“Espin? Come in.”
“Sorry for coming without notice. Is it alright?”
“Of course. Why would we need prior notice from each other? I was bored anyway, so this is perfect.”

Despite the unexpected nature of my visit, Flaria greeted me with a bright smile.

The Ameron Ducal Family, is one of the three great ducal houses of the Empire. Among the three, it represented the neutral faction and was particularly close to the central nobility. As such, the Ameron Ducal Family was one of the most significant entities that the Emperor kept an eye on.

Reflecting the power of the Ameron Ducal Family, their mansion was the largest estate in the capital, flaunting grandeur both inside and out.

And among all the splendor, the most striking feature was…

“That painting is impressive.”

It was a painting positioned right in the middle of the wall, visible as soon as one entered through the main entrance.

The lone painting, placed on an otherwise empty wall, seemed intentionally displayed to boast its magnificence to visitors.

“Oh, this? Mother bought it recently. Do you know that famous painter from long ago? What was his name again?”
“Melchaski?”
“Ah, yes, Melchaski. His work was recently discovered, and Mother purchased it.”

The tragic genius, Melchaski.

Two hundred years ago, during a time when soft watercolor paintings were in vogue, Melchaski introduced bold, vibrant paintings. Back then, his works were dismissed as neither elegant nor refined and were scorned by the public.

In the end, he passed away without ever gaining recognition. Ironically, after his death, people began to reevaluate his art. His groundbreaking techniques, which were ahead of their time, started to captivate audiences.

However, Melchaski’s short life meant that only five of his paintings had been revealed to the public. The Emperor, who was passionate about art at the time, had acquired all five, and they remain preserved in the royal treasury to this day.

Driven by the desire to own what they could not have, people began searching for any remaining works he might have left behind.

“It must’ve cost quite a bit. How much was it?”
“I think I heard it was 200,000 litas.”

Flaria shrugged indifferently, showing no sign that it concerned her.

“200,000 litas?”

“Yeah. Apparently, it was discovered hidden in the attic of Melchaski’s estate. It was quite a difficult find.”
“Still, isn’t 200,000 litas way too expensive?”
“It’s probably because the seller is a noble. Rare paintings from a trustworthy dealer tend to be priced that high. Honestly, while I like Melchaski’s other works, I don’t think much of this one.”

Flaria had a surprisingly sharp eye for art.

“Which is probably why it’s displayed here. It’s rare, so it’s meant to be shown off.”
“Exactly. Mother loves to flaunt. She probably wanted visitors to see this painting as soon as they enter the mansion. Honestly, she’s impossible.”

In the future, the Duchess of the Ameron Ducal Family would come to regret purchasing this painting and prominently displaying it at the entrance.

‘Because this painting is a forgery.’

This painting was one of the counterfeit artworks involved in an art fraud scandal that shocked the noble society.

The scam, which targeted noblewomen, would only come to light midway through the novel. By then, however, the Viscount who orchestrated the fraud had already disappeared, making it impossible to apprehend him.

As a result, noblewomen faced scorn for their lack of genuine artistic discernment and their excessive vanity. Among them, the one who received the harshest criticism was none other than Flaria’s mother, the Duchess of the Ameron Ducal Family.

“It’s a stunning painting.”

Just as I pretended to admire the painting, I heard someone’s presence behind me.

“Isn’t it?”

Turning around, I saw the Duchess of the Ameron Ducal Family, smiling warmly.

After greeting her, the Duchess gracefully lifted her hand in acknowledgment and began explaining the painting.

“This is a hidden work by the tragic genius Melchaski. I went through great trouble to acquire it.”
“This is my first time seeing this piece. How did you come across such a rare find?”
“I have an excellent art dealer. I didn’t know you were interested in art, Espin.”
“Lately, I’ve been studying to become as elegant a noble as you, Duchess, though I still have much to learn.”

At my compliment, the Duchess’s lips curled into a faint smile. From behind, I could hear Flaria making gagging noises, clearly about to throw up.

“Of course. Espin, as a noble, it’s essential to appreciate art. A true noble knows how to enjoy the arts. I only wish Flaria would develop the qualities of a proper lady already.”
“Flaria will undoubtedly become a remarkable lady. Bloodlines don’t lie.”

Flattered by my words, the Duchess’s cheekbones rose ever higher.

‘Now’s my chance.’

Seeing the Duchess’s guard down, I subtly brought up my real reason for being here.

“Could I possibly get an introduction to that art dealer?”

The reason I came here today was to meet the art dealer. This cautious scammer required an introduction to approach.

“An art dealer?”
“Yes. I want to start developing an eye for art as well.”
“The pieces they handle are quite rare, so the prices won’t be cheap.”

The Duchess scanned me up and down before nodding without much hesitation.

“You’re from the Leon Count Family, so it should be fine. I’ll write you a letter of introduction. But there’s one thing you must be careful about.”
“What is it?”
“Never bring ”that woman” and her daughter along. It would be disgraceful.”

I immediately understood that she was referring to Countess Leon and her daughter, Rosette. I nodded in agreement.

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Honestly, I feel bad saying this in front of you, but they’re a disgrace to nobility. Why did your father remarry someone like her?”

The Duchess sighed deeply, completely unaware that her own family would soon face a scandal involving an illegitimate child.

Watching her, oblivious to the storm about to hit her household, I could only offer a comforting smile.

***

“Commander, here’s the report from last night’s shift.”

Haren entered Travis’s office and handed over the report. Usually playful and talkative, Haren made an effort to suppress that side of him while working.

“Alright, I’ll take a look. By the way, Haren.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t you think it’s about time you considered resigning?”
“Resigning? Commander, are you saying you don’t want me around anymore?”
“It’s not about me. The Duke of Ameron keeps asking when you plan to step down.”

The Imperial Knights were typically composed of nobles without clear claims to inheritance. Those who couldn’t secure a title often joined the knights as a way to earn one.

Haren, the heir to the Ameron Ducal Family, had joined the knights purely out of admiration for Travis. The Duke of Ameron, who secretly hoped Haren would grow closer to Travis, had approved of this decision.

However, it was now time for Haren to assume his role as heir.

The Duke of Ameron was growing impatient watching Haren show no intention of leaving the knights and was counting on Travis to push him out.

“Well, in that case, I’m not resigning. Not until you kick me out, Commander.”

Relieved, Haren finally smiled freely.

Travis, saying nothing in response to Haren’s refusal, simply turned his attention back to the report. The decision was ultimately Haren’s to make.

“Hmm…”

Travis’s gaze stopped on one page of the report.

“Is there something unusual in the report?”
“Here.”
“Oh, the woman who came to report a marriage fraud last time? That was unfortunate.”

A few months ago, a woman had come forward claiming to be a victim of marriage fraud. Tragically, she had later taken her own life.

“This man she mentioned… doesn’t he remind you of someone?”