Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 112
He hadn’t previously brought it up because it didn’t really matter. In fact, it was tiring to have to deal with her if she clung to Rubens due to her desires. In some ways, it felt better that way.
However, the attitude of maintaining her innocence all her life only to be betrayed left him feeling more uncomfortable.
“I didn’t mean to blame you, so there’s no need to be so shocked. Feel free to sleep with him.”
Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise.
It was just a matter of maintaining an understanding. Neither Isabella nor Rubens was in a position to play the villain.
“Just make sure to thoroughly clean up your insides before you share a bed with me. I have a sensitive stomach. Then, I’ll provide you with plenty of seeds to bear the heir Lady desires for the Duke’s household.”
They merely needed to fulfill their respective roles.
“Isn’t that what Lady wants?”
So there was no need for that look of contempt. Rubens, with the polished facade of a nobleman stripped away, twisted his lips into a smirk. It was more of a sneer than an elegant smile. Yet, it still held a captivating allure that drew attention.
Isabella’s face gradually turned pale, and she fled the room as if escaping. It was clear that she was genuinely frightened, which made Rubens feel a little better.
* * *
Macy stepped down from the carriage in front of the outer palace of Duchy Krygen. The butler, spotting her, paused momentarily.
“Hello, butler.”
“I almost didn’t recognize you, Macy. You’ve come to attend the Duke’s engagement celebration.”
His surprise was somewhat understandable. Macy felt a little unfamiliar with herself after getting ready.
‘I didn’t expect Dia to go all out like this…’
She was wearing a light blue chemise dress. Made of silk, it hugged her slender figure perfectly. Her hair was styled up, highlighting her elegant neck like that of a doe. The white gloves reached up to her forearms, effectively hiding her paint-stained hands. The pearls around her neck complemented her fair skin beautifully, adding an air of grace.
Macy felt grateful to Dia but also slightly embarrassed, as she had intended to dress just enough to not breach etiquette, but now it felt overly extravagant.
The U-shaped neckline of the chemise dress was deep enough that it didn’t completely hide her name, which continued to bother Macy.
‘I should drape the shawl properly.’
Macy tightened her grip on the shawl as she forced a smile.
“Yes, it’s also the day my painting will be revealed.”
“The painting is truly beautiful. Thank you for enhancing the Duke’s celebration. Have a wonderful time, Macy.”
The butler let her in after offering her a brief compliment. When she presented her invitation, he readily let her in.
She had thought they might not allow her entry since the invitation specified that a partner had to accompany her, so she was relieved.
As the grand silver-framed doors opened, the Great Hall of the Duke’s estate was revealed.
The interior stretched out long and wide. Columns made of sturdy stone supported the high ceiling, dividing the space into sections. Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceilings, casting a bright light throughout the hall.
The floor, made of white marble, reflected the dazzling light. Cakes and desserts lined the walls, while servants carried champagne on silver trays.
“Wow, this is truly extravagant.”
The banquet had started a while ago, so there were only a few people dancing. At a glance, the attendees seemed to hold significant status. Their elegant attire, upright postures, and proper etiquette showcased the noble dignity of the Obelit aristocracy.
Since it was an engagement celebration hosted by a head of a grand noble family, only high-ranking nobles would gather here. Amidst them, Macy stepped in cautiously, but it felt as if more and more eyes were turning toward her.
Trying to dismiss it as mere imagination, she still caught whispers around her.
“Which family’s young lady is that? I’ve never seen her before…”
“I haven’t seen that face either. Could she be a young lady who hasn’t even had her debut yet?”
“Surely not. What foolish young lady would try to have her debut at the engagement banquet of Lady Werfel?”
“True, the star of today should be Lady Werfel. But with looks like hers, I would have thought she’d have been mentioned at least once; it’s strange.”
“Maybe she’s a distant relative of Duke Krygen?”
“Though her hair and eye color seem quite different…”
