50. The Night of Patronage (2)

‘Isn’t she rumored to have an improper relationship with the painter she sponsors?’

“I’ve really wanted to meet you. I was deeply moved by the paintings of Ransel, whom you sponsor.”

“Oh my! Your Highness knows Ransel?”

The Marchioness of Rad, who had been eyeing Larael with narrowed eyes, widened them in surprise at the mention of ‘Ransel.’

They were all desperate for the artists they sponsored to be recognized. The fact that the Empress Consort, whom they thought knew nothing about art, was familiar with Ransel made the Marchioness’s heart flutter.

“Of course. My favorite is ‘The Praying Woman’ painted by Ransel. It made me feel reverent without even realizing it.”

When Larael mentioned ‘The Praying Woman,’ which was modeled after the Marchioness of Rad, the Marchioness’s face lit up with joy.

“I didn’t know Your Highness was interested in art. Now that I think about it, seeing you speak with Assefena, you must be knowledgeable about music as well.”

Larael simply smiled pleasantly in response. Once you opened the floodgates, conversation here would flow like a waterfall. All she had to do now was keep up with the rhythm.

“By the way, Your Highness’s dress—what shop is it from? I’ve been dying to ask ever since you arrived. It’s a design I’ve never seen before. Of course, it’s even more beautiful because you’re wearing it, but I haven’t been able to take my eyes off it since you entered.”

The Marchioness of Rad took the opportunity to ask what she’d been most curious about, lowering her voice and covering her mouth with her fan as if it were a secret.

“Oh… this dress? It was made by a new designer I’ve hired. She’s my exclusive designer, but if you’d like, I can introduce you. I’ll invite you to my palace soon—would you like to meet her?”

Larael said this deliberately in a loud voice.

“Your Highness! Really? Are you sure it’s alright?”

Normally, an exclusive designer would not accept commissions from anyone other than their employer—they were contracted to work solely for that person. This was to prevent others from wearing the same dress design. So it was surprising for Larael to offer an introduction to her exclusive designer, but the Marchioness was delighted nonetheless.

The Marchioness of Rad found herself inexplicably fond of Larael. Any feelings of disdain she’d had earlier vanished, and now she found the Empress Consort before her utterly charming.

“Yes, of course. She’ll be very happy as well.”

Larael smiled warmly.

“Your Highness the Empress Consort.”

Suddenly, a greeting came from the side, and the Marchioness of Rad frowned, glaring at the speaker. It was the Countess of Kasnad. The Marchioness was furious that a mere countess would dare interrupt her conversation with the Empress Consort. The lines on her forehead deepened.

“I know it’s rude to interrupt, but I had to take the liberty of greeting you.”

The Countess of Kasnad was extremely sensitive to trends. After hearing Larael’s words, she couldn’t stay silent. She believed that if she didn’t join in now, she’d miss her chance. Even knowing she’d be scolded by the Marchioness, she cut in anyway.

“Your Highness, I’m also very interested in your dress. Could you invite me as well?”

At the sudden and unsolicited request, Larael tilted her head in confusion and looked at her.

“And you are…?”

At Larael’s puzzled question, the Marchioness of Rad burst out laughing loudly, clearly enjoying herself. Leaning close to Larael as if they were very familiar, she whispered in her ear.

“Your Highness, that’s the Countess of Kasnad.”

A satisfied smile spread across the Marchioness’s face, pleased that she recognized the famous countess right away while Larael did not.

“Marchioness of Rad, would it be alright to invite other ladies as well?”

Larael asked the Marchioness cautiously. The Marchioness nodded readily.

“Of course, Your Highness. You’re the host, so you may do as you wish.”

The Marchioness’s shoulders lifted with pride, as if she’d just granted an important favor. The other noblewomen, who had been quietly listening, flocked to Larael, eager to be included among ‘the other ladies.’

After receiving a report on the event’s schedule, the Empress Dowager returned to the main hall. She looked for the Empress, expecting to find her standing alone, looking miserable.

‘What is going on?’

Instead of being left alone as a spectacle, the Empress Consort was surrounded by noble ladies, smiling brightly as if she were the star of the gathering. Amidst the dazzling, colorful dresses, Larael’s simple pale dress made her stand out with elegance and beauty, as if she were the protagonist of the event.

The Empress Dowager realized something had gone wrong. This was not what she had intended.

She was supposed to be the true host of the event. Yet, even after she entered the main hall, the noble ladies continued to crowd around Larael, not her. The Empress Dowager knew she had to reclaim the spotlight.

“Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.”

A familiar voice greeted her. The Empress Dowager turned sharply toward the sound—it was Jojo Assefena, whom she sponsored. But right now, more important than him was reclaiming the attention focused on Larael.

“Your Majesty, may I have a moment…”

Assefena spoke cautiously, watching the Empress Dowager’s reaction. She glanced at him coldly, then shook her head and cut him off.

“I don’t have time right now. I need to look after the Empress Consort, so let’s talk later.”

As the Empress Dowager walked away coldly, Jojo Assefena let out a long sigh of relief. She clearly didn’t know anything. If she did, she wouldn’t have reacted that way. Relieved, Assefena began to think.

‘How did the Empress Consort find out? Could Corneli have…?’

He scratched his chin, watching Larael, who was laughing brightly in the distance, and the Empress Dowager, who was quickly making her way toward her.

“What are you all talking about?”

The Empress Dowager asked in an unusually high-pitched voice as she pushed her way into the group surrounding the Empress Consort.

“Your Majesty, you’re here. Everyone is very interested in my dress…”

Larael smiled shyly and bowed her head.

“Our Empress Consort is so shy—if you all crowd around her like this, she can’t even slip away to the corner where she belongs.”

It was as if the Empress Dowager was declaring that Larael’s rightful place was in a corner.

“Your Majesty, the Empress Consort is so knowledgeable about the arts—why have you kept her hidden away?”

The Marchioness of Rad laughed as she addressed the Empress Dowager.

“Knowledgeable?”

The Empress Dowager repeated the word, questioning it. There was no way Larael was truly knowledgeable about the arts.

“I’ve only picked up bits and pieces here and there.”

Seeing the Empress Consort respond again with apparent shyness made the Empress Dowager’s blood boil. She forced herself to smile.

“Our Empress Consort must have studied in a hurry to attend this event.”

“Yes, that’s right. I studied hard so I wouldn’t embarrass Your Majesty.”

Larael agreed, giving an innocent-looking smile. The Empress Dowager felt a sense of relief at that.

“It’s funny, isn’t it? Art is meant to be enjoyed, but to some people, it’s something you have to study.”

The Empress Dowager’s added comment chilled the atmosphere. The noble ladies worried that Larael might take offense and withdraw her offer to introduce her exclusive designer. But no one dared to contradict the Empress Dowager.

Just then, the announcement for the main event sounded.

***

The day after the patronage event, Larael didn’t wake until nearly noon.

It was because Edward had been waiting for her in the dark bedroom when she returned to Abella Palace. As a result, she’d overslept and decided to cancel her schedule for the day and rest completely.

Her peaceful, leisurely afternoon was broken when Corneli Assefena came to see the Empress.