Chapter 85
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Violet's First Words - Episode 85
"You haven't lost Violet yet. There's still a chance."
Marlon spoke while gazing at Bludin.
"But Violet has joined an extraordinary Knight Order. It's a place I could never even dream of. It's the Shatra Holy Knight Order, no less."
"That's precisely what matters. That girl is in the Shatra Holy Knight Order."
Marlon grinned, baring his teeth.
"What do you mean...."
Bludin's words trailed off.
"From now on, you will approach Violet and win her favor by any means necessary. No matter how recklessly she lives, she's still a celebrity and the daughter of a noble house."
"Do I still have a chance with her?"
Bludin's eyes gleamed with sudden hope.
"Of course you do. Spend even a single night with Violet, and afterward, she'll have no choice but to marry you."
Marlon had accepted Violet as a daughter-in-law based solely on her bloodline, even when her talents lay dormant.
But now that Violet had begun to fully display her innate gifts, Marlon's only thought was how to claim her bloodline for himself.
Bludin, for his part, seemed flustered and thrilled at the prospect of starting anew with Violet.
"But Violet has gained tremendous renown now. Even so, she would need to obey me if we're to live together. What if we quarrel and she strikes me?"
The memory of past events suddenly surfaced, and Bludin spoke. Marlon let out a derisive laugh at this.
"All we need to do is bring her into our household. And if we teach her properly, that's all there is to it."
"But she's a Spirit Mage and a first-rate Knight."
"There are ways to make anyone docile. Once she enters our household, she'll become an obedient wife, serving you faithfully for the rest of her life. Don't worry about what comes after—just focus on winning that girl's affection."
Father had always found a way. Bludin trusted him.
* * *
Peaceful days continued.
I attended several official events at the request of the Shatra Holy Knight Order.
I participated in a very brief ceremonial event. Beyond that, nothing noteworthy occurred.
I employed various methods to investigate the Shatra Holy Knight Order, but honestly... I found nothing.
The Shatra Holy Knight Order was far too pristine.
'Unless they're conducting demonic worship rituals in the underground chamber beneath the Knight Order building, there's no way I could stumble upon such clues easily.'
I grew despondent. Ash no longer spoke to me directly.
He came in for only an hour or two each day, attended to some incomprehensible matter, then vanished.
During those times, Ash always summoned Bella and spoke with her affectionately.
"Soulmates," they called it.
I sighed, leaning my arm against the window frame.
Among the servants working at the Shatra Holy Knight Order, rumors began to spread slowly that "the young Knight Commander and the special advisor are in that sort of relationship."
Everyone praised them as a perfectly matched pair. Honestly, I had nothing to say about it.
"The new knights of the Shatra Holy Knight Order must complete tactical training without fail. I know it's troublesome, but today we've invited an external instructor, so please be sure to attend."
Rota was remarkably diligent. She visited me daily to check on various matters and inform me of the day's tasks.
And there was the adorable Asil as well.
Asil shyly placed a single flower in the small vase on my desk every day.
I always thanked Asil for her kindness.
"Understood."
"The weather is lovely today, so let's hold the class outside."
I was sitting at a table set up in the Pavilion when my eyes widened at the sight of someone who appeared moments later.
"Violet."
The person who appeared at the Pavilion was none other than Bludin.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came as an external instructor today."
"Your father pulled some strings, didn't he?"
I regarded Bludin.
Now that I thought about it, I owed him a word as well.
Though I had already trampled his pride flat alongside Ash before this.
"Rather than such talk, isn't there something more important to discuss?"
"There's no reason for you and me to have anything to say to each other."
I spoke seriously, changing my tone.
Bludin gazed at me, then dropped to one knee.
"Forgive me, Violet. I failed to recognize you as my true love. When you were always by my side, I didn't realize your worth."
"...What?"
I realized that when someone is utterly flabbergasted, words simply don't come.
I'd thought he was merely dim-witted, but it seemed he'd unfortunately lost his mind.
That was the thought that crossed my mind in that moment.
Bludin suddenly sprang to his feet and spoke with what he apparently considered a charming expression.
"I believe it's not too late for us. Now that we've finally awakened to our true feelings and found each other."
"The only thing I've encountered recently is my fist and your nose. Get your head straight."
Violet spoke with unwavering conviction.
"Violet, finally our positions align. You've been cast out by your family, haven't you? You need me."
Violet gazed up at the sky for a moment.
I'm investigating the Shatra Holy Knight Order for Cyril's sake.
Without that purpose, I would have crushed Bludin's nose once more.
That's when Violet felt someone's gaze. It was Ash, standing beside Bella.
* * *
'What on earth is this situation?'
Bella's eyes widened as she caught sight of Violet speaking with Bludin.
In that instant, she reflexively observed Ash's expression.
From Ash's eyes emanated a jealousy bordering on murderous intent, a possessiveness so palpable that even Bella flinched.
"Ravens Grand Duke?"
"I'm curious why an unqualified outsider is present here."
"Ah, you weren't aware. That person is pursuing a doctorate in military science at the Academy and has recently been conducting military science lectures for the Holy Knights."
Ash turned her head to regard Bella.
Ash's beautiful crimson eyes gazed upon her with cold contempt.
Bella felt goosebumps rise on her forearms and her body trembled.
"Then I shall exercise my first authority as special advisor. I understand this person is unqualified. I've heard their grades at the Academy were so poor they couldn't meet graduation requirements. Therefore, they are dismissed."
"But...."
Bella spoke.
Ash strode purposefully toward the Pavilion.
Violet, who had been regarding Bludin, lifted her head. Bella hurried after Ash.
"Ravens Grand Duke, please do not be displeased. These two were merely conducting a lesson. There is absolutely nothing concerning between them!"
Bella spoke to Ash with a gentle and affectionate tone.
Violet, without particular expression, regarded Ash and Bella in turn as they approached, her demeanor suggesting she understood the situation.
"Please don't worry, Knight Commander. I'll finish my conversation with Bludin Camelaine myself. And I'm sorry, but it seems we'll need a different external instructor."
Violet spoke with composure.
"Violet, you really do need my help. I thought you'd cut ties with that fool, yet he clings so persistently."
Ash spoke.
"I've said it before—this isn't your concern, Ash. I can handle an idiot like this on my own."
Violet answered with a calmness that bordered on coldness.
Bella was surprised by Violet's unexpectedly firm demeanor.
"Is there some problem between you two?"
The question applied to both situations—Violet and Bludin, and Violet and Ash.
Bludin went pale at the sight of Ash. But soon he gritted his teeth and spoke.
"Let's settle this once and for all. Violet may have spoken of breaking the engagement, but I haven't agreed. Our contract isn't finished!"
Violet regarded Bludin quietly.
Since joining the Shatra Holy Knight Order, Violet had always carried a sword at her side.
It was natural to do so within the Order.
The blades worn by swordsmen of Sword Expert rank and above were crafted from extremely lightweight, expensive special metals.
After all, they fought by infusing aura into their weapons.
Violet drew her sword from its sheath and pressed the blade against Bludin's throat.
"Bludin, how many times must I say this before you understand? To me, you're nothing but dust passing by. I never want to see your face again. Even if I absolutely had to marry someone, it would never be you."
Her words were merciless.
'How can she speak so harshly? Has the situation changed so much that her former fiancé has become a laughingstock?'
Bella frowned at the thought.
She glanced at Ash expectantly, only to find him looking slightly irritated as well.
"Violet, I'm telling you I love you!"
Bludin pleaded pathetically.
"Be quiet."
Violet no longer bothered to hide the disgust on her face.
"I'd rather not hear romantic drivel within the Order. Wouldn't you agree?"
Ash spoke with a mocking tone.
"He'll be leaving soon anyway. I've already said so. There's no need to treat him specially or play the savior."
Violet spoke while looking at Ash.
"Really? Then isn't your tone the problem first? You speak to your superior like that while asking for no special treatment?"
Ash laughed coldly.
Violet seemed startled by his words. She regarded him for a moment.
"My apologies, Knight Commander, and Ravens Grand Duke."
Violet looked at them both, then quietly turned away.
"Wait, Violet!"
Bludin followed after her. This time, Violet didn't hold back—she tripped him.
"Ugh!"
Bludin crashed to the ground with a loud thud.
"Within my world, your existence is worth less than dirt clinging to a shoe. And I'm being generous even saying that."
Violet said this to the fallen Bludin.
Then she ignored him and began walking away.
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