"Young Master, if I may… the duel that you and Kyle Houndred talked about…?"
"She used an illusion spell and disguised herself as the first-year student who challenged me to a duel a couple of days back. I guess you two didn't travel here together?"
The butler asked, and Rotsard answered before inquiring on his own.
"No. I had another assignment prior to this and met up with her only a few hours ago in front of the Academy's gate."
Mister Kyle shook his head and confirmed Rotsard's suspicion.
"...one last thing… back then, when you smashed the glass against my head and fired me. It must have been your way to show Houndreds that you completely fell for their schemes…"
"!!!"
The butler spoke up awkwardly without looking at the youth, thanks to which he completely missed how Rotsard flinched, and his eyes widened as he made a really awkward expression…
"I must apologize to you, Young Master. Back then, I really didn't understand a thing and started badmouthing you. As unworthy as I am of it, I beg for your forgiveness."
"...ehem… a-although it was necessary to make it appear as realistic as possible to make Houndreds slip up and reveal their plans prematurely, I shouldn't have gone as far as I did back then. You are forgiven, and I offer apologies on my own... although you're still dismissed and I still don't want to look at you."
As the butler continued, Rotsard managed to regain control over his expressions and mumbled after clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Thank you, Young Master. I'll take the traitor and return to the Vallhall territory for a thorough investigation. Please, stay safe."
The butler bowed to Rotsard deeply, perhaps doing so honestly for the very first time, before declaring and approaching the incapacitated maid.
"Warn the patriarch to keep things low for now. Although we know that Houndreds are involved, we're not sure who else collaborates with them. Being rash and subjugating only that one family, while there could be countless like-minded traitors cooperating with them, wouldn't be a smart choice. She didn't manage to warn anyone, and if the whole thing would be kept under wraps, there's a chance to completely uproot the entire problem in one fell swoop. I believe it will be worth it even if it takes months or even years. Good luck and take care."
"Understood, Young Master."
Rotsard hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to assure that the reality would follow the story as closely as possible before nodding to himself with satisfaction and warning the butler, who picked up the maid and nodded solemnly.
Afterward, the two went their separate ways, with Rotsard jumping back into the Academy grounds and the butler Kyle using a gate spell to travel back to the Vallhall territory.
—----
Butler Kyle was certainly right when he said that the patriarch of the Vallhall family would contact Rotsard.
…a whole bunch of times actually, to the point of becoming a real nuisance for the bleached-blond-haired youth…
Alas, there was also a bright side to that, with the slight change of opinion the patriarch had about him, Rotsard was able to properly steer the course of the whole investigation on the course, or at least as close as possible to how things happened within the story.
Keeping Saria and most of the other family members in the dark included.
That said, Hundreds' betrayal and the plot against the Vallhall family weren't the only points in the latest conversation Rotsard had with Goji Vallhall.
"A letter about you arrived today. Treedor family, specifically Mary Treedor, has challenged you to the life and death duel. They already set up a place and date, too. Five months from now, at the Royal Arena."
The patriarch declared, glaring at Rotsard through the small portal of the communication spell hovering above the youth's desk.
"Accept it on my behalf. And, if you may, please inform them that the Vallhall family has no connection with me on the matter and will give their full support to the Treedor in making sure that I will be brought to the place when the time comes. Even dragged, if it will be necessary."
"..."
Rotsard nodded, ending his answer with a light smile that caused Goji's frown to turn more severe.
"I'm expecting an explanation."
"Then stop. If I let you in, there is a chance that you would feel the need to turn this whole thing into a family feud, and there's no need for that. Treedors already have a crippled son. If they want a dead daughter, too, it's none of our business. There's nothing to gain for our entire family to get involved."
The patriarch pointed out with a strict expression, but Rotsard met his glare with his unbothered, beastly yellow eyes and another shrug.
"Whoa…!?"
"Hmm? Did something happen?"
Suddenly, Rotsard flinched and let out a shocked gasp, making Goji Vallhall raise his brow and inquire.
"Nothing! End connection!"
"W…!"
*crack*
Rotsard shook his head and said in a hurry, waving his hand and causing the small portal to cloud over and disperse into ice dust before the patriarch of the Vallhall family could get even one more word in.
Rotsard leaned back in his chair before staring down at his lap, which now contained a golden bear cub... Curled up and looking away with its ears dropped from guilt.
"Polaris…"
"Nraoo..."
The youth sighed, shaking his head, causing the baby fae to let out an apologetic growl.
"Haaa… little cutie, you're getting a bit too reckless, you know?"
"Nraoo…"
He breathed out while saying, making the little bear cub let out another apologetic growl while it snuggled in closer without looking up at him.
"Pfff…! Oh, who am I kidding, I can't even properly get mad at you~ Muaaah~!"
"Nnnnrao~!"
But then Rotsard snorted and picked up the golden bear cub, hugging it closely and showering its cute, fuzzy head with lots of kisses, making it let out a happy noise and nuzzle right up to his chest and neck.
"I've heard you and your master were having a hard time today… Good job for making it through, I'll pamper you all you want~"
"Nnnnnnraoo~"
The youth praised and petted the bear cub, making it melt trustingly into his arms while releasing a sound that was as close to purring that bear could achieve.