Chapter 29

In truth, Lionel was closer to supporting Clarette’s social activities. In fact, he believed she absolutely should do so.

Clarette had said she wanted to rise high as a painter. Yet for her art to be recognized and known, she needed not only her own efforts but also the help of others. After all, in this era, it was nobles—and even the Imperial Family—who judged art.

That was why Lionel found it pleasing to see Clarette freely mingling with the nobles. Among them, surely, there would be people who liked her and wanted to help her.

While Lionel watched Clarette with satisfaction,

Among those leaving the auction hall, a familiar face caught his eye. Lionel, turning his gaze almost unconsciously, met the eyes of a man staring intently at him.

Calm, pale green eyes.

Thiago Salto had stopped at the annex entrance, staring at him as if he had something to say, but instead of speaking, Thiago quietly left the annex.

Lionel watched through the corridor window as Thiago walked toward the garden, then turned back to Clarette. The dress ribbon he had tied at her back swayed lightly every time she laughed.

Lionel watched that for a while, then eventually left the annex and headed toward the garden.

* * *

Late at night, after people had disappeared, Thiago stood alone in the garden.

“You’ve come. I thought you’d ignore me.”

Thiago spoke to Lionel, who was approaching, his face serious and without a trace of a smile. Lionel responded quietly, facing him.

“It was obvious you wanted to call me out. Is there something you want to say to me?”

“Yes, there is. But I wonder if you will leave me be after hearing it, Your Grace. You’ll probably be quite displeased.”

“That’s a needless worry. I am, after all, the host of the party. Surely I wouldn’t harm a guest?”

Thiago looked at him with half disbelief. Of course, Lionel wasn’t entirely certain of his own words. If Thiago crossed the line, he had no intention of tolerating it.

But since he’d come this far, Thiago couldn’t back down and finally got to the point.

“Forgive my boldness, but I wish you would let Clarette go, Your Grace. I mean, don’t keep her tied to the ducal residence under the name of patronage.”

As expected, it was about Clarette. Lionel calmly countered his words.

“One might think I’ve imprisoned her. Clarette entered the ducal residence of her own will. I suggested it, and she accepted.”

“How many artists can refuse a patron’s invitation? Besides, because she’s staying with you, Clarette is being sullied by unnecessary gossip.”

“You mean the nonsense about her being my mistress. I’m correcting that whenever possible, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Your Grace, do you really think people will simply believe everything you say? That kind of weak response is practically neglect. Clarette’s reputation is being damaged.”

With the continued attacks, Lionel took a short breath to cool his head. If Thiago was right, then all the smiles from the nobles around her in the annex were just mockery. Surely, that couldn’t be true…

“Let’s say, for argument’s sake, if Clarette is in trouble because of me, I’ll gladly let her go. But staying here is the best choice for her. She has no plans for leaving…”

“Why does she have no plans? I’m here.”

Lionel couldn’t help but laugh quietly. No matter how famous a painter, this man seemed overly confident against a duke.

“What can you do for her?”

“I have a house in the capital. I receive ample sponsorship from noble families, and my paintings always sell for high prices, so there’s no worry about living expenses. I can more than support a household.”

“A household?”

“Yes.”

Thiago seized the moment when Lionel hesitated and declared boldly,

“I’ll propose to Clarette at the right time. I need her desperately right now.”

Lionel looked at him silently, recalling what Clarette had said.

She had told him she didn’t like Thiago. She used to, but not anymore.

“Regrettably, Clarette won’t accept your proposal. You’d do well to give up.”

But Thiago didn’t back down at all.

“Maybe for now. Clarette is under an illusion. Foolishly believing you will take full responsibility for her, Your Grace.”

“…Foolish? That’s a bit harsh. I truly intend to take responsibility.”

As Lionel showed a hint of displeasure, Thiago now let out a small laugh.

“Take responsibility? Then, are you planning to marry Clarette, Your Grace?”

Marriage was a distant concept for Lionel. He had never considered it in his life, and he sighed, feeling tired.

“Well, must I marry someone to take responsibility for them? If I keep helping her paint as I am now, I think both she and I will be satisfied.”

“That too is rather irresponsible…”

“You keep accusing me of irresponsibility.”

Lionel finally couldn’t stand it and pointed out Thiago’s contradiction.

“If anyone is irresponsible, it’s you. Clarette lost her father and spent three years alone. I’ve known her less than six months, but what did you do in those three years?”

“I was moving between noble families. Staying only in my studio would have meant missing out on good opportunities…”

“Spare me the excuses. If you truly valued her, you’d have stayed with her no matter what. You lived your own life and left her alone, so why come now and point fingers at me? It doesn’t add up. Even your talk of proposing isn’t convincing.”

Lionel stared at Thiago’s still pale face.

Artists were known to be eccentric, but it was strange—even suspicious—for someone who’d been apart for three years to suddenly show up and want to marry her.

Lionel eyed Thiago, whose motives were unclear, with suspicion.

“Perhaps… you’ve only recently found yourself needing her? For some reason, for some selfish purpose.”

Thiago just glared at him, saying nothing. Lionel quickly realized his suspicion was close to the truth.

“Thiago, what are you scheming? If you don’t confess honestly…”

Lionel was determined to get the truth out of him, even if it meant threatening him.

“Aha, there you are! Duke Valentin!”

A woman burst into the garden where the two men stood. Lionel, turning around, was surprised by the disheveled appearance of the familiar woman.

“…Miss Belvard? How much have you had to drink?”

The red-haired beauty, Marian Belvard, was so drunk her cheeks were bright red. Seeing her stagger dangerously, Lionel had no choice but to go over and support her.

“My, my. Where did you leave Earl Crowley and come wandering alone?”

“The Earl? He’s… Haha, he’s not my partner. He left earlier in a carriage.”

“What? No other attendants?”

“I sent them all back to the lodgings. It’s late at night!”

Marian leaned on Lionel’s arm, giggling. He was used to dealing with drunken women, but it felt very uncomfortable to have Thiago watching the whole scene.

“…Are you just going to stand there?”

When Lionel showed his discomfort and looked back, Thiago stared at them with a bored expression, as if he’d expected it.

“I won’t be helping.”

“Who asked for help? If you’re just going to watch, why not step aside.”

“Yes, then I’ll return to the auction hall. I can’t leave Clarette alone.”

Provoked, Lionel felt a surge of irritation for a moment. But Thiago left the garden, leaving the two behind.

Lionel glared after Thiago, then turned to Marian. As the host of the party, he had to make sure she got somewhere safe.

“Miss Belvard, can you walk?”

“Ugh, I’m dizzy. I want to rest…”

“Let’s go back to the auction hall together. The maids there will help you.”

“No, I like you, Your Grace. Can’t you take me yourself?”