Chapter 81
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Violet's First Words - Episode 81
"I'm right, aren't I, Miss Violet? You two definitely aren't anything like that, correct?"
It's true that Ash and I share no such relationship. So I could simply agree with her statement.
But to openly declare before Ash that we're absolutely nothing to each other...
'Even if it's the truth, isn't the situation a bit awkward?'
The more I speak, the more disadvantaged I become—that's her tactic.
She leaves me feeling unsettled after every exchange.
I recognized this conversational style from somewhere.
It was exactly how Marigold spoke.
'Don't engage. Let it pass.'
I know how to handle this now.
I simply offer a subtle smile and give an ambiguous nod—neither confirming nor denying with just a glance.
"Oh, I see. I suppose I misspoke. Private matters aren't really my place to inquire about, and I apologize. What I meant was, I hope both of you will continue to excel as members of our Holy Knight Order."
Bella stared at me for a moment, then spoke with an embarrassed expression.
"I'm curious about what experiences await us in this order. I'm quite looking forward to it."
I replied. Seeing that she didn't seem upset, Bella appeared relieved.
'Setting aside that strange sense of déjà vu... this Bella person seems flawless on the surface. Beautiful and confident.'
Yet I felt something peculiar.
Bella's actions seemed like a carefully scripted performance.
"I'll certainly consider your suggestion. However, how much information I can share will require consultation with the Emperor, and frankly, we don't have extensive intelligence on Kaizeria anyway."
Ash, who had been observing them, finally spoke.
"Your consideration is more than sufficient. Now then, Miss Violet. Have you given it thought? Are you prepared to join our Knight Order?"
"Yes, I will join."
I nodded without hesitation.
"Then, here is the contract."
Bella brought forth the contract.
It was a clean document with nothing different from what I'd heard beforehand.
Apart from participating in official events a few times annually, all terms were remarkably generous—the salary was astonishingly substantial and the conditions were lenient.
"Do I need to take an entrance examination?"
Except for one final clause.
The final clause stated that my status as a full knight would be confirmed after passing the entrance examination.
"As I mentioned, I will secure your position as a full knight. However, the entrance examination is conducted for record-keeping purposes. The results of your entrance examination will be maintained as official records of the Shatra Holy Knight Order."
I signed the contract and passed it back.
"I have one more question. In the letter you sent me, you mentioned that a being with talents similar to mine once existed within the Shatra Holy Knight Order. What did you mean by that?"
Bella responded to my question.
"Come this way. I have something to show you."
Bella guided the two of them forward.
Bella naturally positioned herself beside Ash as they walked.
Following behind them almost without thinking, I noticed how well they complemented each other despite their height difference.
We arrived at the Stone Wall, its surface inscribed with the names and years of countless knights. Bella pointed to something there.
Ashtar Reinhardt.
'So the Reinhardt family truly existed, and someone with such a constitution actually lived.'
My maternal family, known only by name. I stared at that inscription on the Stone Wall for a long time.
"A prodigy said to be unable to accumulate magical power within the body, yet capable of creating circles around it—a rare genius knight whose records remain. This documents that exceptional knight who briefly served in our Knight Order approximately thirty years ago."
"Are there more records about this person?"
I felt my throat tighten slightly.
"We found some information about them through the training logs from that period. Since the details are stored in the Regional Records Office, it will take some time to gather everything."
"How much time?"
"Not terribly long. But I promise you this—we know secret methods to perfect geniuses like you even further. Please trust me."
Bella spoke exceptionally well.
I glanced at Ash to gauge his reaction. He remained focused entirely on Bella.
My gaze wavered. He seemed genuinely interested in her.
"I understand."
In the end, I answered briefly. Bella's eyes smiled.
"Then shall we head to the entrance examination? The senior knights are waiting."
* * *
"So, the famous Violet Everdin is joining us?"
Kyle, waiting at the Training Ground, spoke. His face was unremarkable, but his physique was sleek without major flaws.
His broad shoulders and sun-tanned skin made him popular.
"Her boyfriend seems to be joining too."
Juran answered expressionlessly from beside Kyle.
"Boyfriend? Ah, the Grand Duke from Kaizeria. What exactly are these two that the entire Capital is buzzing about them? Are they dating?"
"If they weren't dating, there'd be no reason for them to join the Knight Order as a pair."
Juran didn't bother hiding his smirk as he spoke.
"Don't be like that. We need people to show off our faces to—it makes things easier for us. Thanks to them, we'll have to attend fewer tedious events."
The Shatra Holy Knight Order was immensely popular.
Wealthy nobles from the provinces wanted to hire attractive holy knights for various events.
So while the Shatra Holy Knight Order prioritized the skills of recruitment candidates, some were selected for their appearance even if their abilities were questionable.
Though at minimum, they had to possess a baseline level of competence.
"I heard from the commander that she'll be going on actual missions too? A Spirit Mage, apparently?"
After being dispatched to the provinces for a mission and returning, the entire Capital had suddenly begun calling some girl knight aspirant a genius.
They didn't take that talk seriously and thought it was mostly rumor.
"Ah, now I understand. She supposedly defeated those shadow monsters from Lust, one of the Seven Sins."
"That's only because her boyfriend protected her from the side. No matter how impressive a Spirit Mage she is, I'm already tired thinking about her whining during actual combat."
The two men gossiped openly.
The higher the honor of the Shatra Holy Knight Order, the greater the pride its knights took in their abilities.
"After a few real missions, she'll quit."
"Those special recruits who come in just to show off their faces never last long anyway. Once her boyfriend's backing disappears, she'll be gone."
They had made their judgment of Violet in just a few words.
"So why are we even here then? We came because we were called, but..."
Kyle opened his mouth.
"Why? The entrance exam."
Juran answered.
"The entrance exam? Ah, so that's why they called us here."
Kyle smiled wickedly. Juran nodded as he saw that glint in his eyes.
"As for the Grand Duke Raven, we'll let that slide, but that little girl needs to get roughed up today. That way, she'll know her place and won't dare defy us in the future."
Juran smiled as well.
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