She pretended as though she didn’t notice. They’d been backstabbing her not long ago, but it seemed like they wished to talk to her nonetheless. The wicked woman’s snort did not reach the ears of those people.
Still, they couldn’t approach her easily. The person by her side became sullen for no reason at all.
“I, um, apologize. It’s because of me that…”
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for, Sir. I’m the one who should say sorry. You’re being harshly criticized because of me.”
“Not at all. I’m sure it is my presence that’s causing you trouble.”
“No way. There’s no other man as good as you.”
Violet grinned. Seeing her smile, Aldin hurriedly turned away.
Some people who witnessed the wicked woman’s smile were also caught, breathless.
Violet was sincere when she said that. Objectively speaking, Aldin was a great man. Had he not proven his abilities by becoming a member of the imperial guard?
“…Still.”
Nevertheless, Aldin’s self-esteem seemed to be very low. Violet mused, ‘What about him could ever be bad?’
Then, at one corner of the banquet hall.
“Ahh, good gracious. I can’t believe she’s wearing such a vulgar dress.”
“I guess those rumors weren’t just rumors. There’s not just a few eyes here to watch.”
“Rather, isn’t it a good thing? Wouldn’t Laurent’s clothes be a waste on a woman like that?”
“I feel sorry for Lady Tolofia.”
“I’m alright, so please stop.”
The woman who was listening to that conversation laughed and said this.
Because she was a little shorter than her peers, the women surrounding her somehow looked like bodyguards.
“But don’t you resent her too?! If it weren’t for her, you would have been—!”
“His Highness’s decision has played a role as well. Really, I’m fine.”
“There’s a rumor that Everett’s second daughter has no solid roots, but it seems like that particular rumor is about the first daughter after all.”
“Ah, come to think of it, neither Duke Everett nor the lady Duchess has silver hair…”
“She’s been pretending to be so noble all by herself, but in the end, it’s just a mere ruse.”
Their conversation was thus buried within everyone else’s commotion, scattering through the air like a faint melody amidst the orchestral piece drifting gently along the hall.
Off to the side, a blond-haired woman smiled gracefully as she listened to the buzzing conversations around her, remaining quiet.
‘Not even aware of who can hear. How foolish.’
Violet, too, had kept her ears open. She sighed. The conversation between the young noble ladies was by no means loud, but not to the extent that Violet couldn’t hear them.
She heard about how the corset had been revived and was currently in vogue once more, and as expected, it had a formidable presence. While making a mental note to be careful around Lady Tolofia, Violet let out a slow sigh yet again.
Parts of the conversation was lost to Violet’s ears, but because Aldin had extraordinary senses, he heard them all. As he did, his expression darkened.
“I knew it. I’m a nuisance.”
“Do you think that the rumor is true?”
“P-Pardon?”
“The rumor about my silver hair.”
“O-Of course not. I just—”
“It’s alright. I already know, so I’m just asking.”
Violet closed her eyes and chuckled. Aldin’s face flushed red.
Rumor or whatever, it didn’t matter. Violet laughed, not caring about the rumors about her silver hair.
“It doesn’t matter because it’s not true. Above all, your origins don’t matter either, Sir.”
“……”
“Your present position has been obtained solely by your abilities, Sir Aldin.”
A smile tugged up on her lips once more. This time, Aldin’s face didn’t turn red.
Just, he calmly smiled back.
Even though Violet couldn’t remember…
That aloof confidence of never allowing anyone to stand above oneself.
Violet S. Everett possessed such a thing.
And, the moment they first met. Even now.
She was so utterly, breathtakingly beautiful. To the point that Aldin would feel guilty about even holding her in his heart.
“If you don’t mind, may I ask for one song?”
While Aldin was pulled into reminiscence for a moment, someone approached Violet.
“Is it not common courtesy to introduce yourself first?”
“Ah, I beg your pardon. I am the second son of House Lahn, Roth Lahn. If you don’t mind, will you give me the honor of having the first dance?”
Though he was being mild-mannered about it, he seemed to be placing much confidence in his face.
Violet laughed. The man’s self-confident expression cracked.
“Oh my, I apologize. I haven’t danced with my partner yet. If you don’t mind, I can perhaps promise the next one.”
Unable to even answer Violet’s soft smile, the speechless man backed down. Aldin’s eyes widened.
Roth Lahn was not the only one hovering around her. Although they couldn’t bring themselves to talk to her first, there were many people who were biding their time and looking for a chance to do so. Or, there were others who were instead lurking around, wandering here and there because they couldn’t find the courage to look for such a chance.
“I’m, um, a good dancer…” Aldin murmured.
“I brought you up as an excuse to refuse that guy, but you don’t actually have to dance with me if you don’t want to. Ah, is that it? You don’t want to dance with me?”
“……”
“Is that really it?”
As Aldin couldn’t answer, his face was gradually tinged by a bright red hue. Violet was now seriously considering if she was being rejected right here.