Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 110
It’s only natural. His priority is likely Lady Werfel, not Macy. By now, he must be spending a busy day, completely forgetting Macy while basking in the blessings of many people.
“I’m exhausted…”
Macy found herself growing increasingly weary of the situation. She felt foolish for believing his words, getting disappointed, and then trusting him again only to feel betrayed.
Why did she think he was being sincere this time? Everything he had said to her until now had been a lie. Moreover, worse things were likely to happen in the future.
He would swear an oath with another woman, marry her, share a bed with her, and have children who resembled him and Eren—a prestigious heir to the Duke’s title that was incomparable to Macy’s humble origins. And she would be pointed at as a vulgar mistress who had enticed the Duke. That was the future Macy was facing.
Days like today, when she was left alone, would become more common, forcing her to swallow her longing and bitterness as she gazed at his belongings left behind.
‘That’s the reality.’
The solution to this situation was simple. If she couldn’t refuse to become his mistress, she should just close her heart to him. She could desire him like Eren did, but not give her heart away. At least if she didn’t love him, she wouldn’t suffer like this.
She knew that in her mind, but it felt impossibly hard to actually do it. Strangely enough, it seems possible now. Ever since witnessing the kiss, Macy found herself surprisingly calm.
She wasn’t as angry or boiling over like before. Her mind had cooled, and her heart had settled deeply. Macy picked up the letter that was resting on the silver tray and went to find Dia.
“Dia, I have a favor to ask.”
Dia, startled by the sudden voice while arranging the dishes, responded a bit flustered.
“Yes, what is it?”
“I received an invitation from a high-ranking person.”
She presented the invitation to the engagement banquet given by Lady Werfel.
“Is there a dress suitable for the banquet?”
“…Are you going?”
“Yes.”
Dia’s expression turned somber for a moment. It seemed she was contemplating whether to dissuade her. After a while, she nodded as if having made a decision.
“Yes, I will help you get ready. Please follow me.”
“Thank you.”
It was time to stop chasing unrealistic dreams and face reality. To reach that future, Macy needed to take action. If she could see with her own eyes, perhaps this foolishness would allow her to let go of her feelings sooner rather than later.
She wished for this painful emotion to fade away.
With a slightly dazed expression, Macy sat in front of the vanity. One day, her feelings would cool, and there would come a time when Eren would grow tired of her as well. The thought made her laugh hollowly.
The reflection in the mirror showed Macy’s clear eyes looking empty.
* * *
The maids were bustling about. Several of them clustered around Rubens, adjusting his attire. Though simpler than formal wedding attire, his outfit for the banquet required considerable effort.
“Your Grace, Marquis Harman from the Eastern region has arrived.”
Kronen entered to confirm the attendees and reported to him.
“The Marquis mentioned he has matters to discuss with the Duke regarding issues with the trade vessels in the eastern harbor.”
In the Great Hall of the Duke’s residence, the key nobility from Obelit had gathered for the engagement banquet. The festivities would last for three days, during which the guests would remain at the Krygen residence.
For Rubens, this engagement banquet was not merely a social affair; it was also crucial for business. It was a chance to finalize discussions that had previously only taken place on paper due to the distance.
“Baron Ricley expressed his interest in investing in the railroad project.”
“Does he have enough money for that?”
“He plans to use his entire dowry from marrying Baron Tirose’s daughter this year for the investment.”
“If Baron Tirose hears that, he might just collapse from shock.”
Rubens chuckled softly as he slipped into the tailcoat the maid draped over him.
In business, he often witnessed the superficiality of the nobility, who, despite their refined appearances, behaved like the refugees who screamed every night. Moreover, the decline of the nobility who couldn’t keep pace with the changing times was particularly evident.
In that regard, business suited Rubens well. It wasn’t just about leveraging the prestige of his family but rather about wielding influence through his own abilities.
No matter how many times one spoke of the vague glory of noble families and the brilliant history of the Empire, the tangible game of money suited his temperament much better.
While it was undeniable that his family had laid the groundwork for his business, the reason he busily engaged in it, rather than living tightly, was because he enjoyed that sense of achievement.
However, such enjoyment only came when his mind was clear; at times like now, when he felt out of sorts, even his favorite toy seemed to cause him stress.
‘Should I have gone yesterday?’
