The entire city was in an uproar to find out who Violet Everdeen was.
The woman who walked hand in hand with the crown princess, with an unexpected past as a student at the Knights Academy.
And the person who received the official blessing of a prophet after several years.
Violet's name appeared in several newspapers.
Strangely, the fact that Violet was known as a lower-class person in the academy was not mentioned anywhere.
It was like someone had done something to hide it.
Even the crown princess received some praise.
The opinion had been created that the crown princess had a great eye for people, having discovered and interacted with an outstanding talent like Violet even before the prophet unearthed her.
But still, the story that people liked the most was spicy gossip.
In that sense, Violet's existence was satisfying the people of the capital.
This was due to a strange rumor that had suddenly started circulating.
[The legitimate daughter of the capital's wealthy Everdeen family is another.
In reality, Violet Everdeen is not a bastard, but the fruit of a sad romance.
And there is evidence of this.]
The reason was simple.
It was based on a single line of dogma: that God does not bless bastards.
If Violet were a bastard, how would a prophet bless her?
Such a strange public opinion had formed.
The fun had just begun.
Because the fact that Violet had sued her family became news.
Violet filed several lawsuits against her family.
A lawsuit for abuse, a lawsuit for division of property and even a complaint for adultery.
And finally, a demand for the recognition of his father's actual marriage to his mother.
There couldn't be a hotter topic than a daughter suing her own father for adultery for false promise of marriage.
Of course, most of the demands were ineffective.
The most likely to succeed was the lawsuit in which Violet alleged that she had been mistreated by her family.
And the second, the demand for the recognition of Violet's right to inherit her biological mother's fortune.
—So, the current head of the Everdeen family is a scoundrel who seduced an innocent woman, stole her money, and lied about the status of his legitimate daughter, saying that she was a bastard?
And that's why Violet Everdeen has filed a lawsuit to be recognized as the legitimate daughter?
—It's been a long time since something this fun happened.
—I didn't know because her sister was so famous, but the older sister is also quite pretty.
There was a reason why the crown princess praised her, saying that she was a lovely little bird!
—Speaking of which, the crown princess, who had been so insignificant, has taken her first political step to judge what is right and wrong in high society!
—Who are you voting for as Winter Queen?
Amidst the excited conversations of the people, Violet lowered the newspaper she was holding.
The reason why he had returned to the academy after so long was only one.
The Marigold homework thing.
He had received a notification about the incident.
The process was very simple.
When he went to the principal's office, a secretary with an expressionless face handed him an envelope.
It was probably a suspension document.
Violet stuffed the envelope into her pocket without even opening it.
And when she tried to leave quietly, she heard people in the hallway talking about her.
That's why he had covered his face with a newspaper that someone had left on the windowsill.
Actually, it wasn't the first time.
The whole academy was talking about Violet.
The funny thing was that no one mentioned that Violet had had a bad reputation in the past.
Instead, many people said nonsense like: Why didn't we realize that the older sister was as pretty as the younger one?
As Ash said, the strategy of filing dozens of lawsuits worked.
And Brown is amazing too.
This was processed so quickly...
Of course, at this stage, only the claim documents had been filed.
But Brown had mobilized journalists to make this news quickly.
Ash was right about something else.
People like scandal.
The Everdeen family was wealthy, but not notable enough to attract attention.
But Marigold was already quite famous.
Because she was already known as the prettiest girl in the capital.
Ash calmly said a single sentence:
(Whoever attacks first gets on the same level as the opponent.
In other words, the moment you slap Marigold, you become her equal.
And then, I'll make you win.)
Ash's words and actions were like magic.
Because everything he said came true.
As people approached, Violet hurriedly covered her face with the newspaper.
Wait, isn't that Marin?
—Everyone, vote for the Winter Queen!
The new candidate for Winter Queen is Violet Everdeen.
It's Violet Everdeen, who has great taste in choosing clothes and accessories!
Marin was walking around the academy, handing out flyers to people, and the person following her was putting up posters everywhere.
—It's Violet Everdeen, who can wear any color of clothes!
She is fair and good with a sword, but her advantage is that she dresses well!
Violet honestly wanted to run and cover Marin's mouth.
But he couldn't.
Because Marin suddenly started yelling at a person passing by:
—Did you make eye contact?
Tell me what you think of Violet Everdeen!
Yes, do you think it's okay?
That's right, so vote for the Winter Queen!
It was an unprecedented action.
Do an electoral campaign prior to the vote for the Winter Queen.
This was because until now, the Winter Queen was chosen by the people, who were in charge of voting for the person that the imperial family, host of the ball, had nominated.
Last year, there was only one candidate, so a vote was held ceremonially.
In most cases, a single young woman of overwhelmingly famous beauty was chosen.
Marin, right now I feel...
very embarrassed...
Violet decided to do her best to ignore him.
I have to talk seriously to Ash.
As soon as she got into the carriage, Violet complained to Ash.
—Ash, this is too much.
Who runs an election campaign for the Winter Queen?
-You.
Ash said without taking his eyes off the newspaper.
—It's not a joke, really.
—Can't I be aggressive?
In noble society, fame is power and reputation is a sword.
—…
—That sword was used by Marigold to stab you once.
Thanks to that, you received punishment even after making a beneficial revelation.
Suddenly, Violet took the envelope out of her pocket.
He opened it and checked the contents.
A notice of indefinite suspension.
It was what I expected.
But it didn't affect him much.
It wasn't because he had already decided to leave the academy.
Marin is plastering the entire academy with my portraits, so a suspension is insignificant in comparison...
This was Violet's honest feeling.
—Marin's personality has its advantages, right?
Ash looked away from the newspaper and said.
Seeing true madness makes you feel like you're relatively normal.
I'm sorry, but when I thought about Marin, that's what I felt.
She is a great friend, but...
—Suspend it and everything.
I don't have time to feel hurt.
Every day is so busy and new.
Violet tore up the suspension notice and threw it out the carriage window without hesitation.
"You're doing well, Violet."
Ash smiled.
Violet nodded calmly.
…To be continued