Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 113
As Macy walked further inside, the gazes around her intensified.
She felt as if she was being scrutinized from head to toe, and her body tensed up with nervousness. Each step felt cautious, and thankfully, the onlookers only whispered among themselves, without approaching her.
Macy averted her eyes and reminded herself of her purpose for being here. Suddenly, a familiar face caught her attention.
“Macy! What brings you here?”
“Ba, Baron Shearton.”
It was Baron Shearton. Dressed in a beige jacket, he had also made an effort to attend the banquet more formally than usual.
“Ah, did you come to check on the portrait that will be displayed during the engagement banquet today?”
“Yes, yes…”
While that wasn’t her main reason for being there, Macy nodded awkwardly.
“Please follow me. I’ll show you.”
Baron Shearton smiled gently and led her away. They headed towards a gallery adjacent to the Great Hall.
“Here it is.”
A significant number of nobles had gathered there.
“This is the portrait painted by Yannick Horton? It truly lives up to its name. I’ve never seen such a vivid portrait; it looks like it could leap out at you.”
“No, it’s not Yannick Horton; it’s his sister. The name here says… Macy Horton. See? It’s written as Macy Horton. In fact, since it’s said that Yannick Horton’s sister painted his paintings, it’s fair to consider it a work by the renowned Yannick Horton.”
“Wow. Why did she paint for him?”
“They said her leg limped due to her name manifestation. Being a woman and for various other reasons, I suppose.”
“How unfortunate. That must be frustrating for her, having such a precious talent.”
The people there engaged in lively conversation. While there were praises for the painting, they seemed more interested in gossip about Macy.
She had no intention of revealing her presence in such a setting. The fact that she had painted on Yannick’s behalf wasn’t something to be disclosed in such a public space, nor did she want their sympathetic glances.
“What a wonderful painting, Macy. My heart raced the moment I saw it. How long did it take you?”
Baron Shearton asked, his eyes sparkling with deep admiration. Macy lowered her voice, ensuring only he could hear her response.
“It took about two months.”
“Oh! With such a large canvas, it must have been quite a task, but you’re really quick. Can I ask you to paint my portrait next?”
Macy hesitated for a moment before asking,
“Didn’t you say that you didn’t particularly like my paintings, Baron Shearton?”
Since Eren had said it was fine for her to resume her outside work, accepting commissions was acceptable, but Baron Shearton had never chosen one of Macy’s paintings during the outing as a painter.
So she was unsure if his comment was made out of courtesy or sincerity. Curious about it, she decided to ask, but she realized too late that it might have come off as too direct.
Was it rude? Macy fidgeted slightly, gauging his reaction.
“I really like your paintings, Macy. You’ve misunderstood.”
“Really?”
But Baron Shearton laughed lightly.
“Yes. I even pull out the sketches you’ve drawn every night to look at them. So please don’t harbor such misunderstandings.”
“Then why…”
“I can’t explain in detail, but there were reasons for it. I hope you understand my fervent admiration for your artwork.”
Baron Shearton feigned an innocent expression, and Macy tilted her head in confusion.
‘Is that true?’
What could be the reasons for not selecting her painting? What circumstances would require him to hide his fondness for her art, especially after hiring her as an outing painter?
“Ah.”
Macy sighed briefly after some thought.
The connection between Baron Shearton and herself was undoubtedly tied to Eren. Duke Krygen was in the middle of it all. Eren didn’t want Macy to gain fame. So Baron Shearton…
“I understand. Attending the outing was a good experience for me too. Thank you for everything, Baron Shearton.”
She had no intention of blaming Baron Shearton for not selecting her painting. No matter how close he was to the Duke, their relationship was clearly one of hierarchy.
