Violet’s eyes fluttered in astonishment.

This is what happens when a clueless person acts so boldly.

Moreover, Alesia remembered exactly what Violet said that day, word for word.

As Alesia’s eyes seemed to seek validation, Violet inadvertently stroked the other girl’s head.

“Ducal Lady Violet?”

“Ah, sorry. It’s a habit.”

“…It’s okay.”

Violet, startled, quickly withdrew her hand as Alesia’s ears turned red.

“Uh, um. You did well… But try a different approach next time.”

“Why?”

“If you keep talking like that, you’ll become the next target.”

“I don’t care. Such gossip isn’t new, and I can’t ignore the situation in front of me just because I’m afraid of what they’ll say about me. Ah, but I always think about whether my actions and words are right.”

Alesia added hastily.

Violet burst out laughing at that.

She had been concerned all along. Truly a righteous person.

There should indeed be such people in the world.

With the comforting thought that she had made a good friend, Violet laughed again.

Alesia hastily averted her gaze at Violet’s genuinely heartfelt smile.

Of course, Violet would not have stayed silent in such a situation either.

She would have boldly played the villainess, pouring tea on the instigator’s face and asking, ‘Is this fun?’

All the while crushing their self-esteem and sanity with just her words.

Underestimating herself, Violet was internally clapping and pleased that her newly made friend was so righteous.

However, she still advised Alesia not to step forward recklessly, but Alesia’s will was strong.

Since then, she’s been outright rejecting most invitations, but she said she would speak up without hesitation if such a situation arose again.

Violet thought she would check Alesia’s reputation once she returned.

She didn’t care about her own bad reputation, but she disliked hearing her friend spoken ill of.

They went on to have a more pleasant chat while enjoying some tasty treats, and Violet also encouraged Alesia to model for a sketch.

Then, Alesia suddenly brought up a topic.

“There’s a rumor going around that Margrave Blaise has come to the capital. Do you know anything about it?”

“What? Margrave Blaise?”

“Hmm. If you are not aware, it must be just a rumor…”

The news from her maternal home, known as the guardians of the borders, instantly hardened Violet’s expression.

If even the socially oblivious and secluded Alesia knew about it, it meant the news was quite widespread.

But why was this the first time she was hearing of it? Violet became visibly upset.

Unaware of Violet’s feelings, Alesia cheerfully offered her snacks.

* * *

The first thing Violet did when she got home after ending her peaceful day was to confront Roen.

“Tell me. Now.”

“W-What?”

“Everything you’re hiding.”

“Um, Violet?”

Roen, mentally exhausted from dealing with many concerns, froze upon as his younger sister—emanating a dark aura—started confronting him at home.

Being asked to reveal everything he was hiding was too much… He didn’t even know where to begin.

It took a while before he realized what Violet was talking about. Almost spilling trivial gossip, Roen sighed softly and explained the situation.

“I only found out today too. It’s true that Margrave Blaise is staying in the capital, but this is confidential information.”

“Why is that?”

“Who benefits if the Margrave is away from his post?”

“……”

Any unguarded border was ripe for an attack. It made sense to keep it confidential.

Nonetheless, something didn’t sit right with Violet, and her brow furrowed.

Roen smiled tiredly, trying to hide his fatigue.

“…You’re not hiding anything else, are you?”

“Huh? Oh. Haha, there wouldn’t be anything like that.”

Roen’s response was too natural, almost unnaturally so. Violet’s eyes narrowed.

“Margrave Blaise will be returning soon. Before that, it seems he’ll only call us… You, me, and Cairn.”

“Is that so?”

“It seems the cousins will stay in the capital for a while once the Margrave returns and makes the announcement… Violet?”

“I’m listening.”

“You look tired?”

“The same goes for you.”

“Are you worried about me?”

“…You think we’re friends?”

“Violet?”

“Whatever.”

It was often said, ‘When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas,’ and Roen had a knack for resembling Rajaden in peculiar ways.

For example, trying to elicit sympathy by playing the victim.

Roen, younger but more adept at hiding his expressions than most, now wore a dejected look.

Knowing even that expression was an act, Violet clicked her tongue. She warned him in a low voice.

“I only hope you’re not hiding anything I need to know about.”

“…Of course.”

After a brief pause in response to Violet’s question, Roen gave her a refreshing smile. Go up and rest if you’re tired. Violet did not decline.

‘Hiding something’ and ‘hiding something you need to know’ were two different matters.

Well aware of Aileen’s behavior, Roen sighed as he roughly swept a hand over his face.

Did it really have to come to this?