Today, she was going to lay everything bare with him.

So, she had dragged him here, cornering him against the wall.

No matter what the outcome, she needed an answer.

The vague and ambiguous status quo was unbearable—it had left her unable to eat or sleep.

In her mind, it was simple: either life or death. Just two answers!

A single sentence could resolve everything.

But while the idea seemed straightforward, standing in front of Shia, alone with him, Violet began to feel timid.

Her neck felt cold as a chill ran down her spine.

After all, this scene was painfully familiar.

Just seeing him here brought back some rather unpleasant memories.

The many humiliations and lessons she had endured were carved into her very bones, impossible to forget.

The familiar setting triggered sensations she’d rather not relive.

She felt as if she were back in those situations—helpless, humiliated, and powerless against his teasing.

Just seeing him, combined with the setting, instinctively filled her with fear.

Violet’s breathing grew erratic.

Her gaze could no longer stay fixed on Shia’s face, wandering aimlessly instead.

Quietly, she glanced down at her feet.

Though they were blocked from view by her ample chest, she knew she was wearing white boots today, paired with white knee-high socks.

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“Wearing boots all the time will make your feet stink.”

Shia’s words from before echoed in her ears.

That comment had left such a psychological shadow on her that she avoided wearing long boots for quite some time.

Yet today, she wore them.

Would these boots trap sweat today?

Her stockings were freshly changed—should be fine, right?

Violet’s thoughts strayed further and further, her gaze growing increasingly unfocused.

Her heart sank lower, and the imposing expression on her face slowly gave way to a timid one.

Shia looked at the feisty princess putting on a show of strength before him, her bristling demeanor oddly amusing.

He wasn’t oblivious to why she had sought him out.

But teasing this proud and fiery princess was just too entertaining.

With an innocent look, as if entirely clueless about her feelings, he asked, “What do you want from me?”

His question snapped Violet back to reality, interrupting her spiraling thoughts about her outfit and appearance.

She mechanically lifted her head to look at his face.

He was handsome, no doubt about that. But the innocent expression he wore now? Infuriating.

Did he really not know why she was here?

His single sentence shattered the facade Violet had built, breaking through her defenses and reigniting her anger.

“What do you think I want from you?” she retorted, glaring at him stubbornly.

Frustration and grievance welled up inside her.

Reaching her limit of sadness, her emotions transformed into anger.

They had already kissed, hadn’t they?

She had already told him she was willing to let him pursue her, hadn’t she?

Shouldn’t their relationship have progressed further by now?

Yet he hadn’t sought her out for days!

And when she took the initiative to find him, he played dumb?

Did he forget everything that had happened?

Did he not care about the restless nights she’d endured, tossing and turning, riddled with indecision?

She was livid—so angry she could explode.

“Have you changed at all?” Violet demanded, her voice trembling with emotion as she stared into Shia’s eyes. Her eyes were red, her tone carrying a faint sob.

Though she appeared furious, her whole demeanor was tinged with a sense of sorrow.

Like a forlorn pet abandoned by its owner, confronting him with all her heartbreak.

She had taken the first step, seeking him out, only to be met with such indifference?

What did she mean to him?

Disappointment, sorrow, frustration.

An avalanche of emotions surged through her, making it impossible to think clearly.

---

Turning her face away, Violet took several deep breaths.

I have my dignity!

You want to act as if nothing happened?

Fine! Two can play that game!

So be it—I’ll just pretend it was all a mistake!

Her chest heaved with deep breaths as she fought to regain composure. When she turned back, her demeanor had changed, exuding an icy determination.

Even her voice carried a sharp chill.

“I came to deliver a message from the Silver Moon Queen.”

“Thank you for your distillation technique. Her Majesty invites you to the royal city. What is your response... Master Shia?”

The last words were practically spat through clenched teeth.

She spoke coldly, appearing resolute and detached.

But her trembling body betrayed the turmoil within.

She drew a clear boundary between them, as if they’d never shared a connection, reducing them to strangers.

Yet her heart felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand, suffocating her with its weight.

Her chest ached, and she fought desperately to hold back tears.

Violet had hoped that by seeking him out, he would understand her intentions.

But instead, he acted as if nothing had ever happened.

"If that's the case, then let's just pretend nothing ever happened."

Violet took a deep breath, finished her sentence, and turned to leave.

Her silver hair traced a graceful arc through the air, carrying a cool breeze.

Then, she felt someone grab her wrist.

In the next moment, her surroundings shifted.

Her back collided against the rough bark of a tree, and the strong, distinct scent of Shia enveloped her. His face loomed close, dominating her vision.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com