“I’m sorry. Maybe some other time.”

Violet was cold to them.

Wanting to rest alone, yet constantly approached by people. It was as if they were lining up one after another.

They were brave. Considering everyone regarded Violet as the crown prince’s lover and the future empress, they still kept coming.

Was it just youthful innocence driven by pure affection, or was it a desire for power?

If it was the former, it was none of her business. If the latter, she was honestly impressed. Could they really think such ugly thoughts as wanting to become the empress’s paramour someday?

‘Well, none of that matters.’

Violet left ambiguous hints to those who approached her. Thus, her admirers retreated easily, promising themselves a future opportunity.

Of course, Violet had no intention of conversing or dancing with them, even if given the chance.

Perhaps if she had a companion, fewer would approach. As her thoughts flowed strangely, someone of a different sort approached her.

“It’s been a while, Lady Everett.”

“…Ah.”

Though the face was familiar, Violet struggled to recall who she was due to her fatigue.

“I’ll skip the formal greetings. Is that alright?”

“Suit yourself.”

Violet responded arrogantly. Seeing this, the young lady of the Tolofia Countdom chuckled softly again.

“I was worried since I hadn’t heard from you. Have you been well? I received new silk from the eastern nation this time…”

“Continuing this conversation like this will only tire us both, so why don’t you get to the point?”

“……”

Attempts at normal socializing were futile in front of Violet. At her decisive attitude, Lady Tolofia’s smile faded from her face.

“What makes you so proud?”

“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard that…”

“What makes you so haughty, standing alone in your nobility?”

When asked to get to the point, Lady Tolofia did not hesitate to show her true colors. This seemed to be her main point.

Violet was too tired to respond to that question. If she had a bit more energy left, she might have given a proper answer, but today that question seemed laughable and absurd.

Contrary to the other lady’s expectations, her life was always intensely lived. Not only for Violet, but everyone’s life must be like that.

Lady Tolofia did not know this fact, and she bit her lip and continued speaking. Though her tone was soft, her words were filled with spite.

“Being born as noblewomen, our ideals are the same. We want to marry the man with the highest status and thus become the most noble woman. My mother lived like that, and my friends will live like that. And my daughters will live like that too.”

Living that way is only natural for noblewomen. That’s what Lady Tolofia said.

If that life is natural, then just live it. Without questioning, just live that way.

But she posed a question to Violet.

“Everyone lives like that, so why do you act so independently?”

Knowing the emotion in her eyes, Violet smiled. When they first met, Lady Tolofia had eyes like a doll, but now she finally looked human.

“I’ll ask the opposite. If you don’t live that way, will something terrible happen?”

“What? What are you saying…?”

“If you don’t live as a demure and beautiful woman, as someone’s accessory, will you suddenly die?”

Die, you say. Even if you don’t die, your ‘reputation’ will. Lady Tolofia was about to respond like that, but soon realized who she was talking to and bit her lip.

Such a response was useless to Violet, who lived freely despite any damage to her reputation.

“Baron Celettia inherited her father’s title herself.”

“But it’s just a mere baron’s title!”

A woman can inherit a family title too. It’s just a rare occurrence.

Only when there are no sons or suitable relatives to adopt.

But Violet questioned Lady Tolofia, who considered that an exception. Why do you think so?

“Is your life all about reputation?”

“What does that…”

Will you die if you don’t maintain your reputation? Violet asked, and Lady Tolofia fell silent. She had lived for her reputation and would continue to live for it. Her life was the exact opposite of Violet’s.

Violet understood the hidden meaning in her silence.

“Are you merely a being who stakes your life on reputation?”

“……”

Isn’t that quite futile?

Violet smiled.

She did not answer. More precisely, she couldn’t.

Knowing that answering would make her feel insignificant.

Lady Tolofia trembled, unable to acknowledge even that insignificance.