Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 74
Possessiveness? Is that what it is? Just possessiveness?
‘But Eren has been so kind to me…’
Macy felt dejected after Kieran’s comment, but she kept quiet, fearing that defending Eren in front of Kieran might lead to even worse remarks.
They had reached the central fountain, where today’s outing was being held. Four goddesses of the arts were holding jars from which water flowed gently. There were fountains in the maze garden as well, but none as large as the central one.
“Isn’t that your friend over there?”
“Huh?”
While Macy was scanning for a good spot to paint, Kieran pointed out someone. Looking back, she saw Anna wandering around with a tray.
Macy placed her easel by the fountain and went over to her.
“Anna, looking for someone?”
“Macy!”
Anna grabbed Macy’s arm as if relieved to find her.
“Have you seen Duke Krygen?”
“The Duke? Duke Krygen is here?”
“Yes! I think he’s attending the outing today. I saw the Duke’s carriage arriving!”
Duke Krygen at the outing? Despite his close ties with Baron Shearton, he had never attended an outing before. He was known not to enjoy social gatherings…
“Oh! There he is!”
While Macy was still trying to process the news, Anna gestured towards the mansion’s entrance.
Duke Krygen was walking this way with Baron Shearton. His eyes, which had been looking down while talking, suddenly lifted as if he had noticed something. His clear blue eyes turned towards Macy.
‘It really is Duke Krygen…?’
But soon, the Duke seemed to avert his gaze, as if he hadn’t noticed her. Instead of sitting at a tea table where the fountain was visible, he took a seat in a secluded corner with Baron Shearton. Anna cheerfully began preparing refreshments there.
‘He never showed his face when I went to the Duke’s house, but now he seems to have the time for a leisurely picnic?’
Having been turned away a few times, Macy found it suspicious that Duke Krygen was here. It was clear he had deliberately avoided acknowledging her, and it seemed like he intended to continue ignoring her.
‘No, now’s not the time to dwell on that.’
Macy pouted slightly but then lifted her easel again. Kieran, who was setting up his art supplies, looked up with wide eyes.
“Where are you going?”
“To paint the Duke.”
“The view there isn’t that great.”
“It doesn’t matter. My work probably won’t be chosen anyway.”
Macy no longer wanted to be selected. The only remaining portrait commission was the one for Lady Werfel’s engagement. Once she finished this, Eren would surely cherish her even more.
“I’m going to make sure I see Duke Krygen smile today.”
Just once would be enough. After all, Macy had already stored away all the other external factors in her mind.
* * *
He could feel the intense gazes around her. Even without seeing them, the stares were sharp and penetrating.
Rubens ignored the fervent looks and casually lifted his teacup. The fragrant aroma subtly spread.
“You seem to be in good spirits.”
“Do I?”
In contrast, Nicholas, who was observing the scene, looked somewhat troubled.
“I can’t understand Your Excellency these days.”
“Neither can I.”
“Pardon?”
“I don’t understand either. Why am I out here in this heat?”
It was summer, with the sun radiating intense heat. Even under the shade, the sweltering warmth rose from the ground.
The cravat around his neck felt suffocating. If he was alone, he would have rolled up his sleeves, but with so many onlookers, he couldn’t do that.
His confusion about why they were having an outing in midsummer was gradually fading, thanks to the girl with eyes hotter than the sun. Since Macy had spotted Rubens, she had been trailing him closely, setting up her easel not far away and painting him.
‘She wasn’t able to look me in the eye when she was with Lady Werfel, but now she’s quite good.’
As Nicholas had said, Rubens had been in good spirits lately. It was surprising to hear unexpected words when he was only focused on tying up loose ends.
“I won’t do it. I won’t do anything you dislike, Eren. If you want me to stay in the cabin, I’ll stay. Please don’t send me away. Don’t abandon me.”
“I’m sorry. I won’t upset you. I won’t paint anymore. You’re the only one I have now.”
Macy said that Rubens was her only option. She pleaded not to be abandoned despite never having anything to begin with. Her reaction was extremely passionate, as she was hanging on because she knew she would be in pain if she didn’t receive treatment.
Seeing her on her knees, clutching his trousers with trembling hands, he realized why she was acting this way.
‘She must like him.’
Even though she had never seen Rubens’s face before.
No, she liked Eren Wood, who had been living imitating Rubens.
