As she tried to leave, she bumped into someone. It wasnt a staged maneuver, but a genuine accident.

Oh, Im so sorry!

The maid carrying a tray hurriedly lowered her head. Her expression was filled with fear.

Its alright. My clothes got a little wet though.

Im sorry, Im so sorry.

I dont particularly enjoy noisy situations, so you dont need to apologize any further. Besides, I have spare clothes prepared, so its fine.

U-Um, then

Id like you to lead me to a separate room to change.

Im sorry, Im sorry. Ill guide you there shortly.

The maid promptly led Violet somewhere. While there had been a minor disturbance at the banquet, it wasnt particularly significant. The commotion ended quickly.

.

.

.

Violet and the maid walked along an empty corridor. Due to the absence of people, the lit corridor felt eerily quiet.

Thinking about the incident from the previous day, Violet furrowed her brows slightly.

The corridor, where she had walked after leaving the banquet hall with the excuse of needing a break after dancing with Aldin a day before, had this bitter atmosphere.

As she was about to head home, she encountered an unwelcome face by chance.

Who might this be! Isnt it the haughty ducal lady?

It was none other than Alec Leshan.

His face was flushed as if he had indulged in some drinks, and he couldnt let go of his glass, making for quite a comical sight.

Violet had initially tried to ignore him, but the impudent mans grip was fast.

Haha. You act so high and mighty by yourself but youve been up to some naughty things, havent you? Well then, I think you and I should dance a song together, Ducal Lady

Caught off guard, Violet briefly recalled if this was how he originally spoke.

He wasnt someone who had been particularly significant to her, so she couldnt recall for sure.

However, one thing she was certain of was that Alecs current behavior was overly impertinent.

She contemplated whether she should address him formally or not.

But when his persistent hand on her arm became increasingly offensive, it prompted her to drop any pretense and assert her authority.

I only attended because I could not ignore an invitation from the Imperial Family.

In the end, youre just a dog that kneels before power, huh? Why, are you not satisfied with entering the Leshan Marquisate? Or perhaps youve already raised your skirt for all to see

There was no trace of drunken slurring in his speech.

No, it was likely because of his character that he was spewing such words without difficulty.

It was a precarious situation, but Violet didnt feel any particular sense of danger.

Alec Leshan was taller than Violet, but he was thin and slight in build. Perhaps it was due to his physique.

He didnt emanate the oppressive presence that someone like Mikhail or Cairn did.

You seem a bit drunk. Would you like to go and rest? Should I call someone for you?

Violet couldnt resist mocking him with a hint of sarcasm.

She knew that trying to provoke a drunk person wouldnt lead to a good outcome, but she couldnt help herself.

As far as she knew, the drinks being served at the banquet had a low alcohol content. Still, to get drunk on such liquor, he must have guzzled it down ignorantly.

She wondered why someone like this wastrel had been born under the esteemed Leshan Marquisate, especially when he had been sired by the gentle Marchioness Leshan.

At the very least, Cairn didnt possess this kind of conceit.

What? Afraid to dance just because Im from a mere marquisate? Haha, I guess thats it! Even though thats such an expensive skirt!

Violet debated whether it would be a reasonable action to kick Alecs prideful posterior, or perhaps to take off a shoe and hit him with it on the head.

She felt that she had received enough insult to justify it.

I dont know what misunderstanding there is

Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding is there? Ah, is even asking for a dance a misunderstanding?

With barely any semblance of intelligence in this man, Alec managed to snap Violets last thread of rationality. This guy had always been a reckless squanderer.

At that moment

Wham!

A sharp and clear sound rang out.

Even though Alec had been the one to show disrespect first, the conflict between the two could escalate into an inter-familial issue.

Violet instinctively checked whether she had indeed taken off her shoes and whacked Alecs head with it.

But, no, both of her shoes were still securely on her feet, and it seemed that someone elses shoe had struck Alecs head instead.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

Ah, Lady Alesia.

Fortunately, the incident didnt escalate into an inter-familial issue.

The one who had whacked Alec on the head was none other than Alesia Leshan herself.

Though it was strange to hear something like this from Alesia, Violet looked pleased to hear it.