A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady
chapter-143

Roen soon resumed speaking in his usual manner.

“Objectively speaking, your art is sublime. It’s good enough that we can hold an exhibition for you right away. Artists who can’t secure sponsorship can’t even dream of hosting a single exhibition. Everyone wants to showcase their art to the world, and you have the talent. If you want, I can provide all the resources you need. So why hide it to such an extent?”

“…Well.”

Unexpectedly, Violet was taken aback by the question.

Or perhaps more accurately, struck right at her core.

“You have talent. You could open an exhibition whenever you wanted to, so show your art to the world as much as you want. Why go to such lengths…”

It wasn’t just about her art.

Anyone, regardless of their field, would naturally seek recognition. They would strive to achieve lofty ideals in their respective fields, and they would want their work to be acknowledged by others.

However, after her experience in the annex, Violet had only shown her paintings to a select few, treating them as if these pieces were parts of herself.

“Because it’s not the kind of art worth showing to other people.”

“Do you really think so?”

“……”

Violet fell into silence once more. The questions continued to flow.

In fact, Violet had unconsciously been looking down on contemporary art until now. It was from admiration to submission.

Deep within her subconscious, there might have been a desire for recognition all along. Violet was now grappling with questions that had long eluded her.

Violet pondered why she didn’t want to show her art to others.

“Paintings created by a demon.”

“Witch that made a pact with the devil to paint…”

Someone once joked that if her painting had emerged a few centuries earlier, she would have been sent to the sacred tribunal for judgment.

Was it because of those words?

“You wanted to host an exhibition, didn’t you?”

“……”

“What kind of exhibition were you planning?”

Despite Violet scowling openly at him, Roen continued unperturbed.

“…That’s a conversation for when I’m prepared,” Violet eventually answered, choosing to gloss over the topic.

“…Alright.”

There was nothing worse than having things revealed when she wasn’t ready. A displeased expression overtook Violet’s face.

Roen, who realized the simmering anger on her face a moment too late, chuckled nervously and took a step back. But it was Violet who erupted first.

“…Get out of my sight.”

“Viol…”

“Or what, are you planning to engage in more inappropriate behavior? Even if His Highness openly demands a painting … you’re not the type of person who’d easily give in, are you? Or, perhaps you couldn’t even keep your dear friend at bay properly?”

“……”

“You’re seriously getting on my nerves. Get out of my sight right now.”

“…Alright.”

Violet was the one who had brought him here in the first place, and she was also the one who issued the dismissal.

With a noticeably sulky expression, Roen turned towards a balcony.

Knowing that Roen was skilled at controlling his emotions, Violet realized that his dejected appearance was just an act. She sighed with discomfort.

Did he even know what it felt like to have one’s work evaluated and appreciated without any room to escape at all?

There were complex reasons behind Violet’s reluctance to show her art to others…

But ultimately, it was because she didn’t want to be judged.

“…Are you okay?”

“Why did you follow me again?”

“The atmosphere didn’t seem right, and I’m not really the type to enjoy a banquet, you know?”

“……”

“I know you don’t like it. But it’s dangerous to wander around without any guards.”

“……”

Roen had disappeared behind the dazzling lights long ago. Violet glanced through the banquet hall, her expression unreadable.

Cairn seemed to be in a subdued state as well, and Violet’s current mood wasn’t conducive to attending to his discomfort.

In the end, the two siblings went home, finding no real importance in staying there.

* * *

The next afternoon, Violet averted her gaze, concealing her discomfort.

Rajaden chuckled. When his vertically slit pupils gazed at her like a beast, Violet subtly lowered her gaze and took a sip of her tea.

“There seem to be quite a few stories circulating about Your Ladyship. For someone who claims to dislike responsibilities, you sure seem to wield power as you please.”

“I’ve only used my position as needed. Nothing more.”

“So, do you plan to fulfill the obligations that come with your given position?”

“……”

Violet’s gaze, which had been directed at her tea, shifted towards the crown prince.

It was challenging to decipher any hidden meaning behind the man’s smile. It’s for no insignificant reason that he had been able to maintain his position as the heir to the throne.

Violet considered trying to discern his intentions, but she soon decided against it.

“It’s not as if my position comes with significant responsibilities and obligations.”

“But you do have as much power as you need.”

“It’s not compulsory.”

“What do you mean by ‘compulsory’?”

“…I don’t understand Your Highness’s intentions.”

“Haha, that’s quite an interesting response.”

Rajaden managed his expression well, suggesting a different meaning to Violet. She still didn’t quite grasp what he was trying to convey.

Nevertheless, she maintained an indifferent demeanor.

“So, do you really think someone like you, a ducal lady, should wield power? Rather than being inferior to unworthy individuals? Do you have any thoughts about becoming the household head of the Everett Duchy?”