Chapter 231

Chapter 231

The princess gave Violet a big hug.

The maids stepped in to stop this breach of etiquette, but Violet gestured that it was alright.

Now that her work with the portrait was finished, Violet knew she would never see the princess again.

The thought brought a wave of sadness.

The chief handmaid of the princess’s palace, having seen her painting, had long since stopped suggesting Violet assume such a position.

Her talent was too precious to be confined to the palace.

Violet laughed, attributing her skill more to memories of a past life than to innate talent.

“Someday, if there comes a day when this child is presented before many, or even if such a day never comes, her portrait will hang in the exhibition hall, among those of the imperial lineage.”

Just then, an uninvited guest intruded as if it were his right.

The princess, who had been clinging to Violet’s side, quickly detached herself and ran to her older brother.

“Yes, yes.”

The crown prince comforted his sister with familiar ease and smiled.

It was a smile still full of affection.

“History is prone to change, as is the history of art. Your painting will resonate on its own, giving rise to many imitations.”

“Greetings to the Empire’s small sun.”

“There’s no need for such distant formalities.”

Despite Rajaden’s changed attitude, Violet remained as she had always been.

Seeing her unchanging, relaxed demeanor, he continued.

“Already there are imitations following the style of your paintings, even though your finished work has never been revealed. After the exhibition, it will only get worse. There will be fakes and forgeries everywhere.”

“Is that why you came?”

“I just want you to be prepared for the inevitable criticism. They will try to belittle you out of jealousy.”

“I shall take Your Highness’s advice to heart.”

Violet responded calmly.

Nevertheless, Violet continued her detailed explanation faithfully.

“If you permit it, I will work on it like this.”

Details poured out about how the background should be handled, how the light should be managed, and how colors should be used.

As she spoke, Rajaden’s expression increasingly twisted.

“Since you were most beautiful under the light, I wish to maximize that feeling in my work.”

“Is my presence really just this trivial?”

Violet spoke, and Rajaden responded in a way that she couldn’t understand.

Violet looked at him, questioning the meaning behind his words. Rajaden let out a hollow laugh.

It was absurd. His presence was so intense, the images it conjured were powerful.

The more he laughed hollowly, the more poker-faced she became.

His appeal had worked, albeit in a strange direction, and he didn’t even seem to be aware of it.

She only admired the subject’s face, without any sign of affection.

If only admiration for his face could translate to winning her heart... but there was no sign of that.

“My mother had commissioned this, but she has delegated this task to me. So you can paint it however you wish.”

“Thank you for permitting me to do so.”

“Will you paint me as beautifully as Celi?”

“I will try my best.”

It was not easy.

Violet’s response was not straightforward, causing Rajaden to click his tongue inwardly.

If it had been easy from the beginning, he would not have fallen for her.

Having finished her explanation, Violet was about to leave, however Rajaden stopped her.

Want to support this website and read up to [40] chapters ahead?