Chapter 92
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Violet's First Words - Episode 92
* * *
"W-what is this...?"
At that moment, a figure pushed through the commotion and entered the hall.
It was Ash, dressed in the black uniform of a Kaizerian Heresy Inquisitor.
Ash surveyed the crowd with an unhurried gaze, examining each person in turn.
"Let him go! I'm innocent!"
Marlon began shouting as well, but the Heresy Inquisitors subdued him without mercy.
"Ravens Grand Duke, what on earth is the meaning of this...?"
Riot spoke.
"Indeed, what is the meaning of this? Just the other day at tea time, you told me yourself: 'In this modern age, fanatics who believe in cults no longer exist....' So wasn't it you who ordered us to withdraw some of the Heresy Inquisitors from the Capital?"
"U-um, ahem."
At those words, Riot merely cleared his throat uncomfortably and said nothing more.
"Fearing that the Capital's citizens might lose their vigilance, we Heresy Inquisitors have taken it upon ourselves to share the results of our confidential investigation in this manner."
Yet Ash continued speaking smoothly, paying no attention whatsoever to the Emperor's reaction.
The Capital Grand Temple was a separate branch, distinct from the headquarters—the Kaizerian Temple—located in Kaizeria.
Half of the priests at the Capital Grand Temple were aligned with Kaizeria, and half with the Emperor.
"Regardless, this is far too discourteous a manner! His Imperial Majesty is personally attending today's event!"
An Emperor-aligned priest cried out loudly.
Ash responded to this.
"Today is an exceedingly important and meaningful day. Though you may not know it, it marks the day long ago when one of the Seven Sins was sealed away. On such an auspicious day, I grew concerned seeing this wicked cult running rampant."
"...."
"My concern for His Imperial Majesty's safety took precedence, and I handled matters somewhat hastily. However, when the Capital Knight Commander's Order has been tainted by a cult, is this not a matter requiring immediate action?"
Ash's eloquence was exquisite. The crowd exchanged uncomfortable glances.
A considerable number silently assented to Ash's words.
"Are you aware this is discourteous?"
"How could I not be? But today is also a day when the demonic energy is particularly strong and ominous throughout the year."
"Demons have long since vanished from this land—what talk of demonic energy now!"
"Yet there are those affected by such demonic energy. Those affiliated with cults that run rampant on ominous days like today, or those who exchange money with such cults."
Marlon, bound by the Heresy Inquisitors and listening to this, broke into a cold sweat and kept shrinking back.
"Marlon, you say the Capital Knight Commander became entangled with such a mad religion?"
Riot rebuked him in anger.
"This is truly a misunderstanding."
Marlon spoke.
"Silence! You have brought shame upon the Imperial Court!"
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Riot raised his hand and struck Marlon across the face with a sharp crack.
"Your Majesty, I will accept any punishment. But I beg your mercy—please do not send me to the Heresy Inquisitors! I was merely deceived by those charlatans!"
Marlon spoke in a pitiful, groveling tone.
Ash smiled quietly, then approached Marlon and whispered something in his ear.
"I wonder where your son Bludin is right now?"
At Ash's words, Marlon's mouth clamped shut.
His eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Ash, yet he was powerless to act.
"One day I will grind you to dust and have my revenge!"
Marlon spat out the words.
"Ah yes, how terrifying—truly befitting someone connected to a Demon Worship Cult. You are quite the menacing one."
Ash replied with casual mockery, then continued.
"Take him away."
Marlon was dragged off by the Heresy Inquisitors like a beast being led to slaughter, stumbling as he went.
Riot appeared reluctant to let him go until the very end.
However, this matter was entirely connected to the Demon Worship Cult.
He could not shield Marlon in front of all these people.
"Grand Duke, regarding this matter—"
Riot opened his mouth, cold sweat beading on his brow.
"Yes, do not worry. Our Heresy Inquisitors are experts in matters concerning such vile religions. We will thoroughly verify only the truth, ensuring no one suffers injustice."
Ash replied.
Riot let out a heavy sigh and departed with heavy, hurried steps.
* * *
I observed everything unfold before me with careful attention.
'Sigh, there are far too many people in this world who need a word or two from me.'
That was my sentiment in this very moment.
I walked toward the Heresy Inquisitors.
"Let go of me! These fools deceived me! Do you know who I am?"
Bella continued to shriek wildly even as the Heresy Inquisitors loaded her into their transport carriage.
When I approached—the same person she had tried to lunge at moments before—she fell silent. Her eyes, bloodshot with rage, fixed upon me.
"It's fine. Let's hear what she has to say."
I spoke to the Heresy Inquisitors, and they held Bella firmly without gagging her.
"Violet Everdin! Tell me. When did you start toying with me?"
I wanted to laugh.
When? What a question.
'From the very beginning.'
I smiled.
The day I first met Bella.
Thinking that Bella was Lady Rosenis, I fell asleep with a heavy heart.
[—Did you not know that's what I've always wanted to do to you?]
That night, I awoke from a strangely sensual dream about Ash.
Unable to fall back asleep, I approached the window in the early dawn and discovered an unfamiliar carriage.
'What is that carriage doing here at this hour, parked in front of our residence?'
Could someone be illegally dumping trash?
I'd heard that people living near main roads often fell victim to such nuisances.
I observed the carriage intently.
But upon closer inspection, it looked familiar.
'Wait, that carriage...'
At that moment, someone descended from the carriage.
The person who stepped down was Ash.
Even in the dim light of early dawn, his radiant figure was unmistakably him.
'Why are you appearing here?'
Flustered, I hastily draped a shawl over my shoulders and crept down to the first floor.
[Hello, Violet.]
Ash whispered softly.
[Are you insane? If Uncle finds out about this, you might actually die.]
[Then it would be an honorable death. If the last image I see with my own eyes is the woman I long to see, then so be it.]
[Did you come here to play with words? What exactly are you doing here?]
I opened the door and ushered Ash into my room.
It was better than talking outside. That early dawn was unusually cold.
[Why did you come?]
I asked again.
[I told you—from now on, I'll be honest with you.]
[....]
[I want to tell you honestly what's happening now. Violet, I suspect the Shatra Holy Knight Order. I've obtained information that fanatics who worship demons have infiltrated that place.]
After that, Ash shared everything he knew.
[But Rosenis... no, Commander Rosebella?]
[What about that woman?]
[Did you feel nothing seeing that woman?]
[What are you trying to say?]
[Ash, I heard from Marin about the truth regarding Lady Rosenis....]
Ash fell silent for a moment. Soon his brow furrowed....
[Are you now worried that this woman Bella might become my future bride?]
[Anyone can see it. That woman is Lady Rosenis herself.]
[Ah, red hair, talented female knight, beautiful, bold manner of speech. That sort of thing?]
Violet gave a small nod, and Ash could no longer contain himself—he burst into laughter.
[Why are you laughing?]
[Innocent Violet. You really don't understand?]
[Understand what?]
[Did you truly think this was the first time a red-haired swordswoman with 'rose' in her name has appeared at my side?]
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org