Chapter 417: Violet’s Proposal
“…! Rodwell-sama…?”
Violet was startled that she, who was always so keenly aware of others’ presence, had failed to notice someone approaching this close.
But even more than that, she was shocked that the person was Lux, her eyes widening.
“Yes.”
“…Why have you come here, Rodwell-sama?”
Normally, by now, Lux should have been sharing his happiness with the women he had just been united with.
So why was he here?
“Well… for just a moment, I caught a glimpse of your face as you were leaving the throne room, Violet, and you didn’t look very well.”
My face… I thought I hadn’t shown anything outwardly, and yet even in the middle of his own happiness, Rodwell-sama still notices the slightest change in me…
Lux likely meant nothing more than stating a simple observation, and that was all it was.
But those words made Violet’s feelings swell all the more.
“After that, I saw Felisiana-sama leave the throne room as if following you, so I thought maybe something had happened, and I got a little worried, so I came.”
“I see… thank you very much.”
“No, it’s only natural, so please don’t worry about it.”
Lux gave Violet a bright smile.
That smile was dazzling.
And within that brightness was unmistakable kindness, as he then gently asked,
“I hope I’m mistaken, but if there’s a reason you seemed a little down, would you tell me?”
“…”
Up until now, Violet would never have confessed her feelings.
Felisiana and the others were born into high status in this society.
But she had none of that, she was merely a servant.
She might be somewhat known as someone connected to royalty, but even so, could someone like her truly stand as the wife of the new king, Lux?
Did someone like her, who had lived in Felisiana’s shadow, even have the right to stand beside him as someone who loved him?
And above all, there was a very real possibility that Lux would not accept her.
In fact, with his feelings for the other four already settled, it was more reasonable to think he wouldn’t.
And if that happened, even their current relationship might collapse, and she might lose the chance to support his happiness from the shadows.
With such anxiety and conflict, she had been trying to suppress her feelings, but…
Felisiana had guided her.
And now, she herself understood what she needed to do.
And right after that, Lux had appeared before her.
At this point… I can’t keep these feelings buried anymore.
“Rodwell-sama… do you remember what I said earlier, about supporting your happiness and that of Ojou-sama and the others from the shadows?”
“…! …Yes, I remember.”
Just like before,
Lux lowered his gaze for a brief moment at those words,
But as Violet continued, he immediately lifted his head and listened.
“There was no lie in those words… I truly do wish to keep supporting your happiness and that of Ojou-sama and the others from now on.”
However, she went on.
“Separate from that, there is something I want to tell you…”
“Something you want to tell me…?”
“Yes.”
Violet nodded, then gently closed her eyes.
Feeling once more the love for Lux that undeniably existed within her,
She opened them, met his gaze,
Her cheeks faintly flushed, a soft expression on her face, and said,
“I… love you, Rodwell-sama, just as much as I wish to support your happiness and that of Ojou-sama and the others. So from now on, not only as your servant, but as a woman… would you allow me to be with you and love you?”