Chapter 1.3

Eventually, Violet managed to leave the spot after dealing with the conversation she had tried to avoid with a false smile for quite a while.

Sipping wine to wet her throat a little, she leaned her weary body against the wall.

Standing back, she noticed the navy blue uniforms of the Imperial Knights, different from the daytime, standing out.

Dein, whose head stood out above others due to his exceptional height, was surrounded by many people.

She saw those who used to ignore him as a lower noble now lingering around trying to make acquaintances.

It was petty, but fortunately, Olivia wasn’t by his side now. Handling the nobles, congratulating the army, and taking on the political role on behalf of the elderly Emperor who had left early, Olivia was busy today as well.

In Violet’s case, after a light greeting, she didn’t have much busy time. Lacking a proper political force, she wasn’t a significant power target for nobles or soldiers, even as a member of the Imperial Family.

That wasn’t bad. It was thanks to her father’s and sister’s love, who didn’t want to throw her into such difficulties.

However, standing here alone, watching Dein, she couldn’t help but feel a little pathetic about herself, who had grown up just being cared for.

If not, she wouldn’t have heard words like it’s an unsuitable engagement.

Violet downed the wine she was holding in her hand with a bitter heart. The sweetness and the spreading alcohol made her frown slightly, but her hand soon picked up a new glass.

“You seem to be enjoying the banquet today, Your Highness the Princess.”

At that moment, a gentle voice showed interest in her. Turning her head, she saw a man with a handsome face, just like his voice, smiling.

“Duke Ludwig.”

Evan Ludwig. The expression ‘nobleman’ suited him perfectly, and he was different from the arrogant and authoritative nobles.

His character matched well with his generous and kind appearance. Having inherited his family early, the young Duke was a single noble receiving courtship from many young ladies.

“I greet the second flower of the Empire, Princess Violet.”

He approached and gently kissed the back of her hand. He was a man who melted hearts by kindly offering reverence, which was mostly omitted in such settings, but Violet stepped back as if uncomfortable.

It was understandable because the Ludwig family was the most deeply rooted noble family in Scotia.

A family with the power to unite the noble forces.

And even at a young age, he wielded that power to the point of commanding even the old nobles.

Until Dein captured the public sentiment with his strong power and expanded his influence abroad, it was also the most practical check on the Imperial Family.

“I heard you’re not good with alcohol, are you okay? If you drink that fast, it won’t be good for your stomach.”

“……Why are you here, Sir? Shouldn’t you be busier than anyone else?”

“Why are you here, Your Highness? Did someone take your great fiancé away from you?”

He took the wine glass from Violet’s hand and handed her a champagne glass. It was kindness offered regardless of her wariness.

Even his voice carried a playful tone. His actions and words made her feel like she was being treated like a child, which annoyed her for no reason.

Violet downed the champagne he gave her in one go. The slight bubbles pricked her throat.

“There’s a misunderstanding in saying he was taken. I never owned Sir Dein in the first place.”

“Then who does Sir Dein belong to?”

As if asking if she really didn’t know, Violet looked at him a little sulkily.

Whether it was because of his playful attitude, the influence of alcohol, or the fact that she had someone to talk to when she was feeling down.

The emotions she had been cautious about earlier unintentionally revealed a little of her true feelings.

Even for a little bit, someone like Evan couldn’t have missed that sign. He smiled slightly, curving his eyes.

“Even you, the Second Princess, seems to be concerned about the words people are saying.”

“…….”

“Well, even so, he probably doesn’t belong to Princess Olivia as people are saying.”

“Pardon?”

“Because Dein Bates is a horse that has no intention of being reined in. Therefore, Princess Olivia cannot grasp him.”

“What does that mean?”

“I wonder.”

Violet tilted her head in confusion, but Evan merely smiled without offering further explanation. 

Violet eventually gave up on getting an answer. It was not a statement she found particularly believable anyway. She didn’t understand the metaphor, but she dismissed it as his misunderstanding.

Even if his words were true, it was meaningless. If such a remarkable person as her sister couldn’t manage him, then there was no way he would suit her.

Violet let out a shallow sigh that she couldn’t conceal.

“Oh dear. I mentioned it hoping to lift your spirits, but I seem to have made you more melancholic.”

Evan smiled with an indecipherable look and then extended his hand as if to change the subject.

“I feel I’ve troubled you with unnecessary conversation. Would you accept my apology by granting me a dance?”

Violet’s eyes widened as she instinctively stepped back. Though it was a common request at a banquet, his position and presence made her wary of the situation.

After a moment of deliberation, she cautiously and politely declined.

“I’m willing to accept your apology, but I think dancing would be difficult.”

“Why is that? Isn’t dancing the easier thing to do? Everyone does it.”

“If I dance with the head of a noble house opposing the Imperial Family, it might cause rumors. Even though I lack power, I am still a Princess.”

Such blatant caution might be considered rude, but she had no choice. Violet didn’t have the luxury to sugarcoat or gently handle such matters right now.

Fortunately, Evan, who had been watching her intently, withdrew his hand without expressing any displeasure.

And then he said something a bit unexpected.

“Did you know? I actually quite admire you, Princess, for overseeing so many things from your position, your place.”

Whether it was sincere or just flattery, it was an unexpected compliment. As Violet awkwardly pondered how to respond, he smiled again, his eyes curving.

“Doing that without any reward or reason is certainly a difficult task. Especially for someone like me, who is involved in politics.”

“…….”

“Perhaps those with good eyes have already noticed such things. Ah, it’s just a simple compliment, so you need not be so wary.”

She tried to read his intentions by watching him closely, but it was in vain. Nothing more could be discerned from his smiling face.

In any case, the compliment wasn’t bad. It seemed to console her slightly shabby situation.

It might be pity, but at least he seemed to be the only one intending to consider her feelings, so Violet eventually smiled along with him.

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you for accepting it as it is.”

A moment of friendly air passed between them, making it seem quite amiable to others watching.

But it was only for a moment. As if the friendliness didn’t sit well, an unexpected intruder’s voice came from behind Violet.

“Princess Violet.”

A low, baritone voice that was unfamiliar yet familiar. Violet turned around in surprise. Dein, who had been surrounded by people in the distance, had somehow approached her side.

He looked at Evan for a moment before bowing to her.

“I apologize for the late greeting, as I was surrounded by people.”

“Oh……!”

A large hand in a white glove grasped her slender hand. Unlike her, who was flustered by the sudden contact, Dein elegantly brought his lips to the back of her hand.

“I greet the flower of the Empire, Princess Violet.”

Violet held her breath again. It was the first time she had been this close to him.

He had always offered formal greetings, but she had never received a reverence close enough to feel warmth.

His slightly rough and full lower lip touched first, followed by a faint breath through slightly parted lips.

The warmth seemed to envelop the thin skin on the back of her hand and then withdraw, leaving a tingling sensation along her spine.

It must have been just a moment. But the time it took for him to straighten up and release her hand seemed to flow very slowly.

Her heart was pounding violently, making her dizzy. She thought she hadn’t drunk much, but perhaps she had overindulged.

He was merely greeting her. It was no different from Evan’s. It was just a special greeting for a special day at the banquet.

Fearing he might notice her flushed body temperature, Violet quickly covered the back of her hand with her other hand and hastily withdrew it as if fleeing.

“I’m late in greeting you too. Congratulations on your return, Sir Dein.”

Was I speaking too fast? Did I maintain my composure and speak politely? Did my voice sound shaky?

She couldn’t tell how her voice was perceived. Unable to meet his eyes, she slightly averted her gaze as she offered her greeting, and no reply came from the man.

“…….”

“…….”

Only the soft melody of the waltz and the surrounding noise mixed above, leaving silence hanging over them.