That was the reason why Marigold was now in front of Cyril's house.
—Olive told me you were looking for me.
What's happening?
Violet opened the door only after making Marigold wait a long time.
And he didn't even let her into the house.
How insolent.
But Marigold only thought it to herself.
He looked at Violet for a long moment with teary eyes, before he burst into tears and hugged her.
—Sister, I missed you!
—…What is this all of a sudden?
—Now that you've been away from home for so long, I've realized how valuable you are to me.
—…
—I'm sorry, really.
I finally understand the pain you have suffered.
Violet opened her trembling lips.
—It's too late to say those things...
—It's not too late.
It is not too late for our family relationship to recover.
If Violet wants, I will resign as Winter Queen.
So please give me a chance to apologize.
—But the Winter Queen was your dream.
—My dream is to have a happy family.
And in that family, you are included.
Somehow, I will convince our parents to apologize to you.
Marigold said it sincerely.
The tears fell without stopping.
—Think, how long will Uncle Cyril accept you?
What if he kicks you out?
Then you will have no one in this world.
I'm worried about that...
—Are you really sorry?
-Yeah.
Of course!
—…Then ask my parents to give me an affidavit that I am the legitimate daughter and apologize.
If your apology is sincere, I will consider it.
-Really?
What is the value of an apology?
Fools like Violet, who obsess over formalities, are a problem.
Marigold thought to herself:
I have no intention of apologizing, but I will lie to you hundreds of times, you fool.
But on the outside, he only showed a pitiful expression, pretending.
"Then bring me the affidavit on the day of the crown prince's ball." I'll read it and decide.
—Ugh, uh.
I will do that.
I can do anything to get my sister back.
—...That day, come find me in the waiting room in silence.
Let's talk alone.
Don't bring anyone.
It was what I wanted.
Marigold didn't stop sobbing and pretending to cry until the door closed completely.
And when Violet completely disappeared behind the door, Marigold flashed a cruel smile through her fingers.
──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ────
And the day of the crown prince's ball.
Marigold went to meet Violet, dressed neatly.
Violet sat quietly and alone in the waiting room, prepared for the Winter Queen candidates in the Santa Carita registration room.
They were sisters from different mothers, but they looked very different.
Marigold had a mature complexion and a bulky body.
Violet, on the other hand, had a delicate figure, unbecoming of a knight.
They were both wearing identical white dresses.
Marigold wore a white silk dress that accentuated her curves.
How the hell did she get such a perfect dress?
Marigold felt like she was going to faint from envy as soon as she saw Violet.
The dress Violet was wearing was so beautiful that it made you sigh.
She wore a diamond necklace, a jeweled dress, and a silver tiara in her loose hair.
The wide flare of the skirt made her waist look even slimmer.
Although it was a white dress, it had a subtle sky blue fabric underneath, making it look like flowing water when she walked.
It was luxurious and at the same time innocent.
Today's Violet was absolutely perfect.
—Marigold.
Violet looked at her silently.
—Sister, how have you been?
I missed you.
—I think it's too early for those words.
First, show me the affidavit.
And the apology letter too.
Violet said sharply.
This…really.
As soon as you enter the house, you're dead.
Marigold thought to herself.
-Of course.
And truly, my resignation as Winter Queen is sincere.
In fact… I'll just give you the letter and then resign immediately.
—At least you're honest about that.
In which you will really quit.
Violet's eyes softened.
-Understood?
Now she is my beloved sister again.
We were sisters and we were always best friends.
"But what about my honor?" Bluideen has always treated me like a bastard.
I don't want to marry a man like that anymore.
Marigold's mouth twisted in a sickening manner.
—I promise you that everything will change.
I will speak well to Bluideen so that he obeys you.
-Really?
—Yes, really!
I won't let him be rude to you again.
So come closer.
Give me your hand after so long...
Violet hesitated for a moment.
After much thought, he walked over and took Marigold's hand.
At that time,
—Silphir!
Marigold screamed.
A misty spirit slowly appeared in the air.
Marigold could only summon a single spirit.
And he was not even able to manifest his form clearly due to his lack of skill.
Marigold's spirit was called the crying spirit.
This was because he was always there with a sad face.
Marigold disliked her hired spirit.
But today was an exception.
—Silphir, make Violet unable to move!
Marigold felt her body heat up.
By this day, Marigold had received the blessing of the cult.
Under that blessing, Marigold could wield power beyond her own abilities.
Silphir was the spirit of wind and sleep.
Violet suddenly collapsed to the ground.
And with heavy eyes, she looked at Marigold in a daze.
—You can't move, right?
What could a person like you know how to do?
You only know how to brandish your fists without thinking.
Marigold scoffed as she touched Violet's cheek.
—Poor Violet.
You should have stayed still, being good and pretty, without challenging our parents.
Marigold pushed Violet against the wall.
-Apologies?
How funny.
This is the gift I have prepared for you.
Marigold reached into her purse and pulled out a small bottle of ointment.
She hit the already sleeping Violet's cheek with the can.
—When you become ugly and they give you a lesson that makes you cry, you will behave well.
Then I'll give you another chance.
—…
"We'll get along again, huh?"
Marigold was wearing white silk gloves.
She opened the bottle of ointment and tried to smear what was inside on Violet's face.
—So that was your true intention.
Violet grabbed Marigold's wrist.
His eyes were wide open.
…To be continued