Upon hearing Violet’s answer, the marchioness smiled softly.
“So, did you feel at ease?”
“…Yes.”
“What a relief. But speaking as your chaperone and as Lily’s friend, I’d have to advise you to stop painting. Do you know why?”
“A little.”
“As an esteemed ducal lady, you have no need for art. There are many people in this country who remain conservative and old-fashioned, and there are many aristocrats who wish to drag down those who are at the top. Numerous people are eager to judge and undermine the actions, words and everything else related to a ducal lady such as yourself, even with something as simple as what you’re wearing. You’re refusing all invitations because you know that, don’t you?”
“……”
“Let’s see. Rumor has it that Laurent’s designer got kicked out of the Everett’s mansion in the capital. Thus, Lady Everett must be very arrogant.”
“Is that so?”
Violet merely sipped her tea, unbothered. Narrowing her eyes at this, the marchioness laughed.
“I understand that you have no intention of entering social and political circles. But still, there will be times when you’d have to face some people even if you don’t want to.”
“I appreciate your advice, truly, but I’m quite alright.”
As Violet set down her teacup, she smiled. It’s not that the marchioness’s advice meant nothing to her. It’s just that she had already been through it countless times.
The marchioness smiled as well.
“On the other hand, personally speaking, I wish to tell you that you should do whatever you want.”
“May I ask why?”
“Of course. How can I not know the true reason why you had so many thorns around you three years ago? It was all because you didn’t want to leave any openings to those who wish you any harm.”
“……”
“But compared to how you were back then, you look so much more at ease. You started painting because you like it, didn’t you? Then, that’s enough. What’s the point of being conscious of other people’s opinions?”
“That’s quite the uncharacteristically radical remark.”
“Considering my position, there’s no other way to answer. Before getting married, I was merely a daughter of a low-ranked viscount, and I came to a realization while observing the other nobles. ‘Ah, if I keep trying to conform to those people’s standards, I will be left with nothing of my original self. I am my own person.’ You understand?”
Though the marchioness spoke delicately, her words carried much seriousness. Violet looked at the smiling marchioness attentively.
“The name Violet S. Everett has that weight. No matter what other people say, your esteem as a ducal lady shall never change. For them to say that a ducal lady is arrogant—what a bunch of idiots, aren’t they? You are prideful because you’re in a position to keep your head held high.”
“…Thank you very much for saying that.”
“Gosh. My friend’s daughter is like my own daughter. Whenever you get the urge to come to the marquisate, don’t hesitate at all and just come, alright? I’ll drop everything and make time just for you.”
As though responding to the marchioness’s kindness, Violet smiled broadly.
And the marchioness smiled as well—it was the comfortable smile of a woman towards someone she considered a daughter.
* * *
After teatime, the two of them took a short stroll in the garden. In the meantime, the marchioness’s chatter was not over.
Even though Violet enjoyed talking to her, she couldn’t help but feel a bit tired.
“Before I became the Marquis’s wife, I mentioned that I was a daughter of a low-ranked, rural viscount, right? I only got to meet Lily during the debutante ball, and then we became close friends. And somehow or another, I started seeing my husband, though it was not without many hardships.”
When the marchioness’s story went on a tangent, it was nonetheless exciting. Listening to the love story, Violet was reminded of a romance novel.
The marchioness continued her story as they crossed the garden.
“Perhaps this is the reason, but it’s true that I don’t tend to conform to tradition by default. I had this garden landscaped according to my tastes. Isn’t it pretty?”
“Yes, I agree. I think it’s very beautiful in a different way from Everett’s garden. I see it’s because of your tastes, Madam.”
“Hohoho. My son, that rascal—he keeps saying that it looks messy, but it’s only expected. I did it freely.”
In the midst of their long conversation, someone appeared before them. It was a man, politely standing in front of them.
“Oh my, Alec?”
“I’m here to greet you, Mother. I hope you’ve been well. May I know who this is?”
“Ah, yes, say hello. This is my guest, Lady Everett.”
“Ohh, the most famous person in the capital these days. I greet you, the rising star of House Everett. I am Alec K. Leshan. Please feel free to call me Alec.”
The man who greeted her according to etiquette reached out one hand to her. Violet then offered her own hand, and the man kissed the back of her hand naturally.
Goosebumps rose up Violet’s spine.
“May I call you Lady Violet? Ah, please forgive my rudeness. Mother, I heard that there’s a bit of a problem going on at Titaro right now.”
“Whaaat? Ah, I was going to rest for the first time in quite a while, but there’s nothing I can do. Alec, will you be a dear and show Her Ladyship around for a moment?”
Letting out a sigh, the marchioness smiled helplessly and looked at Violet with a sad expression.
“I’m sorry, it’s something out of my hands. I’ll be right back, but you and Alec can continue touring the garden. I don’t wish to treat Everett’s lady and my friend’s daughter like this—I’ll be sure to come back right away after I’ve finished my work.”
“Of course, Madam. Please don’t be pressured to rush.”
When the marchioness went away, the young lord and Violet remained in their seats.
