A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

“This is fun.”

Having discovered a new amusement, Violet continued to tease Aldin. She would give him cutesy items that didn’t suit him and made him try experimental foods sold at street stalls.

Each time, Aldin would be at a loss and jump at every poke. Violet found this even more entertaining.

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After wandering around for quite some time, it was near sunset.

By then, Aldin’s hands were full of small items.

“These things really don’t suit me.”

“Why? Don’t they look even cuter because they resemble you?”

Hearing that he resembled a cute little bunny doll, Aldin bowed his head deeply.

Since Violet said so, he figured it must be true. He couldn’t argue against her words. Moreover, he felt guilty for not properly reserving a restaurant today, so he was even less inclined to speak up.

If she finds me cute, then I should be grateful…

Even though he was now an adult and taller than most, being compared to a cute bunny was somewhat humiliating.

“You too, Lady…”

“Huh?”

“……”

Unable to bring himself to call her adorable, he lowered his head even more. Nevertheless, Violet quickly caught onto what he was trying to say, and she just smiled and pretended not to notice.

It had been a day full of laughter and genuine joy.

* * *

Upon returning home, having been escorted properly, Violet found Cairn looking quite sullen.

Though their relationship was still awkward, Cairn’s attitude had noticeably changed from before.

“Where did you go today?”

“Do I have to report to you every time I go out?”

“You could at least tell me!”

Cairn’s expression made it clear he was sulking.

Was he jealous that his sister and his friend went out together without him? Violet found it bothersome and felt no need to answer.

She intended to ignore him and finish her day’s activities.

Despite that, Cairn persistently bombarded her with questions. The more she gave vague answers, the more detailed his questions became.

“You’re back.”

“Brother, look at her! She was out until this hour and won’t even say what she was doing!”

“Violet will take care of it herself… You should go and look over the documents you need for your return to the academy.”

“Brother!”

Roen, who had been bothered all day, looked exhausted.

Cairn had always been a nuisance, but ever since his relationship with Violet improved, he became even more bothersome.

Ignoring their younger brother, Violet asked Roen,

“Is there something you need to tell me?”

“No, not at the moment. I’ll pass on any information as soon as it comes.”

“Alright. I’ll go upstairs and rest then.”

“Okay.”

“Are you really not going to say anything? When I come home late, you always ask what I’ve been doing!”

Violet ignored her brother and went up to her room. She didn’t dwell on how much more annoying Cairn had become.

“I’ll prepare your bath water, Milady! Today, I’ll use rosemary.”

“Thank you.”

Mary, who had become quite adept at anticipating Violet’s needs, prepared the bath water smoothly. Sending away those who usually assisted with her bath, Violet submerged herself in the water and reflected on the day’s events.

It had been a delightful day. She hoped tomorrow would be just as warm, peaceful, and uneventful.

However, her reflections were different from before. Violet wondered why she felt so differently.

Then she realized what had changed.

The sense of alienation was gone.

After almost drowning in the lake, everything about her had flipped. Her personality, disposition, even the smallest preferences had all changed.

When someone expressed curiosity about her transformation, she would curtly and very bluntly reply, ‘I almost died, so I guess that’s why.’ But in reality, the one most confused by the changes was Violet herself.

She once thought she was inherently wicked and selfish.

‘I thought I had completely changed.’

But upon reflection, she realized she had been different when she was very young. Little Violet loved to chatter, was affectionate, and behaved like a tomboy.

Recalling the days when her mother was alive, Violet laughed out loud.

She had changed, but the essence of her soul had not.

It’s just, the loneliness she once felt was gone.

Violet no longer felt like an outsider in this world.

So, she could live freely, doing what she wanted.

She realized that she had already accepted this world as her own.

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