Chapter 28

It was not considered a flaw for a nobleman to take a common woman as his mistress. Even if she bore a child, it didn’t matter much. The child could simply be branded as illegitimate and expelled from the family.

Of course, if the previous Duke tried to formally accept such a child into the family, it would cause a major stir.

However, Richard thought that Lionel would never make the same decision as his father. Even if he acted indifferent, being branded as illegitimate was Lionel’s sore spot.

What man in the world would want to pass on the shackles that bound his whole life to his own child?

‘Besides, Lionel said that woman wasn’t his mistress. If their relationship truly ended as painter and patron… what a boring conclusion.’

While Richard was lost in thought, watching the annex where the auction was in full swing,

A man caught his eye, walking down a remote corridor opposite the auction hall. He had silver hair tied back and a slender figure. His clothes were quite luxurious, but Richard knew he wasn’t a noble.

‘That must be the painter who made Clarette Sollier’s portrait… But that corridor isn’t meant for guests. Did he get lost at the auction? Or is it a secret rendezvous?’

The man’s confident stride suggested he wasn’t lost. If it was a rendezvous, the woman would appear after a delay.

But the next people to appear weren’t just one, but two.

‘Lionel? And… Clarette Sollier?’

The man and woman walked down the corridor, chatting warmly.

Was it they who were having a secret rendezvous? Richard watched them closely, then turned his gaze to Thiago standing at the end of the corridor.

Though mingling among the guests, Thiago’s eyes were fixed on Clarette and Lionel as they approached. Richard found Thiago’s unwavering attention quite intriguing.

What was the relationship among these three?

“By the way, about Clarette Sollier.”

At that moment, Marian, who was also looking toward the annex, spoke up. She seemed just as interested in the pair as Richard.

“The Duke insists she’s not his mistress, but doesn’t she seem exactly like one? There’s such a thing as spiritual love, but I doubt the Duke is the type to prefer that.”

“I agree, but… it’s too soon to judge.”

“I need to confirm it. Whether she’s really a mistress, or just a painter.”

Marian put out her cigar and rose from her seat. Richard, looking up at her enthusiasm, murmured,

“You’re quite proactive. Do you like the Duke that much?”

“Yes, of course. And it’s not just his looks that appeal to me.”

“Well, the position of Duchess is certainly attractive.”

“No, Earl! I have no interest in meaningless titles like that.”

Marian smiled brightly down at Richard.

“I like his debt. The kind of massive debt that can’t be repaid by ordinary means.”

* * *

The auction party, which had lasted all day, was finally nearing its end.

Lionel, having greeted nearly every guest, could now spend time with Clarette without worry.

The two took seats at a table in the back of the auction hall, leisurely watching the proceedings.

“To be honest, I don’t know much about the rest, but I’m certain that blue one is expensive. It really stands out.”

“You’ve improved. It feels like just yesterday when you said you had no interest in art.”

Clarette teased, but Lionel took it as a compliment. He listened to the rising bids, then asked her,

“Clarette, wouldn’t you like to try painting with that? With that lapis lazuli pigment?”

“If I get the chance someday. But not now. Later, when I’m skilled enough at painting mythological scenes… I’ll definitely want to use it then.”

Lionel wondered whether that day would come first, or the bankruptcy crisis of the Valentin Duchy.

If she truly intended to use lapis lazuli pigment, she should buy the expensive material now, while the funds were still available. Before the financial situation worsened.

“Wouldn’t it be good to practice first? Maybe buy a little and use it gradually.”

“No, it’s far too expensive to use for practice. I’ll only use it when I truly need it.”

“I see. You’re buying enough of your usual materials, right?”

“Yes, of course. I’m not wasteful, so I always have plenty. Don’t worry, Your Grace.”

Her clear answer left Lionel with nothing more to say. But before all the Duchy’s money ran out, he was determined to give Clarette that gift.

More precious than gold, the blue light cherished by all.

“Oh, and… Castion’s work will be up for auction soon.”

Clarette’s voice was strangely subdued as she murmured. Lionel tried to recall the vaguely familiar name.

“Castion…?”

“Yes, Castion’s ‘Spring’. That statue.”

Clarette pointed to the statue she’d been sketching all along. Only then did Lionel remember that Castion was the sculptor’s name.

“Did you finish the sketch?”

“Yes. I drew several. I haven’t finished coloring yet, but…”

She truly seemed to love that statue. After watching the auction all day, Lionel felt he finally understood why it was so special.

‘Spring’ was the most vivid work compared to the other sculptures. The entwined bodies of the man and woman, embracing each other, formed a world of their own. Perfect and solid, a tranquil world that allowed only the gaze.

Lionel glanced sideways at Clarette, who was gazing at the statue. She’d never said she wanted anything, but her eyes were full of longing and regret as she looked at ‘Spring’.

After a moment’s thought, Lionel quietly rose from his seat.

“Your Grace? Where are you going?”

“There’s someone I need to greet.”

Lionel left the auction hall and found a small lounge near the gallery. It was a space used by the auctioneer and Melanie Bouvier for breaks.

When he knocked and entered, Melanie, who had been resting inside, was startled.

“Your Grace! What brings you here? Is something wrong at the auction?”

“No, nothing serious. Just a slight change.”

Lionel sat on the sofa in front of Melanie and gave a light order.

“Don’t put Castion’s statue up for auction.”

“What?”

Melanie was shocked, but Lionel’s expression didn’t change. She fidgeted, trying to persuade him.

“But… that’s the most expensive piece in the gallery. It’s our showpiece, and it could set a record for the highest price at this auction…”

“That’s right, isn’t it? I think it’s the best work, too. That’s why I like it so much. So I don’t want to sell it.”

His attitude, unmoved by talk of money, made Melanie sigh deeply. Desperate, she murmured,

“If we remove it, the guests who’ve waited so long will be very disappointed. Are you sure about this?”

“It’s fine. I’ll take responsibility for that.”

In the end, Melanie couldn’t persuade the Duke. Lionel watched as she struck ‘Spring’ from the list, then left the lounge. He felt lighter as he returned to the auction hall.

He wondered how Clarette would react when she learned he’d given up a fortune to keep the artwork for her. Would she be moved? Grateful? Would she feel sorry, asking why he’d gone so far?

Just thinking about it made him excited, but Lionel kept his composure as he entered the auction hall. ‘Spring’ was a surprise gift for her, so there was no need to reveal it yet. Steeling himself, he turned his gaze to the table where Clarette was waiting.

But she was not alone.

Several guests had gathered around her, striking up conversation. Lionel didn’t approach recklessly, but stopped at the entrance to observe the situation.

Unlike at the Marquis’s party he’d attended before, there were quite a few women among those surrounding Clarette. They seemed to be discussing art. Smiles spread across their faces as they pointed to the auction stage and spoke to her.

In that friendly atmosphere, Clarette was neither timid nor nervous, but enjoyed the conversation. Lionel watched her calmly interact with the guests like a hostess, and realized something.

This auction party was not only his stage, but Clarette’s as well. People were interested not only in the new Duke, but also in the resident artist and female painter of the ducal residence. Perhaps they had all been waiting for a moment when she was alone.

A chance to speak freely with her, without worrying about Duke Valentin’s presence.

‘As much as they want.’

Lionel leaned against the doorway, smiling leisurely.