Violet Zerotta’s Hasty Marriage - Chapter 89

He made a clear vow—to survive and return no matter what. Because Violet would be waiting for him.

Because his wife, Violet, was waiting for her husband. Him.

Just the thought of it made his chest feel hot. Aldrick still couldn’t believe he’d been lucky enough to take Violet as his wife.

Of course, he had confidence that he would survive. He wasn’t a fool, and his skills were not lacking. The only thing that worried him was Violet.

In times like these, having a noble like Count Lambert as a close friend was a great help. Still, even leaving her in such a safe place, Aldrick had many concerns.

Chief among them was a possessive thought. What if strange men started hanging around her?

Aldrick didn’t think he was wrong for worrying about that. Violet, now twenty years old… was truly too pretty and too adorable.

Ever since they’d come to the capital and she’d been well fed and cared for, Violet had bloomed into someone even more lovely. Even setting aside the rose-tinted filter over his eyes, Aldrick saw her as nothing short of an angel.

It pained him to leave her behind for a war that could last years, but given his wretched life so far, this was the best option.

So, on the day before departing for the front lines, Aldrick finally said the warning he had long held back.

“People in the capital are all swindlers, so don’t trust anything anyone says. Especially the men in Mallo… they’re all out to exploit women. Nobles? They might look like gentlemen, but they’re nothing but snakes. Remember that. Got it, Violet?”

Violet, who had been sniffling and crying, was a bit confused by Aldrick suddenly cursing the capital’s population, but she nodded instinctively at his fierce tone.

Was he… worried about her chastity or something?

If that was the case, Violet felt confident she could remain loyal. To have an affair when she already had a husband. How disgraceful would that be for Aldrick?

Even as Violet vowed to be careful, not really knowing what exactly to be cautious of, Aldrick remained uneasy. Marriage vows or not, he had no way of knowing what might happen in his absence.

What especially made him nervous was the uncertainty of Violet’s feelings. There was still no real romantic atmosphere between them, no meaningful progress.

Violet still saw him as a younger brother, and Aldrick had not crossed the line she’d drawn. Even after coming to the capital and sharing the same residence at the Lambert estate, nothing had happened.

As he watched Violet wiping her tears, Aldrick had a brief, reckless thought.

Should I at least leave her with a kiss?

His gaze fell on her lips, redder than usual from crying, and his face immediately flushed bright red.

No. If he started something now, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop himself. In that case, maybe their wedding night…

No, absolutely not.

Aldrick shook his head, reeling his thoughts back in.

Their wedding night? And like this, so suddenly?

He hadn’t even confirmed Violet’s feelings yet, and to get her pregnant right before heading off to war… That was out of the question. There was no time left for them to slowly get to know each other.

Aldrick resented everything—their situation, the timing, and his still-too-young age.

With a heart full of worries and deep regrets, Aldrick finally left for the battlefield.

Each step away from her felt as heavy as if it were weighed down with lead.

It was the beginning of a long farewell.

***

Even in Aldrick’s absence, Violet did well. That wasn’t just lip service—she truly passed her days without trouble.

Countess Doris Lambert and Violet got along splendidly. Even the household servants didn’t shun her as an outsider and treated her well.

Ever since marrying Aldrick, it felt as though only good fortune had followed Violet.

In truth, her position in the household was a little ambiguous. Though technically a guest, she was of low status and essentially a temporary resident who could leave at any time.

So Violet, feeling like she ought to repay the kindness somehow, asked Doris for some chores she could help with.

Thus, Violet became a sort of companion and sewing maid to the Countess, staying with room and board provided, and even earning a modest income.

During her stay at the Count’s estate, Violet’s appearance improved considerably compared to her time in Wölze. While that was partly thanks to the dresses Doris occasionally gifted her, it was mostly because of her comfortable and peaceful life, which brought a bloom to her face.