Come to think of it.

A fact she had forgotten surfaced.

Surely, Violet had given Aileen a hard time today. It could be passed off as obliviousness due to lack of sensitivity, but Alesia knew Violet disliked Aileen.

Even if the misunderstanding was cleared, Alesia was not one to tolerate injustice before her.

Yet, it was strange she said nothing about it.

Was there a change of heart?

Ultimately, Violet sighed with the persistent unease left behind.

Afterwards, she had no specific plans and went straight home.

Only Roen, who had made an early exit using Violets excuse, was all smiles.

* * *

Violet occasionally pondered the empresss intentions as time passed.

Fortunately, the progress on the princesss portrait went smoothly. The empress did not comment much on the painting, but Violet, knowing there were no complaints, proceeded nonchalantly.

The last tea party by the empress might have proceeded without the hostess herself, but it provided the gathered young ladies with a dreamlike time.

Hence, various gatherings became even more fiercely organized afterwards. Violet scoffed at the flood of invitations she received despite her constant rejections.

Even so, not all invitations were declined. Violet, holding an invitation with gold embossing, gulped.

The art social gathering invited by Count Larsen was not for young, unmarried noble ladies or noblemen. In short, a gathering Violet wouldnt normally be invited to.

Mostly comprising individuals in their 40s and 50s, this gathering was truly a meeting of a group supporting artists.

Far from being politically motivated, only those genuinely loving art could receive this invitation. So, she wouldnt have to worry about encountering annoying leeches there.

There might be some who slyly attempt to arrange a meeting between her and their children, but its just a matter of tactfully refusing them.

Certainly, it could broaden ones horizons and offer various insights into the art world. That fact made her somewhat want to go, yet at the same time, maybe she didnt want to go.

Truthfully, Violets social acumen wasnt significantly lacking.

Before falling into the lake, Violet had a penchant for showing off.

Of course, that was only possible if there were people to brag to, and she was quite good at captivating others.

On the other hand, the current her distrusted humans.

If asked whether she didnt trust anyone at all, she could say no. But if asked if she has a lot of doubt in humans, shed say there were more people she distrusted than not.

It was natural, given that most people she had met were dark-hearted snakes.

Thus, Violet, thinking she lacked sociability, was wary of meeting new people.

Whether her concerns deepened or not, Roen was thrilled.

He said it was the perfect place to promote her exhibit.

Violet firmly refused to let him accompany her and declared she would attend alone. Even when Roen gave a grand, sulky performance, she paid him absolutely no mind.

After he had planned to take a day off from his busy schedule to spend time with his younger sister, Roen genuinely became sullen.

In any case, Violets concerns lay elsewhere.

Shed have to dress to suit the tastes of the elders.

Though its a thing from her past, the ethic of respecting ones elders had carried over for Violet. She sighed deeply as her thoughts became increasingly tangled.

If things were the same as before, Cairn would have followed, claiming to be her escort knight, but the situation had changed.

Well anyway, Cairn could fend for himself.

Instead, with Cairn absent, the number of escorts increased.

She planned to go alone. However, Aldin, having somehow heard about it, volunteered to accompany her.

When she asked if he was available, he said he was, so Violet gladly accepted his offer.

What she didnt know was that this day was supposed to be a day Aldin couldnt miss due to joint training with another knight order.

And further, in exchange for being absent, Aldin promised additional training. Thats the only way he managed to skip the training altogether.

So, on the day of the gathering.

Violet chose a moderately classic and elegant dress. She also requested her makeup to be done subtly, as if she wasnt wearing any.

Despite the absurd request, Marie, who was a fervent student of beauty, did a fantastic job dressing her up.

Aldin was waiting for her at the appointed place.

Your Ladyship.

Have you been waiting long?

No, Ive just arrived.

Aldin, dressed as simply yet stylishly as she was, faced Violet. Truth be told, he had just picked up suitable clothes he had, but being a good model, he looked quite dashing.

With his tall stature, good proportions, and a knightly physique, anything he wore looked good on him.

His face still had a youthful look, but over time, he would mature just right to move the hearts of many. Violet admired Aldins appearance anew.

Aldin let out a smile, cleverly using his good looks without Violet catching on.