Roen had called the best of the best in each field. And he paid a great deal of money to get them here, too.

I want to rest.

Come now, you can do it.

As Violet voiced out her fatigue, Roen only smiled and ignored her words.

What would be the point of a fitting for clothes, accessories and shoes if the person involved wasnt present?

The artisans, puzzled by the situation, soon discussed the new designs with enthusiasm and earnestness with the young seamstress.

Do all artisans really tend to be strange?

Actually, as a painter, Violet did not deviate all that much from the scope of an artisan either, but still, she was sincerely concerned.

Three artisans here did not wish to miss out on the opportunity to set their artistic spirits ablaze, and this one merchant over there did not wish to miss out on the opportunity to make some money. They all discussed fervently.

The only dress she really needed to get from this fitting was a dress for a party, but its not needed right away. So, it was decided that shed get fitted for her daily wear first, along with some pairs of shoes.

Thus, the four people left the drawing room only after sunset.

Just like that, Violets tiring day drew to a close.

* * *

An invitation came from the Leshan Marquisate.

Under normal circumstances, the invitation would have been rejected before Violet could even see it. But this time, on a rare occasion, the invitation reached Violets hands.

As she read through the invitation, which had a respectable introduction, Violet narrowed her eyes.

Roen had asked her to accept the marquisates invitation, and there was a reason behind this.

Nonetheless, Violet wrote back, saying that she would attend the tea party that the marchioness would be holdingjust in time for the necessary clothes to be completed.

* * *

Meanwhile, the black-haired man who had helped Violet sent a letter as well.

The mans letter almost got sorted through by the other maids, but fortunately, it was thanks to Marys sharp eyes that the letter reached Violet safely.

As addressed in the letter, the knights full name was Aldin Aesir.

Faced with a name that she wasnt expecting, Violet even checked who the letters sender was one more time.

Aldin Aesir. That man was the illegitimate son of Duke Aesir, and he was famous for a reason different from Violet.

The Aesir Duchy was just as prestigious as the Everett Duchy, but although he was a child of that household, there was not a single person in the whole empire who did not know that hes an illegitimate child.

He and the current duke were fifteen years apart from age, but noAldin was the illegitimate son of the previous duke, and he was the evidence of the households shame.

After the mysterious death of the previous Duke Aesir, Aldins half-brother became the household head and was now the current duke. Even so, the current duke could not erase the name of his younger brotherthe familys disgracefrom their registry.

Violet started to mull over why Aldin didnt put his last name in his identification card, but she banished the thought.

Have I ever met him before?

Violet rummaged through her memories, trying to recall if she had ever met anyone before who had lavender eyes.

Before she had plunged into the lake, she attended numerous banquets. It wouldnt be strange to think that she might have met him in one of those events.

Shed be able to recall someday. Violet thought about it simply and soon wrote her reply to the letter. She did promise that she would welcome him and give him any reward he wanted.

Then, Violet wondered. He was a young lord of a duchy, and he was also a knight of the imperial guard. Was there anything he wanted to get from Everett?

But, well, as long as she could compensate him, Violet did not need to mull over it anymore.

She didnt want her peaceful time to be disturbed by complicated thoughts.

* * *

Aldin sent another letter informing her that he would visit the ducal residence at the soonest possible time. Then, just as he said, he visited the mansion soon after, alone.

After finding out that, of all days, he would not be there when the guest would arrive, Roen tearfully begged Violet.

Although Aldin was an illegitimate child, he was still a member of a ducal household. It was quite a huge deal for a dukes son and a dukes daughter to meet like this.

Roens worries were valid, but since Violet had no intention of getting married anyway, she just brushed off those worries as inconsequential.

Given that Aldin was a member of a high noble household and a son of a duke, he was indeed an important guest. However, he acted as if he did not want to reveal his surname.

Violet decided not to touch the guys painful wounds. Since he looked like he really didnt want to be connected to his family name, she was willing to respect his wishes as much as he wanted.

I did not expect you to come alone. Did you run into any inconveniences on your way here?

It was alright. I am humbled that you have invited me to your abode.

Its no trouble. House Everett does not treat its guests poorly. Please come this way.

As the formal greetings were over, Violet led her guest inside.

Momentarily hesitating at the sight of Violet in a light indoor dress, Aldin quickly composed himself and followed her.

He didnt know that the ducal lady would welcome him personally, so because of this, he was rather flustered. However, since most of the people here couldnt decode his monochromatic expressions because he was so terse, nobody noticed.

I didnt get the chance to introduce myself and apologize to you properly that day because of how hectic the situation had been. In the name of Violet S. Everett, I once again thank you for coming to my rescue, and I apologize for the rudeness that my households knights had shown you.

Well, its fine. I, too, understand that they were only performing their duties as knights.

In the dining hall, a splendid dinner was prepared, and the hospitable treatment of the guest ensued.

The sound of their silverware did not echo. Neither Violet nor Aldin spoke, so the dining hall held only silence.

Have you thought of what youd like to ask of me?

Painting

The person who finished their meal first was Violet, and she went straight to the point as she asked him.

At Violets question, Aldin carefully opened his lips to speak.

Even if just once, I would like to see your paintings.