Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 70
Duke Krygen often traveled far for business, regularly attended parliament, managed his estate, and while he didn’t usually engage in social events among nobles, he never missed the royal functions.
“Not even for a moment?”
“No, I’m sorry.”
As a result, Macy had been making fruitless trips for days. By now, it was dark outside.
“Did you meet the Duke today?”
“No…”
Morgan, who had been waiting outside, patted Macy’s shoulder.
“Goodness, the Duke is really something… Let’s go and have a meal.”
“Yes…”
Macy returned to the cottage with Morgan. Dia had prepared a rich, butter-scented steak and golden-brown pie for Macy, who had been feeling down lately.
“Miss Macy, please try this as well.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll also bring some pumpkin stew.”
“Oh, thank you…”
Although Macy felt like she might burst, she couldn’t refuse the food. It would be a waste not to eat what was so carefully prepared.
Noticing Macy’s slowing fork, Morgan laughed heartily and said,
“It looks like Macy’s already full. Let’s not force her to eat like last time and make her uncomfortable.”
“That sounds good. I’ll save this for breakfast tomorrow.”
Morgan, seeing Macy’s expression, took back the plate she had brought. Macy felt a bit awkward but didn’t insist. Instead, she sipped the wine she had bought on the way in. The bittersweet taste filled her mouth pleasantly.
“This is delicious. What’s it called?”
“Macy, you have quite the taste for wine! You handled beer well last time, too.”
“I don’t think I’ll touch beer again…”
“Haha! That was something!”
Morgan laughed heartily. Apparently, Macy had made a grand confession of love to Morgan and Dia that day. She had poured out all kinds of affectionate words, expressing her gratitude and love…
Perhaps she had made similar confessions to Eren?
It was a relief to think that if she had been so indiscriminate with her declarations of love, Eren wouldn’t find it strange. Dia also seemed to recall that day and had a subtle smile. It was a peaceful evening with delicious food and light conversation.
“Have a good night.”
“Good night.”
After dinner, they each retired to their bedrooms. After finishing her bath, Macy looked out the window. Observing the densely packed stars, like a pointillist painting, was part of her nightly routine before falling asleep.
“The moon is bright tonight.”
Despite being a thin crescent, the moon appeared bright. Maybe it was because of the multitude of stars. The chirping of insects hidden among the grass and the warm summer breeze gently caressed her skin.
When she first came here, the winter winds were so fierce that they were frightening, but now it was the height of summer. The faint white noise created by nature comforted her.
Macy closed her eyes and focused on the sound. Living here wasn’t so bad. Delicious dinners with good people and a personal space where she could contemplate alone.
She didn’t have to worry about making a living, and Dia took care of everything without even being asked. Although it was likely Eren’s request, she didn’t think Dia and Morgan’s care was solely for monetary reasons.
It was evident from their small gestures and words that they genuinely cared for Macy. She was truly grateful and wanted to do something for them in return.
She wanted to stand on her own, without relying on Yannick or Eren, to be on equal footing and hold her head high.
But now the thought that she might never get that chance was disheartening. And she worried about how long this comfort would last.
Eren had said that as long as promises were kept, he would continue the Name treatment, but he spoke as if he could easily end the relationship whenever he wanted.
The shock of that day made it difficult for Macy to speak to Eren. It wasn’t just about being careful around him because she was excited; it was a different kind of resolve.
She was anxious about making a mistake that might upset him and fearful of him leaving. That’s why lately, she found herself crying when alone.
“Sniff, sob.”
Feeling anxious and distressed, there was nothing Macy could do. She could only try to numb the emptiness by being cautious.
As she had covered her eyes with a cloth and drifted to sleep, she suddenly felt a cold touch on her cheek.
“When did you arrive…?”
“Seeing that the cloth is still damp, it seems like you must have just fallen asleep.”
Eren playfully pinched Macy’s cheek, making her face squish unattractively.
“Stop… please.”
“What’s made you so upset that you’ve been crying for days?”
“…”
Eren didn’t understand the emptiness Macy felt. He probably thought it was easy to just end things if he wanted, assuming that simply asking her to do nothing would be enough.
Macy had a lot of grievances built up but lacked the courage to express them to him. She simply kept her mouth shut and swallowed back her rising tears.
At that moment, something soft lightly brushed against her cheek and then fell away. It was so casual that it left her stunned.
Macy fluttered her eyelids and asked,
“What… did you do?”
“Something you like.”
