Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 39
“And why wouldn’t there be a reason? My name is written on your body. If something happens to you, it affects me too. Don’t you understand that?”
“……”
“So stop arguing and accept it. I expect you to repay me in kind.”
Just as Macy was about to ask what he meant, there was a knock on the door.
“I’ve brought Miss Macy’s clothes as requested.”
Clothes…? She didn’t ask for any clothes to be brought.
“Go out and change. I don’t want to hold clothes covered in dirt. You may come in.”
“But, wait…”
At Eren’s command, Dia opened the door and came in. Before Macy could protest, Dia took her by the hand and led her out of the room.
In the room across the hall, Dia helped her change into the clothes she had brought. Dia even insisted on helping her dress.
“I can manage on my own, Dia…”
“Please raise your arms. Your wounds might get irritated. Yes, just like that.”
Dia quickly dressed Macy in the new outfit. It was a sky-blue dress with frilled lace. The fabric was as soft and luxurious as the clothes Eren wore. Macy was then led back into the room with her face covered again.
“Much better.”
Eren’s voice sounded pleased. He pulled Macy into his embrace.
The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was calming. Being held like this made the events of the day seem like a distant dream.
It was as if she had woken from a nightmarish vision filled with ghosts and monsters.
* * *
In just a few days, the cabin had transformed remarkably. A long table now stood in front of the previously unnoticed kitchen, and exotic ceramics and sculptures replaced the taxidermied deer head over the hearth, which had always seemed eerie at night.
The old carpet was gone, replaced by a pristine ivory one that felt almost too clean to step on. The kitchen was equipped with new utensils, the wardrobe was filled with dresses, and the newly added studio had brand new art supplies.
Moreover, Dia now stayed at the cabin full-time, attending to Macy and preparing all her meals. Macy, holding a gleaming silver utensil, asked cautiously,
“Dia, is it okay for you to stay here so long? Aren’t there other clients you need to attend to?”
“Mr. Eren Wood has compensated the Krygen Agency accordingly.”
“Eren did?”
“Yes.”
Did Eren pay extra beyond the standard brokerage fee? How much did he give to keep Dia here all day? How rich is he to have arranged all this in just a few days?
Countless questions swirled in her mind, but she didn’t ask any. The answers were predictable. They’d simply say they couldn’t divulge information about the client’s background.
Seeing the old items gone suggested he no longer wanted to appear like a commoner…. As she chewed on a large piece of veal, a smile spread across her lips. The sweet sauce complemented it so well it felt like her tongue was melting.
So what if he was someone important? The key thing was that the changes in the cabin were all due to Eren’s consideration for her.
Even if it was for the sake of Macy as his name master, it still mattered to her. Macy was in a great mood, so much so that she didn’t want to think about the future.
The best part of staying in the cabin was something else entirely.
“You’re here.”
“Yes.”
Since then, Eren started visiting even during the day. His cool fingers briefly brushed Macy’s cheek.
“Were you working on something?”
“Oh, do I have paint on my face? Sorry, I came out in a hurry…”
“Did I interrupt?”
“No, Eren, you’re my priority.”
She could paint anytime now, but seeing him wasn’t guaranteed. When he came during the day, he usually stayed for about an hour. Besides, she could now paint comfortably thanks to Eren.
So, as he once said, he had every right to take as much as he had given.
More importantly, she didn’t mind his frequent visits. In fact, it felt like receiving an unexpected gift, making her feel excited and happy.
“That’s how it should be.”
He seemed satisfied with her response. Hearing the approval in his voice made Macy’s cheeks flush with warmth.
“I promise I’ll repay the debt by selling lots of paintings! Very soon!”
“There’s no need.”
“Why not?”
“Because I like having you owe me.”
Macy tilted her head in confusion, and her shoulders were suddenly pushed down. Her body collapsed helplessly onto the sheet.
“It makes you more obedient.”
She had wondered if he might be someone who enjoyed helping others, but instead, he gave a somewhat mischievous response.
As his firm body enveloped her, she noticed the warm scent of sunlight instead of the chilly night breeze. That change was very welcome to Macy.
