Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Scarlett, who had been about to open the door, grabbed the handle, hesitated, and sighed deeply. She considered herself indecisive for not having a stronger will and walked towards Viktor.
"That's your life goal. If that doesn't make you happy, what should you think about to be happy?"
"Hmm."
Viktor thought for a moment before speaking.
"Getting drunk makes me happy."
"That's not happiness, it's just a bit of relief."
"When are you happy?"
"Why are you asking something like that?"
Scarlett asked with a puzzled expression, then wrapped her coat tighter, feeling the cold.
"Recently, when Isaac said he could see the moon."
"Ah."
"Um, when I wake up at five in the morning and smell bread from next door. I think I made a good choice getting a house next to the bakery. And... when I laugh and chat with my friend at that bakery, I'm happy too. When I see someone on the street wearing a watch I made, I'm excited all day."
"And?"
"And? Also... today was good too. Until I met you."
Viktor chuckled softly at her reproachful, sulky gaze. He nodded and said,
"The opposite of me."
"Huh?"
"Today wasn't great until I met you."
"..."
...Then how about now?
Scarlett became curious, but she didn't want to feel any unnecessary emotions, so she didn't ask and turned away.
Scarlett said,
"I'm really going in now."
"Let's walk."
Scarlett paused at Viktor's words. Viktor continued,
"Just one lap."
"...No."
Scarlett said that and hurried into the house. She untied the curtains and covered the glass door.
She leaned against the door, hugging her knees.
She knew that she hadn't completely erased him from her heart in every moment. Knowing that, she wanted to hug him tightly. There were very occasional days when she wanted to beg him to return to her side. Scarlett believed that all these feelings were just inertia.
After hesitating for a moment, Scarlett stood up. With trembling hands, she opened the door and went outside.
"Then one lap..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Viktor cupped Scarlett's cheeks with his hands and kissed her.
Scarlett raised her hands to push him away, then grabbed the collar of his coat. Viktor bent down, but she still had to lift her feet.
As they kissed, Scarlett hiccuped, and Viktor chuckled. When he laughed with his lips still pressed against hers, Scarlett said in a resentful voice,
"...You startled me."
Then Viktor laughed even more, released her, and kissed her forehead. He let her go, then groaned and hugged Scarlett's waist instead.
Scarlett turned her head and said,
"Did you misunderstand what I said? I meant I was that angry. I was upset."
"I love you. I just don't know what you want."
"Liar..."
"Scarlett."
"...Yeah."
"We were unlucky. That's all."
"..."
"Sending you to the Monastery, and me not coming to find you. If you want me to apologize, I'll do it as many times as you want."
Scarlett met Viktor's eyes. She said,
"If... if I hadn't betrayed you, none of this would have happened, right?"
"Probably."
"If you forgive me, I'll... try to forgive myself too."
Viktor didn't say anything more, so Scarlett urged him on.
"Okay?"
"Okay."
His answer felt heavy, and Scarlett thought it was probably because a corner of Viktor's heart still held resentment towards her for her betrayal.
She stroked Viktor's cheek with one hand to soothe her heart, which was growing heavy with guilt.
"If it snows, come to the clock shop."
"If it snows?"
"Yeah. If it snows."
At her words, Viktor smiled and released Scarlett.
*
Early in the morning, the vineyard was beautiful even without grapes.
The villa was very large. There weren't many rooms with fireplaces, so there weren't many rooms that could be used as bedrooms, but there were rooms for various purposes.
Some students spread out their books on the bridge table, while others sat on the stumps in front of the villa, reading books, saying it wasn't too cold.
Coming out of the Salantie Institute of Technology, the students' thoughts became free. There were always watchful eyes inside the university, which restricted research. The students freely shared knowledge with Professor Gustav, and Scarlett was also able to immerse herself in research much more freely.
It was scary to be caught and questioned one by one by Viktor Dampfelt's subordinates, who were the real owners of this villa, but they were satisfied because they could sit at a table full of rare foods in return.
In addition, the half-dozen or so navy men staying at the villa were all physically fit, so they could get help whenever they needed physical labor.
Scarlett had to go back and forth to the shop, so she couldn't stay here all the time. Scarlett finished preparing to return to the capital, leaving the students at the villa. Then Professor Gustav said awkwardly.
"It's embarrassing to leave only guests in a place without an owner."
"I dragged them here as I pleased, what are you talking about? I'm leaving."
"Oh, okay. Go ahead."
The frail Professor Gustav trembled and quickly went inside, and Kirsten came out to see her off to the carriage.
"Coming back in three days?"
"Yeah. I'll be back soon."
"Come back soon. I'm bored."
"Okay."
Scarlett was about to get into the carriage when she turned to look at Kirsten and said,
"Kirsten."
"Yeah?"
"What if someday... I ask you to do something dangerous?"
At that question, Kirsten tilted her head.
"How dangerous?"
"Very."
"Is it a good thing?"
"Probably."
"Then okay. It'll be scary... but okay."
Scarlett smiled at Kirsten's answer. She said goodbye to Kirsten and returned to the clock shop in the capital, taking the carriage and train alternately.
Already mid-February. The wind was still strong, but on warm days, there were times when warmth circulated. As Scarlett entered the shop, Andrei, who was displaying new watches, scolded her.
"You're treating the shop like a hobby."
"You're really nagging for going three days a week."
Andrei retorted at Scarlett's scolding.
"Anyway, you're interested in everything in the world."
Andrei scolded and held up today's morning newspaper, which had arrived while Scarlett was away.
"There was something you might like."
A page of the newspaper showed the results of the parts battle in the Crimson family.
[Scarlett Crimson Defends the Crimson Family's Honor]
And right below it was an advertisement with a sentence written directly by Isaac.
[If there is a problem with the Crimson Aqua5 watch with Evil Crimson's signature, please bring it to the address below. Crimson Clock will take responsibility and repair it free of charge.]
[We sincerely apologize.]
Scarlett stared at the newspaper silently for a while.
Evil Crimson had taken many things from her so far. Not only financial things, but also peace and pride, like not falling asleep trembling with fear. Twelve-year-old Scarlett felt like she would never be able to beat the giant Evil Crimson, but at this moment, she had won her first victory.
Andrei waited silently so that she could fully enjoy this moment. Only after she put down the newspaper did he open his mouth.
"From this morning, they will bring watches that need repair here."
"Not the main store?"
"Yes. Evil Crimson, who took over the main store, caused the accident, but we need to clearly show that Scarlett Crimson, the legitimate daughter, is taking care of it."
Scarlett smiled at his words. Andrei continued.
"And the president will swallow the main store."
"...Huh?"
"I think this is all happening under my vast plan. I happened to pass by the main store and it was quite pretty. I had a feeling that that store was where I should be."
As expected, it was hard to keep up with the employee's ambition.
As Scarlett was sighing deeply, a customer appeared in front of the door even before the store opened.
Scarlett looked outside with wide eyes and said,
"They're already here, what should I do?"
She was flustered, but Andrei looked at the watch and said calmly.
"What should we do? It's not opening hours yet. Take your time and have a cup of coffee."
"What? The customer is already waiting..."
"Opening earlier than scheduled is even more unpleasant for customers, President."
"Really?"
"Yes. That's what luxury goods are. It's more valuable when you get it after waiting."
It was difficult to keep up with Andrei's ambition, but Scarlett didn't mind the pride of calling the watches he made 'luxury goods' without hesitation.