Chapter 56
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Violet's First Words - Episode 56
"Think back to what happened today, Miss." Olive spoke up. "Ah, when I was leaving the Security Knight Order? An elderly woman I'd never seen before grabbed my hand so tightly...."
[Miss, you must marry Grand Duke Ash Ravens. You two are destined for each other.]
...She had said exactly that. My ears flushed faintly crimson.
"Overnight, the Empire's two most famous people were born. Both are promising and formidable prosecutors with impeccable appearances. Naturally, the union of such individuals is welcomed by the masses."
Olive spoke expressionlessly.
"That's just what people say on their own. Who gets married for reasons like that?"
"If Grand Duke Ash Ravens harbored hostility toward the Imperial Court, he would never marry a woman from a Distinguished Noble Family of the Empire."
"Then perhaps he might marry someone from Kaizeria."
I answered.
"If he were going to, he would have done so already. At minimum, he should have a fiancée in Kaizeria. But judging from the newspaper articles, he doesn't. If he came to the Empire with some ambition, he'd be looking to marry an Imperial woman."
"...."
"You've become the ideal woman for those in power, Violet."
Cyril said.
"...Why me?"
"Overnight, you went from a bastard noble to a legitimate daughter, became famous, and became the Winter Queen—which proved your extraordinary beauty."
"That was all just luck."
"What matters is that you're popular and talented. Of course they'd covet you as a spouse. Most critically, you have no real family backing. That's what makes you the ideal woman for those in power."
"What those in power hate most is having powerful in-laws. Especially if they're royalty. They're the type to destroy even perfectly respectable family connections."
Olive said.
"If the two of you married, you'd become the ultimate power couple. With no interfering in-laws or relatives by marriage."
Cyril wore a composed expression. I felt the pieces clicking into place in my mind. An inexplicable sense of déjà vu. 'Why would someone as beautiful as Ash treat me that way?' His kindness was excessive. Perhaps Ash had foreseen all of this from the beginning.
"Judging by how little shock you're showing, you were already expecting this?"
"Not specifically.... But I did think Ash was being overly kind. And I wondered if I could truly believe everything he said about liking me because I'm a good person."
Now I finally admitted it to myself. Ash hadn't simply helped me out of goodwill. He had something to gain as well. Ruining the Crown Prince's Ball, causing a major incident.... 'The me from the future vision said the same thing, so it must be right. Would the future me lack judgment if I were truly evil? In this regard, the future me feels correct.' Olive and Cyril's gazes met once more. Their eyes had softened somewhat.
"So I'll ask—do you like that man?"
Violet turned her gaze away. She continued fidgeting with the teacup that had already gone cold.
"I'm not entirely sure. When I'm with him, I feel good. It's difficult sometimes, but there are moments when it feels comfortable.... But it doesn't feel like the kind of passionate love where I'd die without it. Do you know, Olive?"
"I understand precisely."
"You know what feelings I have toward Ash?"
Violet felt embarrassed at the thought that Olive might answer "love," so she took a sip of tea.
"You are experiencing physical desire."
Pffft. Violet nearly spat out the tea in her mouth. Cyril looked at Olive with an expression of utter disbelief.
"This is a natural occurrence. Ash Ravens possesses the kind of appearance that would inspire physical desire in many people. If you have continuously received sustained favor in close proximity, such feelings are inevitable."
"I, I, it's not like that...."
"And here I was, foolish enough to trust that you, being the same gender as my niece, would offer helpful advice. This is maddening."
Cyril spoke. Violet honestly found herself somewhat agreeing.
"What matters is that it is not love. If it is becoming love, you can exercise restraint."
Olive said this. Regardless of those around him, Olive appeared extremely serious. 'Where on earth is this conversation going?' Violet stared blankly in thought. And she gazed at Olive, who still appeared composed. The next moment, Violet burst into laughter.
"Ah, ahahaha...."
"Violet?"
Cyril looked at her as if she were saying something absurd.
"It's true what the novel said. 'If you can be the master of your own emotions, love is nothing special.'" This too was something Lady Rosenis had said in the novel. To think the day would come when I'd actually hear such words spoken aloud. With such a butler in the house, what did Ash's love or contact matter?
"So? What will you do if that man proposes?"
Cyril seemed reassured upon seeing Violet's laughter.
"Nothing's certain yet. We might just be getting ahead of ourselves and fantasizing."
"My instincts are never wrong."
"That is a reasonable statement. Not just anyone achieves such great success with nothing but their bare hands. You read people's hearts well, Cyril."
Olive supported Cyril's words. The smile gradually faded from Violet's lips, replaced by a serene expression.
"Then I'll ask Ash directly. If he doesn't avoid me, we can meet." ....
"And as for a proposal, well. I'm not sure, but... if Uncle's reasoning is correct, then I don't want to be a convenient political marriage partner. So that's something I can't do."
"Good thing too, because some mad fools have been sending marriage proposals ever since they found out you live here."
"...Did marriage proposals come too?"
"Not openly, but there are deranged parents desperate to introduce their children to me."
"Marriage proposals from someone I've never even seen? That's revolting. Please dispose of them."
"I've already burned them all."
Violet smiled.
"Right, I should send a letter of dissolution to Bludin. The marriage has already fallen apart, but it still gives me chills."
"I've already prepared premium stationery for that purpose."
Olive replied matter-of-factly. Violet truly appreciated this new environment.
"And there's another letter to respond to. Your lawyer has been in touch. His name is Brown, I believe."
"Yes. I mentioned Brown to you before, didn't I?"
"Can he be trusted?"
"He should be fine. Though Ash introduced him, Brown is a lawyer obsessed with his work. Actually, he helped me draft my official statement that was released after the Ball."
"A workaholic. Not a bad type to employ temporarily. Have him send the invoice to me."
"...Yes, thank you. Uncle, I'll cover his fees once we win."
"Nonsense."
Cyril's expression suggested he found the very notion absurd. Olive silently placed several sheets of stationery and envelopes on a small table with a chair in one corner of the drawing room. Violet moved to sit there and gazed at the stationery for a moment, lost in thought.
"What is it?"
"I want to write to Ash as well, but simply asking to meet feels awkward."
"What will you write?"
Violet smiled faintly.
【I sent the letter of dissolution to Bludin today, Ash. Thank you for helping me put things in order.】
Once again, I decided to employ Lady Rosenis's manner of speech. Only then did I open Brown's letter. A satisfied expression soon graced my lips.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org