Chapter 54

“That painting, did you say it’s hanging in the Rosenta National Art Museum?”

At Lionel’s question, Clarette nodded nonchalantly.

“Yes. It’s even a permanent exhibition piece. It was chosen by His Highness the Crown Prince, since he bought the painting.”

“Oh, really?”

So this woman had even captured the Crown Prince’s heart. Lionel thought the man who would become Emperor had quite good taste, but on the other hand, he felt oddly displeased.

The only portrait of Clarette in the world was owned by another man.

“How well did he paint it for everyone to make such a fuss? I must see that painting myself.”

“Right, we should go to the museum together, Duke. There are many other wonderful works besides that portrait.”

Clarette responded calmly to his words. Lionel felt relieved that she seemed to have calmed down a bit, but also felt another twinge of discomfort.

Clarette praised that portrait, Thiago’s painting, without hesitation. Even if she didn’t like the man, she still admired his art—his talent and skill.

Should he order a strong drink in the middle of the day? Lionel was staring at the menu when—

“Oh my, Duke Valentin?”

At the bright, high-pitched voice, Lionel turned to look. The noblewoman approaching with a maid was a familiar face.

“Lady Jasmine?”

Jasmine, the only daughter of Duke Bruyel from the northwest of the Empire, was looking down at him. Her pale violet eyes sparkled with delight.

“My, what a surprise to meet you here, Duke. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you since the ball. Did you come to Genoa?”

“Yes, in a way. I’m on my way to Tivenny now.”

Lionel spoke with flawless manners, and Clarette was startled. This unfamiliar ‘Lady’ seemed to be a very high-ranking noble.

Jasmine glanced at the still-empty table and smiled.

“I’ll be disembarking at Rubel this afternoon. I was just about to have a meal—would you mind if I joined you?”

Lionel looked to Clarette as if asking what to do. Clarette nodded and shifted to the side to make room.

Jasmine, watching this, burst out laughing.

“So I should have asked the lady here for permission, not you, Duke? I’m Jasmine of the Bruyel family. May I know your family and name?”

Jasmine naturally attempted introductions, and Clarette was a bit flustered. Still, she recited the greeting she had practiced for the auction party.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Jasmine. I’m not a noble, so please feel free to treat me as you wish. My name is Clarette Sollier.”

Jasmine nodded, pleased by Clarette’s modest yet elegant greeting.

“Ah, I recognize your name now. You’re the resident artist living at Duke Valentin’s mansion, aren’t you?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Good, good. Rosie, I’ll give you an hour of free time, so go enjoy yourself. I’ll see you in the room later.”

Jasmine sent her maid away and sat beside Clarette. Jasmine’s attention, which had been on the Duke, now focused entirely on Clarette.

“I want to eat the same thing as you, Miss Sollier. I’m curious what you’ll order.”

“Oh, then…… I’ll have the trout dish. I’m thinking of pairing it with white wine—is that alright with you?”

“Oh, wine is always welcome. Is that all?”

“Shall I choose the aperitif and appetizer too? Since the main is fish……”

Clarette calmly selected the food and drink. Lionel worried Jasmine might be making Clarette uncomfortable.

But his concern was completely unfounded. With a few sips of wine, the two women quickly started chatting.

“My, really? So you were the one who painted Lady Matilda’s portrait?”

“Yes. It was a challenging job, but enjoyable. Thanks to her, I got much better at painting lace.”

“Right, I wondered how you managed that complicated pattern. But you did change her nose a bit, didn’t you? It looked so pretty.”

“Hmm…… I suppose I found the most ideal angle for her.”

“Haha, what’s that? Are you protecting your client?”

Jasmine laughed joyfully at every word Clarette said.

Lionel thought the two women’s personalities were complete opposites, but that seemed to make Jasmine more comfortable. Jasmine, actually about four years younger than Clarette, acted like a little sister and made a request.

“Miss Sollier, I have a favor.”

“Yes. Please, Lady.”

“After stopping by Tivenny, would you come to my house and paint my portrait? You don’t have to fix my face like Lady Matilda’s. I’ll wear something easy to paint. So……”

“Yes, then later……”

“No.”

Lionel quickly cut off Clarette’s words. When both women turned to look at him, he tapped his whiskey glass, visibly uncomfortable.

“Sorry, Lady Jasmine. Clarette must finish my painting first. Until then, I can’t send her anywhere.”

“What? Hasn’t it been about a month since she moved into the Valentin mansion? Is it still not finished?”

“That’s because I’ve been busy with affairs in the domain. It’s absolutely not because of any lack of skill……”

“If you’re busy, why not lend Miss Sollier to me in the meantime?”

Lionel didn’t even bother replying and just shook his head. Jasmine rolled her eyes in disbelief.

“So greedy. You want to keep all the good things for yourself. Let’s do this. I’ll visit the Valentin mansion later—not to see you, but to see Miss Sollier. Is it alright if she paints a little at a time then?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

This time, Clarette answered instead of Lionel. She turned away from the Duke and gave Jasmine a warm smile.

“Please do come see me, Lady Jasmine. I’ll paint you as beautifully as you are.”

Jasmine’s face flushed with delight at Clarette’s gentle words. Lionel eventually gave up joining in the women’s sentimental conversation and just finished his whiskey.

He learned one thing for sure from today’s conversation: Clarette was surprisingly good with people younger than herself. Doris Markrel, who only softened in front of Clarette, was a few years younger, and so was Jasmine.

“Then I’ll visit in the summer, Duke. Even if you’re not happy, you’ll have to open the door, alright? And today’s lunch is on me.”

After their pleasant meal, Jasmine left behind some gold coins and gracefully departed. Lionel stared at Clarette, who still wore a soft smile.

“‘Please do come see me’?”

The Duke repeated her words with a smirk, and Clarette coughed awkwardly.

“Why? Did I sound strange?”

“No, it’s just the first time I’ve seen you treat someone like that. Are you always so kind?”

“Lady Jasmine is of very high rank. Painting someone like her is a big help for my reputation.”

Was that just a sales pitch?

Lionel looked at her in surprise, and Clarette added with a small laugh,

“Besides, that young lady is so cute, she makes me smile just by being there. Don’t you think so too, Duke?”

“Well, hmm.”

Lionel quietly dodged the question. He hoped Clarette would never know about kissing Jasmine’s hand at the ball or their light talk of marriage.

He hurriedly changed the subject.

“Shall we get some fresh air? The weather’s nice.”

* * *

Time on board passed quickly.

Clarette spent all day on the terrace watching the scenery go by and ended up slightly tanning the skin on her ankles. Lionel tried several times to teach her about whiskey, but failed each time.

Clarette, always careful with doors, locked her bedroom securely every night. Lionel needed a cigar every night, but never actually lit one.

And so, on the evening of the third day after leaving Genoa—

Clarette and Lionel finally arrived at the western port city, Tivenny.

“Welcome! Captain Lionel!”

With a booming cheer of greeting.