Chapter 41
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Violet's First Words - Episode 41
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The entire city was abuzz with speculation about who Violet Everdin was. The woman who had walked through the streets holding the Crown Princess's hand, with the unexpected background of currently belonging to the Academy Knight Department. And the one who had received a formal blessing from the Prophet for the first time in years. Violet's name appeared in several newspapers. Strangely, the fact that Violet was a notorious failure at the Academy was never mentioned anywhere. As if someone had pulled strings behind the scenes. Even the Crown Princess herself received some praise. Before the Prophet could discover her, the Crown Princess had already identified the exceptional talent that was Violet and was cultivating a relationship with her—such discerning judgment in recognizing talent. This was the public opinion that had formed. But as always, the stories people enjoyed most were sensational gossip. In that regard, Violet's existence was satisfying the people of the Capital. It was because of a peculiar rumor that had begun to spread suddenly.
【The Everdin Family, a wealthy house in the Capital, has a legitimate heir elsewhere. In fact, Violet Everdin is merely the product of a tragic romance, not a bastard. There is evidence of this.】
The reason was simple. It was because of a single line in the doctrine: that God does not bless bastards. 'If Violet had been a bastard, surely the Prophet would not have blessed her.' This peculiar public opinion was taking shape.
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The truly interesting part was only just beginning. It was because Violet's lawsuit against her family had been reported in the news.
【The Everdin Family Lawsuit—Succession Dispute Intensifies】
Violet filed multiple lawsuits against her family. Abuse litigation, property division suits, and even charges of adultery. Finally, a lawsuit demanding recognition of the actual marriage between Geoffrey Everdin and her mother. No scandal could compare to a biological daughter suing her own father for adultery under false pretense of marriage. Of course, most of the lawsuits had little practical merit. The only ones with real possibility were the suit claiming she'd suffered abuse from her family, and the second one. The second was the lawsuit demanding recognition of Violet's inheritance rights to her Biological Mother's estate. It was a lawsuit to recognize Violet's inheritance rights to her Biological Mother's estate.
"So let me get this straight—the current head of the Everdin Family is a scoundrel who seduced an innocent woman and stole her money, then lied and called his legitimate child a bastard? And that's why Violet Everdin filed suit to be recognized as the legitimate heir?"
"This is the most entertaining thing I've heard in ages."
"I never noticed because my younger sister was so famous, but the older sister is quite beautiful too. No wonder the Crown Princess praised her as a small, lovely bluebird!"
"Speaking of which, the Crown Princess has been so invisible all this time, yet she's making her first political move by judging right and wrong in High Society!"
"So who are you voting for as Winter Queen?"
Amid the excited chatter of the crowd, I quietly lowered the newspaper I'd been holding. There was only one reason I'd come to the Academy after so long. The incident of Marigold's proxy assignment. I'd received notification about that case. The process was straightforward. When I went to the Dean's Office, an expressionless secretary handed me a letter envelope. It was undoubtedly a suspension notice. Without even opening it, I carelessly shoved the envelope into my pocket. As I tried to leave quietly, I heard people in the hallway talking about me. So I covered my face with a newspaper someone had left on the windowsill. This wasn't the first time. The entire Academy was buzzing about me. What was strange was that no one mentioned my past reputation as a disreputable failure. Instead, people were spouting nonsense like, "Why didn't we realize the older sister was as beautiful as the younger one?"
Just as Ash said, the strategy of filing dozens of lawsuits had worked. And Brown was impressive too. The way he handled things so quickly... Of course, at this stage, we'd only submitted the lawsuit documents. But Brown had mobilized journalists to turn this into news articles quickly. Ash was right about one more thing—people love scandal. The Everdin Family was wealthy, but not particularly noteworthy. However, Marigold alone was already quite famous. She'd already made a name for herself as the Capital's most beautiful girl. Ash had said it casually, just one sentence. [The one who strikes first rises to equal standing with their opponent. In other words, the moment you slap Marigold across the face, you become equals. After that, I'll make sure you win.] Ash's words and actions were like magic. Everything he said came true and became reality. As more people approached, I quickly covered my face with the newspaper again. Wait, isn't that Marin?
"Everyone, vote for Winter Queen! The new Winter Queen candidate is Violet Everdin. She has an amazing sense for choosing outfits and accessories!"
Marin was walking around the Academy handing out flyers to people, while those following her posted posters everywhere.
"Violet Everdin looks good in any color. She's righteous and skilled with a sword, but she also has the advantage of dressing well!"
I genuinely wanted to run over and cover Marin's mouth. But I couldn't. Because Marin had suddenly started shouting at a passing student.
"You made eye contact with her, didn't you? Tell me what you think of Violet Everdin! Yes, you think she's quite impressive, right? Exactly! So vote for Winter Queen!"
It was an unprecedented move. Running a pre-election campaign for the Winter Queen selection. Because until now, the 'Winter Queen' had always been someone nominated by the royal family, who organized the Ball, and people simply voted for that person. Last year, they did conduct a formal vote with a single candidate, at least. But mostly, they would simply decide on one overwhelmingly famous and beautiful noblewoman and proceed from there. 'Marin, I'm so... embarrassed right now...' I resolved to pretend I knew nothing about it with all my might. 'I need to have a word with Ash about this.' The moment I climbed into the carriage, I confronted Ash.
"Ash, this is too much. Who runs a pre-election campaign for Winter Queen like it's a real election?"
"You."
Ash spoke without lifting his eyes from the newspaper.
"Don't joke around. I'm serious."
"What's wrong with being aggressive? In noble society, fame is power and reputation is a blade." ...
"And Marigold stabbed you with that blade once. Thanks to that, you made a beneficial revelation but are now being punished for it."
Suddenly, I pulled out an envelope from my pocket. Then I tore it open and checked its contents. A suspension notice. It was as expected. But it didn't hurt much. Not because I had already decided to withdraw. 'Marin is plastering my portrait all over the Academy, so compared to that, a suspension is far too trivial...' This was my honest feeling right now.
"There are advantages to Marin's personality, aren't there?"
Ash lowered the newspaper and spoke. When you witness true madness, you feel relatively sane by comparison. I'm sorry, but that's what I thought when I recalled Marin. Though she really is a good friend...
"Suspension? I won't be hurt by such things. Every day is busy and new."
I tore the suspension notice to shreds and tossed it out the carriage window without hesitation.
"You're doing well, Violet Everdin."
Ash laughed. I nodded readily.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org