“That’s too much of a joke.”

As the silence stretched on, it became more apparent how terrible his words sounded.

He, who only sees people as tools for long-term use, was saying that he had fallen in love. Violet clicked her tongue as she inwardly organized her thoughts, pushing down the rising anger within her.

Right now, it’s time for her to go home.

“I bid my farewell to the rising sun and the star of the Empire. I shall take my leave now.”

Rajaden frowned at Violet’s goodbye. Although it was still bright out, with the sunlight shining luminously, the light pouring down on Violet seemed excessive.

The flickering light enveloped her. It was radiant yet serene. Her flawless posture, with every small finger movement executed perfectly, looked majestic under the light.

“……?”

Watching Violet curtsy and leave, Rajaden recalled the smile that he had seen just now, the one that seemed like it was about to break for some reason.

As a tingling sensation seemed to rise upon his chest, inadvertently, he let out a small sound. “Huh.” And at this, the young princess looked at her brother with an innocent expression.

“…Come to think of it, I haven’t slept well lately.”

He, who was good at pacifying his sister, gently pressed his temples.

Not caring about people. Such an attitude was probably because it was the first time he had confessed something like that.

Her indifferent demeanor paradoxically stimulated people’s curiosity.

With such thoughts, Rajaden, feeling a subtle and inexplicable sensation, left his sister’s palace.

It was time for him to attend to his duties.

* * *

Violet’s social circle was narrow, and this was a well-known fact.

Despite her infamous reputation, she held the status of a high-ranking noble, so many people wished to befriend her.

However, she didn’t have many close relationships.

Violet herself had no intention of actively forming new connections, yet she was still meeting one of her few friends today.

“It seems like you’ve been through a lot lately. Ignoring even my invitation…”

“I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Fufu, I understand. Kids of that age are always busy.”

Marchioness Leshan smiled warmly as she poured tea.

Violet had sought her out to discuss something on her mind and awkwardly smiled without drinking the tea.

“Actually, there’s something I want to consult with you about.”

“A love consultation?”

“Not exactly a love consultation.”

Seeing Violet’s serious expression, Marchioness Leshan chuckled.

Although the topic was not too far from the realm of love counseling, Violet didn’t want to categorize her dilemma under that umbrella.

Watching Violet’s reaction, the middle-aged lady laughed.

“Well, how about it? It would be nice if my daughter came for consultations like this, just like a normal lady…”

“That might be difficult.”

“Fufu. Indeed, that would be challenging.”

As the Marchioness spoke of her dream to be a friend-like mother with her daughter, she elegantly put down her teacup.

Considering Alesia Leshan’s personality, it seemed like fulfilling the marchioness’s wish would be a difficult task.

Violet pondered whether this person was suitable for such consultation. But with no one else to confide in, she decided to speak carefully.

“About my friend.”

“Isn’t it that you have no friends?”

“……”

Seeing Violet’s incredulous expression, Marchioness Leshan chuckled.

Violet’s brows furrowed slightly more. Knowing that she was being teased, she couldn’t help feeling a subtle discomfort.

Why could she easily ignore the mockery and criticism from strangers but feel uneasy about such small jokes?

With a sigh, Violet slowly began to speak after sipping her tea.

The conversation revolved around her discussions with the crown prince and the events that had transpired between them. Of course, she didn’t explicitly mention the crown prince’s name, but she was clear about the topic of a ‘strategic marriage’.

Violet explained the story bit by bit. It was about how, when she expressed her reluctance to marry in this manner, the other party, instead of being deterred, seemed to want her even more. And there’s also the matter of how he’s saying nonsensical things like rejecting him was making him more interested in her.

It was all so perplexing.

The reason Violet sought advice from Marchioness Leshan was to understand what exactly was going on in that person’s mind and how to gracefully refuse such advances.

However, the marchioness interpreted it differently. While listening to Violet’s words, she clapped her hands in delight.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my! I’ve only heard of it, but it is true that you young ones nowadays consider love marriages as the norm! How cute can that be!”

“…Is this considered cute?”

“It’s positively adorable. And then, if you genuinely fall in love, wouldn’t it be romantic?”

Violet’s expression subtly stiffened. It seemed like those tales of noblewomen enjoying melodramatic romance novels were not just rumors—they were true.

But regardless of whether it was true or not, Marchioness Leshan continued her speech in a warm tone.

“So, you don’t fancy his Highness the Crown Prince?”

“It’s not that I don’t like him, it’s more like I haven’t even really considered him—”

As Violet answered while looking down at her teacup, her expression hardened.

Violet’s gaze, now directed at Marchioness Leshan after lifting her head, carried a sense of urgency. In response, Marchioness Leshan, the receptor of that urgent gaze, smiled pleasantly.

“What’s wrong?”

“I never mentioned His Highness.”

“You didn’t?”

“……”

The social acumen and wit of Marchioness Leshan, who had been part of high society for a long time, were not something Violet was ready to contend with.