The exhibition had not officially opened yet. There was no way an outsider could have entered so freely.

Yet, the person who appeared before her was someone Violet knew very well.

“The exhibition hasn’t officially opened yet. How did you get in?”

“I-Is that so? I just…”

“I know. Today is the date on your invitation.”

The invitation sent to Aldin had deliberately listed today’s date, not the official opening day of the exhibition, which was tomorrow. She had intentionally set a different date to have some time alone with him.

Unaware that he had been tricked, Aldin lowered his head, clearly embarrassed. Imagining what kind of expression he must be making, Violet chuckled softly.

“You were invited today. Don’t worry. Go ahead and take a look. There’s no one else here, so wouldn’t it be more comfortable?”

“…Yes, if it is as Your Ladyship says.”

“You really are too naive, aren’t you…?”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, nothing. Why are you so flustered?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

After that, they exchanged some light conversation, though it was mostly Violet teasing Aldin.

Aldin, despite everything, was a sincere man.

Even though the paintings were unfamiliar and strange, he examined them with the kind of focus one might give to a once-in-a-lifetime view.

Moreover, the painting he was looking at was the very first one Violet had ever painted.

It wasn’t an attempt to depict anything specific—just random splashes of color. A painting that hadn’t even been given a name, simply left as ‘Untitled’, and with no clear shape or meaning to linger on.

Curious about Aldin’s reaction, Violet asked,

“What do you think of it?”

“…I think it’s beautiful and impressive.”

“I didn’t paint anything at all, though.”

“Perhaps that’s why. You expressed everything by painting nothing.”

“I see.”

Aldin averted his eyes from Violet’s. The conversation trailed off.

Suddenly, Violet realized that this was their first meeting in quite some time.

Was the last time at the founding festival? They hadn’t even been able to finish their conversation properly because of Cairn’s interruption, and then Violet had been placed under house arrest due to Aileen’s poisoning incident.

She hadn’t engaged in any public activities since then, so it was bound to feel like a long time.

In a way, it was rather heartless.

“Have you thought about me at all until now?”

“Pardon?”

Aldin, startled by the unexpected question, showed signs of flustered confusion. Still, his thoughts were written all over his face, so Violet smiled and asked again.

“You haven’t asked me how I’ve been or what I’ve been up to. Not even once.”

Not even when the prince of a foreign country had visited her twice, while Aldin hadn’t come at all.

Of course, Violet understood his situation. She knew it wasn’t easy for him to move around freely. As a member of the imperial guard under the orders of the emperor and the crown prince, he had to help suppress the rebellion in the capital, so he must have been incredibly busy.

But her feelings were a different matter.

She wondered if he felt the same way she did.

Unaware of the meaning behind her question, Aldin, clearly flustered, raised his voice slightly.

“I-It’s not like that…! Well, I… I just thought you had been through so much lately, and I didn’t want to bring back bad memories…”

That level of concern was almost excessive. In reality, Violet had spent several days stewing over her own troubles, but she had long since put those unpleasant memories behind her.

Still, her voice took on a slightly grumpy tone.

“I’ve been doing just fine. And it seems you’ve been well too.”

“…Yes.”

“I’m surprised you accepted my invitation.”

“I felt I had to come. I apologize for not being able to contact you sooner, but…”

“It’s fine. I know you’ve been busy.”

“……”

For some reason, Aldin fell silent again, as if guilt-ridden. His obvious hesitance made Violet sigh.

“I heard you’re going to war.”

“…You heard?”

“You’re with a knight of the Imperial Guard, so of course you’ll be joining the fight. Do you think you’ll return safely?”

“I’m confident I’ll bring victory as well.”

Despite seeming so timid at times, he could be unexpectedly arrogant. It was a sign of the pride he had in his abilities.

The same age as Cairn. He was still too young to be going to war, and far too delicate to witness the horrors of battle firsthand. And yet, he declared his confidence. He would bring back victory, as if to offer it to Violet.

Looking up at Aldin, Violet let out a small sigh. This conversation wasn’t going to lead to the ending she wanted.

Seeing her sigh, Aldin flinched, freezing when he felt her soft hand reach out to him. Though he could have easily pulled away, he didn’t.

Moments later, Aldin felt something light and gentle brush against his cheek before pulling away.

“……”

For a moment, Aldin couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. He stared blankly into space.

Violet remained in the same posture, her head lowered slightly after pulling him closer.

“……?”

He had reacted so quickly to the trajectory of a sword, yet now he was unbelievably slow to respond. Violet waited patiently.

“W-What was that…!”

Aldin’s pale skin flushed a deep red. Even a rose wouldn’t be as vibrant. Watching him panic, Violet couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Really. Once someone starts looking cute to you, there’s no turning back.