Chapter 58
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Violet's First Words - Episode 58
People gathered throughout the Capital, their voices rising in endless chatter.
"The ill-fated Crown Prince Rivan's son has returned to us."
"Have faith in the Divine! The people of the Kaizerian Theocracy stand with us!"
"Protect us from the Seven Calamities!"
The Empire's people, whose faith had nearly withered away, now gathered in small clusters to pray.
It had become a common sight throughout the Capital in recent days.
Yet on the other side of fortune, someone had crumbled overnight.
"Depose the Crown Prince!"
"Hold him accountable for endangering the Capital!"
Across from those praying to the Divine, what appeared to be students had gathered to protest.
The Crown Prince Edgar had reportedly lost his mind. With public sentiment running so fierce, he would surely be unable to show his face publicly going forward.
"If they discover the young lady, it will become troublesome."
"I understand, Olive."
I pulled my hood lower and bowed my head. Fortunately, no one noticed us.
Those praying lifted a portrait of Ash high into the air.
Watching them, I felt something stir within me.
"The complexity of your feelings now is proof that your heart functions properly. Grand Duke Ash used you, and this is the result of that manipulation upon the people's sentiment."
Olive spoke to me.
"...Just like before, Olive—is emotional counseling part of a butler's duties?"
"Ensuring the mental and physical well-being of family members to maintain their optimal condition is precisely my responsibility as a butler."
"Ah, of course."
I nodded in acceptance.
'By now, he should have received my message. What could Ash be doing?'
I wondered.
Had everything Ash had done for me been calculated? Every single act?
Had he known all along that Marigold was involved with the Crown Prince?
Was even the Crown Prince's fascination with the Seal of Lust something Ash had orchestrated?
Where did the pretense end and the truth begin?
'But there are things I'm grateful for. Is it right to suspect Ash entirely?'
Unresolved relationships and feelings always lingered in one's mind.
I simply wanted to see him. Whether out of anger, disappointment, or mere longing.
"In any case, Cyril would never neglect a family member's concerns. He would not grow angry no matter how many times you seek counsel. And neither would I."
Spring was drawing near. The sunlight was brilliant.
I hesitated before asking.
"What if my lack of hatred for Ash means I'm foolish? Uncle Cyril said so himself—that Ash used me to some extent."
"No, that's simply how he is. One might even call it generosity."
"But what if Ash has done so much for me, yet I feel no gratitude and despise him intensely instead?"
"That too is merely who you are. You need not justify yourself to yourself regarding what kind of person you are. Your feelings belong to you alone."
"...Olive, you're not merely a martial arts instructor. You're a remarkable adult from whom I have much to learn."
Olive regarded me in silence for a moment.
"I would not say such things to another."
"...Why?"
"You inspire generosity in people. You are a family member worth the effort of caring for."
I felt my heart grow a little warmer.
That night, as I changed into my nightclothes, I recalled Paula's pathetic state.
A sense of liberation still lingered in my heart.
'Ash said it—that I would find my true self only after speaking my mind to each family member.'
He promised to remake me anew. Those words felt like magic.
I lay slowly in bed, focusing on the turbulence within my heart. By the time sleep came, my mind had grown peaceful.
'It seems I'm not the type to dwell on things for long.'
How fortunate that was. A lifetime spent in anguish might transform me into some notorious villainess. Living brightly and simply seemed preferable.
That way, I could become a better person.
* * *
Ash maintained a total of three residences throughout the Capital.
The first was the Blue-Roofed Two-Story House where Marin and his closest companions resided.
The second was a quiet mansion on Latier Street, an inheritance from his deceased father.
The third was Bluehill Mansion, owned by the Capital Grand Temple and situated in the heart of the Capital.
When spring arrived, the branches of Bluehill Mansion's trees cascaded beneath its blue roof, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The residence, prepared exclusively for distinguished guests, possessed an exquisite beauty.
Ash sat reclined in a chair on the terrace of Bluehill Mansion, perusing documents.
"Miss Violet Everdin has sent you a letter."
Gran entered shortly after, extending a single envelope.
"Did you read what it says?"
"How could I possibly read Miss Violet Everdin's letter?"
"Wasn't it 'Miss Violet' before?"
"When circumstances change, so do the proper forms of address."
Gran shrugged with a laugh. Only then did Ash lift his gaze to regard him.
These past days had consumed me with countless matters, leaving no time for sleep even through the nights.
Ash slowly opened the letter.
"What circumstances have changed?"
"Are you planning to propose?"
At Gran's sudden question, Ash's hand holding the letter froze. His expression vanished before a smile bloomed across his face.
"Did Marin say something like that? Is she so eager to design Violet's wedding dress?"
"Everyone in the world, to put it extremely. The entire world seems to be saying 'you two should date.' A beautiful young woman and a beautiful young man who saved the nation—it would be strange if people weren't excited about it."
"So you foolishly let yourself be swept up in the world's gossip and carelessly wag your tongue at your master?"
Ash's eyes sharpened. Gran rolled his eyes and spoke.
"No, I'm advising my lord. That young lady is the ideal bride any person of power would desire. She will likely become a Sword Master, and she possesses tremendous personal charm."
"I am not a beast to be grafted onto anyone. If someone approaches me carelessly and proposes simply because it seems acceptable, that is not a person—that is a beast."
Ash reflected. But if I am a beast, then Violet Everdin is also a beast?
Not a beast, but a spirit creature. A small, beautiful puppy, perhaps. Yet her gaze burns with such unwavering strength and intensity....
Ash halted his thoughts. Lately, he found himself lost in such pointless musings.
A smile etched itself across Ash's lips as he read the letter's contents.
"She has sent a letter of dissolution to Bludin, it seems. Now she is officially without a fiancé."
Though in truth, she had been without one all along.
"You have succeeded in your push and pull strategy."
"...Does your lord appear to be in a romantic relationship with that woman?"
"You devoted such effort to treating her well all this time, yet suddenly severed contact—it certainly could appear that way."
A cruel and sharp smile carved itself across Ash's lips as he regarded Gran with his arm propped against the armrest.
"Violet has become famous through this incident, but she has swallowed both the flower and the poison."
"The flower being fame, and the poison being the Imperial Family's mark upon her? That is correct. The Imperial Family will remember Miss Violet Everdin."
"Unless she lives as quietly as the dead, her life will become arduous from this point forward. The Imperial Family is petty and relentless."
Gran nodded as though he understood completely.
"Therefore, Violet has no choice but to rely on me from now on. The easiest way to make her mine is simply to let her be."
Then Violet will make the first move.
Whether she approaches me or flees—if she tries to run, I'll follow and tend to her heart.
If she takes even a single step toward me, that would be best. I will propose to her. I will make her my wife.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org