A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

Foundation Day was a national holiday, but for some, it was a day to work without rest. As festivals tend to be.

Violet remembered that enjoying a festival wasn’t possible with just gold coins, so she prepared silver and copper coins as well.

And even in the spirit of romance, she also considered the possibility of encountering a pickpocket and packed some emergency money separately.

“Are you all set?”

Cairn, more excited than usual, bounced around in front of Violet like a puppy about to go for a walk. The moment Violet saw him, she let out a deep sigh.

“Haah.”

“What, again?!”

Cairn, who had been eagerly preparing for a fun festival outing with his recently reconciled sister, jumped at Violet’s sudden sigh. Looking at Cairn, Violet sighed once more and muttered in a low voice.

“Who would ever think you’re a nobleman…?”

It was no wonder she said that—Cairn’s appearance was rather wild.

Although his basic features were those of a handsome youth, his playful demeanor made him look more mischievous than dignified, and his shabby clothes only made him appear more casual.

“And you, are you going out looking like that?”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, it’s just… haa.”

In contrast, even though Violet was dressed in commoner’s clothes, she still gave off the air of someone who was undeniably important.

At a festival, someone who appeared as a noble was an easy target for all sorts of trouble. Of course, Cairn thought there wouldn’t be a problem with him by her side, but for some other reason, he sighed deeply.

Thus, the siblings, who resembled each other in appearance but not in demeanor, set out to enjoy the festival together.

* * *

“How fascinating.”

“So tacky…”

“If you like this, there’s another alley over here―”

“Really?”

“It’s so tacky.”

Though it was still early in the day, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere was already lively, despite the smaller crowds.

Violet was thoroughly enjoying the scene.

Even though she had recently crushed someone’s heart, leaving her with a lingering emptiness, a festival was still a festival.

Watching her, Cairn clicked his tongue the entire time.

Violet stood out more than he had worried about, and protecting her became the role of both Cairn and Aldin.

Keeping an eye out for pickpockets, hawkers, and swindlers, Cairn spent the entire festival grumbling.

Everyone seemed bold enough to constantly try tricks on nobles.

“Oh my, you have a sharp eye! That stone holds a very special meaning, passed down from the ancient Aslan Kingdom…”

“People just sell all sorts of things, huh.”

For example, they peddled bracelets that supposedly improved the body’s energy flow or stones that brought good luck.

Of course, Violet wasn’t fooled. She had the memories of Yeon Ha-yoon and knew the tricks of street vendors all too well.

Even though the items were questionable, the stories from the swindlers were entertaining. They were skilled with their words.

So Violet simply enjoyed browsing. Watching her listen to the peddlers intently without being deceived, Cairn spoke in amazement.

“You’re not falling for it.”

“Imagine the day when even a fool is treating me like a fool.”

“Hey!”

Violet clicked her tongue.

“So… that means it was a lie?”

Meanwhile, Aldin, who had been duped into buying a bracelet that supposedly granted wishes, hesitated. The siblings looked at the gentle-faced knight in unison.

Of all people, he should have been the one who understood the nature of street vendors best. Yet here he was, having made a purchase. Violet laughed.

“But it’s fun to buy it, no?”

“……”

Aldin lowered his head, trying to hide his reddening face. Violet laughed again.

“Did you have a wish?”

“…I did.”

“Eh? How surprising. You’re a punk who usually hates superstitions like this.”

“Well, having something you wish for is a good thing. I hope your wish comes true.”

They exchanged small talk. Aldin didn’t elaborate further on what his wish was. Although it was a mystery, Violet felt like she had a sense of what it might be.

“It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

Aldin’s response was delayed, as if he was lost in thought. Violet wandered the streets with a cheerful expression.

It was just one of those days.

A day to set aside complicated emotions and worries and relax fully.

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