A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

Since the main purpose was dinner, they were led to a prepared banquet. In the meantime, Sonia continued to provoke and loudly demand a duel, but no one paid her any mind.

The banquet was modest by Violet’s standards.

Unlike the starkly quiet dining atmosphere of the Everett family’s dining hall, the Blaise family members chatted endlessly.

The main focus was naturally on the swordsmanship geniuses, Aldin and Cairn, both of whom gave succinct answers. Yet the conversation flowed effortlessly, a testament to the others’ conversational skills.

Violet was also asked a few questions out of formality, mostly about her age or life in the capital, which she answered lightly. The focus then shifted back to Cairn, but one pair of eyes remained fixed on her.

The man had wrinkled skin and white hair, yet his robust physique suggested he was still active.

Violet immediately recognized him as her maternal grandfather.

She felt no special emotion toward her grandfather.

Just a bit uncomfortable.

After the mildly awkward dinner ended, Cairn and Aldin were dragged to the training ground for a duel, not just because of Sonia’s persistence but also due to the margrave’s desire to see their skills. Despite being unfamiliar with swords, Violet was also brought along to watch.

“…I’m sorry if it was uncomfortable for you.”

Just as she was about to move, a voice apologized. Turning, Violet saw it was the margrave.

“You remind me of Lacia from the old days. I heard you resembled her, but I didn’t realize just how much…”

With those words, Violet realized he was talking about her grandmother.

It was true that she felt uncomfortable, but it wasn’t unpleasant. So, she responded in a refined voice.

“…No, it’s fine. I’ve heard a lot about her.”

“Yes. This is the first time seeing you since you were very young.”

“…Yes.”

A gentle smile reached Violet. It was a story from a time she couldn’t remember, yet Violet felt a curious, ticklish sensation.

“Judging by your reaction, it seems you don’t remember.”

“……”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. It seems you’ve had a tough time.”

“What hardship could I have gone through?”

“Of course you have. I’ve heard you had a tough time under that rascal, Valder. If you ever want to come to Blaise, you’re always welcome, my dear.”

The old man referred to the Duke of Everett as a ‘rascal’.

A rascal named Valder—was there really such a person above her? For a moment, her face turned pale.

Soon, he laughed cheerfully, saying it was a joke, but Violet couldn’t take it as one.

The word ‘rascal’ lingered in her mind until they reached the well-maintained training ground.

* * *

The sparring match proceeded in order. Sonia got her wish and sparred with Cairn.

Since it was a real sword duel rather than a mock sword fight, the spectators’ roles became significant. Violet sat in a position where she could clearly see them and watched the duel that started immediately.

Although Cairn was particularly subdued compared to usual, his skills, hailed as those of a genius, were not diminished. His swordsmanship was sharp, likely due to his recent experience in real combat.

Of course, to Violet, it simply looked like they were moving quickly.

“……”

“……”

Except for Violet, everyone watching had tense expressions. They watched the duel with stern faces, not uttering a single word of admiration.

To her untrained eyes, Cairn seemed to be winning. Therefore, she couldn’t understand why they were reacting that way.

“Stop.”

The margrave’s brief command halted the duel. Sonia stomped her foot in frustration, but Cairn merely glanced at her and stepped back.

“Acting like that will only anger your opponent…”

Standing next to Violet, Delta muttered. Before she could ask what the problem was, he was called.

“Delta, it’s your turn next.”

“Yes.”

Though he appeared delicate, Delta was also a swordsman. Violet had vaguely thought he was a scholar like Roen, so she was surprised. Seeing her reaction, Delta laughed once and headed to the center of the training ground with his sword.

The second duel began.

“He was toying with me…!”

“He probably didn’t intend to toy with you. Calm down, Sonia.”

Unable to accept her loss, Sonia fumed and sulked throughout the match.

The seemingly even duel ended with Cairn losing as he dropped his sword. It was an anticlimactic defeat for someone called a genius.

Both had exceptional skills, so there were no injuries, but the atmosphere remained somber.

“…Were you mocking your opponent?”

“……”

Maintaining a smiling face, Delta sheathed his sword and asked Cairn. Cairn avoided his gaze.

“I didn’t intend to mock you. …Sorry.”

“Even so, not giving your all is disrespectful to your opponent.”

Cairn did not respond, instead walking weakly and sitting far from Violet.

Whether it was true or not, he certainly seemed to be in poor condition.

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