Chapter 33
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Violet's First Words - Episode 33
* * *
The atmosphere between us felt peculiar as we emerged from the Small Library.
I wanted to ask Ash more about Lady Rosenis, but hesitated.
'It would seem strange to suddenly ask if he'd read such an obscure novel.'
There was something about Ash's demeanor that suggested I shouldn't pry carelessly.
"You're not going to register for classes?"
Ash asked.
"Of course not."
As aspiring dropouts, neither of us had any intention of attending classes this semester.
"I'll head back right away."
"Mm."
I nodded in agreement.
"You're Violet Everdin, aren't you?"
An unfamiliar student approached me at that moment.
"That's right."
"The Dean's Office has been searching for you urgently. You should go see them."
Ash and I exchanged a meaningful glance.
'They're probably calling me in because my name came up in today's commotion, wanting to hear my testimony.'
I was willing to cooperate with such a matter.
"I hope it's good news."
Ash said.
* * *
I knocked on the Dean's Office door. Inside, I found Dean Herbert and a familiar professor.
I recognized her—she was Marigold's instructor. Her name was Sierra.
"Violet Everdin, what on earth were you thinking doing such a thing?"
Sierra's voice cut through the air the moment she saw me.
"I'm afraid I don't understand. What are you referring to?"
I answered flatly.
"You sabotaged Marigold's assignment. You pretended to have completed it yourself."
"That's not a lie. I've been doing that assignment for her for years."
"You're out of your mind! How can you lie so shamelessly!"
Sierra's shrieking made my ears ache.
I sat down and stared at Herbert, who was pretending to examine his nails while deliberately ignoring the situation.
"Dean, what do you think? Do you believe Professor Sierra's account?"
Today, countless people had witnessed the mana circuit bearing my name.
They'd also seen Marigold fumble helplessly with mana circuits, unable to manipulate them at all.
Anyone with eyes should have understood the situation.
Marin had even found it amusing enough to sit in the classroom and incite the other students.
Herbert cleared his throat.
"Professor Sierra is right. Sisters can become jealous of each other. But crossing that line is unacceptable. Defaming Marigold like this is inexcusable."
I felt my breath catch.
'I deliberately made this situation public for exactly this reason. Yet... this is still the outcome?'
I looked directly at Herbert and Sierra in turn.
"You need evidence? Then call Marigold here. Have her create an identical mana circuit under the same conditions, and I'll do the same. Then we'll know who the real creator is."
"Marigold is suffering from severe emotional trauma right now. It's impossible to ask her."
Sierra said.
"Isn't Marigold one of the few spirit summoners in the entire Empire?"
I asked, feigning confusion.
"Well, yes, that's true, but..."
"Spirit summoners fight on the front lines alongside knights, don't they? If emotional distress prevents someone from creating a mana circuit, aren't they unqualified? The Academy Special Magic Department exists for both physical and mental training, after all."
Sierra's face flushed crimson at my words. Then she glared at me.
"You see, Dean? The way she talks back proves that Violet Everdin is clearly tormenting her younger sister Marigold."
"I'm the one who's been tormented for the past several years. And I'm not talking back—I'm presenting a reasonable solution. There are countless ways to verify the truth."
I spoke calmly. Since I was entirely in the right, the words came naturally.
"Or we could bring in an expert to examine the detailed mana properties contained in the circuit. I've heard that master magical tool craftsmen can do such things."
That's when Sierra let out a sharp shriek.
"Why should the victim, Marigold, have to prove anything?! Have you considered how much pain she must be in?!"
I was utterly bewildered.
"What are you saying? What does a person's crime have to do with their emotional pain?"
"Marigold is practically an angel, yet her older sister speaks like this. Listen to how she talks."
Sierra clicked her tongue. I found myself increasingly unable to comprehend her logic.
"By that logic, shouldn't we pardon prisoners in jail if they've suffered emotional trauma? Does committing a crime become innocent if the criminal happens to be a good person?"
"Wh-what!"
Sierra let out a sharp cry, though her expression betrayed her speechlessness.
"Ahem, quiet. As you can see, we represent a group of considerable social standing. After all, these are people we may encounter again in High Society or the political arena."
Herbert cleared his throat and continued.
"Consider the difference in reputation between Violet and Marigold. Think of Marigold's conduct—how she has built trust through her consistent, earnest way of life."
"So reputation is like a right that exists above right and wrong? Can you say such things even if you gathered every student in the Academy?"
I spoke with all trace of amusement drained from my face.
'They're openly protecting a mere student like Marigold?'
It seemed as though the Academy itself was doing everything in its power to cover up Marigold's wrongdoing.
"Calling in an expert for verification? We cannot waste the Academy's precious budget on trivial quarrels born of jealousy between girls."
Herbert spoke with grave solemnity.
"It seems you're trying to bury this matter as though there's some ulterior motive. Is this truly only Marigold's and the Academy's problem?"
"Then are you suggesting someone gave us orders? What kind of place do you think the Academy is? Dean, it's clear that Violet suffers from delusions."
Sierra spoke. I closed my eyes, then opened them.
There was no point in becoming agitated with people who refused to listen.
It was something Lady Rosenis had once said in a book.
"Then please return the mana circuit board I created. I will verify the truth separately with it."
"Verify the truth? This matter ends here, I'm telling you."
Sierra spoke, but I ignored her.
"The Academy is one of the Empire's major institutions, so there must be people who would take interest in this. I'm certain you know this better than anyone."
The point I had struck was accurate.
Tension flickered across Herbert's and Sierra's eyes.
"Actually, the mana circuit malfunctioned. You saw it at the scene, didn't you? The circuit showed signs of catching fire, so we disposed of it."
Sierra answered.
"You destroyed the evidence?"
"Your delusions are truly severe! Leave at once and await your dismissal. Spend this semester in self-reflection rather than studying."
Herbert raised his voice.
"At minimum, suspension is warranted. The victim and perpetrator must be separated!"
At Sierra's words, Herbert nodded in agreement.
"The system itself of granting grades for free assignments during breaks has a fundamental flaw. The conditions make it far too easy to submit proxy work, don't they?"
In that moment, I understood what they truly feared.
"How dare you—teach people like us?"
Sierra grew agitated.
'I was going to withdraw anyway, but....'
This was not something I could simply let pass.
'I'm glad I didn't withdraw immediately.'
Why would I leave of my own accord in such an unjust situation?
Ash's words about withdrawing together came to mind. This time, Ash was right.
"Now, leave."
I looked at them once more. Then I quietly turned and walked out.
My mind, which had been roiling with anger, gradually grew calm.
I knew that Ash was waiting for me outside.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org