Chapter 303: Half
Violet’s Side
“V-Violet-san!? W-why are you here, Violet-san!?”
Seeing Violet, Lux cried out in shock.
Which was only natural, since this was a guest room in Count Rodwell’s mansion.
A place where Violet should not normally be.
However, so as not to arouse suspicion, Violet immediately spoke.
“I had business that brought me nearby, and wished to speak with Rodwell-sama for a short while, so I came at once. When I met Siana-sama in the garden, she kindly allowed me to pass.”
“Siana did… I see.”
Lux nodded, apparently convinced.
Of course, there was no way Felisiana would actively permit Violet to be alone with Lux, so it was a lie.
As for why she would tell such a lie, it was simple.
I am sorry, Ojou-sama, but I, too, wish to spend time with Rodwell-sama.
She harbored that wish.
And that wish had only grown stronger since before…
“The attendant you mentioned earlier is someone as kind as you, Violet-san, correct? Then all the more reason that things like rights or differences in status shouldn’t matter.”
“Rather, if a wonderful woman like you were to hold such feelings, I’m sure that man would be happy.”
Ever since Lux had said those words to her.
“When I met Siana-sama, I was a little surprised to see Elizalina-sama in the garden as well… What is your relationship with Elizalina-sama, Rodwell-sama?”
“R-relationship might be too strong a word… she’s simply been kind to me, that’s all.”
“…I see.”
Perhaps because he was concealing the fact that Elizalina had proposed an engagement, Lux’s reply lacked conviction.
Rodwell-sama is truly bearing alone the burden of being proposed to by two princesses and a duke.
By any measure, it was far too heavy a burden for Lux, a count’s son who was still only fifteen.
It was obvious he was troubled, and if possible, she wished to become someone he could confide in, to ease even a fraction of his strain.
But precisely because she cared for him.
She could not make that choice, for she wanted to respect Lux’s own wishes.
“Now then, Rodwell-sama… as I mentioned earlier, I would like to assist you in brewing the tea.”
“Ah! Y-yes! Thank you very much!”
As Lux said that, Violet swiftly set everything in order with practiced hands until it was ready to brew tea for three.
“Your movements are so careful yet quick, it’s truly impressive, Violet-san!”
“You flatter me.”
With a small bow, Violet replied, and Lux picked up the teapot.
Then, perhaps because he was unaccustomed to brewing tea, he seemed to be hesitating over the height from which to pour.
“Rodwell-sama… you appear troubled, so if you would allow me, may I teach you how to brew tea?”
“Eh!? I-is that really okay!?”
“Yes.”
“P-please, I’d love that!”
“Then… excuse me.”
Saying so, Violet pressed herself gently against Lux’s back.
“…!”
At the sudden contact, Lux’s ears flushed red.
Next, as if guiding the hand with which he held the teapot.
She placed her own right hand and arm over his.
“There are several points to keep in mind, such as the height and the speed of pouring, but first I will teach you the proper height.”
“Y-yes!”
After that, Violet carefully guided Lux through the process of brewing tea.
So that he could learn it properly, half of her attention was devoted to instruction.
Half of the reason Violet was acting this way was, as she was now doing, because she wished to help Lux in his moment of difficulty.
However… the other half was not.
Rodwell-sama… Even as I teach you how to brew tea because you are troubled, please forgive me for finding happiness simply in being so close to you.
And yet.
I have already come to care for Rodwell-sama so deeply that I can no longer suppress these feelings.