A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

In Alesia’s voice, Violet noticed strength and confidence.

She understood why Marchioness Leshan had described her daughter as ‘a colt jumping around like it’s gone crazy’.

To overcome opposition, one sometimes had to shout and assert their opinions, even if it meant sounding like a lunatic.

Alesia and Violet led different lives. Just as Alesia couldn’t comprehend Violet’s struggles, there were undoubtedly concerns in Violet’s life that Alesia didn’t understand.

Violet knew this fact. Alesia, trapped in her own world and unable to see beyond, emerged from her self-contained world for the sake of her goal.

Smiling at Alesia, Violet said,

“I can at least offer some support.”

“Next time we meet, Ducal Lady, you will surely address me as ‘Dame’.”

Alesia claimed this with confidence. It was an ambitious statement, but at the same time, it hinted at the long road she’d have to tread ahead.

As Violet stifled a little click of the tongue, Alesia laughed and extended her hand.

“So, I’ll show a different side of myself at the hunting competition.”

It was a good conclusion.

* * *

The significance of the hunting competition ran deep, intertwined with the empire’s long-standing traditions and history.

However, the current significance of the hunting competition had long since deviated.

A display of skill, status, and camaraderie—the imperial event where all three could be showcased.

Although it was once an event held to strengthen the foundation of the nation, Violet thought it had failed in that regard.

Well, for the lower classes beneath the nobility, it served as a public holiday, so it wasn’t entirely a lost cause.

The hunting competition took place in the forest near the palace. A skilled knight order would capture low-level monsters in advance, releasing them in the competition area for participating nobles to showcase their skills in hunting.

Considering it was hosted by the imperial family, invitations were scarce. However, naturally, the members of House Everett—of course, including Violet S. Everett—received invitations.

Despite having such privileges, Violet found the hunting competition bothersome.

It was only obvious. The hunting competition had not only turned into a stage for displays but also gathered people crazed about love and romance, to the extent that it could be called a lovers’ event instead of a patriotic event.

Men hunted prey and monsters using swords, bows, and their martial prowess.

Women, in return, handed over handkerchiefs they had personally embroidered as a wish for the men’s safety.

The hunting competition originated from legends of the first emperor, and the story was filled with love. Thus, romantic expectations naturally followed such an event.

The winner would present a trophy to their lover who had given them a handkerchief. Popular knights received numerous handkerchiefs, while less popular men experienced the pitiful situation of not receiving even one.

In this stage Violet, who could not wield a sword herself, had a clear role.

To present a handkerchief to the ‘person she liked’.

Well, it’s supposed to be like that. However, she didn’t quite love anyone, but she had no choice but to be swayed by peer pressure.

Above all though, she had no talent for embroidery though.

With these considerations, Violet, who had been contemplating in the gallery, changed her destination and headed towards the training grounds. Knights engrossed in their drills didn’t notice her arrival.

Having spotted her target, Violet entered the training ground confidently. Only then did the knights notice the presence of the lady, and a few of them swallowed their surprised gasps.

“Hey.”

Cairn was in the midst of practicing his swordsmanship. So, when someone had so informally called him like that, he whipped his head around annoyedly to look at who dared call the third son of the duke in that manner.

But once he realized that it was Violet, he swallowed the retort that had been ready at the tip of his tongue.

“What is it?”

“Are you entering it, too?”

“Huh?”

“The hunting competition.”

“Oh.”

Grateful that his older sister had come to talk to him for the first time, Cairn replied enthusiastically. On the surface though, it sounded like a dry response.

“I haven’t graduated yet, so technically, I shouldn’t be able to enter. But I got a special invitation, you know? Usually, nobles are all about principles and stuff, but they really just ignore rules most of the time.”

“Is that so?”

“What’s up though? Why’re you asking?”

Having received an answer from Cairn, Violet turned away without hesitation. Seeing her back, the bewildered third young master watched Violet with a helpless expression, but she didn’t turn back.

She didn’t want to proceed here anymore. With that thought in mind, Violet left the training ground and returned to the mansion, waiting for Roen.

The duke’s heir, who had been caught by the crown prince and had escaped early today, answered Violet’s question briefly.

“I’ll show up for the sake of formalities, but I don’t plan to participate in the hunt. By any chance, if you’re thinking of giving me a handkerchief…”

It was a hopeless, thick-faced dream of his. Violet once again turned away and showed her back to him without a hint of regret.

Even if she really didn’t want to go, she couldn’t avoid it.

She asked just in case, but she was immediately shot down. It was reiterated that she must attend.

Violet let out a deep sigh.

Already tired just thinking about all the passive-aggressive power plays she’d have to endure, Violet pressed her eyelids firmly.

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