A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady
chapter-148

The lights shimmered. Violet smiled at the golden figure beyond Aldin’s shoulder.

Lady Tolofia and Rajaden were dancing together. Rajaden led the shy young lady with a charming and somewhat pretentious smile, exuding natural charm.

Violet momentarily thought their eyes had met, but she hoped it was just a misconception. Making eye contact with someone else in such a situation, while dancing with their respective partners, would be quite improper.

Lady Tolofia’s attire was incredibly splendid. However, she wasn’t exuding quite the same vitality. She was not wearing a corset any longer, yet she continued to be like a doll.

Eyes turned their focus for a brief moment. Some were directed at Violet, while others were drawn to Rajaden.

The man resembling the sun was with the woman who shone like a doll under the sun’s rays, while the woman who resembled the moon was with a somber man like the night’s curtain.

There was a lot of talk being exchanged. Who is the man with the ducal lady? Oh my, is he that illegitimate son? I knew he was half and half, like his mother… But seeing them like this, Lady Tolofia is remarkably beautiful as well. Just looking at her brings joy to the eyes.

Throughout the banquet, Violet had lamented her uselessly heightened hearing. She heard every little sound. Aldin, being as highly skilled as he was, couldn’t help but hear it all as well.

“Oh my!”

Someone let out a small sigh.

It was because Crown Prince Rajaden had prevented Lady Tolofia from stumbling. Violet, who was quite close to them, turned her gaze to the two.

She saw the bashful face of the girl, blushing deeply and unsure of what to do.

And, Rajaden’s arrogant smile.

Golden and purple eyes briefly met.

“Be careful, Lady.”

“I-I apologize…”

“It’s fine. Shall we continue dancing?”

Rajaden glanced at Violet as though to provoke. Indifferent to his advances, she quickly averted her gaze.

However, as Aldin was facing her, he appeared deeply distressed.

“Sir?”

“Sorry… It’s just… I’m not used to dancing in a place like this…”

“For someone not used to it, you’re quite skilled.”

“…I shouldn’t cause any trouble to you…”

“It’s okay. You’re a good dancer.”

“…I’m good at anything as long as I can learn by practice.”

So, are you boasting now?

Violet bit her lip, almost inadvertently blurting out this comment, but she held it back. She let it pass, but Aldin’s expression wasn’t the only reason she was filled with the urge to comment.

It’s because Aldin’s ears were turning redder and redder as time passed.

His face, initially expressionless, seemed like it could break into tears at any moment.

And almost unconsciously, Violet momentarily thought about making him cry.

She realized anew why she had a tendency towards villainous qualities. It would be rather cute to make him cry, to be honest.

She felt a sneaky desire to tease him, but fortunately, the music came to a halt before she acted upon it.

It was time to change partners.

Violet had no intention of dancing further, so she planned to leave her spot. However, Aldin was quicker.

After asking for her understanding, he swiftly left his position.

Watching Aldin’s hasty exit, Violet couldn’t help but laugh. He was certainly a man lacking in a bit of some tact.

“I would be honored to have this dance with you, Ducal Lady.”

Even after Aldin vacated his spot, Violet couldn’t escape. The man next to her was even faster.

Joining hands with the next young noble, she reluctantly began to dance. She pondered that occasionally attending social activities might not be so bad.

Before she had fallen into the lake, Violet had actively squashed down all the criticism being poured against her. She had always indulged in extravagance, and that included attending banquets.

Looking back, it was all part of her intention to taunt Aileen. Considering her actions, her personality could indeed be described as twisted.

She had tormented Aileen every moment and insulted the many noble ladies who sided with her. And attending banquets was merely a means to provoke them.

But now, her perspective has changed. In truth, she actually had quite some fun at banquets.

Rustle, rustle. The sound of skirts fluttering filled the air. It was time to greet her new partner after exchanging pleasantries with the young noble.

A hand wearing white gloves grasped her own.

“Will you decline?”

“Your Highness.”

First, she was startled by the overwhelming difference in their hand sizes, and then by his familiar voice.

Her gaze met a familiar smile. With ease, Rajaden led Violet to the dance floor, where the extravagant dance unfolded.

“I didn’t know you wanted to dance with me.”

“You didn’t? That’s disappointing. Did you really not have any thoughts when you saw me dancing with other ladies?”

“…I will give you the answer you want to hear.”

“Haha, lower your guard a little, won’t you? I hoped you would be a little jealous.”

“Do I have any reason to be jealous?”

“Really? You didn’t feel anything at all?”

“……”

“I, for one, felt a little jealous.”

Violet stared at Rajaden intently in response to his casual words. His gaze had softened.

“You’re finally looking into my eyes now.”