Chapter 25
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Violet's First Words - Episode 25
Violet lifted her head. The article was brief, as urgent as the news it carried. But it stated that he was under investigation for allegedly smuggling several important magical artifacts designated by the state. 'If I hadn't seen that premonition about Ash's future, I wouldn't know. But now I do.' It was the same with Colbera. Could this also be Ash's doing? But Violet decided not to dwell on this aspect too deeply. Unless Ash harbored personal hatred toward Marlon, it seemed unlikely he would orchestrate such a situation just for her sake. Moreover, Marlon was far more influential than Colbera. Still, there was no harm in it. Right now, Marlon would be far too preoccupied to even think of capturing her again. 'Besides, that cardinal earlier—Gran, who seems connected to Ash—apparently settled everything through a good agreement.' I reached a conclusion. For now, I wouldn't think too deeply about this. I would simply enjoy the news. Becoming friends with Ash was a good thing, after all.... 'This house must have good fortune. Good things are already happening.' When I fought with my family and fled the house, the world seemed to be ending in despair. But as always, one must endure and see. Who would have thought I'd be smiling like this by evening? 'I think I'll be able to sleep with my legs stretched out tonight.'
* * *
A few days later, Violet opened her eyes in her new bed. 'This is wonderful....' Due to her habit of waking early, her eyes snapped open as soon as morning came. She looked around the room and examined the soft silk nightgown she was wearing. 'It's beautiful....' The curtains fluttering in the breeze, the bird songs drifting through the window, the soft sheets, the new nightgown—it was all almost unbelievable.
"Ah, so it's not a dream today either."
From my previous house, there was little I missed—only a few clothes and a handful of books. The best part was that my family wasn't searching for me. 'Besides, if it weren't for my engagement to Bludin, I'd be utterly useless to that household anyway. Deep down, they must be pleased that I've disappeared.' Still, my heart would race sometimes. It felt as though I needed permission from my family to be this happy. 'But surely both Ash and Cyril Uncle would tell me that I'm allowed to be happy.' Violet reminded herself to emulate the always-confident Rosenis.
* * *
Violet dressed in clean new clothes and descended the stairs. The garments Olive had tailored for me were of excellent quality. However, nearly every piece he'd prepared shared an identical design. They were all extraordinarily neat and pristine. Of course, Violet harbored no complaints whatsoever. I was grateful for everything.
"You're awake? Come have breakfast."
Olive stood in the kitchen wearing an apron, his expression stoic and unmoved.
"Good morning, Olive."
Violet greeted him. Olive offered no reply, merely nodding slightly as he finished preparing breakfast.
"Um, it will take quite some time before Uncle returns, won't it?"
"He goes wherever he's needed. His work naturally involves frequent business trips."
Violet nodded in understanding. Olive set before me a freshly baked loaf, eggs prepared with care, sausage, and a crisp salad.
"Delicious...."
Violet murmured without thinking. Unlike meals eaten under the watchful scrutiny of family members, my heart felt at ease here. Olive even told me to eat more if I wished. For someone who'd known scarcity since childhood, this was paradise.
"A letter has arrived for you, Miss. Someone slipped it through the door gap."
After finishing breakfast and sipping tea, Olive handed me an envelope. Violet accepted it. 'Only one person knows I'm staying here. Only Ash.' So this must be Ash's letter. Violet unfolded it.
【By 2 PM today. First strategy meeting. Come to my house.】
Ash had left his address in the same elegant handwriting as always.
* * *
And so, at two o'clock that afternoon, Violet made her way to Ash's House.
"My schedule has exactly one hour of availability starting now. Let's review the situation and devise a plan within that timeframe."
Brown, adjusting his glasses, stood near the table with his characteristically rigid expression, clicking his pen against the surface. Gran, with his mischievous demeanor, sat beside Ash.
"Welcome, Miss Seda."
"...Seda?"
"Your background is quite dramatic—reminiscent of a character from a novel. I decided to call you that of my own accord."
Gran shrugged his shoulders. 'That's my own aspiration. To become a dramatic person.' Violet thought to herself.
"I'll take it as a compliment."
"Good nature. Very good indeed."
Gran chuckled. More unsettling was Marin, who rested her chin in her hand and gazed at Violet with bright, piercing eyes.
"Hmm, looking more closely, there's quite a lot of potential for development... Your skin is so translucent. If I were to style you perfectly, what would you look like? Hehe... It's like stepping into untouched territory blanketed in pristine snow for the first time."
And she continued muttering incomprehensible things. Violet found herself too intimidated to respond and averted her gaze.
"Marin, don't bother Violet. Mind your manners."
Ash, seated at the head of the table, spoke with leisurely composure.
"...Yes."
Marin, looking slightly chastened, nodded obediently. Then Ash met Violet's eyes and smiled.
"Sit down. We can't have the guest of honor standing."
"Exactly. Brown is so busy he looks ready to bolt out the window like his pants are on fire."
"There are simply many people seeking me out. Most of it, however, is cleaning up after Ash here."
Brown replied matter-of-factly. Violet observed each of them carefully in turn before speaking.
"So... you've all gathered for my sake?"
"Of course. We're each specialists in revenge, after all."
Ash answered readily.
"How did such people come to gather together?"
"This person here untangled the complicated threads of our lives."
Brown said calmly. Violet grew even more curious about Ash's true identity, but the atmosphere didn't permit her to ask.
"First, let me give you a gift."
Ash smiled quietly and handed her an envelope tied with a red ribbon. Violet opened it. Inside was a single sheet of old, weathered paper, creased and worn. Violet's eyes widened upon seeing its contents. Her lips went dry, and she checked the paper's text several times over.
"How on earth... did you obtain this?"
It was a marriage contract. At the top of the document were the names of two people.
<Geoffrey Everdin Deborah Rainhardt
We hereby certify that the marriage of these two persons has been solemnized.>
At the very bottom were the date of the wedding ceremony, the name and signature of the officiant who presided, and an official seal stamped in ink. "So it's true. My Biological Mother and Father really did get married...." Violet murmured softly.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org