235 Help me!
I came to the academy dormitory to verify the reason the Vampire Child obtained the Envy skill and to prohibit its use.
My interpersonal ability remains low, but I can communicate adequately with the Vampire Child.
It shouldn't end in a full day of discussion, as it did with Agner.
I thought that, and met the Vampire Child in the dormitory's visitation room.
"Why do I have to talk about this?"
The Vampire Child responded with irritation to the question about how they acquired the Envy skill.
Huh?
No, I don't really need to know, but is refusing like this really necessary?
"Is that all?"
Confused, the Vampire Child turned to retreat into their own room.
Huh?
Why are you so angry?
It's not like it happened that day.
From the perspective of the fragmented eye, there should have been nothing today to provoke such a mood.
For now, this alone lacks the purpose of coming here intentionally.
The reason for taking the skill is of interest, but it is not a necessity to know. Here, compromise—prohibit the use of the skill.
"Huh? Why should I obey such an order?"
O-oh.
You're really in a bad mood today.
But I can't back down on this matter either.
"Impossible."
"Ugh, you're so annoying. I can use whatever skill I want—it's my freedom."
Eh? Eh?
Seriously, what's wrong with you?
I didn't expect such defiance.
This is it.
Last resort.
"Impossible."
Lower my voice, open my eyes.
Immediately, the Vampire Child flinches, body trembling.
Learned from the time of Agner.
I can't possibly negotiate with such a petty voice.
Then, from the start, I should have just threatened her like this and forced her to obey without question.
"Y-yes, I understand."
Yes.
The effect is immediate.
"Is that all? Then I'll go back."
But today's Vampire Child is different.
She left without hesitation, before I could stop her.
She returned to her room immediately and grabbed her subform, throwing it into the closet.
W-what is she doing?
No, seriously, what's going on?
Is this really necessary?
When I realized it, I was already back in the manor.
No memory of the journey.
I was shocked—shocked to the point of surprise at myself—by the Vampire Child's behavior.
What should I do?
The Vampire Child has entered a phase of defiance.
Is there anyone I can consult?
I don’t know how to calm down a phase of defiance.
Demon King—rejected.
A brat like that couldn’t possibly handle a rebellious daughter with finesse.
No matter how many children or grandchildren one has, basic parenting is abandoned—can’t rely on such a person.
Black.
No, that’s more like a weak father dominated by his wife—impossible.
Bart.
Already overwhelmed and looking like he’s on the verge of dying from stress every day—adding more burden could literally kill him.
Criminal.
How could I possibly show a Vampire Child to someone like that?
Argner.
Seems relatively stable, but there’s still something he’s after—unsuitable.
Other Legion Commanders.
No meaningful relationship at that level.
Wait.
Thinking this way, I have too few people I can actually rely on.
Or rather, the only ally I have is the Demon King.
No, I’m not lonely at all!
No, seriously, it doesn’t matter to me whether I have friends or not. Normal days are normal.
Trouble.
No one to talk to.
Suddenly, D’s face came to mind—but that’s exactly the one I shouldn’t rely on.
He’d definitely just enjoy making things worse.
D?
Yeah?
Ah!
There you are!
The all-knowing great one!
Instant teleportation.
Back to the familiar Wakaba-hime-colored residence.
Help me, Professor O-guru!
Hmm, hmm.
There are two phases of rebellion: infancy and adolescence. They’re called the First and Second Rebellions, respectively.
Infancy has long passed. So the Vampire Child is in the Second Rebellion, then?
Hmm.
Physically, she’s still on the edge of infancy—maybe barely not a child. But mentally, she should be an adult by now.
But if that’s the case, mentally she should’ve passed the second rebellion phase already.
The second rebellion phase arises when independence precedes maturity—reacting against parental directives with resistance.
Mm.
Exactly matches the current situation.
That’s right.
She’s been separated from me, trying to become independent in the new environment of the academy—then this incident occurred.
Of course, anyone would resist being ordered to use their skills suddenly.
But this is for the sake of the Vampire Child.
Parents never understand their children’s hearts.
I want to support her independence, but I must harden my resolve.
Now, what about the proper approach?
What, what?
Scolding her unilaterally, restraining her—would only worsen the situation?
Ah, no.
I might have already done it.
No, there’s still time to correct it.
Hmm.
The key is to observe with a broad mind?
Tolerating her words lightly, allowing some space—could be one method.
I see.
Trusting a child and leaving matters to them, is that it?
That means cultivating independence in the right direction and growing into a proper adult.
Reprimand only when the error is decisive. Guide back to the original path.
Deeper than expected.
Good.
Thank you, Great Master.
For now, respect the Vampire Child's independence. Avoid excessive interference.
Hmm.
The Vampire Child, too, has lived two lives—surely, they will grow on their own.
Let it be believed.
I need only watch it silently.
Just correct it when they try to go in an odd direction.
Alright.
Once it's decided, let's keep an eye on the Vampire Child to make sure they don't acquire any strange skills.
If you're going to grab something strange, just tell me to take it each time.
Hmm.
Rebellion phase: no cause for fear!