For a long time after that, Roen, who had the wrong friend, went on a tirade on how he couldnt refuse Rajaden. He gave many reasons.

And Violet, who had the wrong family, replied that Roen was still getting something out of this anyway because he chose this for himself. He could make other friends if he wanted to.

If he was going to call me there sooner or later anyway! No, he must have purposely given me all the work even if its not under my job description, but that damn scoundrel!

Roen continued to be indignant. Cairn whispered to Violet.

Hey, Ive never seen Brother so angry.

Well, now you have.

Violet! Please, dont be so harsh on me, too. Im trying so hard for you, but if youre so harsh, hiic

Quit it before I fling this cup of tea at you.

Mmh.

His little performance didnt continue beyond that. As he was unable to draw any sympathy from his younger sister, he then put on a serious expression as he faced his siblings.

Well, in any case, hes not the kind of person whod do something without thinking about it. If he approached you there, he must have had some purpose in mind. Be careful.

What purpose? Cairn asked.

To be honest, he was very persistent in cajoling Cairn, Violet mentioned.

What? Me?

That may be, but I think hes more keen on taking you in as his consort. Still, both of you should keep your guard up.

Consort? Him?

Im not certain yet, but just be careful for now.

What? What are you talking about? Excuuuuse me? Can you so kindly explain so that I can understand?

As the fool couldnt keep up with whats being said, he soon expressed the unfairness he was feeling. The older brother and older sister omitted any explanations as though they had agreed on it.

The conversation that followed wasnt any much. Violet just thought that Roen looked like her real father at that moment.

So to say, it just seemed like a typically trivial exchange between family.

Really, I dont know whats wrong with him.

Never mind me, I think Brothers the one whos wrong in the head somehow, Cairn replied.

Haa. I shouldnt have come here.

While sipping her tea, Violet listened to these meaningless conversations. And, out of the blue, she realized that she didnt feel as uncomfortable as she did before with her brothers.

It was a huge development.

Would it be alright if I slowly slip away?

Huuh? Why? Just stay here.

Its a meaningless waste of time.

Sweet dreams, I guess.

Its too early to go to bed. Well then, bye.

Even after Violet left her seat, the conversation between Roen and Cairn continued. There remained a lot to be said about that crown prince.

Instead of the man, who resembled the sun, that she met during the day, Violets thoughts shifted elsewhere.

Right now, whats more important to her was painting.

* * *

I didnt know there was such delicious food in the world! Oh of course, our head chef at the town house is amazing, too! And the head chef at the estates mansion, too But still, the food we ate at the restaurant is really

I get it.

As Mary was helping Violet dress up for the day this morning, she chattered on in such high spirits. Feeling Marys joy, Violet smiled.

Marys chatter was always pleasant to listen to.

How in the world did they make it taste like that?

Its likely the difference in ingredients. Their supplies must be coming from the same source as the imperial palaces.

How can such food be

The chefs skills at the ducal residence wont be inferior to that. Do you want me to bring you to a similar restaurant later on?

R-Really?! Can I really?

If you wish.

Though Mary would need to sit at a separate table due to their gap in status, she had no complaints.

Violet patted Marys head. The girl felt like a little sister to her.

This, too, was nice. While Violet recalled the location of a famous dessert shop in the capital, she spoke in a flat but kind tone.

Mary, lets finish getting ready.

Yes!

Personal matters were meant to be kept separately. As Mary finished dressing Violet quickly, she moved on to her hair and make up.

* * *

Her sudden meeting with the crown prince took her by surprise, but in the end, Violets ultimate purpose was to paint.

Right. Violet grew more motivated after she had taken in the exhibition.

Violet secretly thought that this worlds paintings were straightforward and clichd. In this world where Gods presence was palpable, thereby the peoples divine faith was strong, the creation myth held solid ground.

And in this era she was living in, the scriptures were interpreted and believed to be the true will of God. Its because of this that the artists tended to create artwork thats all about God, and everything just seemed so strict and old-fashioned.

Paintings werent made for the sake of earning moneyonly to praise and exalt this world made by God.

So in the end, wasnt it that one could not escape from God, even through art?

But the paintings in the exhibition were different. Theyre bound to be different.

Violet faced her unintelligible feelings straight.

A deep sense of inferiority.

A sense of helplessness, the thought of, I wont be able to create art like that even if I die and be reborn.

And since she had already suffered through two deaths, she figured that this thought of hers was quite accurate.

These were such feelings that had already been resolved after she had talked to the marchioness before, but they sprouted anew once more. This crude inferiority complex slinked up her legs like vines, slowly but surely constricting her.

The question of What should I paint? had since shifted to the question of, Why do I even paint?

Violet had no reason to paint any longer.

So, she thought, why should I hold on to this heavy feeling?