“Today is the gift presentation ceremony.”

“Isn’t the actual birthday tomorrow though?”

“Well, it’s a week-long celebration. Does it really matter when he was born?”

“I guess not.”

Listening to the chatter from both sides, Cairn tore into his meat.

Siblings that resembled yet not resembled each other enjoyed a peaceful moment. For a house that had supposedly been torn apart, it was surprisingly peaceful.

“Anyway, in our family, the eldest represents us, right?”

“That’s right. So, Violet, can I make one request?”

“Huh? What is it?”

“I want to send a painting of yours as a gift.”

“Why?”

“Actually, I already sent it.”

“What?”

“I had no choice. The Crown Prince specifically asked for it. We’re just a ducal house, after all.”

“What?”

“It just happened…”

Violet, who had never once disrupted any meal in favor of maintaining decorum, dropped her spoon.

Cairn clicked his tongue next to her.

‘Tsk, tsk. He pretends to be clever all by himself, but he’s the one digging his own grave like this.’

As Roen skillfully dug his own grave while pretending to be smart, he didn’t even seem to realize that there was a problem with his actions.

“But I chose the best one. It’s one of the smallest paintings.”

“So, you sent one without even asking for my permission?”

“Umm? Well, that painting is one of your works….”

“Ha. No, never mind. It’s fine.”

“…Sorry?”

“I was being rude. I hope you enjoy the rest of your breakfast.”

“But I’ve already finished my meal…?”

Without giving Roen a chance to respond, Violet left the dining hall. She didn’t even bother to pick up the fallen pudding spoon.

Roen watched Violet’s departure with a helpless expression. He still couldn’t understand what went wrong.

“Brother, you really messed up just now.”

“I did?”

“Yeah, you messed up big time.”

“I messed up?”

“Yeah. Like, a monumentally stupid mess.”

As Cairn quickly added another serving of food to his plate, he spoke up. Roen’s expression still showed his bewilderment.

Clicking his tongue clicking in amusement, Cairn continued to eat. It was a happy mealtime for just the youngest alone.

 

* * *

 

After rushing out of the dining room, Violet headed straight for her studio.

Most of the paintings in her studio were unfinished sketches.

As Violet walked towards the gallery, she noticed one missing painting. Since there weren’t many paintings on display, it was easy to spot.

One small canvas had disappeared as if spirited away by magic, and Violet frowned when she realized what was missing.

It was one of her unfinished sketches, depicting a random season as its motif.

Standing in front of the missing painting for a while, Violet let out a slow sigh.

She knew it was inevitable. After all, how could Roen refuse when someone with the status of a crown prince was subtly pressuring him?

Certainly, Roen’s actions were likely calculated to some extent. He said that they were a mere ducal house, but he wouldn’t act without thinking.

But aside from that…

“Ha…”

Violet suppressed a bitter laugh, pressing her fingers to her temples.

“Milady, Milady! What’s wrong?”

Mary had followed Violet out of the dining room after waiting, and she gasped for air from rushing. Violet looked down at the panting Mary with a smile.

She thought nothing had changed, but it had. Just looking at Cairn’s reaction confirmed that. She knew why she felt so frustrated. So, she decided not to overreact anymore.

“Mary.”

“Yes?”

“I’d like that outfit for today’s outing.”

“This outfit?”

“Yes, that outfit. I think I’ll have some fruit for dessert, so could you call the others?”

“Oh, of course!”

Instead, she decided to rebel in a small way. Mary, who was quick-witted, ran off briskly.

 

* * *

 

On the second day of the ball, Aldin announced his absence due to an incident with the chivalric order. Violet responded with a letter telling him it was okay.

If it were Aldin, he would likely be in anguish.

“Is there really a problem with the knight order?”

Violet briefly pondered whether Aldin might be doing this intentionally to avoid her. Either way, she didn’t think too deeply about it.

Cairn, on the other hand, boldly requested her company after his absence the previous day. His confident attitude, as if he thought he had a chance since there was an incident involving Roen during the day, was truly audacious.

Of course, Violet declined.

Roen, on the other hand, naturally assumed that he would be her partner. But Violet treated Roen as if he were one of the furniture.

Ignored for the first time in a while, Roen froze up.

Violet confidently entered the ballroom alone, without a partner. Her demeanor alone was enough to make people talk, but those who saw her couldn’t even find fault with her.

“Oh my goodness, what…”

“What, what in the world is that?”

It wasn’t uncommon for a woman to enter the ballroom without an escort. There were always some who couldn’t find a male partner to accompany them. They often became the subject of ridicule.

So, what about Violet S. Everett now?

“What on earth is that, for a woman to…!”

Someone exclaimed in anger. He was a middle-aged nobleman who had praised Violet just yesterday.

Lady Violet carried herself in a nonchalant air, as if she had nothing to be ashamed of, even as she was wearing pants instead of a dress.

Seeing a noblewoman in pants left everyone speechless. The silence was brief, and in an instant, the banquet hall buzzed with commotion.