episode_0234

In the restaurant, an abundance of food was laid out before Violet and her companions. Everyone wore a puzzled expression at the unexpected invitation.

“Delicious!” Violet devoured the food ravenously.

“So, where are you from?” “We are from the Student Support Team of the Lightbridge Foundation. We’ve been deeply impressed by your academic achievements and talents recently.” The female employee with the ponytail smiled softly and continued in response to Irene’s question.

“The foundation is preparing a scholarship program for excellent students like yourselves. We offer comprehensive support, including full tuition fees and connections to internships at reputable companies.”

While Violet gorged on the food before her, the other students listened intently, seemingly intrigued. Several rounds of questions and answers followed. The topic of the questions gradually shifted.

“By the way, do any of you have boyfriends? Young people nowadays seem to be so focused on their studies that romance takes a back seat.”

“Excuse me? Why the sudden question…?” Kalia wore a puzzled expression. Perhaps finding her reaction amusing, the male employee chuckled heartily and shrugged.

“Young people nowadays tend to put off dating to focus solely on their studies. But finding a life partner is important, isn’t it?” He looked around at the students and continued.

“How about you all? Do you have anyone you like? Or are any of you currently in a relationship?”

Everyone looked bewildered by the sudden questions. The female employee with the ponytail looked around at the flustered girls, then smiled and continued her questioning.

“From what I see, all of you are very charming. You must be attracting a lot of attention from the opposite sex, so is there anyone you’d seriously like to date?”

The eyes of the two men and women sparkled with curiosity.

“Well, it’s not really like that right now…” Irene replied, hesitating.

An awkward silence fell for a moment. Then, the female employee picked up the conversation.

“Actually, do you know? Nowadays, it’s a trend to meet a good partner early and get engaged. Forming ties with a trustworthy family is quite popular among young women.”

“Huh? That’s a trend? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.” Daphne asked back with a puzzled look.

“Of course. Many people believe it’s wiser to make an early commitment with someone from a stable background rather than falling blindly in love. So, they cautiously meet through good matchmaking.” The female employee said with a sly smile.

Then, the male employee with slicked-back hair chimed in.

“As Awakened Ones, you are already of marriageable age. How about meeting someone suitable at the right time? The sooner you develop the discernment to choose a life partner, the better.”

The students stared at the two with dumbfounded expressions.

‘What are these people up to?’ ‘I don’t know.’

Their conversation had naturally flowed into matchmaking and marriage.

“Actually, there are many capable and good-natured young men at the foundation. We thought they’d be a good match for you. We could even arrange a meeting, would you be interested?”

Suddenly, the air around the table grew cold.

“No, wh-what are you talking about? Are you really from a scholarship foundation?” Kalia asked back, her face flustered.

“Oh, I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to upset you. We’re just suggesting that you might meet someone good. It’s not bad to experience a lot at a young age, isn’t it?” The female employee smiled slyly.

At that moment, Daphne, who had been quietly listening, raised her voice.

“Excuse me, but I wish to focus solely on my studies right now. I don’t know what your objective is, but—”

“Oh, Miss Daphne. We are well aware of your circumstances.” The middle-aged man interrupted. Violet, who had been burying her face in her plate, quietly lifted her head.

**

The Violets fiercely analyzed their words.

‘What are these people, really?’ Suddenly, a chilling historical fact came to mind. ‘Suggesting engagement to students? Are these people out of their minds?’ ‘Surely, these aren’t concubine recruiters?’

I scrutinized their eyes. A gaze I had seen many times before, a familiar look. We Violets felt a sense of déjà vu.

‘The ponytail and slicked-back hair? Could it be…’

Again and again, a buried unpleasant feeling resurfaced. That gaze that paid no mind to other people’s feelings, those words devoid of consideration. Could it be.

“Young lady, you are not only exceptionally capable but also possess excellent unique abilities. However, there are far too many scoundrels in the world.”

“What is your intention?”

“Meeting a good person in Awakened society is a serious matter. Think about it. How many people ruin their lives by meeting the wrong partner?”

He spread his arms as if performing a play, smiling amiably at Daphne.

“How about meeting some excellent young men in your vicinity, even now? Of course, it’s not a compulsion. It’s entirely your choice, young lady. There’s also the advantage of using an engagement as an excuse to shake off bothersome flies.”

Unable to tolerate the insane ranting of these lunatics, we prepared to stand up.

“Are you finished with your story? Then we’ll be leaving…” The man spread his arms as if to calm them.

“It’s not a compulsion. Why don’t you listen a little longer before leaving? Miss Daphne, Miss Irene. This is a very important life matter!”

Then, the scoundrel spoke in a gentle, whispering voice.

“Miss Daphne, honestly, the Grace surname doesn’t fully highlight your worth. But what if a noble or royal family’s surname were added?”

“What did you say?”

“Just in case… with the name Restraid, your talent and beauty will shine even brighter. Your parents in heaven would surely be pleased.”

The Violet Network simultaneously froze.

‘Ah.’ These wretched bastards.

There’s a limit to mocking someone who lost their parents to a demon beast. What exactly are they doing after inviting us here?

Daphne’s eyes welled up.

“Y-you people! How could you say such a thing…!”

“Oh, it seems you’re upset. We were just offering good advice for you, young lady… Anyway, please consider our proposal positively. Later…”

Rage boiled within me at their words.

As he tried to hand over a business card, Irene slapped his hand, making it fall.

“What are you trying to do? What is this, calling us out like this all of a sudden?”

This time, the one with the ponytail turned her head towards Irene.

“Miss Irene, calm down. You’re leading a clan alone at a young age. You’ll regret it if you just meet anyone. Think of your father. As the successor of the Helios Clan, it would be wise to choose your partner carefully…”

A harsh grinding sound resonated from Irene’s lips.

“…That’s enough. Let’s go, Daphne. There’s no need to pay attention to these people.” Irene, barely holding back, patted Daphne’s back and turned away coldly. As they stood up, the two people continued to chatter.

“If you refuse, there’s nothing we can do. But remember this. We offered you an opportunity. An opportunity for you to join the royal lineage!”

Ah, I see. That’s why it was familiar. I had encountered that gaze far too many times.

The cold scene of the lab came to mind.

‘Laphlaxia!’

The gaze of wicked researchers who viewed people as mere lab rats. It was similar now. The subtle contempt for people, the attitude of throwing flimsy scraps and believing they were bestowing favors.

To those people, were we merely livestock?

Having realized this, I picked up a plate.

“Hey, slick-back.”

“Are you talking to me?”

-Shatter!

“Aaaaargh!”

I struck the head of the wicked concubine recruiter who made Daphne cry with a plate.

“Huh, huh? Those crazy women are hitting people!”

A glass flew towards the face of the screaming ponytail.

“Kyaaak!”

“Oh! Seriously!”

“Kalia! You thought the same thing!”

Kalia, despite having caused it, looked flustered, her expression dumbfounded.

“Ah, damn it… I don’t know. Let’s just get out of here first!”

“Wait, just a few questions first!”

The restaurant was in an uproar.

“Hey! Who sent you? Was it Restraid?”

“No, that’s…”

-Smash!

I hit their heads with the plate once more, then asked a question.

“Right?”

“Ugh, we were sent from above… so, yes, but…”

My guess was right after all. I didn’t know the specific reason, but it was obvious from the circumstances.

Suddenly, an uneasy feeling arose. Why did they suddenly suggest marriage to us? To send us to his son?

But if that were the case, there would be no reason to specifically send concubine recruiters.

In that instant, the Violet Network, through repeated calculations, came up with the worst possible conclusion.

‘Could it be that crazy bald commander?’

‘Ugh, aaargh! No!’

There was a saying that bald people were perverts. The commander’s son was a playboy.

Naturally, the conclusion was that the father was also a wicked pervert.

We shrieked at the worst possibility.

‘The crazy bald pervert from the three great clans…’

‘Is targeting our friend!’

Amidst the commotion, Irene quickly pulled out her wallet and handed a few checks to the waiter. “I’m sorry. I’ll pay for the broken dishes with this.” We exited the restaurant immediately.

“…Daphne, are you okay?” “No, I… I’m fine. It’s just that they brought up my parents. I choked up…”

Daphne seemed to have calmed down a little, sighing. Perhaps because of the talk about her father, Irene also seemed inwardly upset.

‘Whatever happens, we can’t just stand by!’

Immediately, the Violet of the academy took action.

‘Let’s go to the scholarship official and the Teacher-nim! We have to report this!’

‘Let’s kill the lewd bald man!’

**

Unit 512 hurriedly moved to the faculty building. Unfortunately, the Teacher-nim was not in the principal’s office. The scholarship official had also flown off somewhere a long time ago.

‘They’re not here. We need to inform someone about this situation!’

‘Ugh, then should we start by planning the bald man’s assassination?’

The Violets hastily formulated a plan to attack the Restraid Clan. At this rate, the future of our friends was in danger.

‘No information, no ammunition.’

‘Should we prepare for a defensive battle?’

As I thought, my mind gradually calmed down. A bit of skepticism arose within the Violet Network.

‘But, is it really true that the bald man is targeting our friends? There’s no proof.’

‘Oh, you’re right.’

As logical counterarguments poured in, we sat calmly and continued our thoughts.

It must have been Restraid who sent those rude individuals. As I pondered the reason, a familiar silhouette caught my eye in the distance.

‘Look, there’s the bald man!’

Surprisingly, he was very close. Cordo was touring the academy, guided by a staff member.

Armored knights were around him, and Sebastian was also among them.

‘Why does he keep glaring at us?’

For some reason, Sebastian’s complexion wasn’t good. Was it because he fought with us?

Seeing the arrogant face of that bald man, my anger flared up again. Unit 512 gritted her teeth and strode forward. Cordo, seeing me, stopped.

“Who is this young lady? Ah, surely your name is…”

I shouted.

“Mister! You sent weird matchmakers to our friends, didn’t you?”

People turned their heads towards me. The eyes of the Teacher-nim and the professors widened, and Cordo raised an eyebrow, not concealing his displeasure. As the knights clanked forward, he raised a hand to stop them.

“Your name was Violet, wasn’t it? Yes, I remember now. But I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.”

“It’s true! You sent the Lightbridge Foundation! They told them to change their surnames! You pervert! Don’t target our friends!”

“?”

Had I hit a nerve? The man’s face, which had been expressing annoyance, now filled with bewilderment. The knights also looked at me with an attitude of “What is she talking about?”

I pressed him, triumphant.

“Targeting students at your age! You lewd—”

At that moment, Cordo burst out laughing.

“Hahahaha! Oh, dear. Little one. Did you really think I’d try to remarry at my age?”

“What?”

“Your concern for your friends is commendable, but rest assured. All I intended was to find new connections for your friends. There are many fine young men within the embrace of our great Arnor Royal Family.”

My mind went blank.

Cordo chuckled and then gave me an irritating smile.

“Violet. If entering the embrace of our royal family is so off-putting to you… well, there’s nothing I can do.”

I scratched my head, feeling a bit awkward for a moment. Had I misunderstood?

“Uh… so you’re saying it wasn’t you, Mister?”

At my words, Cordo and the knights looked at each other in disbelief, then burst into laughter.

“Haha, what a fool!”

“Ha, this foolish girl. What kind of imagination do you have?”

I was at a loss for words, unable to respond.

“Little lady, this isn’t matchmaking; it’s a benevolent offer from the royal family. If you’ve misunderstood, I wish to correct you. We simply want to give excellent students a good opportunity. Well, if you refuse, then so be it.”

Hearing his greasy words, annoyance surged within me again. That tone carried an underlying arrogance, as if bestowing a favor.

“No, but why did you make such a proposal specifically to our friends? Even bringing up their parents!”

Cordo sighed at my question, then answered with a pompous attitude.

“Little lady, your friends are exceptionally capable and talented children. If such children were to be added to the lineage of the great Arnor Royal Family, it would be a great help to the world.”

“What? Lineage? What does that mean?”

The bald man rubbed the back of his head, looking dumbfounded.

“Hmph, does Aegis Academy not even teach biology? Simply put, it means two individuals with excellent genes meeting and producing offspring. Excellent successors to lead the future. Is that something to get so angry about? You should consider it an honor to be chosen.”

As if impressed by their leader’s words, the armored knights also nodded.

“To not even know that. What a fool.”

“Why would anyone refuse this…”

I realized I had misunderstood twice.

‘Ugh, ugh, ugh…’ That guy *was* a pervert.

Goosebumps erupted. Were our friends considered mere breeding stock?

“Ugh, argh, you’re joking, right?”

“Ah, perhaps I spoke a little too bluntly? Haha. Just think of it as a joke. We’re not forcing you. Why are you taking it so seriously, really…”

At that moment, memories of the Laphlaxia research facility resurfaced.

The eyes of the researchers who viewed humans as experimental animals. The attitude of those people towards me and my friends was similar.

“It’s a pity. Personally, I thought you and your friends were quite good and was about to offer an undeserved opportunity. If you refuse, there’s nothing to be done.”

Cordo spoke in a dismissive tone towards me. The surrounding knights also did not hide their sneers.

“No, what kind of…”

While I, dumbfounded, fumbled for words, they turned their backs.

“After all, it seems it was too much to expect a commoner to understand the will of a great royal family.”

Seeing him leave, I was furious.

I muttered.

“Ugh, damn it, what kind of king without land or people…”

That was when it happened. The moment they had just begun to step away, they abruptly halted. Cordo and the armored knights creaked like rusty killing dolls, turning their heads towards me. They glared at me, veins bulging, as if they had just encountered their parents’ murderer.

“You, you! What did you just say?”

When they asked, I answered without hesitation.

“No, it’s just the truth. What’s all this talk of a royal family when there’s no country?”

At that moment, Sebastian rushed at me with a furious expression and grabbed me by the collar.

“Take that back right now!”

**

The thoughtlessly uttered words from Violet had touched the Restraid Clan’s long-standing sore spot.

“You, you arrogant brat—”

Cordo and the knights’ blood boiled. The naive and foolish girl had activated the anger circuit hidden deep within their long-held pride.

And the most enraged was Sebastian, the young successor of Restraid.

It burrowed into his mind. The past humiliation, the situation where he was chastised by his father.

‘Chivalry is no joke!’ As firm as his belief in chivalry was his pride in his family.

‘Restraid is not a family you can speak of so carelessly!’

Fire surged within him. The humiliation he suffered fighting this girl, the shame of being rebuked by his father. All of it combined to create a violent emotional chemical reaction.

In the blink of an eye, he found himself grabbing the impertinent girl by the collar and shaking her.

“Take it back right now! Restraid is not something you can mock with that kind of mouth! What do you know about our family?”

“Take it back? No!”

Violet didn’t know the detailed reason for their outburst, but she had learned one thing: biting a sensitive spot would enrage them. So, in her anger, she felt like picking on them even more.

“You have no territory, yet you act so high and mighty!”

“Stop it!”

“Aha! So, all you have to boast about is your name. Indeed, it can’t be helped. Restraid is, after all, a loser of a bygone era!”

“What? You bastard! Don’t insult my family!”

And to Violet, it made no sense why Awakened Ones of similar origins would constantly bring up royalty or nobility.

“There’s nothing wrong with what I said. Every time you open your mouth, it’s about ‘my family’ or ‘the royal family,’ but isn’t that all just bluster? Cascadian has land right now, but you don’t. So shouldn’t Cascadian be the king?”

“Shut your mouth! You bastard. I’ll kill you!”

Even Cordo, who had been acting relaxed, drew his sword and roared. The knights had to restrain him.

“We are the clear and undeniable descendants of the Arnor Royal Family, with hundreds of years of tradition! How dare a commoner like you speak so carelessly?!”

“Did I say anything wrong? Your country was destroyed, wasn’t it? You don’t have one, do you? What’s with this ‘noble’ or ‘royal family’ nonsense? What kind of king or noble has no territory or country?” Violet shouted provocatively.

“If you’re a king! Then I’m King Violet of Southern Rustrum!”

Violet, who had been jabbering until her lips felt sore, suddenly had an epiphany. That anyone could become a king, as long as they had faith.

‘I’ll become the Princess of Boundlessness!’

‘The Queen of Boundlessness! No, the Emperor!’

Sebastian, his eyes wild, shouted.

“What do you know! Jemont Restraid was the hero of the Great War era! You bastard! Don’t insult our family, our ancestors!”

“Then stop talking about commoners! What kind of attitude is that after treating our friends like breeding stock!”

Not to be outdone, Violet raised her voice and spewed her anger. Before they knew it, students and professors who had heard the commotion gathered around them.

“Oh, my God…”

“Miss Violet, what on earth is going on?”

“What, looks like a fight broke out…”

“Huh? Isn’t that Sebastian?”

Sebastian knew. There was no turning back for him now. His family had been publicly insulted. His father, the knights, everyone in the academy was watching.

The incident had happened right near the faculty building, a place with heavy foot traffic.

As a knight, he had to defend his family’s honor.

Violet felt a sense of liberation from the grip that held her. Just as she was about to rejoice, a white glove struck Violet’s face.

“Kyaah!”

“No longer will I go easy on you for being a junior, or for being a woman.”

“What did you just say?”

Sebastian shouted at the naive and disrespectful fool.

“Violet Ruzilin. I, Sebastian Restraid, challenge you to a duel for insulting our family, our clan!”

Among the onlookers, a cry close to a scream erupted.

“Did you hear? It’s a public duel challenge!”

“Young Master Sebastian, are you mad? Stop immediately!”

Sebastian looked back at his father. Cordo silently approved the decision with his eyes.

‘Crush that arrogant girl!’

Only then did Violet fully comprehend the situation.

“Fine, then let’s duel!”

For a moment, the surroundings fell silent. Five seconds later, another gasp erupted.

**

Principal Brecht, who arrived late, witnessed the professors and students surrounding Violet.

“Retract it now!”

“They haven’t even set the conditions yet, have they? We can still try to…”

“What’s the use? Of all things, she’s offended the commander. What on earth was she thinking?”

Principal Brecht approached Violet and asked why she had provoked a senior student. Violet recounted what had happened without hesitation.

“They messed with me and my friends first!”

The principal sighed deeply. The clan’s practice of recruiting volunteers from various academies for matchmaking had been secretly circulating as rumors. There was talk of trying to create more powerful knights through the breeding of Awakened Ones, and this had, by chance, provoked this child.

“Violet, so what’s your decision? Can you win?”

“Teacher-nim, what are you saying? Suddenly…”

“You must stop it!”

Brecht calmly asked the small female student.

“I’ll ask again. Can you win?”

Leaving the bewildered professors behind, Violet answered with a bright smile.

“I’ll win!”