Violet Zerotta's Hasty Marriage - Chapter 39
Before her mood could sink any further, Violet decided to escape from Aldrick’s side.
In any case, at banquets and balls, it was customary—even for married couples—for male and female partners to enter together and then go their separate ways afterward.
The more women looked at Aldrick, the more Violet’s buried feelings of inadequacy resurfaced.
If only we hadn’t rushed into marriage before the war… If Aldrick had become Count Winter under different circumstances, wouldn’t he have ended up marrying one of those flower-like noble ladies?
Even when she tried to shake off the thoughts, they clung to her mind like sticky resin and wouldn’t go away.
“Will you be alright?”
Aldrick asked this when Violet told him, like the other noblewomen, that she’d be moving about on her own.
“Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll get help from Countess Lambert.”
Just then, a group of knights who had served with him in the war called out to Aldrick, and he nodded and let her go.
“It’s crowded, so be careful. If anything happens, promise me you’ll come straight to me.”
Only after hearing her promise did Aldrick release her hand.
But once his hand let go, Violet wasn’t sure where to go, and she wandered aimlessly for a moment.
The royal ball, celebrating victory and the rise of new nobles, was more grand and chaotic than ever.
All the nobility of the kingdom had gathered, and the hall was packed with people. It was the first time in her life she had ever been in such a crowded place.
Violet began roaming the ballroom, looking for the familiar face of Countess Lambert.
Since the two couples had come in separate carriages today, they hadn’t been able to enter together.
But in such a massive crowd, finding even one person was no easy task.
Soon, Violet found herself caught in a sea of people.
Still, it wasn’t entirely a bad thing.
Today was a national celebration, and even the nobles who normally adhered strictly to formality were in high spirits.
Drunk on the festive atmosphere, they spoke freely even to strangers, striking up friendly conversations.
Violet was no exception. While searching for the Countess, she found herself drawn into and then drifting away from various groups in conversation.
For someone who had lived quietly and alone for so long, it was a slightly overwhelming yet surprisingly enjoyable experience.
With etiquette being relaxed today, even someone like Violet—who was unfamiliar with formal manners—could blend in naturally.
Not just finely dressed ladies, but even refined gentlemen frequently approached and spoke to her.
Perhaps because she looked clearly lost and out of place, many offered to help her.
Violet found the capital’s gentlemen to be as courteous as she had heard.
She must have looked like a naive country girl, but they didn’t treat her coldly. Instead, they acted as if they couldn’t leave her alone.
Hmm. But isn’t asking me to dance taking that kindness a bit too far?
Violet had no desire to find a dance partner.
The royal palace ballroom was divided into several rooms. As she peeked from room to room searching for the Countess, time passed and the celebration’s mood deepened.
The later it got, the more gentlemen approached her, and eventually Violet found it exhausting just to respond to them.
“Your Ladyship, if you’re looking for someone, I’d be glad to assist—”
She’d lost count of how many times she’d heard that line.
Growing exasperated, Violet turned around, and was startled.
Standing there was a young man with blond hair and green eyes, just like Aldrick.
For a moment, dazzled by the lights and confused by her own eyes, Violet had felt happy thinking it was Aldrick. But she quickly realized it was someone else and felt a wave of disappointment.
Looking closely, the man was far shorter and slighter than Aldrick. Even his handsome face couldn’t compare to her husband’s.
Still, finding Countess Lambert had proven so difficult that Violet hesitated and considered accepting help.
“I’ve only just arrived from the countryside, so there’s only one person I know here. I’m looking for her. Might you know Countess Lambert?”
“Ah, I happen to be quite well acquainted with Count Lambert, and I know who the Countess is as well. May I help you find her?”
Grateful for the unexpected stroke of luck, Violet gladly took the hand he offered.
He seemed like an exceptionally kind person.
