Her voice was so impossibly calm to the point of indifference, but the last few words she uttered trembled ever so minutely.

Youre a perfectionist, Young Lord. And, even more than that fool, Mikhail To be honest, I believe that youre even more arrogant than he is. Youre the kind of man who has to have everything in the palm of your hand, easily available so that you can do whatever you want with them. Isnt that so?

I didnt know you paid so much attention to me.

You seem to have changed overnight, so abruptly spewing apology after apology, but how can I believe any of your words? Ive suffered through the same thing for years.

As Violet steadily cleared her trembling voice, she remained silent for a short while before she continued again.

And regardless whether I forgive you or not, I cannot believe anything that you say. The moment you judge that I am lacking, or the moment you regard me as someone unnecessary or useless You might just change your attitude towards me like a simple flip of the coin.

Think about the notoriety thats been inscribed to my identity all these years. Beyond being Everetts wicked woman, isnt it that Im likely to be written down in the history books as the Empires villainess of the century? Or perhaps it would be more likely that Id disappear completely after one final trip to the gallows?

The words were spoken as if in jest, but her voice remained calm and serious. As he was reflecting on the past, Roen chewed on his lips. Hadnt he shown such changeable behavior to Aileen just a short time ago?

If a person could change his attitude easily twice before, couldnt it happen for a third time as well?

Despite being shown such goodwill, its impossible for Violet to accept it sweetly because the time that she had been hurt went on for far too long.

Violet would not trust anyone easily. Especially her own family.

Once abandoned, its only natural for one to be afraid to form relationships.

Its not unreasonable for you to think so. But Violet What Im saying is

As Roen had been listening to Violet in silence for a long time, he finally, gradually opened his lips to speak. A visible mark had been left on his lips as he had chewed them for that long.

Youre my younger sister. Because were family, thats why

To push down the emotions that were threatening to burst out, Violet had to purse her lips tightly.

Because theyre family, he said. Blood was thicker than water, and they had that connection between themthats why.

With such a relationship, family members were bound to be closer to each other than anyone else. But at the same time, they were also the same people who were vulnerable to wounds inflicted upon another, vulnerable to such contempt and scorn hurled at each other.

Even now, the memories of Violets childhood still lingered incessantly, affecting her life now.

She pitied herself. She felt sorry for Violet because of the life she had to live. The extent of Violets wickedness was directly proportional to how big her wounds were.

Even now that their personalities had become mixed together, there were still times that she thought it was all her fault.

People dont change so easily, Young Lord. You wont change, and I wont change. Just as my hatred will remain, so will your arrogance.

Forcing someone to accept an apology was also a form of violence. Roen kept saying that she didnt have to forgive him, but at the same time, he persistently tried to apologize to her anyway.

None of this meant that the time in which she suffered would disappear.

Its not because I had to be perfect Do you remember? When we were children, Elder Brother and I favored you completely and cared about you a lot. Cairn also said that he likes only his older sister.

Roens feeble voice continued.

Its just Yes. Back then, I thought that it was because of me that my younger sister had gone down the wrong path, thats why I did all that. To be honest, I felt that it wasnt right, but because everyone kept acting the same way, I copied them and didnt try to find out the real reason behind everything I had rationalized my actions and thought that it was for you, but in fact, all those actions just hurt you more

Violet just listened to him without a word.

What I did was nothing more than self-satisfaction

As Roen continued, his voice gradually became rougher. This all just sounded like a crude excuseand Roen himself was aware of this, too.

He had believed that he wasnt a bad speaker. But now, as he was finding it increasingly difficult to continue speaking, Roen tried to smile, releasing a trembling exhale full of tension.

Thats why, I I truly am sorry. Youre my younger sister Youre my real younger sister, but I I know that youll hate hearing this, but were still family.

Listening to those words, Violets hands clenched into fists. She was still looking out the window and so Roen didnt know what kind of expression she had on now, but he continued speaking with an awkward smile.

I didnt know you knew me so well. And you said that Im arrogant I didnt know that you didnt like such arrogance. Its difficult to believe, but I will try. I will try to make up for all the times that I hurt you, and

He trailed off.

Roen thought that their father was an indecisive and weak man, but he was struck with the realization that he was the same.

Violet did not answer. She just continued looking out the window.

Rather than answering right away, she needed time to process what Roen just said.

The silence that stretched between them was brief, but it felt like an eternity to Roen.

And, finally

Okay.

He was given a short answer.

Just a single word. Devoid of resentment, devoid of condemnation, and devoid of forgiveness.

But Roen was certain.

Even Violet would not forget the past, and even though her anger would remain

Lets get along well from now on, Vee.

I never granted you permission to call me by that name, Young Lord.

Yeah.

This was a turning point in their relationship.

As silence once again dawned upon the carriage, it finally reached the gates of the capital.