Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 58
“Ugh, who can I blame? It was my fault for being so careless on my first drink…”
Macy sighed as she entered the reception room. Today was the day she was to complete the second portrait of Viscountess Pomantder.
A short while later, the Viscountess greeted her warmly.
“Oh! Macy. Today was the deadline for the painting, wasn’t it? I completely forgot!”
“Hello, Viscountess Pomantder. Are there any guests?”
The Viscountess was dressed elegantly, as always. Laughter from women could be heard not far away. Macy needed to check if the painting was satisfactory and collect the remaining payment, but if there were guests already, she planned to return later.
“Oh! There’s actually a young lady who’s interested in meeting you. Would you like to see her?”
“Me?”
“Yes. Another young lady has been captivated by your paintings.”
Macy hesitated for a moment. The Viscountess had already introduced her to quite a few people. No matter how swift Macy’s hand was, she couldn’t take on more work at the moment. Sensing Macy’s concern, the Viscountess subtly continued.
“She’s likely one of the biggest clients you’ll have. Let’s meet her first and see. Even if you don’t take on any commissions right away, it’s good to make connections, isn’t it?”
“…Then, I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”
It would be impolite to keep refusing after such a discussion. Macy nodded after some hesitation. Following the Viscountess, she entered the reception room, where elegantly dressed ladies were enjoying tea with delightful pastries.
“Macy, it’s been a while! How is my portrait coming along?”
“Yes, Marchioness Lingston. It’s proceeding without any issues.”
Macy curtsied and greeted her. Marchioness Lingston was someone she had previously been introduced to by the Viscountess and had already commissioned a portrait. The other lady, however, was someone Macy hadn’t met before.
Yet, she seemed vaguely familiar. The woman had luxurious chocolate-brown hair and exuded an alluring aura. Her pearl necklace and silk dress were exquisitely beautiful, and her distinct features resembled a marionette.
‘I’m sure I’ve seen her somewhere before…’
When their eyes met, the young lady smiled gracefully.
“This is Lady Isabella Werfel, the daughter of Count Werfel. She was very eager to meet you, Macy.”
After hearing the introduction from the Viscountess, Macy immediately recalled who she was.
The person Macy had seen on the Romansi Bridge—Isabella Werfel, who had been out on the boat with Duke Krygen.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Werfel. I’m Macy Horton.”
“Nice to meet you. I didn’t expect to meet you so soon after expressing my wish to see you today.”
At the time, Macy had been too distracted by the Duke to notice much, but Isabella Werfel was indeed a remarkable beauty, just as her reputation for captivating high society suggested.
However, the fact that she was associated with the Duke made Macy tense up for a moment. She worried that Isabella might know about the issues with the Duke’s household or might scold her for any past mistakes.
“Is this a too sudden meeting for you? You don’t seem very pleased.”
“No, it’s just… You’re so beautiful that I’m a bit nervous…”
Macy used this explanation as a cover for her genuine surprise at Isabella’s beauty.
“Oh, you’re too kind. I didn’t expect such a lovely young lady. You’re quite a sight, Macy.”
Isabella covered her mouth with her hand and smiled shyly. Her hands, unlike Macy’s paint-stained ones, were white and smooth, as if they were made of milk.
Macy instinctively folded her hands politely.
“I know you’re very busy these days, but would it be possible for you to take my portrait?”
As expected, her request was for a portrait. As the Viscountess had said, Miss Werfel was a client Macy couldn’t afford to turn down. She was currently one of the most influential figures in high society.
Noble families often considered a painter’s reputation, and it seemed that the rumor that Macy had painted Yannick’s works had reached even the Werfel family.
‘But I don’t have the time…’
If she pushed herself and couldn’t meet the deadline, it would be worse than not taking the commission at all. Losing trust and having her reputation tarnished among the nobility would be detrimental.
As Macy hesitated, Marchioness Lingston spoke up.
“If your schedule is too tight, why not prioritize Miss Werfel’s portrait and push mine to a later date?”
“Is that alright?”
Lady Werfel immediately looked pleased and asked.
“Yes, that’s fine with me.”
“I’m not in a hurry. It’s a portrait for my engagement day, so it’s okay to make some adjustments.”
“Engagement day..?”
Macy’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’m going to be engaged to Duke Krygen soon.”
When Isabella directly mentioned the Duke’s name, Macy couldn’t help but shudder.
