/
As Roen declined to accept the handkerchief that was being offered to him, he glared at Rajaden. If looks could kill, well.
“I would never have expected that you’d cover for the notorious villainess of the rumors.”
“…What exactly is it that you want to say, Rajaden.”
“So you’re finally dropping the formalities now?”
As Roen was finally talking to Rajaden casually, the latter smiled. And seeing that unreadable smile, Roen scowled.
Rajaden said, “When I mentioned bringing in a consort earlier, remember that?”
“I don’t really want to hear the end of that, so don’t bother.”
“That younger sister of yours. Give her to me.”
“Are you insane?”
Causing the noble and graceful young lord to utter such a curse, the crown prince looked at him with satisfaction.
Roen smiled as well. It was the same smile that Rajaden had said was frightening.
“Such an expression would really draw out a nightmare, you know.”
“Then why don’t you kindly be more proper so that I don’t make this expression?”
“Well, I’m not joking either. How come you’re not asking me for my reason? About why I’m saying this.”
“Even if I come to know the reason, it’s something that absolutely cannot happen. With all due respect, Your Highness, did you hit your head? After all these many years, the country is at the onset of doom.”
“Let me tell you—in this entire world, there are only two people who can treat me this badly. One of them is you.”
“What an honor.”
Roen emptied his teacup all at once. I’ve finished my tea, so goodbye.
He was about to get up while saying that, but Rajaden made him stay, holding the taunt of an imperial order above the young duke’s head.
From the very beginning, the crown prince’s objective was Violet. So, from the very beginning, this meeting was unjust.
Roen glowered at his friend, whose demeanor practically screamed cunning smugness.
With an arrogant look on his face, Rajaden beamed brightly.
“There’s a widespread rumor going around that the peerless Roen E. Everett had fallen at the feet of his younger sister. The esteemed daughter of House Everett had turned down all invitations from each and every household that sent them, while the Young Duke is putting up with such behavior.”
If Roen were to just up and leave right now, he wondered what kind of imperial order Rajaden would make. Would it be along the lines of summary execution?
Knowing what kind of thoughts were going on in Roen’s head, Rajaden just smiled and continued speaking.
“I also know of Ducal Lady Aileen. It hasn’t been long since her debut, and I hear that Sir Mikhail dotes on her especially.”
The golden eyes resembling that of a beast glinted sharply.
“But the ducal lady who’s refusing all invitations is Ducal Lady Violet, who happens to be the rumored wicked woman of House Everett. And by the way, isn’t it that you care more about your cousin, Ducal Lady Aileen? I remember those times in the academy when you showed her off quite a bit.”
“……”
“Interesting, isn’t it? Back then, just a mere mention of the silver-haired lady made your expression distort so much that it looked like a bone got stuck in your throat. But now, you’ve completely fallen at her feet.”
“Since you planted a spy, it truly seems like you know everything. But, Your Highness. I can’t quite understand how this and the matter of the crown princess could possibly be connected.”
“I wish to take Violet S. Everett as my consort, plain and simple.”
“Is this with politics in mind?”
“Something like that. But I’m also personally interested in her.”
This was the problem when one’s close friend was, at the end of the day, one’s superior.
Regardless of what he’d say here, this was something concerning Violet, and she would have the final say. But even still, he contemplated whether he’d be able to go against his superior’s will.
But really. It’s impossible.
“No.”
“It’s not all bad for you either.”
“Rejected.”
“Is it because I haven’t sent an official proposal yet? If that’s the case…”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why are you so adamant about refusing me?”
When Roen showed no signs of budging, Rajaden’s expression finally cracked. With that smile gone, the crown prince scoffed at Roen discontentedly.
In response, Roen merely stared back into that gaze, not touching any of the refreshments on the table. He remained completely calm.
“Why did you call me here?”
“Have you not heard anything I’ve said until now?”
“If you want to propose to Violet, direct your proposal to her and ask for her opinion first. This isn’t something that concerns me.”
“……”
“It’s imperative to respect her opinion first and foremost.”
Though Roen continued to speak calmly, his expression had closed up like a resolute iron wall.
Suddenly finding out the reason behind the rejection, Rajaden stared blankly at the person in front of him. Tap, tap. Chin perched on one palm, Rajaden used one finger to tap his chin for a moment.
And with a perplexed tone, he asked his friend.
“Let me repeat that for you. It’s not a bad idea for both you and your younger sister. The stigma on her as a ‘villainess’ doesn’t matter either. And about the elders of the imperial family, rather than just being affable about it, they’d even welcome this marriage with open arms.”
Then, Rajaden added.
“Furthermore, becoming part of the imperial family and leaving one’s name in the history books can’t ever be considered dishonorable.”
“……”
What Rajaden’s saying was not wrong.
Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for both Violet and Roen.
Violet had declared that she would not be wed, but it’s unknown for how long their household would be able to protect the unmarried ducal lady.
No matter how much he’d try to think it through, it’s clear as day that the crown prince was the most ideal groom.
However—
“She doesn’t want to.”