Chapter 67
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Violet's First Words - Episode 67
"...What?!"
Blacklist. It was a punishment given to current students or graduates who had committed serious offenses at the Academy—such as blasphemy, treason, or heinous crimes. Multiple organizations and institutions, including the First-Class Knight Order, were notified: "Do not recruit this student under any circumstances."
A social death sentence.
"So the Academy intends to execute you socially, Miss."
"I already withdrew. And they're still doing this?"
"Apparently, they made the decision based on your reputation during your time as a student, regardless of your withdrawal."
A bitter smile twisted across my lips.
"Of course, I did throw my withdrawal letter directly onto the Dean's head. Are they making an issue of that?"
"Such an incident occurred? If Cyril knew, he would suffer considerable mental distress. Did you act alone?"
"No, naturally with Ash...."
"Then this isn't because of that. There's no mention of the Duke of Ravens. This is simple retaliation."
I bit my lip.
"Why would they do such a thing to me, ah...."
Suspension. I had been unjustly suspended for completing a proxy assignment for Marigold.
<During her time in the Knight Division, Violet Everdin had numerous interpersonal issues. She failed multiple courses and had conflicts with her instructors. She even assaulted fellow trainees. She consistently received the lowest grades on her transcripts. As evidence, she has a record of suspension, and her withdrawal was submitted because she received a recommendation for expulsion. Given Violet Everdin's serious behavioral problems, the assumption that the Academy failed to recognize her talent is unfounded. Therefore, if she were to serve in the First-Class Knight Order, she might cause considerable harm to her colleagues...>
"Assault? Sparring matches are common in the Knight Division. This is absurd."
It was utter nonsense. I gauged their true intentions.
"It seems my prominence at the Academy is quite bothersome to them."
"The Academy itself has become a target of criticism for failing to recognize Miss Violet's talent. Frankly, it's criticism not worth heeding. However... the problem is that evidence like suspension and academic records will remain."
"But this is a baseless accusation. There has to be a limit to how much they can push a false narrative."
"Analyzing the situation, it appears they believe Duke Ravens is too high-ranking to touch, but Miss Violet is worth attempting to pressure."
"...If this is coercion, then they must want something from me."
Cyril, who returned home in the afternoon after reading this absurd affair in the newspaper, shared my sentiment. Cyril spoke without expression.
"Predictable. They want to ride on your name. You said Ash withdrew?"
"...Yes, he said he didn't want to be recorded as an Academy alumnus going forward."
"That's what they're after. They'll correct this record and lift the blacklist in exchange for you formally returning to the Academy and graduating."
It was what I had anticipated. A cynical smile played at my lips. 'Honestly, I couldn't care less about others' judgments.' But this time, a trial involving Ash was at stake. Brown had said I needed to maintain a good reputation until the trial verdict was reached. 'I'm beginning to feel genuinely angry.' It would be better to leave the past in the past, so why must they provoke me? I stared at the newspaper article.
* * *
"Violet Everdin, how dare a mere girl! Do you remember what happened when she enrolled? When everyone rose up in protest, saying we couldn't possibly admit a lowborn bastard to the Academy? Didn't her father beg and plead, gathering every recommendation letter he could find, just to get her admitted?"
The current Dean of the Academy. Herbert Gallerville slammed his desk with a loud bang, his face flushed with anger. Standing beside him, flattering him, was Academy Professor Sierra.
"You're absolutely right, Dean. Her father said it back then, didn't he? That his daughter was so lacking he needed her to have the credentials of an Academy graduate just to arrange a betrothal? And after we let such a girl attend the Academy, she shows no gratitude—" "This is all because of you, Professor Sierra Muen! Why did you have to side with Marigold and suggest expulsion!"
Sierra's face flushed red. Sierra was one of the Academy's most prominent Crown Prince supporters. Crown Prince Edgar had become nearly irredeemable after the recent Seal of Lust incident. Criticism poured in from the Empire's citizens and the Nobility Council alike—he couldn't even leave his residence, they said. Moreover, rumors circulated that his mind had become unstable. At this rate, his deposition was only a matter of time. Since Marigold had also become a cripple, Sierra was a kite with its string cut.
"That's why we need to strike first! We can't let a girl like this, who disrespects the Academy, run wild. Even if people are praising her now, that reputation is shallow. I'm about to be blacklisted and my future ruined—won't she come crawling to apologize?"
"...Hmm, well, that's true."
"When Violet Everdin comes to ask us to remove her from the blacklist, we can reinstate her then and give her the title of Academy graduate. That way, whenever that girl Violet succeeds in the future, it will reflect well on you, Dean—and on our Academy as a whole."
"Well, we could invite her to graduation ceremonies and various events to save face. We do need graduates like that."
Herbert licked his lips with satisfaction.
"See? The media changes its stance in just one day. Until yesterday, that girl's every move was the subject of people's praise, but today the atmosphere is different."
Sierra laughed with a sneer. In truth, Violet had barely responded to the media all this time. She hadn't even given a single interview, so the journalists were beginning to resent her. In fact, this morning alone, articles claimed she had character flaws, that she was originally famous in the Academy for her bizarre personality, and that her eyes had a certain coldness whenever she rarely appeared before the public. One newspaper had published an article slandering Violet.
"After all, people are born with their own vessel, their own status and such, aren't they? No matter what, can someone raised as a bastard ever become the real thing? Can imitation jewelry become genuine? It's just...."
"...."
"Trash."
"Ahem, well, that's true. But the Duke of Ravens—" "The rumor that Violet Everdin is the Duke of Ravens' girlfriend? Even so. With such a difference in status, there's no way they'd be serious. You don't need to worry about that part."
Sierra's eyes gleamed as if she truly envied Violet—as if she couldn't bear that someone so insignificant had suddenly risen to prominence. Herbert, upon reflection, thought Sierra's words made sense. A satisfied smile played across his lips.
* * *
Violet dressed in the most presentable clothes she owned. "When I think about it, while I can't right all the world's injustices, I believe I can at least speak about what I've experienced." "That's an excellent idea." Olive said. Violet smiled softly. "Fortunately, I still have the world's attention. There are journalists camped outside, after all." Violet opened the door. The gazes of the crowd were piercing.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org