Chapter 91: Meeting Violet Again
Inside the well-sophisticated chamber, adorned with intricate decor, it wasn't just Sage Camilla waiting for them.
Someone else sat beside her.
Raizel's eyes widened instantly.
So did Joshua's.
But Kierra remained nonchalant, as if she had already been aware of the woman's presence.
She was Violetta—Curse Monarch Violetta.
Her shimmering purple eyes, filled with a hint of intrigue, locked onto Raizel.
Raizel found it hard to look away from her creamy white skin and tantalizing red lips. Her presence was mesmerizing.
But he quickly suppressed his emotions, forcing himself to stay composed.
Losing control in a situation like this was the last thing he wanted.
"L-Lady Violetta?!" Joshua blurted out, his jaw dropping as if he'd seen a ghost.
"Violetta?" Raizel echoed in his mind, the name finally clicking.
"So, she's Curse Monarch Violetta? But… why is she so beautiful?"
He had imagined the Curse Monarch to look more sinister—ugly even—someone with a wicked appearance and terrifying aura.
But reality shattered that illusion completely.
She was nothing less than Divine Beauty wrapped in Power.
Then another ridiculous thought crept into his mind.
"But wait... was she married?"
Joshua immediately bowed in respect, then subtly gestured for Raizel and Kierra to do the same.
But neither of them lowered their heads.
They weren't being disrespectful—not in the slightest.
Something entirely different was running through their minds.
Their reasons varied, of course.
But their silence and stillness only made Joshua more anxious.
He cautiously lifted his gaze to see if Lady Violetta had taken offense.
However, Violetta, watching the duo, showed no signs of displeasure or anger.
Not even the faintest frown touched her flawless face.
Only intrigue shimmered in her captivating eyes.
"So, you're Raizel Ashblade?" she asked calmly, her melodious voice scratching at his heart like an itch he couldn't reach.
Raizel nodded. "Yes," he replied stiffly.
"May I see that sword?" she asked sweetly, her eyes studying him with an almost childlike curiosity.
Raizel paused, blinking as if waking from a trance.
Then, shaking his head, he refused—right to her face.
Joshua and Kierra turned to him in disbelief, as if they'd just seen an alien land in the room.
Refusing a request from Curse Monarch Violetta?
Wasn't he just courting death?
"Bang!"
The sound of Camilla's palm slamming against the table echoed through the room.
"Raizel, enough!" she shouted, her voice cracking like a whip. "Do you even know whom you're speaking to?"
Her brows furrowed deeply, eyes sharp with frustration.
"If you're truly that ignorant, then let me remind you. She is Curse Monarch Violetta—your superior's superior! Show some respect!"
"Sister Camilla, calm down,"
Suddenly Kierra spoke up gently, her tone familiar, like someone who had spoken those words many times before.
Camilla's eyes narrowed. "And you bratty girl, just what have you seen in this kid that made you transfer all the way to this city?"
"No, I didn't. I got selected by the Administration," Kierra tried to deny it, but her red face betrayed her.
"Sister Violet, do something…" Kierra pouted, turning to the other woman.
"Sister?"
Joshua and Raizel looked stunned by the revelation.
So Kierra was Monarch Violetta's sister. Then everything about her powerful background made sense.
With these high-ranking powerhouses backing her up, no wonder she had been so calm and at ease all this time.
Just then, Violetta stood up gracefully from her chair, revealing her flawless, tantalizing physique before everyone.
Joshua lowered his gaze, too ashamed to look at her directly.
Only Raizel and Kierra watched her without restraint.
She walked slowly, arriving before the duo.
She was slightly taller than the two, and her sweet fragrance almost sent Raizel into a trance.
Kierra noticed this and elbowed him lightly.
"Ouch!"
Then, she suddenly felt a twisting pain in her earlobe.
She turned to see Violetta twisting it with a soft smile.
"You've gotten really mischievous, Kierra, my dear little sister. Perhaps I should teach you a lesson, hmm?" she asked with a giggle, clearly enjoying teasing her.
"Ah, stop it, big sister."
Violetta finally let go of Kierra's ear, her smile still lingering as she turned her gaze toward Raizel. The teasing amusement faded slightly, replaced with something deeper—curiosity mixed with calculation.
"And you..." she said softly, stepping closer to Raizel, who instinctively straightened his posture. "You're different."
Raizel felt a strange pressure settle around him, not suffocating, but heavy.
Like a noble being casually flexing its presence.
"Tell me, Raizel Ashblade," she said, her voice velvety, "why did you refuse me earlier?"
Raizel clenched his fists, trying to keep his cool.
"Because... the Divergence Sword isn't something I can hand over. It's dangerous. And only I can wield it.
Even if you're someone powerful, I can't just show it on command."
Joshua's mouth twitched, wanting to interrupt, but he held back, uncertain of how Violetta would respond.
To everyone's surprise, she chuckled.
"You have guts," she said. "Stupid, reckless, but... guts nonetheless."
Raizel didn't respond. He held her gaze, though his heart pounded wildly in his chest.
"You're right," Violetta continued. "That weapon is powerful. Very powerful. But do you know that unknown weapon can drag you into greater danger.
Those people already got the winds of it. And they might come for your life at any moment, who knows?
Her words caused a chill to pass through the room.
Even Raizel narrowed his eyes.
"Do you know what you're carrying, Raizel?" Violetta asked, lowering her voice.
Raizel hesitated, before replying,
"...Not entirely. I just know it's not ordinary and now it's mine."
"Sigh!"
Violetta sighed, then said, "Raizel, I'll give you a choice. You may keep the Sword—for now. But you will undergo a full observation period. During this time, you'll be assigned under my watch, and Kierra will act as your handler."
"Handler?" Raizel asked, raising an eyebrow at Kierra.
Kierra smirked and gave a playful shrug. "It means I'll be sticking around whether you like it or not."
"And if I say no?" Raizel asked, looking back at Violetta.
Her eyes gleamed. "Then I'll take the spear from your corpse."
Raizel blinked. Was she joking? Her tone hadn't changed, her smile was still gentle but the room dropped several degrees colder.
A beat of silence passed before she smiled again.
"Relax. That's the worst-case scenario."
Raizel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. I'll cooperate."
Violet gave him a wink. "Smart choice."
Then she extended her jade-like, beautiful right hand toward Raizel. "Here's to our cooperation, Raizel."
Raizel stared at her hand for a moment—soft, flawless, radiating elegance and power.
He hesitated. Not out of fear, but from the overwhelming sensation that touched the back of his mind. His fingers twitched, tingling with anticipation.
Finally, he reached out and grasped her hand in a swift, firm shake.
The moment their skin touched, a strange sensation surged through his entire body. Her palm was warm—soothing—and impossibly soft. Raizel felt something stir inside him. As if a hidden string had been plucked deep within his soul.
He was intoxicated.
He didn't want to let go. That single touch felt like a memory he never had—something he had always longed for without knowing it. His heart raced. Time slowed.
He wanted to hold onto her hand forever.
On the other side, Violetta froze as well, her expression flickering for a brief moment. A jolt of warmth coursed through her veins, spreading like wildfire, but instead of pain—there was ease. Comfort. The dark, writhing curse within her body—the one she had carried for years—suddenly neutralized.
It wasn't completely gone, but its venom dulled. Suppressed. As if Raizel's touch alone was cleansing the affliction buried in her soul.
Her lips parted slightly, and her velvety eyes were wide.
It was more than she had felt the last time their paths unknowingly crossed. And now, it was undeniable.
Her heart thumped in her chest, not out of desire or power, but a rare feeling of peace. She didn't want to let go either. Her fingers, unconsciously, tightened around his.
This boy...
She gazed into his crimson eyes, which was deep, unwavering, flickering with curiosity and uncertainty.
There was something ancient behind that gaze, something untamed and pure. Not corrupted by the world yet.
Who are you, really?
Were you brought here by fate... to end my torment?
The question echoed in her heart, unspoken yet heavy. And for the first time in a very long while, the Curse Monarch felt hope.
And Raizel, unknowingly, had just stepped deeper into a destiny far beyond anything he'd ever imagined.
Seeing this scene, the other four's minds were completely blown away.
Kierra and Camilla especially were shocked, knowing that Violet never allowed anyone to get touchy with her—much less a male.
So what were they witnessing now? How had their Violet suddenly changed in front of him?
"Ahem, ahem!"
Camilla suddenly cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to break the moment and snap them out of their daze.
Raizel and Violet immediately let go of each other's hands, both showing slightly awkward expressions.
"Alright, Raizel, you may leave now,"
Camilla said, her voice back to business-like as she gestured for Joshua and Kierra to remain.
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
Raizel responded quickly, giving Violet one last glance before heading toward the exit.
Meanwhile, the remaining four had something else to discuss.