Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 28
In truth, if one had no interest in art, it was understandable that even the most renowned painter in Laden, Yannick, might go unrecognized.
For ordinary people struggling to make a living, taking an interest in art was often an unrealistic luxury. However, the delay was making Yannick increasingly anxious.
“Please wait a moment. I will seek permission from the chief steward to let you in.”
“Yes.”
As he nervously tapped his foot, the guard who had gone to consult with someone returned with a bright smile and approached the carriage.
Shortly after, the gates opened, and Yannick’s carriage was allowed to enter the Krygen estate. He had feared that he might be turned away, but fortunately, things were going smoothly.
As they passed through the garden of low hedges, a central fountain with an angel statue came into view. The fountain was majestic and intricately detailed, appearing almost lifelike in its beauty.
‘Indeed, this is the residence of a grand noble like Duke Krygen.’
Obelit was not a country known for its exceptional advancement in the arts. It had only recently begun to move beyond solemn and heavy religious themes to embrace a wider variety of subjects.
Nowadays, art is seen as a symbol of the city’s and nation’s glory, with artists’ achievements representing cultural identity and pride.
Despite this shift, the status of artists in Obelit remained low, and many still looked down on them.
The Krygen estate, however, was an exception. They housed numerous noteworthy artworks thanks to the early interest in art by the Duke’s grandmother, Ottilie Krygen.
She, despite her advanced age, was the chairwoman of the Royal Academy of Art, a significant figure in the Obelit art world. People speculated that the Duke’s recent interest in art was influenced by this background.
Perhaps he was planning some project in connection with the Royal Academy. Whatever his intentions, getting the attention of the young, vigorous Duke could only be beneficial for Yannick.
“Greetings. I am Joshton Kellin, the chief steward of the Krygen household.”
“Hello. I am Yannick Horton.”
After arriving at the main building, an elderly white-haired steward approached him.
“Mr. Yannick Horton. Please allow me to guide you.”
Yannick followed the steward into the mansion.
The first thing that greeted him was a grand hall, shimmering like starlight absorbed into a silvery sheen. The center of the hall featured a checkerboard pattern made of white stone tiles, leading to a marble staircase ascending to the second-floor drawing room. Tall stone pillars supporting the high ceiling and the massive fresco symbolizing authority above left an overwhelming impression of grandeur.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
“Of course.”
As Yannick entered the drawing room, the maids of the mansion brought out simple refreshments and tea. He was too nervous to enjoy the sweet treats.
While he waited anxiously, the silver door knob clicked and turned. The master of the mansion, Rubens Krygen, appeared.
“I am a painter, Yannick Horton. It is an honor to meet the Duke.”
Yannick quickly bowed his head.
The weighty black hair and sapphire-like blue eyes were so beautiful that they made his body freeze upon sight. It was no exaggeration to say that the most beautiful god, Mihoni, was said to have manifested in the world through him.
Yannick, despite being a man, was momentarily mesmerized by Rubens’s beauty.
“You’ve come to sell a painting.”
“Ah, yes. This, this, this painting!”
Yannick stammered excessively.
He realized that he must have looked foolish despite being the most famous painter in Laden, but it was hard to maintain his composure under the inexplicable pressure radiating from Rubens Krygen.
Yannick fumbled to unwrap the paper from the painting and place it on the easel that the steward had prepared.
Meanwhile, the Duke gracefully lifted a teacup from the table and tilted it with an elegant gesture. There was a deep sense of boredom in his downcast eyes.
Yannick, noticing this, cautiously began to speak.
“May I briefly introduce the painting?”
“Go ahead.”
“I should properly introduce myself first. I am Yannick Horton, a painter from Laden specializing in landscapes. Though it feels immodest to say, I have been praised as a genius artist in Laden. This painting was inspired by the spring festival just a few days ago. As you can see, the ideal composition features Laden’s iconic buildings, with shops lining both sides of the Senew River and the clock tower standing prominently in the center. I paid particular attention to the composition. Additionally…”
Yannick continued to explain the painting non-stop. The Duke’s gaze remained fixed on the painting. Yannick interpreted this as interest and intensified his explanation.
“While the environment in this painting is significant, the harmonious and beautiful depiction of nobles enjoying the festival alongside commoners is also important. Across all of Laden…”
However, the longer he spoke, the more the atmosphere seemed to grow heavy. Although the Duke had not taken his eyes off the painting since it was placed on the easel, his expression subtly grew colder.
‘Did I do something wrong?’
