Ha

Violet laughed as if she was astonished.

Her laughter drew everyones attention.

The woman who was labeled a villainess.

And her adopted sister, who was oppressed by her.

The situation was undoubtedly suffocating, yet at the same time, there couldnt be a more entertaining spectacle.

Violet quickly composed the menacing aura she had been emitting and smiled kindlya smile she had never shown to Aileen before. As Violet reached out her hand, Aileen flinched. However, Violet merely caressed Aileens cheek gently.

You still have the habit of saying only what you want, not answering the questions asked. Such petulance.

But, Sister, you hate me I came here because I wanted to see you

Why would I hate you? You should be more careful with your words. You dont want to tarnish the Everett name in front of everyone here, do you?

Her voice was terribly tender, and the stroke on the cheek seemed like a gesture of concern for a beloved sister. Yet, Aileen felt a chill at this faade.

Aileen, sensing the eyes on her, hurriedly began to sob.

It was not a behavior fitting for a noble gathering, where everyone was taught to restrain their emotions.

Even here, she acts on a whim, seeking the sympathy of others. Violets gaze narrowed as she observed Aileen.

Pardon the spectacle. This child has always been willful and petulant If she behaves rudely, come to me directly. I will apologize on her behalf.

Violet declared this loudly.

The murmuring resumed at her words. Among them, someone bravely spoke up.

Who is this?

Aileen Everett. As you all know, she is my younger sister.

Ah, I see.

The atmosphere was superficially warm and cheerful, but there was a sense of walking on thin ice. Violet glanced at Aileen and then smiled again.

I need to check on something, so I must leave. Please take good care of my troublesome sister.

Theres nothing troublesome about her. Such a lovely lady.

With those words, Violet swiftly moved away.

Cairn, who had been standing like a statue, unable to comprehend the situation, hurriedly followed Violet, fearing to catch someones eye. Aldin remained, observing the situation.

Especially since it was just before the start of the hunting competition, this incident drew more attention. All were from distinguished families worthy of receiving an invitation from the imperial family.

Amidst them, Aileen let out a tear, like a bead.

Ah, Sister really does hate me

Yeees? What are you talking about? She took such good care of you.

No, its okay. I understand. I must try hard not to be a burden to the family, right? I cant have my older sister apologizing because of me.

Hm, a-hem. Dont worry about that.

Hehe. Then, may I ask everyone for introductions?

The girl, who was just admonished for her manners, now beamed a smile as bright as spring. It was impossible to ridicule her in public, especially with such an endearing smile. Thus, no one else raised any objections to her manners.

* * *

Hey, are you okay?

I mean it. Are you okay? Do you have any idea whats going on?

Cairn followed Violet, peppering her with questions. Violet didnt respond.

He would have normally exploded at Violet when shes ignoring him, but he quickly shut his mouth upon seeing her furiously contorted face.

Each of Violets steps was heavy with anger.

Cairn couldnt understand what was upsetting Violet so much.

When he first heard Aileens voice, he thought it was a hallucination. He was surprised once by seeing Aileen, and twice by her talking only to Violet and ignoring him.

Simple-minded as he was, he couldnt grasp the subtle barbs hidden in their words but sensed the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Aileen Everett was supposed to be studying abroad in Liran. Why then was she here, at a hunting competition hosted by their own imperial family?

His thoughts, slow to turn, churned with confusion.

Aileen hadnt noticed him yet. So, he pretended not to exist, muting his presence.

Are you not leaving.

What?

Shes your beloved sister, isnt she? Go away then.

Violet spoke up when Cairn remained silent. He was about to retort to her sudden provocation but closed his mouth upon seeing her expression.

Violets confrontation was abrupt, but her anger was not.

This relationship, which had been superficially maintained as issues were merely swept under the rug, was finally revealing its true nature.

Cairn knew something was wrong, but he could not understand what exactly. He came to a halt.

It was too wrong to complain, yet too unfair to stay silent.

Violet swiftly walked past her indecisive younger brother, heading to a separate tent where the Crown Prince and his close friend Roen were engaged in conversation.