Violet shook her head, not understanding why he was urging her to pursue power. Rajaden laughed with an expression that looked insincere.

Power was accompanied by such obligations.

Those who were aware of the weight of power were better suited to wield it than those who remained ignorant, much like inexperienced individuals.

Violet maintained her usual stoic expression, but theres no way that Rajaden couldnt decipher her mood.

The person who had proposed the positions of crown princess and empress was now asking her about taking up the position of duke.

Suddenly, Violet found herself curious about what thoughts resided in that handsome head.

Your older brother is also quite capable. However, I believe he would be more suited for a role as my deputy rather than the position of Duke.

He can do both.

Youre quite relentless. I can see that you truly lack the ambition for power.

Rajaden grinned, a radiant smile like the sun, but it failed to impress Violet.

You look curious as to why I came.

Not really.

Feel free to be at ease. After all, youre my close friends sister, so isnt that almost the same as you being like a sibling to me?

Hmm? Your expression doesnt look great. It seems that you and Roen arent on the best of terms?

Violets expression grew increasingly icy. The crown prince had a talent for gently prodding people with his words.

He knew perfectly well that his words and laughter could provoke someones anger, yet he did it with full knowledge of it. Violet quickly schooled her features.

I should probably tell you why I came. Roen has been pestering me so much lately, goodness. Its as if his survival hinges on it.

Pardon?

I just proudly showed off the most valuable gift among the ones I received. I apologize for going ahead and publicly revealing the painting at will.

No. The painting was presented as a gift to Your Highness.

I heard that he did it without Your Ladyships consent, just on a whim, yet Im the one being blamed for it. Let me make it clear that I never forced him to do anything. Selling out your friend for your younger sisterquite disloyal, I must say.

Violet closed her mouth as Rajadens words quickly poured forth.

There was no escaping the fact that she couldnt hide her artwork forever. Roen had also pointed out this issue. Her already troubled thoughts grew more restless due to this.

However, Rajaden, unaware of this, continued to wear an attractive smile.

This is my excuse, but since we have some private time, how about having a quiet conversation?

Of course, private time wasnt entirely accurate with servants around, but Rajaden chose that word deliberately. It implied a desire for a private conversation, even though the servants might overhear.

Violet, who had no way of knowing how the conversation would spread, simply averted her eyes in response to Rajadens calculated remark.

Her inner turmoil was quickly overshadowed by another worry.

Even though she had chosen to avoid people and decided not to attend more banquets due to exhaustion from dealing with them, here she was, once again faced with someone she didnt want to see.

And not just anyone, but the most uncomfortable and challenging person possible.

Is there something youd like to discuss separately?

Thats quite an uninspiring response.

If you have a topic in mind, please share it.

Well, youre even more direct than Roen. Your family doesnt seem to have a single funny bone at all

Lightheartedly, Violet responded with a smile to Rajadens attempt to disturb her equilibrium. It was the first time Rajaden had seen her smile, and it caught him off guard.

You can smile too?

I was trying to show the reaction you desired, Your Highness.

Seems youre even worse than Roen, indeed.

Rajaden raised his hands as if to surrender, and Violet calmly sipped her tea.

She remained composed, with no hint of tension, even though Rajaden observed her carefully and casually dropped a remark.

Am I not handsome, by any chance?

Excuse me?

How come youre not reacting at all, Ducal Lady.

Youre handsome.

But why arent you reacting to it at all?

?

For a moment, Violets usually calm eyes narrowed slightly. She couldnt bring herself to say, Youre not my type, so she simply kept her lips sealed.

Her silence made her seem like she was seething. Seeing her like this, Rajaden, who had always been praised, couldnt help but smile.

It seems the thorns have been removed, but youre still as stubborn as ever.

?

Or is this intentional? I didnt expect to be snubbed like this.

Youre like a venomous rose.

As the conversation they had during their first meeting came up, Violet looked at Rajaden.

His eyes, reminiscent of a beast, seemed to scrutinize her persistently, making it difficult to maintain eye contact for long.

Was it time to reveal her discomfort? While having no particular feelings or thoughts about the crown prince, Violet once again calmly locked eyes with Rajaden.

You havent forgotten, have you? That vivid first memory we shared.

t/n: as scheduled, I will be taking a short break~ regular updates will resume on christmas day!

hope you guys have a wonderful holiday week ahead~