“I can feel your dislike. I thought you’d like me though.”
“That is not the case at all, Your Highness. How could I dare dislike you.”
“It’s at times like this that I realize you’re truly Roen’s younger sister. As I’ve already told you before, you can talk more comfortably around me.”
“I was planning to stay quiet and far away from the spotlight, but now I am grateful that I am receiving unnecessary attention because of Your Highness.”
Violet smiled even brighter. Rajaden had a whiplash from seeing her like this. He was reminded of Roen through and through.
“Are you feeling conscious about the attention on you?”
“I’m conscious of it now.”
It was a simple answer to a simple question.
Naturally, Rajaden’s eyes shifted to Violet. Glamorous makeup and shining jewelry. A dress of many overlapping layers with a design that’s never before seen in high society.
This attire could not really be called conservative, and it was enough to draw in everyone’s attention in itself. In particular, it was captivating how every movement made would cause these clothes to flutter each time.
“Hmm, hmm. So it isn’t a completely unfundamental outfit.”
“Who is the designer of the dress again?”
In fact, such conversations were being exchanged on the sidelines.
Rajaden’s eyes were transfixed upon Violet.
The flower of high society was one such individual who did not need to follow any trends. Rather, she herself would create the trends.
Even if it wasn’t her original intention, Violet had placed herself in a good position. Yet it seemed like she didn’t care.
“Though you say that you’re conscious of the attention on you, you’re wearing something quite unique.”
“Unique?”
“It’s certainly a dress that’s never been seen before. You know, don’t you? Just how much this place obsesses about fashion and gossip.”
“But the clothes that are in vogue nowadays are hard to breathe in.”
“Ahh, you mean the corset. It does look uncomfortable, I agree.”
Flutter, flutter.
Cloth would collide with cloth, creating a distinct sound. As it was made with the finest fabric that shimmered as mesmerizingly as crushed gemstones, who wouldn’t admire Violet?
It was at this moment that she had truly been reborn as the flower of high society.
.
.
.
“It was an honor to be able to have the first dance with you, Your Highness.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. If there is a chance, I hope that we can have one more song together, Ducal Lady.”
Rajaden kissed the back of Violet’s hand after they had finished their dance. Each and every gesture made by him was so elegant that all of the young ladies on the side started swooning. Covering their mouths with either their hands or their folding fans, they exclaimed, ‘Oh my, oh my!’
The crown prince’s confident smile was dazzling. However, Violet was much averse to that smile.
Just how many ladies had gotten hit with cupid’s bow just by looking at his face, Violet mused.
Not knowing what it would be like to live a life where everyone loves you, Violet clicked her tongue.
The new flower of high society. Violet had an inkling. Just this one dance would be enough to change her position here.
At the same time, she was displeased. Flower? What flower? Did that mean she should just become an ornamental flower to be displayed for other people’s pleasure? Should she just accept that she’d be used for decoration until she’d someday wither?
At the end of their dance, the crowd before them was split and made into two groups. The first half went to Rajaden, while the other half went to Violet.
Violet realized one thing. She did say that she was conscious of the attention on her, but she was made aware that she did something in direct contradiction with her original purpose.
Feeling mentally exhausted, Violet quietly closed her eyes.
“Greetings to Your Ladyship, Ducal Lady Everett. I am…”
“Greetings to you, Ducal Lady Violet S. Everett. I am House Elwitt’s…”
Since she had just finished the first dance with the crown prince, it was time for people to flock towards her. Up until this point, Violet had been repeatedly using her partner as an excuse to avoid them, but right now, said partner was nowhere to be seen.
It was a good opportunity to make one’s presence known to House Everett. And apart from that, it would be an honor to dance with such a beautiful young woman.
Even better, this was a chance to form deep connections with House Everett through matrimony.
She could clearly see what’s going on in the minds of these men. Drawing out her social skills, Violet suppressed her twitching lips and responded to those people one by one.
“You surprised me there. If you wanted to dance, you should have just told me.”
At that moment, a helping hand came down. But, no, could one say that it’s a helping hand?
Walking down the open path due to the crowd parting in the middle, Roen arrived at Violet’s side with a pleasant smile upon his lips.
“Ah, Young Duke! What an opportune moment to meet you here. The other day when we crossed paths…”
Fortunately, half of the attention that had been on Violet was shifted onto Roen, who then responded skillfully.
“Ahh, I remember. We talked about the Zeryl Corporation. But alas, this is a place for joy and merriment, so may I suggest that we talk about work on a separate occasion?”
“Ah, heavens. I beg your pardon! Then if possible, we can schedule a private meeting…”
“That’s possible, yes.”
Roen kept a bright smile on his face as he blocked the men with black hearts towards Violet. As she was naturally led away by her older brother, Violet finally had the chance to breathe.
She gave him a scathing look.
“No matter how many times you make that expression, it still hurts.”
“You’ve seen it often enough.”
“The time and place are different, so it feels different.”
“Yes, yes.”
