Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 60
At that moment, Catherine presented a plausible theory.
“Yes, it’s likely Eren Wood. Macy doesn’t know anyone except Anna and Hils. At first, it seemed like Eren wasn’t interested in Macy, but judging by the number of times they met Macy might have seduced him.”
“That’s true. Macy’s quite pretty, taking after her mother. Even when she was limping, there were plenty of men making advances. If she’s healthy now, who knows if she might have slept with them?”
It was partly because of this that he had let Macy go on the first day of her Name treatment, thinking she was fine. While Macy hadn’t said much about her Name master, her habit of bringing baked goods or tea leaves from festivals suggested she might have some feelings for him.
“Seems like she used her innocent face to seduce him in. She’s quite talented.”
If he had known this would happen, he might have followed Macy’s carriage to find out where she was staying. Even if he discovered she was indebted to someone, finding her location would still be challenging.
“First, we need to find out which carriage the painters going to the Baron’s estate are using. If we follow them, we might figure out where Macy is staying.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea. And this time, if we catch her, we’ll lock her up for the Name treatment and whatever else. Now that she’s able to walk, she’s just causing trouble.”
“Right. Good idea. She doesn’t really need her feet to paint, does she?”
If she couldn’t move her feet, she’d soon realize their importance again. He couldn’t tolerate her running off to fend for herself now.
* * *
Macy arrived at Count Werfel’s townhouse in the residential district of the city, right on time. The Count had three townhouses in the capital, and she had been given specific instructions on which one to visit, so she didn’t get lost.
“We’ve arrived, Miss Macy.”
“Thank you.”
Today, Morgan was occupied with other duties, so someone else had driven the carriage. He was also an employee of the Krygen Agency.
‘It seems even Morgan must have found it burdensome to handle everything alone.’
Lately, Macy’s workload had increased, making it necessary to travel into the city more often, which added to the concern.
He had assured her not to worry about such matters, but Macy couldn’t shake the feeling that she was imposing on those around her.
‘I need to find a place of my own as soon as possible.’
If things went well with this project, she might be able to rent a room by the end of the year. This assignment was crucial and would have a significant impact on her career as an artist.
“Macy, you’ve arrived! Was the journey difficult?”
As soon as she arrived at the mansion, Lady Isabella Werfel greeted her with a lively voice.
“Hello, Miss Werfel. No, the directions you provided were clear, so I found it without any trouble. You look stunning today.”
She was wearing a summer dress in a clear blue hue, like a lake, with silver embroidery. The aquamarine color was another symbol of the Krygen family. By choosing a dress combining blue and silver instead of the red traditionally associated with her own family, she was showing her intention to fully embrace the Krygen family.
“Really? Do you think the Duke will like it?”
“Of course. I think you two will look perfect together.”
Her cheeks flushed a rosy red. Despite being a high-born lady, in that moment, she appeared as adorable as a girl in love.
‘Is Duke Krygen that much?’
Given the infamous behavior at the Duke’s estate, Macy’s impression of the Duke wasn’t very favorable.
It was clear that the two standing together would make a beautiful picture, but she doubted that the Duke exuded a romantic aura like Lady Werfel. After all, wasn’t he rather bored during their boat ride?
The Duke likely saw marriage as a strategic arrangement rather than a romantic choice.
‘But it’s not my concern.’
Noble marriages were, after all, more like mutually beneficial arrangements. Macy felt a hint of sympathy for Lady Werfel as a fellow woman, but she quickly reminded herself that they were from different worlds.
They then moved to another room, a space with antique wallpaper and large arched windows.
The curtains were all drawn back, allowing plenty of natural light. The room was spacious and clear of large furniture, seemingly prepared for the occasion.
“Is there any furniture you need? How should I pose?”
“Usually, one person sits in a chair with their hand resting on their shoulder, while the other stands beside them, sometimes resting a hand on the seated person’s arm.”
“Hmm, in that case, it might be better if I stand and the Duke sits. I think this dress looks more elegant when standing.”
“Miss, Duke Krygen has arrived.”
As they continued their conversation, the butler approached and announced.
“Oh, already?”
Macy had known that meeting the Duke was part of accepting the commission, but seeing him appear in front of her made her nervous.
Just as she was fidgeting with the tips of her fingers, the door opened.
With not a strand of hair out of place, his neatly styled dark hair and striking blue eyes gave off an air of aristocratic grace and natural elegance.
“Why are you here?”
Duke Krygen entered the room.
