A few days passed and finally the day for classes to resume at the academy arrived.
Now, both Violet and Ash were about to start their last semester.
Violet had spent a quiet time at Cyril's house.
On the day of resumption, Violet met up with Marin early in the morning.
Marin had offered to prepare his clothes before he went to the academy.
—What do you think?
Don't you look beautiful?
Marin asked confidently.
Violet looked at herself in the mirror and felt amazed.
Marin had prepared a light blue dress for her that fit her perfectly, as if it were a second skin.
It was narrow, but had cuts with several layers of fabric so he could move comfortably.
Over the dress, he had put a short jacket on her.
It seemed like blue water was flowing with every movement.
She wore her hair down as usual, but she had pinned it to the side with a silver hairpin.
—Marin, what did you do to me?
My hair feels amazing.
Violet, fascinated, touched her hair.
-Don't know.
The power of capital and a good eye?
I put a lot of expensive hair treatments on her.
But your skin and hair have excellent recovery capacity.
The parts damaged by lack of care healed quickly with just a little attention, right?
For a few days, Violet had visited Marin's house every day at Ash's suggestion.
Ash was sometimes home and sometimes not.
But Marin was always there.
When Violet visited her, Marin always fixed her up.
Thanks to that, Violet had formed a friendship with Marin and now felt comfortable enough to chat with her.
—Marin, the saying 'the clothes make the person' seems like it was created for you.
You could make anyone look like an angel with wings.
Violet gave her honest opinion.
Marin stared at Violet.
His cheeks were red.
—You have a good eye.
You know how to recognize a genius.
—How not?
I don't have any fashion sense, but I know I look more beautiful.
—…What nonsense.
You really need Ash to teach you how to be sarcastic.
You only say nice things.
Marin was mumbling more than usual.
Violet cocked her head.
-Already.
You said you were going to leave the academy.
—Yes, I'll only go today.
I won't be back.
The reason why he had postponed his departure from the academy was simple.
Ash had asked him to leave together after the imperial ball.
As much as I thought about it, it was a strange request… but since I was going to leave the academy anyway, postponing it for about two weeks wasn't a big problem.
Anyway, he needed to have his name on the student list for two more weeks and for that he had to submit some documents.
—That's why you have to look more beautiful.
You have to show everyone that now everything about you has changed.
Sometimes determination can be demonstrated through beauty.
—…Ash and his friends are very good with words.
Marin was startled when she heard 'Ash's friends'.
But he quickly changed the subject.
—There, that's it.
The lips too.
Do you look pretty?
Violet looked at herself in the mirror again, amazed.
—Everything is fine, but isn't it too much to go to the academy?
—Your sister also dresses extravagantly.
Although she dresses like she's a stupid nouveau riche.
And there are also other people who go without thinking about what they are wearing.
It was said that the academy was the place where all the talents in the world gathered.
But not all of them were like that.
Those who had entered with donations led a debauched life, taking advantage of their status as students.
—Marin, you have to go to class too.
—I haven't been to class in a long time.
I only go to the ones I like.
—But if you don't have enough class hours, you won't meet the requirements for the scholarship.
Marin chuckled.
—Do you think all commoners receive scholarships?
Violet felt embarrassed at that moment.
Marigold often took Violet to the academy or to social events for fun.
There he encountered Marigold's followers, who despised commoners.
They believed that commoners could only go to school thanks to the tuition they paid.
—It's true, I think I had that prejudice too.
If I offended you, I'm sorry.
Marin looked surprised.
Soon, he smiled like a cat.
—Your personality is very funny.
She's so naive...
I think I like her.
-Oh really?
Violet felt secretly happy.
He had never had a single friend.
The only woman her age Violet had spoken to was almost exclusively Marigold.
Although she thought of Marin as her friend in her own way, it seemed like Marin didn't hate her.
He had even told her she was funny.
It occurred to her that maybe they could be close friends, regardless of Ash.
—See, your emotions show on your face like those of a puppy.
Ugh, but it's a secret that I was so honest with you.
Don't tell Ash.
-Because?
—He told me to be respectful to you.
That he treated you as if you were a very important lady.
Marin always tried to act like she was Ash's friend in front of Violet.
But sometimes, a tone would slip out as if he were speaking to a superior.
—What is Ash's true identity?
—Why do you ask that suddenly?
"Ash doesn't live here, does he?" He pretended to live here with me, but I think he has another house.
It was an assumption he could make because he knew Ash was someone important, thanks to his vision of the future.
But even if she didn't know, she'd be a fool not to notice the strangeness.
Marin was startled.
—Was it noticeable that much?
-Yeah.
Violet responded firmly.
—Your personality is interesting.
You seem like a hardhead, but you're actually very insightful.
—Don't change the subject.
Is Ash the heir of a viscount or an earl of a prestigious family?
Marin laughed as if she found it funny.
—Of course not.
Ash couldn't have such a low position.
—…So, it's something else.
That…?
—You'll know soon.
And Ash doesn't like people talking behind his back.
—…So, just one thing.
Are you nice to me because Ash told you to?
—First, because it is very fun.
And second, Ash doesn't force his people to do that kind of thing.
—….
—You will know soon too.
Those words calmed her.
Nothing is scarier than an eternal secret.
—Well, then.
Let's start practicing walking with grace.
Marin took Violet's hand and walked her back and forth.
—…So I also need etiquette classes.
—If you wear nice clothes, you have to behave appropriately.
Speaking of which, did you talk to your tutor?
About leaving school or what will happen?
Marin asked.
-Not yet.
My uncle is very busy with work and has not returned home.
He said he'll be back before the imperial ball.
—Mmm, tell him.
Tutors like to be informed of even the most trivial matters.
That is also a way to respect adults.
-Yeah.
Violet took Marin's hand and walked around.
—Are you ready?
Marin said.
Ash's carriage was pulling in.
—Yes, I'm ready.
—Then go.
Show the world my artwork.
Marin smiled.
…To be continued