Violet quietly observed the movements of those training in the sparring ground. Just as Sonia was getting hit with a wooden sword after her noisy chatter, Cairn returned after having tidied up.

His eyes were red and swollen, making it obvious he had been crying. He seemed to have washed his face, but as usual, he didn’t pay much attention to his appearance, resulting in a sloppy clean-up.

‘Looks like he cried.’

Everyone present thought the same. He had left to talk with his older sister and came back with swollen eyes, leaving them to wonder what conversation could have caused him to cry so much.

A few glances discreetly shifted towards Violet, but she paid them no mind.

Despite hearing the ardent pleas of properly learning swordsmanship, Violet, who remained unmoved, didn’t pay any attention to Cairn either.

“I apologize. Please teach me again!”

As soon as Cairn arrived, he requested another sparring match with Delta, whom he had previously lost to. Delta responded, seemingly troubled.

“Hmm, we’ve already sparred once, and it doesn’t have to be me…”

“Oh, are you worried you might lose?”

“……”

Cairn, having regained his usual demeanor, provoked Delta. It was clear he was doing it on purpose.

“Spar with me again— with me!”

“It’s no fun winning against a kid like you.”

“What, you’re a kid too!”

“Hmph, at least I’m older than you. Show some respect.”

Moreover, his personality seemed to have changed somewhat.

Delta sighed as he watched Cairn, who got along particularly well with Sonia. In their second sparring match, Cairn won.

After that, he was pestered for quite some time by the noisy twins, Sonia and Hayes, a boastful Cairn, a quiet but keen Aldin, and the adults trying to guide them.

Delta appeared the most fragile, and true enough, he looked the most exhausted.

Nevertheless, they seem to be having fun. Violet observed them, thinking they belonged to a different world than hers.

Eventually, Delta, who had to sneak away from those eager to train all night, apologized to Violet, who had stayed out of it from the beginning.

“I’m sorry. Haha… They don’t usually have such rough personalities. Um. They must be a bit excited.”

He was really gentle, quite different from the fierce look he had during the sparring session. Is this his true personality? Violet thought, watching Delta smile softly.

“…It must be tough.”

“No, it’s not. And you can speak informally to me.”

“It’s okay. B… Um, Sir Delta. You too. You can speak comfortably.”

“I think you used to call me ‘Brother’ when we were younger…”

“Excuse me?”

“Haha.”

When Violet reflexively questioned, Delta laughed it off.

“I’m just more comfortable this way. Um, then let’s both speak how we’re comfortable.”

It felt strange to hear formal language from a cousin, especially an older one. Although in a hierarchical society, age doesn’t significantly determine rank…

Violet decided to go with what felt natural. She had no memories of her cousin anyway.

As Delta watched Violet, he cautiously spoke up.

“More importantly, what did you talk about? He seems to have changed suddenly…”

Violet paused briefly, not expecting such a direct question about their conversation.

What should she say? After contemplating, she gave the simplest answer.

“We didn’t talk about much. That’s just his nature.”

“…That’s just his nature?”

“Yes.”

“Oh…”

Delta’s sigh was particularly long. It was as if he couldn’t believe there was another personality like Sonia’s. Reading his thoughts, Violet laughed out loud.

Delta, volunteering as a guide, shared various stories with Violet.

His tone was soft and gentle.

“I may be considered a prodigy, but not quite a genius, so I guess I don’t meet Father’s expectations. But protecting the border isn’t just about having one outstanding individual. While individual ability is important, it’s the commander’s skill that truly matters, so I’m satisfied in my own way.”

Sonia, however, seemed to disagree. Her added remark was slightly sulky.

Understanding the hardships was not something Violet couldn’t relate to, so she responded with a smile.

“In that sense, Sir Mikhail was an excellent talent. How things turned out like that… Violet?”

Before she realized, the topic had shifted to Mikhail. Violet paused at that moment.

If it were a solitary recollection, it would be one thing, but every time Mikhail’s name was mentioned by others, she flinched. It was practically at the level of trauma.

“…It’s okay.”

“People who say they’re okay don’t make that kind of face.”

Anyone could see Violet’s expression was far from okay as she waved her hand. Delta’s expression remained calm as he watched her.

“Aren’t you and Sir Mikhail family?”

“……”

“Violet, calm down and take a slow breath. Yes, just like that.”

The soothing words from someone with such a gentle and mild demeanor made it hard for Violet to resist.

Her feelings towards Mikhail were separate from those towards Aileen. She might dislike someone she wouldn’t see again more than someone right in front of her. Hating someone to this extent was quite remarkable, if anything.

Gritting her teeth and exhaling slowly with a frown, Violet clenched her jaw.

Delta simply stood there, watching Violet. He didn’t react, though he might have been impressed by Violet, who usually maintained a neutral expression, now revealing intense emotions.