Another Path
Violet’s Side
When Lux returned to the Rodwell household residence, Violet, who was always keeping watch over him at the noble academy, also returned to the mansion and immediately entered Siana’s room.
“I have just returned.”
“Oh, welcome back, Violet.”
“At once, there is one report I must give and one request I wish to make of you, Ojou-sama.”
When Violet said this, Siana, who had been reading, closed her book and paused.
Then, facing Violet, she spoke.
“In that case, let me hear the report first.”
“Understood. Then, to begin with the report… today, a new woman appeared who approached Rodwell-sama.”
“What!? You mean yet another woman has shown up who likes Lux-kun, like you, Florence, and Elizalina-nee-sama!?”
Hearing Siana’s astonished words, Violet chose her words carefully before replying.
“No… as for whether or not there are romantic feelings, I do not know, but at least at this stage she may be regarded as a pure fan.”
“A fan…? …What is that woman’s name?”
“She is Nora Ashwell-sama of a Duke household, who crossed swords with Florence-sama in the first match of the sword tournament semifinals.”
When Violet said this, Siana spoke in a tone as if recalling.
“Ashwell… she moved fairly well, didn’t she.”
“Yes, she seems to harbor rivalry against Florence-sama… at present she is not much of a threat, but I thought I should inform you just in case.”
“I see, a good decision… as for Ashwell, we will set that aside for now. So what is this request of yours?”
“I would like you to grant me freedom for about an hour.”
Hearing Violet’s words, Siana spoke with a slightly deflated air.
“Since you said you had a request, I thought you would say you wanted to spend time with Lux-kun again, but is that all?”
“Yes. The time I spent with Rodwell-sama… the previous sword practice and bathing together were enough to satisfy me.”
As Violet spoke with satisfaction, slightly raising the corners of her mouth, Siana responded in a tone that carried a somewhat complicated feeling.
“I see. Then for an hour or even two, you may do as you please today.”
“Thank you very much.”
Expressing her gratitude, Violet immediately left Siana’s room and headed to a certain place, her destination for the day.
Floria’s Side
Returning from the noble academy to the Duke Florence residence, Floria was drinking tea she had brewed herself in the garden surrounded by flowers when a female servant spoke to her.
“Floria-sama, a person wearing a black hood and calling herself Violet has come saying she has business with you. What should be done?”
Violet-sama… is it about that matter?
“I will go and receive her myself.”
“As you wish.”
When Floria said this, the servant returned to her original post.
Then, when Floria opened the estate gate, she faced Violet, who was there, and spoke.
“I am grateful that you have come. I understand that ordinarily it should be I who visits you, but I had no means of going to Violet-sama’s side, so I waited for you to come here… this is about the deal, yes?”
In the exhibition match, if Floria defeated Rezamiliana, Violet would grant her a wish, while if she lost, she would grant Violet’s wish so long as it did not go against her feelings.
As a result, Floria lost her match against Rezamiliana, so she had to grant Violet’s wish.
“That is correct… by the nature of my duties, I understood that Florence-sama would have no way to come to me, so you need not concern yourself about that point.”
“Thank you… then, since it is hardly proper to stand and talk in a place like this, please, this way.”
Saying this, Floria led Violet to the garden where she had just been, and sat facing her across a table.
Then, with a glance to the servant, the servant placed two new teacups, one teapot, and tea leaves on the table before them and returned to her place.
“Since you are my guest today, Violet-sama, allow me to brew the tea.”
“To be able to drink tea brewed by Florence-sama… I shall be sure to savor it.”
In response to Floria’s gentle tone, Violet’s voice was calm, yet her manner seemed quietly pleased.
With practiced movements, Floria poured tea into the two cups before Violet’s eyes, then offered one to her.
“May I?”
“Of course.”
“Then, pardon me.”
Holding the teacup with graceful posture, Violet savored the aroma of the tea before slowly taking a sip.
After finishing one sip, she set the teacup on the table and spoke.
“As expected of Florence-sama. It is very delicious, and I think you have drawn out the flavor of the tea wonderfully.”
“Thank you.”
Considering that Lux had once said Violet’s tea was tastier, it might have sounded like sarcasm, but Floria could tell that Violet was sincerely praising her skill in brewing tea.
After that, since both were fond of tea, they found themselves talking about it for a while.
Then Floria spoke.
“…I am surprised to find someone with whom I can so enjoyably discuss tea to this extent… Violet-sama, you truly love tea, don’t you?”
“I was thinking the same.”
“…I do not think favorably of the Third Princess, but I do not feel that way about you, Violet-sama.”
Perhaps for the first time, Floria found herself telling this to someone who could match her in knowledge and passion in such a deep discussion about tea.
“As one who serves Felisiana-ojou-sama, I do not know if it is proper to accept such words straightforwardly, but I am honored.”
To those words, Floria immediately replied.
“But… precisely because of that, it pains me… that someone like you, together with the Third Princess, has stained your hands with blood for the wrong reasons.”
“…”
Violet did not answer, but Floria looked straight at her and continued, speaking gently.
“Unlike the Third Princess, you still have your conscience. It is not too late… Violet-sama, even now, give up the idea of staining your hands with blood for Lux-sama’s sake, and instead walk with me on another path to protect him.”
Saying this, Floria extended her hand to Violet.