A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

“…Your Highness.”

Violet briefly wondered whether she should formally greet him with proper etiquette. Fortunately, Rajaden did not point it out.

“It’s been a while, Ducal Lady.”

“…I saw you in the witness stand.”

“Is that so.”

Rajaden smiled. It was a bittersweet, yet somewhat relieved smile. It was strange to see such a once bright man wearing such a sorrowful expression.

Though he seemed to have let go of much, Rajaden still spoke with a trace of lingering attachment.

“I just wanted to explain why I met with Aileen Everett one last time… I needed information. She didn’t seem to realize it, but there was a possibility she was connected with the rebel forces… I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”

“It was classified. I understand.”

“…But—”

“It’s all right.”

Trying to clear up a minor misunderstanding, he was truly a foolish man. Violet smiled as if to show that she really was fine.

It was a smile she hadn’t worn during their time together. Seeing this, Rajaden momentarily froze before lowering his head.

“…I also want to say that… I wish for your happiness.”

It was all a rejected man could say.

“And, may you become someone so wonderful that you’ll regret not choosing me.”

Had he not added that, Violet might have considered this a beautiful end.

“We’ll see when the time comes.”

Was that a request to reconsider later, or a declaration not to regret? It was impossible to know in advance.

Violet bowed to the crown prince with proper etiquette.

* * *

Even after the commotion had passed, Violet remained in seclusion.

She had only halted her public activities until all the chaos settled, yet Mary had been on the verge of tears the entire time.

“Those people are all idiots. Fools!”

“Is that so?”

“They seem incapable of thinking. They just parrot what others say.”

She knew she should have been used to it by now, but Mary couldn’t accept the raw malice. Violet simply chuckled.

Though she called it seclusion, her life hadn’t changed much. She had never been one to respond to invitations frequently, and rarely went out, so she didn’t feel confined. ɽ

More importantly, she had to push ahead with preparations for the exhibition.

As long as her paintings weren’t pelted with eggs, it would be fine. No, even if they were, that could become part of the art itself.

As long as there was no immediate threat to her life, Violet remained utterly unbothered.

Thus, until the imperial family issued an official statement regarding the incident, Violet focused solely on her painting.

She was quietly pleased with the smoothly progressing exhibition preparations, though those around her were too busy tiptoeing around her to notice.

In the meantime, the imperial statement was straightforward. Corruption in the temple, evidence of treason…

People who had been unsure after the uproar in the courtroom were shocked when they heard the news.

Those who had heard the rumors and condemned ‘that’ ducal lady were stunned to learn that the true evil had been hidden elsewhere, or that someone they knew was involved in the incident.

It was an event that shook the entire nation. Those who had persisted in criticizing the imperial family disappeared without a trace.

“Even though they know the current Emperor isn’t soft-hearted… They’re brave.”

Violet clicked her tongue as she observed the unfolding situation. It was unfortunate, but it wasn’t something she could involve herself in.

Meanwhile, Mary began acting strangely.

“Mary? Why are you hiding the newspaper?”

Mary, who had been stealthily removing a few pages from the newspaper Violet was reading, looked close to tears.

“Those people are all idiots… and fools…”

Hearing Mary repeat herself, Violet looked puzzled. Even though Violet knew what was going on through other information sources, she couldn’t understand Mary’s reaction.

“It’s all been resolved, hasn’t it? Even so?”

“…They all changed their attitude in an instant. Now they’re saying they always believed in you, even though they were the ones who criticized you the most.”

Only after hearing Mary’s suddenly harsh voice did Violet realize why Mary was reacting this way. Having experienced it once before, Violet felt little emotion.

“It’s okay.”

“…You don’t know what they said about Milady, which is why you can say that. Just getting angry isn’t even enough…”

“People’s attitudes can change at any given time.”

“I just hate that you’re the one they’re targeting. They don’t even know you, Milady.”

“People often pretend to know things they don’t.”

“Even so, it upsets me!”

“But I think as long as I have you, who tells me when you’re upset, I’ll be fine.”

Mary’s face turned bright red at the sudden remark. Unable to find a place to look, Mary quickly shouted,

“T-The chef said he’d make blueberry tarts. I-I’ll go get them right away!”

As Mary hurried out, her earlobes were red. Moments like this reminded Violet that Mary was still young.

Violet laughed as she watched Mary run out of the room.

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( APV has been fully translated~! )