Once again, the stage for conversation opened.

Regardless, Violet’s interest lay more in paintings than theater. She was gradually looking for an excuse to slip away.

Just then, Count Larsen, the host and a figure with extensive connections in the art world, announced loudly,

“Let’s move on, shall we? It’s about time we changed the scenery!”

It wasn’t a call to end the party but to relocate. People stood up and elegantly walked somewhere else as if it was the most natural thing to do. Their steps were familiar.

“……?”

“Come along, Ducal Lady Everett. Sir Aldin, who came with the lady, let’s go together as well!”

Being a gathering of experts each renowned in their field, the choice of restaurant was also exceptional.

There, deep and extensive discussions about cuisine ensued, almost to the point of bleeding ears. Of course, a gentle smile never left Violet’s face.

Thus, Violet ended up dining in a restaurant booked entirely for the occasion.

The fact that Aldin and Violet got separated again was just an added twist.

The eagerness not to miss out on famous figures from their respective fields was indeed remarkable.

Surrounded by proactive middle-agers, by the time the conversation ended, the sun had set, and stars began to twinkle.

It was almost time to apologize to the waiting knights for the delay.

Violet gazed emptily at the night sky. The stars sparkled brightly.

Stepping out of the banquet hall with Aldin, Violet sighed and said,

“I didn’t realize it would get so late.”

“I will ensure your safety.”

“That’s not what I mean… Did you have a good time today?”

“…It was alright.”

His expression said otherwise, but Violet laughed, looking at him.

“They were interesting people, weren’t they?”

“Aren’t they good people?”

“Hmm. That needs a bit more thought.”

A light-hearted joke was exchanged. The knights guarding Violet still kept a respectful distance, allowing their conversation to be more private.

It was a good opportunity to talk, just the two of them.

Aldin finally took his chance to break the silence.

“…Ducal Lady, um.”

“Sir Aldin—”

However, they ended up speaking at the same time, interrupting each other. At this impeccable timing, they looked at each other.

Suddenly, Violet burst into laughter.

“You go first.”

“…It’s fine.”

“I was going to ask if you had something you wanted to say to me.”

Violet spoke as if amused, causing Aldin to exhale slowly, almost like a sigh.

“Are you interested in theater?”

“Theater?”

“The play mentioned earlier—’The Crimson Tragedy’. It’s the most famous play currently.”

“Ah, there’s been a lot of talk about it. Hmm.”

Having heard quite a bit about it already, Violet pondered briefly.

Her deliberation lasted only a few seconds, but in that time, an anxious Aldin discreetly rolled his eyes.

“I’m not particularly interested in it. Their stories about it were fascinating, though.”

“Is that so…”

Aldin’s face fell at Violet’s thoughtful reply.

He was so taken aback that he even stammered. When Violet looked at him curiously, he quickly averted his gaze.

“Sir?”

“…It’s nothing.”

“Was your question about the play?”

“……”

“Sir Aldin~?”

“Yes.”

The more Violet spoke, the redder Aldin’s ears became. He seemed like someone fun to tease. Violet thought. Maybe she should tease him a bit more.

“Was the thing you wanted to talk about the play?”

“……”

Aldin appeared to resort to silence when cornered.

The silence, layered over his stoic image, made him seem aloof, but Violet quickly figured him out.

“I think I’m starting to become a bit interested…”

“…You are?”

“Yes, about the play. Since I’ve been told many times that it’s interesting, I’ve become curious about it too.”

Upon hearing Violet’s words, Aldin’s face lit up with excitement. Though his expression hardly changed, his demeanor visibly brightened.

He looked so much like an eager puppy that Violet had to struggle to keep her laughter in check.

“But I heard that tickets are hard to come by…”

“Well… I happen to have a ticket for this time, would you like to join me if you’re available?”

“You managed to get tickets?”

“My sister helped me get a couple… but you can comfortably refuse if you’re tired.”

Despite his brave words, he looked like he would sulk like a disappointed puppy if she declined.

Violet almost played a joke by pretending to refuse but then decided against it.

“That sounds great. When is it?”

“…Ah!”

He had managed to secure a ticket but had not even checked the date, which was quite careless.

After all, Violet would have been fine with any date, intending not to refuse unless it clashed with a schedule involving the crown prince…

Of course, she could always postpone or decline the crown prince’s engagements.

“Well, um…”

He was awkward in so many ways, especially inept at leading conversations and managing relationships.

“Any day is fine, so please pick a date at your convenience.”

“…Yes.”

Even in the darkness, his face glowed a distinct red, making the streets under the stars and moonlight seem all the more romantic.

The empty streets might have felt desolate to some, but the atmosphere was distinctly different for them.

At this point, it was impossible not to notice.

Ah, this person likes me.

Violet looked at Aldin and smiled, thinking to herself that this wasn’t bad at all, truly not bad.