Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 44
“Looking at Yannick Horton’s paintings makes you appreciate the beauty of nature. There’s not a single drop of artificiality in them. He captures the essence of nature with just light.”
To Macy’s surprise, Kieran had accurately grasped why she didn’t include people in her landscapes.
“Someday, I want to paint like that too. I still have a long way to go, though…”
A faint desire flickered in his eyes as he gazed at the squirrel drawing. Macy watched his expression closely.
“Do you… like that artist?”
“Of course! I’m Yannick Horton’s number one fan!”
His confident declaration made Macy laugh out loud without realizing it.
“What’s so funny?”
“I like him too.”
“Yannick?”
“No, I mean I like natural landscapes just as they are.”
Macy couldn’t stop smiling, which made Kieran look at her as if she were some strange creature.
“But we still need to make a living, so we can’t always draw what we want.”
“You’re still young and already talking like you’ve been worn down by the world.”
“But Kieran, aren’t you my age? That’s what the others said.”
“Even so, I joined before you, so I’m your senior. Don’t get any ideas about talking back to me.”
“Hehe. Senior, can I see more of your drawings?”
“Get lost! I can’t stand clingy people!”
Macy quickly grew fond of Kieran, especially after finding out he was a fan of Yannick Horton.
It was a joyful thing to be someone’s inspiration. She spent the rest of the day following Kieran around.
* * *
“When Kieran kept treating me like a kid, I asked him about his age, and it turns out we’re the same age. So we decided to talk informally. He grumbles a lot, but he always answers my questions, which is kind of fascinating. Even when he gets angry, it’s not scary because he doesn’t seem to have any ill intentions. Also, I ran into my friend Anna today. She works there as a maid, and she was so worried since I disappeared suddenly. Oh, I’m talking too much, aren’t I? Sorry…”
That evening, Eren visited the cottage after Macy returned from the Baron’s estate. She felt a bit self-conscious, thinking she might have said too much in response to his simple question about her day.
“So, what did you tell her?”
“What?”
“Your friend. Didn’t she ask where you’ve been staying?”
“Oh, she asked. I tried to brush it off, but Anna said she wouldn’t let it go until I told her the truth…”
Macy knew Eren probably wanted her to keep it a secret, but she had resolved not to lie to him anymore, so she confessed.
“I told her that my name master arranged a place for me to stay. I’m sorry.”
“Is she trustworthy?”
“Yes! Anna wouldn’t share my information carelessly. I’ve shared important secrets with her before, and she kept them well.”
“Then it’s fine.”
Is that all? Macy expected at least a warning not to do it again.
“Eren, what did you tell the Baron about me?”
“Why?”
“He asked if you were treating me well. He seemed to know I was your name master.”
“Ignore him.”
Eren replied coldly, making Macy even more curious.
“Are you two close?”
“Not really.”
“But I need to know how to act around him…”
He didn’t give a proper answer again. Eren told her to ignore him, but the Baron was Macy’s employer. She couldn’t afford to be rude indefinitely.
“Anna, right? The friend who kept your important secret?”
“Yes.”
“He’s like that to me.”
“A friend?”
“Not exactly, but we have that level of trust.”
So they are quite close? She didn’t believe that there was someone closer just because of that. Isn’t he just a business associate?And this person knows a lot about Eren.
“Have you finished talking?”
“Uh, yes.”
“Then lie down. I’m tired.”
“Yes! Are you staying until morning?”
“Whenever I come at this time, I usually leave at sunrise.”
“That’s right. Goodnight!”
“You’re silly.”
Eren got up and blew out the candle on the nightstand. A faint brown tint turned to complete darkness. Darkness had come with Eren too, in the peaceful night of the forest.
Eren slid his arm under Macy’s neck, pulling her close. He’d been giving her his arm as a pillow lately.
Cuddling like this was nice because it allowed Macy to feel Eren’s warmth more closely. She could hear his breaths clearly, and feel cherished. It made her heart swell with warmth.
‘I actually wanted to talk more.’
Near the end of the picnic, Baron Shearton had approached to check on her. They had a brief conversation about Eren.
“Does Eren still suffer from post-name manifestation effects?”
“Post-manifestation effects? I don’t think so. He hasn’t mentioned feeling unwell recently…”
It had been two seasons since Eren’s name manifested. He hadn’t complained about headaches lately, and he hadn’t needed to increase the treatment frequency, so Macy assumed he was fine.
“Why? Is he feeling unwell?”
“No, but he seems to be lost in thought more often. Like he has a lot on his mind.”
“…Since when?”
“Since last week, I think?”
Macy felt guilty. Last week was when she had kissed Eren. Could it really be a coincidence?
