Considering what happened, perhaps its best not to ask, if were talking about politeness. Nothing of consequence happened after all, Ducal Lady.

Its better to accurately assess situations that could lead to misunderstandings. Pointless gossip could do harm to you in the end, couldnt it, Lady Alesia?

I merely intended to take a short break, but the sight was unbearable.

That was the heir of the Zion Marquisate earlier, wasnt it? To have such incidents happening within the Imperial Palace, it could lead to a death sentence.

Death sentence?

If caught, yes, it could indeed lead to a death sentence. It seems everyone is involved discreetly.

Wow.

The subsequent explanation was rather predictable. Violet thought that Lord Zion, despite being a noble, had ventured into truly remarkable territory by daring to touch the imperial familys servants. It was amazing just thinking about it.

Even if he were to escape punishment, he would never escape any stern protests coming from House Leshan.

I dont understand at all. Why would someone do such a thing?

Youll never understand because youve grown up without needing to resort to such actions.

Violet replied indifferently. Cairn wouldnt understand the struggles that Violet had to face as a woman. Even though they were born into the same ducal household, their experiences were vastly different.

He would forever remain oblivious to a life beneath, one that often meant relying on any means necessary to survive.

I would like for you to keep this a secret from my mother.

Are you concerned about the Marchioness, Lady?

For now, I understand.

Violet gave a polite response. Such matters were better handled by adults. Alesia, who had been looking at Violet with suspicion as if she were hiding something, finally spoke.

But why are you dressed like this?

Oh, you mean my attire? Violet answered.

Are you aiming for the position of the Dukes heir, perhaps?

Violet burst into quiet laughter, leaving Alesia with a slightly uncomfortable expression.

The clothes Violet had changed into werent particularly extravagant, but they still exuded elegance. It was fortunate that she had prepared spare attire. Violet, who had strolled the streets in pants a few times, looked at Alesia.

Is there a problem?

The issue of the ducal households heir is a delicate matter.

I dont understand why wearing pants is considered a delicate matter. I havent entertained the notion of taking up that cumbersome mantlenot in the slightest.

Then why

Because I want to.

While dismissing the position of the dukejust one step below the imperial familyas simply cumbersome, Violet stretched languidly. Alesia furrowed her brow.

Is it alright to live in such a carefree manner?

Its more than alright.

What?

Its just fine. Is there a reason I cant live as I please?

The other womans attempt at sarcasm was quickly stifled by Violets straightforwardness.

Alesias eyes, full of bitterness no matter how you looked at them, made Violet raise an eyebrow. Alesias lips closed and opened a couple of times before she finally spoke.

As someone born into nobility, you cant simply live as you please. Every action you take as a lady affects your reputation and your familys standing.

My sister doesnt care about something like that anyway.

Is there a point in caring about my reputation? Even if I do more as I please, my reputation is already in the gutter, and making it worse wont change anything.

Indeed, that was the case.

There were already inflated rumors about the wicked deeds of the infamous Ducal Lady Violet, and a few more misdeeds wouldnt make a difference. Violet smiled gently again.

And as for that cursed family. Whether they prosper or fall, it doesnt matter.

What?

It certainly looks as f*cked as it truly is, so do I look well-adjusted to you? That family is as dysfunctional as dysfunctional could be.

Well, its true that our house is f*cked up, but Sister

It was actually Cairn who seemed taken aback by Violets enthusiastic critiques. Considering everything that Violet went through, there was certainly nothing good she could say about their family. However, Cairn never expected that such words would come out from her own lips.

But at the end of the day, her words carried her genuine thoughts.

Well, regardless of what I do anyway, its not like that households foundation would crumble or anything.

This was true. House Everett would not be reeling from the actions of just the ducal lady.

The only problem was that her value in the marriage market would plummet, but that was something that Violet had absolutely no care about, so whatever. She didnt have any plans to marry after all.

Alesia pursed her lips.

Do you find it enjoyable to live as you please while tormenting those around you? It seems like you dont care about others at all.

Its unexpected to hear those words from you.

Ultimately, it boiled down to the same point. However, Violet followed up with a different response. Her eyes had suddenly turned chilly.

You, too, dont care about others, do you? You dont seem concerned about the harm that may befall the Leshans due to your actions.

The reason Alesia could act as she pleased was because of her surname. However, she couldnt continue doing this forever.

If such actions continued to accumulate, even the illustrious House Leshan would suffer the consequences.