Those who wanted even a chance to speak to the crown prince simultaneously watched the three with interest.

If only Roen were here to mediate this situation, the spectacle would be complete, however he wasn’t present at the banquet hall.

Violet did not feel the need to avoid the scene, and she continued to ponder. What was Rajaden’s hidden agenda here?

No matter what he was thinking, unless he spoke up, it was impossible to know.

Violet decided to let this situation pass.

…Until the right moment came.

And on the third day of the banquet, as the atmosphere reached its peak, Rajaden finally spoke up.

“I have something I want to tell you.”

His expression was quite solemn as he spoke. Violet looked at the man who whispered that his love was true whilst hiding his inner thoughts.

“Is that so.”

“There is a garden behind the banquet hall. Could you come there when the orchestra’s third piece ends?”

Rajaden looked quite disappointed at Violet’s indifferent reaction.

Violet guessed his feelings but just smiled.

“Alright, I’ll follow after you.”

Perhaps the answer was already clear. Both of them knew it. However, no perceptive conversation followed.

A promise to meet. Only that simple promise was exchanged.

* * *

Darkness settled gently. The stars shone brightly in the absence of a bright moon. The garden, without additional lights, boasted its elegance under the spread of the galaxy above.

Violet knew this place. She also understood the meaning behind Rajaden calling her here. Yet, she said nothing.

Not until he spoke first, not until the moment of certainty arrived. One defining moment must come first.

Arriving much earlier despite asking her to come when the third piece ended, Rajaden smiled at Violet. Violet looked indifferently at the hand he extended.

When Violet did not take his hand, Rajaden awkwardly withdrew it and spoke.

“This garden is only open to the imperial family. It’s originally a place one shouldn’t enter carelessly.”

“Is that why you invited me here?”

“From your reaction, it seems you already knew.”

“I was called here, so I had no choice but to come to avoid any such discourtesy, Your Highness.”

It meant she came despite knowing. Rajaden suppressed a smile at her words and began to say what he intended.

“I thought a lot about what to say, but I guess being honest is the best way to go.”

“……”

A garden allowed only to the imperial family. The people who could enter this garden were limited.

Violet looked at Rajaden’s actions with indifferent eyes. Her gaze naturally lowered. She watched as he knelt on one knee and kissed the back of her hand.

“I swear to look only at you for the rest of my life.”

His voice was reverent.

“I will grant you anything you wish for.”

Desperate.

“I will give you the noblest and highest position in this country.”

And sweet.

“Please, accept my true heart.”

The sudden confession under the starry night was somewhat pitiful but beautiful.

His shining hair under the sparkling light, and eyes filled with both sweetness and desperation.

A man who could have everything in the world looked pitiful as he clung to one woman.

Begging for her love, asking her to be his bride.

“……”

But Violet was not moved.

No, saying she was not moved would be a lie. However, her expression betrayed no reciprocity.

The man’s expression was earnest, while Violet’s was calm. Knowing that she rarely showed much change in expression, Rajaden tried even harder to hide his own emotions.

Eventually, Violet responded.

“If you promise to grant me anything I wish for…”

“If it’s what you desire, anything.”

His response was resolute. Violet repeatedly pondered the meaning behind the words of the man standing in the position of the sun.

She wondered if he truly understood the meaning of his words.

“Then, can Your Highness give up the position of Crown Prince for me?”

Her question was so cruel.

“What… did you just say?”

Rajaden, bewildered, responded a beat late. However, Violet’s tone and expression remained as calm as ever.

“Your Highness, do you love me?”

“……”

Violet slowly knelt down, following Rajaden. Her dress got dirty from the grass, but she didn’t care.

She slowly knelt, looking directly at the man in front of her, and removed the ring.

“If you are willing to give up the position of Emperor for love between us to prosper, I will gladly accept your proposal.”