Scarlett turned her head and said.

“Did you misunderstand? I was very hurt, that’s just how angry I am.”

“I love you. You’re just unaware of what you desire.”

“You’re lying…”

“Scarlett.”

“…Yes?”

“We were unlucky, that’s all.”

“…”

“I sent you to the monastery yet never dropped by for a visit. If you want me to repeatedly apologise, I’ll do it in a heartbeat, until you’re satisfied.”

“If I didn’t betray you, things would’ve been different, wouldn’t they?” Scarlett asked, looking Viktor in the eye.

“I’m sure they would.”

“If you forgive me, I’ll… I’ll try to forgive you too.” 

Viktor became silent, as he looked at Scarlett with yearning eyes.

“Is that alright?”

“Yes.”

Scarlett believed that Viktor’s heavy answer was due to a sense of betrayal he felt in the corner of his subconscious.

“When it starts snowing, come to the watch store.” Scarlett said, stroking Viktor’s cheek with one hand, in hopes of soothing her overflowing sense of guilt.

“-When it snows?”

“Yes, when it snows.”

Smiling at her words, Viktor loosened his grip and let Scarlett go.

♔♔♔

In the early hours of morning, the large villa’s vineyard was breathtaking despite its lack of grapes. Only a few rooms had a fireplace installed in them, which explains the lack of available bedrooms. There were other rooms that had a variety of uses.

A few students lined up their books on the bridge table, while others sat on the wooden stumps in the freezing air outside the villa, claiming they did not feel the cold. The students were at ease when they spotted Scarlett stepping outside the building of Salantier Institute of Technology. The university was always under surveillance, which restricted any ongoing research. The students were satisfied with how much they could share their knowledge with Gustav, which enabled Scarlett to study freely .

Scarlett was terrified of interrupting and asking Vitkor Dumfelt’s men, the villa’s true owner.  However, she was satisfied with the reward of a luxuriously filled dinner table. In addition, the five or six sailors staying at the villa were all well-built, buff men who she could ask for help anytime she needed.

Scarlett was unable to stay alone since she had to frequent the store. She was ready to return to the capital and reunite with the students in her house.

“It’s shameful to welcome guests when the owner’s absent.” Professor Gustav awkwardly said.

“Please step aside, I need to go.”

“Oh, yes, go ahead.”

Gustav was helplessly trembling before he quickly went in, and Kirsten even saw him get off the carriage.

“Will you come back in three days?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Seriously, I’ll be bored.”

“I see.”

“Kirsten.” Scarlett, who was staring at Kirtsen who tried to sneak into the carriage, said.

“Yes?”

“Someday in the future… what will you do if I ask you for a dangerous favour?”

“How dangerous?” Kirsten tilted her head after hearing the odd question.

“Very dangerous.”

“Is it for the greater good?”

“Probably.”

“Well, that’s a good thing. I know it’s scary, but… alright, I’ll do it.”

Scarlett laughed at Kirsten’s reply, and after greetings were exchanged, travelling by carriages and trains, she finally returned to the watch store in the capital.

In the middle of February, although the wind was still harsh, there were still some warm days. When Scarlett set foot inside the store, she was met with Andrei’s fussiness, who happened to be displaying a new watch.

“You do marketing as a hobby.”

“You nag me about going three days a week.” Andrei replied to Sacrlett’s comment.

“You’re enthusiastic about everything in this world.”

Andrei held the morning paper that arrived when Scarlett was gone.

“There are a few articles you might love.”

One page in the newspaper displayed how Scarlett Crimson defended her family’s honour from internal disputes.

And right below it was an announcement where Isaac personally wrote a statement, which said ‘If you have any troubles with the Crimson Aqua 5 watch made by Abel Crimson, please deliver it to the following address. The Crimson Watch Store will take responsibility and repair the watch free of charge. My sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.’

Scarlett silently stared at the newspaper for some time.

To this moment, Abel Crimson took everything from her, including her pride. He also took over the peace in her life, which made her unable to fall asleep at night. The small 12-year-old Scarlett could never beat the giant Abel Crimson, but it was at this moment that she achieved her first victory.

Andrei patiently waited for her in silence, hoping she would savour this moment.

After some time, he finally opened his mouth.

“Starting today, I will bring the watches that need repair to this branch.” 

“Not the main branch?” Scarlett removed her eyes from the newspaper.