The mont she first saw that indigo-haired boy at the orphanage, she knew he was anything but ordinary.
Violet, who from a young age had always been second only to Hesintos, thought of herself as average.
It was only later, when Violet compared herself to others, that she realized how truly strong she was.
It was simply that Hesintos' talent was monstrous, misleading Violet into thinking that being weaker than him ant being weaker than everyone else.
"I see. I t Mr. Hesintos this afternoon as well. Thanks to him, I was able to get out of a difficult situation. Before eting him, I never imagined the First Army God would turn out to be such a gentle and cheerful young man, even with a hint of recklessness. Of course, I an no disrespect—just that it feels extraordinary."
Lanci stroked the cat as he spoke.
As Violet had said, and as was widely understood by Lanci and others, Hesintos had virtually beco the heart of the populist faction while being viewed as a thorn in the side by many of the empire's old aristocracy.
To Emperor Saint Baldo, Hesintos was nothing short of a sharp sword, wielded to curb the power of those nobles.
Hesintos' inherent kindness and gentle deanor, however, made it difficult for tensions to truly escalate, often resulting in outcos most favorable to Emperor Saint Baldo.
Even so, Emperor Saint Baldo remained wary of the First Army God and leaned closer to trusting Duke Dex. Leveraging Hesintos' temperant, many sympathized with Hesintos, though none dared to voice their opinions openly, lest they reach His Majesty's ears.
"He's always been this laid-back. Correspondingly, he's an excellent companion. In all these years, I've never seen him lose his temper or act impulsively, let alone engage in uncouth behavior like insulting won."
Violet chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a trace of mockery.
Lanci could tell that Violet's sarcastic remarks were not aid at Hesintos but rather at Julius, who she hadn't ntioned by na yet managed to mock with every word.
Indeed, she held grudges and hadn't fully forgiven Julius for his earlier attempts to provoke her.
"I heard from Secretary Nyla that you've known Hesintos, the First Army God, for nearly twenty years. That ans you must know him well."
Lanci nodded as though acknowledging.
Nonetheless, he failed to glean much intelligence about the First Army God's official duties from Violet. Her words were airtight, as she understood too well how to separate public affairs from personal matters.
He could only learn about so anecdotes involving other Army Gods she was acquainted with.
"Hesintos and I t at the orphanage shortly after Blood Cleansing Day. I hope the empire never repeats such tragedies."
Violet's gaze carried sorrow as she recoiled at the mory of the bloodshed during the National Day massacre twenty years ago.
That day's uprising claid not just the lives of nurous nobles but saw even more commoners caught in the crossfire, slaughtered on the spot or perishing in battles against the noble estates' guards, ultimately leaving behind countless orphans.
Born of commoner stock, Hesintos himself lost his parents that day and barely escaped to the Moon God Monastery's orphanage, clinging to life by sheer luck.
"..."
Lanci did not respond.
Evidently, Violet had also been a first-hand witness to Blood Cleansing Day. However, as soone stationed early at the Holy Sanctuary, she had enjoyed comparatively greater protection.
"But it's fine now. It's been twenty years; tis have changed. The new National Day celebrations are nearly here, and there won't be chaos like that of two decades ago. Though South Crayney may not be considered good, it's no longer quite as turbulent and cruel. The lessons and changes wrought by bloodshed have brought the positions of commoners and nobles closer to equality."
Violet shook her head, drawing the topic to a close.
She then shifted her gaze to Professor Landry, awaiting his remarks.
Today, it was Professor Landry who had requested to et with her alone.
The Principal's Office fell montarily silent, save for the subtle sound of Lanci's hand gliding over the cat's back.
"Have you sensed that so Army Gods have changed recently?"
After pausing for a mont, he finally spoke up.
The act of probing Violet directly carried undeniable risk. Violet, despite hardly being susceptible to the Blood Clan's influence, was, after all, one of the South Crayney Empire's Army Gods.
Nevertheless, having conversed with Violet thus far, Lanci felt compelled to test the waters with her.
Even if it proved impossible to recruit Violet, he at least wanted to gain her assistance—or at the very least avoid making her an adversary.
The escalating activities of the Corrosion Branch in Brilda left both Lanci and Tolyado deeply concerned. Should the Archbishop of Decay co to Blood Moon City for the National Day festival, it would impose trendous pressure on their side.
"You too..."
Violet's lips parted slightly at his words, her expression startled yet reflective.
" too?"
Lanci closely observed Violet's reaction.
It appeared that before Lanci asked her today, soone else had similarly questioned her along these lines.
"Was it Princess Alexia who asked you this question?"
Lanci pressed Violet further.
"No, but you could consider it as her asking."
Violet fixed her gaze on Lanci, her eyes locked on him, as if studying him.
Lanci continued stroking the cat without a word.
Talia remained silent, indicating that Violet's statent contained no deception.
Upon careful deduction, assuming her words were truthful, one could infer that—perhaps others privy to the truth had already approached Violet, and Violet was aware of their connection to Princess Alexia.
Such individuals, intimately aware of changes among the Army Gods and linked to Princess Alexia, were highly likely mbers of the Silvermoon Reform Association.
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