A drastic solution popped out of Violet’s mouth.

Knowing the crown prince’s character as a close friend, Roen was not inclined to believe the rumors that he had fallen for Lady Everett.

But if such words came from Violet, there had to be more to the story.

“What if that guy forcibly touches you?”

“Surely, the Empire’s Crown Prince wouldn’t stoop so low.”

“Then why…”

“He made a confession, or rather, something like one. I thought it was a joke, but it didn’t seem like one.”

“……”

As Violet said this, Roen froze up.

He felt as if he had been thrown into a vast universe.

“A confession? Rajaden? To you?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of confession? Perhaps he planted spies in Everett or confessed about state secrets…”

“He said he likes me. Though he didn’t say it directly.”

“He’s pretending to like you to use you, isn’t he?”

“I thought so too, but he seemed entirely sincere. So, I might as well consider seeking asylum abroad.”

Roen’s expression turned serious.

Though he acts foolishly, Roen has a naturally cunning nature. He liked to control everything and place it in his own hands.

He wouldn’t enjoy this situation going against his wishes.

Knowing this, Violet sighed softly.

“I’d appreciate it if you refrained from any strange behavior.”

“What kind of strange behavior?”

“Just take it easy. I’ll look for a country to flee to on my own.”

A deep sigh was heavy in her voice, and Roen, understanding its meaning, just smiled.

Since the other side was the crown prince, doing nothing this time would just be helping him.

Knowing Violet’s worries, Roen pondered briefly while resting his chin in his hand.

Ducal Lady Everett of House Everett had no intention of managing the rumors, so he had to take care of the circulating rumors himself.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

Violet stood up to leave, and Roen did not try to stop her.

He had been avoiding actions that would earn him further enmity, but his nature hadn’t changed.

A bitter smile played on Roen’s lips.

He had all the information and movements of Aileen at his fingertips. If Violet wanted, or even if she didn’t, he had plenty of opportunities to secretly deal with the matter.

Yet, he had taken no action because was uneasy about it.

Aileen was a cousin he had cared for in his own way, Mikhail was the older brother he somewhat respected, and Cairn was his foolish younger sibling who was endearing.

And Violet was…

‘How did it come to this?’

Nothing had gone his way from the start.

But still, there must have been a time when they had been happy.

When had that been?

Roen covered his face with his palm and sighed softly.

What could he do? He deserved this.

Given how things had turned out, all he could do was curse his past self and try to atone and fix the present.

* * *

Violet had no interest in rumors, but Mary was different.

She had keenly felt what stories were circulating in the social circles over several days.

Mary’s storytelling skills had improved day by day.

“Recently, I heard that the daughter of Count Tolofia and the younger Lady Everett have become quite close. Lady Tolofia even gifted Lady Aileen various accessories…”

“So it seems.”

Despite Violet’s indifferent response, Mary chattered excitedly.

As she was getting her hair done, Violet thought,

It’s surprising that such likely xenophobes have become friends.

Mary deliberately avoided discussing rumors about Violet.

For instance, the malicious rumors that had spread because people assumed Violet had solidified her position as the crown princess.

And that Aileen and Lady Tolofia had formed a temporary alliance to enact a scheme to break off Violet’s supposed engagement with the crown prince.

The idea that Violet had become a public enemy number one in the social circles, too.

Etcetera, etcetera.

Violet yawned languidly. She wasn’t even interested in the marriage market, let alone being high society’s public enemy.

Not a single engagement proposal even been exchanged between the households, so how could she and the crown prince have secretly gotten engaged?

Mary was cautious with her words, but Violet could roughly guess the contents of the rumors.

‘Aileen’s aim is to keep me in check, and Lady Tolofia aims to become the crown princess herself. Their interests are aligned.’

And given Aileen’s nature, she would likely approach the crown prince soon.

Predicting the future, Violet faintly smiled.