Chapter 80
Scarlett, who had grabbed the door handle to open it, paused and let out a deep sigh before stepping inside. She considered her own lack of resolve as indecisiveness and walked toward Viktor.
“That’s your life goal. If that doesn’t make you happy, what else would?”
“Hm.”
Viktor paused for a moment before speaking.
“I’m happy when I get drunk.”
“That’s not happiness; that’s just… dulling things a bit.”
“When are you happy?”
“For you to ask something like that… is unusual.”
Scarlett frowned in confusion and, feeling the cold, hugged her coat tighter.
“Lately, when Isaac said he could see the moon.”
“Ah.”
“Or, waking up at five in the morning and smelling bread from the next house. I’m glad I got a place next to a bakery. And… I have a friend at that bakery, and when I laugh and chat with them, I feel happy too. When I see someone wearing a watch I made on the street, I’m elated all day.”
“And?”
“And? Well… today was good too. Until I met you.”
At her reproachful, haughty gaze, Viktor let out a low laugh and nodded.
“You’re the opposite of me.”
“Huh?”
“Before I met you today, it wasn’t that good.”
“……”
…Then now?
Scarlett was curious but didn’t want to stir unnecessary feelings, so she didn’t ask and turned away.
“I’m really going in now,” Scarlett said.
“Let’s walk,” Viktor replied.
Scarlett hesitated at his words, and Viktor continued, “Just a lap around.”
“…No.”
Scarlett said that and hurried inside. She drew the curtains to cover the glass door and sat against it, hugging her knees.
She knew, moment by moment, that she still couldn’t erase him from her heart. Once aware of it, she wanted to hold him tight, pleading to have him back by her side. Occasionally, she wished she could beg for that. Scarlett believed all these feelings were just inertia.
After a brief pause, Scarlett stood up. With trembling hands, she opened the door and stepped outside.
“Then, one lap…”
Before she could finish speaking, Viktor cupped her cheeks and kissed her.
Scarlett raised her hands to push him away but instead grabbed his coat collar. Viktor bent down, yet she still had to lift her feet.
As they kissed, Scarlett hiccupped, making Viktor chuckle. When he laughed while keeping their lips together, Scarlett said in a reproachful tone,
“…I was startled.”
Viktor laughed even more, letting her go and pressing his lips to her forehead. Then, groaning, he embraced her waist.
Turning her head, Scarlett said,
“Didn’t you misunderstand me? I said I was upset. It hurt.”
“I love you. I just don’t know what you want.”
“Liar…”
“Scarlett.”
“…Yeah.”
“We were just unlucky. That’s all.”
“……”
“Sending you to the convent, not coming for you… If you want me to apologize, I’ll do it as many times as you want.”
Scarlett met Viktor’s gaze. She said,
“If I… hadn’t betrayed you, none of this would’ve happened, right?”
“It wouldn’t have.”
“If you forgive me, I’ll try… to forgive too.”
Viktor remained silent, so Scarlett urged him,
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
His answer felt heavy, and Scarlett thought it was because a corner of his heart still held a sense of betrayal toward her.
To soothe the guilt weighing on her heart, she stroked his cheek with one hand.
“If it snows, come to the watch shop.”
“If it snows?”
“Yes. If it snows.”
Viktor smiled at her words and let her go.
Early in the morning, the vineyard looked beautiful, even without grapes.
The villa was very spacious. There weren’t many rooms with fireplaces, so there weren’t many that could be used as bedrooms, but there were rooms for various purposes.
Some students spread their books on the bridge table, while others, saying it wasn’t too cold, sat on stumps in front of the villa reading.
Once they stepped out of the Salantie College of Engineering, the students’ minds felt freer. Within the university, there was always a watchful eye, restricting their research. Here, they shared knowledge freely with Professor Gustav, and Scarlett could immerse herself in research more freely.
Though it was intimidating to be questioned by Viktor Dumpelt’s subordinates, who were the villa’s de facto owners, the reward was sitting at tables laden with rare foods, which made it worthwhile.
Additionally, the five or six navy personnel staying at the villa were all well-built, ready to assist whenever physical effort was needed.
Scarlett couldn’t stay here permanently since she had to visit the shop. She left the students at the villa and prepared to return to the capital. Professor Gustav, feeling awkward, said,
“It’s embarrassing to have only guests left in an ownerless place.”
“I brought them without asking, so… I’ll go.”
“Uh, alright. Go ahead.”
The frail Professor Gustav trembled and quickly went inside, while Kirsten accompanied her to the carriage.
“Coming back in three days?”
“Yes. I’ll be quick.”
“Come soon. I’ll be bored.”
“I’ll come.”
As Scarlett mounted the carriage, she turned to Kirsten.
“Kirsten.”
“Yes?”
“If someday… I suggest doing something dangerous, what would you do?”
Kirsten tilted her head.
“How dangerous?”
“Very.”
“Is it something good?”
“Probably.”
“Then fine. I’ll be scared… but fine.”
Kirsten’s answer made Scarlett smile. After saying goodbye, she alternated between carriage and train, returning to the watch shop in the capital.
By mid-February, the wind was still strong, but on warmer days, there was a sense of warmth. When Scarlett entered the shop, Andrei, who was arranging new watches, chided her.
“You treat this shop like a hobby.”
“You’re so critical for someone who only comes three days a week.”
Andrei responded, teasing,
“You seem interested in everything in the world.”
He then showed the morning newspaper that had arrived while Scarlett was away.
“There are things you might be interested in.”
One page reported the results of the parts dispute in the Crimson family.
[Scarlett Crimson defended the honor of the Crimson family]
Just below, there was an advertisement personally written by Isaac.
[If there’s a problem with a Crimson Aqua5 watch signed by Evil Crimson, please bring it to the address below. Crimson Watches will repair it free of charge.]
[We sincerely apologize.]
Scarlett stared at the newspaper in silence.
Evil Crimson had taken so much from her: money, peace of mind, pride. At twelve, Scarlett thought she could never defeat the towering Evil Crimson. But now, at this moment, she had achieved her first victory.
Andrei waited silently so Scarlett could fully savor the moment. Only after she lowered the newspaper did he speak.
“From this morning, watches needing repair will be brought here.”
“Not the main store?”
“No. Evil Crimson may have caused the incident at the main store, but it must be clear that Scarlett Crimson, his daughter, will handle the repairs.”
Scarlett smiled at his words. Andrei continued,
“And the main store… will be taken over by you.”
“…Hm?”
“I consider all of this part of my grand plan. Passing by, I noticed how beautiful the main store was. I instinctively felt that’s where I belonged.”
It was hard to keep up with an ambitious employee.
Just as Scarlett let out a sigh, a customer appeared at the door, even before the shop opened.
Wide-eyed, Scarlett looked outside and said,
“They’re here already… what should I do?”
Though flustered, Andrei calmly said,
“What’s there to do? It’s not opening time yet. Let’s have a cup of coffee slowly.”
“What? The customer’s already waiting…”
“Opening early isn’t always good for the customer, boss.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That’s how luxury works. It’s more valuable when you have to wait for it.”
Following Andrei’s ambition was difficult, but Scarlett felt a certain pride hearing him confidently call her watches ‘luxury’ wasn’t unpleasant.
