There were several falsehoods mixed into the news of Aileen collapsing after ingesting poison.

And given the recent complicated relationship between Violet and the crown prince, the rumors quickly became vulgar.

Naturally, the person who was accused of the crime was Violet.

Roen, delivering this news, looked like he wanted to bite his tongue, but Violet was surprisingly calm as she listened.

“The situation has become complicated. Violet, there’s a witness claiming you’re the culprit, so it seems a trial will be held.”

“It must be a false witness.”

Roen let out a small sigh. She hadn’t even had much contact with Aileen recently, so how had things become so entangled?

The rumors generally went like this: Ducal Lady Violet had aimed for the position of Crown Princess, but Aileen had interfered. The crown prince had supposedly fallen deeply for Aileen Everett, and out of jealousy, Violet had lost her mind.

That’s the reason behind why she had “hired someone to poison Aileen”.

The rumors, on the surface, seemed plausible. Although fabricated evidence could be refuted, the problem was that people weren’t interested in the truth—they wanted something entertaining to chew on.

And to top it off, all of this was happening right before her exhibition.

Roen ran a hand over his face and spoke in a despairing voice.

“…I’m sorry, but for now, please stay at home and do nothing.”

“Are you suspecting me?”

“……”

Roen didn’t respond to Violet’s question. He was simply astonished at how all of this had unfolded in just one day.

Looking at Violet, who asked if he doubted her, Roen gave a bitter smile.

“How could I possibly suspect you?”

It was an answer tinged with regret. Violet considered guessing his feelings but decided against it.

“I’ll remain in confinement.”

“It’s for your protection.”

“I understand.”

“The rumors have become extremely vile. It’s no longer just gossip in high society—the commoners in the streets are all talking about you now… There’s no way these rumors could have spread this fast unless someone was deliberately spreading them.”

Roen muttered ominously. The more he spoke, the more his words seemed like a monologue.

“It seems they needed a public enemy.”

Violet responded nonchalantly. It was easy to spread rumors using agitators. People always cheered for someone’s downfall.

Turning someone into a public enemy and fostering unity through it—it was a childish tactic, but in times of fear, like the current situation with the looming war, it was effective.

“……”

“I’m not worried.”

“Not worried? How can you say that?”

“I’m truly innocent. And I trust that you’ve already gathered the necessary evidence.”

“…Do you trust me?”

“I see no reason not to.”

At Violet’s words, Roen smiled faintly. As she had assumed, Roen had already gathered evidence to refute the rumors.

Rumors could easily be turned back around with a counter-narrative.

Aileen’s schemes had become more cunning, but there were still plenty of gaps to exploit. The problem was the stigma that would be placed on Violet just by having the trial.

‘It would be best if I could settle this before the trial even takes place…’

Frowning, Roen handed over the documents he had collected to Violet. She let out a quiet sigh.

“I’ll try to resolve it before the trial.”

“…It’s frustrating that I can’t do anything to help.”

“Don’t worry. Even if there’s a trial, it won’t be a problem.”

If it came to that, he was ready to bribe the judges. Violet smiled again as she watched him.

* * *

Violet was accustomed to being confined. She didn’t find it particularly sad. In fact, being alone in her room made it easier for her to sort out her thoughts and clear her mind.

“……”

But Mary was different. She looked upset, almost on the verge of tears.

“Why are you making that face?”

“It’s upsetting.”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m not! This happened before, too… I hate it. I hate how you’re being treated, Milady, and I hate the baseless accusations…”

As she set down the tea and snacks that she brought, Mary trailed off, her face contorted with emotion. Violet smiled at the sight.

Unlike Violet, who remained in her room, Mary had likely been hearing the slander about her lady wherever she went. It seemed she had been deeply troubled by the raw, unfiltered remarks she overheard.

Even while attending to Violet, Mary had an expression as if she might cry at any moment.

“I’m truly fine.”

“…But Milady, you didn’t do anything wrong and yet they’re all blaming you. Just like in the past.”

“Is that so?”

“It is! Everyone just talks carelessly just because it’s not their problem…”

“I see.”

Violet listened quietly to Mary’s words. Though Mary left out the more unpleasant things she’d heard, she couldn’t hide her frustration.

Surprisingly, Violet found herself in a good mood, rather than upset by Mary’s words. Was there anyone else who cared about her this much?

After listening to Mary for a while, Violet put down the documents she had been reviewing and looked at her.

“The fact that my exhibition has been delayed is a problem, though.”

At this, Mary’s face scrunched up.

“Milady…”

“If I hold the exhibition now, people will probably throw eggs at my paintings, won’t they?”

“……”

Seeing Mary finally shed the tears she had been holding back, Violet laughed.

Violet suddenly recalled her first meeting with Mary. This small girl had feared her yet hadn’t backed down. After opening her heart to Violet, she had always been her staunch supporter.

Perhaps it was because of this that Violet wasn’t afraid of the criticism directed at her. As long as this small girl remained on her side, nothing else mattered.

“Things will get better.”

“Really?”

“Of course. And if they don’t, I’ll make it better.”

Glancing again at the documents Roen had given her, Violet smiled.