Though experts, they seemed closer to critics than artists who painted, showing a lot of curiosity towards Violet.

From the exhibition schedule to what words encourage an artist the most, what discourages them, how the current art world appears from a new artist’s perspective, and when inspiration strikes, etcetera.

The hierarchy between the patrons and the patronized meant they poured questions onto Violet that they couldn’t ask directly to the artists they sponsored.

She had to answer, always prefacing with ‘Not everyone may feel the same as I do.’

Initially uncomfortable with their interest, Violet gradually found herself immersed in conversation. There was a lot to be gained.

Even she, who had thought it impossible to forget the presence of someone right next to her due to being engrossed in conversation, found herself doing the same.

“There are many admirable people here.”

“Hoho, as expected, you really know your stuff, Ducal Lady Everett.”

After much talking, they realized quite some time had passed.

Only then did she remember that she had forgotten something. And that the person she had forgotten was somewhere sweating profusely in discomfort.

“It was a beautiful session, but it’s a pity what happened.”

“This is why one shouldn’t recklessly clip wings.”

Aldin was caught up with people who adored theater and opera. With limited social skills, he was seen responding bluntly and brusquely, enduring their company.

Despite clearly being uncomfortable, those holding him didn’t seem to care.

“Just a moment, my company is over there.”

“Company? Hmm.”

“Ah, that Aesir’s…”

As Violet excused herself to go to him, a mixed group of gazes gathered on Aldin. These gazes were different from the pity often shown towards ‘the illegitimate child of a prestigious ducal family’.

Pity for a crushed passion, a child left behind, and despite it all, admiration for blossoming talent.

“I suppose I can understand why they act that way.”

“Huu, she was a truly talented person. What a shame.”

The same topic casually made its way through the art gathering. Violet astutely picked up on their conversation.

It must be about Aldin’s mother.

Given the talk of her beauty, she might have been a famous actress or opera singer.

Deciding to keep out of other people’s painful family affairs, Violet stepped lightly away.

“Sir Aldin—”

“……!”

Startled by Violet’s call, Aldin jerked his head up. There was no significant change in his expression, but considering his usual demeanor, it was as if he had seen a savior.

“What are you doing here?”

“…Talking to some people who knew my mother, for a moment.”

Half out of his wits, his face flushed red as he rambled. Violet burst into laughter seeing Aldin like that.

“It seems I’ve been imposed on your company.”

“Oh, you are…”

The arrival of a new figure piqued some people’s curiosity.

It wasn’t just because she was a new face. Not even a leading primadonna could garner such an atmosphere.

“Haha, it’s an honor to meet someone famous.”

Greetings followed again. It had been quite a while since the gathering started, and now to have a first greeting, it certainly was not an ordinary meeting.

“The two of you standing together make a beautiful picture.”

“That’s right. The two of you together. Hmm…”

There was even a playwright among them. It seemed they got some inspiration from seeing Violet and Aldin stand side by side.

“…Oh, yes, this will be my next masterpiece!”

Although it wasn’t illegal for nobles to earn money from artistic endeavors, and Violet herself was a painter, it still felt odd.

Violet had only planned to pull Aldin away, but she now found herself caught up in this new predicament. Then, she had to listen to a lengthy discourse on the power of a ‘story’, the euphoric allure of assigning roles, and how magnificent it was for those taking on these roles to elevate them into an art form.

Thanks to being among enthusiasts who loved their own field, once the conversation started, it was hard to stop.

“Make sure to see ‘The Crimson Tragedy’, the most famous play recently. Ah, such a beautiful ending…”

“How is that a beautiful ending! It’s a tragic ending. How could such a thing happen to the two of them…”

The conversation cleverly danced around the plot without directly mentioning the ending.

In actuality, ‘The Crimson Tragedy’ was the play that Aldin had managed to secure tickets for, so right now, he was anxious about possibly hearing major spoilers. On the other hand, Violet remained indifferent.

“Ah, talking to the same people every day gets boring. If only there were some new opinions…”

“Goodness, what are you saying!”

It was clear they wanted to promote their own field. Violet smiled and responded appropriately.

“I’ll make sure to watch it if I have the time.”

It was a noncommittal answer, but the ladies and gentlemen were satisfied with even that level of engagement. Moreover, hearing her say this made Aldin even more delighted to have secured the tickets.

Suddenly, Aldin’s eyes widened in happiness, and without thinking, Violet gently stroked his head.

Really, you’re just like a puppy.

Seeing this, someone exclaimed,

“Inspiration! Inspiration is coming…!”

Startled, Violet withdrew her hand.