How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 4.2
“Oh, I forgot something. Resena. On your way back, stop by the Sky Barley Cake shop and buy a whole orange fresh cream cake. It’s trendy these days, and I feel like it’s been a while since we had one from that shop.”
“Ah. Alright. Anything else?”
Resena put down her fork as she watched the Duchess wiping her mouth with a napkin. As she was starting to feel full, she rang the bell, and dessert was brought in.
As she scooped up the affogato with a spoon, the rich aroma of espresso wafted up. Pushing the cold ice cream into her mouth, the milk cream mixed with vanilla beans gave a sweet sensation.
‘Mmm, delicious!’
Resena quickly finished the affogato. Seeing her daughter order another one, the Duchess observed her with a warm smile.
“There’s nothing else in particular. If possible, come back before dinner. Your father said he wants to have dinner together as soon as he returns from the imperial palace, so I’d like us all to have a cozy family dinner. Including our sleepyhead.”
“Ahaha. Alright. I’ll bring Renard back by seven o’clock.”
Resena stood up. The Duchess, having finished her meal, also rose from her seat.
“Well then, Resena. I’ll be heading to the office now, so wake up Renard, and go out. See you at dinner.”
“Yes, Mother. See you at dinner.”
Parting from her mother, she headed towards Renard’s bedroom. As she walked, she decided to stop by the canal dock today. No matter how she thought about it, if Vernas was a knight, now that the summer ball was over, he would probably be out doing his sculptures.
“Renard. Renard. Are you awake?”
There was no answer from inside for a moment after knocking. But soon, a sleep-drunk voice was heard.
“Mmm… Sister. Wait a moment…”
“Alright.”
He was probably washing his face and changing clothes.
She had heard that Renard had gotten into the habit of doing most things by himself on the battlefield, so even after returning home, he didn’t use servants when washing or dressing.
“Come in, Sister.”
“Okay.”
As she entered the room, a subtle fragrance wafted around, perhaps due to the diffuser mixed with cypress wood scent. Resena looked around her brother’s room. As she had felt in her previous life, Renard seemed to prefer having fewer pieces of furniture in his room.
Even the sofa, which is commonly found, was just a small single-seater. Resena approached her brother, who was yawning. Sitting on the bed, Renard stretched out and shrugged his shoulders.
“Mother requested that you purchase a landscape painting and I escort you to the auction house.”
“…Really? Alright.”
Renard stood up. His towering height was about two heads taller than Resena, who was 160cm. She smiled and patted her younger brother’s back.
“Come on. Come to the entrance. I’ll go ahead… Wear your justaucorps.”
“Mmm… But I want to wear a summer coat today. It’s too hot for the other one.”
“Alright.”
Resena headed to the entrance. After telling the maid to prepare the carriage, she strolled in the garden for a while. As the blazing sunlight stung her skin, she viewed the roses while holding a parasol.
Since it was mid-July, the roses were gradually withering. However, hydrangeas that had bloomed in their place were magnificently puffing up their petals.
She stroked the smooth petals with her fingers while waiting for Renard to come out.
“I’m here, Sister.”
“Okay. Shall we depart then?”
The carriage rolled its wheels cheerfully as it headed towards the auction house. A cool breeze brushed against her fingers. Renard seemed to have attached magic stones to his clothes separately because he couldn’t stand the heat, and Resena also attached a small magic stone as a bracelet in case it got too hot.
“Oh, we’ll also stop by the canal dock today. Vernas might come out.”
“Alright. Then I’ll wait in the carriage. If two people go, it might raise suspicion.”
“Okay.”
Resena entered the auction house, still filled with amazement. As she marveled at the beauty of the walkway with gem stones laid under the glass, Renard chuckled.
“Sister, let’s go to the Kingdom of Shein together sometime. There’s a ‘Jewel Road’ there, where they’ve laid gems under a glass walkway in front of the royal palace. The security is strict so no one can take them, but tourists can walk on that road if they pay.”
“Really? Okay. Let’s go together then.”
“Yeah.”
If I don’t regress again…
Resena inwardly strengthened her resolve to prevent the world’s destruction so she wouldn’t regress again. As they headed to the third floor of the auction house, they could see paintings that would soon be up for auction on display.
“Let’s go with this landscape painting.”
“Hmm. Mother would like it. She likes paintings of lotus flowers and ponds.”
“Yes. Plus, this painting is by the famous artist Golem… It seems most appropriate from the perspective of fame as well.”
Renard examined various aspects of the painting with satisfaction. The sight of water lilies clustered on a pond painted in light emerald reminded one of early summer scenery. While observing nearby, Resena spotted that employee from before, standing with his hands clasped.
“Ah! You’ve come!”
The employee smiled brightly as he looked at the two. It was natural for him to be welcoming, given that the issue had been resolved favorably and he was now connected to the Duke’s daughter and young duke of Arnasus.
“I hope there haven’t been any unusual incidents at the auction house today?”
“No. Since then, several of Vernas’s sculptures have been properly listed, and the manager is pleased. Are you here to buy a landscape painting today as well?”
“Yes. Are Vernas’s sculptures also being auctioned?”
“Unfortunately, they’re planning to exhibit them for a few more days before selling. You can see them on the 7th floor, and if you like them, please participate in the auction again in 5 days.”
“I see. Renard, I’m going to the 7th floor.”
“Okay. Then I’ll buy the landscape painting and meet you on the 7th floor.”
Resena took the elevator to the 7th floor. It was still crowded. As she made her way through the crowd, Resena bumped into a hooded man.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright.”
‘That voice sounds familiar…’
Resena looked up at the pleasant, languid voice. A handsome young man with blonde hair and blue eyes was looking down at her. As their eyes met, he gave a faint smile.
“You’re Lady Arnasus. Are you here to see the sculptures?”
“Yes. I heard Vernas’s sculptures are currently on display. Are you here to see them too?”
Ha ha. He laughed as he answered.
“Yes. I’m also interested in Vernas’s sculptures. The unique touch that permeates throughout his sculptures reminds me slightly of dryness.”
‘Hmm. What an unusual person.’
Don’t people usually get a sense of abundance? But Resena changed her mind. After all, sculptures can give completely different impressions depending on one’s perspective.
‘Intricacy and artistry evoke perspectives from various angles, so that’s not unreasonable.’
“Ah, I’m late with introductions. I’m Theseus Aldana.”
“Oh. As you already know, I’m Resena Arnasus.”
His golden eyes curved neatly.
“I hold the title of Baron, but I’d be grateful if you’d call me Theseus.”
“Alright, Theseus.”
It wasn’t common to allow a stranger to use one’s first name, but it wasn’t unusual either. Since there were quite a few men who approached her before the regression, Resena maintained an indifferent expression.
