Though there was no change in her expression, a slight tremor could be heard from the ladys voice as she spoke.

Pardon me. I am Artier Rouble Tolofia. My friend seems to have made a mistake just now, so I came to see if everythings alright.

Indeed. It was nearly catastrophic, but fortunately, my clothes did not get soaked. Some people just arent used to high heels, so its best to be more careful.

Ducal Lady, you seem to be very confident and kind.

Violet laughed.

That kind of trick wont work on me, so shouldnt you maybe try groveling?

Lady Tolofia replied with her eyes.

Why should I?

The subtle silence from earlier soon transformed into subtle commotion. In the first place, Violet wasnt the kind of person whod be intimidated by this much uproar and attention. If that were the case, she would have truly become a madwoman long ago at the Everett residence.

No, well, perhaps she already has gone mad.

Regardless of how she thought and acted though, the power of the Everett name was genuinely great.

Ardier Rouble Tolofia laughed again.

Oh, right. Ive heard a lot of rumors, but its the first time for me to see a rumor paling in comparison to the real thing. Theres a story going around that Your Ladyships silver hair resembles the goddess of the moon, and it seems like its not an exaggeration.

Ah, Ive heard a lot that I look like my maternal grandmother.

At Violets reply, Lady Tolofia had nothing to say.

Thats right, I look like my grandmother. You know her, yes? My maternal grandmother, Margravine Blaise who hails from the Imperial Family and was an Imperial Princess before she got married?

Lady Tolofias face became paler and paler. She already looked so much like a porcelain doll, but its unbelievable to see that she was losing even more color in her face like this. Violet inwardly admired the sight.

Th, ats right.

Your hair color is also very pretty, Lady. Like a doll.

Thank you.

No matter how competent Lady Tolofia was at being a villainess, theres no chance for her to have won against the original villainess.

Especially someone like Violet, who strived all her life to become so perfect that none of her thoughts or intentions could be read from the way she carried herself.

Then, are we done here? If theres anything else youd like to let me know, please send a letter instead.

I dont know what makes you think you can keep your head high like this, but lets see if you can continue doing so.

A low whisper reached Violets ear as she turned around and walked away.

The hushed threat from the aspiring crown princessand later the empresswas something to behold.

To be born as a woman whod rise to the highest rank and wield the most power in aristocracy Whats the point of it all.

Youd have to sacrifice your entire life to reach that position.

And further, the power gained by using ones own beauty as leverage and a weapon was nothing but temporary. Sooner or later, the bubble would burst once that beauty would fade.

What Violet felt towards Lady Tolofia was close to pity.

* * *

Entering, His Highness the Crown Prince!

Violet was about to go into one of the balconies, but right then, the main character of the banquet appeared.

And since it was the main character, the noisy banquet hall was quickly awash in silence.

Man who resembled the sun. Flashy blond hair that shone like jewels even under the light of the chandeliers, not even the sunlight. Golden eyes that glinted brightly.

The music changed, and soon, the hall was abuzz with various voices.

Indeed, its him.

He deserves to be called the scion of the sun god.

How is it possible to grow up with such beauty?

It was a vastly different reaction compared to when Violet had entered the scene.

The appearance of the high and mighty main character alone was enough to change the atmosphere of the whole banquet hall. The calm orchestral music somehow picked up a livelier tune with a more upbeat rhythm.

The emperor and empress wouldnt be attending the first day of the banquet. Therefore, the person holding the highest position in this room was the crown prince.

Since this was the case, of course, there were droves of people who were very eager to make connections with the imperial family. They surrounded the crown prince immediately.

Ahh, you must have finished the thing I asked you to do earlier. And youre dressed beautifully today as well, the crown prince said.

Ugh. Greetings to the small sun of the Empire, Roen begrudgingly replied.

Goodness, is that how you should treat your friend?

The crown prince headed straight to Roens side first, so Roen was also soon surrounded by throes of people.

The future emperor and the future duke. Both of them were bound to be popular anyway. Roen smiled brightly nonetheless, hiding his exhaustion as he noticed the crowd gradually gathering around the two of them.

Wheres the Ducal Lady?

I heard that you approached her on purpose first.

Haha, but isnt this a good day? That is, a good day for me to meet my friends younger sister.

When the crown prince said this with a low voice, Roens expression crumpled up. This guy was calling his own birthday a good day.

The prodigal Rajaden Elifos K. Rudell. Thats who he was.

How many people would be able to scowl right in front of the crown prince?

As Violet stepped away from the commotion, she realized once again that, indeed, those two were such close friends.

t/n: why does author-nim like difficult names for her characters i tried my best with lady tolofias name, but it still doesnt sound like a name XD

additionally as scheduled, I will be taking a short hiatus <3 regular updates will come back next week!

hope you guys have a wonderful week ahead~