If that happens, it would indeed be an interesting spectacle.

In truth, she was already done researching about how and where she could seek asylum, so there were no worries even if problems arose.

Violet laughed at the thought, carefree. Mary, unaware of what Violet was thinking, laughed along with her.

‘She seems to be in a good mood today.’

However, her mood soon soured.

She worried about what mischief Rajaden might be up to today, especially since an unexpected figure had made his entrance.

“…It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Haha, please be at ease. Just be comfortable.”

How should one greet a prince from another country?

In terms of status, wasn’t a duke of the empire and a king of a foreign nation somewhat of similar standing? Then, who holds the higher position here?

Violet’s mind raced, whether Vaughn knew this or not, he just kept smiling.

“I apologize for inviting an uninvited guest, Ducal Lady.”

Rajaden did not hide his displeasure.

Was the Liran prince planning to stay until a real war broke out? He seemed to be enjoying life in the imperial palace quite casually.

His radius of activity might have been somewhat limited, yet he seemed happy enough.

Rajaden, whose private time with Violet had been stolen, did not bother to hide his displeasure and crossed his arms, clearly annoyed.

“What brings you here?” Violet asked.

Meaning, ‘Why don’t you just leave already?’

“I heard that Your Ladyship would be painting today, so I thought I might observe—if that’s alright with you.”

Vaughn answered with a smile.

Meaning, ‘I intend to stay put until I’ve seen everything.’

“I see.”

If words could make him leave, he would have left the imperial palace long ago.

Having finished assessing Vaughn’s personality, Violet tidied up her easel.

Rajaden was expecting Violet to say something more to drive away the unwelcome guest, but when the opposite happened, he could only watch the two people in front of him with dumbfounded eyes.

“You use quite unusual paints.”

“I’ve especially commissioned these from an alchemist. If you’re interested, I could share some with you.”

“Haha, what would I do with paint? But thanks for the thought.”

They even exchanged an idle chat calmly.

They seemed to get along quite well.

Green with jealousy, Rajaden growled in a much lower voice.

“You’re being disruptive. I would appreciate it if you would leave.”

Sketching now, Violet did not hide her incredulous expression.

Who was it that most disrupted her when she was painting the princess’s portrait?

“Am I being disruptive, Your Ladyship?”

“As long as you don’t block my view directly, it should be fine.”

“So it is.”

Vaughn asked innocently, and Violet responded.

Rajaden’s expression crumpled even more.

Being alone with Rajaden was uncomfortable enough—adding another unwelcome guest here made no difference.

Violet relaxed her mind and focused on her sketch.

“I’ve heard that your paintings are as if made in a pact with a demon. They seem ordinary so far.”

“Yes, well…”

Her attempt to empty her mind failed.

Vaughn talked a lot.

‘He’s just like Roen.’

Rather than purely pursuing gains, he was driven by interest. Violet reassessed her opinion of Vaughn and tried to empty her mind again.

Rajaden grumbled, but Vaughn smoothed it over with laughter.

It must not be forgotten that this was the man who had brought Aileen back to the empire.

Snap!

The moment Violet’s thoughts reached this fact, the lead of her long pencil snapped.

Startled, Rajaden called out.

“Ducal Lady?”

“I apologize. I applied too much pressure.”

Violet calmly responded as she replaced her pencil.

Noticing the brief flash of anger on her face, Rajaden felt inexplicably intimidated.

‘What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?’

Regardless, Violet just continued sketching.

“Did I interrupt you?”

“Frankly, you’re distracting me.”

“Haha, thinking of meeting the beautiful ducal lady again made me so excited that I couldn’t sleep, which led me to chatter. I will restrain myself from now on.”

“I would prefer it if you went elsewhere.”

“I’ve already visited everywhere I can. Wow, I knew the imperial palace was large, but I didn’t realize it was this vast.”

“I heard you brought someone with you. Why not go around with her?”

“That child seemed to have her own interests. It’s not good to meddle in others’ affairs, right? And isn’t she your sister, Ducal Lady?”

It was terribly annoying how he never conceded a single point.

His feigned nonchalance was also infuriating.

While watching Vaughn and Violet converse, Rajaden blurted out,

“It seems like you’re treating me as if I don’t exist.”

“Why would you think that, Your Highness? Ah, please look up a little.”

“……”

Violet’s response was mechanical.

The foreign prince, having no intention of making the empire’s crown prince see him in a favorable light, laughed out loud at Rajaden’s dumbfounded expression.

That refreshing laughter somehow felt gratingly obnoxious.