Hey, youre not lying, are you?

I dont know how many times I have to repeat the same thing. I told you alreadywhether you believe it or not, the decision is up to you.

Ha, hahaha! And I dont know how many times I have to repeat the same question until you answer me properly! Anyway, if youre telling the truth, youre saying that youre the good person here, right? Since youre the victim.

Yet again, another leap of logic. Good versus evil, as if they could be separated neatly with a single slash of a blade.

Why didnt you tell me all this time?

What?

If everything you said is all true, why didnt you tell me, huh?! If Id have at least heard, That girls evil, then I would have at least listened. You should have said something about it!

Hearing Cairns outburst, Violet couldnt say anything for a moment. Instead, she sighed quietly as she pressed down on the emotions rising within her.

We wouldnt have been able to communicate anyway, so not bringing it up was one way of dealing with it.

What did you say? Did you just laugh at me? Answer me, why didnt you say anything?!

If I did.

If something like that happened, you should have told me earlier. All you did was get angry recklessly, so you!

If I said anything, would you have believed me?

What?

If I had told you about it before, would you have believed me?

What are you even

Cairn Paris Everett.

Cairn fell silent as he was called by his full name. Realizing that Violets mood had turned unusual, he glanced around.

Mary was staring at him with great intensity, and Aldin, who was listening as well, shook his head.

No, I mean. Shi! What I mean to say is, um

If I had spoken up, do you think that anything would have changed if someone believed me?

What, did you say.

No matter how simple you are, Cairn, theres no way that you dont know. Mikhail, or Lord Roen, and most certainly you. Let me ask you thiswould you have believed me?

As Cairn could say nothing in response, Violet laughed at him.

This younger brother of hers, as simple as he was, always believed everything would be as easy as one, two, and three. However, there were times when things wouldnt work no matter how hard he would try.

Right. Ive already said my piece today, but you still cant find it in you to believe me. But even if you dont believe a word I say, Cairn, the fact of the matter is thisMikhail has already been stripped of his title as the Dukes heir, and Aileen is no longer in Everett.

Then, Violet coldly uttered,

So, you too. Leave.

Ah, damn it, I just

Lets pretend today never happened and go our separate ways. And Ill say this again: leave.

I, just. Im sorry.

I said Im sorry! So, um. What. Youre Fathers favorite after all, and in the end, I also, with you No, I mean, Sister! Im not saying thats the reason Ive been misunderstanding you, Sister. I just, um, no, Im not trying to blame you

Ugh, shit, I mean. I was just hoping that youd behave better! No, I mean Haa. Anyway, I just want to apologize, too. I was terrible to you. Im sorry.

The tension in the air further disintegrated. Violet was hoping that what shes hearing was merely an auditory hallucination. But unfortunately, the situation she was now faced with was neither an illusion nor was it welcome to her.

Haa. I never said I didnt believe you. I, uh I mean, if you just acted properly, then I would have

Cairn was a simpleton. As simple as he was, he was quick on the uptake when it came to these things. No, it would be right to say that he was quick to understand this particular situation.

But, well, anyway. If everything you said is true! Im sorry.

With genuine anger lacing her words, Violet answered.

Get out.

What?

Get out of my sight right now, Cairn P. Everett.

H-Huh?

Therein lies the problem.

There was no way that long-standing resentment could be solved with a simple apology.

There are times when I even envy your simplicity, Aldin bluntly murmured.

It had come to a point that he had to say it, even when hed just been watching things unfold quietly at the sidelines until now.

Still not understanding what the problem was, Cairn raised his voice as though he was completely innocent.

No. Wait. Why? I already apologized. But why? Why are you mad at me now

If you dont want to leave, then I will. Dont ever show yourself in front of me again.

Whether Cairn was flustered or not, Violets response was as cold as ever.

As Violet rose to her feet, Mary sprang up as well, glancing at Cairn.

You are at fault, Cairn.

Then why? I did something wrong, thats why I apologized, isnt it?

Watching as the situation got sorted out, Aldin let out a slow sigh.

While ignoring Cairn, Violet walked forward and approached Aldin.

It was my intention to treat you today, but I sincerely apologize that youve been met with such a commotion instead. If you dont mind, would it be alright if you pretend that today never happened?

Of course. As you please, Your Ladyship.

You can just call me by my name comfortably. Is there anything else youd like to ask of me?

I cant call you by your name yet No, never mind. I have also unsheathed my sword today, so Im not in the position to receive any apologies from you.

Even when it was his friend and his older sister who were talking, Cairn had been effectively excluded from the conversation. He protested as though he felt wronged.

Nevertheless, both Violet and Aldin continued as though he wasnt there.

Then, if you dont mind me asking May I humbly ask to be your partner in the next imperial ball?