The princess gave Violet a big hug.

The maids stepped in to stop this breach of etiquette, but Violet gestured that it was alright.

Now that her work with the portrait was finished, Violet knew she would never see the princess again.

The thought brought a wave of sadness.

The chief handmaid of the princesss palace, having seen her painting, had long since stopped suggesting Violet assume such a position.

Her talent was too precious to be confined to the palace.

Violet laughed, attributing her skill more to memories of a past life than to innate talent.

Someday, if there comes a day when this child is presented before many, or even if such a day never comes, her portrait will hang in the exhibition hall, among those of the imperial lineage.

Just then, an uninvited guest intruded as if it were his right.

The princess, who had been clinging to Violets side, quickly detached herself and ran to her older brother.

Yes, yes.

The crown prince comforted his sister with familiar ease and smiled.

It was a smile still full of affection.

History is prone to change, as is the history of art. Your painting will resonate on its own, giving rise to many imitations.

Greetings to the Empires small sun.

Theres no need for such distant formalities.

Despite Rajadens changed attitude, Violet remained as she had always been.

Seeing her unchanging, relaxed demeanor, he continued.

Already there are imitations following the style of your paintings, even though your finished work has never been revealed. After the exhibition, it will only get worse. There will be fakes and forgeries everywhere.

Is that why you came?

I just want you to be prepared for the inevitable criticism. They will try to belittle you out of jealousy.

I shall take Your Highnesss advice to heart.

Violet responded calmly.

The stories of human ugliness driven by inferiority were nothing new to her, but it was different when it came to her paintings.

Maybe I should stay away from the newspapers. Perhaps withdraw from art social gatherings too.

Violet was lost in thought.

Ducal Lady Violet.

Rajaden quickly closed the distance between them, calling her in a low, deliberate voice that was unusually soft. The maids covered their mouths and watched them.

It seems the rumors are true.

Signals passed between them.

Startled by Rajadens sudden approach, Violet managed to step back calmly.

Do you have any commands?

You will be painting my portrait next.

Still keeping his voice a half-tone lower, Rajaden folded his eyes into a smile.

His golden hair sparkled unusually brightly due to the light. It was clear he was determined to use his looks to the fullest.

As he did so, even the hearts of bystanders ignited.

Seeing Rajaden like this, Violet smiled.

Truly, this man was most beautiful under such radiant light.

That is true, yes.

Rajaden felt momentarily taken aback by her smile.

Perhaps my appearance does have some effect?

Just as a hopeful thought blossomed, Violet produced something. It was a sketchbook.

Your Highness, you possess a visage akin to a hero from the legends. So, with that in mind, Ive sketched a draft for the portrait.

A sketch?

If traditional portraits capture the subject in a static space on canvas, this portrait will suit Your Highness in a manner fitting

Rajaden looked incredulous as he planned his appeal.

Nevertheless, Violet continued her detailed explanation faithfully.

If you permit it, I will work on it like this.

Details poured out about how the background should be handled, how the light should be managed, and how colors should be used.

As she spoke, Rajadens expression increasingly twisted.

Since you were most beautiful under the light, I wish to maximize that feeling in my work.

Is my presence really just this trivial?

Violet spoke, and Rajaden responded in a way that she couldnt understand.

Violet looked at him, questioning the meaning behind his words. Rajaden let out a hollow laugh.

It was absurd. His presence was so intense, the images it conjured were powerful.

The more he laughed hollowly, the more poker-faced she became.

His appeal had worked, albeit in a strange direction, and he didnt even seem to be aware of it.

She only admired the subjects face, without any sign of affection.

If only admiration for his face could translate to winning her heart but there was no sign of that.

My mother had commissioned this, but she has delegated this task to me. So you can paint it however you wish.

Thank you for permitting me to do so.

Will you paint me as beautifully as Celi?

I will try my best.

It was not easy.

Violets response was not straightforward, causing Rajaden to click his tongue inwardly.

If it had been easy from the beginning, he would not have fallen for her.

Having finished her explanation, Violet was about to leave, however Rajaden stopped her.