A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

Some would say that Lady Violet S. Everett’s paintings were so beautiful and magnificent that they wouldn’t be surprised if she had actually sold her soul to the devil in exchange for such talents.

Or, no. Rather, it was more like it’s because of the grotesque and horrific nature of her art style that people were talking about how she must’ve sold her soul to the devil.

Apart from that, some were even claiming that His Highness the Crown Prince had fallen under the witch’s spell, among other absurdities.

The gossip column in the palace and the social circles contained a poorly crafted parody that had little resemblance to the original events.

Violet quickly closed the magazine when she saw the imitation that was worlds apart from the actual happenings.contemporary romance

Then, just before the final day of the banquet, Aldin, who had been out of contact due to urgent matters within the Knights, sent a hurried letter. 

Knowing his character well, Violet couldn’t help but smile at his elaborate apologies and lengthy explanations.

He was truly a person with delicate emotions. 

While he usually seemed to be so stoic, reading his letter made Violet feel more sorry for him than he seemed to be for himself.

Violet decided to approach the final day of the banquet with a positive mindset, knowing that her partner for the evening was in good health.

Other than that, life went on quite uneventfully. She chose to engage in rigorous morning exercises instead of cinching her waist with a corset.

Even when Violet herself said that maintaining such beauty was highly unnecessary since she wasn’t going to be on the marriage market anyway, the maids continued to take care of her.

Her maids indulged her in some beauty treatments, such as floral baths and meticulous skincare routines. 

Violet didn’t bother rejecting all their pampering since all she had to do was stay still anyway.

The matter of her attire and accessories for the final day of the banquet was something she entrusted to her maids without much thought. 

The maids were fired up by the sudden responsibility, but Violet’s response was nonchalant.

“I’m already beautiful, so it’s fine to dress me in simple clothes,” she remarked.

While this may be true, it sounded more like an excuse. 

Nevertheless, the maids interpreted it differently and put in their best efforts to create an outfit that was both modest and subtly glamorous.

In the end, Violet was dressed in a suitable outfit with a purple cape and a brooch for an accent. And since she wasn’t wearing a dress but pants, there were only so many other ways she could stand out in the social scene.

She arrived at the banquet hall as planned. As it was the last day of the banquet, the atmosphere was chaotic yet somewhat subdued. 

Violet pretended not to notice the glances thrown her way, those occasional looks that seemed to want to approach her.

Could it be because she had the illegitimate son of House Aesir by her side? Or was it because of their fear of this knight from the Order of the Black Wolf? Not many were approaching her. 

That’s why she wanted to enjoy this peace, but…

“Ohh, Ducal Lady. The painting of yours that was on exhibit the other day left a profound impression. The way you express the world is quite unique. I wonder where you drew inspiration to create such artwork…”

“I am Alman of the Shantora County. I would be very honored if we could discuss the paintings that Your Ladyship has done, if you don’t mind.”

Many people kept approaching her without hesitation.

“…I’m still inexperienced and have much to learn.”

“Nonsense! To have such artistic expression, you must be on the verge of making a mark in the world of art…”

Most of them were nobles more interested in supporting talent or passionate about the arts rather than being deeply involved in politics.

In a sense, they were pure, but in another sense, more driven by desires than anyone else.

A certain count, who possessed over three national treasures in the form of paintings, was somehow determined to elevate Violet and make her known.

They paid absolutely no attention to Aldin Aesir, the illegitimate son standing next to Violet. And neither did they even care about bringing up the name ‘Everett’.

For Violet, it was quite puzzling. The problem was that she didn’t have the knowledge beyond the basics to engage in a conversation with them about the history of art.

Despite giving appropriate responses, the excited voices of those around her didn’t subside, leaving Violet bewildered.

“Until now, art has mostly focused on depicting gods! The legend of origins has always been considered the most sacred and beautiful story from a human point of view, and to interpret the actual myth…”

“O-ho. But myths are not just myths. The Sun God descending to this land full of evil and curses, directly bestowing blessings upon the humans…”

“It may be out of fashion these days, but it’s not just popular for nothing.”

Fortunately, they soon began talking amongst themselves, and Violet naturally slipped away from their conversation.

Aldin followed her.

“I heard that you gave a painting to His Imperial Highness…”

Aldin asked quietly, seeming somewhat more subdued compared to when they last met.

Violet looked at him in silence for a moment before smiling.

“Roen likes to do as he pleases.”

“Ah.”

“Does it bother you?”

“…A little.”

“May I ask why?”

Aldin hesitated for a brief moment and then lowered his gaze to the ground. 

Violet, curious as they had yet to make proper eye contact today, persistently observed him.

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