Why does she treat her older brother worse than an insect? Just meeting each other leads to a growling match, and Alec also goes ahead and keeps getting a rise out of his younger sister Heavens.

In summary, the marchioness lamented about how the colt had become a crazy colt, and while she was trying her best to understand, its just that Alesia was looking down on her older brother a little too much. The marchioness also worried about how her daughters attitude would impede the search for a good match in holy matrimony. This was her dilemma.

Listening to the concerns of Marchioness Leshan, Violet tilted her head, feeling a certain discomfort.

Does Alec have to inherit the title of Marquis?

Its the norm. Once I marry off Alesia, it would bring me peace of mind.

But didnt you tell me to do as I please?

Violets question hit the nail on the head. Marchioness Leshan froze up, as if she hadnt even considered it.

Why must the eldest son inherit the title? Would a daughter become a burden if she doesnt marry? Violets observation was valid. Marchioness Leshan personally advised Violet to act as she pleased, but her current stance towards her children contradicted her own words.

The marchioness remained silent for a short time. While Violet waited for her, she slowly sipped her tea.

Ducal Lady, you have the name Everett, dont you?

The Leshan name is not exactly inconsequential either.

But a relationship as bad as theirs, protecting my son under the name of Leshan would be difficult

Were you happy after your marriage, Madam?

At Violets repeated question, Marchioness Leshan smiled bitterly.

Happiness and unhappiness couldnt be neatly divided like separating ashes from embers. Happy and unhappy moments could coexist, and love and happiness werent directly proportional.

Knowing this fact, Marchioness Leshan couldnt easily find an answer.

For noblewomen, marriage was often considered the ultimate goal in life. However, it was not the only answer.

Marchioness Leshan was well aware of this fact, having experienced it firsthand.

After resolving her dilemma, Marchioness Leshan asked,

Then, Ducal Lady, what do you think I should do?

I think it would be best to trust your daughter, Lady Alesia, a bit more.

If what Alesia truly desired was to become the future Marquis, or the household head, she should strive for it now. Gaining support from those around her might be a challenge for her, but with Marchioness Leshans backing, many things could change.

Theres a difference between the situation in which one could hope and strive to achieve ones goal, and the situation in which, even with effort, opportunities would never be given.

Ill believe in her then, as you said.

It might be better to intensify her education.

If Alesia remained as she was now and would later become the Marquis, it would be troublesome. She needed to learn self-restraint. Marchioness Leshan, seemingly deciding after listening to Violets roundabout words, smiled gently.

Yes, indeed. I had concerns about putting forward Alec as the successor. Maybe its because he thinks its only natural that he would become the next marquis, but that child sometimes lacks self-awareness.

It wasnt sometimes but always, Violet thought, but she didnt point it out.

Yes, yes. Competing might benefit them both. Thank you.

Marchioness Leshan expressed her gratitude gracefully with a smile.

Violet replied, No problem.

The time they spent sharing their concerns and offering advice was truly beneficial.

After such a rewarding consultation, someone approached Violet as she was about to return home.

Ducal Lady Everett.

It was Alesia Leshan, one of the individuals discussed in their conversation.

Alesia, dressed more casually than when they first met, had a stern expression on her face. Though Violet couldnt really guess why she was being called now, she nodded in response.

Yes, Lady Leshan.

I would like to apologize.

It was out of the blue that Alesia approached Violet, and she was here to express her apologies. With Violet having no pleasant memories of receiving apologies, she furrowed her brows.

Alesia lifted her head briefly and continued speaking.

I behaved rudely before, judged you arbitrarily, and spoke thoughtlessly because of my misconceptions. I would like to apologize for everything. Im sorry.

And I also want to express my gratitude.

Having said that, Alesia took a bow, emphasizing her sincerity. In this unexpected situation, Violet looked down at her.

Alesia, lowering her body, spoke with a relaxed expression as if saying it didnt matter.

In all honesty, I got caught up in my own thoughts, misunderstood you, and judged you unfairly. While I cant claim your past actions were entirely without fault, I, too, behaved rudely. I did not consider your circumstances and came to my own conclusions in a one-sided manner.

Is that so?

You didnt necessarily correct the misunderstanding, Ducal Lady, but that doesnt make my actions justified.

Violet thought as she looked at her. Much better than Cairn.

However, admitting that she didnt correct the misunderstanding was an admission of fault. As the one offering the apology, it was her responsibility to address that point. Violet considered pointing it out but refrained from doing so.

The person offering the apology seemed relieved, but the one receiving it appeared somewhat awkward. Alesia paid no attention to Violets reaction.

Thanks to you, Ducal Lady, Ive found a goal. I thought it was distant and impossible, so I gave up all too easily.

A goal?

I will become a knight.