Desire
Violet’s Side
After the interrogation ended and five corpses were created by Elizalina’s hand, she and Violet took care of disposing of the bodies. Then they left the guest room and began walking through the luxury cruise ship to search for Lux and Siana.
“Sorry for getting your hood dirty, Violet~. Talking to that woman was just so unpleasant, I wanted to get it over with as fast as possible and didn’t think it through~.”
Because of Elizalina’s handling, red splatter had gotten on the black hood Violet was wearing. Now that she had returned to her usual demeanor, Elizalina apologized to Violet for that.
“It is not a problem. I was wearing a maid outfit underneath, so from here on, I intend to move about this luxury cruise ship as Ojou-sama’s maid.”
At present, Violet was dressed in a black maid outfit, and since Elizalina’s red hood had also been stained with red splatter, she had returned to wearing her dress as the Second Princess Elizalina.
“I see, I see~… By the way, there’s something I’ve been curious about. Is it alright if I ask?”
“What is it?”
When Violet gave that reply, Elizalina stopped in her tracks and asked her a question.
“Do you also like Lux?”
Hearing that, Violet involuntarily stopped walking just like Elizalina, and then asked a question in return.
“…Why would Elizalina-sama ask something like that?”
“Well, remember back at the castle entrance? When Felisiana lost control, it was your job to stop her, but you got emotional too. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not mad or anything, I’m just honestly curious.”
At this point, she could choose not to answer or even lie, but doing something like that to Elizalina would most likely be seen through.
More importantly, if she hid the feelings she held toward Lux here, she felt like those feelings would become something shameful in the future. That was why Violet nodded and gave her answer.
“Yes… It may be presumptuous of me, but I too hold those kinds of feelings toward Rodwell-sama.”
“Eeh~?!”
When Violet answered, Elizalina let out a cry of surprise and continued speaking.
“I was the one who asked, but even so, I’m still surprised~. That Violet could have romantic feelings… So that means you want to get engaged to Lux too?”
“No, I do not have such intentions… I simply wish to spend a little time with Rodwell-sama. I do not wish for anything beyond that.”
“Really~? Are you sure you’re not secretly wishing for more?”
“…That is not the case… Elizalina-sama, you also hold such feelings toward Rodwell-sama, do you not?”
When asked that, Elizalina blushed and answered.
“Yes, I love him so, so much I can’t help it. I dream about him every day, and when I’m awake, I think about Lux all the time.”
“To that extent… then, Elizalina-sama, is there anything you wish to do with Rodwell-sama?”
In response to Violet’s question, Elizalina answered without a moment’s hesitation.
“Engagement is a given, of course. I want to eat meals with him, hold hands, take baths together at night… and once we’re in the bath together… well, you can guess the rest, right?”
“…Yes, I can somewhat imagine.”
“Mhm mhm. So? Was that helpful?”
“Throughout my life, I have never even imagined myself doing such things, so to be honest, I still do not quite understand… but… if Rodwell-sama were to eat meals with me, or do other such things, would he feel happy… I wonder.”
“That’s something you and Lux will only know if you actually try doing those things together… And, just so we’re clear, even after all this talking, Lux is still mine, okay!”
With that declaration, Elizalina resumed walking to continue her search for Lux and Felisiana.
When Elizalina-sama asked me earlier, I denied it, but not only do I want to spend time with Rodwell-sama, I am without a doubt wishing for something beyond that. I want to be desired by Rodwell-sama.
With those thoughts in her mind, Violet began walking through the luxury cruise ship behind Elizalina.
However… the idea that Rodwell-sama might spend time with someone like me and feel happiness… I cannot imagine it.
After thinking that, Violet sensed her own feelings and muttered in her heart.
Even so… Rodwell-sama, I want to be desired by you as a woman… Even if I carry such a wish, would you still feel happiness by being with me…?
Siana’s Side
…Around the same time.
“Lux-kun… may I hold your hand…?”
Siana had asked Lux if she could hold his hand.