A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

There are times when, even knowing something isn’t yours, you still can’t give it up.

The brilliant sunlight and the cheerful chirping of birds—it was undeniably a beautiful, blessed day. Yet, for one man, the day felt nothing but bitter.

First love should remain as first love. The moment reality overlays fantasy, the illusion loses its meaning.

Lost in such thoughts, the man, who resembled the sun, was overwhelmed by a sense of self-loathing as he buried his face in his hands.

What tormented him stemmed from the recent news that had shaken the entire nation.

Was it because of the disappearance of the Everett family’s famous daughter and the third son?

No. Though that had been a major issue, it had been smoothed over by Roen, the second son of the Everett family and the heir apparent.

Perhaps it was the news that Aldin Aesir, the renowned war hero, had been granted a new title? It was related, but if that were all, the man wouldn’t be suffering like this.

No, the event that rocked the nation was none other than the announcement of the marriage between the Ducal Lady Everett and Count Aldin A. Stella, who had just been granted his new title.

Boldly, they had kissed in front of everyone on the day of the crown prince’s birthday celebration, making the announcement before all eyes.

The details were as follows— After returning victorious from the war, Aldin had been granted the title of count by the emperor. Around the same time, Ducal Lady Violet Everett, having returned from her travels, frequently met with him. Despite Aldin A. Stella’s mental exhaustion from the war, he had initially declined these meetings.

Rumors spread quickly that they had become lovers.

For the nobility, marriage was merely a tool. While some occasionally married for love, most relationships were dictated by considerations of gain and loss.

Therefore, everyone expected the two to break up quickly—there was nothing to be gained for the Everett family. Of course, there were those who believed their relationship might last. Yet, no one expected the pair to reach the point of marriage.

Except for this man, Rajaden.

“Haa…”

It had already been several years since Violet had rejected him.

He had long since resolved his feelings, leaving only the sentiment of friendship, or so he had thought. But now, hearing the news of their marriage, unease and restlessness began to gnaw at him.

‘No, this is just my pride being wounded…’

Still, it was too much. They had stolen the spotlight from Rajaden on the day when he was supposed to be celebrating his own birthday.

At last, Rajaden had no choice but to admit the truth.

Just as a lingering cough remains after a fever subsides, emotions linger like remnants in his heart.

.

.

And then, the day finally arrived.

It was a bright morning, and the weather had everyone in high spirits.

Today was the day Ducal Lady Violet Everett and Count Stella were to be wed.

Shockingly, the wedding date had only been announced only ten days prior. It was originally meant to be a private affair known only to close relatives, and Rajaden couldn’t help but bitterly joke about whether this was fortunate or unfortunate.

As the day of the wedding arrived, his unease only grew stronger.

In truth, there was no reason for Rajaden to be this perturbed about Violet’s wedding. As a direct member of the imperial family, he had experienced plenty of meaningful relationships and would continue to do so.

Even so, his mood was unsettled. After not seeing such a change in Rajaden’s demeanor for years, the attendants who served him were on edge, unsure of how to respond. Meanwhile, Rajaden was preoccupied with the decision of whether to attend Violet and Aldin’s wedding.

It was said the wedding would be surprisingly modest.

There would be no engagement ceremony, nor would there be any of the grand festivities typical of such events. Only a handful of guests had been invited.

Rajaden was among those few. Of course, excluding a member of the imperial family would have been impossible. Still, it left him puzzled.

Why? Why send a wedding invitation to someone who had once confessed his love to the bride? Even if the feelings had long since been buried…

Countless thoughts swirled in his mind, but the conclusion remained the same. It was infuriating.

Still, in the end, he decided to congratulate the couple in person. Whether it would be a blessing or a curse, however, remained to be seen.

* * *

Aldin, the war hero, had secluded himself for some time after receiving the title of count. The once youthful-looking man who had departed for battle returned with the demeanor of an adult.

Where he had once appeared fragile at times, he now exuded a dangerous atmosphere. The kind and quiet persona he had once displayed was gone, replaced by something far closer to a predator.

Violet was initially taken aback by his transformation, but she felt reassured upon hearing that the family name associated with his new title was ‘Stella’. Even the air of danger surrounding him now felt tinged with sorrow.

“Ducal Lady, you have a visitor.”

In the bride’s waiting room, decorated brightly, Violet had been thinking about her soon-to-be husband when the voice calling her brought her back to reality.

“Allow the visitor in.”

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( APV has been fully translated~! )

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