Chapter 63
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
Violet's First Words - Episode 63
"Today feels like it will be a good day."
Ash spoke softly, his gaze drifting from the window.
I didn't even bother to point out that we were currently trapped within the Imperial Palace—a place as hellish as the gaping maw of perdition itself.
Gran understood in that moment. This cold, icy prince was genuinely sincere about Violet.
"At least there's a handful of morning sunlight, after all."
Gran shrugged his shoulders.
* * *
After enduring an exhausting schedule since morning, I returned with my shoulders completely drained of strength.
"People seemed delighted when I distributed the flowers."
"At first, I intended to give them to the people gathered in front of the residence, but I decided against it when I realized journalists were among them. I didn't want them to sensationalize the matter."
So I had planned to go to the Plaza and let anyone take the flowers freely.
But a group of children came running, shouting "The Capital's most beautiful lady is giving out flowers!" and the distribution turned into a one-by-one affair.
'Please, anything but that title....'
The name "Winter Queen" felt both weighty and shameful.
Before going out, Cyril had called for Violet.
"So, have you thought about what you'll do going forward?"
"Yes, I... I still want to become a knight."
"Why a knight? You could also become a Spirit Mage and study at the Magic Tower."
Cyril asked, sitting with a slight frown.
"When I was young, I heard that I had the constitution to handle mana well and possessed the physique of a knight. I thought then that if I became a knight, I could do good deeds and not burden my family."
Of course, the fact that Lady Rosenis was a female knight also played a role.
"There are many types of knights. The best path is to join the Imperial Court or Temple Knight Order and begin your knightly career."
That was the most elite route.
"Yes, I understand."
Violet's Academy classmates were likely taking fierce entrance examinations for the Knight Orders around this time.
Those with excellent grades had probably already received recruitment offers.
"If not that, there's also the path of becoming a mercenary. You couldn't stay in the Capital, but there's plenty of work for Mercenary Companies in the outer regions. First-rate mercenaries can earn substantial income."
"Uncle... what do you think?"
"In my opinion, there's no need to work just yet. If you need time to settle your heart, that would be acceptable too."
"But if I get employment, I can pay for my living expenses—"
"Your worrying about living expenses here crushes my pride. So stop talking nonsense and finish completing yourself."
Violet smiled.
"But everything has its proper timing, doesn't it? I heard the Knight Order won't even recruit newcomers if they're too old."
"With your talent, you could become anything. And if it really doesn't work out, I'll hire you at my company."
"Your company, Uncle?"
Her eyes widened at those words.
"My company travels through many dangerous places, so I constantly need security. I can certainly provide appropriate compensation. Think of it as insurance."
Working alongside Cyril Uncle. The mere thought thrilled me.
In that moment, Violet thought to herself.
'Have I just been born with a silver spoon in my mouth?'
It wasn't easy to have a guardian capable and generous enough to take responsibility for both present and future.
Violet resolved to repay Cyril Uncle's kindness with filial devotion.
'Now that I think about it, I've seen a future vision where Cyril Uncle goes mad and dies.'
I had never forgotten it. But it was far too vague.
'Going mad is ultimately a sickness of the heart. I'll need to watch over Uncle carefully from his side, protect him, and care for him with happiness.'
Violet was fond of Cyril Uncle.
But Cyril Uncle was difficult in a different way than Ash. He was always busy, and it was hard to approach him casually.
'I'll definitely grow closer to Uncle and become a warm family with him.'
Violet set a long-term goal for herself.
"By the way, Uncle."
"Hmm?"
"...About lust, one of the Seven Calamities. That's a type of barrier, isn't it?"
"To be precise, you need a magical circle for a barrier to exist. A magical circle is a rune, and barriers are formed when those runes gather together. A Barrier Master is ultimately someone who reads and manipulates runes. That's the foundation of barrier magic."
It was something I already knew well. I'd learned that much at the Academy.
"The Crown Prince was nearly entranced by lust, one of the Seven Calamities, and lost his senses. Could there be many runes of that type? For example, ones that make people commit suicide?"
"There are many runes that bewitch people or drive them temporarily mad. But runes powerful enough to cause death... well, I'd say they're rare. If I had to say—"
"..."
"Only ancient runes as powerful as the Seven Calamities themselves could drive someone to suicide."
As the saying goes, you can know the depths of ten fathoms of water, but never the depths of a human heart.
Violet had long wondered if Cyril Uncle's death in the future might stem from some change in his state of mind.
But the Cyril Uncle she'd come to live with proved to be a mentally healthier person than she'd expected.
He had strong willpower and dependents to care for—namely, Olive.
For such a person to have taken his own life seemed truly strange.
'Then could the Seven Calamities be involved in Uncle's death a decade from now?'
Violet swallowed hard.
"What if I hadn't been there? What would have happened then?"
"The Kaizeria Priests who were on standby would have stepped in. Barrier Masters exist among mercenaries like me, but also among the priesthood."
"..."
Violet committed the Seven Calamities to memory.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Uncle, I'll stay by your side and protect you for a long time. I'll make sure nothing painful or difficult ever happens to you."
"What are you suddenly saying? That's creepy."
Violet smiled faintly.
"It's nothing, really. I've said it many times before, but I'm truly grateful that Uncle accepted me."
"Nonsense. I'm a busy man—I can't entertain every strange thing you say."
"Yes, Uncle."
"...And frankly, it's a relief that Geoffrey, that madman, hasn't made any particular moves. After getting thoroughly beaten once, he hasn't shown his face again, has he?"
"That's right. Though I think I know why."
"...Why, then?"
"Ah, I raided Father's ledger of illicit dealings! I only found the seventh volume out of seven total ledgers, but still."
"How? Does that household just leave corruption ledgers lying around?"
Violet laughed bashfully.
"I opened Father's safe. It's an ancient one, and since adjusting mana circuits happens to be my specialty, it was quite easy."
Cyril fell silent for a moment.
"You cracked an ancient safe."
"Yes! I couldn't come to Uncle without some leverage against Father. If Father were to trouble you, I needed at least one weakness to expose... or so I thought..."
Cyril's expression grew increasingly peculiar.
"Olive, bring me the box from my study."
Cyril said this.
Moments later, Olive returned carrying a certain box.
It was literally a box—an ordinary wooden object fitted with a clasp.
"Look carefully inside. What do you see?"
Cyril opened the box.
A small, circular seal appeared. Cyril inserted his hand into the seal and slowly moved the geometric pattern.
The intricate geometric shapes followed Cyril's hand. Then came a soft click.
"How did you make the letters appear? I can see them now. This is written in ancient script as 'open,' isn't it? Ah!"
In that instant, the barrier shimmered with light and slowly dissolved.
Cyril and Olive exchanged glances.
"You really are a genius, aren't you?"
Cyril spoke with genuine gravity.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org