Chapter 213

Chapter 213

The tea party concluded peacefully.

On the surface, it appeared to end without incident,

No one stormed out in embarrassment, no tea was spilled in chaos.

‘Given the circumstances, not bad,’ Violet assessed.

Perhaps it was the impending end that emboldened Aileen, who approached Violet.

Violet’s brows slightly furrowed.

The room still had a few attendees, showcasing Aileen’s boldness. Violet internally scoffed.

“Enjoying yourself?” Aileen asked in a whisper.

Her hushed tone carried a tinge of frustration. Violet, with a benign sisterly smile, gently stroked Aileen’s head.

“What’s there to enjoy? You’re overly self-absorbed, aren’t you?”

Her tone was gentle, but the words were sharply mocking, straightforward in their criticism. Aileen’s face twisted even more at the directness she received.

“Smile, Aileen. What would others think seeing you like this?”

Indeed, glances from some remaining ladies were still directed at the Everett sisters.

Violet’s touch became more comforting, and Aileen managed a forced smile, though dissatisfaction lingered on her face.

“How long can you maintain this façade?”

“Oh, you and Mikhail... so stubbornly unchanging...”

“...What do you mean?”

Aileen looked perplexed.

“Nothing much. Ah, right. I just heard someone utter the very same line. Perhaps she’s more your older sister than I am?”

Violet let out a low chuckle.

Watching Violet, Aileen closed her eyes in resignation, her demeanor still as radiant as spring flowers. Violet inwardly sneered.

“I will take back what’s mine.”

“The roles of noblewomen are overly restricted. If not for the position of ducal lady, it would be rare for a woman to find her own tasks or roles.”

Not quite grasping Alesia’s words, Violet frowned. In turn, Alesia smiled gently.

“Right, well, that’s all I mean to say.”

Maybe the day will come that women can do what we want to do, find something we want for ourselves without having to be so heavily scrutinized by the eyes of others.

Alesia swallowed the rest of her words.

The young ladies whose eyes shone as they watched Violet today were not just chasing her beauty.

It remains to be seen what impact Violet’s actions will have on them, but Alesia smiled, sensing signs of change.

Indeed, what did gathering noble daughters in one place have to do with women holding bureaucratic positions in the past?

Though thinking herself to be somewhat enlightened, Violet was not so conscious of the things happening around her. And so, she failed to connect the two premises easily.

People follow what they like or admire.

Violet had become such.

Unbeknownst to her, many paid keen attention to her clothes, accessories, makeup, hairstyles, even the food she ate and the tea she drank.

Had Violet known, she’d have wondered why they were so interested.

But it didn’t stop there.

Though not officially recognized as a court painter but receiving legitimate compensation from the imperial family for her work, Violet had stirred some noble ladies’ hearts.

The possibility that there was a way to live other than marriage had emerged.

Although Violet was unaware, the times were slowly changing.

While Alesia pondered this, Violet still continued to stare at her with a narrow gaze.

Still, Alesia did not add any more explanation and went her way.

Left with a lingering unease, Violet decided not to dwell on her any further.

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