to say, Aaron handed over a sword. The sword on the table looked worn at a glance.

At that time, this was the sword I ordered from the dwarfs atelier. Do you remember?

Of course I remember.

The swords condition is not good.

But Aaron preferred to meet with Citrina rather than taking it to the dwarfs atelier.

That fact along made Citrina think that Aarons affection for her was greater than she predicted. It was a little strange and embarrassing. For better or worse though, Citrina knew how to hide her embarrassment.

Thanks, Ill take the sword.

Citrina calmly examined the sword. She was not certain about the blade.

On the hilt of the sword, she could see an elegantly crafted gem. Thanks to the simple method the dwarf had taught her, Citrina could appraise gemstones to some extent. However, it was difficult to fully understand magic gems.

-Gemma, what do you think?

Gemma hovered around Citrina and landed in front of the sword with a pale face.

-This the durability looks similar, so I think its not a big problem. Ill check into it more. Okay?

-Yeah, please do!

One sec!

Gemma slowly placed herself on top of the mana stone.

its not bad.

Im not sure.

Aarons face darkened when he heard those words.

He must have agonized about it for a long time. As Citrina was thinking about how to respond, Aaron blurted out.

Its just it feels like the sword is getting in my way.

Is it when you strike with the sword?

Yeah, whenever I spar, it feels like the sword is getting in my way.

What about the blade?

Theres no problems with the blade.

Citrina also saw this was the case. The blade was certainly bluish and sharp. It was also reasonable to assume that if there was a problem it would be with the mana stone.

Citrina looked at the little spirit hovering over the mana stone.

Is that so

Citrina tilted her head to the side.

She had a strange feeling. It was subtle, abrupt, and not very pleasant feeling. It felt like the energy of someone mischievous.

Nevertheless, she was an ordinary person with no mana in her body. Gemma raised her head towards Citrina.

-Someones been playing a prank.

-Who do you think it is?

-Yeah, its not easy to cast a spell of bad luck with divine power, but it makes it hard for humans to notice it.

Bad luck?

Citrina whispered to herself as she listened to Gemma. Aaron opened his eyes wide as he listened attentively to her whisper. It seemed like something he had not imagined.

What do you mean, bad luck?

I think someone marked the sword as unlucky through their divine power.

Um, I see

-Theres no reason to mess with lovely gems, so what kind of grudge did he pick up?

I dont think theres anyone who would do something like thatah.

Aaron closed his mouth. It seemed he had an idea as to who it could be.

Do you have an idea who it is?

Possibly.

Aaron looked sad as he said that.

Citrina also had an idea who it could be almost immediately after she heard the word bad luck.

It was a person who pretended to be Aaron and a person who could use divine power.

However, it wasnt a name she could say out loud. Gemma continued peacefully as she still sat on the jewel.

Its not something that only people you are close with could do.

-I guess so.

-So this mark, can you break it?

-Of course!

I think I can undo the bad luck stigma. But take care of yourself. Use a different sword, okay?

Yeah. Will do!

Then leave the sword here. After breaking the magic, I will send it along with a letter to the dwarf. Lets ask for an inspection.

Yeah! Then can I come back to get the sword?

Yes, come back.

Aaron answered in a bright voice. Then he looked at her as if he was worried about something.

The sword wont hurt you, will it?

Nope. You know it wont.

The stigma would only hurt the owner.

But take care of yourself, Citrina.

Sure.

After answering, there was a silence between the two. After talking for an extended amount of time, the awkwardness of not seeing each other for many years resurfaced.

Citrina silently lifted her teacup from the table.

What should I do now? The advanced arrival of the princess means I dont have enough time to prepare.

In a way, it was a small emergency that the princesss arrival had been sped up. On one hand Citrinas business was in its infancy. Therefore, it was a house of cards that could be disturbed by a small wind.

Citrina could easily use Aaron. If she asked for help from Aaron or Desian, her business would be at the top of the food chain instantly.

Although the dukes kindness might not last forever, it was obvious their goodwill would need to be paid back at a tremendous price.

Ive decided not to rely on others kindness and I dont want to leave it as is. In the world of business, there has to be give and take.

Aaron would soon emerge as the perfect idol of the capital. Citrina was eagerly awaiting for the future ahead of him.

Citrina tried to reconcile all of her plans for the future with the current circumstances. She had a fairly good outcome planned in her head.

Citrina would enlist Aarons help and paint a beautiful future for Aaron.

Aaron.

Yeah?

If there was something that benefits us both, what do you think of that?

I like everything that helps you!

Then.. Can you come back in a week?

In one week?

Yup, one week.

Citrina thought.

If she was given about a week, then the situation would be worth a try.

Come for lunch in a week. Dont forget.

Aaron smiled brightly like a little boy waiting for a lunch with all of his family members.

He rose from the table. Throughout his academy life, he had been raised from a boy to a man with good manners.

It seems like youre busy, Citrina, so Ill come back soon.

Im really, really glad.

Aaron smiled brightly. Citrina chuckled at him.

Aarons face was beaming with laughter. He was about to return to the Pietro Duchy.

The duke who was his older brother, Desian Pietro.

I have to bring my older brother!

Aarons eyes twinkled.

He wanted to see them meet with his own eyes since he thought it would be really fun.

Though upon his life he didnt know the future ahead of him.