“I’d like to talk about something other than the portrait.”

“What would you like to discuss, Your Highness?”

There really wasn’t anything else for them to talk about.

If it wasn’t about the portrait, they had no other connection.

He was a friend of Roen, but that was Roen’s connection, not Violet’s.

But Violet held back on voicing these harsh thoughts. With her work finished here, she really just wanted to leave now.

This was the princess’s palace. She thought it would be better to at least change locations.

Unaware of Violet’s thoughts, Rajaden said,

“The National Foundation Festival is coming up soon.”

“I would have to decline.”

Rajaden, not having even broached the main topic yet, looked incredulous at the swift rejection.

Regardless, Violet prepared to leave.

“I haven’t even mentioned the main point yet.”

“If Your Highness is asking me to attend the Foundation Festival as your partner, I refuse.”

“……”

It was a sharp rejection. Rajaden quickly spoke in desperation,

“Before that! Wouldn’t you join me at the temple to pray for the festival to proceed smoothly? Just spare me one day.”

“……”

Violet’s eyes narrowed.

Rajaden gave a desperate yet bitter smile.

It was an attempt to exploit a vulnerability.

Violet sighed. There was still plenty of time until the festival.

So, the day to go to the temple for prayers was still quite far off in the future. Yet, accepting felt uncomfortable.

First of all, the idea of a man and woman going alone to pray at the temple was a problem in itself.

“I don’t understand why Your Highness is doing this to me.”

“Do you really not know?”

“……”

Violet spoke suspiciously, and the answer came quickly. Her gaze naturally drifted towards his golden eyes.

“Your Highness, I…”

“Never mind, I don’t want to hear the answer now.”

Before she could speak further, the crown prince cut her off.

Violet’s brows slightly furrowed.

“You’re taking this too far.”

“Do you think this is just a joke?”

“There is no other conclusion to draw.”

“Well, if that’s what you say, then this is my karma.”

Karma was indeed karma. If he had been more cautious with his actions or words, their relationship might have gone smoother.

The consequences of arrogance were cruel.

Violet’s eyes narrowed again. She still suspected that the crown prince was merely pretending to be sincere in his attempts to woo her.

“Rather, please speak your true intentions. It would be simpler than uttering cryptic words.”

“Then, as you always would, I will only hear words of refusal from Your Ladyship. No matter what I say, you plan to refuse, don’t you?”

“You already know this, yet you continue to persist?”

“Yes. If there wasn’t a reason for me to do this, I wouldn’t be clinging desperately like this.”

“Clinging?”

“Yes. One must confront and resolve past mistakes.”

Rajaden’s eyes softened.

Talking about past mistakes, he still appeared arrogant.

“So, I hope that Your Ladyship will stop testing my sincerity.”

I’m not foolish enough to confess to you here and now. The words he couldn’t voice were bitterly swallowed.

Violet’s eyes naturally looked down. If this was a ploy to pique her interest and make her nervous, he had succeeded.

She suppressed the considerable irritation surging within her.

“So, I would like to ask again. Will you accompany me to the temple?”

The crown prince knelt down. He did it so naturally, as if he were a knight presenting himself before his lady.

His gesture of asking for Violet’s hand was so careful that anyone watching might misconstrue it as courtship.

In reality, it was his sincere attempt at courting her, but Violet remained untouched by his sincerity.

He kneeled, beseeching, and kissed the back of her hand.

The ensuing gesture was truly like something out of a painting.

Even though it was a situation straight out of a romance novel, Violet’s expression did not change.

Rajaden chuckled as if he had anticipated this.

“Why is that?”

“What do you mean?”

“You have no reason to be so persistent with me. If you truly desire me, you could formally submit a proposal. No matter the power and influence a ducal household may have, we cannot ignore a proposal from the imperial family.”

“Yes, that’s true. Then you would accept the formal engagement for now, then look for an opportune moment to break it off or flee abroad. Others would have to deal with the aftermath.”

“…That is mere conjecture.”

“Yet, your face looks like I’ve hit the nail on the head.”

Still wearing a soft smile, Rajaden got up and dusted himself off. Violet slightly furrowed her brow as she watched him.

“Then I’ll take that as your consent.”

Though she never answered, Rajaden smiled mischievously and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear with a careful touch, contrary to his expression.

Violet did not swat his hand away.

“You mean to say you won’t allow my refusal.”

“Of course not. If I truly wish for it, what couldn’t I do?”

“Then please look elsewhere. There are many who desire you and fit the type you seek.”

“Yes. If I look, there might be one such person like that.”

“……”

“But what can I do? My heart has already been stolen.”

Stolen, but it has yet to be taken.