The adornments that the employees had tenaciously insisted upon their lady was, to put it simply, beyond just dolling up. She now looked sadistically beautiful.
No matter how little Violet cared for her reputation, rumors about her were spread all throughout the aristocratic society. However, how many people would actually be pleased to hear such gossip about their master?
Through their efforts, they wanted to send the message loud and clear.
Our lady is so very very beautiful!
With the full support of the duke’s heir, the efforts to doll her up had been completed with the power of money and manpower had thus resulted in unmatched beauty.
Of course, this amount of adornment and beautification would also be done by other nobles. It’s just that, Violet’s beauty was simply otherworldly.
Looking in the mirror, Violet once again realized that she was a ‘villainess’.
The female lead was a simple but elegant beauty that would draw attention.
On the other hand, the splendid type of beauty that would overwhelm everyone else just by taking a glimpse of her was the exclusive appearance of the villainess.
“Whoa.”
Someone inadvertently voiced out their admiration. As Violet was looking down, her gaze drooping, the final piece of jewelry to complete the look was placed upon her neck.
The clothes that had been made by the young seamstress suited Violet very well.
Now, it’s time to go to war.
* * *
“Lady Senettia, have you heard that rumor?”
“What rumor?”
“This time, Lord Wolfgang had dumped his fiancée for some other unsightly woman…”
“Ahh, that rumor. The news I’ve heard is a little different.”
“Oh? What did you hear, Lady Senettia?”
“Actually, that woman…”
That evening, the banquet began.
With splendid chandeliers illuminating all those that had gathered here tonight, all the attendees showed off their clothes and jewelry.
It was a place where one’s value is raised after cutting down someone else.
It’s of no exaggeration to say that all the news traveling from their word of mouth was false. And of course, there were quite a lot of stories being exchanged.
The banquet had officially begun in the evening, but those who liked starting the merriments as early as lunchtime had already been talking for a long time.
“Ahh, come to think of it, ‘that ducal lady’ is also attending the banquet this time.’
“That ducal lady?”
“Yes, yes. You must know about her too, Lady.”
“There are so many rumors surrounding her, but I wonder what she’s actually like…”
“I’ve heard everything there is that’s been talked about, but I don’t truly know how she is.”
“Right, there’s one particular story that’s come to mind. You know about it as well, right, Lady Lilac? About what happened between the Everett Duchy’s first and second daughter.”
“I heard that the second daughter went abroad to study.”
“Do you know about that too? That the second daughter’s blood…”
“Whaaat?! How did you…”
“Huu. I don’t know either, but I only found out about it by chance, too. Still, I think I can somehow understand Everett’s wicked woman…”
“It’s certainly understandable. But still, how…”
While pretending to be oh-so-noble while covering their mouths with their fans, these people constantly talked behind other people’s backs.
“Lady Violet S. Everett of House Everett and Lord Aldin Aesir of House Aesir are entering!”
In an instant, silence blanketed the entire hall.
As soon as the woman of the rumors had arrived, everyone gathered together and, in unison, realized that Violet was not how they imagined her to be.
Swallowed by the crowd, those who could not see Violet instead chattered animatedly with their mouths.
“Aldin Aesir? The illegitimate son of House Aesir?”
But the moment they could catch a glimpse of Violet, such murmurs halted to a stop.
If, perhaps, it was possible to spin thread from the moonlight, her hair glimmered as such. If, perhaps, one could make a potion of beauty out to make one’s skin as soft as peeled eggs and as fine as white jade, her visage glowed as such.
It was sheer splendor that was overwhelming to the viewer.
As she raised her gaze, her eyes gleamed like amethysts. And with her lashes being so long that they could cast shadows, how could everyone not be arrested by awe?
The atmosphere of a lake beneath the moonlight. It was an atmosphere that suited the expressionless Violet.
Even the jewelry she was adorned with became even more magnificent because of who was wearing them.
In addition, the dress that she was wearing was uncommon.
In the style of a lavish use of expensive fabrics from other countries, it was far from what’s currently in fashion amongst high society.
It carried a tight silhouette that was revealing the wearer’s natural curves without the use of a corset. There was no other embellishment upon the clothing other than a single jewel right in the middle of all the creases of the fabric.
Nevertheless, the fabric itself shimmered and glittered, as if gemstones had been crushed and spun into the cloth.
Because several layers and translucent fabrics had been added, the sky blue dress gave off the illusion that, every time it would flutter, it would cascade like waves.
With the skillful amalgamation of the seamstress’s skill and Violet’s design, the mermaid dress was not difficult to move in.
“My goodness, what a disgrace.”
Someone uttered these words amidst the silence.
It was an old, middle-aged noble. After that first voice, the banquet hall was soon swept with commotion.
Violet’s dress was highly unconventional. Therefore, it was only natural that she would be criticized for it.
But the moment they saw her, no one could speak ill of her. Even though there’s nothing more enjoyable than pulling down someone who’s at a higher place than oneself.
“Hah, but I didn’t expect her to appear alongside Aesir’s illegitimate son.”
“Right, right. The dress is another matter, but with that such vulgarity, well. I wouldn’t be able to raise my head proudly, that’s for sure.”
All sorts of gossip was exchanged. Everyone’s attention was fixed entirely upon Violet, even as they pretended that they weren’t looking at her.
However, as the person in question who’s being laden with so much attention, Violet…
‘As I thought, the mermaid silhouette’s terribly uncomfortable. I’m glad I’m wearing something else tomorrow.’
…was just thinking of such things.
The clothes were as uncomfortable as they were pretty. Even if the side of the dress was open and fabric had been laid atop it, it was still uncomfortable. She considered it fortunate that the other dresses that’d been prepared weren’t like this.
That aside, Aldin was skillful with escorting her. It was all thanks to frequent practice. Therefore, Violet was able to enjoy the banquet without any inconvenience.
Violet was already expecting all the gossip that would be said about her. At the same time, she was also aware of the envious gazes being laid upon her.
People with curious eyes showed interest in talking to her somehow.
