Understanding
After Violet-san and I got out of the bath, before I knew it the time had already turned to evening, so for today we decided to part ways, and now I had come to see Violet-san off in front of the Rodwell mansion.
“Violet-san, thank you so much for everything today! I was a little nervous at times, but I had a really wonderful time with you!”
“I too was very happy to spend such an enjoyable time with you, Rodwell-sama… I would very much like to spend time like this again.”
“O-Of course!”
“…Well then, please excuse me.”
Saying that, Violet-san, who had been right there just a moment ago, vanished from in front of me.
I was a little surprised by her speed, but I smiled slightly toward the spot where Violet-san had been and spoke.
“…Violet-san truly is an amazing person, but I also know that just as much, she is a kind person.”
After whispering those words that would never reach anyone, I stepped inside the mansion.
Violet’s Side
“…Well then, please excuse me.”
With those words, Violet concealed herself in the garden of the Rodwell mansion.
This was because the place she should return to was not the royal castle, but Siana’s room where Siana was. For that reason, she hid herself with the intention of heading to Siana’s room after Lux entered the mansion… however.
“…Violet-san truly is an amazing person, but I also know that just as much, she is a kind person.”
“…!?”
Violet had never imagined that she would hear such words that brought her happiness even after she had hidden herself. At Lux’s gentle voice and those unexpected words, she was so shocked that she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand.
After that, when Lux at last entered the mansion, Violet whispered softly.
“Ojou-sama… Until now, I could understand your feelings, but I could not deeply understand the meaning of your words about wishing to join your bodies… however, now I can understand clearly… With Rodwell-sama, I too…”
Violet did not put the rest into words, but within herself she realized that her romantic feelings for Lux were rapidly intensifying.
And once Lux had entered the mansion, she made her way to Siana’s room in such a way that she would not be seen.
Siana’s Side
While Siana was reading in her own room so as not to disturb Violet for the day, Violet herself entered Siana’s room.
“I have returned, Ojou-sama.”
Hearing Violet’s words, Siana closed the book she had been reading, turned toward Violet, and asked.
“Were you able to spend a good time with Lux-kun?”
“Yes, thanks to the time you granted me, Ojou-sama, I was able to spend a very good time, and I am deeply grateful.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. I know that I usually force hardships on you… So then, what kind of things did you do with Lux-kun?”
Siana imagined that they might have had tea together while chatting pleasantly, or admired flowers and the like. But what came from Violet’s mouth was nothing of the sort.
“After preparing tea for him, we talked while drinking it, and afterward I accompanied him in sword practice, and until just a little while ago, I was in the bath together with Rodwell-sama.”
“I-In the bath with Lux-kun!?”
At those words, Siana reflexively stood up from her chair.
“Why are you so surprised?”
“Of course I’m surprised! Even I only just recently managed to take a bath with Lux-kun, you know? And yet you… Or rather, you did properly cover yourselves, didn’t you!?”
“There was no problem in that regard… However, I did wash Rodwell-sama’s body, and I also stimulated it so that his fatigue would be relieved more easily.”
“…! …It seems you enjoyed yourself with Lux-kun quite a lot when I wasn’t around.”
“Yes, I enjoyed myself very much.”
To Siana’s words, Violet responded proudly.
Siana had expected that creating time for Lux and Violet to be alone would naturally advance their relationship, but at the unexpected degree of progress, she was shaken as she raised her voice.
“Let me make this clear! I only gave you time to spend with Lux-kun out of obligation, and I have absolutely no intention of yielding Lux-kun to you!”
“I understand. I too think above all else that Ojou-sama and Rodwell-sama must be happy… however, as a secondary matter…”
At that, Violet stopped speaking.
“As a secondary matter, what?”
When Siana pressed her about Violet’s words, Violet replied.
“It is nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me so blatantly! Say the rest!”
“It is nothing.”
“Violet!!”
After that, the two repeated similar exchanges.
And then… two days later.
…The turbulent sword tournament, where sword and love would intertwine, was about to begin.