Chapter 64
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Violet's First Words - Episode 64
I tilted my head in confusion.
"What is this?"
"You have the talent of a Barrier Master. Not everyone can perceive the characters within barriers."
Cyril's explanation was brief. Ordinary people could perceive barriers too. However, they only recognized them as clusters of light. Furthermore, those who wielded mana could identify forms within those luminous clusters and recognize them as barriers.
"And those with the talent of a Barrier Master can discern the characters and symbols within those barriers."
"...Then."
In that moment, I recalled my first premonition of the future. Certainly, just before the execution, the herald had cried out those very words.
【The Conductor of Malice, the Sorcerer of Barriers, the first of humanity to construct a mana circle of the tenth tier...】
The Sorcerer of Barriers. That phrase had definitely been there. I lifted my head.
"The talent of a Barrier Master is... something you're born with, isn't it?"
"Of course. Well, it's hardly surprising. Rare abilities like those of Barrier Masters typically run through bloodlines. Since I'm a Barrier Master, it's not strange that the talent passed to you."
Even if both parents were Barrier Masters, their children weren't necessarily born with the talent. Conversely, Barrier Masters sometimes appeared like mutations, emerging suddenly. The same held true for other specialized mages. But what was certain was that the lineage of the gifted had a high probability of continuing.
"Are there other Barrier Masters in our family besides Cyril Uncle?"
"Why do you think we're nobility, however minor? Your great-grandfather was a Barrier Master. Well, after him, no one with particular talent was born, so our house fell into decline. That's why I awakened to my own talent so late."
"Still, I'm delighted that I resemble Cyril Uncle even a little."
Cyril didn't show it outwardly, but he appeared deeply pleased.
"However, becoming a Barrier Master is no simple matter. It requires years of study. You must never carelessly touch or manipulate barriers once you can perceive them. Especially not the barriers of an ancient vault!"
At that time, I had broken into Father's vault, believing what lay within to be a mana circuit. But thinking back now, that too must have been a type of barrier. A mana circuit was literally a physical circuit carved from mana stones. A barrier was entirely magical in nature, possessing no physical form.
"You speak truly, Cyril. I must not touch the barriers. Perception alone does not grant mastery."
"Understood. If even Olive says so... But could I become a Barrier Master if I studied?"
"I don't recommend it. I told you—it requires years of study. Your talent as a knight is already exceptional, and time is limited."
Truthfully, I didn't particularly desire to become a Barrier Master. My goal to become a knight, however, remained unwavering. I accepted his words.
"Barrier Masters are those who deal with ancient seals and artifacts created by demons. Such seals typically harbor malevolent energy and deep demonic essence. Especially when one touches seals made by demons, explosive demonic power erupts. That's why most Barrier Masters begin building their resistance to demonic energy as early as five years old. However, Cyril, you started your Barrier Master training late, so your resistance to demonic energy is weaker than other Barrier Masters."
"Stop spouting nonsense, Olive."
"My point is, to become a Barrier Master, one must first undergo training to block demonic energy, which takes considerable time and involves a painful process. I've concluded you didn't want me to endure such suffering."
Olive finished speaking without regard for Cyril's protest. I realized that Cyril was indeed someone who cared for me. So Cyril didn't want me to undergo training to receive demonic energy. Because it involved pain.
"I'll respect your wishes, Uncle. I'll try my best not to touch seals recklessly."
The key word being "try my best."
It wasn't technically a lie. If it meant saving the people I cherished, including Uncle and Olive, I could touch them if necessary.
"Now then, did you break into Father's vault and copy the ledger of illicit dealings?"
Cyril's voice turned sharp.
"I know I was wrong. But...."
"You were wrong! There are several ledgers, yet you only stole one?"
"...What?"
"And if there's an illicit ledger, there must be a secret vault too. A method to open ancient vaults? If such a thing exists, you should have told me sooner. Shouldn't you also raid the slush funds?"
"...So stealing only one ledger was the mistake?!"
I had forgotten. That Cyril was also a strange person.
"Well, now that you've mentioned it, so be it. Insurance is indeed necessary, as you said. Insurance to silence Geoffrey. And besides...."
A combative smile spread across Cyril's lips.
"How could I, as your uncle, fail to help with something you ask for?"
Olive approached quietly.
"Olive, find out where he's moved the illicit ledger to. Let's break in secretly."
"Uncle, you're amazing! This time, I'll open the vault again...."
"You've already shown me the method. This time, I'll open it."
I wanted to stand up and applaud. Uncle truly was an amazing person!
"Truly, what a constructive family this is. A harmonious household is a sign that I'm fulfilling my duties as a butler, which is a good thing."
Olive spoke earnestly. She was always sincere in everything she said. Both I and Cyril had grown accustomed to Olive's manner of speaking by now. We simply accepted it and didn't even bother responding.
"Then Uncle, let me explain the method I used to open the vault. It's an ancient vault created by a craftsman named Ruhan...."
* * *
Thus, Cyril casually secured additional ledgers documenting Geoffrey's illicit dealings.
"You actually managed that?"
Violet was utterly dumbfounded. One night, Cyril had simply announced, "Well then, I'll go pilfer those ledgers," and vanished with Olive. When he returned, he was genuinely carrying several ledgers. And he had truly come back with several account books in hand.
"Don't you know the current state of your father's Company? It's in complete disarray."
Father operated the Company. It was a shop that sold accessories and clothing to the nobility. The problem was that the Company's reputation was equally vital. The nobility scrutinized their luxury purchases carefully. In other words, Father's Company reputation—currently embroiled in a legal battle with his own daughter—had plummeted to rock bottom. He was apparently running about frantically, trying to settle debts everywhere.
"A heartless biological father who abused Violet Everdin, beloved by all the world. That's the current consensus about your father."
"I've always lived under people's contempt, so it's rather strange. Now it feels as though the public is on my side."
"Does that bother you?"
"Honestly, I don't think much about it. I suppose that's just how I am."
Violet shrugged her shoulders.
"Anyway, how did you figure out how to open Ruhan's vault? How on earth did you discover that?"
"Why?"
Violet asked carefully. The reason I had learned how to open Ruhan's vault was simple. I had seen my future self through a precognitive vision and learned from her.
"Ruhan was one of the supreme Barrier Masters who existed in ancient times. That man painstakingly learned the techniques of the demon race and left behind several works requiring barriers, including the vault. The vault contained a staggering twenty-seven barriers. Finding the barrier that served as the key among them and modifying only that one to open it? Well, I know because you told me."
"Was that... difficult work?"
"Difficult doesn't begin to describe it. If I had touched even one incorrect barrier among those twenty-seven, an alarm would have sounded immediately from the vault, and all the barriers would have been deactivated."
"..."
Good heavens. The woman who had become history's greatest villainess was a genius thief. Should I even call this remarkable? Violet noticed Cyril watching her with an odd expression and swallowed dryly.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org