That morning Violet was fast asleep in her room, then she was awakened by the sound of the door being banged several times.
"Violet, Violet!"
"What's wrong, Sophie?" she asked, still sleepy, her voice was quite soft from outside, but still clearly audible.
"Come here, I have important news for you," said Shopie enthusiastically, as if she couldn't wait.
Violet lay still in bed with her eyes half-open, slowly sitting up on the edge of the bed. Her blonde hair was loosely tied up. The atmosphere was so quiet that her footsteps could be heard from outside as she approached the door. Violet turned the key twice, the distinctive metallic sound ringing out loud.
Then the door opened.
Sophie stood in front of the door, Violet not understanding what had made the girl in front of her so excited so early in the morning, it was clear from the expression on her face. Her two hands were clenched in front of her chest, then she said,
"Violet today you will go to the Stohess District."
"Stohess...District?"
Sophie nodded quickly,
"You have official permission to pass through Wall Sina."
Violet was silent in confusion, but Sophie didn't wait for a response, she smiled and said,
"Last night my father received an envelope with a special seal, a typical noble ornament. Reinhard of the Vessler family. He said he was very impressed with your service at this tavern, and he asked you to be a server at an official event of his family."
A proud tone was embedded in every word he said with his eyes sparkling slowly,
Violet didn't shift her gaze even an inch, as if trying to digest the meaning behind Sophie's words.
"Nobility?" she muttered softly.
Sophie didn't answer. She just stared at Violet silently, even though she was standing so close, her gaze felt distant, staring at something only she could sense.
Something warmed in his chest. It wasn't the high pay,
nor was it the pride of delivering good news.
But because...
Violet deserved something more than just serving rude guests in this small tavern.
"Finally... someone saw you, Violet," she muttered to himself.
"Sophie?"
Sophie blinked rapidly,
"Ah, sorry... I was daydreaming, hehe."
Violet turned to him, then asked in a low tone,
"Am I going alone? Then... what about you, Sophie?"
Sophie nodded lightly, her smile returning.
"In the letter, it said they already have a chef and bartender. So... you're the only one invited."
After that, she turned around and picked something up from a chair near the door. It was a neatly wrapped suit, with a textured, partly blue fabric that looked expensive even from a distance.
Violet froze for a moment.
"Those clothes..."
Sophie held the dress with both hands, letting it flow completely in the dim light.
"This is yours, right? This... is truly high society clothing."
Violet stared at the cloth silently. Her hands slowly gripped it tightly. Her eyes held not just confusion, but also... memories.
"How could... you be here?" she asked softly.
"It should... be with Lilith."
"I'm sorry I forgot to tell you, Violet," Sophie said, her voice sincere. "Last night, Uncle Elias gave Greta these clothes and left a message... he said Lilith now has new clothes."
She paused for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"He also thanked me. Because since this tavern became busy and demand increased, Elias and Lilith had to open a new field to meet the vegetable supply. So indirectly... you have also helped them earn an income."
Violet looked down slightly, her eyes softening.
"I see... I'm very grateful to hear that."
Sophie breathed a sigh of relief.
"What a coincidence, you do need appropriate clothing for this occasion. You should get ready quickly, Violet, before they come to pick you up."
Violet nodded calmly.
"I understand."
Time elapsed.
In the office, Greta and Sophie were dressed neatly and appropriately. They seemed to be chatting casually, occasionally bursting into laughter, loud enough to carry outside.
Then the sound of a door creaking softly caught their attention. They both turned their heads at the same time.
Soft footsteps were heard entering the room.
It started with the sound of shoes... followed by a long, soft dress swept by the wind. As the door opened completely, Sophie and Greta's eyes slowly widened.
Violet stood in the doorway.
She looked graceful, serene, and almost untouchable. Her attire was the one she usually wore when working as an Auto Memory Doll , her signature flowing blue dress, with a pale ribbon and a flat collar that gave her a demure yet elegant impression.
Sophie almost held her breath.
Unconsciously, one of her hands rose, pressed against her chest, a feeling of admiration that was difficult to describe in words.
Sophie immediately approached, her steps quick and light, then stopped right in front of Violet.
"You... are so beautiful, Violet!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling.
Greta glanced at the clock on the wall,
"The carriage will come to pick you up soon. They've sent an escort too."
Violet was silent for a moment, her eyes lowered slowly.
One of her hands was raised, gently touching the tip of her chin, as if she was thinking about something she didn't fully understand.
"A carriage with an escort? Does it have to be... that luxurious?" she said quietly.
.
.
.
The Three Roses Tavern grew in popularity.
Nicknames began to emerge from customers' mouths: "The Beautiful Waitress," " The Rose Wall Angel ," and even "The Princess in Disguise . "
Not just because of her looks, but because of every graceful movement of her body, her soft and soothing voice, all of that made them feel as if they were being served by someone from the nobility.
Even though he was just a servant.
But the way she treats others makes many people forget that.
Then one day... one of the members of the Military Police Regiment visited the tavern.
. . .
Reinhard Vessler, a 182cm tall man with a clean and toned physique, is a man who consistently trains and watches his diet. Despite his impressive physique, he's terrible at using ODM Gear and gets poor grades in training. However, due to his family connections, he was recruited into the Military Police Regiment through a backdoor.
"You know, there's been a special tavern in Rose Wall lately. The food is quite good, the prices are much cheaper than the cafes here, plus..."
His words hanging, Reinhard glanced briefly,
His companion opened his mouth, his eyes staring blankly, as if praising the goddess who had touched his soul.
"...you will get a luxurious treatment," he said with a smile, his eyes closed, his head slightly raised.
"Are you okay, Luther?" Reinhard asked with a concerned expression.
"I want to go back there again. Do you want to come?"
Still with the same expression, Reinhard didn't answer immediately, only staring at her for a moment. Secretly, he was also curious about the meaning of her words.
"Y-yes." he answered briefly, more out of curiosity than a definite impulse of desire.
In the afternoon they came out of a building, walking slowly down a small staircase that led directly to the main road.
The Military Police Regiment would hold an informal meeting in a room and order the cadets to clean up the room.
Luther stretched his arms as if he had completed a difficult task, while Reinhard just kept his hands in his pockets casually.
Reinhard glanced briefly,
"What were you holding, horse? It's great you didn't die today."
Luther chuckled softly,
"No, it's a teak table, it feels as heavy as pulling on an officer's ego."
"You know, when my father donated the money to the academy, he said military training would make me a warrior. I think he forgot to add: 'and a furniture carrier.'"
"Ah, so this is what they call a promotion? From cadet to porter."
"Yes, make sure you don't die before becoming an officer. I don't want to write your name on the monument."
"The monument is not important, as long as you write my last note 'Died after being asked by the logistics officer.' "
"No, I might bring the goddess you mentioned to put flowers on your grave."
"Heh, you're so understanding. I'm not drunk enough to think anything is normal, and I wish the bar had beer as good as this one, but the waitress there... is just too perfect. You might fall in love and forget why you came."
"I just want a heavy meal and some fruit for dessert."
When they arrived at the tavern yard, they tied the horse rope to the wooden crossbar provided.
The air was bitingly cold due to the sudden downpour as they passed through Rose Wall, perhaps one of the reasons why the tavern seemed unusually deserted.
Reinhard stopped for a moment in front of the door. He looked down at his boots which were dirty with mud. Water dripped from his long coat.
"Is this... okay?" he asked quietly, almost hesitantly.
Luther turned to him, raised a light eyebrow, then answered while pushing open the door slowly.
"I don't know, come in first."
The small bell tinkled, echoing as the door was pushed open. Luther didn't enter immediately; he stood still, smiling as if waiting for something to come. Reinhard followed, standing beside Luther. He glanced at his companion briefly, then swept his gaze around the room.
And that's when their eyes met.
A pair of sky-clear blue eyes stared back at him, her golden hair flowing softly, tied back neatly in a bun, her face expressionless yet... still beautiful. As if hiding something... There was an inexplicable calm.
Reinhard blinked, realizing that the woman was wiping the table, and that she was the waitress everyone had been talking about. Violet.
Violet stood up quickly upon noticing his presence, then stepped around the tables, heading towards the door. Reinhard didn't shift his gaze even slightly, his head locked in the direction she was walking.
As Violet stood directly before them, she bowed her head slightly, strands of hair swaying as she greeted them with respect,
"Welcome."
Her face lifted once more, and she stepped aside to give them space to pass.
"Please, sir. You may sit at the bar counter if you wish to order drinks, or at the side tables for a full meal." Her voice was gentle, one hand raised gracefully, pointing politely as she indicated each place in turn.
Reinhard was taken aback by the way Violet welcomed him, and then he was startled when Luther suddenly removed his military jacket, offering it to the attendant without a word.
"W-What are you doing?" His tone was filled with confusion.
Neither Luther nor Violet turned to acknowledge him. Wordlessly, Violet accepted the jacket, folding it neatly over one arm before hanging it on the rack beside the front desk.
Meanwhile Reinhard was still standing there, then finally Violet turned to him.
"Shall I help you with your jacket, sir?"
Reinhard was silent, his mind rumbling.
"What is this...? Where am I exactly? Is this still an ordinary tavern? Why does the service feel like I've entered an official royal event?"
His mouth opened and finally his voice came out,
"Y-yes," he answered briefly in a nervous tone.
"Sorry, can I come in? I stepped in mud while taking shelter." he asked as he shifted one foot forward, showing Violet his boots.
"We provide wooden sandals, if you don't mind."
Reinhard turned to the small shelf beside the door,
"Ah, I see, that's fine."
They sat at one of the tables after ordering their food, and not long after, Violet returned with warm tea on a tray, then slid it in front of them.
"I don't think I ordered it," Reinhard said flatly.
"No, this is part of the service, sir. It's very cold outside. This tea can help warm your body while you wait for the food to be prepared."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
Violet just lowered her head.
Luther leaned one elbow on the table, his head resting on his palm drawing a faint smile at the waiter who slowly moved away.
Reinhard who was sitting across from him looked at him lazily,
"Do you know his name?"
Luther immediately straightened up, as if just waking up from a daydream.
"I was so happy that I just realized... I don't know his name yet."
"Are you nervous?" Reinhard asked with his eyebrows and the corners of his lips slightly raised.
"W-what did you say!? To that girl? No that's not true, I just haven't had a chance to ask her. Yes, that's right."
Reinhard didn't answer. He just leaned back against the chair, hiding his smile behind the tea glass which he lifted slowly.
Luther sipped the warm tea and put it back carefully.
"What do you think about that girl?"
Reinhard didn't answer right away. He stared ahead for a moment, then said calmly.
"She's a hardworking girl."
Luther was silent for a moment. That wasn't the answer he expected.
It's not about looks, it's not about the look in the eyes or the soft voice.
Reinhard didn't see it the way most people did. He looked at it from a different angle. And somehow... it made Luther a little embarrassed by his own question.
Luther stared at his friend silently for a moment. Reinhard never boasted about his family name. He never spoke of palaces, influence, or money. He simply worked, spoke only what was necessary, and treated everyone with the same eyes, whether they were soldiers, servants, or officers. He didn't use his title to command respect. He allowed himself to be measured by his behavior, not his pedigree.
"If all nobles were like him, maybe this world wouldn't feel this bad," thought Luther.
"By the way, why is it so far away?" Reinhard asked suddenly, breaking the silence as he took a sip of water.
"What do you mean?"
"In our year, there are many girls who... well, are worthy enough to be companions. Elsa, Marta, Velda, Lorelei... Annie."
Luther stiffened. He spat out the tea he was drinking.
He looked at Reinhard as if he had just heard something unreasonable.
"What did you say? Annie? Are you serious, Rei?"
Reinhard didn't answer, only nodded slowly. His eyes remained calm, as if he were truly contemplating the name without any intention.
Luther chuckled,
"I actually never thought that far ahead. And besides... Annie?"
His eyes moved slowly, as if remembering something.
Luther once saw Annie refuse to sit at the same table as anyone. Even when it was empty, she would rather stand than share space with anyone.
But strangely... not with Reinhard.
They rarely spoke, almost never joked, and could go through entire breaks without exchanging a single word.
But Annie never turned away when Reinhard appeared. She never stood up to avoid him, never covered herself up as she usually did.
"If someone like Annie can sit next to him without feeling uncomfortable, it's not because she's comfortable... but because she feels safe."
And deep down, Luther knew Annie would never let anyone get any closer than that.
Reinhard... perhaps the only exception.
"Unlike you... maybe I don't know him well enough," Luther said quietly, his eyes wandering for a moment.
Reinhard shook his head slowly, a thin smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Honestly, I don't know much either. I never really even dared to ask him anything."
He took a deep breath.
"So... you better take back the statement that I know him."
Luther smiled slightly. He could sense the sincerity in her fearlessness.
"It seems... he understands too, huh," Luther thought silently.
Then, he said while leaning forward slightly.
"Then, what about you?"
Reinhard was silent for a moment, then answered while taking a sip of his water.
"Me? About that..."
He leaned back in his chair, his shoulders relaxed, his tone of voice changing to a lighter tone.
"By the way, my family will be holding a wedding in two days. My older sister's."
"At such formal events, my mother always dragged me to meet the noble ladies. I complied, of course... but always found a way to avoid taking things in a more serious direction."
Reinhard smiled slightly, like someone who was already too familiar with such a routine.
"Among all the women you've ever seen... has there not been one who could truly touch you?" Luther asked softly, his tone half teasing, half serious question.
Reinhard didn't answer immediately.
His gaze slowly shifted...
Violet was walking towards them, carrying a wooden tray containing the dishes they had just ordered with her graceful and calm movements.
"I guess... I'm not looking for someone who knows how to smile at a ball, or sweet talk in front of royalty. I'd rather have someone who knows how to act... even when no one's looking."
Reinhard continued, his voice flat, but his eyes staring far away at a point that only he could see,
"Those who don't need a big name to be respected... and don't need jewelry to look elegant."
Luther slowly took a sip of his drink, then leaned back until his back was against the back of the chair.
Her expression changed as if she was starting to understand the hidden meaning behind Reinhard's words.
"Are you serious about it, Rei?" he asked softly, this time without the teasing tone.
Reinhard chuckled.
Not an amused laugh, but more like the laugh of someone who knows how complicated what he feels is.
"Of course that's not what I meant."
He looked down for a moment, his eyes fixed on the cup in front of him, as if he was weighing something.
"I just wanted to... get the words across without having to say them."
"To my mother. In person."
Her smile was faint. There was a calmness there, but also the tiredness of someone constantly being dragged into a world that wasn't hers.
Luther was speechless. For a moment, his eyes were no longer on his friend, but instead, his gaze wandered to the window, to the sky that couldn't be seen from inside the tavern, or perhaps to his own thoughts.
He wasn't one to give compliments easily. But this time, he felt like his words were a few steps behind Reinhard's last sentence.
"He really did that... not for Violet, not to upset his mother, but to insert the truth between the silver platters and crystal glasses."
A statement that is not said directly.
A resistance wrapped in politeness.
"True nobility is not the one who raises his voice, but the one who knows when silence can speak louder than a thousand words. It turns out that serving a cup of tea at the right time... can be the most elegant form of defiance I've ever seen."
And for the first time, Luther was amazed at the composure of a man who could shake his mother's world by simply inviting a servant.
.
.
.
Three soldiers from the Military Police Regiment stood in a neat line in the spacious courtyard of a classical-style palace. The polished stone ground beneath their feet reflected the sky.
Before them stood an elderly man in his forties. His hair had almost completely turned white and was neatly combed back. He wore a long black suit with a matching shirt, a thin white tie, and pristine white gloves, his appearance reflecting the discipline and elegance typical of a noble courtier.
The man raised one clenched hand to his mouth, "Ahem," he cleared his throat softly, clearing his throat before speaking.
"Mr. Reinhard has appointed three soldiers from the Military Police Regiment whom he trusts most."
He glanced at each one with sharp eyes from behind his glasses.
"Luther Brandt. Marlo Freudenberg. Annie Leonhart."
A moment of silence.
"Is that really you guys?"
Luther took one step still in an upright position,
"Yes, that's right. I am directly trusted by him as the team leader."
The old man nodded briefly.
"Okay then, you can call me Alfred. Do you know your duties?"
Luther answered firmly, without hesitation.
"Ready. We are assigned to escort the pick-up of an important guest."
Marlo just kept quiet, occasionally glancing at Annie whose cold expression didn't change much.
. . .
The creaking sound of the carriage's wheels could be heard in the distance, blending with the clatter of the horses' hooves pulling it. The carriage appeared larger than most carriages and was not made entirely of wood, but rather covered in plain metal with a touch of silver that reflected the morning light.
In the foreground, Luther and Annie ride horses, escorting the carriage, while Marlo sits inside with Alfred.
"There," said Luther.
Then Annie signaled the driver to stop the carriage.
The carriage slowed down, then stopped at the side of the road, right in front of the tavern.
Greta, Violet, and Sophie were standing at the side of the road, their bodies straight, ready to greet them.
One of the guards dismounted, his steps steady as he approached the carriage door. With practiced movements, he slowly opened it.
Alfred appeared from behind the door, his authority felt just by the way he stood. He stepped down, calmly and firmly, his hands kept behind his back.
"Pay your respects," Greta whispered.
He first lowered his head.
Sophie and Violet glanced at him, then followed his movements in salute.
"Raise your head. That's not necessary. I'm just a servant," said Alfred calmly.
He took one step closer, his gaze now fixed on Violet.
"Are you Miss Violet?"
"Yes, myself," Violet answered briefly.
Alfred took a deep breath, then gave a faint smile.
"...I had imagined someone different."
She stared briefly at Violet's simple dress, then turned to Greta.
"Mr. Greta."
"Let me take your waitress for a while. His duties are waiting."
He then glanced briefly at Violet, before looking back at Greta calmly.
"Of course, under proper supervision and with appropriate facilities."
Greta looked awkward, his hands half-raised, as if he didn't know where to put them.
"Y-yeah, of course... of course," he stammered, then let out a dry laugh.
Then he rubbed the back of his neck,
"Actually... I was thinking, this all feels a bit much."
"One horse is enough to carry him," he muttered.
Alfred chuckled in a polite tone.
"You're right. In official protocol, someone without status shouldn't be escorted with such amenities. Normally, one horse is sufficient... and one enters the palace through a back passage."
He glanced at the train for a moment, then continued in a light tone,
"But, Mr. Reinhard doesn't like that method. He says it's not elegant. And perhaps one more thing, since his guests will be entering through the front entrance, everything needs to be adjusted accordingly. Besides... it would feel odd if someone arrived in a carriage like this and couldn't conduct themselves properly."
He sighed lightly, then added,
"It seems... Mr. Reinhard really knows who is worthy of being picked up in this way."
His gaze shifted briefly, then returned to staring straight ahead. His smile remained thin and polite.
Greta slowly stood up straighter. His chest felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. A warm sense of pride welled up inside him. He no longer felt awkward.
"Please tell him... that I am very grateful."
Alfred didn't answer, just bowed slightly as a form of respect, then turned around slowly.
"We have to hurry," he said briefly.
Violet took one step, then stopped and turned.
"I'll be going now, Sophie... Greta-san."
Her eyes looked at both of them one by one calmly.
Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her back. Sophie hugged them tightly, her body trembling slightly.
"I'm so happy, Violet..." she whispered softly. Her eyes closed, a tear falling from the corner of her eye.
She then took a step back, staring at Violet with teary eyes.
"Goodbye, be careful."
Violet lowered her head slowly then turned around.
. . .
The journey was quite time consuming, not wanting to waste time, the convoy took a fast route through the forest and grasslands.
Inside the carriage, the interior is warm and luxurious. The plush seats are upholstered in maroon fabric, while a small lantern hangs from the ceiling, swaying with the movement.
Violet sat politely opposite the servant and a soldier who always seemed ready. Marlo.
"Sorry, I'm confused about what to call you," said Violet.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself, please call me Alfred. I am Mr. Reinhard's nanny and have served the Vessler Family for over twenty years."
Violet bowed respectfully, then turned her gaze out the window. Green meadows stretched as far as the eye could see. After a moment, she turned back to Alfred.
"Mr Alfred... I don't know yet what official event they will be holding."
Alfred was silent for a moment, looking a little surprised by the question.
His old eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to remember something.
"Did Mr. Reinhard forget to write it down? The event you will be helping organize is the wedding of Miss Adelle Vessler, Mr. Reinhard's older sister."
Violet was silent for a moment, her eyes slowly lowering.
"Marriage..." she repeated softly, before looking back at Alfred.
Alfred smiled slightly, then adjusted his sitting position.
"You will serve as the main course server for the guests of honor."
His tone was calm but filled with emphasis.
"Master Reinhard personally chose you and he wanted you to stand out from the other server."
Violet didn't answer right away.
There was a moment of silence... before she spoke again, this time softer.
"I will do my best."
"Ahem... ahem."
A soft cough was heard. Marlo, who had been sitting quietly, looked a little uneasy. He adjusted his posture before speaking.
"Excuse me, sir. May I speak?"
Alfred turned to him and nodded briefly.
"Of course."
Marlo turned his gaze to Violet. His eyes lingered on the elegant attire she wore, before finally meeting her gaze.
"You... don't look like someone from Rose Wall," he said quietly but firmly.
"Where are you actually from?"
Violet fell silent. Her gaze was blank for a moment. Elias was right, such a question was bound to come up someday, and she kept her promise, Violet knew what to say.
"Many people say so," she finally answered, her voice calm yet distant.
"I-"
Suddenly, the train's wheels creaked sharply. Their bodies were pushed forward slightly as the vehicle came to a sudden halt.
Marlo spontaneously opened the door and immediately jumped down.
"What's wrong?" he called in a slightly high tone to the coachman.
"They told me to stop."
"What?" Marlo asked back but it sounded more like he was talking to himself.
In front, Luther was still sitting in the saddle of his horse, looking at the figure beside him.
"Are you sure, Annie?" he asked in a flat but serious tone.
Annie didn't answer immediately. Her gaze was focused ahead, the path blocked by an overturned cart, its wheels broken, and a wooden box shattered, its contents spilling out.
Luther followed Annie's gaze. He squinted, trying to catch more details. Five people seemed busy, but he wasn't sure what they were doing.
In a low tone, Annie finally spoke,
"Someone has to be here. You go there."
Luther chuckled softly,
"You forget, I should be the one giving orders."
Without saying anything else he got off his horse and walked back.
"Marlo you come with me."
"What happened?"
"I don't know, we should check first."
"Without a horse?" Marlo looked doubtful as he looked around.
Luther paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the blocked road.
"If anything happens, our job is to make sure they get safely to the palace or at least somewhere safe."
"And what about us? You want us to die in the middle of the road?"
Luther turned his head halfway, his eyes calm but firm.
"That's just the worst possible scenario"
He took a deep breath.
"So... please don't say anything scary."
After they had walked quite a distance, Annie got off her horse and looked around. She felt something was amiss, but even though she hadn't found anything yet, she still didn't lower her guard.
Then the sound of the train door creaking was heard, Annie turned her head.
A blonde haired girl appeared, gracefully got off the train and approached him,
"Excuse me, may I know why the train stopped?" she asked in a soft voice.
"I don't know. They're checking it out," she answered briefly, then straightened his gaze again.