A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

In other words, Violet had been safe so far not because she was lucky nor because everyone around her were good people.

It was for the express reason that someone was controlling the situation from the shadows. That’s the only reason she had been able to walk around outside without any problems thus far.

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Don’t just think about it.”

“……”

Violet’s eyes turned to Roen.

Clearly enough, there was a blatant look of discontent behind those eyes of hers, but Roen just smirked nonchalantly.

Even if she were to feel frustrated with staying only at the annex, it was inevitable.

“If you want to go out, get official permission. You’ll be assigned more escort knights that way.”

“You speak as if you know everything, don’t you, Young Lord.”

“I do though?”

“With all due respect, you’re being obnoxious. You’re already detestable enough, so being obnoxious like this makes you even more so.”

“Ah, that is a problem, isn’t it…”

The conversation ensued with jest from only one side. Violet glared at Roen. She was about to ask, ‘Didn’t you say you feel apologetic towards me?’ but she decided against it.

Roen’s attitude was much too brazen, considering that he was supposed to be someone who’s apologizing to her.

What exactly was going on in that brain of his? Roen’s expression was as unreadable as it ever was, so it’s difficult to grasp his intentions.

As Violet continued to try guessing what Roen was thinking, the short meeting between them ended.

Seeing as his face looked quite tired, it didn’t seem like a lie that he’s very busy. He soon left the annex, leaving behind a pair of new shoes. It was today’s gift from him to her.

It was yet another purchase by that crazy spender.

* * *

Relationships were fragile. How great it would be if it’s as easy to fix as it was to break. But, in the end, it’s difficult to fix a relationship once broken.

With a plate, even if it’s possible to reconnect all the pieces, the traces would still be quite obvious, wouldn’t they?

This could apply not only to Violet and Roen.

“So many things done, huh. Why didn’t I know any of this.”

While watching the documents burn, Roen let out a sigh.

Whether that person was brazen or just foolish, he didn’t know.

If there was no lion, the fox would proclaim itself to be the king. And, as it was lording over the others as king yet simultaneously pretending to be a rabbit, it would take a lot of effort to catch such a fox.

There were quite a few people who entered House Everett along with Aileen when she had been adopted.

Since Aileen’s mother and father had passed away, there was no one left to manage their household, and many of their employees were on the brink of being left to waste in the streets without a job.

So, the duke generously wrote them letters of recommendations so that they could find jobs elsewhere, while all those who were close to Aileen were hired directly by the ducal household.

But at some point, those who were close to Violet were dismissed. This was because the authority to control the duchy’s internal affairs fell into the hands of the fox.

And that fox’s trail was very subtle. Roen unknowingly let out a sound of admiration.

If this matter was of no concern to him, Roen would have praised the culprit for being so smart. Well, they had inefficaciously left behind evidence, but the manner in which they went about this scheme was undoubtedly crafty.

Moreover, if the fox’s target wasn’t Violet, he would have gladly released that fox and let it continue wreaking havoc in the ducal manor.

But Violet hated Roen’s slyness. She hated the fact that he’d use anything to his advantage.

So, what he would do from here on shouldn’t reach Violet’s ears.

“Now then, what should I do about this.”

The snake laughed.

* * *

Mikhail U. Everett was a man of integrity.

Rather, he was consistent about holding fast to his beliefs, even though they’re actually false convictions. It’s difficult to say whether he’s truly upright and incorruptible, or actually just plain ole stupid.

He inherited his righteousness from his father—a knight—and grew up imbibing many expectations because he was the eldest son. He was particularly inflexible and obstinate.

“You’ve just been doing useless things these days,” Mikhail snarled.

“They’re not useless though… But Brother, don’t you need to be more careful with your actions and words since your successorship is at stake?”

“Useless drivel.”

This young man had been the heir to the duchy from the moment he was born.

Perhaps it’s because of that, but apparently, he never once thought that he was wrong.

The young duke scoffed.

“Brother, you still think that Violet poisoned Aileen?” Roen asked.

“You’re still talking nonsense?”

“I’m asking you sincerely.”

Mikhail scowled at the widely smiling Roen.

Mikhail himself had been having a difficult time sleeping properly because of the rumors that were spreading inside the main mansion. It’s all getting on his nerves.

He was like a ticking time bomb these days, but then here his younger brother was, seemingly pushing his buttons deliberately. How could he endure not exploding?

“If you say one more useless thing, I won’t let you get away with it.”

“What do you mean, useless? You’re not going to answer my question?”

Wearing a calm façade, Mikhail strode straight towards Roen. As he had a huge physique and was over 190cm tall, he carried with him an oppressive atmosphere.

Despite that pressure though, Roen just smiled broadly.

“Have you gone insane after blissfully hanging out with that damn villainess?”

“…She’s still our younger sister.”

“Ha, being siblings with that thing. Absolutely disgusting.”