Vivienne rummaged through Void's closet, inspecting his clothes with a critical eye. Suddenly, Void appeared behind her.
"Hey, Vivi. Mind if I ask what you're trying to find in my closet? Can you tell me, Vivi, what are you trying to find in my closet, huh?"
Vivienne jumped, caught off guard. "Ab... Void! You're here? Weren't you practicing piano?" She laughed nervously. "I was just... hehe!"
Void's eyes narrowed. "What kind of pervert are you, sneaking into my room in broad daylight?" He clenched his fist, his other hand reaching for his blade.
Vivienne huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph! Who wants your clothes? I was just making sure you weren't up to something fishy. Last time, you blew up half the mansion!" She coughed, trying to maintain her composure. "Besides, who do you think you are? You'd be the last person, no, not even the last person, to be called a 'tick.'"
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Void's expression fell. Her harsh words hit him hard, filling him with sadness and a sudden wave of low self-esteem.
"If that's the case, mind if I ask you to leave my room if there's nothing else you need?" he said quietly.
Vivienne turned toward the door, ready to leave. "Oh, and by the way, Mom is coming. We have to get ready for the royal ball. Well, it's not like we girls are interested in guys with 'feminine' hobbies," she added with a smirk. (*In this reverse world, 'feminine' can be considered 'manly.')
Void watched her leave, a mix of confusion and frustration in his eyes. "I find it weird that even though I have a better face now and am adored by everyone, even by Mother Maria, Vivienne is the one who despises me. She finds me disgusting, pathetic, a creature with no life, no future, no female attraction, no hope, no goals, no hobbies, no passion... You know what I mean."
Vivienne Middletown, the daughter of Maria Middletown, seemed to harbor a deep-seated hatred for men, perhaps because her father, whom Void never knew, left her after cheating on Mother Maria. But was that the only reason? Mother Maria cherished Void like her own son. Maybe it was jealousy that fueled Vivienne's disdain.
A knock came on Void's door, followed by a voice. "Young master, may I come in?"
"Miss Arcane! Come in," Void replied.