“Huh?”

Mary seemed even more surprised than Violet. As the splendid coat of arms of the imperial family stood out among all the invitations laid before her, Violet wondered if perhaps the crown prince’s joking invitation was not a joke after all.

“I don’t know why Her Majesty the Empress is calling me, but…”

The official purpose of this summons for Violet was not clearly stated in the letter. Therefore, Violet pondered about what to wear.

“I-If it’s an invitation from the imperial family, it’s a big deal! Oh, ohhh!”

“Don’t get too excited. I don’t have to go right away. First, I should wash up and do some exercise.”

“I’ll prepare the bathwater right away!”

“I have no other appointments today, right?”

“None!”

Violet got up from her seat. Mary looked surprised as she saw something that had been set aside in a fury.

“Oh.”

It was a page from a newspaper that had been separately set aside because it was much too angering. Mary sighed deeply as she reexamined the content.

‘I guess it’s better not to show you this.’

Mary silently swallowed her anger as she looked at an interview with a certain painter that occupied the front page.

* * *

The empress hadn’t designated a specific date or place for Violet’s invitation. It simply expressed her hope for a visit as soon as possible. Violet responded with a letter stating that she would visit the palace right away, instead of delaying it.

But could she really prepare so casually for a meeting with the empress?

While getting her hair done, Violet couldn’t shake off the rising doubts. It was indeed a sudden and unexpected invitation. No matter what she did, she couldn’t stop her worries from bubbling up to the surface.

Still, since Roen didn’t filter out the invitation itself, there probably wouldn’t be any major problems.

Violet decided to stop dwelling on it and move on.

The moment they found out that an invitation from the empress had come, the maids started bustling around. Thanks to them, Violet’s appearance showed signs of careful consideration.

Finally, as she handed over Violet’s jewelry, Mary exclaimed in admiration.

“You truly are…”

“Enough with the flattery.”

“I mean it genuinely! Seriously, how can there be someone so beautiful…”

“I haven’t changed much since we first met, have I?”

“Well, but…”

Mary chuckled with a faint smile. Violet also smiled in response.

Since the empress had officially invited only Violet, her escort consisted of members of the imperial guard. She was allowed to bring one personal guard, so she chose Zylo.

A carriage from the palace arrived. Violet, accompanied by Zylo, boarded it familiarly.

The current emperor, who had eliminated all of his siblings and ascended to the blood-stained throne. And the only woman he loved.

It wasn’t a particularly special connection. Violet had heard that when the emperor was just a prince, he had married her through a political marriage. She was the daughter of a minor nobleman.

Violet didn’t know much more than that because she hadn’t bothered to gather information about the people of the palace.

Anyway, she thought to herself that it was best not to jump to conclusions about the empress’s intentions as she gazed out the window.

* * *

The meeting between the two women went smoothly. As a daughter of a duke, Violet displayed flawless etiquette, and the empress herself had dinner served without saying anything else.

However, even for a member of the illustrious House Everett, it was quite extravagant to lavish such attention on a mere ducal lady.

Violet contemplated the intentions behind this reception but eventually gave up. Trying to decipher every nuance would be exhausting.

Unlike the Emerald Palace, which had been open during the banquet, the Ruby Palace—the empress’s residence—was quiet. It’s not that it was devoid of any sound at all, but the air all around was particularly heavy.

Above all, the palace staff looked visibly tired. They tried not to show it, being professionals, but they couldn’t completely conceal their fatigue. Violet chose not to focus on them.

“Is the food to your liking?”

“…It is exceedingly good.”

“Your etiquette is remarkable, Ducal Lady. It’s rare to see someone so perfectly observant of etiquette while dining.”

“It has become a habit for me to eat like this regularly.”

“Fufu, is that so.”

Violet had perfected her etiquette to the point where it had become a double-edged sword. It had been her way of not drawing attention to herself, but now, in this formal setting, it had its own challenges.

Violet smiled gracefully, hiding her inner thoughts. Concealing her emotions in a tense atmosphere was something she was familiar with.

After the main course, it was time for dessert. However, nothing was served. Instead, the empress greeted Violet with a graceful smile.

“You are truly skilled at managing your expressions, Ducal Lady. It’s quite impressive… If it’s acceptable to you, would you like to join me for dessert in my cherished garden?”

“If Your Majesty wishes, I would be delighted.”

And so, Violet made her way to the empress’s garden. The true purpose of this rather unfulfilling dinner must lie there.