“...Your Highness.”
Violet briefly wondered whether she should formally greet him with proper etiquette. Fortunately, Rajaden did not point it out.
“It’s been a while, Ducal Lady.”
“...I saw you in the witness stand.”
“Is that so.”
Rajaden smiled. It was a bittersweet, yet somewhat relieved smile. It was strange to see such a once bright man wearing such a sorrowful expression.
Though he seemed to have let go of much, Rajaden still spoke with a trace of lingering attachment.
“I just wanted to explain why I met with Aileen Everett one last time... I needed information. She didn’t seem to realize it, but there was a possibility she was connected with the rebel forces... I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”
“It was classified. I understand.”
“...But—”
“It’s all right.”
Trying to clear up a minor misunderstanding, he was truly a foolish man. Violet smiled as if to show that she really was fine.
It was a smile she hadn’t worn during their time together. Seeing this, Rajaden momentarily froze before lowering his head.
“...I also want to say that... I wish for your happiness.”
It was all a rejected man could say.
“And, may you become someone so wonderful that you’ll regret not choosing me.”
Had he not added that, Violet might have considered this a beautiful end.
“We’ll see when the time comes.”
Was that a request to reconsider later, or a declaration not to regret? It was impossible to know in advance.
Violet bowed to the crown prince with proper etiquette.
* * *
Mary, who had been stealthily removing a few pages from the newspaper Violet was reading, looked close to tears.
“Those people are all idiots... and fools...”
Hearing Mary repeat herself, Violet looked puzzled. Even though Violet knew what was going on through other information sources, she couldn’t understand Mary’s reaction.
“It’s all been resolved, hasn’t it? Even so?”
“...They all changed their attitude in an instant. Now they’re saying they always believed in you, even though they were the ones who criticized you the most.”
Only after hearing Mary’s suddenly harsh voice did Violet realize why Mary was reacting this way. Having experienced it once before, Violet felt little emotion.
“It’s okay.”
“...You don’t know what they said about Milady, which is why you can say that. Just getting angry isn’t even enough...”
“People’s attitudes can change at any given time.”
“I just hate that you’re the one they’re targeting. They don’t even know you, Milady.”
“People often pretend to know things they don’t.”
“Even so, it upsets me!”
“But I think as long as I have you, who tells me when you’re upset, I’ll be fine.”
Mary’s face turned bright red at the sudden remark. Unable to find a place to look, Mary quickly shouted,
“T-The chef said he’d make blueberry tarts. I-I’ll go get them right away!”
As Mary hurried out, her earlobes were red. Moments like this reminded Violet that Mary was still young.
Violet laughed as she watched Mary run out of the room.
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