Chapter 112

The art world of Rosenta was a harsh place for women.

There were people like Melanie Bouvier and Jasmine who supported Clarette’s work, but just as many opposed her. People like Marquis Rembart, who invited Clarette to garden parties only to torment her, were everywhere.

Moreover, her paintings would attract attention as ‘paintings by a woman’ at the exhibition. The relationship between Clarette Sollier and Duke Valentin would also be re-examined.

Just as Thiago and ‘Flower in a Frame’ became entangled in romance, people would surely fabricate all sorts of rumors about the Duke and the female artist.

‘But, even so, I can’t back down.’

Clarette looked at Lionel with a calm face. She had already prepared herself for this long ago.

“Lionel, if the only reason you’re hesitating is because you’re worried about me, I’m fine. This is a perfect opportunity for me to make my name known.”

“There are ways to slowly build your reputation among the nobles, as you’ve done so far.”

For Lionel, what mattered most was that Clarette wouldn’t get hurt. But she smiled gently at him and said,

“In my life as an artist, there haven’t been many opportunities. But since I met you, wonderful chances have kept coming. I was able to paint the blue of lapis lazuli on my canvas, to paint Lady Jasmine, to paint your n*de… All things that would’ve been possible only in dreams before, you made them all real.”

A light of happiness shone in Clarette’s deep green eyes. She declared calmly to Lionel,

“So, I’ll gladly seize this opportunity that’s come to me. Thank you for worrying, but I think I’ll be alright. When I’m with you, I feel like everything will work out.”

Lionel stared intently at Clarette’s confident and assured expression.

He had been so focused on cherishing her that he’d forgotten—

Clarette was a very brave person. She never easily gave up, no matter how difficult things became.

“…If that’s so, good.”

In the end, Lionel stood up with Melanie’s proposal in hand. His face, having made his decision, wore a gentle smile meant only for Clarette.

“Let’s debut together. At the Moerven Art Museum.”

* * *

The Moerven Art Museum was a prestigious institution with over a hundred years of history. Reflecting Moerven’s unique character as a gathering place for various artists, special exhibitions were always held here.

“Among them, the Emerging Artists Exhibition is very special. There are no restrictions on genre or theme, and only one condition: ‘The artist must never have exhibited in a museum before.’”

The museum director was a man in his early sixties with graying hair. Before the exhibition, he kindly guided Duke Valentin and his artist through the museum.

“Today is a closed day, and the exhibition starts tomorrow, so you can expect it to look just as it does now.”

He then turned his gaze to Clarette, who seemed nervous.

“I’ve heard your name often, Miss Clarette Sollier. You’re famous in portraiture. Honestly, it surprised me; I thought you had no intention to exhibit.”

When the director expressed interest, Clarette replied shyly,

“Not at all, Director. I simply didn’t have a suitable painting before. Everything I painted was either a sketch or a commission… I always hoped my father’s works would be exhibited instead of mine.”

“Ah, Arno Sollier. I remember. You asked to donate your father’s paintings to the museum.”

At the time, Clarette’s request had been denied. The director spoke regretfully,

“Temporary special exhibitions are always possible, but permanent exhibitions are limited to works by artists who have been dead for thirty years. That’s our museum policy, so I hope you understand.”

“Yes, I heard that then as well. It’s fine now, so please don’t worry, Director.”

Clarette answered kindly and glanced at Lionel with a smile.

She really was alright now, thanks to his care.

Passing through the wide, empty hall on the closed day, the three entered the special exhibition space filled with various works. Lionel glanced at unfamiliar sculptures and paintings, then asked,

“Where’s Clarette’s piece?”

“It’s placed at the very back. It’s the most important work in this exhibition.”

“Do you think many people will come to see it?”

“Yes. I’m sure they will.”

The director nodded without hesitation. He led them into the last room at the end of the exhibition space.

Clarette stopped in front of her painting hanging on the wall.

The portrait of Captain Lionel in his blue uniform was framed in a very simple frame. Hung in the center of the wide wall, the large painting was softly illuminated, and the thick oil brushstrokes sparkled.

The solemn atmosphere emanating from the single painting filled the exhibition room like invisible mist. The powerful presence, unlike anything experienced even at Genoa’s National Art Museum, left Lionel staring blankly at his portrait.

“Amazing. The museum is definitely different from the ducal residence. It feels like I’m being captivated.”

At his admiration, the director spoke with a pleased face,

“This is a space dedicated only to appreciation. I’m sure many people will be moved, just as you are.”

If only that happened, Clarette would be truly happy. Lionel looked at her expectantly, then was startled.

There were tears in Clarette’s eyes.

“…So this is what it’s like.”

She noticed Lionel’s gaze and quickly wiped her eyes.

“It really feels real. Showing my painting to everyone…”

He wanted to comfort Clarette, overwhelmed with emotion, by holding her in his arms. But in this setting, all Lionel could do was offer her a handkerchief.

Clarette accepted his kindness and smiled awkwardly. She pressed the white handkerchief to her moist eyes and said,

“I hope many people like it.”

* * *

On the day the Emerging Artists Exhibition opened at Moerven Art Museum, Clarette and Lionel spent the afternoon in the main tea room.

Through the glass doors, the garden filled with all sorts of summer flowers could be seen blooming among the lush trees. Lionel, sitting in front of the bright glass doors with his easel, looked at Clarette with a satisfied expression.

It was a truly beautiful scene. With the soft sunlight streaming in, Clarette quietly sketched Duke Valentin. From today, she was to paint his formal portrait in the tea room.

“Lionel, are you going to keep smiling like that?”

Clarette pointed this out, troubled, but smiled along with him. She looked at Lionel, dressed elegantly and seated, with happy eyes.

Clarette actively agreed to Lionel’s suggestion. Even amid constant adventures, there needed to be a time to rest.

‘I wanted to try painting Lionel in a conventional way, too. Like ordinary portraits, highlighting his external strengths.’

She had to admit her choice was excellent. By choosing a standard portrait, she could spend time with Lionel dressed as a noble.

Lionel, modeling as a duke, wore a refined suit, holding a long cane in his gloved hand. Stroking the lion’s head carved on the cane’s handle, he smiled at Clarette.

“Even if you tell me not to smile, I can’t help it when I see you. You shouldn’t be so beautiful.”

“If I can’t help being beautiful, you’ll just have to endure it. Your expression keeps changing.”

At Clarette’s calm reply, Lionel laughed again. He could see how excited she was by his dashing transformation, and her clever responses were delightful.

He couldn’t help wanting to tease Clarette, sitting at a distance, so he kept talking.

“That painting of the God of Hope—when will it be finished? You said you’d make the face ugly.”

“The face is done, but I’m still thinking about the clothes. I’m considering using Marina Blue for the cloak, but I haven’t decided how much to cover the body. It’s a shame to cover it.”

“Ah, because my body is impressive?”

“Yes.”

At her sharp answer, Lionel was deeply pleased. He watched Clarette, pondering her first mythological painting, and suddenly asked,

“But, Clarette. There’s something I’ve been curious about.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Don’t you want to paint me completely n*ked?”