Chapter 35

Chapter 35 35 - The Proxy of the Foundation <35 - The Proxy of the Foundation> Jonah felt a sense of pride. 'She's done much better than I expected, Miss.' To be honest, he had not expected this much. Initially, he even felt a sense of disappointment that exceeded his expectations. At first, he thought contemptuously that even his boss's judgment in people isn't always right. Various mental illnesses, a petite stature barely reaching his waist. Although her face suggested a promising future, he could only wonder what such a young girl could possibly achieve. Perhaps she would be tasked with duties only a woman could perform. Such brutal thoughts had even crossed his mind. -Training, you say? I'm up for it! Oknodie had overcome all the dissatisfaction and worries he held toward her with her own skills. Despite barely sleeping. Despite her inability to shake off the bad habits from her life as a street urchin. Yet, she persevered steadfastly. She recognized the value of the opportunity given to her. And she was grateful for it. Grateful to the boss who provided this chance and to him. She called the boss 'Papa' and clung to him, often attempting to embrace his legs as if he was her guardian. 'When I look at Miss, I can't help but think of a flying squirrel.' Often hiding and observing people from somewhere, but whenever she heard his call, she would scurry over and throw herself into his embrace. Unlike the many foolish prospective scholars who would reject an extended hand and discard themselves, she was clearly different. She was on another level even compared to the lowly scholars who barely passed in the junior class. 'That's why I'm worried.' To her devoted master, she's like an adorable flying squirrel. But the moment a flying squirrel ventures into the malicious wilderness, it loses its freedom. From behemoth-like cats to all sorts of birds. There are many predators out there ready to prey on the flying squirrel. Oknodie is no different. While she may be stronger than the average scholar under the Foundation, a label will inevitably follow her. The world is wary of the Wyheim Foundation. As much as the Foundation despises the world. It will be a heavy burden for a young child. "May I have a conversation with the lady for a moment?" "Proceed." With Minerva's permission, he was granted a deferral of group assignment. A time as precious as gold. Jonah carefully began to speak. "Listen carefully, Miss. I am a scholar brought up by the Wyheim Foundation." "Really?" "What makes you react that way?" "You seemed to be expecting surprise." "Please take this seriously. Miss, you are now at a critical juncture that could determine the rest of your life." "??" "The Foundation has provided you with butlers and maids, training facilities, and ample funding. This is not out of pure benevolence towards you." "Then what is it?" "They will demand compensation. When the Foundation believes you can no longer ascend to higher ranks, they will ask for your dedication in the role they assign you." "Heh, I see." Unblemished with innocence, she still didn't grasp her situation. "But if you reject the Foundation's sponsorship, you can be free." "Me? Reject a guarantor who stands by me?" "Think about it seriously. You will have a debt to repay, but the Academy has shown you favor for enrolling with such excellent grades." Minerva, the examiner. This was the document he had given her when he came to be her guarantor. ＊Child to Academy Agreement - Gift Academy will pay off all debts owed by the applicant Oknodie to the Wyheim Foundation. - The Wyheim Foundation shall not exercise any influence over applicant Oknodie. - If a Gift Academy examiner deems that the Wyheim Foundation has exerted influence, the Foundation must enforce a corresponding compensation. If Miss Oknodie signs this document, she can be free from the Foundation's clutches. "The Academy will handle all expenses and procedures and will provide you with a new identity." "Jonah……?" "Just take this pen and sign." Do not ask anything. Please, just take the pen without asking more. He prayed and prayed again. "Then what about Jonah?" As expected, God is not someone to be trusted. God does not heed the prayers of the weak. "If I have contact with Miss, even that would constitute an exercise of influence by the Foundation. Hence, it will be our eternal goodbye." "Then I hate it! How can I abandon my butler; I can't do such a thing!" Was it because she had chosen him? Or because she too walked a path similar to his? Even knowing that Miss's life was headed down an irreversible path, he felt a profound fulfillment deep within. "Miss, you still don't know about the despair of having your life decided by someone else. You must fold up your feelings, regardless of whether you love something or someone." "But if I keep climbing higher, that should resolve it, right?" "Do you think it will be different for you?" "It's okay. I am a player after all." "Player…?" "I am Papa's daughter, after all. The Foundation helping me is also Papa's, right?" "That could be one way to see it." "Then it's okay." It wasn't a decision borne from deep contemplation. It was a juvenile thought, one that could be held by a child in their growth spurt. "It is natural for a child to help Papa, right? While carrying on the family business is cliché, as long as it doesn't mean doing that one thing forever, I can lend a hand." She thinks she's special. She just wants to see herself as more remarkable than others. "I don't know what Papa and the Foundation want, but I'm strong. It won't be so easy to make demands of me. I will continue to grow stronger!" "…Is that so. Indeed, you are strong, Miss." That made him want to protect her even more. To protect her, he was trying to send her away. He had permitted the Academy's persistent claim as if he couldn't resist. He showed her the chance to leave the Foundation's embrace. But if she refuses to take flight even then. If she rejects leaving the open birdcage, then he has no choice but to protect her. "Then, as of today, Miss, you will be enrolled in Gift Academy as a scholar of the Wyheim Foundation. The guarantor will be me, Jona Wyheim, the proxy dispatched by the Foundation. Do you agree to this?" "Of course, I agree! The butler is on my side, isn't he?" Miss Oknodie took out a necklace that she had been keeping hidden inside her clothing. What hung from the necklace was a whistle, which she was told to use whenever she was in trouble. She hadn't called upon it too often, yet the signs of her treasuring it were evident. How many times had she fiddled with it? How long had she kept it close to her heart? The profound trust in her eyes as she proudly brandished the whistle was almost burdensome. "There's no way things can go wrong with the butler's decisions. You always offer the right advice. Although I don’t like it when you insist too much on healthy food and nag a lot." "Your praise is too generous." "Then, is the boring part over with? I have so many interesting stories to tell you. From my entrance exam with Mr. Giselle and Mr. Son Ochun…" Now, she belongs to the Foundation. Perhaps one day, even her laughter will no longer be her own but the organization's. If she fails to fulfill the boss's wishes. It is all the more likely that Oknodie’s dreams will also be shattered. Despite knowing this. Despite knowing all possible futures, Jona Wyheim, the human being, could only listen to the lady's stories and silently remain by her side. -The last time, there were rumors about a 'Miss' causing trouble over her disposition... -That's enough. Even Leaf, an assassin from a different command structure, knew about the significant incident he had caused. Repeating the same mistake would surely lead to his disposal by the organization. 'I cannot help Miss. If she and the organization part ways, I would become an enemy to you.' Yet why, why does she so wholeheartedly trust him like this? -So there will be a 'next Miss' for you. -Which number was I? -Could I be your last Miss? Don't think about it. Don't get devoured. For the proxy of the Foundation, the butler of Miss, any dishevelment is forbidden. Remember the sticky feeling of blood underfoot. The sensation of slicing through flesh passed down to your fingertips. Recall the scene where the heart grew coldly numb. "...So, is it there?" "Miss, we shall have to continue our conversation another time. It seems my allotted visiting time has come to an end." "Ehh? You're leaving already?" "We shall meet again soon." Too much time has been used. Upon finishing the conversation and returning, Minerva asked, "And the matter of the contract?" "She refused. As of today, the lady is a scholar of the Foundation." "I see. That's regrettable for both of us. Dear Guardian." "So, the lady will be assigned to Group A; would that be alright to assume?" "Of course. Then, I'll take my leave." On the way out of the consultation room, Oknodie asked, "When will I see you again?" "A guarantor or representative of a sponsoring organization may only visit the academy once a month, on designated days. I will come to see you when the time comes." "I don't like that... The butler should be by my side every day. This is so strange." "I'm afraid we have no choice; it's the academy's rules." "I totally hate this reality patch." As Jonah straightened the creases in Miss's crumpled clothes, he left her with a word of caution. "Do refrain from making such incomprehensible remarks in front of others. You may be taken lightly or even harassed by upper-class or tradition-upholding peers." "Don't worry. I’ve already made a bunch of friends. I've even gotten close with Lady Arcadia from the Kingdom of Florence." The sole representative from the Western Nobility Coalition. Prideful and calculative, she wasn't easily approachable, yet Oknodie had already forged a personal connection? Surprised but for a moment, He then realized that it was only natural given Miss’s affinity that had charmed even him. Yes, this Miss might be just fine. "Until the day we meet again, I hope you stay healthy." "You too, Jonah!" A word from the author (Author's Postscript) The spirited Miss Oknodie The teddy bear that made it to the finals of the contest has become spirited too!