The table in the restaurant was filled with a lavish spread before Violet and her companions.
Everyone wore puzzled expressions at the unexpected invitation.
“It’s delicious!”
Violet hungrily devoured the food.
“So, where did this come from?”
“We are from the Student Support Team of the Lightbridge Foundation. We were very impressed by your recent academic achievements and talents.”
In response to Irene’s question, the ponytailed woman smiled softly and continued speaking.
“The Foundation is preparing scholarship programs for outstanding students like yourselves. We’re providing full tuition support as well as linking to internships in excellent companies—broad support indeed.”
While Violet voraciously consumed the food in front of her, the other students listened intently, intrigued.
A series of questions followed.
The topics shifted slightly.
“By the way, does anyone here have a boyfriend? It seems like young people these days focus so much on studies that dating takes a back seat.”
“What? Why do you suddenly…?”
Kalia looked confused.
Perhaps finding it amusing, a male employee chuckled and shrugged.
“These days, young people tend to put off dating while they’re studying. But finding a life partner is important too, isn’t it?”
He continued, surveying the students around him.
“What about you? Do you have someone you like? Or are any of you currently dating?”
Everyone wore bewildered expressions at the sudden question.
The ponytailed woman glanced at the flustered girls and smiled as she continued her inquiry.
“In my view, all of you are charming. I’m sure you must attract the attention of many admirers—so, is there someone you’d like to seriously date?”
The eyes of two males sparkled with curiosity.
“Uh, well, not really right now…”
Irene hesitated in her reply.
An awkward silence ensued.
Then the female employee picked up the conversation again.
“Actually, did you know? These days, it’s trendy to meet someone good early on and get engaged. Establishing ties with a reliable family is quite popular among young women.”
“Huh? That’s trending? I’ve never heard of that.”
Daphne responded, her expression puzzled.
“Of course. Many people believe it’s wiser to make arrangements with someone who has a stable background rather than falling blindly in love. So, it’s about cautious matchmaking.”
The woman added cheekily with a smile.
Then, a well-groomed male colleague chimed in.
“As Awakened Ones, you all are of suitable age; what do you think about finding someone well-matched at the right time? Being swift in choosing a life partner is a virtue.”
The students stared blankly at the two.
‘What are they on about?’
‘I don’t know.’
Their conversation had smoothly shifted to matchmaking and marriage.
“Actually, there are many capable and decent young men at the Foundation. I think they’d match well with you. We could play the role of matchmakers if you’re interested.”
Suddenly, the atmosphere around the table grew chilly.
“No, wh-what are you saying? Are you actually some sort of scholarship foundation?”
Kalia sputtered in confusion.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’m just suggesting you might want to meet good connections. Experiencing a lot at a young age isn’t a bad thing, right?”
The woman flashed a sly smile.
At that moment, Daphne, who had been quietly listening, raised her voice.
“Excuse me, but I just want to focus on my studies right now. I don’t know what your intentions are, but—”
“Oh my, Miss Daphne. We’re aware of your circumstances.”
A middle-aged man interjected. Violet, who had been buried in her plate, quietly lifted her head.
The Violets analyzed the men’s words with fierce intensity.
“What exactly is going on?”
Suddenly, a chilling historical fact came to mind.
“Proposing engagement to students, are they out of their minds?”
“Could they be members of the Cha Hong Society?”
I scrutinized their eyes. A familiar, unsettling gaze.
Our Violets felt déjà vu.
“Ponytails and slicked-back hair? No way…”
The unwelcome feelings I had buried began to resurface.
Those gazes that disregard other people’s feelings, the words devoid of consideration.
No way.
“Miss, you have outstanding abilities and a remarkable Unique Ability. However, there are far too many thieves in the world.”
“What are you guys really getting at?”
“In the society of Awakened Ones, meeting a good person is a serious matter. Think about it. How many people ruin their lives by choosing the wrong partner?”
He theatrically spread his arms wide, smiling jovially at Daphne.
“How about meeting fine young men around you right now? Of course, it’s not mandatory. Ultimately, it’s your choice. Using the excuse of engagement is also a way to shake off unwanted suitors.”
Unable to withstand their absurdity, we prepared to stand up.
“Are we done here? We’re going to leave now…”
The man spread his arms as if to calm us.
“It’s not forced. Why not listen a bit longer? Miss Daphne, Miss Irene, this is an extremely important life matter!”
He then leaned closer, speaking in a gentle tone.
“Miss Daphne, honestly speaking, the name Grace doesn’t convey your worth well. But how about adding the name of a noble family or even a royal family?”
“What?”
“Maybe… if you included the name Restraid, your talents and beauty would shine even brighter. Your parents would surely be happy from heaven.”
The Violet Network came to a halt all at once.
“Oh.”
Those damned fools.
Is it not enough to mock those who have lost their parents to monsters?
What kind of ridiculous act is this?
Daphne’s eyes were teary.
“Y-You! How can you say such things…”
“Oh dear, I see we’ve upset you. We only meant to share good words for you. In any case, please think of our proposal positively. Later on…”
I felt my anger boiling at their words.
As the man reached for his business card, Irene swiftly swatted it away.
“What are you trying to do? Why are you suddenly making this ridiculous proposal?”
This time, the ponytail jerk turned to Irene.
“Miss Irene, please remain calm. You’re leading a clan all by yourself at such a young age. You might regret just dating anyone. Think of your father. As a successor of the Helios Clan, it would be wise to choose your partner carefully…”
Irene’s lips made a harsh sound, clenching in anger.
“…Enough. Let’s go, Daphne. Ridiculous people like them aren’t worth our time.”
Finally managing to suppress her frustration, Irene patted Daphne’s back and turned away harshly.
As we stood to leave, the two continued to babble on.
“We can’t help if you don’t want this! But remember, we offered you an opportunity. An opportunity to align with royal bloodlines!”
Ah, that’s why it felt familiar.
I had encountered those gazes far too often.
Sudden memories of the cold laboratory sprang to mind.
“Laplacian!”
Their eyes, looking at people like mere lab rats.
It’s the same now. They subtly belittle, tossing around pathetic leftovers as if granting privilege.
To them, were we nothing more than livestock?
Realizing this, I lifted a plate.
“Hey, slick back!”
“Are you talking to me?”
–
“Ahhh!”
I slammed the plate against the head of the Cha Hong Society member who had agitated Daphne.
“Wh-What?! These crazy girls are attacking me!”
A glass flew toward the face of the ponytail jerk.
“Ahhh!”
“Argh! Seriously!”
“Kalia! You thought the same as me!”
Kalia seemed taken aback by her own actions, looking dazed.
“Ah, crap… I don’t know! Let’s just get out of here!”
“Wait, just a few questions first!”
The restaurant was in an uproar.
“Hey! Who sent you guys? You’re not telling me it was Restraid, right?”
“No, that’s—”
–
I smashed another plate against their heads before firing my question.
“Isn’t that right?”
“
My guess was correct after all. I didn’t know the specific reasons, but the circumstances made it clear.
An uneasy feeling washed over me. Why did they suddenly offer us marriage? Were they trying to send us to that guy?
But if that was the case, there would be no need to send the Cha Hong Society members.
In an instant, the Violet Network reached the worst conclusion.
“Could it be that insane bald commander is behind this?”
“No, no! Please, no!”
There was a saying that all bald men were perverts. The commander’s son was a womanizer.
Thus, it only made sense that his father would be a wicked pervert as well.
We screamed at the possibility of a worst-case scenario.
“The insane bald pervert of three clans is targeting our friend!”
While chaos ensued, Irene hastily pulled out her wallet and handed several bills to the waiter.
“I’m sorry. I’ll pay for the dishes with this.”
We hurriedly left the restaurant.
“…Daphne, are you okay?”
“No, I’m… fine. It just… made me emotional when they brought up my parents…”
Having calmed down a bit, Daphne sighed. Perhaps it was the mention of her father that ignited Irene’s growing anger.
“Whatever the case, we cannot just sit and do nothing!”
Instantly, the Violets sprang into action.
“Let’s go to the scholarship officer and the Headmaster! We need to report this!”
“Let’s take down that lecherous bald guy!”
Room 512 rushed over to the teacher’s building. Unfortunately, the Headmaster was absent from his office.
The Scholarship Officer had also long departed on a flight.
“There’s no one here. We need to relay this situation!”
“Sigh, should I start plotting the bald guy’s assassination instead?”
The Violets quickly strategized an attack plan against the Restraid Clan.
If this continued, our friends’ future would be in jeopardy.
“We have neither information nor ammunition.”
“Should we prepare a defense?”
As we contemplated, our thoughts became somewhat calmer. Slight skepticism grew within the Violet Network.
“But is it really true that the bald guy is targeting our friends? We don’t have evidence.”
“Uh, true.”
As logical counterarguments flowed in, we relaxed and continued our thoughts.
It was indeed the Restraid Clan that had sent those disrespectful fools.
What could the reasons possibly be? As we pondered, a familiar silhouette caught my eye from a distance.
“Look over there, it’s the bald guy!”
Surprisingly, he was quite close. Cordo was being shown around the academy by staff members.
There were Armored Knights nearby, and Sebastian was stuck among them.
“Why does he keep glaring at us?”
For some reason, Sebastian didn’t seem well. Was it because he had fought with us?
Seeing the smug face of that bald guy reignited my anger.
Room 512 gritted her teeth and marched forward. Upon seeing me, Cordo halted.
“Who is this young lady? Ah, could it be that your name is…?”
I shouted,
“Hey, you! You sent those weird matchmakers after our friends, didn’t you?!”
People turned their heads toward me. The Headmaster and professors’ eyes widened, and Cordo failed to hide his displeasure behind raised eyebrows.
As the knights moved forward, he lifted his hand to stop them.
“You’re the one called Violet, right? Yes, I remember. But I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Aren’t you the one? The Lightbridge Foundation sent you! They told me to change my surname! You perverted freak! Don’t target our friends!”
“?”
Was that a painful jab? The annoyance on Cordo’s face shifted to disbelief. The knights looked at me as though this was all nonsense.
Feeling triumphant, I pressured Cordo.
“At your age, targeting students like us! You creep!”
At that moment, Cordo burst into laughter.
“Puhahaha! Oh, my. Little one, did you think I would remarry at my age?”
“What?”
“Your concerns for your friends are commendable. Relax. I was only trying to help them find new connections. Our noble Arnor family holds plenty of decent young men.”
I was left bewildered.
Cordo chuckled before showing me a sly smile.
“Violet, if being welcomed into our royal family turns you off so much… hmm, what can be done.”
I scratched my head, feeling awkward. Had I misunderstood?
“So, uh, you’re not suggesting that, right?”
My question caught Cordo and the knights off guard, staring at each other before they burst into laughter.
“Haha, foolish girl!”
“What kind of imagination do you have, little one?”
I was at a loss for words.
“Little lady, this is not a matchmaking propose but a generous offer from the royal family. If you’ve misunderstood, I’d like to clarify. We merely wish to offer good opportunities to outstanding students. Well, if you reject it, there’s nothing more to discuss.”
Hearing his slimy words rekindled my annoyance.
His manner had an undertone that suggested he was bestowing a favor upon me.
“But why did you specifically approach our friends with such an offer? Why bring up parents?!”
Cordo sighed at my inquiry, responding in a condescending manner.
“Little lady, your friends are outstanding and talented individuals. Wouldn’t it be a joy if such individuals became part of the noble Arnor bloodline? They would greatly benefit the world.”
“What? Bloodline? What does that even mean?”
The bald guy rubbed the back of his head in disbelief.
“Hah, does Aegis Academy not teach biology? To put it simply, when two people with good genes come together and have offspring—that’s a discussion about a fine successor to lead the future. What’s so unreasonable about that? You should consider this an honor.”
Somehow, the Armored Knights nodded in agreement as if moved by his statement.
“To not know such things, what a foolish child.”
“I wonder why this is being rejected…”
I realized I had misunderstood not just once, but twice.
“Ugh, no way…”
He was indeed a pervert.
I felt a chill. Were our friends being considered as breeding stock?
“Ugh, are you joking right now?”
“Ah, did I say something awkward? Haha. Just think of it as a joke. I’m not forcing you. Why take it so seriously…?”
At that moment, memories of the Laplacian Laboratory came flooding back.
The gaze of researchers viewing humans as lab animals.
Their treatment of me and my friends was alarmingly similar to that.
“How unfortunate. Personally, I thought you and your friends had potential, but if you don’t want it, there’s nothing more to be done.”
Cordo spoke to me dismissively. The knights could no longer conceal their mocking smiles.
“No, what the hell…”
As my mind reeled, they turned their backs.
“Honestly, wishing to attract the attention of a great royal family while being a commoner was too much to expect.”
The sight of their departing figures infuriated me.
I muttered under my breath.
“Geez, without land or people, and they think they’re a royal family…”
At that moment, the ones leaving suddenly came to a halt.
Cordo and the Armored Knights turned their heads toward me, creaking like rusted killing machines.
They glared at me as if they were face to face with their parents’ enemy.
“You! What did you just say?!”
When they asked, I responded without hesitation.
“Well, it’s the truth. You’re claiming to be royalty without even a country.”
At that moment, Sebastian lunged at me with an enraged expression, grabbing me by the collar.
“Take that back this instant!”
Violet’s thoughtless remark had triggered a long-standing resentment within the Restraid Clan.
“You, arrogant little brat—”
Cordo and the knights felt blood rushing to their heads.
The naïve, foolish girl struck a nerve they had long kept hidden.
And the most furious of them all was the young Restraid heir, Sebastian.
An echo of past humiliations crept into his mind.
The moment he was scolded by his father.
“The chivalry is no joke!”
Just as firm as his belief in chivalry was his pride in his family name.
“The Restraid Clan is not something you can carelessly speak of!”
Rage coursed through him.
The shame from being humiliated while fighting this girl, the embarrassment of being scolded by his father.
All of that combined triggered a furious emotional reaction.
In the blink of an eye, he was shaking this arrogant girl by the collar.
“Take that back! The Restraid Clan is not something you can mock with your tongue! What do you know about our family?”
“Take it back? No way!”
Violet didn’t grasp the full reasons for their anger, but she learned one thing.
If you bite into things that upset them, they blow up. So she became intent on finding more reasons to provoke them.
“How dare you prance about without even having land!”
“Stop it!”
“Aha! So all you have to boast about is your name. No wonder. The Restraid is just a defeat of a bygone era!”
“What?! You little brat! Don’t insult my family!”
Violet also could not understand why, among Awakened Ones, their origins were still discussed in terms of being royalty or noble.
“There’s nothing wrong with what I said. You guys keep spouting about your noble birth, yet that’s all hot air, isn’t it? Cascadia possesses land, yet you don’t. Shouldn’t Cascadia be the reigning family then?”
“Shut your mouth! I’ll kill you!”
Even Cordo, who had been relaxed, unsheathed his sword and howled. Even the knights tried to intervene.
“We are the clear descendants of the great Arnor royal family, built on centuries of tradition! Who do you think you are, commoner, to speak so wildly?!”
“Did I say something wrong? That’s why your land has fallen apart, isn’t it? It’s gone, right? What kind of royal and noble are you without a country!”
Violet shouted defiantly.
“If you are a king, then I am the queen of Southern Rustroom Violet!”
As she kept shouting until her mouth hurt, Violet suddenly gained clarity.
She realized that anyone could become a king as long as they believed in themselves.
“I will be the emperor of infinity!”
An insane Sebastian screamed.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about! The hero of the last great war was none other than Jemon Restraid! You little brat! Don’t insult my family and our ancestors!”
“Then maybe you should stop with the commoner talk! You treated our friends like breeding livestock while recommending them for engagement!”
Violet also raised her voice in anger. Before they knew it, students and professors who had heard the commotion gathered around them.
“Oh, dear…”
“What’s going on here, Violet?”
“What? Did a fight break out…?”
“Hey, isn’t that Sebastian?”
Sebastian understood. He had no place to retreat now.
His family was being publicly humiliated.
His father, the knights were watching. Everyone from the academy was witnessing.
The very spot where it occurred was near the teacher’s building, a heavily trafficked location.
He had to protect his family’s honor as a knight.
Violet felt liberated from the grip that held her.
As she was about to express joy, a white-gloved hand struck her face.
“Yikes!”
“I won’t treat you any more like a junior or a woman.”
“What did you just say?”
Sebastian shouted at the foolish girl who was being so rude.
“Violet Rugilinn. I, Sebastian Restraid, challenge you to a duel for insulting our family and clan!”
A gasp of disbelief erupted from the crowds watching.
“Did you hear that? A public duel challenge!”
“Sebastian, have you lost your mind? Stop this right now!”
Sebastian glanced back at his father. Cordo silently approved with a nod.
‘Crush that insolent girl!’
Violet finally understood the situation fully.
“Fine, then let’s have a duel!”
An instant silence blanketed the area. Five seconds later, another round of gasps erupted.
The late-arriving Headmaster Brecht witnessed the scene with Violet encircled by professors and students.
“Get away, now!”
“But we haven’t even set the terms! We can figure—”
“What good will that do? Of all times, you chose to offend the commander. What were you thinking?”
Headmaster Brecht approached Violet to ask why she had provoked her senior.
Violet instantly detailed the entire situation, unencumbered.
“They played tricks on my friends first!”
The Headmaster sighed deeply. The behavior of the clans secretly trying to recruit students for matchmaking had been the subject of murmurs throughout the academy.
There had been rumors that they sought to breed stronger knights through pairings of Awakened Ones, and it had evidently provoked this child.
“Violet, what’s your resolution now? Do you think you can win?”
“Headmaster, what do you mean suddenly…?”
“You must intervene!”
Brecht calmly asked the small girl again.
“I’ll ask you one more time. Do you think you can win?”
Leaving behind bewildered professors, Violet smiled brightly as she responded.
“I’ll win!”
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
