- A…!
Abandoned even by the father he trusted, Gregory howled in despair, rolling on the floor like the hero of a tragic story. He was choking on sobs, but suddenly his bloodshot eyes lifted.
- Tilia Ambrose, it was that bitch! She came into my room and did it!
His reasoning for naming Tilia as the one who framed him was simple. A portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary found in his room had an obscene design resembling a lustful dog scrawled on it. No one at the academy held a grudge against him to this extent except Tilia. He was sure it was her who held a grudge for what happened on the day of their final exam.
“That damn bitch...!”
Gregory was shaking with rage, cursing. Yes, he wanted to use someone by giving her holy water, but he didn't intend to completely ruin her life like he was now. Holy water was just supposed to be a threat. He intended to intimidate her, crush her spirit, and then force her to write his name on the exam paper.
Why was she so upset? Why was she so angry?
All he wanted was to graduate from the academy.
Tilia Ambrose could always study for another year, but if he didn't finish this year, his title would be in jeopardy. Just one year was all it took to delay, but now she...
And after all this, she didn’t even allow him to take control of her!
- I'll kill her.
Gregory spat out words filled with murderous intent as he tried to stand up. He staggered and headed towards the old table.
It was a desk with a secret drawer that his mother had moved here from his room.
- Yes. If I die, I won't die alone.
With trembling hands, Gregory opened a box hidden in the depths. His eyes sparkled wickedly as he smiled.
In his hand he held several bottles, each of which contained a lethal dose of specially treated holy water.
***
Tilia, having returned home safely and taken a refreshing bath, found that she could not hide her confusion.
The official notice she had placed in her book the night before had mysteriously disappeared.
“Why isn’t he there?”
Tilia's face turned pale as she examined the thick book from all sides. She even shook it out completely, then checked the bookshelf, but the paper was nowhere to be found.
“It couldn’t grow legs and leave, so where the hell...”
- Hello.
At this moment, as Tillia's face assumed a serious expression, the door swung open and George Ambrose entered with a triumphant air.
- Are you looking for this?
Tilia instinctively frowned, but her face hardened when she noticed the paper he was holding.
- You...
-You really have a high opinion of yourself, don’t you?
George leaned arrogantly against the doorframe, examining the stolen document.
- Position at the Ontario consulate? Do you think you can really go to such a place?
-……
“Do you think Father will even allow you to interview for this position?” For a position at the consulate? Men hate women who put themselves on display by pretending to be competent. What if you fall in love with some sneaky guy while you're working there? Who will be responsible for this?
Tilia clenched her hands, which were now cold, and stared at George.
-Have you searched my room?
- Did you search? I examined her, checked for anything suspicious. You also bought a lot of books in Ontario, didn't you? Where did they come from?
-……
- If you stole so much money from your family, you should think about returning it rather than fleeing abroad. Do you think I don't know what's in your head?
Clicking his tongue, George glanced at Tilia's expression.
“I thought about telling my father right away, but...
He spoke condescendingly, noticing his sister's pale face.
- Maybe you're just too stupid to understand what you're doing, so I'll give you a chance. But, you know, it's not free.
George cleared his throat, squared his shoulders, and continued.
- You know my friend Brad Reynolds, right? He really wants to meet you. Just go and meet him once.
-...Brad Reynolds?
- Yes. You know the Reynolds family is an earl's family, right? This is a huge opportunity for you. I'm not just ignoring your stupid dreams; I even introduce you to a decent guy. There is no brother better than me, lucky girl!
George crossed his arms over his chest, showing off.
“It’s a good thing I thought to check her room, just to be on the safe side.”
George grinned, remembering his promise to Brad. If he introduces Tilia to Brad, then Brad has agreed to introduce him to his sister next week...
"If I play it right, I could marry Brianna Reynolds and even get a piece of the earl's estate."
While George was daydreaming, he heard cynical laughter.
When he looked down, he saw Tilia leaning back and laughing, as if she found the whole thing really funny.
Has she gone crazy?
- Oh, sorry. Your words were too funny.
Tilia looked at George, traces of laughter still visible on her face.
- I actually applied for a position at the consulate!? Are you crazy?
-...Don't try to deny it. I also checked out all these books on the Ontario language.
- Oh, these?
Tilia calmly looked at the paper bag he pointed to.
- These are the requirements for graduates. You need to speak a second language. Judy and I bought them today because the academy gives a scholarship for books.
Seeing Tilia's obvious smirk, George snorted in response.
- Then how do you explain the job advertisement that was hidden in the thickest book?
- I? Did I hide it there?
Tilia laughed loudly again, as if it was absurd to accuse her of such a thing.
“I didn’t even know it was there.” Why should I hide a job advertisement at the consulate?
“You... you won’t mind if I take this to my father and tell him everything, right?” A? Right?
George was sure that this time Tilia would stop lying, her face would turn pale, and she would beg him for help.
However, contrary to his expectations, Tilia casually turned to look at the wall mirror and answered indifferently.
- Certainly. Go and tell him.
-……
- Go to your father and tell him that I bought a bunch of books in Ontario, that you found some kind of official notice and that you think I'm going to apply to the consulate.
Tilia continued, giggling as if the very thought was funny.
- Of course he will believe it. Even if so, it doesn't matter. I didn't do anything like that.
Tilia, saying this easily, turned around as if she had said everything she wanted.
- Now go away. I'm going to bed.
-……
Well then.
-Aren't you leaving? I'm tired.
Could it be that she really wasn't involved?
George's face began to show signs of concern.
No, that's not good. If that were the case, he wouldn't be able to keep his promise to introduce her to Brad.
Feeling his confidence waver, George unconsciously began to gauge Tilia's reaction.
- What now?
Since George didn't seem to be leaving, Tilia looked at him annoyed.
- Isn't that all you wanted to say? Get out.
- Hey, this... Brad is a really decent guy, you know? So...
- Just be honest.
As if she had caught something, Tilia looked at George coldly.
- You promised this Brad that you'd introduce me, didn't you?
George, taken by surprise, nodded.
- Oh, yes...
- Why do you always act without thinking? Have you even thought what your father will do if he finds out?
Tilia barked, looking at him annoyed.
-Have you already made a promise? No, forget it. Don't say anything. This has nothing to do with me.
Not even wanting to know, Tilia turned away from him. George, now desperate, quickly crossed the threshold of the room.
- Hey, relatives should help each other. You might need something from me later too.
-……
- Just think about it! You might need my help in the future, right? If you close your eyes and help me just once, I'll do something more for you later, okay?
George stared at Tilia, emphasizing his plea.
- You never know. Perhaps I can help you someday.
In response to his desperate request, Tilia seemed to think for a moment, then sighed and turned away again.
- Fine. Fine.
George looked at Tilia as if he saw a savior, despite her obvious displeasure. But her consent came with a condition.
- Since you beg me so much, I will go. But don't forget - you owe me for this.
George nodded with such enthusiasm that his brain almost began to boil.
- Certainly! Definitely!
“And if you come into my room again, I’ll tell my dad everything about how you tried to set me up with Brad or whatever his name is.” Be ready.
- Certainly! I won't do this again!
- Now get out.
- Yes, good night...!
Clap.
Tilia closed the door behind him, not even bothering to listen to his farewell.
From behind the door she could hear George swearing. But soon, as if remembering what he had gained, he began to hum as he left.
Phew.
Only when his footsteps died away did Tilia finally exhale, pressing her forehead to the door.