Eventually, once Violet showed signs of having completely calmed down, Delta spoke.

“I don’t judge people based on rumors. Both my father and our grandfather taught me that. …So, I wanted to see and judge for myself regarding you and Mikhail.”

“…I don’t understand the purpose behind your words.”

“Well… at the very least, I understand that people don’t usually react like this in normal relationships.”

But one must also consider the other person’s opinion. Violet’s expression hardened at Delta’s added words, which seemed to match the expression of the wicked woman of the rumors, yet Delta kept smiling.

“Do you want to talk about him?”

“…I really don’t want to.”

“I’m not going to spread gossip.”

“I don’t want to talk about him because even thinking about that person is horrifying.”

Even though Violet’s voice had become harsh, Delta remained unperturbed. Naturally, he reached out and patted Violet’s head. It was a gesture of familial affection, but Violet found it only bewildering.

“What is this…”

“You must have had a hard time.”

“……”

“You know, Grandfather is fond of you, Violet. So, it’s worth considering his words seriously.”

“…Do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Do you think I would say something like this without knowing anything?”

Even someone who seemed the most normal in the Blaise family had a knack for speaking nonsense.

Giving up on maintaining her expression, Violet openly showed her astonishment. The ever-bright smile did not provide any answers.

“So, you’re saying I should become Violet Blaise?”

“I suppose so. Of course, only if you want to, Violet…”

“……”

“As you can see, Sonia has a rather rowdy personality… I’ve always wanted to have a quiet sibling.”

“…Hayes seems pretty quiet.”

“He may seem calm, but he’s the one who causes the most trouble.”

“……”

It wasn’t something one would say just because they wanted a quiet younger sibling. Violet’s eyes narrowed. Delta laughed out loud as he saw the look she gave him.

No matter how she thought about it, no noble with a common mindset would say such things. Even to Violet, who had memories of a past life, it felt absurd.

It’s common among nobles without children to adopt relatives.

However, wasn’t the current situation different? Moreover, Violet was at an age where she could soon marry and take another surname.

Delta’s words, even if they echoed those of the old man who missed his daughter and wife, carried a different weight. Violet sighed deeply.

“What if I have the personality that the rumors say?”

“Then we’d just have to reform—no, educate you.”

“……”

An offhand question was met with a fresh response. If she had a bad character, they’d educate her, he said.

Delta, still smiling brightly, patted his younger cousin’s head a couple more times.

“Well, anyway. If it gets really tough, you can always come here.”

His words were kind and warm, and the meaning behind them was gentle, but Violet simply thought this:

This person is really out of touch with reality…

* * *

That day, Violet and Cairn ended up staying at the Blaise estate.

Now more spirited, Cairn energetically challenged the margrave several times, only to be soundly defeated each time. With each loss, Cairn’s determination burned brighter, and he sought guidance throughout the night.

He was truly talented. A genius in swordsmanship coveted not only by the imperial palace but also by the margrave, his maternal family.

It was impressive to be so highly regarded purely for one’s abilities.

Violet tried to sleep in an unfamiliar room but couldn’t, so she went out to the balcony and looked up at the sky.

She reflected on the conversation she had with Cairn during the day and thought about her talk with Delta.

The current relationship, where she hadn’t fully forgiven him, felt just right.

If Cairn once again overstepped his bounds, she could address it then.

Delta’s words, which had seemed absurd during their conversation, made more sense the more she reflected on them.

If just hearing someone’s name made her tremble, the things she experienced in that family must have been significant, so offering a way to escape completely made sense.

It was something only someone who had faced her directly could say.

It was unlikely that someone trained to be the next margrave would lack practical sense.

So, it was a gesture of extending a helping hand despite the complicated procedures and numerous documents involved.

It was a kind gesture, but for Violet, it was already in the past.

Her immediate concerns were not about Everett, so it could be seen as missing the point.

Who knows? Just as Aileen returned, Mikhail might shamelessly come back and claim she was the one entirely at fault.

Of course, these were only Violet’s speculations. Delta might have simply wanted a quiet younger sister.

Her emotions didn’t settle easily. Giving up on sleep, Violet put on her coat. Since she wasn’t going to sleep tonight, she decided to take a walk.

As she stepped into the garden to enjoy the night air, she found someone had arrived before her.