Chapter 116

“Saint Hubert was the only sibling of the king who founded Rosenta.”

On the train heading to Genoa, Clarette explained the story from the scriptures to Lionel.

“When Rosenta was still a small kingdom, Saint Hubert prayed to Goddess Ensila for blessings on his brother’s royal family. The condition for the blessing was very simple.”

Clarette looked at the worn Hubert section of her childhood scripture and spoke.

“As long as the royal family followed the Goddess’s teaching to love all people, the Rosenta dynasty would never die out.”

That’s why the Rosenta Imperial Family commemorated Saint Hubert’s birthday every autumn as a festival.

For two weeks from the festival’s start, the capital Genoa hosted celebrations led by the Imperial Family and Ensila Order. Every noble in the empire was required to send a representative to attend the main events.

“To love all people… That’s completely different from the current atmosphere in the Imperial Family.”

Listening to Clarette, Lionel couldn’t help but scoff. After swallowing up countless kingdoms and becoming an empire three hundred years ago, there was no ‘love’ in the Rosenta Imperial Family.

“After becoming an empire, the imperial family became fiercely brutal among themselves. The emperor’s descendants killed each other so much that an unwritten rule appeared—only two imperial children, whether princes or princesses.”

“Oh, so that’s why there are only two now. His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Princess.”

“That’s right. And they don’t seem to rule their subjects with love either…”

Lionel murmured skeptically, then fell silent. After all, he was a subject of the emperor. There was no need to reveal his irreverent thoughts and make Clarette uneasy.

Lionel cleared his throat and changed the subject.

“Anyway, what matters is that you and I are going to Genoa again. Just the two of us, for two weeks.”

He looked at Clarette, who wore an elegant light brown dress, with satisfaction. He regretted that her hair was pinned up to match the neat dress, but it was fine.

He’d see her with her hair down at night anyway.

“Two weeks is really long. But I’m glad I’ll be able to paint this time, unlike the last trip.”

While Lionel anticipated their nights, Clarette was excited about painting in Genoa. She looked out the bright window and spoke happily.

“I’ve only heard about it, but it’s my first time going. To enter Genoa Cathedral during Saint Hubert’s festival week is such an honor.”

During the two weeks commemorating Saint Hubert’s birth, only artists specially invited by the Order could enter Genoa Cathedral. They gathered to sing praises to Goddess Ensila and Saint Hubert, write poems, and paint.

“What kind of painting are you going to do?”

“Well, the usual subject is Saint Hubert’s first encounter with the Goddess, but maybe something more unique would be better.”

“Oh, you want to catch the Order’s eye?”

“That too, but… I like the human sides of gods and saints. That’s why I painted the God of Hope modeled after you. The god suffering on the Rocky Mountain, punished for stealing the gods’ treasures and sharing them with humans.”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen the finished version of that painting. Did you still not decide how much to cover the body?”

“Yes, only the clothing part is unfinished. But I finished Duke Valentin’s portrait safely.”

Lionel recalled the noble portrait Clarette had painted for him.

In the tea room, bathed in gentle sunlight, Duke Valentin in perfect formal attire gazed forward with utmost dignity and elegance.

With a relaxed smile, he stared intently at someone before him.

“Now that I think about it, that’s the fourth painting you’ve made with me as the model.”

“Oh, that’s right. Two n*des, two portraits.”

“It might actually be more. If you count the sketches and doodles in your sketchbook…”

“…Not anymore. After Lady Jasmine caught me, I’ve become more careful.”

Clarette blushed as she replied, and Lionel chuckled. He wanted to tease her, so he asked in a subtle voice,

“So, what do you draw in your sketchbook now? Is there something better than me?”

“Right now…”

Clarette trailed off, unwilling to answer. Lionel’s smile faded at her ambiguous reaction.

Why couldn’t she answer?

“What are you drawing now?”

Lionel asked again, but Clarette avoided his gaze, troubled. She hesitated, then finally replied,

“I’m working on something personal. Until it’s properly finished, I can’t show it to anyone.”

“Not even me?”

“Yes.”

Clarette’s answer was so firm that Lionel felt strangely hurt. He’d never imagined he’d be included in the category of ‘anyone.’

Before he could say anything, the train slowed down. Clarette quickly stood up, as if wanting to escape the awkward atmosphere.

“Let’s go, Lionel. If we stop by the hotel and then go to the cathedral, we’ll be right on time.”

* * *

Genoa Cathedral boasted the largest scale among the empire’s six cathedrals. The spire soared to pierce the sky, rivaling the tallest tower of the emperor’s palace, and the interior was wide enough to fit the entire annex of the ducal residence.

“My goodness…”

Clarette, entering Genoa Cathedral for the first time, was awestruck by the sculptures, murals, and stained glass filling the cathedral. It was the first day of Saint Hubert’s festival week, but artists already occupied spots everywhere, absorbed in their work.

“Normally, the Order provides room and board for artists invited during this time.”

Lionel approached Clarette and spoke. She looked at him, dressed in solemn black ceremonial attire.

“I refused on your behalf. I didn’t want you to sleep in a bleak monastery.”

“Oh, really? But I wouldn’t mind the monastery…”

“I would.”

Lionel looked at her with a hint of resentment. Clarette finally realized the reason and quietly avoided his gaze.

‘There are two hotel rooms, but…’

Since Oliver the butler handled arrangements, there were two rooms reserved at the Genoa hotel. But somehow Lionel had turned one into a storage room for luggage.

So, there was only one proper bedroom.

‘He won’t keep me up all night like in the summer forest, right? We both have outside engagements this time.’

If Lionel wore her out too much, Clarette planned to escape to the monastery. No matter how powerful Duke Valentin or how skilled Captain Lionel was at sneaking around, surely he wouldn’t chase her into the monastery.

“So, you’ll be painting here late into the night tonight?”

“Yes. I have to finish a painting in two weeks and submit it to the Order.”

Because the goal was two weeks, the canvas given was small. Paintings completed during the festival week would be donated to monasteries and cathedrals across the empire.

“Then, I’d better go. The Order’s preparing a banquet.”

“Have a good time, Your Grace.”

Clarette used his title for the first time in a while and smiled gently.

“I’ll see you at the hotel later.”

Her soft words made Lionel’s lips curl with pleasure. He left the cathedral, barely taking his eyes off Clarette as she set up her easel.

Or, he tried to leave.

“Duke Valentin.”

A nobleman entering the cathedral called Lionel in a flat voice. Lionel slowed down before the familiar face.

“…Earl Crowley. It’s been a while.”

The two men, meeting for the first time since the night of the declaration, stared at each other in silence. Finally, Lionel relaxed his expression and spoke first.

“What brings you to the cathedral? The nobles’ banquet is supported by the Imperial Family at another venue.”

“I always stop by the cathedral first when I come to Genoa. And you, Your Grace—why are you here…?”

Richard paused, realizing something, then smirked.

“Clarette Sollier must be here, right?”