I Kidnapped the Hero’s Women

Chapter 57 - Please Don’t Do This

The one thing the orphanage, always lacking in everything, had in abundance: books.

Books were one of the easiest items for the wealthy to donate and take credit for.

Books donated to the orphanage piled up.

Most of them were eventually tossed aside and used as firewood.

But Julia read each and every one before they were burned.

She read whatever came in.

The thought that if she didn’t read them, they would all disappear into ashes made her anxious, so she read without hesitation.

As a result, what Julia gained was an exceptional literacy and vocabulary.

She had learned the meaning of most difficult words at a young age.

Even when reading a newspaper, there wasn’t a single word Julia couldn’t understand.

"So, when you read it all, does it say this? \'Count Vermont, has he really fallen for commoner slaves? Scandal erupts as it’s revealed they are just 13 and 14 years old!\'"

"...!"

"What does \'fallen for\' mean? To meet someone’s eyes? Heehee, I don’t get it!"

Charlotte scratched her head, laughing awkwardly.

Julia’s eyes widened in shock.

What, what is this!?

Julia jumped up and shouted.

"This is ridiculous...!"

It’s all nonsense!

Fallen for!?

That’s a term used when it goes both ways!

I’m the one who’s being courted by Aslan unilaterally!

I’ve never liked this man, not even once...!

The only reason I’m tutoring him is because he wants it!

Even when I sleep by his side, it’s because he wants me to!

I-I mean it!

"Yes, it\'s a nonsense rumor. Don’t let it bother you."

The idea that I’m viewing the children as potential partners?

It’s absurd.

At the very least, I have enough patience to wait until they’re fully grown.

Aslan snatched the newspaper away.

"What rumor? What is it? Huh? Explain it! I didn’t understand!"

"Th-This is... they’re saying that there’s something inappropriate going on between Aslan and us..."

"Inappropriate?"

"It means it’s not proper."

"Proper?"

"It’s not... desirable."

"In what way is it not desirable?"

"Th-That, well..."

Julia was at a loss for words.

How was she supposed to explain this?

Charlotte might have been sly and crafty at times, but inside, her mind was a blank slate—her innocence undeniable.

"It’s... like saying we’re in a romantic relationship..."

"I like Mister, though. Doesn’t Mister like me?"

"I do."

"Then it’s not a nonsense rumor, is it?"

"That’s not what I mean... Haah..."

Julia sighed, smacking her forehead.

"Anyway, people are seriously misunderstanding."

"Misunder... standing?"

Charlotte still looked like she didn’t quite get it.

Julia gave up.

No matter how much she explained, it wouldn’t get through.

"But you... you seem happy about something..."

"If I seem happy, it’s probably because I already know who the culprit is. I’m itching to have a serious conversation with them."

Though it was a baseless rumor, it didn’t really bother me much.

What was the motive behind this slander? It was obvious.

Ruining my reputation was one thing, but this was clearly a scheme to obstruct any potential engagement.

\'Now that I’ve inherited the title of Count, it wouldn’t be surprising for marriage proposals to come in.\'

After the execution of the former Count of Vermont, the Vermont family had been completely isolated.

Nearly all connections were severed, and there wasn’t a single friendly faction left.

But then Vermont succeeded in rebuilding itself, constructing major roads, and strengthening ties with the Empress.

Even more impressive, the Young Master had swiftly inherited the title of Count.

What used to be an insignificant backwater estate had transformed into a wealthy county, closely linked to the royal family.

So it was only natural that noble families would start showing interest in mending relations with Vermont.

But Aslan didn’t engage in any social activities.

He didn’t make appearances at any official events, nor did he meet with anyone outside of business matters.

The easiest way to approach the reclusive Vermont family?

Marriage proposals.

By offering a political marriage, they could attempt to arrange a meeting.

\'Nice try, Irene.\'

But would anyone dare propose marriage to someone rumored to be in love with young commoner slaves?

Probably not.

The plan had worked—there hadn’t been a single proposal.

\'Not that I was planning on getting married, anyway.\'

Of course, such a strategy might be effective for someone desperate to form alliances with other noble houses.

But I’m not interested in joining any powerful noble faction.

Nor am I particularly keen on having a noblewoman as a wife.

A noble lady would come with the usual refinements, wouldn’t she?

A poised and elegant lady? Ugh.

That’s like a well-trained pet under someone else’s care—not appealing at all.

Kids like Charlotte, who have no sense of grace or decorum, or Julia, who tries to act smart but is actually a bit of a klutz, are far more charming.

There’s a certain satisfaction in teaching and training them myself.

It’s in every man’s nature to crave something new and untouched.

\'Feel free to keep scheming all you want. I actually prefer the peace and quiet.\'

With that, there wouldn’t be any more noisy talk of marriage proposals.

Aslan turned away, feeling more relieved than anything.

Being slandered as a man who likes children and dragged through the mud? None of that bothers me in the slightest.

That kind of thing only troubles people who feel guilty.

I only have pure affection for the children and genuinely want to see them grow up well.

I have nothing to be ashamed of.

"You two don’t need to worry about any of this. Charlotte, focus on mastering your Super Strong Sword. And Julia, keep practicing your necromancy."

"Yes!"

"Mm..."

Aslan turned and walked away, seemingly busy as he chatted with Sylvia, heading off somewhere else.

Left alone, Julia and Charlotte’s eyes met.

"So, what does it mean? Come on, explain it."

"Ah! Um! It’s saying that there’s a rumor going around that Aslan wants to marry us!"

"What? But that’s true."

"No, it’s saying we’re in a relationship where it wouldn’t be strange for us to get married right now."

"Aha...!"

Only then did Charlotte finally understand, clapping her hands in realization.

Why didn’t Julia just explain it like that from the beginning?

Maybe she was too embarrassed to say it in front of Aslan?

Such a prude. What a girl.

Charlotte pouted in mild frustration.

"Well, Mister does treat us more like pets than kids, doesn’t he? I mean, even our food bowls are dog dishes."

"That’s just Aslan’s weird taste."

"Aha!"

Mister likes treating us like dogs. I’ll have to remember that!

Charlotte made sure to store that fact in her mind.

And then promptly forgot about it 10 minutes later.

"But who could’ve spread this rumor?"

"Hmph. Probably someone who hates Aslan. He has a lot of enemies."

"Enemies? Doesn’t everyone like Mister?"

"Hah, you shouldn’t think the world works the way you do..."

"I don’t think that! But really, I bet everyone likes him! The people in Arient do, the blacksmiths do, even the villagers..."

Wait? Is that true? Julia’s eyes flickered with doubt.

Aslan’s reputation was supposed to be awful.

But thinking about it now, just as Charlotte said, she couldn’t think of anyone who really hated Aslan.

Everyone benefited from him.

They all looked up to him.

Was I the only one who disliked Aslan?

Just because of past prejudice...?

Doesn’t that make me seem really petty?

I hate that!

I absolutely hate that...!

"Wh-Who do you think it could be? The one who spread the rumor. Aslan seems to know, but I’m curious."

Hmmm.

Julia squirmed, clearly uncomfortable, and hurriedly changed the subject.

"Oh! I know!"

"Huh? Who?"

"Hehe. Mister always says that if you don’t know who the culprit is, the person who stands to gain the most is usually the one!"

"The person who gains the most? Who’s that...?"

"Isn’t it obvious! Heh-heh!"

Striking a confident pose, hands on her hips, Charlotte smirked.

Julia began to feel a glimmer of hope.

Charlotte, despite how she acts, does have a sharp side!

"It’s Mister!"

"Huh!?"

What is she saying?

"Mister’s trying to marry one of us in the future, right?"

"Yeah, but that’s exactly why he wouldn’t spread a rumor like that."

"It’s the opposite! With this rumor out, who in the world would want to marry Mister? He’s already ruined! We’re the only ones left to marry him!"

"Aah...!"

Finally grasping Charlotte’s meaning, Julia’s mouth slowly opened in astonishment.

Her explanation might have been a bit clumsy, but it was oddly convincing!

There’s even that old fairytale where a rumor about the princess marrying the village idiot forced her to marry him in the end.

Aslan must’ve come up with a similar trick!

"He’s already covered all his bases!"

"Why would...?"

"..."

Ignoring Charlotte’s confusion, Julia ground her teeth.

Aslan, you terrifying man!

To think you’d go so far as to spread rumors just to make us your wives...!

It sent shivers down her spine.

.

.

.

‘It’s about time for another letter, isn’t it?’

Sneaking a glance.

I found a black envelope in the mailbox and my heart began to race.

On the back, in neat handwriting, were the words "To the *Dark Mister."

[TL/N: “Mr. Black” will be changed to “Dark Mister”]

As expected, it was a letter from Yuri.

At first, exchanging letters with that brat of a protagonist had been an annoying chore.

But now, it’s become one of the highlights of my life.

Maybe I had been too harsh on him, simply because he’s destined to kill me.

After reading his unguarded and honest letters, I’ve come to see he’s quite the charming kid.

\'He really is just a child.\'

Before he’s a noble and righteous hero, he’s just a little boy.

The one writing these letters is just an adorable child who genuinely admires his sponsor.

That thought alone made me look forward to his letters.

"Now then, what’s it about today...?"

With excitement, I tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter, only to freeze on the spot.

The first sentence was outrageous.

- Mister. I’ve decided to enlist.

Ah, damn it.

Please don’t do this.