“It’s spacious here.”

“Well, it’s a palace, so it’s naturally spacious.”

Even the attempt at conversation quickly faded away. Violet didn’t mind the lack of conversation. The clear blue sky stretched above them, and the palace below was equally vast, giving off an imposing feeling.

Somewhere in this palace, Roen would be present. It was almost certain that he was being exploited for his labor by the crown prince, who was as bright as the day.

Violet wondered if she might coincidentally run into Roen, but it was a futile thought.

“Oh my, who’s this?”

“……?”

“Isn’t it Lady Everett, the famous one? Hello~?”

Someone greeted her, and Violet glanced at the person who spoke. It was a face she had seen at a previous event, likely at the palace due to some official business.

“Before exchanging greetings, it’s customary to introduce yourself first.”

“Surely you haven’t forgotten me already? Hoho, it hasn’t been that long since we last met.”

“Let me reiterate. Please introduce yourself properly if you’d like to exchange greetings.”

“What… Oh, you’ve become quite confident since you’ve got men on both sides, hm?”

The person spoke in a somewhat provoking manner to Violet. Or could it even be considered picking a fight?

It was a young lady holding a parasol, avoiding the sunlight elegantly. Violet sighed inwardly. Even if she knew who this person was, she had no intention of playing along.

Why did all these small fries behave in the same way? It would be better to confront the final boss instead.

Violet tilted her head to the side indifferently. As her petty goading didn’t work, the young woman’s expression became visibly irritated.

“I am Fael of House Asash. So, how did the illustrious Ducal Lady end up visiting the Imperial Palace?”

“Hmm.”

“Haha, I truly envy beautiful ladies like you so much, Ducal Lady. After marriage, you can forget your past and start a new life, after all!”

“Isn’t that the same for you?”

Violet said it without much thought, just a spontaneous response without going through the filter of her thoughts. The young woman was furious at Violet’s words.

“Ugh, how long do you think you can remain on that high horse of yours?”

Why did all the noblewomen in this country always try to undermine each other? Would they not be able to sleep at night if they couldn’t kick someone down and push them into an abyss?

Violet contemplated this again. It was such a trivial matter that she couldn’t even feel it was worth responding to.

“It’s endless wherever I go.”

“Hah. As expected, it’s because you have men by your side…”

“Oh, you’re really good at misunderstanding things, aren’t you? Do you even know who I am?”

Cairn glared at the young woman with a threatening expression, and Fael started trembling in fear.

“Could it be… there’s something between brother and…?”

A rather ridiculous remark escaped the young lady. Violet observed the situation quietly. Even though Cairn was a simple person, that line seemed to have been quite shocking, judging by his bewildered expression.

“What? Are you seriously like this?”

Cairn raised one finger and made a circling motion near his head. It was rude and foolish behavior.

Violet let out a sigh as frustration welled up within her. Aldin also sighed in unison with her.

“Unbelievable. Siblings and a bastard son together…”

“……”

“Cairn.”

“Don’t stop me. Won’t it be alright to shut just one person up forever in this wide world?”

“We’re inside the Imperial Palace. Don’t make a scene.”

“…To the extent of a threat.”

“Cairn.”

“…Haa. Fine.”

Cairn looked ready to draw his sword at any given moment, but he acquiesced and took a step back with a menacing expression. His face showed a mixture of irritation.

Violet glanced at the young woman, who had faltered due to the palpable killing intent Cairn had displayed.

“So, you mentioned that you are Fael of Asash.”

“…Are you going to apologize for your rudeness?”

If threatening was rude, then what she did was comparatively beyond rude. The young woman initiated the confrontation but was now acting proudly as though she had done nothing wrong. On the other hand, Violet just scoffed.

“Why should I apologize? Instead, I have a question for you. Can you take responsibility for your own actions?”

“What?”

“I am asking if you can take responsibility for your actions.”

Daring to turn House Everett into an enemy and running her mouth like that.

Despite not having formally learned to wield a sword, Violet exuded a different kind of pressure.

With something separate from Cairn’s dominating presence facing her, the young woman felt cold sweat trickling down her spine. In the end, the pressure was enough to clamp her lips shut.

“W-What do you know!”

“At the very least, you should know that if you don’t kneel and beg right now, your future will be very difficult.”

“…Hah. So you’re going to threaten me with your family now?”

Instead of answering, Violet simply laughed. Face flushed with embarrassment, the young woman clenched her teeth.

“It would be better for you not to speak words that won’t bring any benefit if uttered.”

“…What do you know, a girl like you? You’re worth only as much as you can be sold.”

“A person mocks others and talks about men like that can’t really say much, can they?”

“If you think you can, give it a try! It will damage your reputation as well!”

“Do you think I can’t do it?”

“T-That’s…”

Violet’s indifferent gaze fell upon the girl. She had been speaking so confidently, yet she now quickly faltered.

Kneeling on the dusty ground, she faced Violet and spoke with a humbled expression.

I have been impolite. Please forgive me.

Violet simply shook her head in response.