* * *

She had a rough idea of the situation.

Two months ago, Lumiere had received a portrait commission from the Tartien family and had hurriedly completed the painting in a month and a half.

The painting was finished about ten days ago, and on her way to the Tartien family, satisfied with the portrait, she had an accident in their carriage.

For the first two days, she was too overwhelmed to think about contacting the Tartien family.

In fact, since the Tartien family hadn’t contacted her either, she had hoped they might just let it slide.

But the other party was a high-ranking noble family.

They might not have been close enough to inquire about each other’s well-being, but she worried about getting into trouble if she just sat idly by.

Ah, the inevitable life of a person in lower position.

So Lumiere wrote a detailed letter explaining the circumstances of the accident.

She strongly emphasized that she couldn’t respond to the invitation due to her physical condition, even stamping it with the medical center’s seal.

Although they probably knew about the accident since their carriage and coachman were injured, she showed as much sincerity as possible.

‘Strictly speaking, the accident happened while riding their carriage, so shouldn’t they be responsible for my injuries? And isn’t it their place to ask if I’m okay first?’

But she had no intention of actually confronting the powerful Tartien family.

Getting entangled in such matters always ended up hurting the weaker party.

‘Nobles, especially high-ranking ones, can control someone’s fate with just words like “I’ve changed my mind.”’

Checking her safe, she saw she had already been generously paid for the portrait, and the work was done, so there was no benefit in getting further involved.

Even if it wasn’t Tartien, she already seemed to be entangled enough with the bigwigs of this country.

‘To think that man was such a significant figure.’

He was said to hold the reins of Karien’s pleasures.

All the prime lands known as the golden eggs of Karien were his.

Besides the capital, he also owned immense real estate in the provinces.

But what was even more astonishing was that he wasn’t even a noble of this country.

A foreign capitalist who had bought land and business rights from the Levanian royal family to amass his wealth.

And that impressive figure was—

‘…Claiming to be my lover.’

Her head hurt thinking about what had happened in the past three years.

One small relief was that she wasn’t the only lover of Karl Winger.

Given how remarkable he was, how could he be satisfied with just one person?

‘He reportedly has four known lovers?’

Unbelievable.

And he came to see her with those eyes?

Eyes that looked at her as if she were the only person in the world?

Lumiere felt a strange mix of relief and irritation.

She was relieved that she wasn’t his only lover, yet oddly displeased.

Especially when she recalled his gentle tone and gaze.

What was she thinking, getting involved with such a man?

Of course, just judging by his appearance, any woman would find him irresistible.

His overwhelming height, perfectly toned muscles, and upright posture. And those radiant eyes resembling the sun.

She had mocked many artists who worshipped the goddess of beauty, but at that moment, seeing him for the first time, she became just like those she had scorned.

And considering his gentle demeanor, he seemed like a man who treated women with utmost softness.

But loving a man who kept multiple women was a futile and sorrowful act.

It was like a moth throwing itself into the flames.

‘…Ah! Is that why I wrote that I shouldn’t love him?’

Perhaps her past self had been trying to distance herself from him, making an effort in her own way.

Maybe she had succeeded to some extent and had even told him they were breaking up.

In any case, that man.

Karl Winger was dangerous.

There had been no contact from him since that day, but if he came again, she felt she must draw a clear line this time.

‘…This time, I’ll become a more diverse, shocking, and stimulating man so you won’t get bored.’

…It wouldn’t be easy.

Lumiere sighed briefly and prepared herself before heading to the drawing room where Tartien was waiting.

Perhaps reflecting her reluctance to meet him, she had taken too long.

‘Will he complain about being kept waiting?’

She was a bit worried but had no intention of hurrying now.

No matter how high-ranking a noble he was, it was wrong of him to show up unannounced at a house where a woman lived alone.

With a strange sense of confidence, she went down to the first floor where the guest drawing room was.

And there she saw three unexpected figures.

“Tamia? …And why are you two standing there?”

The first to run up to her were the twins, their faces pale.

Arwin and Darwin clung to her, speaking in unison.

“We’re going in with you, no matter what! Understand?”

“Why did that damned man come here? Anyway, he’s too dangerous, Master. We have to protect you!”

The twins’ burning eyes were over the top.

Their eyes were filled with such intense hostility, as if the person inside had killed their parents.

“Do you know who’s in there?”

“Of course! How could we not? It’s Landers Tartien, that bastard!”

“Right, you know. So you also know he’s the next Duke of this country?”

The twins looked at her with innocent faces as if wondering why she was asking.

These kids. Unbelievable.

Lumiere couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

“No matter how much this is my house and you are my people, this country is centered around nobility. If the Duke of Tartien says a word, he could easily dispose of the servants of a fallen noble’s daughter who lives by painting.”

“But…!”

She explained in detail that they should lower their voices and act cautiously.

Understanding what she meant but not liking it, Arwin and Darwin’s faces were full of defiance.

She gave them a stern look.

The twins pouted but soon lowered their heads in defeat.

“…We understand. We’ll be careful.”

“But we’re still going in with you, Master! We’re your guards!”

Though they were big, she had slight doubts about whether these boys, who got smacked by Cindy every day, could really protect her.

Still, their determination to hold her arms protectively was endearing.

“Promise to keep your eyes on the floor.”

If they glared with such irreverent eyes, they might get slapped on the spot.

Actually, they’d be lucky if all they got was a slap.

High-ranking nobles could demand much worse.

Lumiere didn’t want to see her people treated unfairly in her own home because of their status.

“Remember. The servant’s mistake is the master’s mistake.”

She reminded them once more that if they acted out, it would reflect badly on her.

Arwin and Darwin scratched their heads in frustration but nodded obediently.

She found the twins’ effort to compromise for her sake both admirable and cute.

Lumiere smiled and patted the heads of the two boys, who were much taller than her.

“Why are you here, Tamia?”

“I’m here to serve. I’ve already served tea to the guest.”

It was odd that Tamia was there instead of Cindy, the head maid, but it wasn’t a big deal.

Nodding briefly in understanding, she opened the firmly closed door to the drawing room.

As the door swung open, Landers Tartien, holding a bouquet of flowers and gazing out the window, came into view.

He turned to look at Lumiere.

Not far away, she could see his blue eyes through his thin silver-rimmed glasses.

“I was worried you might be more injured than I heard since you were late.”

He spoke warmly, offering the bouquet of yellow flowers.

The strong fragrance hit her like a stab. Lumiere suddenly felt dizzy.

“…Miss!”

At that moment, she heard Tamia’s urgent voice calling her.

But unfortunately, Lumiere couldn’t respond to Tamia’s call.

“Ugh!”

Nausea surged.

Overwhelmed by the sudden wave of nausea, she had to rush out without properly greeting Landers Tartien.

“Eugh!”

Clinging to a tree in the courtyard, Lumiere vomited for a long time…

“Ah, Miss! Are you okay?”

And then she fainted.