Her neatly tied long hair made Violet appear more like a knight than an esteemed daughter of a ducal household.
Her expression and demeanor also played a significant role, causing people to hold their tongues and refrain from approaching her—no matter how much they wanted to say something.
“It seems like the rumors of her going mad are true. How could she show herself in such a disgraceful appearance?”
“That aside, it’s the Crown Prince’s birthday celebration.”
“Haa. If she weren’t a ducal lady, she would have been accused of disrespecting the imperial family.”
“Maybe she’s aiming to become the duke’s heir.”
In this country, a woman walking around in pants was no different from a declaration of intent to carry on her family name. Violet found this notion quite distasteful.
Becoming the duke’s heir just because she wore pants once was a notion she couldn’t fathom.
Of course, calculations were not entirely absent from her actions. Even if she only appeared in pants today, this would bring her brother Roen many difficulties to deal with.
Nevertheless, he had the audacity to request her as his partner after seeing his sister in pants, making him quite an audacious older brother.
It was a partially calculated move, but she was satisfied with the reactions around her. If the crown prince were to see, he might say, ‘Indeed, it’s a lie that you’re not keen about attention.’
However, she was content. Wearing shoes without heels was remarkably comfortable.
Still, that didn’t mean Violet’s outfit was plain. Her extravagant brooches and accessories were enough to catch people’s attention.
In between the spreading rumors and gossip, there were occasional expressions of admiration.
It was at this moment that she gained followers.
“Today as well, it seems like we’re going to be blinded by your beauty, Ducal Lady. Truly, I can’t say anything other than how dazzling you are.”
Someone approached Violet and spoke to her. She responded to the unfamiliar face, unenthused.
“Given the occasion, I’ve only dressed accordingly in the most valuable and expensive attire. I’m glad to hear that it suits me.”
“Ah, is that so?”
The young nobleman responded awkwardly as he had unknowingly complimented her.
Violet thought the man in front of her was truly foolish. The moment their eyes met, he couldn’t utter a word, ears turning red as he turned his head away. She assumed he must have felt embarrassed for some other reason, unable to retreat, and chose to swallow his saliva.
“So, what business do you have with me?” Violet asked.
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I apologize!”
And soon, the man quickly retreated. Violet clicked her tongue.
A ducal lady with no escort, and to top it off, wearing pants.
With just these two facts, Violet had done enough to become the subject of ridicule. However, her expression was deliberate.
As she had donned a confident, imposing demeanor, some were left with racing hearts, while others turned red in the face without being able to achieve their desired purpose, only able to manage a nod in response to her arrogant smile.
“Hmm, ahem…”
“Well, it’s not too bad, I guess.”
Even her position carried legitimacy. If Violet S. Everett were to become the next head of her household, there would be nothing for her detractors to say in turn.
Curses were saved behind closed doors, while praises were served openly. The nobles thoroughly calculated every advantage they could get.
“Wow. I knew it, you’re seriously annoyed at Brother, huh.”
“Haa.”
As people debated how to approach and strike up a conversation with Violet, someone else walked up to her.
Soon, those who recognized the young man sighed in disappointment.
“Sighing as soon as I arrive, seriously?”
“It’s obvious that some trouble’s about to happen, that’s why. Besides, why do you care?”
“Wow, Sister. You’re talking to me so casually. By any chance, did the sun start setting in the east?”
“……”
“Anyway, you’ve decided to give our brother a hard time, haven’t you?”
“Whatever I do, it’s better than whatever you do.”
Violet muttered to her younger brother, and he just looked at her, sticking out his tongue while finishing what he was snacking on.
Violet frowned when she noticed the cream on his cheek.
“When we’re at home, you act so well-behaved, but here, you’re eating like a barbarian.”
“Huh?”
“I’m telling you to wipe your mouth.”
“Ahh. I don’t have a handkerchief.”
“Haaa.”
Violet’s sigh deepened. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and smiled kindly as she wiped the sauce from Cairn’s face.
Cairn was expecting that she’d just hand him a handkerchief, but as he looked at Violet, he paled at his sister’s friendly smile. No matter how soft the silk handkerchief was, it’s hardly pleasant to have it rubbed against your face.
Unable to say anything with people watching, Cairn only grinned. To outsiders, they seemed like a truly affectionate brother and sister duo.
“Here.”
“You’re only giving this to me now that it’s soaked with sauce…”
“Just take it.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Taking on the task of handling the handkerchief, Cairn subtly handed it to one of the servers. Despite witnessing this sequence of actions, Violet, who had shown no reaction, shook her wine glass.
“Do you want to eat too, Sister? The food here is divine.”
Cairn tempted her, and Violet responded with a contemptuous look.
“It’s really yummy though.”
“If people see you like this, they might think the Everetts are starving at home.”
“This and that are two different matters.”
