—Yes, that is correct.
We went to the town of Bonheart.
It's a pretty rural place.
We were lucky to find a good portal and we solved it in a few days.
Gran said.
—The town of Bonheart… How did they know that the wedding took place there?
—Cyril Cole Everdeen has a fairly well-known reputation.
It's easy to get information from someone like that.
We find Cyril's hometown and send the High Priest, Gran, to a local temple.
Brown said with a slightly softer tone as he saw Violet's surprised face.
—Don't be surprised yet.
A man who only gives one thing is not attractive.
Ash said.
Gran handed him a stack of papers.
—These are documents with testimonies from the town elders who attended the wedding at that time.
That is, they are witnesses.
They swore that the wedding took place and that they attended as guests.
—It's amazing that the people of Bonheart town handed this over so easily, and that they kept it until now.
Violet said to Gran.
—Let's say it's proof of your mother's goodness.
Ash said.
-…Goodness?
—They remembered her.
It was a long time ago, but they remembered her as a bride in a sorry situation.
Violet nodded at Ash's words.
His emotions overflowed.
Of course, Cyril hadn't lied to him about anything.
—Also, although the town of Bonheart was poor, the people had great faith.
When we asked them in the name of God, they readily accepted.
Gran said jokingly, making a prayer gesture.
The High Priest was a very high position.
If the faith of the townspeople was strong, they would not have been able to reject the High Priest's request.
—Ah, Gran said he was a High Priest, right...?
-Yeah.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Miss Violet's father deceived her mother by not submitting the marriage certificate to the government office after the wedding.
He married, but did not register.
It wasn't surprising.
His father was the kind of person who would make a cowardly move like that.
Violet looked at Ash first.
—Ash, thank you very much.
And to Gran, thank you very much.
Thank you all very much.
—This marriage certificate is important proof that you are not a bastard, Violet.
For us, it is a trivial matter, but for the nobles of the Empire, it is an important matter, right?
Marin said.
—Marin, honor is important to anyone.
Especially for the honor of one's parents, even killing someone would not be enough.
Ash responded calmly.
Marin nodded meekly.
"So, Violet, are you ready to play a little?"
Ash looked at Violet and smiled subtly.
—…It's already fun.
Violet responded, feeling like she had gained some much more powerful allies than she thought.
—It will get more and more interesting.
Well, first, the basics of hunting is to target the weakest opponent, right?
Who is the weakest person on your poison list?
Marin asked.
—Probably Marigold.
Or else, Bluideen.
Violet responded quietly.
—Hmm, from what I hear, they both seem to be children of rich and stupid families.
So Marigold seems easier, shall we start with her?
Gran smiled and said.
—I heard Marigold is famous.
She is a young woman who has fame throughout the capital.
Marin said.
—Yes, Marigold is famous for being beautiful.
It has even appeared several times in magazines….
Violet replied.
—So what do we do?
Brown, who had been listening silently, opened his mouth, clicking his pen.
—Think about the situation that would make this young girl, Marigold, who has been raised in a greenhouse, feel more disgusted, humiliated and upset.
Marin responded instead.
—As legal as possible.
If we are going to commit illegalities, violence or murder, let's do it without being discovered.
If we are discovered, my work will increase.
Brown said.
—You love the word trial and lawsuit.
Gran clicked his tongue.
—First, when you hurt someone, you must base it on their value system.
Ash said elegantly.
—What is a value system…?
—The value that the person considers highest.
Take it away, or make her feel inferior because of it.
—Marigold is obsessed with beauty and also… with improving her social status.
Violet said.
—Don't you already have everything?
Great asked.
—Yes, but still, Marigold seems to be missing something.
—Oh, I like it when the victim is a materialistic person.
This way the blow is stronger.
Marin murmured happily.
"So in what situation would Marigold feel the most pain, Violet?"
Ash seemed indifferent, but asked Violet, looking into her eyes.
—When they take away or lose what they wanted most.
-AND?
—And let the truth be revealed.
That I'm not the bastard, but actually she is.
It would be even better if it was revealed on Marigold's most splendid and happiest day.
What if on a day like this, Marigold received 'a word' from her?
It would be a nightmare he would never forget.
—Hmm….
Everyone suddenly became silent.
Violet was startled.
—Hey, why are they silent?
—Wow, this young woman has more than she seems, eh?
Gran said.
—She's a little evil, isn't she?
I like it, you're my type.
Now I want to be your friend.
Marin said like a little demon.
-Pity.
Instantly, Gran and Brown's gazes fell on Violet, filled with compassion.
—…What is happening?
Violet asked cautiously, a little dazed.
—If Marin chooses you, you become a human mannequin.
We've all been there and we're fed up.
The only advantage is that you don't have to buy clothes.
Gran said.
-Good.
I have 25 minutes left.
Brown clicked his pen again and said indifferently.
"Then tell us." What is the date you have in mind?
Ash said.
Violet was silent for a moment.
—Believe it or not, Marigold seriously wants to marry a member of the imperial family.
That's why she wants to be chosen as the 'Winter Queen' at the crown prince's ball.
—What is the Winter Queen?
Brown frowned.
—It is a trivial tradition of the imperial family.
Every year they organize a big dance.
And in winter, they choose one of the young nobles who has just debuted in high society as Queen to dance with the male members of the imperial family.
But there is something interesting.
Marin responded instead.
Ash nodded slightly, as if he already knew everything.
—The history of dance already bores me.
Make me interested.
Gran said.
—Throughout history, many Winter Queens have become lovers of young members of the imperial family.
And some, with great luck, even got married.
Of course, in those cases the girl's family was already of high status.
The Winter Queen was, literally, an event in which the imperial family chose the most beautiful woman in the capital.
—And the host of this year's ball is the crown prince.
Marin continued.
—Aren't you married?
He married out of convenience recently.
Oh, I really don't want to know about these things.
Gran said with a grimace.
"So Miss Marigold dreams of getting rich overnight."
Ash said.
—Now that you say it, is it true?
Does Marigold dream of being the crown prince's lover?
—…No, Marigold seriously dreams of being… the crown princess.
Violet responded, feeling embarrassed.
—Wow, what a great dream.
Oh really?
—But it looks like I could do it.
-Because?
What makes you think that?
—My family has an innate talent for scamming and… enormous tenacity.
They are people who would do anything to make Marigold fulfill her dream.
They could even get the crown prince, who is already married, to divorce.
Violet said.
—If the secret of Marigold's birth is revealed on the day of the ball, her dream of being crown princess would become impossible.
The plan you've come up with is pretty cute.
Good job.
Ash said it nonchalantly.
—…Thank you, Ash.
Violet, although a little dazed, felt a little happy at receiving a compliment.
…To be continued