Chapter 416: Violet’s True Intentions
“What do you mean, are you really satisfied with this…?”
“It’s exactly what it sounds like. Are you truly satisfied with things turning out this way?”
Asked again by Felisiana, Violet nodded.
“Of course. It’s true that the original plan, in which only Ojou-sama would be united with Rodwell-sama, was not realized. However, Ojou-sama’s true wish, to love and be united with Rodwell-sama, has been fulfilled.”
The reason things turned out this way was likely because, even if only temporarily, they formed a cooperative relationship and were able to glimpse sides of those they had once opposed.
There was no reason to reject an outcome where no one had to be hurt.
“There is nothing more I could possibly wish for.”
“…I see. Then, there’s no happiness you desire beyond that?”
“…Naturally. There is no greater joy than supporting the happiness of you, my master, your sisters… and Florence-sama, who has acknowledged me as a friend, as well as Rodwell-sama, the one I hold feelings for… ah…”
Realizing what had just slipped from her lips, Violet’s eyes widened.
Those were words she absolutely should not have spoken if she intended to maintain her position.
But because they had come out naturally, they weren’t something she could have restrained through reason.
And there was no way Felisiana would overlook that, as she spoke.
“So you’ve finally let your true feelings slip… I knew it. You may have been suppressing it lately, but you love Lux-kun, don’t you? And yet you say you’ll support him from the shadows, that you want nothing more? Did you really think you could deceive me, the one who spends more time with you than anyone, by hiding your true feelings behind such words?”
“…”
Unable to respond, Violet fell silent.
After a brief pause, she spoke in a calm voice, though it trembled faintly.
“You all made various efforts to be united with Rodwell-sama… inviting him to the royal castle, inviting him to your estates, inviting him to events, spending time with him in the city… and as a result, you were able to be with him. But I…”
“Because you haven’t done anything directly to be with Lux-kun, you think you have no right to be with him? Or you think it’s too late to start now? Or perhaps… both?”
“…”
Seeing Violet fall silent again, Felisiana let out a small sigh.
“Fine. If you’re going to do nothing for those reasons, then devote yourself to supporting our happiness as you wish… but I won’t hold back.”
“…Won’t hold back?”
“Yes. Even right in front of you, I’ll freely stay close to Lux-kun, feed him, link arms with him, and hold his hand without hesitation.”
“…”
Until now, because there was the goal of Felisiana being united with him, seeing such scenes had only brought her happiness, never discomfort.
And even now, seeing her master Felisiana and the man she loved, Lux, happy together should bring her joy.
But at the same time, most likely…
“Of course, I’ll embrace him too, and I’d like to bathe with him as well. And after relaxing in the bath together, we might even sleep in the same bed…”
“I…”
Quietly, Violet spoke as she looked down.
Felisiana stopped herself from continuing and listened.
“As you said, Ojou-sama… the truth is…”
“…!”
Just as Violet was about to continue,
Felisiana let out a small sound, stepped closer, and whispered softly into her ear.
“Tell the rest… directly to him.”
“…What?”
With that, Felisiana walked past Violet.
Then, she turned the corner and disappeared from sight.
At that moment, Violet sensed a presence in front of her.
To think I failed to notice someone approaching this close…
Looking down had played a part, but more than anything, it was her current state of mind.
However, there was no point dwelling on that now.
When Violet raised her head, standing before her was…
“Violet-san!”
The one she loved, Lux.