Chapter 17

<You could just get a lover.>

The Duke had offered such advice, but was it really okay to have a romance with someone inside the ducal mansion? Clarette wondered.

Whether an insider or outsider, if she started bringing men into the annex, rumors would spread quickly.

‘……For now, let’s finish what needs to be done. I should make copies of the gallery’s artworks before the auction starts.’

In the end, Clarette put off her worries and returned to the annex. Ignoring the pleasant spring weather, she shut herself in the gallery and began to paint.

* * *

Earl Crowley’s domain bordered the Valentin Duchy to the east. After passing through Moerven City and riding for over an hour by carriage, Lionel finally arrived at Earl Crowley’s mansion.

“You arrived right on time. Welcome, Lionel.”

Richard Crowley greeted him with a painted smile. It was Lionel’s first visit to the Earl’s mansion, and he looked up at the unfamiliar residence.

Despite the rumors that Richard was a brilliant businessman, Earl Crowley’s mansion looked rather old. It seemed he kept the estate inherited from his ancestors instead of selling it.

“This is your first time here, isn’t it? It’s not much compared to the ducal mansion, but it has its own long history.”

“Well, whatever it looks like, a house just needs to be comfortable to live in.”

Lionel replied indifferently, and Richard smiled, leading him to the luncheon room.

“So, is the ducal mansion comfortable? How is it living there?”

“There are plenty of advantages. It’s spacious, clean, and the staff all do their jobs well. It’s so perfect, it’s almost boring.”

“Boring, huh. Is that why you pulled off that outrageous stunt?”

Lionel looked at Richard, questioning what he meant. As they entered the dining room, Richard pointed it out as if he’d been waiting.

“The auction. The grand auction of the Valentin Duchy. You decided to put up all the art pieces in the gallery, and every artwork in the ducal mansion, for sale? Even hosting a party for it.”

“Oh, is that all? What’s wrong with an auction? Is there some problem?”

The appetizers began to be served, but the two men didn’t touch the food, focusing only on their conversation.

“The auction itself isn’t a big issue. But it might change how outsiders view the ducal mansion, Lionel. Not for the better.”

“Why? It’s just selling off things the family doesn’t need. Is that so worthy of criticism?”

Lionel’s casual words made Richard shake his head.

“Few nobles think of their family’s collection, built up over generations, as unnecessary. Putting it all up for auction is basically announcing to everyone that the Duchy is in desperate need of cash.”

Richard’s tone showed regret about the decision, but Lionel only laughed and agreed.

“That’s perfect. I was planning to let everyone know I need money anyway.”

Lionel finally began eating his appetizer. Richard frowned and asked,

“Why do that? Wasn’t the Duchy’s debt problem something we agreed to solve together?”

“This is the result of consulting you, Richard.”

Lionel calmly picked up a salmon canapé from the appetizer plate.

“No matter how I think about it, you were right. Saving a few coins won’t ever make a hundred thousand gold. In the end, to make big money, I have to start a business and make it succeed.”

He looked at his silent cousin and continued cheerfully,

“So, I’m going to raise funds with this auction and make it clear to others. The Valentin Duchy has loaded its bullets, so bring me some interesting prey. If I choose well, one or two of them might be worth something.”

Richard stared at his cousin’s optimistic face. He had expected Lionel to take an interest in business, but the timing was sooner than he’d thought.

“Will you use all the auction proceeds for your business? Wouldn’t it be wise to pay off part of the debt, just in case?”

He offered gentle advice, but Lionel shook his head, annoyed.

“No, I’ll leave the debt alone. If I can’t pay it, I’ll go bankrupt anyway, so I’d rather go all-in on the business. There’s no turning back for me.”

“You sound like a gambler. So, your cards are the auction money and the family’s reputation. Is that all?”

“For now, yes. But this isn’t a game I play alone.”

Lionel leisurely touched his still-empty wine glass.

“People without money or reputation will willingly fill in my missing cards. All I have to do is decide—should I bet on the cards they give me, or fold?”

Richard, listening quietly, couldn’t help but object.

“If this were a card game, you’d be right. There are rules and clear criteria for winning. But this is reality, Lionel. Only God knows which hand will win.”

“Of course, Richard. That’s why you’re here.”

“…What?”

Lionel looked at the untouched food in front of Richard and spoke calmly.

“You’ll review all the business proposals that come in first. You promised to advise me as my consultant, didn’t you? As my cousin, you have more experience and a wider network.”

“So you want to use me as a filter.”

“Yes, I don’t know much about business, so I’ll rely on your opinion. But don’t feel too pressured. I’ll make the final decision anyway. I’ll take responsibility for it.”

Lionel’s approach seemed extreme, yet strangely cautious. Maybe he did have a talent for business—completely unlike his late father, the previous Duke.

‘Is he really planning to pay off a hundred thousand gold by himself? Does he truly believe it’s possible?’

Richard thought skeptically. He had originally planned to suggest at today’s lunch that Lionel borrow money to repay the debt, and had even identified wealthy nobles and lenders for that purpose.

But his cousin had found the safest and fastest way to raise funds, and was already planning for the next stage without hesitation. This was a level of prudence Richard hadn’t expected.

‘Maybe Lionel is more capable with money than I thought. But…’

Richard watched as the main dish was served, and slowly spoke.

“By the way, I want to hear about the commotion you caused at Marquis Rembart’s mansion. Society’s been buzzing about it for a while.”

“Oh? What did you hear?”

“They say you stole a woman from the Marquis. That you embarrassed him in front of everyone, behaving very rudely.”

“I was definitely rude. He deserved it.”

“Did the Marquis do something to offend you?”

“No. Not to me, but to the lady.”

“That woman, Clarette Sollier?”

When Richard said her name precisely, Lionel smirked.

“Rumors are more detailed than I thought. Do people even mention her name?”

“She’s famous, after all.”

“Clarette is famous? She told me she’s still an unknown painter.”

“Not as a painter, but as a woman in a painting. Haven’t you ever heard of ‘Flower in a Frame’?”

Lionel tilted his head at the unfamiliar nickname. The Clarette he knew was a woman who painted, but being called the woman in a painting sounded odd.

“‘Flower in a Frame’? What’s that?”

“Five years ago, a portrait of her was exhibited in the Rosenta Art Museum. His Highness the Crown Prince was very taken with the painting. The artist who painted it became famous overnight, and the nobles bet on who would be the first to make the woman in the painting their mistress.”

Lionel cleared his throat quietly at Richard’s words. Clarette’s impression of him at first must have been truly terrible.

Meanwhile, Richard recalled memories from five years ago and continued,

“Everyone wanted to invite her to society, but it was all in vain. She was a commoner with a high nose, never showed herself anywhere. Only her nickname and name became known.”

Lionel thought that was just like Clarette. She would have wanted to be known for her art, not her looks.

“Clarette is beautiful enough to be compared to a flower. Of course, I didn’t bring her to the ducal mansion for that reason.”

“Well, everyone’s saying you took her as your mistress.”

“That’s not true. She’s not interested in me at all.”

“And you? Are you interested?”