The Middle-Aged Stalker's Obsession with Ellen (1)
"Love knows no age" or whatever bullshit people spout to those folks. I'd love to ask them if they could hook up with someone thirty years older. What a fucking nightmare. No... forget the age gap; this whole thing was fucked from the start. That sick pedo bastard! A guy in his thirties going after a nine-year-old?!"
"This goddamn criminal scum!! ...Miss, do you know about it?"
"Thankfully, no. The family head was furious at the time, but..."
Now he's in a coma... With no proper guardian stepping up, that psycho Artis lord must've gone even wilder. Like a horse with the reins cut loose.
A thought suddenly flashed through my mind.
"Wait, so all that pressure lately too...?"
"High probability he planned it all aiming for a marriage alliance with you, miss."
"Holy shit..."
Obsession only looks pretty in fiction. A fifty-year-old creep fixating on a little girl? Just thinking about it gives me chills.
Just to be sure, I asked, "No way... even the family head's coma...?"
"No solid evidence there. But it's crystal clear he's been tormenting us for over ten years."
Sebastian continued: mining rights, workshop contracts, even merchant guilds—all snatched away. Pure madness. The Artis lord had lobbied with insane sums, eating massive losses just to steal Solaris territory's interests. For over ten years...!
Sebastian opened a drawer and pulled out a letter envelope. Grimacing, he said, "Letters he sends every week."
"This fucking... Mind if I read it?"
"Of course."
Ellen,
You are so beautiful.
I want to give you everything I have.
Marry me.
— Artis Lord
The fancy perfumed stationery reeked. Summing it up: that crap. Aaaargh! Goosebumps exploded over my skin, nausea surging up.
"Ugh... this guy's a total psycho, right?"
"Sigh, I block most before they reach you, but..."
"Yeah... and?"
"Sometimes he sends gifts via servants."
"Euuugh... fuck my life!"
Revulsion crawled up my spine, spreading everywhere. Sebastian continued with a devastated look: "Bear dolls... perfume... and lately, even underwear..."
"Stop! Just stop...! I get it."
Any more and I'd lose my mind. Justification to beat this trash? Overflowing already.
Wait. Hold up.
...A way to crush this lunatic popped into my head.
Why's this old freak rampaging? 'Cause he thinks Ellen's an unguarded flower...!
By this world's standards, Ellen's marriageable age anyway. And as sole heir, suitors must be lining up like trucks. But no proposals come through. Sebastian's shot them all down.
She's been treated like off-limits merchandise by force... Not exactly debutante material from the start. But it could look like a cliffside bloom! Total success for the mysterious aura strategy.
Sebastian, how far ahead were you planning?
Biggest side effect? Artis lord. Even if the root cause is elsewhere, it's perfect for his delusions. Probably spinning fantasies of his big chance!
Sick fuck, ugh... Nothing but curses came to mind.
So... just announce she's already taken?
"Sebastian, I've got a great idea."
"What is it, Sir Dodo?"
He met my eyes with trusting gaze.
"It's sensitive, so... a bit hesitant."
"To my benefactor Sir Dodo, I dare not... I promise no anger."
I broached it. "At the social, declare the family head succession... and announce her fiancé too?"
"What...?"
"Announce right in Artis lord's face that the miss has a lover."
Confusion flickered on the butler's face. Surprise turned to unhideable fury... brows furrowing deeply.
"...!!"
No... you said no anger!
Sebastian glared, voice stiff. "Surely... Sir Dodo, you mean yourself..."
"Huh? No? I'd hate that."
"You find the miss displeasing?!"
"Whoa... calm down. You know that's not it."
Why's this guy flipping out? Despite the promise, he grilled me. Deep down, he sees Ellen like family. After all that torment... affection runs deep.
Sebastian took a deep breath, regaining composure. The rising anger faded. With puzzled expression, he asked, "Then the engagement with whom... Ah!"
"Right. Perfect candidate right here."
"Indeed... Bell... yes, he'd do perfectly!"
No way, Sebastian? Fury at me, instant buy-in for Roni?
Even if no feelings involved, it stung my pride. I gritted my teeth, pushing on. "They'll provoke for sure, so we hit back harder. Then definitely..."
"A gap opens. Use that, right?"
"Exactly. Heh."
Vitality sparked on Sebastian's weary face. Plan to fuck over the bastard tormenting them for a decade-plus. Anyone'd be thrilled.
Much brighter, Sebastian bowed welcomingly. "Much to consider. Let's plan swiftly."
Handshake, then parted.
Next day, me, Roni, Ellen, and Master—five-way meeting. All gathered, Sebastian explained: the pedo lord fuckery op from yesterday.
First reaction: Ellen herself.
"Such a cool plan, I love it...! I mean, yes please!"
Eyes sparkling welcome before words finished. Normally she'd bounce and cheer, but drilled etiquette shone through—prim and proper. Our precious gem's changed!
Roni scratched cheek awkwardly. "Uh... Butler, this is temporary, right?"
"Of course. I'll ensure no harm to Sir Bell."
"Then I'll trust and follow."
Surprisingly agreeable. Ellen tossed a wistful line. "I... I mean, real or not, I don't mind!"
No chance. Cut her off. "Don't even dream. Roni'd be wasted on you."
"Ahaha...? Dodo."
Ellen shot me a venomous glare. But I had words too.
"Miss, after I schemed this far... complaints?"
"Ahem, misunderstanding! Grateful thanks!"
Ellen nobly curtsied respect. Sebastian's eyes welled up.
"Never dreamed this day... Sir Dodo, thanks again."
Seeing Ellen—180, no, evolved—he was overwhelmed.
"Psh, her own effort."
Slyly checked the tomboy lady's face. Sure enough, lips twitching. Old her would've strutted. Lady mask slapped on hasty, but true nature wriggling. Holding back proved massive growth. Hands-off time. Relieved.
Sebastian reined emotions, added, "But concerns remain. Artis lord knows no bounds... poisons or curses likely."
"Ah, that? Expert on hand."
"Expert?"
Sebastian eyed reverently. How prepared are you? Stunned.
Heh... intuition? Perfect fit exists.
"Tia's weak-born but senses amazingly sharp."
"Truly?"
"Yep. Near-superhuman to toxins, bad vibes."
Master fidgeted, nodding. "...Yes."
Adorably violent acting. Knew it fake, but fooled most adults. Roni backed up.
"At camp before, sensed monster first."
"Indeed...!"
Sebastian thrilled, fist clenched. Keys gathered. Time to cook the repulsive middle-aged creep.
Social day. Our four-man Artis expedition took two carriages. Roni and I led in front.
This jerk. Dressed to kill for fake fiancé role... goddamn. Jealousy bait? Too perfect.
Tuxedoed Roni packed punch. Worried other ladies'd swarm.
Staring, Roni grinned. "Yo, nervous?"
"Nervous my ass. Worry 'bout you. Armed to teeth."
"Heh... caring?"
"Duh."
Roni whipped head away, scratching cheek embarrassed. "Uhuhu... reminds me."
Orphanage farewell probably. Years flown... from malnourished kids to adults. Doing this together?感慨 different.
"Hey, remember parting words? Said you'd tell later. Just hit me."
"Ah... heh... that?"
Roni recalled, giggling. "Nothin' big... or is it?"
"Spill! What?!"
Roni teasing again. Finally opened up. "Heh... after this, promise. Bad timing now."
"You crazy fuck!"
Wants me raging? Held off again. Cocky bastard. Not fake fiancé, would've wrecked him. Friend or not, beatdown.
Idle chit-chat later, arrived Artis territory next door.
Dolled-up Ellen, Master from rear carriage.
"Shall we, knights?"
Ellen invisible. Eyes only on Master.
Clothes make the man, but original beauty? Angel with extra wings. Offered hand to Master.
"May I have escort honor, Master?"
Whisper-close: "...Of course, kiddo."
Master smiled pleased, took hand. Purpose blurred momentarily. En route to ballroom, she was star. To me, anyway.
...Holding Tia Master's hand at entrance, she gripped tight. Grimacing softly: "Kiddo, disgusting smell."