Why did you ask?

Well, Im worth nothing. I have a terrible reputation, and trying to sell me through my name would gain you nothing. I will not marry, and that smears my worth even more. Once thats been announced, even this appearance of mine would be useless.

Her voice was calm. Apart from that, however, what shes saying was nothing but dubious.

Violet knew her position in the duchy. She didnt consider herself as a human being. No, she thought her family didnt consider her as such.

Shes not their family, shes not a human to themjust something to throw away one day after its been used. Or perhaps, she could be likened to a chess piece that one couldnt bear to throw away.

A person who was not loved and not respected. Just some useless thing.

Worth

Its impossible for Roen not to know what Violet was talking about.

Dying all alone, drowning and unable to breathe in this world where no one was by her side In the end, the ducal lady abandoned her own self.

She let go of all expectations.

Her self-worth chipped away at her motivation, her emotions or any faint hope she could have still been harboring. It had rendered her view on her existence to be utterly worthless, plummeting deeper and deeperto the bottom of the lake.

Roen reached out towards her.

For a moment, Violet flinched. She thought she might get hit.

However, contrary to what she thought, his hand only patted Violets head slowly and gently.

It was a soft, careful, tender touch. The last time she received such a thing was when she was a child.

Because were family.

You Youre my younger sister.

A familial relationship, as he mentioned, had always been something that seemed easy to throw away.

As a family member to another, one could be far crueler than any stranger at all, and its for this reason that Violet did not feel the cling to such a relationship. The closest enemy one could have was family.

Violet could not let go of the hatred she felt for the person in front of her now, and she had long since abandoned hope that she would receive any love from him. Yet here, he was one-sidedly pouring out affection towards her as her older brother.

She stared blankly at him.

Im sorry, he said once more.

Along with his feeble apology, he retracted his hand from her head.

For a second there, Violet could not process what had just happened.

Right before Roens eyes, he could see just how much vigilance there could be in response to only reaching a hand towards a person. And, right before his eyes, he could see the culmination of his own supposed principlesof keeping relationships with others only based upon their worth.

It was all his doing. He realized that he was the one who made her like this.

I dont need it. Im uncomfortable, so lets just call it a day. You already know your way around, so get out on your own.

As Violet said this, her eyes were so full of hostility. Her voice contained a deep-seated anger that just wanted to announce itself loudly.

She withdrew into herself. If she were to start hoping again, she would just be abandoned someday once more.

Im sorry, Vee.

Roen murmured as he watched Violets retreating back.

A deep wound could not be easily healed.

Now, he would never again see that child who could have been lovingly embraced by her family. He would never again see her trying hard to be acknowledged.

Regrets always come too late.

* * *

Clatter.

The sharp sounds of tableware hitting each other filled the quiet room. They werent very loud, but the noise was particularly grating because all the people seated around the table were utterly silent.

By nature, the duke ate quietly.

It had already been months since Violet had disappeared from the dinner table. Their meals always seemed to be full of pleasant conversation between the siblings who got along well, but now, there was only silence.

Not to mention, Mikhail was in a despondent state due to the doubts raised against his qualification as the duchys heir, while Roen just observed and said nothing.

The clattering was not that loud. Its not so much that it would be against proper etiquette.

Even so, it was bothersome.

If Violet was here, she would certainly say something like, Your conduct must remain suitable to the Everett name.

How are you feeling? Roen asked, his tone much the same as any other day.

It was the kind of question that a kind older brother would worriedly ask his beloved younger sister.

Ah, Brother Roen Im quite alright now.

Aileen smiled softly.

But it doesnt look like youve completely recovered yet, Aileen. You dont seem to have enough strength in your hands yet.

Ah Yes.

He uttered the question with such a sweet and gentle tone.

To the point that no one here would think that Roen was pointing out Aileens etiquette.

Its because Im still lacking in many ways. I should work harder, shouldnt I? To become a splendid person

Thats right. You cant be spoiled forever. You have to be more careful in the future.

Roen continued to speak kindly, and Aileen couldnt help but shrink at those words.

Oh, as expected Im, Im still

What are you talking about, Aileen? Whats lacking about you! You just have to stay healthy and well, just as you do now. And dont get hurt from now on.

Aileens sullen voice was drowned out by Mikhails outburst.

Hearing what Mikhail said, Roen frowned slightly.