Chapter 23
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Violet's First Words - Episode 23
"But Uncle, you said my reputation would be ruined if I lived at your place anyway."
Violet asked timidly.
"Is the reputation I'd ruin by having you stay the same as this one?! Never mind, Violet."
"Yes, Uncle!"
"From this very moment, you're welcome to live in this house. You don't even need to move your things!"
Violet's eyes widened. Soon her entire face bloomed with joy. Only then did Cyril realize he had accomplished what he was meant to do for a lifetime. It didn't matter if that damned Geoffrey sued or threatened him. He had connections enough to smooth things over. Besides, Violet had just turned eighteen. He recalled the sensation of the newborn in his arms. Then and now, he had to protect his niece.
"Are you really sure it's alright? I truly have nowhere to go tonight, but still...."
"Agree to it before I change my mind."
"Yes, thank you, Uncle!"
Violet said quickly.
"What a shame. We could have been good roommates and friends. Wouldn't we?"
Cyril's face crumpled for a moment.
"Since that's settled, you—whoever you are, whether a classmate or a prospective roommate—should leave now."
Cyril said. Ash smiled faintly. Watching that expression, Cyril felt oddly deceived. It was a baseless premonition.
"Uncle, shouldn't Ash say goodbye to...."
"Not necessary."
Cyril ushered Violet inside and closed the door. Even as the door shut, Ash's gaze remained fixed on Violet.
* * *
'This could actually work?' Violet pondered. Cyril Uncle stood with his arms crossed, observing her intently.
"Uncle, is it really alright if I live here?"
"I said it was fine."
It felt like a dream coming true. My heart raced with anticipation.
"But why did you suddenly mention the house?"
"Ah, something came up."
Violet turned her head away.
"Did Geoffrey hit you?"
"I dodged it this time."
Cyril Uncle's expression turned cold.
"To be honest, I broke his arm too... and threw him on the floor."
Violet added timidly.
"...Well done."
Cyril Uncle spoke.
"Pardon?"
"You did well leaving that house. I couldn't live under the same roof as someone who raises his hands to others for even a day."
"Thank you."
Cyril Uncle fell silent. The atmosphere threatened to become awkward once more.
"I've prepared a room for you on the second floor."
"I have my own room? On the second floor? Not in the basement or... the attic?"
"This house only has two floors, so the attic is all that's up there, and the basement only has a cellar."
"Of course. You're right—normal rooms are on the second floor."
Violet spoke hastily. 'The room will have a bed, won't it? In a normal room, I won't have to worry about hitting my head when I wake up, or having to hold my breath to avoid making the floorboards creak.' I was desperate to see the room immediately. But Violet stopped abruptly.
"The stairs to the second floor are that way. And our house maid— Violet?"
"I'm sorry, Uncle! Just a moment!"
Violet bowed respectfully and hurried out through the door.
* * *
"Ash!"
Violet ran until her breath came in gasps. Bycoline Street bordered the bustling district, drawing a constant flow of pedestrians. 'Did I imagine it?' I could have sworn I glimpsed Ash's luminous silver hair among the crowd. Yet he had vanished without a trace.
"Who are you looking for?"
Just as I turned to give up, Ash startled me. He now stood behind me. In my haste to spin around, the distance between us collapsed dramatically. That was the moment. Ting, ting. The crystalline chime resonated in my ears once more. 'Of all the times for this to appear?' The timing was utterly tactless. Regardless, the premonition had begun.
【Ash, you have clashed with that individual three times, achieving one victory, one defeat, and one draw.】 【Damn him, damn that bastard! His slander never ceases. Unlike me, the world endlessly praises and exalts him. That cursed wretch who walks the radiant path of light!】 【How was your time at the Academy? Surely you both attended together.】 The girl continued to scribble something in the book she held. She was recording Violet's words. 【From that moment on, he was cunning. He deceived everyone. He concealed his exalted status. Masquerading as a commoner, he attended the Academy and carefully selected talented individuals to his liking, spiriting them away one by one.】
The vision ended. Violet stared at Ash in shock. 'Who exactly are you? A man destined to become my future nemesis—the rival of a legendary villainess, someone I will come to despise?' Since I had no intention of becoming a villainess in this life, there was no reason for me to become Ash's enemy. No—there must not be. Therefore, I needed to build a favorable relationship with Ash instead.
"Violet?"
Ash spoke gently.
"I have something to say. Thank you, and I'm sorry."
"What are you thanking me for, and what are you apologizing for?"
"...First, I'm sorry for suspecting you earlier. And thank you. Because of you, I can spend tonight at my uncle's place instead of sleeping on the streets. You truly know how to manipulate circumstances to your advantage. I find that ability admirable."
Ash regarded me with surprise. Soon his eyes widened with amusement as he laughed.
"...Usually people tell me they're frightened or dislike it when I orchestrate things so freely."
"But you seem like someone destined to walk a radiant path of light. Someone who will one day earn everyone's respect."
"...."
"I believe in you, Ash Defendale. If you help me, I will accept it gladly. And I will never forget your kindness."
The Festival's lingering effects reached even this place, some distance from the Plaza's center. Tonight, every shop was adorned with varied illuminations. By chance, passersby swerved to avoid us. Ash's expression gradually softened. It was an expression I had never seen before—both tender and serene.
"What makes you trust me?"
Violet fell silent for a moment. If she revealed the contents of her premonition, she'd be labeled insane....
"You're very different from the other people who've been in my life."
"You said everyone in your life was terrible."
"That's exactly why I know. I'm accustomed to bad people. So you feel unfamiliar and strange to me. You're probably a decent person."
Ash paused for a moment. He stepped closer to Violet, as if examining her carefully.
"Look, Violet. You're really difficult, you know."
"You said I was easy before. Have I become difficult again?"
"You have a talent for saying unexpected things. And that...." ....
"isn't bad. It's quite good, actually."
Ash gently brushed his fingers through Violet's hair. Just barely. Violet's cheeks flushed crimson.
"Let's meet when I'm ready to help you in earnest. I'll contact you."
"...Yes, Uncle's address is...."
"I know the address."
"Right.... Oh, okay."
Violet nodded.
* * *
Violet entered the house quietly. The living room and entrance were silent. 'Where could Cyril Uncle be?' As Violet glanced around the house, she carefully climbed the stairs. The stairs and hallway were carpeted, so her footsteps made no sound. Violet stopped. A loud voice came from the farthest room beyond the hallway. Listening carefully, it sounded something like this.
"That's why I told you to add more pink. Get more pink right now!"
"Surely the young lady would prefer lace curtains. Besides, this room is now decorated to match very popular tastes for girls."
"She's not a girl—she's eighteen years old, a legal adult under imperial law."
"You just called her a young lady. In any case, my work is perfect. This room requires no further decoration whatsoever."
Violet stood dumbfounded. The moment she stepped closer to listen better— Creak. A loud sound came from the floorboards. It seemed there was a loose section of wooden planks in the floor.
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