It was a late morning with dazzling sunlight tickling their toes.

* * *

“Since I’ll be away in a week, make sure to finalize the terms of this acquisition before then.”

“Yes, I’ll compile the progress of the working staff and provide a final report on Friday.”

After giving his prompt answer, Daniel began gathering the thick file folders in order. To finish the main issues in the limited time remaining, there was literally no room to catch his breath. But Daniel, for whom overwork had become routine, was more energetic than ever.

That was because during the two weeks Duke Dietrich would be away on his honeymoon, he too would be given a golden vacation.

‘How long has it been since I’ve had a proper rest?’

The Duke and Duchess of Dietrich had held their wedding in early spring but postponed their honeymoon until summer. Though the parties involved never explicitly stated the reason, everyone roughly guessed the circumstances.

It was entirely based on the graduation schedule of the Duchess of Dietrich.

Andert had essentially planned the honeymoon to match his wife’s schedule, who was graduating a semester early. In any case, he couldn’t afford to be leisurely if he wanted to safely depart on the rare vacation given to him.

“Then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Daniel, determined to finish work quickly even if it meant staying up all night, hurriedly left the study.

Following him, as if taking turns, Roman appeared beyond the quietly closed door. The butler, continuing to speak in his usual manner, added one matter at the end.

“Also, Mr. Tickelon visited the mansion a little while ago.”

“Tickelon?”

“Yes. As I mentioned before, the Duchess’s portrait work is scheduled to begin today for a few days. I’ve prepared the second-floor guest reception room as the location.”

Andert’s eyes narrowed slightly as he raised his head at the familiar name. The man whose name had been linked with Chloe’s in a fabricated romance rumor.

Come to think of it, he had heard that the painter visiting today was Tickelon. It was Roman who first brought up Chloe’s portrait.

“Your Grace, if I may be so bold, how about commissioning a new portrait of the Madam? Of course, there is the previous painting, but I believe its meaning would be different from before.”

It was a plain suggestion, as hanging the mistress’s portrait after marriage was a common custom.

Andert also readily expressed his agreement. He wanted to preserve the image of Chloe who had started anew.

“The artist was selected in consultation with the Bergen Artists Association, with whom the Duchess has connections. If Your Grace permits, I will discuss Mr. Tickelon’s schedule.”

He had responded to Roman’s previous words by telling him to proceed as planned. This was because he guessed why the butler, who was skilled at gauging his superior’s mood, had specifically mentioned Tickelon.

Although it had ended as a one-time incident, Roman had shown his intention to cut off any potential for future speculation through this opportunity.

It wasn’t a wrong thought.

If a painter who had briefly been mistaken as a lover painted the portrait of Chloe who had married Andert—and if it was an officially commissioned work by House Dietrich—there would be no room for unnecessary talk later.

Andert wasn’t averse to the scheduled portrait work. He just regretted the time, as he had planned to spend Sunday afternoon with Chloe.

“Did you say the second-floor reception room?”

After asking the light question, Andert rose from his seat. He had already cleared all of today’s schedule.

So he planned to leisurely go see Chloe.

“Yes. I’ll guide you.”

Roman, who read the intention behind the question, opened the door and led the way. But he stopped at the Duke’s gesture indicating he could withdraw.

Andert began striding up the stairs toward the upper floor. His large steps passed straight through the corridor and headed inside.

Eventually, reaching a dead end, Bellisa, who was standing in front of a half-open door, bowed her head deeply. Raising his hand to indicate there was no need to announce his arrival, he entered.

The interior was quiet, with only the sound of sketching leaking out. Chloe, seated in the prepared chair, didn’t seem to have noticed his entrance yet. Perhaps the pillar standing at the entrance was blocking the silhouette at the door.

Andert decided to quietly observe rather than unnecessarily disturb the work. Looking at Chloe sitting motionless, it felt like facing a painting.

His gaze, which had been circling her delicate features for a while, belatedly turned to the opposite side. Tickelon in front of the easel was a man whose characteristically pale complexion made him look extremely sensitive. Even his sickly delicateness seemed to have a synergistic effect on his reputation as an artist.

But to Andert, it was merely an issue of no interest. What caught his glance, which he was about to pass over, was the artist’s intense gaze that constantly moved between Chloe and the canvas.

“Tickelon K. He’s evaluated as standing at the forefront among the promising artists in Artion. Along with the modifier of being a born genius, he reportedly showed outstanding talent not only in sculpture but also in painting from a young age.”

According to Daniel’s explanation, which he had heard and dismissed, he was a person of considerable fame. The words that came to mind next were what followed.

“Since he’s extremely averse to appearing in public, he tends to be undervalued compared to his skill. I heard that while there are overflowing requests for his work, he rejects all personal commissions.”

Come to think of it, this stubborn person who rejected all personal commissions had readily accepted Chloe’s portrait.

He didn’t know what kind of face and eyes artists who dedicated their souls to their work had when working. But he could tell that there was personal interest in the eyes now directed at Chloe.

It was a kind of affection. No matter how nonchalant one tries to appear, one cannot completely hide eyes full of emotion toward someone.

His lips, which exhaled a silent hollow laugh, curled up crookedly. Andert, who had been staring beyond the easel without taking his eyes off, soon tilted his head sideways.

‘What is this?’

It seemed certain that Tickelon had feelings for Chloe, but the depth of that gaze was different from his own.

Andert stepped forward from the pillar after realizing he was engaging in unexpected mind-reading.

He never had any intention of restraining or interfering with Chloe’s every move.

The reason he had dismissed the gossip previously touted in newspapers was simply because it was nonsensical. The notion that Chloe would become someone’s lover for some purpose was equally absurd speculation.

But the subject of the romance rumor might have had different feelings. To have overlooked such a simple proposition.

“Andert?”

Chloe’s voice, recognizing his appearance, was affectionate.

Andert approached her, who welcomed him without hesitation. Chloe was the light that illuminated his world. He couldn’t overlook anyone coveting that brilliant light, regardless of who they were.

Unlike the stickiness flowing at his feet, Andert wore a smooth smile. When he familiarly kissed her forehead, a gentle question was immediately asked.

“What brings you here?”

“Roman told me. I came to see because he said they’re painting your portrait.”

“Ah…… Then, let me introduce you on this occasion. This is painter Tickelon from the Bergen Artists Association, with whom I have a connection.”

Chloe led him without reservation. Andert obediently followed her guidance and moved.

Then Tickelon, who had stopped sketching at the appearance of the stranger, also awkwardly rose from his seat.

“This is the first time I’m seeing you like this, Mr. Tickelon.”

“……Pleased to meet you, Duke Dietrich.”

The artist, blinking at the relaxed greeting, bowed his head half a beat late.

For Tickelon, who was awkward with social interactions, it was a flustering encounter. Of course, readily agreeing to paint Chloe’s portrait was entirely his own decision.

“So Mr. Tickelon is personally visiting the Dietrich mansion, correct?”

“Yes. I just need to paint Lady Chloe’s portrait, right?”

“That’s right. It’s correct, but…… well, House Dietrich did request your work. But I didn’t expect to get such an easy agreement.”

“I’ll do it.”

He didn’t add any detailed conditions or requirements to the association representative who had asked him several times.

He simply wanted to do it. That was the entirety of his reason.

“I seem to be interrupting, so let’s take a short break.”

The proposal directed at Tickelon, who was standing awkwardly, was proper but overbearing.

Taking a break because he himself had interrupted the flow of work. It was a typical attitude shown by those born without any need to consider others.

At that, Bellisa, who had been standing by the door, approached with quick, perceptive steps.

“I have refreshments prepared, so I’ll guide you to the tea table.”

It was a situation impossible to refuse. Tickelon reluctantly sat facing a teacup. But after barely taking one sip of the tea whose flavor he couldn’t discern, he slipped into his own world.

Chloe, bathed in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window, was beautiful.