Chapter 37
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Violet's First Words - Episode 37
"Nothing unusual happened?"
Cyril glanced at Violet and tossed the question out casually.
"Nothing serious, no."
"We'll discuss the details over dinner."
Cyril handed his coat to Olive and retreated to his room.
The evening meal featured only a dish or two more than usual.
Since moving into Cyril's House, I'd come to understand one thing: Cyril was far more taciturn than I'd initially assumed. Tonight's atmosphere was equally subdued.
Halfway through the meal, Cyril finally spoke.
"You mentioned withdrawing from the Academy, didn't you?"
"Yes, I plan to. It doesn't seem like there's much left for me to learn there."
"You possess exceptional talent. Teaching someone like you requires an exceptional instructor. Ideally, you'd find such a person at the Academy, but if not, there's no point clinging to it."
At Cyril's remarkably mature counsel, I smiled softly.
"Actually, there are a few things I need your permission for."
"Go ahead."
Cyril took a sip of wine as he spoke.
"I've acquired a fake boyfriend—it's fine, isn't it? It's Ash, someone I met before."
"Cough."
Cyril choked. He barely managed to swallow the wine before fixing me with a frown.
"A fake... boyfriend? What does that mean?"
"My Fiancé—I've mentioned Bludin to you before, haven't I? In case he becomes troublesome, Ash agreed to pretend to be my boyfriend. It's fake, but the scenario is solid. We're not at the point of thinking about marriage yet, and also..."
"And also, what."
Cyril's tone dripped with exasperation.
"...Oh, and I've also agreed to be a candidate for Winter Queen at the Ball hosted by the Crown Prince. According to Ash, he'll release promotional articles so my name will circulate among many people. Oh, that's right—Ash has also agreed to find me a mentor going forward. He'll cover all the costs. Is it alright if I study?"
Cyril stared at the wine glass in his hand for a moment, then set it down and shouted toward the kitchen.
"Olive, get in here now! How have you been managing this girl!"
Olive emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron.
"What seems to be the matter, sir?"
"I told you to beat down that damned Geoffrey if he approaches and keep her safe at all costs!"
"Indeed, sir. As an excellent butler, protecting and watching over the young lady falls within my duties. I have been doing exactly that."
"The girl's got herself a fake boyfriend!"
"You mean Ash Defendale, sir? Upon observation, there are some suspicious aspects to his background, but he appears to harbor no ill intent toward the young lady."
"Observation? What observation?"
This time, Violet's voice rose in surprise.
"I have been discreetly following the young lady. She frequented only respectable locations—the Academy, a friend's residence, the Grand Temple, and such. The only irregularity was the constant acquisition of new clothes, shoes, and accessories."
Olive remained composed.
'Was that what Ash meant?'
Something about having eyes to see. She was being followed by Olive.
"Did you tail her properly?"
Cyril continued questioning, unbothered by Violet's bewilderment.
"Following someone all day and watching them is espionage, not butler work. I simply confirmed her route and returned."
Olive spoke with confidence.
"This is maddening."
Cyril pressed his hand to his forehead.
"Wait, why would you do such a thing?"
"I was concerned Geoffrey might kidnap the young lady while our attention was diverted. I even checked on Geoffrey's side, but they seemed occupied with other matters."
Olive answered.
"What could they possibly be so busy with?"
Violet asked.
"Well, they were preparing betrothal gifts as if arranging a wedding."
....
Lunatics.
Violet could barely restrain herself from cursing.
My marriage to Bludin was distant, and now we were proceeding with the dissolution. So if my family was preparing betrothal gifts....
'They're actually preparing to send Marigold to the Crown Prince.'
This level of delusion was practically an art form.
"Enough of that. Now explain this Winter Queen business."
Cyril spoke.
"Marigold is aiming to be Winter Queen of the Ball. I wanted to upset her."
"...And your fake boyfriend suggested this?"
Violet flinched.
"Yes.... But I agreed to it as well."
"What exactly does he want from you?"
"Well.... So far, he doesn't seem to have any particular agenda. But he said if I wanted to help him in the future, I should."
"Riding on the coattails of an unknown favor is equivalent to signing a blank contract. Do you understand how dangerous that is?"
"...I do. But Ash seems like a good person."
"Has he ever tried to take advantage of you under the pretense of this fake boyfriend arrangement, or attempted anything inappropriate or coercive?"
Cyril fell silent for a moment.
"No, he hasn't. Actually...."
Violet's face flushed crimson in an instant. She had recalled being held in Ash's arms today.
"...Actually?"
Cyril's brow furrowed.
"It seems like it was on my end with Ash. It was an accident, but I felt dizzy for a moment... and... Ash might have been displeased. Because... Ash is...."
....
"Ash is beautiful...."
The more I spoke, the stranger the picture became.
"Olive, stop playing at being some ridiculous servant and come sit down."
Cyril lowered his voice.
"It is customary for employees not to dine with their employers."
"Why are there so many peculiar women under one roof?"
Cyril spoke with genuine exasperation.
"Employees follow their master's lead. Consider your master's usual conduct."
Olive seemed like the type who would best Cyril even at death's door. I found myself in admiration.
"Don't look at Olive with such an admiring expression, Violet."
"Uncle, you're quite perceptive."
"Admiration is forbidden too! Violet, you. Tell me everything that has happened so far. Understood?"
In the end, Olive sat at the table with us both. We ate gradually while sharing our story.
"So you flattened Bludin's nose?"
"...Yes, Ash's strategy worked."
"And?"
Cyril seemed satisfied with that part of the story.
"On the day I prevent Marigold from becoming the Winter Queen, I'll expose her family secrets to everyone. If I can't speak at the scene, I'll release an official statement through the press the next day."
"..."
"At first, I didn't understand why you gave me such a task, Uncle. But the more I learned, the more profound it became. Ash believed this would be the path to my self-completion. You truly are a remarkable person, Uncle!"
"...Really? Is that such a... remarkable task?"
Cyril's expression grew increasingly strange. He seemed embarrassed to receive praise to his face.
"Yes, Ash also praised your foresight, Uncle. Once I successfully complete the task you've given me, I want to shake off my family and become a truly excellent person."
Cyril now wore a wry smile.
"Then what's this about a mentor? Why is that fellow Ash paying for your education?"
"Ah, Ash knows someone. Someone who can properly cultivate my talents. He says I need at least someone of Sword Expert caliber or higher. He said he could lend me tuition if needed, and I could repay him later once I find employment."
It truly seemed like a shameless request. My voice grew quieter.
"Olive, bring me my checkbook. And a notepad as well."
Cyril spoke.
"I've been carrying it with me, sensing it might be necessary."
Olive calmly withdrew the checkbook from his apron pocket.
Cyril quickly wrote on the check. Then he attached a note and handed it to Olive.
"You deliver this directly to that fellow Ash. Tell him I'll cover all expenses incurred for Violet's self-realization thus far."
"Uncle, there's no need for—"
"If you have any sense, judge for yourself whether it's better to accept money from some unknown man or to receive help from your guardian."
"...Well, it would be proper to accept help from my guardian."
"I'll cover your expenses going forward. It's only natural—don't argue about it."
"I'm truly grateful for your help, Uncle. But I don't want to carelessly spend money you've earned through hard work."
"Cyril's business operations are proceeding very stably. Revenue continues to trend upward year over year, so please don't worry."
Olive spoke.
"Uncle, weren't you a mercenary? Do you run a business?"
At last, the part I had been curious about. My eyes sparkled with interest.
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