Chapter 78
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Violet's First Words - Episode 78
Beyond that, all the recruitment conditions Rota presented were excellent.
I could join as a full knight immediately without an apprenticeship period. I could contract for as long as I wished, and the terms included room and board plus a generous salary from the first year.
"I hesitate to say this myself, but these are extraordinary conditions. At minimum, joining without an apprenticeship period is the first time in several years."
Rota said.
"...Speaking of which, am I the only new recruit this year?"
"If you're asking whether we're welcoming only one new member, that's not quite the case."
Rota answered carefully.
"It seems there's an abundance of talent this year? I heard you hadn't recruited new members for several years."
"Well, the other person joining us this year isn't a new knight, you see..."
That was the moment.
Violet suddenly sensed someone's presence. They had approached within arm's reach without a sound.
She set down her teacup and turned her head.
A man in pristine white ceremonial armor stood behind Violet's chair, one hand resting against the gazebo's pillar.
When she hastily averted her gaze, he lowered his head to meet her eyes and smiled.
It was Ash.
"Hello, Violet. I've been dying to see you."
Ash spoke softly. Violet's eyes widened.
"Why are you here?"
A scent like a gentle forest, masculine undertones within it, a sweet sandalwood fragrance. That aroma enveloped Violet.
"Why else? I came to see you."
Ash said brazenly, then looked up at Rota. Rota appeared flustered.
"Your name was Rota, wasn't it?"
"Yes, that's correct. I—"
"When recruitment candidates arrive, inform me as well. Why didn't you? A superior is present."
"I sincerely apologize. Today I had planned to give Violet Everdin a thorough facility tour only, so I was careless. I should have informed you immediately!"
Violet looked at Rota, seeking an explanation.
Rota lifted her thin lips in a smile and spoke.
"This is Ash Ravens, our Holy Knight Order's newly appointed special advisor."
The new member Rota had mentioned earlier—it was Ash.
'Why are you everywhere?'
Violet was dumbfounded. Simultaneously, she wondered if Ash was toying with her.
Violet already knew multiple titles that Ash held.
Grand Duke of Kaizeria, Inquisitor General, and now serving as Imperial Royalty. After this would come Academy Trustee.
"Is there really any need for you to personally guide Violet around? There's an idle superior right here."
Ash gazed at Rota. Rota, catching the hint, rose from her seat.
"Since you two know each other, I'll give you some time to talk privately. I'll be back shortly."
Rota spoke quickly and disappeared. She was perceptive.
The two of them sat facing each other in a small gazebo.
I couldn't help but suspect that with everything that had happened recently, Ash might be manipulating something behind the scenes again.
Still, I trusted him.
Ash wouldn't harm me—at least that much I knew for certain.
But I also understood well that I couldn't fathom all his true intentions.
Violet asked directly.
"Ash, the invitation I received to join the Shatra Holy Knight Order—did you have something to do with that behind the scenes?"
"Are you asking if I wielded some vast hidden power to get you into the Shatra Holy Knight Order?"
"...I did suspect something like that."
"Even if I'm the son of the Holy Empress of Kaizeria, I can't manipulate all the Temple institutions as I please."
It felt like there was more to it than that. Violet stared at Ash intently.
"But you really didn't know I'd receive this invitation?"
"You're as sharp as ever. I did know."
"Then what is this? Do you want something from me again?"
"I simply wish for you to be safe and well."
"Ash."
"But why has such wariness crept into the way you look at me, my dear Violet Everdin?"
Ash spoke gently, his voice seeming to seep into her heart. Violet had to focus her mind to resist his charm.
Moreover, something about Ash's presence had shifted. Was it because she now knew his true identity?
A faint edge gleamed in Ash's eyes, and he now resembled a man in his full maturity.
This was the source of that subtle dissonance she'd felt each time she saw him recently.
"I think I'm beginning to understand you better now, Ash."
"I'm delighted. I'd be happy to let you know me even better."
"You don't really need a position in the Shatra Holy Knight Order. You already have more popularity than you could ask for. There's nothing this order could give you."
"According to the logic you presented before, what I need is a bride, isn't it?"
Ash spoke without hesitation.
For a moment, I was at a loss for words. My cheeks nearly flushed.
"The Shatra Holy Knight Order couldn't possibly give you that. Unless you mean any renowned woman would do."
"That's right. There's only one woman I desperately desire. Heaven knows it, the world knows it, and my subordinates know it."
"..."
"Only Violet Everdin doesn't seem to know."
Violet tilted her head away, avoiding Ash's gaze.
"Ash, this may be just one of many things for you, but I absolutely must join this order."
I hadn't come here to play. This place was connected to Cyril's life.
He was my only guardian in this entire world. The only family I wanted to protect.
"So please, don't tease me about this. At least not here."
"You're dealing with something serious, aren't you?"
Ash's expression shifted. I realized my mistake.
"Regardless, I'm going to join this Knight Order."
"Why?"
"Why? Because this Knight Order is... famous. It's the kind of place I've always dreamed of...."
In the novel, Lady Rosenis's profession was also that of a Holy Knight. So it wasn't an unusual thing to say, but....
My cheeks flushed crimson in an instant. I remembered passionately declaring to Ash that I wanted to become Lady Rosenis.
"Then I should respect that."
"Right, even if I join the Knight Order, treat me like an ordinary knight."
"Truly, you won't regret this?"
"...."
"Is there truly nothing we could help each other with, Violet Everdin? As if we've laid bare our hearts and wagered everything on one another."
Ash whispered softly.
I rose from my seat.
"If you joke around again, I'm leaving. I won't tolerate insincere words."
Ash's eyes smiled.
'Perhaps it's better that Ash is here.'
In any case, having Ash would be advantageous for investigating this Knight Order.
Since this was the place that had caused my Uncle's death, I absolutely had to unearth every secret about this Knight Order.
It was shameless, but thinking of it that way eased my heart.
"Then shall we go to my residence and discuss this quietly? About what's been happening."
I felt a chill. How on earth was he so perceptive?
I gazed at Ash without speaking.
Soon, Rota appeared promptly.
"Have you two conversed sufficiently? Would you like to tour more? If there's nowhere else to see, I shall have a carriage brought to escort Miss Violet."
I nodded in affirmation.
"Violet, next time don't ride in anyone else's carriage. This time, I'll let it pass."
Ash whispered quietly into my ear.
Then, without another word, he sent me off.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org