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And I discovered an interesting fact. I had done too well in the role of the adopted daughter.

Heron was wearing a corolla made of thornbush flowers.

‘It’s the corolla from thornbush flowers.’

At some point, Viola had made a corolla out of thornbush flowers for Heron. Come to think of it, Heron was now wearing that very corolla. The Duke was wearing a thornbush flower corolla.

In the context of the world, it could seem ridiculous, but Heron’s beautiful looks made even that appearance seem elegant.

‘In the end, it’s all about the face.’

Meanwhile, Elcina, holding hands with Benato, bowed toward Viola. Benato was with her too.

Viola walked over and ruffled Benato’s hair once.

“Thank you, Benato.”

Benato had lost all his mana. He would not be able to become a Grand Mage.

He gave up being a mage to save Viola and Tundra.

“I won’t forget this grace.”

“That’s something anyone would do.”

Benato smiled brightly. “You must take responsibility for me, big sister.”

While his words were precocious, Benato was only five or six years old physically. Viola wanted to kiss his chubby cheeks but barely suppressed that urge.

Meanwhile, Quesa Quilton, head of the Quilton family attending the banquet, shrugged. ‘At this rate, it will be hard to get a daughter-in-law.’

Even if he somehow found a daughter-in-law, he felt he wouldn’t be able to handle the aftermath. If anything happened to Viola, it felt like all the heroes present at this banquet would target the Quilton family. “But still, my aunt always has an open mind.

You know, Viola?”

After saying that, she enjoyed her wine.

The elven queen Harmona once again knelt before Viola, drawing everyone’s attention.

It wasn’t just Harmona kneeling.

“Thank you, Princess Viola.”

It was Viscount Seaal. He looked at Benato from a distance and shed tears. Soon, he decided to tell Benato the whole truth and be a father to him.

Much time had passed, and now he had the capacity to genuinely forgive his wife’s infidelity.

The Duchess also bowed deeply to Viola.

She showed her utmost respect to Viola in every way she could.

“Princess Viola, you have shown me what is right and wrong. I sincerely thank you… and I’m sorry. From now on, I will live devoted to my husband and Benato.”

“Don’t forget that feeling.”

The applause did not cease. The feelings of everyone welcoming Princess Viola’s return were genuine.

One of the three Duke families.

Merisa Mariantu, of the Duke House Mariantu, also raised her glass toward Viola.

“Viola, thanks to you, many things have been resolved.”

Sister too. Daughter too.

Everything was back to normal.

“You are the benefactor of Mariantu. If there’s anything you need help with, feel free to let me know.”

Another Duke family head, Salmon Brandia, laughed heartily.

“I can’t surpass Bellatu in my generation. Hahaha!”

He couldn’t defeat Bellatu. Because Bellatu had Viola.

“Big sisteeeeer!”

Selbin ran to Viola and hugged her. In fact, Selbin, being much taller, was more in a position of holding rather than hugging. Selbin rubbed her cheeks against Viola’s.

“Can’t I just live with my sister?

You’re the best in the world.”

Her mother, Aselda, intervened to separate Selbin.

“Selbin, there are too many enemies to contend with for that, you know?”

“Boo.”

“Let go. There are many people who want to exchange even a word with Viola.”

Aselda winked lightly, and Viola responded with a smile. And there was also the influential Carlo, Chief Designer of Louis Varten.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Princess.”

He promised to gift her hundreds of luxurious dresses created in partnership with Louis Varten. He said that would be the minimum show of respect for the continent’s heroes. And there was also one unnecessarily serious person present.

“I plan to see who fits better as a partner starting now.”

It was Prince Jeremy. The one who ignited passion in the hearts of countless young noble ladies was now ready to gain ‘the qualifications of a partner.’

He hoped someday to become a true partner sword beyond Tundra.

Tundra stood next to Viola.

‘If I can, as much as possible.’

Tundra was also kindling his fighting spirit in his own way, and the Emperor stood up from his seat and came down to bow before Viola.

“Your Majesty?”

“This is to express my reverence to Princess Viola.”

“Isn’t it only natural to express this level of courtesy to one who has received the Order of the Golden Venus in history?”

The Emperor extended his hand. When Viola placed her hand on top of his,

the applause gradually stopped, and everyone’s gaze turned this way.

‘Is this… okay?’

The Emperor smiled gently and spoke softly. “Princess Viola, have you ever considered becoming an Empress?”

“Excuse me?”

Viola unconsciously coughed lightly. “Why? Do you find it appealing?”

“Of course not.”

“Isn’t it usually something people like? You could rise to the highest position.”

“I have no interest in that.”

“Indeed.”

Nelak continued speaking like the Emperor. “So you mean to say that since you have already gained the admiration of all, the position of the Emperor means nothing to you?”

“It wasn’t meant to be such a grand declaration.”

“Don’t be modest. Your eminence has already surpassed the Emperor.”

The way the Emperor spoke didn’t particularly show any displeasure.

“I’ve brought the main guest of the banquet. Heron.”

Heron stood up. Just as the Emperor had, he bowed.

Heron took Viola’s right hand from the Emperor and gently kissed it.

“Enjoy tonight’s banquet.”

After kissing the back of her hand, Heron looked around before stating. “Since Viola has received the Order of the Golden Venus, she would be considered higher than anyone present here.”

Normally, that would’ve seemed like treasonous words, but no one disputed it. Even the Emperor himself and Lady Selina didn’t dispute it.

“Thus, to all the esteemed guests gathered here, please enjoy yourselves to celebrate my daughter, no, Princess Viola’s safe return.”

The special dish was the egg tart of Azulegia, and the guests were enchanted by Azulegia’s egg tarts. Viola sat in the center, halfway between the Emperor and Heron, enjoying the banquet.

Selina whispered to her.

“Princess Viola, do you really have no thoughts of becoming the Emperor?”

“I don’t.”

“Why? You seemed to want it more than anyone. The Winter Castle, and the Empire.”

Viola felt a lump in her throat. ‘Right. I did act like that.’

But that wasn’t her true intention.

She still didn’t remember exactly why she had behaved that way.

Now was the time to shed the lies and seek the truth.

“That was just an act.”

Not a life pretending to be ‘someone’.

She decided to live the real life of Viola. “I just…”

Glancing sideways, even amidst the noisy banquet hall, Heron was attentively listening for Viola’s every breath. “I like being in a place where so many people love me.”

A place where she could wait endlessly for her father, who had promised to return after a hundred nights. “I like my dad.”

Heron’s body flinched. He pretended not to hear, but he heard everything.

The thornbush corolla trembled slightly.

“I like Uncle Hixson, and Kaiser too.”

There were so many people she liked. It was almost too many to count.

“I like Jeremy too.”

And the person who had promised to always be by her side. “And I like Tundra.”

The people who loved her. And the ones she loved. She had no desire to leave these people and walk the path of politics.

At that moment, she felt the gazes of people.

Far below.

Many people in the banquet hall were sending their gazes toward her.

They too, pretending to enjoy the banquet, were using their mana to sense every move Viola made.

‘Phew.

Viola sighed and began to name each one.

She didn’t dislike it.

If this little gesture could express her gratitude to them, it was indeed a happy occurrence.

“Medea, Bichen, Hela.”

The third prince, Kundo, had left the family, thinking he was already beaten in the succession competition.

“Lady Elcina, Zeno, Benato, Quesa, Queen Harmona, Duchess Merisa, Chief Designer Carlo, Viscount Seaal, Selbin, and Master Sheilan.”

Most of those Viola mentioned turned their gazes toward her. Their eyes were filled with affection for Viola.

“And…”

There were more people. Ordinary people living in this world.

Unlike those who were focused on their own names, these were ordinary citizens who hadn’t even been invited to this banquet.

They had come, with their weak divine powers, all the way to the ‘Sacred Ground of the Ancient Warriors’. Their small strengths united to create a miracle. They had become citizens of the Winter Castle. “I don’t want to leave the people of the Winter Castle.”

“Princess Viola…”

A hint of envy showed in Selina’s eyes. “Are you happy?”

Viola answered without a moment’s hesitation. “I’m happy.”

For all these many people. And for herself.

She decided to be even happier.

Epilogue

The banquet lasted for seven days and nights.

After the banquet concluded, Viola was completely worn out.

She had shaken so many hands that her palms felt raw.

That night, Heron came to find Viola.

He still wore the thornbush flower corolla.

“Dad?”

It wasn’t just Heron who came alone. Medea, Bichen, and Hela were together as well.

“I thought it might be nice for just family to have some tea together.”

Heron’s face turned slightly red. This was an unfamiliar time for him too.

Even if it was unfamiliar, it was undoubtedly a warm time.

“The princess loves strawberry ade, so I’ll prepare that, and the others will have black tea.”

Zeno said that and moved aside.

Just as this time was warm for Heron, it was precious time for Viola too.

The night deepened.

Slurping~

After finishing all the strawberry ade, Viola cautiously asked.

“Sister Medea, you know…”

“Speak up.”

“What will you do if I decide not to inherit Bellatu?”

Medea smiled subtly. “If you decide not to inherit Bellatu?”

“Yes.”

“By tomorrow morning, my heart will have stopped. Would that be okay?”

Although she said that, it wasn’t her true intention. If what Viola truly desired was something, Medea would grant it as she had concluded during the five years Viola was asleep. However, Viola couldn’t read Medea’s sincerity.

“Well then, what if…”

This time, she shifted her gaze to Heron. “Speak.”

Viola’s original goal was a simple and happy independence. So, she asked indirectly. “I’m an adult by age, right?

What do you think will happen if I become independent and live on my own?”

Heron, who had become excessively attached over the past five years, immediately grimaced. A cold killing intent flickered in his eyes. “Independence? Go ahead. I won’t leave even an ant alive on that land.”

“…….”

Viola could sense that those words were half, no, entirely sincere. “Don’t worry. I promised I wouldn’t go anywhere without my crybaby dad.”

Heron’s face turned slightly redder at those words. He seemed embarrassed to be called ‘crybaby’ in front of his children.

However, he focused only on the part about the ‘promise of not going anywhere.’ “That promise must be kept for a lifetime.

By my side.”

“………”

“Do you accept?”

“Yes.”

Bichen was giggling happily. “Then I won’t marry or anything, and I’ll stay next to Viola.”

Hela also laughed. “Sister, father. Don’t worry. Viola is already a child with grand dreams, and one who will rule the Winter Castle and the continent.”

Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

The person who entered was none other than Tundra.

Heron, Medea, Hela, and Bichen’s gazes turned toward Tundra.

Their expressions were not particularly kind. Tundra had been brought in by Zeno.

“Of course, Tundra isn’t family, but for some reason, I felt like the princess would want Tundra.”

Although he said that, Zeno didn’t look particularly fond of Tundra either. In fact, Zeno had made a deal with Tundra.

“I’ll let you into the room. So, will you come with me?”

Zeno also needed justification.

A reason to be able to join in the family gathering.

Casually mentioning that he brought Tundra along, he decided to attend the family meeting.

Tundra shrugged and calmly received the gazes of the Bellatu family members.

Then he spoke up. “No matter where I go, the seat next to my master is mine. You promised to pet my head for life, didn’t you?”

For a moment, silence enveloped the room. Zeno, who had brought Tundra, looked a bit flustered.

“Tundra, I think you’re missing the concept?”

Tundra shrugged. “This seems to be the kind of atmosphere.”

Still, Tundra accurately sensed Viola’s feelings. “My princess is not a tool to fulfill your dreams. She does not wish to become the ruler of Winter Castle nor does she want to win the succession competition.”

At those words, Hela snorted. “So?”

“Simply put, my princess is…”

“I know, stupid.”

In truth, Hela understood as well. “And that doesn’t matter at all.”

Whether Viola became the absolute ruler or not was irrelevant to Hela.

What mattered was that Viola was now breathing beside her.

Medea nodded, stroking Viola’s head.

“Everything will be as Viola desires.”

Viola bit her lip slightly.

It was warm.

She liked this warmth. Suddenly, a particular line from a play came to mind.

“Have I ever been your family, even once?”

Indeed, she couldn’t precisely remember. Why did that line spring to mind?

What scene it pertained to.

Such things were unknown. ‘You, the one from the original work, can’t remember.’

But one thing was certain. ‘It seems you are no longer alone.’

Bichen tilted her head. “Huh? Wasn’t Viola confirmed as the heir? Was I the only one who didn’t know? Ugh, that’s unfair!”

Heron added another comment. “Still, independence is not allowed. The place you should be is next to your father.”

You could do everything else, but even if everything was done as Viola desired, independence was one thing he couldn’t allow. That was Heron’s final bastion.

Tundra sat down and smiled faintly.

‘Princess, you seem happy.’

Suddenly, he wondered. When did I start wishing for the princess’s happiness? Why do I feel such deep affection for her?

‘I don’t know.’

He couldn’t pinpoint the reason. But it felt like he had been prepared for Viola for a long time. Long before being born into this world.

‘I feel like I was the one preordained for you.’

Such feelings washed over him. If another world existed.

‘I would have protected you even in that world.’

It was a nonsensical thought, but even that thought was sincere.

‘I will continue to prepare to be by your side.’

Someday, he decided to tell Heron that the place where Viola should be wasn’t beside her father but beside him.

But for now, the timing wasn’t right.

At least, when he had surpassed Heron.

When he had grown strong enough to overshadow even Heron.

That’s when he decided to speak up.

For now, he maintained silence while gazing at Viola.

Viola was absolutely happy at this moment.

‘That’s enough for me today.’

As the warm night deepened for everyone,

a commotion erupted in the Duke’s Mansion.

“How dare you leave me out? I’m another father to Viola!”

“I’m Viola’s best friend! Are you saying you left me out?”

Kaiser and Hixson burst into the room with an attitude like they were going to war.

Prince Jeremy seemed a little upset too.

If only I had been a bit more qualified.

Then I could have been part of this gathering.

“I also promised to protect Viola’s side. So please allow me to do so today.”

Meanwhile, Selbin, who had returned to Brandia, felt a strange sense of unease.

In the carriage, Aselda asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“I feel uneasy for some reason.”

She bit her nails. “I can’t tell why, but it seems like some plot is happening without me knowing.”

She felt an inexplicable urge to return to the Winter Castle.

She decided to run away again.

“I’m going to go back to the Winter Castle for a moment!”

Viola’s small ‘family meeting’ was not a peaceful one.

Viola’s room was bustling, even with Selbin who had barged in.

Even Pongpong, having regained his spirit power, had appeared and was showering waterfalls.

Viola let out a sigh.

‘So tiring.’

The world she faced after five years had truly become an exhausting one.

‘I hope it stays tiring.

Just then, a shooting star fell from the sky.

Viola made a wish in her heart.

A very tiring world.’

And, ‘a world where I don’t have to wait for a hundred nights.’

She hoped this world would continue.

Everyone here captured Viola’s figure in their eyes. (The End)

 

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