Trying to hide her discomfort, Violet pasted on a smile as she listened to him speak.
“It is a great honor to meet you in person, as you are the ducal lady who I’ve only heard of. I was told that you have brilliant silver hair that looks as if the moonlight itself, but indeed. Those rumors are of no exaggeration. Even the fairies of legend could not be as beautiful as you, Lady Violet.”
“…Thank you for the compliment.”
Whether he could glean what Violet was thinking or not, a constant stream of praises flowed out of Alec. Listening to the insubstantial words, the uncomfortable Violet put on a very forced smile.
“My repute may be insignificant compared to yours, Lady Violet, but perhaps you’ve heard of me. Haha. Even though I look like this, I’ve been told that people from everywhere know me. Have you heard of ‘Rowan’s Sharpshooter’?”
What followed was another constant stream, but this time, of praises for himself. Having no choice but to listen, Violet learned that Alec K. Leshan mastered the bow and arrow at the age of six and was then called a prodigy. Here and there, Violet responded soullessly.
Clearly tactless, Alec became even more elated despite Violet’s increasingly unenthusiastic answers.
“Anyway, I was a bit confused when I first saw you, Your Ladyship. The dress you’re wearing today is so unique. Of course, you look beautiful in a dress that doesn’t make use of a corset that’s in fashion these days. I suspect that the moon fairies have spread ugly rumors about you out of jealousy.”
Alec’s words went through one ear and out the other with Violet. She had no interest in what this vain young nobleman had to say.
Instead, she chose to dwell on what the marchioness had told her.
The name ‘Violet S. Everett’ had the weight to justify her actions. Though people would try to undermine that name, the esteem that came with it would not change.
Even if it was the same esteem that she had received through her blood, which she shared with her detestable family.
In all her nineteen years, the weight of Violet’s name never became light.
“I wondered what Mother was thinking when she invited you, Lady Violet. As expected, her eyes cannot be wrong. With such beauty like yours, it’s also worth bearing the risk of getting caught up with your notoriety.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“Haha, it’s a compliment. Since you are the Everett Duchy’s daughter, and I am next in line to the Leshan Marquisate… Since we are peers of a similar age, of course some rumors will come and go about this.”
“……”
Forgetting to keep her expression neutral, Violet looked at Alec coldly. Nevertheless, he continued saying what he wanted to say.
“In other words, I’ll be willing to bear the stigma and ill fame surrounding you, Lady. You know that a scandal is fatal in high society, yes? Hmm. Actually, there aren’t many households that will be able to handle your dishonor, but I can confidently affirm that my reputation is second to none. And with your beauty…”
Though he trailed off, it was clear that he meant to say, ‘Since you’re so beautiful, I can endure your notoriety of being a wicked woman. Besides, won’t it be difficult for you to find a better groom than me? Let’s get engaged, shall we?’
Violet blinked dazedly a couple of times. She thought about it deeply. How could a son like this come from the gentle marchioness?
She was not unaware of her own circumstances. In fact, Alec had summarized it quite well.
There would be countless pricks in high society who would mock her to her face, every so kindly telling her that it’s out of the grace of his heart that he’s willing to get married to a villainess like her.
The fact that she was an Everett would never change.
“Sir Leshan.”
“Yes, Lady Violet.”
“I don’t know what exactly you have in mind, Sir, but I have no intention of getting married.”
“Umm. Why?”
“Because I don’t feel the need to do so. Whether I might or might not meet a good match, I don’t wish to leave my life in the hands of another.”
“I believe that House Leshan is a pretty good match.”
Now with a bitter face, Alec looked at Violet as though he felt it was a shame. His gaze scanned her body up and down. Seeing this, Violet smiled broadly.
“Of course, you must be a good man, Sir. I am also aware of the reputation that the Leshan Marquisate has.”
Scanning Alec up and down just as he had with her, Violet smirked. Alec’s face immediately grew bright red at the undoubtedly rude act, but he could say nothing about it. After all, he was the one who did it first.
“Nonetheless, I am the Lady of the Everett Duchy. Isn’t that enough of an explanation?”
“W-Well, if you mean to emphasize that only families of the same rank—”
“I don’t know about that. I have the right to do whatever I want, or not do whatever I don’t want.”
As she spoke calmly, Violet laughed. Even if she’d decide to live as someone’s wife, she certainly would not choose Alec. First of all, that face of his wasn’t to her taste by a long shot.
“Even if I don’t get married, I won’t have any problems in my life. And, Sir, I have never allowed you to call me by my name.”
“But for a woman who had been born into a noble household, is it not the greatest happiness to get married and raise children wonderfully. Don’t you think, Lady Vi— I mean, Ducal Lady?”
“Happiness varies from person to person. Who else would know about my own happiness other than myself?”
Alec’s expression further became distorted, and correspondingly, Violet’s smile further became brighter.
Considering that he couldn’t even control his expression anymore, it was the perfect time to drive it home.
Once again, Violet smirked.
“If it comes to a point that you’re willing to abandon your family name because you want me so much, Sir, then I’ll think about it again.”