Im quite sure you at least know his face though In any case, if the problem lies with the Imperial Family, then I can be there to block them. Of course, if you dont wish to marry, its fine if you dont.

I dont want to go.

Violet flatly rejected Roens suggestion.

For a moment, Roen made a sulky expression. He looked so abominable in Violets eyes that the thought flashed across her mind that she really might throw tea at that hateful face.

You know, Vee

There is a limit to such things. That is enough.

As Violet coldly recited as such, Roen appropriately quieted himself.

Strangely sullen because he couldnt freely call her with her childhood nickname, Roen looked at Violets expression.

What do you think of FatherHis Grace the Duke?

Broaching the subject carefully, Roen asked. In turn, Violet narrowed her eyes, trying to see through his intentions.

I believe that he is a great person.

Ah, ah. Not like that. Rather, as a father.

Excuse me, Young Lord, but I dont understand what youre trying to get me to say.

Violet expressed her suspicion.

At this, Roen smirked.

As he picked which words might be right, Roen intertwined his fingers. There was a soft smile on his lips as he looked at Violet.

If anyone was there who might not have known their relationship, perhaps theyd guess that Roen was determined to win her over. It was worth seeing that gaze behind his eyes.

Instead of as a Duke, what kind of person do you think he is as a father?

Still as ever, it was difficult to surmise what Roens true intentions were.

Violet frowned slightly. If she were to give the wrong answer here, she wondered if shed be eliminated.

One might say that she could only be overthinking. Even so, she couldnt let her guard down.

Right now, this was a place where the duke reigned like a king. Regardless of whether she held blood relations to him or not, the question that Roen had posed to her was akin to poison.

Theres nothing for you to be so wary of. Then, shall I tell you what I think first?

As good as he was at reading other peoples thoughts from their demeanor, Roen smiled brightly.

The dukes second son, who had not known about Violets situation until only recently, continued to speak freely as he was perfectly piercing through other peoples minds so well.

Certainly, as you say, he is an incredible duke. He governs his domain in such a way that clamor would not be heard anywhere.

Tap, tap.

Roen used one index finger to tap against his cheek in a playful manner.

It is originally the duchesss role to take care of the houses internal affairs. However, even after Mother had passed away, no major internal problems arose. So, perhaps its correct to say that His Grace the Duke is impeccable at managing both the internal and external affairs of the household?

Roen had brought up a taboo.

And at once, Violet frowned deeply. Roen smiled again as he saw that his younger sister wasnt even hiding her reactions from him.

It had been a long time since the duchess passed away.

Shes always had a weak constitution, and when she had met her demise, it was due to an illness. She did not meet a painful end.

Nevertheless, Violet bristled quietly with anger.

When I said that theres no problems with the households internal affairs, I mean to say that there were no problems in the financial department, and there were no cases of embezzlement. Its even more marvelous to think that its like this when the household deals with astronomical sums of money constantly.

Roen was speaking calmly. Though he noticed that Violets fingertips were trembling, he did not stop.

But as a matter of fact, everything was in shambles. Wasnt there a time when you ordered for a maids tongue, ankles and fingers to be cut off?

At this, Roen had to pause.

Thud.

Violet hit the table with one hand.

Roen stared at Violet for a moment, but soon continued.

For a servant to ridicule ones master, this was a fully legal mode of punishment.

Watching as Roen sipped his tea nonchalantly, Violet clenched her hand into a fist. If her fingernails were a little longer than they were now, they would have already dug into the inner flesh of her palm, letting out streams of blood.

When looking back on her past behavior, Violet concluded that there was nothing else she could have done. But at the same time, she didnt think it was right.

Yeon Ha-yoon, who was deep in her consciousness, would have said, You shouldnt do that.

However, even though Violet had regained the memories and the modern sensibility of her previous life, she was, after all, a person residing in this era.

She had absolutely no intention of apologizing to those people.

Even so, I overreacted.

You did, yes.

Roen refreshingly agreed to her answer. Stumped, Violet looked up at him.

There was an unreadable smile on his face.

Father favors you. This is an undeniable fact.

Thats why he didnt do anything about your actions. Whats dreadful about this, however, was that if he had at least done something about it, things wouldnt have turned out this way.

Keeping her hands clenched until now, Violet let out a slow exhale.

And at last, the true Violet once again faced Roens green eyes.

So, let me ask you the same question from a while ago, Violet. What do you think of Father?

She still couldnt grasp Roens intentions, but she went on to give him an honest answer.

I believe that he is a great duke.

Hearing Violets response, Roen smiled.

There were two things he needed to confirm.

How heavy the past weighed on Violet, and how much emotion she had left for her family.

He couldnt proceed with the matters related to her however he wanted.

Ah, yes. Thats your answer from the start.

He had rambled on for as much as he had, yet still received the same answer the first time. Even so, Roen smoothed his chin and continued to smile at her with his eyes.

A good man. A good duke.

From the very beginning, Violet had not shown any signs that she considered the duke to be her family.

She thoroughly regarded him as a stranger. Just some person she received good will from.

But not a good father, of course, Roen quipped.