Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 27
“Yannick? I’m not sure.”
“I don’t think he’s home… And by the way, did anyone clean my studio?”
“You were so adamant about no one entering your studio since you would clean it yourself. Why would anyone go in there?”
Catherine responded curtly before moving away. Finding it odd, Macy searched the house.
Yannick was nowhere to be found, and the house was unusually quiet. The maids, who had been watching her bustling about, quickly averted their gazes when she looked at them.
Crash―!
One of the maids dropped a dish, sending sharp shards scattering across the floor.
“I’m sorry!”
“Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?”
Macy quickly approached to check for injuries. A droplet of blood formed on the maid’s thumb. This was Molly, the maid who used to clean Macy’s studio when her legs were stiff.
While other maids subtly avoided Macy due to her precarious standing in the household, Molly often looked at her with sympathetic eyes, which Macy remembered.
“Be careful. Let’s get that treated. Where’s the first aid kit?”
“In the second-floor storage…”
“I’ll go get it―.”
“I’ll come with you, miss.”
As Macy moved, Molly gripped her wrist with surprising firmness, her wide eyes signaling something important to share.
“…Alright. Let’s go together.”
They went upstairs, away from prying eyes, and retrieved the first aid kit from the storage. As Macy was disinfecting Molly’s cut, the maid cautiously spoke up.
“I know where the master went.”
“Where did he go?”
“He left with a painting from your studio and took a carriage.”
“A painting? Was it about this size?”
Macy gestured to the approximate size of the painting. Molly quickly nodded.
“Yes, it seemed about that size. He said he could get a good price for it from Duchy Krygen.”
“What…?”
Macy dropped the disinfectant in shock. The painting must not reach the Duke. It would be fine if the Duke couldn’t decipher its hidden meaning, but if he could…
“This can’t happen…”
“Miss?”
Suddenly panicking, Macy bolted out of the storage room. She ran towards the Krygen estate, her worn shoes barely holding together.
“Macy! Where are you going all of a sudden?”
Catherine’s voice called out from behind, but Macy didn’t stop.
Selling the painting under Yannick’s name was not just a problem; it was a life-threatening issue for both Yannick and Macy.
* * *
“Can’t you go any faster?”
“I’m going as fast as I can!”
The red sun was dipping below the horizon. Yannick, his impatience evident, urged the coachman again.
“If we don’t hurry, the Krygen estate might not open its doors after dark!”
“Yes, sir!”
The coachman cracked his whip, and the horses picked up speed.
Duke Rubens Krygen.
Krygen was the head of the most prestigious noble family in Obelit. The young Duke Rubens was known not only for his high position in the council but also for his exceptional business acumen.
Rumors about his recent interest in art had spread throughout Laden. Yannick had heard that some artists had made a year’s earnings in a single sale to him.
For Yannick, this was an opportunity too good to miss.
‘This painting would fetch a fortune. And it’s a portrait of Rubens Krygen himself!’
Yannick glanced at the painting beside him, a smile spreading across his face.
The intricate silver embroidery on the cuffs. Silver symbolized the noble Krygen family, which had particularly amazed him.
The timing of Duke Rubens’s interest in art coincided with Macy’s period where her hand stiffened. It prevented Yannick from capitalizing on this lucrative market, but now he felt the thrill of opportunity.
“We’ve arrived.”
The carriage came to a halt at the grand gates of the Krygen estate. The estate was not far from the capital, making the journey relatively short. Two stern guards stood watch at the tall iron gate.
“What is your business here?”
“I am Yannick Horton, a painter. I’ve come to show the Duke a remarkable piece of art.”
“Yannick Horton? Do you have an appointment?”
“No, I didn’t have time to make one. This is urgent.”
The guard seemed unsure, casting a suspicious glance at Yannick before conversing with the other guard.
‘Ignorant fools, who know nothing about art! Not knowing who Yannick Horton is!’
