Chapter 40
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Violet's First Words - Episode 40
"Then what does an oracle mean?"
"An oracle is... literally an unexpected divine revelation. When the content of the revelation is auspicious, people gather and it's announced publicly—that's what we call an oracle."
Seeing the crowd converging, it seemed the prophetess had announced receiving a sudden oracle.
"What about the bad ones?"
"There are those too. We don't call those oracles—just prophecies. Sometimes they predict disasters or accidents."
"Hmm..."
"So... through prophecy, we've discovered the Mana Stone Mine before, or predicted that certain regions would prosper, things like that."
And so far, most of those prophecies had come true.
The problem was that prophecies were extraordinarily rare.
That's what made them mysterious.
There was a belief that merely being present during a prophecy was receiving divine grace.
Just like now.
"Your gods are similar yet different from ours. We believe in the god of death and the god of the living."
She said.
"Your Highness the Crown Princess, the crowd is gathering rapidly. Let us move to a safer location."
Hueria's attendants were all from her homeland.
But they were far more fluent in the Empire's language.
"Follow me."
Hueria grasped my wrist and began walking.
The place Hueria arrived at was a hotel cafe with a large terrace.
Everyone who spotted Hueria bowed their heads and bent their knees.
The staff, overwhelmed with honor, guided Hueria to the terrace.
Hueria sat at a table on the terrace. Guards surrounded both the inside and outside of the terrace.
"You, tea."
"...Yes, I do like tea."
I was gradually becoming accustomed to Hueria's way of speaking.
By the time the warm tea arrived, I decided to simply enjoy this surreal daytime experience.
'A warm cup of tea at a nice cafe. It was everything I'd ever wanted...'
But this is on a completely different scale.
"Um... how did you enjoy the sightseeing today? Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Hmm, it was good. Help me more. I don't know the Empire's curses well, so teach me."
"You wish to learn curses?"
"My unfaithful husband. I want to curse him properly. With the most vicious curses, I ask."
"Ah, that part I'm still learning myself."
Violet answered seriously.
Hueria's brow furrowed slightly.
Then a roar began to swell like a wave, drawing steadily closer. It was a tide of people led by the Prophet.
Soon Violet caught sight of the Prophet. He was an ordinary elderly man, yet his countenance radiated holiness.
The priests of the Capital Grand Temple and those who had come from Kaizeria wore different vestments.
The priests of Kaizeria were dressed in black robes adorned with silver sashes.
"The subject of the blessing is there."
The Prophet spoke. His gaze was fixed precisely on Violet.
'Is he referring to the Crown Princess? Or... me?'
Violet was startled. The Crown Princess rested her chin on her hand, took a sip of tea, and nodded.
"Let them through."
The guards stepped aside. As it turned out, the fence surrounding the terrace could be opened freely. When the gate was opened, a staircase connecting the terrace to a small flower garden appeared.
The Prophet entered through it.
"Your Highness, the Crown Princess..."
"Stand up and look into the old man's eyes."
Violet rose slowly. The Prophet approached and greeted the Crown Princess first.
"I am Gillit, both Prophet and High Priest. I offer my respects."
Hueria nodded. Then Gillit took Violet's hand.
"I am curious about this young lady's name."
Hueria looked at Violet. Violet answered hesitantly.
"Violet Everdin—that is my name."
"Violet."
Gillit repeated the name, then caused Violet to kneel.
"A talent of one in ten thousand has appeared in this Capital. This Violet Everdin shall benefit the world for ages to come, and her name shall resound across the entire Continent."
Violet's eyes widened as she gazed at him. Gillit continued.
"Possessing such rare talent, I bestow upon her the blessing of prayer. It is an honor to have met someone of such purity."
The piercing gazes of the crowd fixed upon Violet.
If one were to interpret those stares, they would read thus:
'Who is she? What is she?'
Violet was nothing. She was known only as a fallen noblewoman within the Academy.
In that instant, cold sweat trickled down her spine. Violet instinctively looked toward Hueria.
She was smiling faintly.
In that moment, Violet understood what she must do. She rose from her seat, looked at Gillit, and spoke.
"I am grateful for your glorious words. I shall remember the blessing you have given me today and walk the righteous path."
Violet spoke with a bowed head.
"Violet Everdin, bearer of the blessing!"
Gillit cried out.
"Violet Everdin!"
Someone called out her name. Soon the crowd erupted in cheers.
The people applauded and cheered, not knowing who Violet was.
Hueria gave a barely perceptible shrug.
I understood that Ash was from Kaizeria, but what exactly was his position that allowed him to command even a prophet so freely?
Violet pondered this.
* * *
"Hello, Violet."
Violet went to Marin's House. On the second-floor balcony, Ash sat reading a newspaper without even lifting his head as he greeted her.
"Ash, is today's work your doing as well?"
"I told you—I'd make you the Winter Queen."
"But... isn't the scale a bit much for that? You're going to all this trouble just so I can surpass my Younger Sister?"
"Isn't it fun? Besides, ruining the Crown Prince's ball is something I want anyway."
"Don't brush off what I'm saying as a joke. I don't like sacrilege. You're exploiting the hearts of people who believe in God."
Violet spoke with genuine seriousness. Ash seemed slightly taken aback.
"Come closer, Violet."
Ash spoke in a whisper.
Violet sat across from him as he gestured.
"The prophet Gillit is an old friend of mine."
"He looked quite elderly."
"Still, he's no different from a friend. He's someone who cares for me and thinks of me—sincerely."
"...And?"
"Gillit didn't speak a false prophecy. He learned of your talents and heard from me about your character. And he trusts my judgment of people."
"..."
"And he simply blessed you before many people. It was simple, really. During the service, an important blessing came to mind—he merely hinted at it that way. It was the people's freedom to mistake it for a prophecy or something else."
"But..."
"Violet, are you planning to become a murderer or a villain?"
Ash tilted his head and smiled.
"No, not at all."
Violet answered with absolute conviction.
"Then do you think the talent you possess is special?"
"It's a talent found in one among ten thousand, so... I suppose it is somewhat special."
Violet spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
"You'll use today's blessing and your talent for good all along. So everything worked out well. Doesn't it?"
He'd gotten around it again. Violet stared at Ash intently.
"You have no ill intentions?"
"Not toward you. None whatsoever."
"Is there any chance I might get hurt, or someone else might?"
"Do you think anyone would get hurt just because you became the Winter Queen?"
"—No. I don't think that would happen."
Violet remained somewhat unsatisfied. Still, the conclusion was that it would be fine.
"...Do you still trust me?"
"I do. Just consult with me beforehand when you're planning something like this."
Violet spoke quietly. Ash's expression grew peculiar.
"It's easier said than done, Violet. Anyway, speaking of which, there's something I need to do."
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org