I dont quite understand what youre talking about. And why are you here, not at the Everett estate?

Hah. Are you kidding me? You Has something happened to your head? You think Im going to stay still after seeing everything that happened there? Of course Ill be right on your heels!

Haa.

Truly an ignorant, simple guy. Violet fled to the capital for nothing.

And, look. Hes doing this in front of a guest.

Violets sigh deepened. Upon hearing Violets listless exhale, Cairn tightened his grip on her collar. Violets clothes got stretched.

Is there anything else that I can explain? You must have already heard from Father.

As if Id believe that! The first thing I heard after going home was that Elder Brother was stripped of his status as heir, Aileen was kicked out, and there are rumors going around that you of all people are the victim! But you want me to believe the mere drivel of a witch who went to the capital with Brother Roen?!

Just the very atmosphere and force surrounding Cairn exuded chaos. One look at him like this was enough for Violet to know that nothing shed say now would go through to him.

How should she solve this predicament? The knights were visibly restless, not knowing how to act in the middle of this fight between their masters children.

Mary and Zylo were the only ones trying to stop Cairn.

But as Violet was thinking of whether Zylo would be able to stop Cairn

That temper of yours hasnt changed at all.

Shiiing. A silver blade was pointed at Cairn.

Even though its true that this situation was terribly urgent, Cairn was House Everetts third son. He was a dukes son, and after his graduation from the academy, he would have the duchys chivalric order under his command.

Thus, was there anyone in this mansion owned by Everett who could actually point a sword at him?

Hah? Aldin? What the hell are you doing here?

Ive come as an invited guest. Wouldnt it be better for you to stop now before any word gets out that House Everett treats their guests so poorly that its a wreck, Cairn?

It was Aldin Aesir who took up the position of stopping Cairn. Although he was an illegitimate child, Aldin Aesir was, too, the son of a duke and was House Everetts guest.

On top of that damn annoying face of yours, youve even got that insufferable goody-two-shoes act up and going, huh. Guest? Youre a guest of this damn witch? How fun, this situation!

While spouting one harsh word after another, Cairn let go of Violets collar. Even so, Aldin did not stop pointing his sword at Cairn.

The knights who were hesitating to stop Cairn were now wary of the guest who was serving as a threat to the third young master.

It felt as if everything would blow up in everyones faces at any given moment, with just one wrong move. However, even as Cairn was the one who had a blade pointed at him, he was the only one at ease.

Mind staying out of our family matter? Damn obnoxious prick. And you, Violet. If you dont explain everything to me right now, just know that this will be your last day.

Even if I explain it properly, youll just go straight for my throat anyway.

Violet replied inwardly.

With the situation coming to this, Violet could feel an oncoming migraine already, the moment she was about to let out a sigh

Tak.

Have you seriously lost your goddamn marbles?

Aldin threw a glove at Cairns face.

If you really want a conversation, you look like you need to cool off your head first. And you dont seem like you can do it on your own, so Ill give you a hand.

Ha. Haha What is this now? Are you serious? You two are together? If not that, are you seriously feeling sorry for this witch

I dont believe you of all people can say that, considering that your entire worth hinges only on your position as a dukes son. Isnt that why you still havent graduated, only skulking around at the academy until now?

What? You goddamn prick! Just because you graduated at the top of your class! You know what? Fine, follow me. Ill knock you right off your damn high horse!

The situation began to change urgently.

Absolutely furious, Cairn took off the thrown glove from his face and stomped out the gallery, heading straight towards the sparring area of the knights drill hall.

Simpletons were quick to change their attitudes, of course.

As she was in the presence of her guest and savior, Violet could not comprehend how things had gotten to this point. Mary came running, and she was utterly clueless as to what had happened, but she quickly arranged Violets clothes.

Milady, Milady! Whats going on?! Uhh Is that really the Third Young Master?

If youre asking me whether that idiot is Cairn, then the answer is yes. If youre asking me what exactly is going on, then I have no clue at all.

After her dresss collar was presentable again, Violet rushed towards the drill hall.

If Everetts reputation would take a hit, its a problem. If Aldin, a guest who Violet had invited, were to take a hit, its still a problem.

In this situation where everythings a problem, Violets anxiety further deepened.

* * *

Clash, claaang. Clash!

The duel, which produced nothing but problemsagainst everyones expectationswent on in a fair manner.

Violet came here with the intention of stopping them at once. However, without realizing it, she stopped and watched the serious duel.

Theyre from the same alma mater.

The sociable Mary came back to report what she had gleaned from someone else. Violet wasnt interested in her younger brother at all, but she was surprised to hear this new information.