Violet had already abandoned any expectations for her family. She had already given up on her own life.

For as long as she had lived, she remained true to her identity as a duke’s daughter. But she gave up on that and asked for self-imprisonment.

It’s become this way in the end.

Violet’s resignation was a given, and she went on to sever ties with everyone.

Even if those ties were connected by blood.

“…I’m not apologizing in exchange for your forgiveness.”

Roen continued speaking, weakly.

“It’s as you said. I had wronged you.”

“……”

“It’s just because of that. That’s why I’m apologizing.”

Perhaps part of it was to comfort himself and to abate some of his guilt. It was an apology that the other person didn’t want to hear, and yet he went ahead and said it even though he knew that a few mere words would not be able to compensate for all the pain that had been inflicted upon her thus far.

And yet, it was better than saying nothing.

“However you think of me is up to you. And it’s also completely up to you whether you’ll accept my apology.”

“I just wanted to apologize. I’m sorry.”

As Roen spoke, the expression on his face was familiar to Violet, too.

An expression that she had never seen since a decade ago, back when he was still taking good care of his younger sister.

“I will not accept your apology.”

“That’s fine.”

“I will never call you ‘Brother’ anymore.”

“…Okay.”

“I, I will still hate you.”

“Alright.”

“I pray that such an unpleasant matter won’t be brought up again in the future.”

“If that’s what you want.”

As she managed to finally calm down her emotions, Violet observed Roen calmly.

This person was the one who degraded her with eloquence, who said that everything was her fault without a shadow of a doubt, who always defaulted to fait accompli due to prejudice.

How many times did she trust him? How many times did he stab her in the back in return?

There were so, so many instances when she hoped that Roen would believe her, but each and every time, she was left with a perfectly shattered heart.

The wounds inflicted upon her during her childhood had yet to heal. Even though she pretended to be calm, that hurt child was still in her heart.

No one believed her. Everyone criticized her. That little child was still crying in so much pain.

Violet did not try to gauge whether or not the emotions behind Roen’s expression were sincere.

Instead, she uttered the following words with suppressed anger.

“I pray that what happened today will never happen again.”

After saying so, Violet was about to rise from her seat, but she stopped.

“Young Lord.”

“…Yes?”

“Can I hit you?”

“What?”

Before Roen could even finish uttering the single word, Violet’s fist was already planted squarely on his face.

As Violet punched the second noble young master of the Everett Duchy, there was no hesitation at all in her movements.

‘God, that feels good.’

Violet, who hit Roen once as advised by her escort knight, promptly left the teahouse without looking back.

Roen sat there, eyes dazedly wandering in the air, one palm cradling the spot that had gotten hit.

Violet’s hand was really heavy.

* * *

Time flew whether one wanted it to or not. And, ever since the apology, Roen sought out Violet more often.

She faced Roen with a sour look.

“You must be utterly brimming with free time.”

“No, I’m actually busy.”

“Then why do you insist on coming here to see me?”

“It’s only right to make a conscious effort when trying to reconnect a broken relationship.”

How impertinent, those words. She certainly didn’t expect him to come here so confidently under the pretext of restoring their relationship.

Violet managed to calm herself. She diligently pressed down on the urge to throw tea at Roen’s face.

Even as he saw Violet’s expression darkening by the second, Roen shrugged anyhow.

“It’s not a lie that I’m busy. There are many things that I have to do.”

“Sure…”

“You don’t seem to believe me.”

“You’re originally such a busy person, Young Lord. So of course you’re suddenly busy with more things.”

“Should I just be glad that you do believe me…”

Here was a matter of fact: The only person who’s calm in this room was Roen and Roen alone.

Even the young knight, who was standing next to Violet for escort duty, looked quite uncomfortable. When faced with someone who’s as brazen as Roen, any normal person would feel like they were sitting on a thorn cushion.

“Oh, the tea has become a little better.”

Roen’s face wasn’t just an iron plate. It’s made entirely of orichalcum.

“Oh, right. By the way, there will be some news for you soon. Though it might take a little while to arrive because it hasn’t been confirmed yet.”

“Okay…”

As she answered half-heartedly, Violet frowned.

“Don’t tell me. Are things going on even without my will—”

“Half-right. I’ll be sure to ask for your permission first before anything. Don’t worry.”

Thinking that his younger sister would like it, Roen averted his eyes.

Violet only sighed.

The aristocrats of this time period really didn’t know how to respect the opinions of other people.

“And, Violet.”

“……”

“It would be better if you don’t go out on your own from now on.”

“Unnecessary meddling.”

“It’s not totally unnecessary. Tell me, do you have ordinary physical features?”

With a faint smile, Roen continued.

“You haven’t only been lucky to be safe until now. Regardless of how modestly you dress—no, the more modestly you dress, the more crooked people will try to approach you. And if the worst happens, it can’t be stopped with just two escort knights.”

“……”

Roen’s warning was reasonable, but the young knight bristled.

Meanwhile Zylo, who was standing further behind, quietly nodded in agreement.