Chapter 2:
Extremes Can Be Fatal
FROM THE AGES OF twelve to eighteen, nobles, aristocrats, and commoners who were rich enough attended one of the world’s most prestigious schools: the Royal Tanzanite Academy. Unlike commoner schools, Tanzanite Academy taught not only regular subjects, but also specialized programs for future world leaders, and noble etiquette. The curriculum was designed around the knowledge students would need to grow into proper ladies and gentlemen. Violette was a second-year student in the high school section of the academy. She had roughly two more years until graduation. Maryjune, now a member of the aristocracy, would also be attending this academy as a first-year in the high school section.
The Vahan household was one of the highest ranked among the aristocracy, so of course its newest member would be the center of attention.
“Oh… How are you today, Lady Violette?” a student said.
“Fine, thank you. And you?” Violette responded.
No one stayed near Violette for very long; people greeted her and then scattered like baby spiders. Gossip about Maryjune joining the Vahan family spread like wildfire and people speculated wildly about what it meant. In the adult world, the presence of a mistress wasn’t that big a deal, but for teenagers…they didn’t know if they should ridicule or pity the Vahans. The old Violette would have relished being treated like a tragic heroine, handled as delicately as a swollen wound.
This time around, it’s surprisingly peaceful.
Violette was raised as a boy, less concerned with smoothing over the feelings of others than a lady had to be. Even though she felt sorry for the concern her classmates felt for her, she couldn’t bring herself to set them at ease by claiming she was fine. Instead, she pretended to be the perfect daughter of a duke, above it all, as usual.
She was always afraid that she would slip up, that holes would appear in her façade. To protect her noble mask, she distanced herself from her classmates and only had a few true friends. Many people respected Violette’s pedigree, but she knew from experience that if she trusted them, they would take advantage of her.
How tedious.
She’d brought a book with her to pass the time, but pretending to read was so boring. It wasn’t that she didn’t like books, but after her rough-and-tumble childhood she much preferred playing outside. But Violette wanted to be liked, so she put what she wanted aside and acted like a lady.
But…I don’t have to do that anymore, do I…?
Right. She didn’t care about being loved anymore, so why bother keeping up appearances? It had never worked, anyway. She would throw away the old Violette, full of lies—her old self might cling to her façade, but not now.
The purpose of this life was atonement, so besides that, Violette was free to do as she pleased. She didn’t have to be good or perfect, she didn’t have to pretend to be immersed in her reading. She could run around if she wanted, and no one had any right to complain. As long as she didn’t bother Maryjune or completely destroy her reputation, she could live however she wished.
Besides, no one will notice me anyway.
Her father, her mother, and the crush who barely knew she existed—the old Violette strived so hard to earn their attention that she’d practically sold her soul to the devil. But now she had all the time and freedom in the world. No one would look at her. No one would care about her. For Violette, who wanted to live a plain, ordinary life, this was ideal.
“All right, let’s do it.” Violette whispered to herself.
The faces around her were filled with surprise, concern, and pity—they thought she’d been hurt deeply by the shock of Maryjune’s appearance at Tanzanite. But she no longer cared what other people thought of her. She’d already lived through this once, so now she felt nothing as she blended in with the crowd. Violette didn’t even notice their looks.