Aldin swallowed hard as he looked at Violets closed eyes, unsure of how to react.

I wish he hadnt apologized.

Violet opened her eyes and smiled at Aldins lavender gaze.

She believed this person wouldnt spread the words shes speaking in confidence. With that trust, she decided to reveal why she disliked Cairn.

You know how fiery his temper is. Thats why he often pointed his sword at my neck.

What?

Aldins eyes widened in surprise, his pupils trembling, showing his shock without filter.

He often said if I ever appeared before him again, he would sever my head from my shoulders.

It was reason enough to hate someone. Violet added a few more stories.

Though she was grateful for being saved, it wasnt enough to mitigate her resentment.

After sharing, Violet felt relieved. She looked back at Aldin, whose eyes were coldly settled.

Sir?

I knew he had a fiery temper, but I didnt realize it was to that extent. Hm

Aldin spoke as if a murderous aura surrounded him.

That guy has asked me for advice a few times. Asking what he did wrong, how he should apologize.

Is that so.

I told him that his attitude was the problem, but it seems more serious than I thought

Apologizing itself is the problem.

Should I beat him up for you?

Pardon me?

Id like to challenge him to a duel right now But the most I can do is this.

Love triumphed over a long friendship. Aldin was seriously considering beating up his friend.

Though he thought of doing more, he didnt reveal his inner thoughts to Violet.

Theres no need to go that far. I was just wondering what to do.

Hes seemed off the last few days. In my opinion, you dont need to bring it up first. Let him realize what the problem is. If he doesnt know, then theres no need to talk any further.

Thats harsh for a friend.

Its because hes a friend that Im being harsh.

Aldin fiddled with his scabbard. Violet couldnt help but burst into laughter.

He seemed eager to draw his sword.

It wasnt her place to interfere in matters between friends.

She decided not to worry about the repercussions of todays conversation and appreciated the advice.

Thanks for the advice.

Its fine. Its his fault, not something for you to worry about.

Aldin smiled at Violet, enhancing his already melancholic beauty.

Just then, the wind blew, tossing his hair like a painting, intensifying his allure.

Reaching out impulsively to fix his disheveled hair, Violet herself was startled by her own actions and withdrew her hand.

Im sorry. I didnt mean to.

I-Its alright.

The atmosphere, which had just relaxed, tensed up again. Violet was puzzled by Aldins reddened ears. What did this reaction mean?

The answer was close, but certainty was hard to come by.

They continued to chat, mostly about trivial things, until Violet suddenly remembered something she wanted to ask.

Oh, and if its possible for you

Aldin accepting Violets request turned the day of gratitude into one filled with even more reasons to be thankful.

* * *

The empress came to see the ongoing portrait of the princess.

Having rarely faced the empress directly due to her busy schedule with state affairs, Violet was nervous. The tension she felt was akin to when she had to present her graduation exhibition plan to her professor.

The empress said nothing while looking at the still-unfinished portrait of the princess.

Violet wished she would take into account that it wasnt the final piece, but a non-specialist wouldnt know to do that.

Violet lowered her eyes and closed them. She would have preferred criticism over silence, which made her feel even worse.

The empress made no comment about the painting. After a while, she naturally brought up a topic Violet hadnt expected.

Recently, theres been quite a buzz about the second Ducal Lady of Everett.

Violet was taken aback by her words.

She would have preferred if the topic was about the painting, but the subject the empress broached was far removed from it.

Ive heard that things arent good between you two, but the stories are so varied. My longtime friend, Countess Halsella, often shares such stories with me.

The empress chuckled and walked leisurely. Violet followed her through the palace.

The empress headed towards the garden.

Would you mind having a cup of tea with me?

In the end, the painting was not brought up at all.

Violet concealed her expression as she responded.

Of course, Your Majesty.

Her answer was steady without a hint of tremor.

.

.

.

Even as the fragrant tea was poured, the empress remained silent.

Violet drank her tea expressionlessly. Perhaps the lack of conversation meant she was somewhat satisfied.

The only thing troubling Violets mind was related to the portrait of the princess.

Whether the empress knew Violets inner thoughts or not, she just smiled kindly and sipped her tea gracefully. Violet followed suit and took a sip.

Right, I heard the younger Ducal Lady Everett is staying in the capital, accompanying the envoy from Liran.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I dont want to talk about complicated matters like international politics or war, which are enough for state council meetings. Id rather talk about something personal

A mischievous smile appeared on the empresss lips as she looked at Violet.

In turn, a sense of defeat washed over her.

All the famous ladies are gathered at the capital anyway, so I was thinking of holding a competition to find the next Crown Princess.