A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

Chapter 103

“So he’s the one who saved Milady. He’s so handsome.”

“What? Don’t tell me, you actually like that kind of face?”

“Oh, heavens. I’m just telling the truth. You’re handsome too, Young Master.”

“No, what?”

Before Violet knew it, Mary and Cairn were really getting along well now, and their conversation flowed smoothly as well. She had half a mind of warning Mary because everything she’s saying could be heard by those around her, but she decided to leave that for another day.

In any case, Aldin had been invited today due to a combination of political reasons—whether it was to show off Violet’s friendship with him, or whether it was to make sure that connections were being formed with the next knight commander of the imperial guard.

Violet was in full awareness of this, but she had no intention of dancing to Roen’s tune. Cairn wasn’t one who’d think deeply about the circumstances around him, so he wouldn’t know anything about what’s going on.

Aldin’s gaze never once deviated from Violet. It was not a thick or sticky gaze, but there was a little affection there.

“Ah, these clothes don’t suit me, do they? Still though, I decided to wear pants because I thought they’d be more comfortable to wear than a skirt.”

“No, I apologize if my gaze was unpleasant. Actually, it suits you really, really well, so…”

As Aldin looked at Violet as though he was completely entranced, there were various emotions melting together behind his gaze. No one noticed.

Well, except one in particular.

‘That punk, don’t tell me…’

* * *

Despite the intention to walk through the exhibition casually, they found that there were quite a few people in attendance.

Originally, more escort knights and attendants would have accompanied her as well, but Violet staunchly cut the number in half.

Having an excessive number of escort knights and attendants would only attract unnecessary attention.

Cairn jumped up and confidently assured that no one else would hold a candle to him in terms of skill, but he was promptly ignored.

As a result, they moved together only as a small group composed of Violet, her maid, House Aesir’s son and House Everett’s son. As they were part of the great aristocracy, it’s inevitable that there were knights attached to them, but they moved in a separate group so as not to draw attention.

Well, the sight of House Everett’s ducal lady and House Aesir’s illegitimate son together was bound to be a topic of controversy. And people quite like rumors, of course.

A rumor could serve as a fatal weakness. But on the flip side, it could also serve as a weapon that could be wielded.

Roen’s intention was clearly the latter.

Violet was escorted into a carriage by a knight. Cairn tried to escort Mary, but she rejected him.

All because of all the fussing of the duke’s heir, two carriages had been prepared.

And despite the fact that he was going to be riding the carriage alone with his friend, Cairn got into the second vehicle without any hesitation.

Well, it’s not as if he didn’t say anything. He complained and said that it would be faster and much better if they just went on horseback.

Aldin was very used to thoroughly ignoring his close friend.

Thus, the two carriages set off separately. Violet really only wanted to be as low key as possible during this outing, but the carriages were certainly not helping when they’re undoubtedly giving off the impression that the people inside were rich.

As she was able to be alone with her lady as she wished, Mary chatted on delightedly.

“I’ve only heard about him, but I didn’t expect him to be such a gentleman! It’s no wonder, too, since he has a similar atmosphere to you, Milady.  How did you two become close?”

“Well, it just happened. I met him by chance. I was lost and got into some trouble, and he saved me.”

“He did? How?”

“Mmh… Funnily enough, it’s a bit hard to explain. Do you want to hear the details?”

“Yes please!”

As Mary was a girl at a very lively age, she blushed and listened to Violet’s story.

After patting Mary’s head, Violet explained by moderately exaggerating some things and omitting some other details.

“So I decided to ask him out as my partner at the next banquet.”

“Kyaaah! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! He’s like a knight in a novel! Maybe that handsome knight actually has feelings for you, Milady? I knew it, he must be interested in you! Of course it’s only natural because Milady is the prettiest and the sweetest— Nobody would be able to resist falling for you!”

“You’re exaggerating a lot. But I guess it’s nice that you think highly of me.”

“Oh, you’re quite blind to your own charm, Milady! Especially how you are today. Nobody can help but fall madly for you, don’t you know?”

At Mary’s excitement, Violet immediately answered firmly. However, Mary quickly refuted as she stood by her conviction.

Before answering Mary, for a moment, Violet’s thoughts wandered elsewhere.

Objectively speaking, Aldin Aesir was a good man. He was capable and serious, and perhaps that’s why he wasn’t the type to be rash with his words.

But that seriousness of his at a young age might become like poison to him.

Violet had no intention of telling outsiders of her own story. At the very least, not where other households’ employees were present.

Delving into one’s weakness was no different from opening those old wounds once again. And, if that weakness were to devolve into a rumor, she wouldn’t know how far it would spread.

If she could go back to that day, even if she would have to personally hit Cairn on the head with a hammer, she would not have revealed her story to him.

As succinct as possible, the fact that this was House Everett’s weakness would not change.

Even so, Aldin said nothing. As someone who’s very existence was bound to be House Aesir’s weakness, on that day, he acted as if he was like the air itself. And he pretended not to be listening to the whole story.

It’s not just Aldin’s capabilities and household that Roen was valuing highly.

“Milady, you really don’t believe that he has a crush on you? Even when it’s like honey’s dripping from his gaze?”