Adrian's family. It was never mentioned in the story other than the fact that they didn't like Ariana much. Why? Well, because she supported Adrian—the useless man.
The only person in Adrian's family who likes him and actually considers him a family member is his father—Count Adam Lockwood.
After Adrian's mother died when he was just seven, his father married another woman who was his wife's younger sister.
Now, someone who shared blood with Adrian's late mother, should surely have compassion for Adrian, right? No.
The second wife—Camella actually hated her elder sister for some sick reason. You know, hogging father's affection, always being good in academics, and someone who got married to the golden bachelor of that time.
These things were something Adrian heard from his mother since she knew that after she died and Camella came in, she would torment Adrian to no end. That's why she prepared her son for that life.
Well, that was the thing about the past. Now is the present, and in the present, because of Count's current condition, most of the work was handled by the lady of the house.
And now, the acting head has sent him a letter, stating,
[Considering the recent news I have heard, I want to talk with you. Return home as soon as you can.]
There was no greetings. None of the words suggested that the woman was anxious about his current situation.
'She must have been getting insane after hearing who blamed me…' Having a conflict with the royal family was a big thing. And especially considering how much the king adores his children.
'She might as well ask me to apologize to the Princess or something to make things up…' He really didn't want to return home…not when he had so many better things to focus on.
However, he knows how insane that woman is. If he doesn't go, then she might send soldiers to pick him up, or worse, she might herself arrive here in the academy. And Adrian didn't want to make a joke out of himself.
Once again.
*KNOCK*
Hearing the knock, Adrian frowned. He was already too tired…now who is it?
"Who?" He asked—couldn't hide his frustration in his vice.
"I-It's me…"
Adrian exhaled a long sigh upon hearing the voice.
He really didn't want to face her right now. But delaying things would be pointless.
"Come in," He said as he sat on the chair and rested the letter inside the drawer.
The doorknob twisted before a certain green-haired girl appeared from the other side.
Droopy golden eyes, and a petite figure.
The daughter of Viscount Alfred and Adran's fiancée—Olivia.
She was a shy girl and that could be seen from how she approached him.
"Take a seat," Adrian spoke as he arranged the files and sorted out those on whom he would need to work right away.
Olivia was actually too nervous and if not for Allen convincing her, she might not have come here.
Her relationship with her fiancé was formal and complicated.
She could count on her fingers how many times they had spent time together.
The reason they got engaged in the first place was because of some old promise between the patriarchs of the two families.
However, there was no deep connection between Olivia and Adrian—mainly because of their age gap and how busy Adrian always remains.
Seeing him busily organizing his files, she didn't want to pester him for long, so she finally began, "I-I am happy that you passed the trials."
Adrian raised his brows but didn't say anything other than a hum, encouraging her to continue.
"I talked to Sylvia yesterday...requested her to take back her accusation. However, she didn't listen to me."
A smile formed on his lips...but it wasn't a friendly one, as Adrian said, "Isn't that good? I mean, surely you also doubted my skills that's why you came to meet me after I proved myself."
There were plenty of chances to come to him, before the trials. But naturally, Olivia never held any expectations from him, since she was aware of him failing the exam.
Well, he didn't blame the girl since he never held expectations from her.
On the other hand, Olivia's face was dyed in the shade of shame as she lowered her head.
Adrian wanted to ask a few things about the system, so he rushed the conversation, "Then? What did you want from me? Surely, you didn't come here just to celebrate my achievement, right?"
Olivia...was embarrassed to say that he was right. She wasn't here just to congratulate him. But! She definitely wanted to share how happy she was that he wasn't going away.
Just like other students, Olivia also liked how well he taught.
However, the main reason she came here was entirely different and not something she could relay with a straight face.
Clutching her skirt that showed how nervous she was, the girl finally began, "Adrian...I...I sent a request to my family...to annul this relationship...b-because-"
"Because you love Allen." Since she was taking a lot of time, Adrian finished it for her.
Olivia's eyes widened which genuinely surprised Adrian. Did she really not think that he would notice?
"How did you know...someone told you?" The first name that came to her mind was Sylvia.
Adrian chuckled, "It was pretty evident, Olivia. The way you two always remain together, share the same food plate, walk around the garden while holding hands...I don't think even an idiot would fail to notice what was going on between you two."
Lowering his eyes a little, he added, "And definitely, two friends of the opposite gender won't share a room together while they are just being friends."
Her breath was caught in her throat. Her face turned pale, and sweat appeared on her forehead when Olivia heard those words.
Adrian, smiling, added, "I was on the duty of guarding that day when you went to Allen's room...definitely not to study, of course." He said with a casual expression.
Olivia was rendered speechless.
She could have never thought that Adrian knew everything...
As he said...she indeed...was having an affair with Allen...but not because she was eager to have a man.
But because she was lonely.
Adrian looked at the girl with his fingers intervened on the table before he told her, "That night helped me move on from this relationship. You may have thought I was never truly in it, Olivia, but the truth is, I just didn't want to disrupt your life by suddenly being too present. So I kept my distance. But in the end, it seems I was the only one respecting this relationship."
With his voice containing indifference, Adrian added, "But now, you no need to worry."
There were tears in her eyes, as Olivia bit her lips.
She couldn't keep her mind on a single thought after she heard everything from him.
She misunderstood the whole situation...
Adrian rolled his eyes as a sigh seeped through his lips. Deciding to end this conversation, he said, "You want me to send a letter to your family so this annulment appears mutual, right?"
Olivia didn't stop crying but the way she flinched clearly exposed her intentions for coming here to meet him.
Canonically, this event never happened nor Olivia had to feel guilty because Adrian's chapter should have ended today.
However, things have changed.
Leaning back in his seat, Adrian spoke, "You want to save your father from shame and compensation, right? Well, I can help you with that."
Olivia trembled as his big eyes turned towards Adrian before she asked, "Y-You will?"
Adrian nodded, "Yeah, I will send a letter expressing that I also don't want to be in this relationship...however, I won't do that for free."
Olivia strongly gulped, as she squeezed herself in the chair, appearing smaller as she clutched her shirt tightly before asking, "W-What do you want from me..."
Adrian really wanted to applaud the audacity of the girl to think that he would want her body.
Like, girl, you are beautiful but not enough to make him a pervert.
Adrian voiced his demand, "Two thousand gold coins...I know you received them when your mother died so don't even think of making any excuse here."
Olivia lowered her gaze, before she asked, "R-Really...will that be enough?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Looking up, she asked, "And...do you promise not to tell anyone about me and Allen?"
Adrian smilingly added, "For that, I would need another thousand coins."
"..."
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Boy is planning for his future.
There is no redemption for this girl, so don't worry. Drop a comment.