Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 117
“Your face… have you been crying?”
Prince Benedict, dressed in a white tailcoat, asked, looking flustered.
“I was yawning, so I must have teared up… What brings you here, Your Highness? Oh, you’ve been staying at the Duke’s residence, haven’t you?”
“Yes. I was surprised to see you like this. I thought you might be late because I couldn’t see you, but here you are.”
“Do you have business with me?”
He spoke as if he had been searching for Macy. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her emotional turmoil, and calmly replied,
“I apologize for what happened at the Duke’s residence. I feel terrible for not being able to properly apologize for my actions.”
“It’s not your fault. I tripped and fell. I should be the one to apologize.”
“But I was rude to you, Macy…”
The way he hesitated to finish his thought meant that it was more about the awkward glances exchanged than the fall itself. Macy found it difficult to respond to his apology. Stumbling over her words, she remained silent, and Benedict spoke again.
“I told the Duke that I wanted to meet you, but he didn’t seem pleased. He mentioned he didn’t even know where to send a letter… So I was hoping you would attend the engagement celebration. I genuinely apologize for that day.”
“It’s alright, Your Highness. I’m really fine. I feel bad that you’ve been so concerned. Please don’t worry about it; I consider it just a simple accident.”
Macy repeatedly insisted she was fine. Discussing this topic made her feel even more embarrassed, and she wanted to avoid it. Moreover, having a prince of a kingdom apologizing to her was overwhelming and made her feel restless.
“Then I’ll take it as an accepted apology. Thank you, Macy.”
“Yes, yes…”
“I’d like to discuss the matter we couldn’t finish that day, if that’s alright with you.”
“What matter?”
Benedict shifted the topic, his cheeks flushing alongside Macy’s.
“It’s about the recent deal between Ciseina and Obelit. It could be a good opportunity for you as well.”
“But I didn’t hear it properly back then…”
“I’ll explain it to you again slowly.”
Benedict spoke with a gentle yet passionate tone, and his words were indeed surprising.
Instead of bringing in the paintings by Ciseina artists, it was mentioned that several up-and-coming artists from Obelit would be sent to study at the Ciseina Royal Academy.
“If you study abroad and decide you want to stay in Ciseina, the country won’t impose any restrictions on you. As you know, Obelit isn’t the best environment for female artists to make a name for themselves. If you have ambitions as a painter, Ciseina would be a better choice for you.”
“Really… can I go to Ciseina?”
“Yes. If you agree, I can speak directly to Duke Krygen and have you added to the list.”
When Benedict mentioned Duke Krygen, the enticing offer suddenly felt pointless. The hope that had briefly surged within her quickly dissipated, leaving Macy feeling despondent.
“But I won’t be able to go…”
“Is there a reason you can’t leave Obelit?”
“Well…”
“If it’s because of your Name, I can help you with that.”
“Excuse me?”
As she tried to choose her words carefully, it seemed Benedict already knew everything.
“Is your Name master someone from Obelit?”
In an instant, Macy was taken aback, realizing he knew about her Name manifestation. While it was clear from their previous encounter that her Name had manifested, it also seemed he was aware she was continuing treatment with her Name master.
What surprised her even more was his confident assertion that he could resolve the issue.
‘Should I ask how he plans to help?’
If he could help her, Macy was torn between whether she truly wanted to go to Ciseina or leave Eren behind. With so many thoughts swirling in her mind, it felt overwhelming.
“W-well…”
Benedict waited patiently for her to gather her thoughts. Despite her confusion, Macy recognized that this proposal was a rare opportunity for her.
Just then, she spotted Baron Shearton re-entering the Great Hall from the entrance to the terrace.
