Chapter 62
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Violet's First Words - Episode 62
I recalled the moment Violet's lips had touched my cheek. Violet had not merely tormented me with words alone. There was the matter of sensation as well. The instant her touch reached me, my reason nearly fled. My heart had raced, and.... And I felt something rather wicked too. I had wanted to seize that impossibly delicate, pale wrist—one I could scarcely believe belonged to an inspector—and shower her lips with kisses. I had wanted to brush back her hair and feel its texture. In that moment, I had desired her so desperately that it stole my breath. I found myself genuinely lamenting the situation. During the courtship phase, nothing was permitted. Without Violet's consent, I could do nothing whatsoever.
"Then, prepare for an outing. I must spar with the Imperial Family again today. I absolutely must secure the provincial estate lands—my father's legacy—this time."
"I'm well aware you've been deliberating over that matter for days now, sir."
"Before that, there's something more pressing. Send Violet a bouquet of flowers so she doesn't forget me."
"Seeing you start with flowers, it appears you're pursuing a Kaizerian-style courtship. Yet didn't you say you absolutely despise such sentimental displays?"
"As it turns out, I find sentimentality quite to my taste. If I persist with it, I won't be pushed back so mercilessly, will I?"
"Weren't you the one who went to push and pull in the first place?"
"Turns out I'm not the one holding the end of that rope after all."
"But... why do you look so pleased, sir?"
Gran spoke in a daze. I smiled.
"Tell Marin to go find Violet and stay right beside her. That way, she won't forget me."
Gran nodded with an expression as though possessed by a spirit.
"Brown wishes to meet Miss Violet directly regarding the lawsuit matter. What of that?"
"Of course she may meet him. Only not alone. Come to think of it, he's a man too, isn't he?"
"...Well, yes, that's true. Though Brown did marry his work, after all."
Gran answered still wearing that dreamy expression. I began the day with a remarkably clear mind.
* * *
A new morning had dawned. Violet opened her eyes in her room. She gazed into the mirror. 'Ah, I feel refreshed.' Last night's conversation with Ash in front of the Fountain seemed like nothing more than a dream. Yet I had laid bare my honest heart to him. 'And what matters most is that I was true to myself.' Violet smiled as she changed into fresh clothes. To understand one's own heart, one must first be honest with oneself. It was a line from the novel—spoken by Lady Rosenis, whom she revered as a spiritual mentor. Now, as I spoke with each family member in turn and dispelled the darkness within my heart, I began to understand who I truly was. 'I hold no grudges, and I feel disappointment keenly. Yet I am also quick to forgive.' Now that I understood who I was, it was time to decide who I would become. Violet descended the stairs with a light step. Today, she planned to speak with Cyril about her future path. But Cyril was staring at Violet with an utterly bewildered expression.
"Um, well, Uncle...?"
Violet looked toward the Living Room. The entire Living Room was awash in a beautiful violet hue. More precisely, a field of purple flowers had bloomed across the space.
"They came for you."
Violet bent down to examine the bouquet nearest to her at those words. Only a brief card from the sender was attached. 'Ash sent these.' Violet's cheeks flushed crimson. She was utterly flustered, overwhelmed even by the thrill of the moment.
"You went out last night to have it out with Ash, didn't you? You made yourself clear, right?"
"Of course. I was precise. I told him: you may have feelings for me, but I will not consider you as a marriage prospect, we must keep our distance, and I was firm about it!"
"And then what did that fool say?"
"That even as friends, and in other capacities, it wouldn't be the end..."
I thought he meant we shouldn't sever ties entirely... Violet's voice grew smaller.
"...A formidable opponent indeed. That man doesn't seem to be your ordinary power-hungry type."
Cyril replied.
"Then what is Ash, exactly?"
"Who knows. A madman?"
Violet could not deny it. Ash had always been somewhat peculiar. He clung close one moment, then withdrew the next, and then he would say strange things that unsettled her. 'No! I've been reborn as a new person. I won't be swayed by Ash's charms!' Olive emerged from the kitchen and regarded Violet with an expressionless face.
"Miss? Are you quite well?"
"Of course. What on earth is Ash thinking? I can't begin to understand him."
"One thing is certain."
"What is it?"
"The Duke of Ravens is experiencing physical desire for you, Miss."
I found myself at a loss for words.
"In civilized society, when a man sends flowers to a woman, it is a social gesture indicating a desire to grow physically closer. And if he confessed his feelings last night, then at the very least...."
"...At the very least?"
I wondered if there was something wrong with me for seriously engaging with Olive's words.
"He won't let you go."
Olive smiled faintly.
"If anyone lays a hand on my niece, I'll kill them."
Cyril declared with grim resolve. I tried to ignore the pounding of my heart. 'Beauty is stone. One cannot accomplish great things if seduced by beauty!' This too was a saying of Lady Rosenis. I shook my head.
"I don't know. I'd rather not think too deeply about it for now. If I react here, I'll get caught up with Ash again."
"A wise decision. Non-response is the finest strategy and a social signal that raises one's value in the marriage market."
"Olive, please close your mouth!"
Cyril cried out, unable to contain himself.
"I'm certain you're mocking me."
"Why?"
"Filling my room with purple flowers. This...."
It was a confession method from the novel 【The Tale of Lady Rosenis】. It was the method the male protagonist used when courting Lady Rosenis. 'I spoke about a novel I genuinely cherished, and he's using it like this.' I felt a bit angry. Yet the flowers still looked beautiful.
"So what will you do with these flowers? Should we contact that bastard and tell him to take them back?"
"He won't take them back anyway, and that wouldn't be non-response."
I said.
"Then?"
I gazed out the window.
"Miss Violet! I love you!"
Fanatical admirers were shouting from outside.
* * *
Ash sat inside a carriage heading toward the Imperial Palace.
"Isn't Bycoline Street in the opposite direction?"
"Going that way would mean taking a detour."
Gran, seated across from him in the carriage, replied. Who lived on Bycoline Street again...? Ah, Violet Everdin. It was the moment Gran had that thought. Bycoline Street connected to a plaza along the main avenue. And at the far end of that plaza, a crowd had gathered.
"You're so beautiful, Lady Rosenis!"
"Thank you!"
Violet had stepped out onto the street and was distributing purple flowers to the people. Her hair was tied back with a blue ribbon, and she wore a modest dress paired with short leather boots that reached her ankles. Yet beneath the sunlight, her smile was radiant. The sight of a beautiful young woman distributing flowers to the people was like a peaceful painting come to life. 'How unexpected.' In that moment, Gran caught sight of Ash's gaze through the carriage window, fixed upon Violet. Ash appeared remarkably serene, and his eyes could not leave the scene beyond the window.
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