Chapter 109

The next day, and the day after that. Day by day, Clarette and Lionel’s life grew ever more peaceful and settled.

During the day, they painted together at the old church site or indoors, sharing meals prepared by Lionel’s skilled hands at every mealtime. From early evening until morning, they stayed close in the bedroom, and sometimes walked together through the forest paths or around the lakeshore.

Like a couple settling down after a honeymoon, the two became accustomed to their days in the woods by the tenth day.

Lionel’s portrait, already in the coloring stage, was entering the phase of detailed rendering. Clarette laid out the paints labeled ‘Valentin’ in neat order and freely used them to add color.

‘The light looks different from yesterday.’

While painting the church ruins, Clarette used a wide range of colors.

The wall Lionel sat against was bright gray in the morning, pale yellow at noon. But when clouds cast shadows, it turned blue, and as evening fell, it was tinged with red and purple.

‘If only I could capture all the changes of time in a single painting…’

Clarette carefully transferred every color she saw into the picture. Thanks to this, the ruins in the painting seemed to contain all times of day: morning, noon, and night.

Lionel in the painting was the same. Clarette looked at his nearly completed figure with satisfaction.

Within her canvas, Lionel sitting in the shade blended naturally with the background, yet his presence subtly stood out.

His relaxed posture and expression were comfortable, but the blue eyes gazing at the sky were strikingly vivid. The elements of the uniform, like the shoulder epaulets and boots, conveyed Lionel’s strength.

As Clarette delicately layered her painting with a pleased face, Lionel, who had been sitting quietly, gently spoke.

“Clarette, sorry, but…”

“Shall we head back now? Let’s finish today’s outdoor work here.”

“Why? Is there a problem…?”

Clarette asked, puzzled, and Lionel, looking sheepish, loosened his collar and replied.

“It’s hot.”

Clarette, seeing the sweat beading on Lionel’s neck, was startled and quickly put down her brush.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that.”

“It’s fine, no need to apologize.”

It was certainly a windless, sweltering day. Lionel laughed as he watched Clarette hurriedly pack up the painting supplies.

“I’m usually good at enduring heat or cold, but today I’m sweating a bit. Summer is summer, I guess.”

“Let’s clean up quickly and go. It’d be terrible if you got heatstroke.”

“It’s nothing. If we go down slowly and cool off, it’ll be fine. But, are you sure you’re okay with stopping for today?”

Clarette nodded confidently, as if to reassure him.

“Yes, of course. The coloring is almost done, so the portrait will be finished by tonight. The n*de painting can be finished indoors over the next few days.”

That meant they could spend more time just relaxing together. Lionel stood up with a bright smile.

* * *

That day, the summer sun was blazing hot.

Back at their forest home, Clarette changed into a thin sleeveless dress. Lionel, thinking he’d send his sweaty blue uniform to the grocery wagon visiting tomorrow, tidied up his clothes.

“Lionel, do you want to wash first? I barely sweated.”

“Hmm, before washing…”

Lionel seemed lost in thought, gazing out at the terrace. Clarette glanced at his nearly n*ked body, clad only in underwear.

Lionel smiled, as if making a decision, and strode out onto the terrace.

“Where are you going?”

“It’s hot.”

At the makeshift door leading outside from the terrace, Lionel casually took off his last piece of underwear. Clarette was caught off guard by his sudden n*dity.

Lionel, looking carefree, turned to her and grinned.

“I want to swim. Want to join?”

“…Like that?”

“Yeah, clothes just get in the way. No one’s watching anyway.”

“Well, but…”

Even if no one was watching, Clarette hesitated. Walking outside completely n*ked in broad daylight was unimaginable for her.

But the Duke Valentin, already striding about in that state, opened the door and headed toward the lakeshore.

“I’ll go play first—join me if you want.”

Clarette stared blankly at Lionel’s retreating n*ked figure. He walked barefoot to the dock where the rowboat was moored.

When sunlight hit his muscular body, Lionel’s skin gleamed white and glossy. His skin, kept pale by long sleeves all summer, was untouched by sun.

‘If it’s hot, staying inside would be better, but he chooses the sunlight…’

Even so, Clarette’s gaze kept following Lionel. Seeing his n*ked body from a distance, after always viewing it up close for painting or in bed, felt different.

From the terrace, Lionel’s body was beautifully balanced. From broad shoulders and back to a slim waist and firm hips, his silhouette was sculpted and graceful.

‘…He looks so good. I want to draw him.’

Clarette suppressed the urge to grab her sketchbook and walked toward the lake. If she ignored his request and just sketched, she might hear complaints later.

Seeing Clarette approach, Lionel flashed a handsome smile.

“Watch, Clarette.”

Aware of her gaze, he stretched and dove stylishly into the lake. Clarette stopped in the shaded spot by the lakeshore and watched the rippling water.

Soon, Lionel reappeared, cutting through the water with a refreshing stroke. He swept his golden hair from his eyes and looked at Clarette.

Her face, shaded as if under a parasol, looked especially calm and reserved. Lionel, thinking he wanted to pull Clarette into the water right away, spoke.

“Clarette, do you not know how to swim?”

“No, actually I can’t swim.”

Clarette answered honestly, looking for a place to sit. As she sat on the stump of a tree, Lionel suggested slyly,

“Want me to teach you? Like I did with riding lessons.”

“Lionel, you’re just teasing me again…”

“Teasing? I taught you pretty well, didn’t I?”

That, she had to admit. He was patient, persistent, and a gentle teacher.

But Clarette shook her head calmly.

“I’ll learn to swim next time. After this summer, I probably won’t have much reason to swim again.”

“No way. We can’t go this summer, but next year we’ll vacation at the southern sea. The promenade lined with villas is beautiful. There’s a lot to see at night, too.”

“Then… I’ll learn at that sea later.”

If we are still together next summer.

Clarette smiled at Lionel, thinking this to herself. Not knowing her thoughts, Lionel was simply happy to have made a future travel promise.

While Clarette rested in the shade, Lionel swam freely, venturing into the deep parts of the lake. Thanks to his training and natural athleticism, he moved easily in the water.

Clarette watched Lionel’s powerful arms and back as he moved. He floated leisurely in the deep, quiet lake, enjoying midsummer’s coolness.

Of course, even while swimming, Lionel kept glancing at the shore to make sure Clarette was alright. Whenever their eyes met, his face showed a charming smile.

As if tempting her to join him, to enjoy together.