A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady - Chapter 157
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Chapter 157

The princess was silent, but she was quite a lively child, quite honestly.

Her shyness during their first meeting seemed to have been brought upon more due to her initial unfamiliarity. Violet found her to be remarkably spirited after meeting her again another time.

When Violet inquired with a questioning gaze, the palace maids, who observed silently, softly answered that this was how she had always been. The imperial princesss unease around her wasnt unfounded.

The princess followed Violet very well. The people who took care of the princess were saying Her Highness must have an instinct for recognizing good people due to her pure-heartedness. Violet thought their praise was unwarranted.

They shared snacks, read fairy tales, and wandered through the gardens together. The tasks Violet performed were more akin to those of a playmate rather than an artist. Moreover, it was the playmate of a noble.

She didnt mind this fact. As the girl still appeared quite young, despite being the same age as Aileen, she never ceased to amaze and delighted Violet with her youthful innocence.

So far, the crown prince had barely shown his face, and even when he would show up, hed leave right away. It was as if he came for a short time and was quickly whisked away by Roen.

Roen watched Violet playing with the princess, and for some reason, an unpleasant-looking smile crossed his face. Violet decided not to ask about that smile.

After returning from the palace to the mansion, Violet reverted to her role as a regular painter. Instead of standing in front of a large canvas and laying upon it her brushstrokes, she merely agonized. Private works were truly enjoyable to do, but they also brought considerable anguish.

Time passed with various minor happenings. There were no major issues, but Mary began behaving oddly.

Sometime earlier, Mary had started hiding something from Violet. Her lies were quite evident. Violet eventually confronted her about her increasingly strange behavior.

Mary quickly confessed,

Well, you see, an interview in the newspaper

What? An interview?

Violets reticence about the problem did not continue.

Since the palace banquet, she had been aware that there had been continuous news articles about her.

The latest one was a critique by an art critic, stating: Ducal Lady Violet S. Everetts works are nothing more than a grotesque waste of paint. It was more of a condemnation than a critique, to the point that it seemed like a personal attack.

I thought youd be upset if you saw it, Milady

Why would I be upset about something like that?

You already look like your mood has been soured.

Its okay, dont worry.

But

Violet smiled and gently stroked Marys head. She genuinely thought it didnt affect her much. So what if a master in the art world had evaluated her work? She quickly concluded that her thinking could change.

However, as time passed, that article began to haunt Violets mind, stirring up all sorts of negative emotions. She couldnt help but dwell on it. Eventually, Violet sighed and Mary couldnt keep quiet any longer.

In this state, dinner time arrived.

Father contacted me today. He asked how were all doing, and I said were doing well. But Cairn, youve been absent from the gatherings quite often lately.

Ive had some stuff to do, so. But you already knew that, didnt you, Brother?

The lout who ran from the academy is now saying hes busy Well, fine. Maybe well see some welcome faces soon.

The siblings engaged in casual conversation. Roen had been wearing an old mans expression lately. He was no different today eitherhe was looking at his younger siblings as if they were his grandchildren, and this irritated Cairn to no end.

Roens expression remained unchanged.

Violet didnt seem all too different from usual, but she picked at her food more than usual. Concerned, Cairn asked.

You seem a bit off since this morning. Is something wrong with you?

Its nothing.

The person who said it was nothing had an unusually dark complexion for her usual demeanor, really.

Suddenly thinking that he might have done something wrong again, Roen looked extremely uneasylike a guilty dog. Cairn, who was sitting next to him, spoke calmly.

Isnt it because of the newspaper article? Everyones been talking about it.

The newspaper?

Ah, right. I didnt think youd have seen it yet You there, could you bring the newspaper here?

An attendant who was on stand-by nearby brought a bunch of different newspapers. Violet continued to eat in silence, even with the unfolding situation before her.

Roen read the newspaper and soon became angry.

Does this artist think he has two necks or something?

He might as well have three.

Youre being even more cruel than me, huh.

One for Brother, one for Sister. He still thinks hell survive, so thats three.

A rather inappropriate joke passed between them. Violet let out a quiet sigh.

Its not because of that, so calm down.

Violet, dont you know that you have a tick whenever you lie?

Me?

So youre not refuting it. Right, I knew it. Its indeed because of this scoundrel that youre feeling upset

Dont even try to push people to the edge just because of a few uttered sentences.

I know youre trying to be nice. But if youre too nice, people will take advantage of you.

Violet remained unresponsive. How ironic was this? If she were to criticize others, people would think that she was too vicious. If she would stay still and be nice, people would take advantage of her.