Chapter 69
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Violet's First Words - Episode 69
"Beyond this incident involving Miss Violet, there are many who harbor grievances with the Academy's current administration. Should ten or more members of the Academy Board of Directors sign a petition, the Dean can be immediately suspended and removed from office."
But it would not be a mere suspension. Everyone in that room understood it that way.
"Grand Duke Ash Ravens, I apologize for my earlier discourtesy and rudeness. However, this is far too severe a measure!"
Herbert protested even as sweat poured down his face.
"Too severe?"
Ash tilted his head slowly. A faint smile graced his strikingly beautiful face.
"Openly manipulating grades and then slandering the student who raised the issue—is that not what one would call severe? Has age dulled your comprehension so much?"
"...Y-you!"
"Leave at once. Otherwise, next time you'll be meeting the edge of my blade instead of a resignation letter."
Ash spoke softly. Sierra and Herbert stared at each other, trembling. The two fled the room as if their lives depended on it.
* * *
Violet crossed through the Academy Garden. Despite her efforts to maintain composure, her eyes betrayed her mounting anger.
"Violet. Violet Everdin."
Ash followed her. His long legs made it effortless, each stride carrying him forward with ease. 'His pace is genuinely fast.' Yet running away felt beneath me. Somehow... it felt like a blow to my pride. I stopped before the Fountain and spun around to face him.
"You finally look at me now, Violet."
Ash bowed slightly.
"What's all this about? Are you using me again?"
"Using you? You were doing fine on your own. I was impressed today. It seems you won't need any lessons before long—you'll be able to say something cutting to anyone."
Violet pressed her lips firmly together. 'I clearly confessed my feelings and asked to sort things out.' That had required tremendous courage from me. Yet this unchanged attitude of his—what was it? 'If Ash hadn't sent those flowers, I wouldn't be this confused.' That was the worst part. How could he toy with someone's heart like this? Violet, who had initially tried to let it slide, felt her patience beginning to wear thin.
"...Did you eavesdrop on my conversation outside the Dean's Office?"
"Not intentionally. It just seemed like an important moment, and I didn't want to interfere with your moment of glory."
"So you planned this from the beginning. Taking control of the Academy Board of Directors."
"Our paths lead to the same places. So if our footsteps become entangled, that's not my fault."
"Why did you send flowers?"
"I thought it would be what you'd like most. Among flowers, I like Violet best too."
Even Ash's playful demeanor seemed to have intensified! Violet felt a little hurt.
"Why that expression?"
"In my favorite novel, 'The Tale of Lady Rosenis,' there's a scene where someone gives purple flowers. You looked up the novel just to tease me, didn't you, Ash?"
"You thought sending you flowers was me teasing you?"
Ash asked quietly. Violet's feelings became strangely complicated. 'What is this? This feeling like I've made a mistake.' Violet avoided meeting Ash's eyes.
"We agreed to keep our distance. For now, anyway."
"Did I agree to that?"
Ash stepped closer. Their eyes met. Suddenly, I remembered that night's farewell kiss on my cheek. 'Why am I like this?' The scent of flowers from this morning seemed to tickle my nose. My head felt light. Ash's scent was still intoxicating.
"...I didn't say it explicitly, but I thought you understood. I didn't tell you about last night lightly."
"I didn't send flowers because you made it easy."
"..."
"When you gave me that farewell kiss on my cheek last night, aren't you curious what I was thinking then?"
Ash leaned his face toward Violet.
"The moment your lips touched my cheek, I placed my hand on your jaw, looked into your eyes, and spent the night imagining what came next."
"..."
"Don't you think I've been savoring that moment until this very instant?"
Violet's eyes widened. She stared at Ash with an astonished gaze. 'Is this teasing too? But Ash, why do you sound so sincere?' Violet stepped back. My heartbeat had grown so loud it was exhausting.
"If you've confessed, you should hear an answer."
"It wasn't a confession. And I've made my intentions clear. I have no intention of a political marriage."
"Then, what about before that."
"...Before that?"
"Before marriage—holding your hand, becoming your boyfriend, and wanting to love you passionately? Are all those steps rejected too?"
"..."
"I, Ash Defendale, to you, Violet Everdin."
What kind of seduction is this. Violet gently pushed Ash's jaw with her hand.
"You're not Ash Defendale—you're Ash Ravens, the Grand Duke."
But Ash did not yield. Instead, he grasped the hand Violet extended toward him.
"Oh, um—" Ash, smiling brilliantly, slowly kissed Violet's cheek.
"It's good to see you again, Violet Everdin."
A kiss on the cheek was an Imperial greeting, expressing well-wishes for a dear friend one hadn't seen in a long time. However, the Kaizeran greeting—specifically, the custom of the Grand Temple—a kiss on a friend's cheek signified joy at reuniting with someone after a long absence. Violet's face burned with heat.
"Ash, please stop joking around."
"It's not a joke."
Ash spoke without a trace of laughter.
"I'm trying to be sincere with you, Violet Everdin."
"No! Don't do that!"
"Why?"
"Because you're famous, Ash. Just being associated with you would be exhausting. And besides—" "You've forgiven what happened before, but you're afraid I might use you again, that I might do something untrustworthy?"
The trembling in Violet's eyes stilled. She regarded Ash with a composed gaze.
"That's why I suggested a new greeting. From now on, I'll do my best to earn your trust, Violet."
"...."
"Will you allow me?"
How could I possibly refuse this? Yet Violet shook her head firmly.
"We're already friends. There's no need to make an effort for trust."
"Cold. But that's what makes you charming, Violet."
"...."
Violet stared at Ash intently. Soon he would make an offer she couldn't refuse. That had been Ash's pattern all along. This time, I decided, I wouldn't get caught up in it.
"Let's end this cold rejection for today. This meeting was truly coincidental. I had always planned to take control of the Board of Directors, and I was going to help you incidentally in that process."
"...."
"I never knew our dear Violet Everdin could handle things so well on her own. It's quite moving, actually."
"I learned how to deliver harsh truths from you, after all."
"So let's end it here for today."
"That's enough. You don't need to say 'for today.' There won't be a tomorrow."
Ash nodded readily.
"Then, what about Marin?"
"...Marin?"
"Marin misses you terribly."
"Marin... I should stay in touch with her. I miss her too...."
Marin was practically my first true friend. Ash was indeed poison. A poison like a flower. A poison whose effects—whether harmful or beneficial—remained unknowable. Once again, I found myself granting a small concession at the end of the day. Even if Ash could be refused, I couldn't bring myself to sever ties with Marin.
"That works out well. Marin will be delighted to see her friend again."
And so I permitted Ash to draw one step closer.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org