Chapter 152

Chapter 152

“Huh?”

Mary seemed even more surprised than Violet. As the splendid coat of arms of the imperial family stood out among all the invitations laid before her, Violet wondered if perhaps the crown prince’s joking invitation was not a joke after all.

“I don’t know why Her Majesty the Empress is calling me, but...”

The official purpose of this summons for Violet was not clearly stated in the letter. Therefore, Violet pondered about what to wear.

“I-If it’s an invitation from the imperial family, it’s a big deal! Oh, ohhh!”

“Don’t get too excited. I don’t have to go right away. First, I should wash up and do some exercise.”

“I’ll prepare the bathwater right away!”

“I have no other appointments today, right?”

“None!”

Violet got up from her seat. Mary looked surprised as she saw something that had been set aside in a fury.

“Oh.”

It was a page from a newspaper that had been separately set aside because it was much too angering. Mary sighed deeply as she reexamined the content.

‘I guess it’s better not to show you this.’

Mary silently swallowed her anger as she looked at an interview with a certain painter that occupied the front page.

* * *

The empress hadn’t designated a specific date or place for Violet’s invitation. It simply expressed her hope for a visit as soon as possible. Violet responded with a letter stating that she would visit the palace right away, instead of delaying it.

But could she really prepare so casually for a meeting with the empress?

The meeting between the two women went smoothly. As a daughter of a duke, Violet displayed flawless etiquette, and the empress herself had dinner served without saying anything else.

However, even for a member of the illustrious House Everett, it was quite extravagant to lavish such attention on a mere ducal lady.

Violet contemplated the intentions behind this reception but eventually gave up. Trying to decipher every nuance would be exhausting.

Unlike the Emerald Palace, which had been open during the banquet, the Ruby Palace—the empress’s residence—was quiet. It’s not that it was devoid of any sound at all, but the air all around was particularly heavy.

Above all, the palace staff looked visibly tired. They tried not to show it, being professionals, but they couldn’t completely conceal their fatigue. Violet chose not to focus on them.

“Is the food to your liking?”

“...It is exceedingly good.”

“Your etiquette is remarkable, Ducal Lady. It’s rare to see someone so perfectly observant of etiquette while dining.”

“It has become a habit for me to eat like this regularly.”

“Fufu, is that so.”

Violet had perfected her etiquette to the point where it had become a double-edged sword. It had been her way of not drawing attention to herself, but now, in this formal setting, it had its own challenges.

Violet smiled gracefully, hiding her inner thoughts. Concealing her emotions in a tense atmosphere was something she was familiar with.

After the main course, it was time for dessert. However, nothing was served. Instead, the empress greeted Violet with a graceful smile.

“You are truly skilled at managing your expressions, Ducal Lady. It’s quite impressive... If it’s acceptable to you, would you like to join me for dessert in my cherished garden?”

“If Your Majesty wishes, I would be delighted.”

And so, Violet made her way to the empress’s garden. The true purpose of this rather unfulfilling dinner must lie there.

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