“Anyway, you look positively dashing in your outfit today.”
Casually engaging in conversation, Cairn smiled slyly as he led her towards a corner.
“You’re being sarcastic.”
“No, I mean it, this outfit really suits you. How about trying to enter the knightage while you’re at it? I’ve heard you have some talent too.”
“It’s too much work.”
“Why? That’s the one thing I wish I could do. If there are annoying guys, you can poke holes in their bellies.”
“You’re not seriously becoming a knight just to beat up annoying guys, are you?”
“No way. I also have my own reasons to become a knight.”
“……”
Violet narrowed her eyes.
Cairn chuckled at his sister’s icy expression. His sister, for one, had been tormented by all sorts of threats coming from a certain someone who was now claiming to have reasons to become a knight—the supposed epitome of chivalry.
However, it wasn’t a situation that could be defused with laughter.
“Anyway, I’m just suggesting you think about it at least once. It’s good to have various hobb— Huh?”
“Kyahh—!”
Amidst the bustling banquet hall, someone stumbled in Violet’s direction. Of course, Violet avoided them. Regular morning training was indeed quite effective.
Experiencing the same thing for two consecutive days, and the scream seemed quite convincing this time. Violet looked at the fallen woman expressionlessly.
“Wow, now I understand what they mean by people saying that you have a knack for swordsmanship, Sister.”
Cairn muttered unhelpful words from the sidelines. Anticipating the situation that would follow, Violet sighed and gestured for Cairn to stay back.
Step back, third of House Everett, who doesn’t know how to read the room.
He did as his sister quietly told him for now.
“Oh dear! Are you okay, Lady?”
“Look at that. Did she just pretend not to see?”
“Goodness, I heard that the Lady prepared this dress especially for today’s banquet.”
Bystanders rushed to the lady’s side. Violet looked down at the fallen woman and thought,
‘This isn’t amusing at all.’
Why did she take action herself? Whatever this woman’s intentions were, Violet couldn’t fathom them, so she simply spoke expressionlessly.
“If your eyesight is poor, I can recommend a good doctor. Ah. Perhaps, would you rather see a priest? If not that, I’ve also heard that there are some monsters that have the kind of power to bring back one’s eyesight. I can also introduce you to one of those.”
“W-What do you mean?”
“I was just standing still, so I thought that the person who fell might have poor eyesight. Oh, or maybe you couldn’t find the right time to apologize? In that case, I’ll give you an opportunity to apologize now. Just look straight ahead while you walk.”
The confident attitude of Violet made the faces of the women, who were fluttering here and there, turn red. Realizing why his sister had made him step back, Cairn clenched his fist.
“Ah, everyone. If, perhaps, your eyesight isn’t good either, I can recommend a doctor for you all as well. Each of your families will have to pay, of course.”
Violet extended her hand with an enchanting smile. The fallen Lady Tolofia remained speechless, her mouth shut tight.
“You still haven’t been able to get up, Lady. I’m worried that you might have been seriously injured after you fell. If you’re feeling unwell, I’d recommend resting rather than exerting yourself for the sake of staying in this banquet.”
“You… are too, kind. I’m fine.”
This was what the esteemed daughter of the Tolofia County said as she took Violet’s hand and got up. She looked graceful.
“That’s a relief then. It would be rude for someone to become the talk of the town on a day as fine as the Crown Prince’s birthday.”
Violet smiled. Her smile made some women blush. Their red faces were not only out of embarrassment, but Violet didn’t realize this fact.
“I appreciate your kindness, but I must decline. Since I didn’t properly greet you last time, allow me to introduce myself again, Ducal Lady. I am Artier Rouble Tolofia, the youngest daughter of the Tolofia County. Please feel free to call me by my name.”
“The name Tolofia sounds a bit familiar. I suppose you already know my name without me introducing myself?”
“Of course.”
Artier Rouble Tolofia smiled softly. Violet inwardly clicked her tongue at the sight of the woman’s vastly different countenance from the day before. The compliment that she was as pretty as a doll must have hit her quite hard.
A brief exchange of pleasantries followed. For Violet, it was a rather dull time, but Lady Tolofia kept the conversation going.
“If it wouldn’t be impolite, could we have a moment to get to know each other better?”
“If it is impolite, would you give up?”
“It would be unfortunate not to have a chance to converse more with the person I’ve been admiring.”
“It was a joke. A short chat is fine.”
Violet smiled. Behind her smiling demeanor, Lady Tolofia ground her teeth unnoticed as she looked at that arrogant smile on Violet’s lips.
“It was a pity as well that you weren’t able to stay longer yesterday. Everyone is curious about you.”
“Hmm.”
“If it’s okay with you, could I introduce you to my friends?”
While walking gracefully, the blonde beauty spoke softly.
All eyes in the vicinity turned to the two women. Violet pretended not to notice the attention and replied.
“Do I have to?”
“Ah. It’s not, it’s not necessary. No.”
Violet’s straightforward response left the woman flustered and she cleared her throat. Violet smiled.
This social gathering was held in the heart of the enemy’s camp, and it was in this place that stories to feast upon would start to bud and blossom.
