“Once you buy it, you can use it for a long time.”

“My house is converting everything into Top of Bruque’s premium products.”

In a short period of time, it became the top of the empire, with people buying it in doves because of the packaging and quality.

After that, Gust often brought new products over and discussed it with Rurutia. Rurutia slowly began to feel useful again. The class with Gust became very enjoyable.

But this happiness didn’t last long.

“What are you doing now?”

“Father…”

“I asked what you were doing, Rurutia!”

Gust intervened, after feeling the tension in the air. “I was looking at a new product at the Top of Bruque with the Lady Rurutia.”

“Gust! I’m not asking you. I was asking the girl!”

Her father’s violence diminished after she started the bridal class. It was to hide the fact of abuse.

Her heart fluttered at the image of her angry father. It had been a long time.

“Well, I want to improve the top stuff…”

“You, useless girl!” Gael, who cut off Rurutia’s words, raised his hand. “What did I say? Didn’t I tell you to cultivate yourself until you had a family that actually wanted you, not this scum?”

The poor Gust attempted to appease Gael.

“You’re too much, Master. Quit it.”

“Get out of here!”

Gust kept his master at bay. Flushed with anger, Gael used his magic.

A black flame hit Gust’s face, and half of it melted his features in an instant.

“Argh!”

“Gust!”

Rurutia ran to Gust, who had fallen. He didn’t even move.

“Once more a person has been hurt because of me.”

The tears that she held for years burst out, like a broken dam. She couldn’t think of anything and cried, holding his hand tight.

Flinching, he moved his hand inside Rurutia’s grasp.

The urgency of the situation immediately flashed through her mind.

“Father, please. Please call a priest.”

Gael was laughing.

He watched with great joy the scene unfold before his eyes as if it was exactly what he wanted.

* * *

Rurutia hadn’t been able to meet Gust for a while, but when she heard the news that he was safe, she was greatly relieved.

A few more days and I could see him in person.

The few days arrived.

“Miss Rurutia. Please take this.”

Gust had half his face wrapped up in bandages.

She received the box, not before she checked his condition. Though it was her first gift, this wasn’t something she was overjoyed about.

“You said you called the priest… Why haven’t you removed the bandages?”

“You know Brucke’s black flame can’t be healed even by a priest.” Rurutia’s teacher trembled. “I’m fine, open it.”

With a weak nod, Rurutia opened the box.

“Wow.”

It was a comb made of crystal that was transparent enough to show through as if it was cut out of the stars in the sky.

The beautiful figure of the comb struck Rurutia as she continued to admire her newly attained present.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, it shines brightly.”

“Your eyes are also sparkling,” commented Gust, looking at the little girl happily. He added, “The comb was used by the Duchess.”

Hmmmm, Rurutia’s hand trembled. It felt like an object that a murderer like herself should not dare to touch.

“It’s not a gift I should receive,” said Rurutia.

Her excitement subsided in an instant. She put the comb back in the box.

“Take it to your mother’s grave.”

“That’s your comb.”

“No, it’s your mother’s. You should have it. This is the thing that the Duchess entrusted me to give to you.”

“My mother?”

“Yes. When she came down with the Duke to patrol the estate, she handed it over to me. She told me once you became an adult to give it to you.”

“I’m not an adult yet.”

There were eight more years left until Rurutia reached adulthood.

“In my eyes, you are.”

Mother must’ve wanted to prepare for the unexpected. So, she set aside a gift like this.

“I’ll keep it dearly in order not to forget my sins.” Rurutia laughed bitterly.

As he quietly looked on at Rurutia, Gust bent his back and murmured, “If trouble arises, take the comb and go to the Imperial Bank.”