Desire
Siana’s Side
“…Ah, Lux-kun, Lux-kun…”
In her room at the Rodwell mansion, Siana hugged the clothes Lux had just given her, whispering his name.
Watching her, Violet, who was also in the room, spoke.
“It’s only natural, of course, but you’re in a very good mood.”
“Naturally! To me, a gift from Lux-kun is more valuable than any luxury food, grand building, or expensive jewel. He gave it to me just now with words of gratitude… Just thinking about it again makes me want to cry… Ah, Lux-kun…”
Siana hugged the clothes gently, as if they were Lux himself.
After holding them for a while, she said,
“These clothes are so valuable to me that even calling them a national treasure feels inadequate. I wonder where I should keep them.”
“…You mean where to store the clothes gifted by Rodwell-sama?”
“Yes. At first, I thought about storing them in the royal castle’s treasure vault, but if my sisters found them, it would cause trouble, so that plan is out.”
Even if to Siana the clothes were worth more than a national treasure, others would just see them as ordinary clothes. Having something like that in the treasure vault would look strange and raise suspicion. It could lead to someone investigating around her, which makes the risk too great.
As Siana pondered what to do, Violet spoke.
“I believe it would be best to store them in Ojou-sama’s closet here, just like your usual clothes.”
“…Were you not listening? These clothes are more valuable to me than anything else in this world. There’s no way I could treat them the same as regular clothes.”
“I understand that very well. However, I believe Rodwell-sama chose those clothes because he wanted Ojou-sama to wear them.”
“…!”
At Violet’s words, Siana’s eyes widened. Violet continued,
“So rather than storing them away, I think it would be better to wear them like normal clothes.”
After a short pause, Siana said,
“You’re right. Being able to always wear something that Lux-kun gave me is very happy. If you hadn’t said that, I might have focused only on treating his gift with care and missed the happiness that’s already here. I’m grateful.”
When Siana smiled gently and said that to Violet, Violet replied,
“There’s no need for thanks. I only offered the suggestion because it aligned with Ojou-sama’s wishes. Or at least, that’s what I would have thought until recently. I still think so, but if Ojou-sama is going to thank me, then I have a request.”
Hearing that, Siana’s cheerful mood disappeared instantly, and she said with a serious expression,
“…You’ve got some nerve making a deal with me, Violet.”
Normally, if Siana spoke so seriously, even nobles from duke houses would shrink back. But Violet, who had been by her side longer than anyone else, showed no sign of being fazed and replied,
“I don’t intend for this to be a deal. Ojou-sama, you are free to accept or refuse.”
“I’ll at least hear you out. What is it?”
Siana was surprised by such an unusual request from Violet and even found it a little amusing while Violet spoke seriously.
“I would also like to spend time with Rodwell-sama.”
“…Eh?”
Siana had been trying to guess what Violet might demand based on her serious tone, but what came out was completely different from what she expected. Still, thinking about how much Violet had changed under Lux’s influence, it did not feel out of place. Violet then clarified,
“I want you to understand what it’s like from my position. The man I’ve fallen for spends his days at the noble academy, his nights at the Rodwell mansion with other women, and on holidays he goes on dates with them. All I can do is watch from the sidelines as a third party. If Ojou-sama were in my position, how would you feel about those women?”
To that, Siana answered immediately,
“I would feel murderous intent.”
“Of course, I don’t feel that strongly toward Ojou-sama, but I would very much like to have some time with Rodwell-sama as well.”
“And what would you want to do with him during that time?”
“Anything is fine, as long as I can spend time with Rodwell-sama.”
Violet rarely voiced her desires, so this was significant.
That alone showed how strong her feelings for Lux had become.
Siana realized once again how drastically Violet had changed.
It is complicated that the person you fell for was Lux-kun, but above all, I am glad you found happiness.
With that thought and a faint smile, Siana said,
“Alright. For someone who loves Lux-kun like you do, I’m sure these days have been very stressful. So I will make time for you to be alone with Lux-kun soon.”
Hearing those words, Violet bowed her head and said,
“Thank you very much, Ojou-sama.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Then, after raising her head, Violet let a small smile slip as she imagined spending time alone with Lux.
You really have changed, Violet.
Watching Violet like that, Siana felt a mixture of emotions. Still, more than anything, she was genuinely happy for her.