Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 62
“Yes, it’s a secret, but it turns out that person has been painting in place of Yannick Horton.”
A visible frown appeared between Rubens’ eyebrows as he tried to maintain his composure.
“I understand that she had her Name manifest since birth, which caused her hands to stiffen. Recently, she had treatment and improved. But, coincidentally, this happened around the same time Yannick Horton overcame his slump. It seems the painting styles are quite similar, too.”
“Is this certain?”
“It’s what I’ve heard from the noblewomen, so I’m not sure about its accuracy. It’s also a sensitive issue to ask about directly.”
So it’s merely speculation, but it’s a serious issue nonetheless. If Isabella had heard this rumor and commissioned Macy based on it, it means everyone who should know already does.
Now, backing out of the portrait might raise suspicions. Unfortunately, it was too late to intervene, and it was best to dismiss it as inconsequential.
“Um… Your Grace, could you please look straight ahead?”
Macy hesitated before speaking. Rubens turned his head to face forward. She quickly used the canvas as a shield and hid behind it.
“Yes, that’s good. I know it’s uncomfortable, but please hold that position for a moment longer.”
Rubens was greatly annoyed as the situation was not going as planned. Although the portrait session would proceed, it seemed that future matters would need careful handling.
* * *
“Hm, I must have overslept while just trying to rest my eyes.”
When she opened her eyes, it was an overcast afternoon. With work stretching into the early morning, her day and night had completely reversed.
No matter how soft the studio sofa was, it wasn’t as comfortable as a bed, and her back ached. A few times, Dia had come to wake her, so she must have just covered her with a blanket and left.
‘But I wonder if Eren will come today. There’s been no news.’
Macy wanted to ask what had happened on the day she drank too much, but she hadn’t had the chance. Even when she slept in the bedroom, Eren would quietly come for Name treatment and then leave without a trace.
‘Eventually, he’ll come. I shouldn’t rush it.’
Macy reassured herself, noting that the fact Eren hadn’t completely cut off contact suggested that she hadn’t said anything too severe. Macy consoled herself and picked up her brush again.
Lately, her main focus had been the portrait of Lady Werfel’s engagement. In the painting, Lady Werfel was depicted gently placing her hand on the shoulder of Duke Krygen, who, despite just sitting in a chair, exuded an undeniable aura of authority.
Looking at the painting, Macy recalled the moments she spent adjusting their poses up close. Duke Krygen had strikingly three-dimensional features and skin as smooth as porcelain. There was also a strangely pleasant scent about him, which Macy couldn’t help but marvel at.
However, when Macy’s hand brushed against his arm, the Duke frowned noticeably. His piercing blue eyes were too sharp to be approached with any sense of ease.
‘Maybe I should lighten the mood a bit?’
Given that this was an engagement portrait, it would be ideal if the couple appeared to be getting along well. Duke Krygen had shown clear displeasure when he first posed, though he seemed unable to refuse the painter brought by Lady Werfel. After a brief conversation with her, his demeanor had become even more hostile.
‘I wonder what they talked about. Surely, Lady Werfel hasn’t made any mistakes…?’
Macy trembled inwardly throughout the painting process. Given her looking at the Duke the whole time, it was perhaps inevitable that the painting turned out this way. It almost seemed as if his gaze could bore holes into her.
Or perhaps, it felt like it could kill someone…
“Ugh, thinking about it makes me scared again.”
The more she looked at it, the less satisfied she was. Even if their relationship couldn’t be portrayed as harmonious, a portrait should ideally highlight the model’s positive attributes. Lady Werfel would surely appear endearing as she was, and it would be best if Duke Krygen’s expression could be adjusted to look as gentle as possible.
But why can’t she imagine him smiling? The thought of asking Duke Krygen to smile, even just once, was utterly daunting.
‘He already isn’t very cooperative as a model. He might dislike it even more.’
While Lady Werfel dutifully made time on the scheduled dates, Duke Krygen showed up only occasionally. This had been agreed upon earlier; he was incredibly busy and had very little time to pose.
However, Macy hadn’t anticipated it would be this difficult. She worried about the possibility of not meeting the deadline before the engagement ceremony.
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck her.
“If I use Duke Krygen’s face from Eren’s portrait, it might fit perfectly!”
