Chapter 72
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Violet's First Words - Episode 72
"Oh, don't be so startled."
"How can I not be? How could you possibly marry a character from a novel?"
"The author of that book is a Prophet. To be precise, it's a prophecy regarding Ash's future bride, and a fictional story created with his future bride as the protagonist."
"...."
"Listen carefully. Ash's mother is the Holy Empress of Kaizeria, an extraordinarily wealthy nation. She's among the most powerful figures in this world."
"Well, I know that much."
"But as you know, Ash's father, Rivan Fatherfall, was in a coma for a very long time. Moreover, Ash's father's identity remained a secret until now. So imagine what situation the Holy Empress must have been in?"
"...It must have been difficult. But more importantly, are you allowed to tell me such things?"
"That much is fine to share. In any case, while the Holy Empress is the head of an immensely powerful clan, that alone wouldn't make her the Holy Empress of Kaizeria."
"She must have possessed exceptional abilities and cunning. And...."
"Exactly. She's a Prophet. In her prime, she was truly formidable."
"So she's not as powerful now as she was then?"
"Well, Prophets are better off making fewer prophecies. There's something called the Heavenly Secret—if you prophesy too much, there are side effects. The Holy Empress exhausted herself making too many prophecies for our victory, and so...."
Marin, who had been speaking at length, suddenly closed her mouth. Violet wanted to hear more and urged her to continue, but Marin hastily changed the subject.
"In any case, one day the Holy Empress saw Ash's future wife through a dream."
"...A wife from the distant future?"
"Yes, from more than a decade in the future. In that future, Ash walked the Path of Light and was praised by all people in the world, and he married a woman of Kaizerian descent. A woman who walked the same Path of Light as Ash."
"...."
"She only glimpsed a very brief, fragmented future, but even so, she said it was beautiful to see how deeply Ash and this woman loved each other. Inspired by that vision, she wrote a novel as a hobby—【The Tale of Lady Rosenis】."
Violet pondered this. 'The Lady Rosenis book was published more than a decade ago.' Violet herself continued to glimpse the future through visions that allowed her to peer into what was to come. If Ash's mother had truly seen the future, then that future bride was not Violet. 'Perhaps she saw the same future I did.' In the vision, Violet was hanged to death as a consequence of her misdeeds. It was true that she had mentally resolved her relationship with Ash. Yet despite that resolution, a wave of pain passed through her heart. 'It feels like a final confirmation. So Ash and I truly aren't fated to be together.' Perhaps her spiritual discipline was still insufficient. She couldn't bring herself to applaud and celebrate Ash meeting his destined woman in the future.
"But how did you come to love that novel so much?"
"I lived in the Attic, you see. It was cold in winter and hot in summer, and the ceiling was so low I even prayed my height wouldn't grow any more. It was then that I happened to read that novel, and Lady Rosenis's childhood was just as unhappy as mine. So I suppose I projected myself onto the novel's protagonist."
"My goodness, she would be absolutely delighted to hear that. The Holy Empress's childhood dream was to become a novelist. A rather childishly satisfying one at that—a writer of cathartic revenge stories."
Violet felt a fondness toward Ash's Mother. She was just like Violet.
"So everything in the story of Lady Rosenis is a prophecy of the future?"
"Oh, not at all. She only borrowed the protagonist's character, you see. All the other incidents have nothing to do with what happens in the future, or so she said. Though honestly, it's hard to know what's really going on in her mind."
Violet smiled faintly.
"I never imagined Ash would have such a destined bride in the future."
A brief silence settled over them. Marin watched Violet's expression carefully.
"Anyway, can I come visit often from now on?"
"Of course. I'm so happy you came today."
Marin's shoulders rose slightly at those words.
"What about Gran? Can Gran get to know you too?"
"Gran... I've never really thought deeply about that?"
"Gran wanted to see you once."
"It's fine."
Violet said.
And two hours later.
"So you said in front of Ash that you wanted to resemble Lady Rosenis, that you would definitely become like her? That's basically a direct confession."
How had things come to this? Violet watched Gran tilt a wine glass before her. 'I said it was fine to meet Gran, but I didn't expect him to come so soon.' Olive silently set out food and told them to eat, then disappeared again.
"Um... but do the High Priests of the Kaizerian Theocracy usually drink?"
There was a certain prejudice that people from Kaizeria didn't drink and lived holy, quiet lives.
"Alcohol is a special gift bestowed by the Divine. Of course, it's forbidden within the Grand Temple."
Gran said.
"That's why Gran uses that as an excuse—the moment he leaves the Grand Temple, he becomes a drunkard. Actually, he sneaks drinks even inside the Grand Temple."
Marin said bluntly. Gran shrugged.
"Anyway, I'm glad I came here today. This is a story that will make us happy for years to come."
"What is?"
"That you said you wanted to become Lady Rosenis."
Violet took a moment to understand Gran's words. Then she succeeded. 'Wait. If Lady Rosenis is Ash's destined bride, then I definitely said something like Lady Rosenis is my goal, my ideal—' I want to become your ideal woman. I want to become the bride foretold in your future. 'I basically made a confession that staked my very soul!' Violet's face went pale.
"That novel holds great meaning for us as well."
"For someone so perfectly flawless, so colorless and odorless—like a perfect poison."
Gran said.
"It's the only humanity we can tease him about."
Marin spoke up.
"Why would you tease Ash about something like that?"
Violet found herself embarrassed as she considered it.
"The Emperor wrote 'The Tale of Lady Rosenis' a very long time ago, you see."
"So until he turned fifteen, he genuinely believed he was betrothed to Lady Rosenis. He actually recognized the fictional character as his future bride."
"Ah yes, according to the Emperor, young Ash was absolutely adorable when he spoke of Lady Rosenis with his cheeks flushed red. Can you imagine such a thing?"
Marin's expression turned bitter.
"We've known him too long to be fooled by that face. We know how terrifying what lies beneath truly is."
Perhaps Ash had possessed an imaginary friend as well. A false companion, as children often conjured in their youth. 'Could Lady Rosenis have been such a presence for Ash?' Violet pondered this. 'But setting that aside...' She felt as though she might faint from sheer mortification. Violet had no idea how she would face Ash the next time they met.
"Well then, I've enjoyed the meal immensely. Shall I offer a blessing prayer to the divine at no cost next time?"
It was common knowledge that the High Priest's blessing prayers required substantial donations to receive.
"If Olive wishes it."
Gran rose from his seat. Olive appeared expressionless and regarded Gran.
"Hospitality to guests is a natural courtesy, so offering prayers in return would be inappropriate."
Gran nodded in understanding.
"But Gran, what are you doing here anyway?"
Violet asked carefully.
"Ah, I'm here on Brown's errand." Gran withdrew a document from the bag he had brought. Violet accepted it.
"The mediation date has been set. It's the mediation date for the settlement agreement."
"...So I'll be meeting Father that day."
"I wish you fortune. Of course, you'll handle it well regardless."
Violet nodded.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org