War of Words
“Felisiana-sama… Thank you. I’m all right now.”
After resting in Felisiana-sama’s arms for a while, I finally found the words. She let go with a gentle smile.
“I see. I’m glad to hear that… Say, Lux-kun.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“If you’re free sometime soon… would you consider visiting the royal castle?”
“Eh…!? Me? At the royal castle…?”
Only royals like Felisiana-sama or the high-ranking nobles downstairs are allowed into the royal castle. Even in rare cases, only the most distinguished are granted entry… Someone like me has no place there.
“Lux-kun, you’re easy to read, you wear your thoughts right on your face. But just so you know, this isn’t an official summons. I’m inviting you personally, just like you invited me to House Rodwell the other day.”
“But someone like me—”
I nearly said something self-deprecating, but stopped myself. I remembered what Felisiana-sama had just told me.
She’d gone out of her way to say I’d make a splendid lord. If I started doubting myself again right after hearing that… What kind of man would that make me?
Besides, just as she said, this isn’t a formal visit, it’s her personal invitation. From her, to me.
“…All right. If you have the time, I’d love to visit the royal castle.”
“Thank you, Lux-kun… Violet should be there too. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear you’re coming.”
So Violet-san will be there too… I’d really like to talk with her more.
“I’d love to talk more with Violet-san as well!”
“I’ll let her know. Honestly, I’d love to keep talking with you myself, Lux-kun, but if we stay together too long, it might start to look a little odd. I should get going… Be sure to enjoy the rest of the event, okay?”
“Y-Yes! Thank you!”
With those parting words, Felisiana-sama gracefully left the terrace and descended toward the ballroom below.
Violet’s Side
“Thank you, Lux-kun… Violet should be there too. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear you’re coming.”
“I’d love to talk more with Violet-san as well!”
“I’ll let her know. Honestly, I’d love to keep talking with you myself, Lux-kun, but if we stay together too long, it might start to look a little odd. I should get going… Be sure to enjoy the rest of the gathering, okay?”
“Y-Yes! Thank you!”
Violet had watched and listened to every moment between Siana and Lux. Even after Siana descended to the ballroom, Violet’s mind wasn’t on her Ojou-sama, but on something Lux had said.
“He wants to talk with me…?”
The words echoed in Violet’s thoughts. Lux had said he wanted to talk with her more.
Usually, once someone grows close to Siana, they lose all interest in anyone else. They never even glance Violet’s way. That’s how it always is, how it’s supposed to be. But Lux… he said he wanted to talk to her, too.
“As expected from someone Ojou-sama cares for, Rodwell-sama certainly has unusual tastes. Even though speaking to someone like me would gain him nothing… No, perhaps what he wants to talk to isn’t the real me, but the cheerful maid of Felisiana-sama, Violet. Once he learns the truth, that I’m cold, a taker of lives, someone who lives in the dark, he’ll surely grow to hate me.”
For Violet, seeing Siana happy, that alone was the only happiness she was allowed.
To love someone… to be wanted by someone… such things weren’t meant for her.
“Rodwell-sama… please, be happy with Ojou-sama. I’ll support you both from the shadows, with everything I have.”
Speaking in a voice too soft for Lux to hear, Violet turned her focus back to her duties.
Siana’s Side
The Royal Exchange had ended. Siana made her way alone to the carriage, only to find a certain blue-haired woman standing before it.
“This white carriage… reserved for official royal use, isn’t it, Third Princess-sama?”
“…Florence-san.”
The woman addressed, Floria Florence, lifted the corners of her mouth in a faint smile. But the gentleness she’d shown Lux was nowhere to be found in her expression.
“Thank you for your gracious hospitality today.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Oh? Are you going to feign innocence? You went to great lengths to distract me, to keep me from Lux-sama… quite the elaborate performance.”
“And didn’t you do the same, trying to distance me from Lux-kun?”
Siana responded sharply. Floria gave a slight nod, then answered.
“That’s true… You seem rather fixated on Lux-sama, Third Princess-sama. But with all due respect, I don’t believe you’re suitable for him. Not for someone as truly radiant as he is.”
Though her words stirred anger, Siana held her composure, replying with practiced calm.
“And I suppose you think you’re more suitable for Lux-kun?”
At that, Floria looked away for a moment, then met Siana’s gaze again.
“…Even though this involves Lux-sama, I can’t seem to keep these feelings toward you to myself. I let them spill out, just like this. That alone proves I’m unworthy of him. Lux-sama… he would never act this way. Even if he felt anger or resentment, he’d bear it alone, never lashing out.”
“If you truly understand that… then stay away from Lux-kun.”
“…I thought that would be fine. I thought I could accept him ending up with someone worthy… up until today.”
“…Up until today?”
Siana repeated the words, but Floria gave no answer. Instead, she turned from the white carriage. As she passed Siana, she spoke.
“Thanks to you, Third Princess-sama… I’ve come to realize I’m in love with Lux-sama. And that’s why, I won’t step aside.”
With those words, Floria tried to pass, but Siana grabbed her arm, her voice and gaze stripped of all warmth.
“If you ever try to lay a hand on Lux-kun… I won’t forgive you.”
Meeting Siana’s lifeless eyes and unyielding voice, Floria replied.
“Third Princess-sama… you possess extraordinary talent as royalty. Even if I’d been born in your place, I doubt I could’ve achieved what you have. But someone who looks at others with eyes like those… should never be allowed near Lux-sama. If someone were to witness this moment, it would become a serious scandal. Would you please let go of my arm?”
“…”
At her words, Siana slowly released her grip. Floria offered a composed smile, then turned and walked away.
Once the area was clear, Violet stepped from the shadows, wearing a black hood.
“To remain so composed while facing Ojou-sama… Florence-sama may be the first non-royal I’ve seen who could manage that.”
At Violet’s words, Siana dropped her mask and turned to her, eyes and voice returned to their usual selves.
“Oh, Violet, aren’t you the same?”
“Not at all, Ojou-sama.”
Violet bowed her head humbly, prompting a soft sigh of exasperation from Siana.
“Well, never mind that… More importantly, she said I’m not suitable for Lux-kun. What do you think?”
“…Your standard for what makes someone suitable for Rodwell-sama appears to differ greatly from Florence-sama’s. So… I find it difficult to answer.”
Siana nodded, accepting the truth in Violet’s words.
There was indeed a stark difference between her and Floria’s views on who was “suitable” for Lux.
Which meant, no matter how long they argued, they’d never reach the same conclusion.
“That’s true… Still, no matter what anyone says, I’m the one who’ll end up with Lux-kun.”
That, at least, was something Siana could state with absolute certainty.
“Yes, and I shall continue to assist you, however humbly I can.”
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
After that, the two boarded the white carriage and returned to the royal castle. As soon as they arrived, Siana changed clothes and immediately headed back to the House Rodwell estate.