The Villainess Paints — Chapter 3
Violet was not the only one confined to the annex.
Even though it was a small, worn-down building, someone had to manage it. And as a princess, she required specialized attendants. Because of the duke’s firm insistence, eleven people were assigned to stay in the annex alongside her.
They trembled at the thought of serving a young lady known for her misdeeds. Given that the annex was quite far from the main residence, it was effectively a demotion.
Violet, in turn, felt a brief pang of sympathy for those who had to work in the aging annex because of her.
“…It’s more spacious than I expected.”
The annex where Violet would be living was modest and worn compared to the duke’s main estate, but to Yeon Hayoon, even that seemed fine.
With a forest right behind it, the place had a certain charm, and being far from the main building made it extremely quiet—something she found very pleasing.
The eleven attendants consisted of the following: a head steward to manage the residence, four maids to clean and maintain the building, one cook for the kitchen, two kitchen maids, a stable keeper to manage supplies as well as horses and carriages, a gardener, and one newly recruited maid who would attend directly to Violet.
Including Violet, twelve people in total would be living in this small annex from now on. Of course, for those responsible for cleaning, the space would not feel small—but Violet was completely satisfied.
There were no lady’s maids or personal attendants of noble rank. Since confinement was still confinement, even if it was nominally at the duke’s discretion, all the staff were commoners.
In a sense, this could be seen as the end of her life as a noble. It was also a measure intended to make her, who had lived a life of luxury, feel inconvenienced by inexperienced commoner attendants and eventually beg to have her confinement lifted.
Of course, Violet—who had no intention of ever returning to her status as a princess—made no complaints and simply settled into the small room assigned to her.
The art supplies the duke had ordered had not yet arrived. Until then, she could consider it rest time and relax as much as she wanted—though she no longer intended to live a life of struggle.
Yeon Hayoon felt sympathy for Violet, but she did not deny the wrongs Violet had committed.
One could say she had been foolish, but she also understood that she had no choice. Life had driven her to become that way.
And yet,
Even so, evil remained evil.
Violet, rolling around on the somewhat stiff bed, suddenly burst into laughter.
Ah, without those people around, living like this is so much more bearable!
On the first day Violet confined herself to the annex, unfortunately, the peace she had achieved did not last long.
“Young master! Young master!”
It was a loud voice that interrupted her long-awaited sweet sleep.
“Summon Violet immediately.”
“B-But, to arrive unannounced like this… The young lady hasn’t even woken up yet…”
“Is there any place in my own home that I cannot go? Ridiculous. I will wait until she comes. Tell her that.”
Violet—Violet Everet—irritably ran a hand through her hair at Michael’s sudden intrusion.
It was well past sunrise, but Violet had sent away even the maid who had volunteered to assist her and was still asleep.
It was no wonder she was displeased at the unexpected visitor.
“…Seriously, first thing in the morning…”
Though by now it was closer to noon, so “morning” was not quite accurate.
Violet, forced to quickly throw on an outer garment over her nightclothes, tidied her hair and made her way out.
The new maid paced anxiously outside her door before hurriedly following her.
“I didn’t realize you were so fond of me. Coming all the way here at such an early hour.”
“Ha. Does this seem early to you?”
“Yes. I just woke up, so it is early. So, what brings you here without notice?”
“Do you truly not know why I’m asking you that?”
At Michael’s abrupt tone, Violet idly fidgeted with her fingertips. The fabric of her robe felt pleasant.
“…I’ve come of age now. Unannounced visits are considered rude, so I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing so in the future, elder brother.”
“What are you scheming this time? Are you planning to use sympathy to do something to Aileen again?”
How could someone remain so consistent? Should she call him foolish, or simply stubborn?
It was part of why she had once admired him.
Violet calmly smiled at Michael, who had suddenly raised his voice. If she did not respond properly, she might get slapped.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“Are you mocking me right now?”
Michael, who had been standing three steps away, approached her. The maids watching the siblings nearby shut their eyes tightly, sensing the tension.
“If Father had intended to confine you like this, he would have done so long ago. So tell me clearly—what dark scheme are you planning this time to harm that girl?”
“…You really never change. I’ve changed too, you know. How about you change a little as well, brother?”
“You’ve changed? You? If that were true, you would have long ago—!”
Michael clenched his teeth. Violet was relieved she was still in her nightclothes; otherwise, he would have already grabbed her by the collar.
“You should have apologized to Aileen long ago!”
His voice, filled with anger, echoed loudly through the forest.
Violet stepped back calmly.
My ever-stubborn brother. Do you know? Seventy percent of the reason I tormented that girl was because of you.
Violet silently muttered words that would never reach him, and smiled.
One should apologize for wrongdoing—that much is true.
Violet had repeatedly tormented her young cousin simply because she disliked Aileen.
Like a hedgehog bristling its spines, she had lashed out at everyone around her—always angry, always acting as she pleased.
Then.
If that’s the case—
Why have you never apologized to me?
Swallowing the words that would never be heard, Violet sneered inwardly.
Yeon Hayoon did not deny that Violet was a villainess, but at the same time, she did not deny Violet’s life either.
She did feel some guilt, but not truly sincere remorse.
That was simply how selfish humans were—they justified their situations according to their own self-interest.
“You’re worried I might pretend to be pitiful and then harm Aileen.”
“….”
“Don’t worry. I’ve decided to change. I won’t trouble or touch Aileen anymore, and I’ll just live quietly here.”
“You… dare…”
“Is there ever a situation where the word ‘dare’ should be applied to me?”
“How dare you speak that name so lightly!”
“….”
“You—”
“….”
“You have not a shred of remorse, nor any humanity.”
At his furious voice, Violet laughed. Was she really deserving of such condemnation just for slapping a few cheeks and throwing tea?
Public humiliation in front of other nobles, slander, nitpicking every little action, throwing hot tea, tearing clothes, beating, slapping—
Countless acts befitting a stereotypical villainess flashed through her mind.
Yeon Hayoon recalled Violet’s past misdeeds and then stopped herself.
True to the nickname “witch with an ice heart,” Michael turned away.
“I will, no matter what, drive you out of this castle.”
That was the last thing he said—his declaration that she would be erased from this castle, from Everet.
Villainesses in novels were usually executed in the end. Being merely expelled seemed lenient. What would she do if she were cast out? There were not many things she could do.
Violet began calculating how much she could make as a painter in this era. Unrecognized artists tended to starve.
Finishing her quick assessment, she smiled.
She did not bother seeing her brother off as he disappeared into the distance.
“Um, excuse me…”
“Oh, you were still watching. Sorry, but I’ve lost my appetite. Please tell them I’ll skip lunch.”
“Y-Yes, ma’am!”
Marie, the new maid who had been nervously observing the siblings, answered promptly.
The other servants who had quietly watched from afar quickly returned to their posts.
Being treated like a spectacle was not pleasant. Violet, feeling as though her day had been ruined, considered going back to sleep before stopping Marie again.
“Ah, one more thing.”
“Y-Yes?!”
“Please relay this to the duke. From now on, forbid anyone—Michael, Rohen, Aileen… and Karn—from entering this annex.”
“Pardon?”
“If I personally ask to see them, he’ll probably allow it. That will be all.”
The maid, who had been dealing with someone far above her rank, stood there with a blank expression.
She hadn’t failed to understand Violet’s words, but how could a mere maid possibly convey such a message directly to the duke?
Fidgeting anxiously, Marie eventually lowered her head.
If someone in a higher position gave an order, she had no choice but to obey. The other servants silently pitied her.
Rumors like that had been spreading for a reason, after all. They hadn’t expected the new maid to be treated like this.
They all hoped the young girl would not be crushed by such hardships.
