A burst of frustration came out knowing how difficult it must be.

It was never Violet’s fault.

“Prince Serdis is also very busy. Especially after going to the North, he works hard inside the palace. When I go to the palace occasionally, all I hear is that he’s busy, so I thought it would be a nuisance for me to go anywhere.”

It was regrettable that she blamed herself.

Come to think of it, her face was more weary than when I last saw her.

Suddenly, Abel’s words came to mind.

‘Locked in the room every day, doing what. It’s hard to see the face even if you go in during mealtime.’

She couldn’t even eat properly.

Abel, if you knew, you should’ve taken better care of her!

Frustration gathered on my swollen face. I don’t know when this sweet potato family will come to their senses.

I’ll have to scold Abel next time I see him.

“Never think of it as a nuisance.”

“Yes. I won’t think useless thoughts as Lady Violet says. I didn’t expect Lady to recognize me from the beginning, but I came to see Lady’s face even with my stubbornness. Now that it’s not working, it was just upsetting.”

“You don’t have to do that. Lady Violet was like that from the beginning.”

“Yes. It’s not Lady Violet’s fault. I never thought it would be so hard not to see your loved one every day.”

Violet looked at me intently.

I scratched my chin, grinning.

“Lady sees her loved one every day, right?”

“Ah, that was about my parents. I can’t see my parents every day!”

She hurriedly explained. She seemed to be in a slightly better mood than before.

“Now, please tell me Lady’s story. I was so disappointed not to hear Lady’s story from the North last time. I didn’t know Lady would come to the capital so soon.”

Her rose-pink eyes widened.

There was a subtle expectation in her eyes that she came to see her.

Of course, I had planned to meet Violet when I came to the capital.

But this trip to the capital was mandatory.

Sighs come out involuntarily when I think about it.

“If there’s nothing wrong with the Viscount, would you like to have another cup of tea and some snacks?”
“Yes, understood.”

The maid left, and I began the conversation in earnest.

“The Duke is on the list of participants in the Turan War.”

“Why is the Duke participating? Turan is a place where small battles occur periodically due to resources.”

Smart Violet immediately grasped the situation.

“However, it was strange to have the Duke, who now lives peacefully in his territory, join the war. So, when he said he wouldn’t participate unless there was a valid reason, the Imperial Palace sent a message saying they wouldn’t allow it.”

“What happened?”

She asked, her expression full of concern.

“Prince Serdis helped.”

“Prince Serdis helped?”

It was surprising enough.

I was also amazed that Serdis prevented Hertian’s participation in the war.

Of course, if it were a story related to the Empress, it would have a different nuance.

If he had planned to lure Hertian out with the pretext of the war and kill or severely injure him, the situation would be different.

“I don’t know the reason well, but he went in to persuade the Empress and received help.”

“Whatever the reason, it’s a good thing. So, I guess he was busy. If Prince has to do a lot to prevent the Duke’s war.”

“…That could be.”

I made a vague expression.

I hoped Serdis would not attack Hertian as an ally of the Empress, but I couldn’t be sure. It was a situation where there were suspicions but no evidence.

She, who was staring at me intently, grabbed my hand firmly.

“There’s nothing that can’t be done as one wishes in human hearts. I hope Lady Violet doesn’t hate Prince Serdis.”

It was a request filled with sincere feelings.

‘Did I hate Serdis?’

It wasn’t hatred or disgust.

If that day, there had been no Hertian, I would have lived a life like in the original work, not knowing when I would be abandoned.

“I won’t hate him.”

“Promise me.”

She extended her thin, white little finger.

It was similar to what Abel had offered last time.

Even if we were born into different families, family was family.

I interlocked my little finger with hers.

“I promise.”

While cursing internally at Abel, who pretended not to know his sister.

At that moment, a maid came in with a tray of tea.

Now, while drinking tea, should I ask Violet about the method she used to persuade Hertian, hoping that it would go in a good direction if Serdis didn’t side with the Empress and lead this incident?

“There was always this fragrance when I visited the Duke’s mansion. It seems to be the scent of tea leaves. I really like the fragrance.”

Purple flowers floated on the teacup.

A deep aroma wafted out.

“It’s a flower that only grows in the Duke’s estate. It’s been passed down since the former Duchess enjoyed drying and enjoying it as tea because of its good scent. Ugh.”

She took a sip of tea and quickly pulled her lips away from the teacup.

“Too hot, stop.”

She laughed awkwardly.

“Take your time. I have plenty of time today.”

I said leisurely, and she grinned as if she were pleased.

But, it was strange.

“Lady, aren’t you drinking more?”

After taking the first sip, she pushed the teacup away.

As if there was something inside.