True Intentions
Siana’s Side
“I see.”
After hearing from Violet that she had revealed her true form to Lux, that Lux had thanked her and praised her beauty, and that Violet had become utterly captivated by him, Siana replied with those simple words.
Then she added,
“I suspected this might happen eventually, but I am still honestly surprised… Until very recently, I never would have imagined that Violet of all people could develop romantic feelings.”
“…I apologize.”
“That is understandable, given Lux-kun’s purity, anyone would be affected after experiencing that. Besides, I am truly glad you have found happiness.”
Siana said, offering a slight smile.
“Ojou-sama…”
Seeing that gentle expression, Violet felt Siana’s kindness more deeply than ever.
Siana continued, “However.”
“I cannot ignore this happiness if it takes the form of romantic love for Lux-kun… What do you plan to do about it?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Is it not obvious? Will you, like Florence and I, take steps to pursue happiness with Lux-kun?”
Violet paused briefly before answering.
“To be honest, I do wish to build a happy future with Rodwell-sama as well… yet above all, I want to see you and Rodwell-sama happy together… So I will not do anything to betray you.”
“…Are you certain that is acceptable?”
“Yes.”
Violet responded without hesitation.
“Then does that mean you will continue to follow my instructions as before?”
“Yes.”
Again, Violet answered immediately.
“Even if you find a moment alone with Lux-kun in my absence, you must not show affection, do you understand?”
“…Yes.”
“I cannot overlook the hesitation I just detected.”
Siana said, suspicion creeping in at Violet’s rare pause.
“You have not yet revealed all your true feelings, have you? Tell me what you really want.”
“…As expected, Ojou-sama has seen through me.”
Violet let a small smile curve her lips, resigned, then met Siana’s gaze and continued,
“It is no lie that I wish to see you and Rodwell-sama happy together, and I will not betray you… However, my genuine desire is that while you enjoy your happiness, you grant me some time to share happiness with Rodwell-sama as well.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I’m sorry, but on that point alone, even if it means deceiving you, Ojou-sama… I cannot yield… for Rodwell-sama has become indispensable to me.”
As Violet spoke those words, looking directly into Siana’s eyes, Siana felt a surge of joy.
Violet had at last found happiness, not just through others, but for herself…
While Siana savored that thought, Violet continued,
“And to make this possible, Rodwell-sama must become king. For your sake, for Rodwell-sama’s, and for my own, I will do everything in my power to depose the First Princess-sama and the Second Princess-sama and place Rodwell-sama on the throne.”
“You mean that if Lux-kun becomes king, it would be permissible for multiple women, myself, you, and Violet, to spend daily time with him? I find that… complicated.”
“Yet it must also be more convenient for you to have Rodwell-sama as king… Or did you not wish to crown him?”
“…Still, I do not want to make you my enemy.”
Violet understands you even better than you understand yourself, Siana.
Should she become your adversary, she would be your greatest rival.
In response to Siana’s words, Violet said,
“I am nothing compared to you, Ojou-sama, so you need not be wary. Until Rodwell-sama ascends the throne, I will prioritize nurturing the bond between you two and follow your guidance. Please understand, however, that when it does not conflict with that, I may still find moments to spend with Rodwell-sama.”
“I cannot accept that!”
Afterward, Siana and Violet argued for a time in a new way, yet the distance between them was undeniably closer than before.