'I messed up,' Violet blamed herself.
It wasn't about her at all, it was about Noah doing anything in his power to humiliate Cassiel and show him who is superior here.
If only she wasn't so brash and recognised the crown prince right away.
Duke of Belleville waited aside as it was below his dignity to interfere in the child's argument. However, one could tell from his expression that he was enjoying the moment. Nathaniel was already too guarded against the nobles, but Cassiel as currently the only heir to the duchy was still a little kid who only knew sword but no intrigues.
Violet gulped down nervously. If Cassiel was to give in here, he would be seen as weak and easily manipulated, which would only lead to more suffering long-term. But he couldn't reject the prince's demand either.
"Ciel…" Violet held the hem of his sleeve. It was fine, she needed to protect him here, even if she was to leave with that spoiled brat. Cassiel needs more time to mature and if they deem him to be an easy target now, they will leave him alone thinking they can manipulate him anytime.
That would be better than taking them head-on now.
However, the boy grasped her hand instead and pushed her behind him. She was still taller than him, but he was determined to protect her at all costs.
"What a silly joke you are making, Your Highness," he uttered chillingly. "Violet is not someone that you can own."
"As the future ruler of the kingdom, every citizen is my subject. I can have anyone I want," Noah replied confidently.
"Not her… She is the future Duchess of Ashford. If you want to take her away, you will have to confront the whole duchy…" Cassiel dropped the bomb.
"Duchess…?" Violet whispered silently. What was he saying right now? This was a blatant lie and both of them will pay a heavy price if this gets out!
But no matter what the boy really meant, his words were quite effective. The crown prince's and Duke of Belleville's expression changed instantly.
Noah understood the implication. He was playing with the boy in front of him, but to cause an official issue with Duke Ashford was unwanted. However, as the crown prince of the kingdom, he can never make a mistake and take a step back. Even if his demand was unreasonable, he must gain something from this exchange. Especially with the tutor looking at him right now.
The Duke Belleville knew that Noah was in a tough spot, but he was quite satisfied right now. The prince's image will suffer a bit, but they have gained valuable information.
He seized the girl from head to toe. She was just ordinary-looking and young. A commoner without family support.
If Duke Ashford falls in love with her and is planning to marry her, his reputation and power will go down. Even if they won't get married, Belleville can just use this information later and spread the rumour about Nathaniel toying with the innocent girl. Either way, they can profit a lot from this unexpected relationship.
"Your Highness, there are too many people working at the palace already…" the man voiced his opinion. It was also a safety rope thrown to the prince, so he would have an excuse to take back his request.
"Is t-that so? Then, there is no point in bringing her back… I know! Give me the toy that you are hiding in your pocket!"
Cassiel's icy expression hasn't moved a bit. Prince's requests were just thievery on a bright day. However, sensing Violet's still trembling, he decided to make them leave as soon as possible.
The little duke reached to his jacked and took out the kendama that he had received from the girl. He then threw it toward Noah who caught it with a satisfied smile. In the end, he got what he wanted.
"Now, we should go back, Your Highness," Duke Belleville reminded him.
"Sure! It was boring here, anyway!"
The two of them then left the garden.
"Ci….el!" Violet cried out, tears staining her face. "How could you say that!"
"Don't worry, they won't dare to bother you again," he assured her.
"But… the Duchess! How can you lie before the crown prince and the Duke of Belleville?! They will know the truth sooner or later…" Violet lamented. Should she run away now? If that crazy prince set his eyes on her, she is as good as dead… Forget about being the bystander background character!
"It doesn't have to be a lie…" Cassiel murmured. "You can just marry!"
"HUUUUH?! M-marry, you say?"
"You don't want to?" He looked at her with unreadable eyes. She couldn't tell what he was thinking at all.
"Of course, I want to marry well! To someone strong, dependable, handsome, and rich as well! But… It's not His Grace Nathaniel, isn't he?"
"Nathan?! What would you marry him?" Cassiel squealed in shock.
"You said I will be the Duchess! Isn't your brother Nathaniel the Duke of Ashford right now?"
The boy was silent.
Is that how it works?
If she became the Duchess of Ashford, she could only marry his brother?
His dark eyes glimmered in red.
The two of them were impossible. He would never let it happen.
"You two… will break up soon," he said with heavy determination.
"Who is going to break up?"
"You and Nathaniel! The two of you can't be together! Even in the book that you gave me, those two were engaged to someone else, before ending up together!"
"Ah… Is that so?" Violet was confused. What was that child blabbering about now?
"Ciel… Are you sick? Did the meeting with the prince exhaust you that much?" She was worried.
Cassiel knew nothing right now, but fate was inevitable. His body had a strong reaction towards someone that would hurt him in the future.
"Let me see… Your forehead is indeed a bit warm…" She came closer to him and put her hand on his head, checking the temperature.
Cassiel was angry. His dissatisfaction was rising.
Crown Prince Noah and Duke of Belleville. Those two were Violet's enemies, he knows it for sure.
He will destroy them.
And Nathan, too, if he stands in his way.