Chapter 63

<Tiago, look this way.>

In the painting, Tiago was looking at Clarette. Back then, he had thought, indifferently, that she was putting in unnecessary effort.

No matter how much she painted, no one would ever recognize it, but Clarette worked so hard. He thought she should just paint adequately and improve her dreadful cooking skills—for the sake of their future.

Such arrogant thoughts.

So, back then, he was just a fool. Just like those arrogant, self-important types at the Rembart Theater.

<I’ve finished it like this. What do you think?>

The first time Tiago saw the portrait Clarette had painted for him, he felt as if he couldn’t breathe.

His soul was captured in the painting. In this humble, practice canvas.

Clarette had captured Tiago’s ideal image in a single attempt. The strange combination of lavender, navy, black, white, and bold outlines gave it a completely different atmosphere from ordinary portraits.

Completely different from Arno Sollier’s gentle and warm paintings.

A new style.

“Who says she’s not talented…”

Tiago recalled the foolish nobles and sneered coldly. To him, Clarette Sollier was already a remarkable artist.

Tiago believed only he knew this truth. That he alone truly recognized her value.

That’s why Tiago never intended to elevate Clarette as an artist. The public’s evaluation of her was just right as it was.

Not tarnishing Arno Sollier’s reputation, but never being considered equal to his disciple, Tiago Salto.

Tiago wanted only one thing from Clarette.

He wanted to paint her again. He was sick of painting portraits of nobles that gave him no inspiration. What he needed now was a model who could spark the strongest creative stimulus.

Therefore, she had to be here.

In the silence, Tiago thought only of Clarette. He hoped she would come here, hoped she would live with him here.

Away from the Duke of Valentin, who only hurt her reputation, to him.

Then Clarette’s name would be tied to Tiago Salto’s fame and known even more widely.

The only daughter of Arno Sollier, the wife of Tiago Salto, and the woman who shined most beautifully in the frame.

* * *

After their trip, the Duke of Valentin and Clarette quickly returned to their routine. Time at the ducal residence, which had stopped without its master, began to flow busily again, and the smell of oil paint filled the studio in the annex once more.

Butler Oliver was secretly worried that something might have progressed between the Duke and Clarette during the trip. However, the Duke gave the butler an entirely unexpected command.

“Pardon? Are you talking about a dinner with Miss Belvard?”

“Yes, Marian Belvard. She was at the auction party, wasn’t she? You remember?”

“Of course, Sir. If I recall correctly, Earl Crowley and Miss Belvard were together the whole time.”

Oliver was indirectly asking the Duke, “Isn’t Marian Earl Crowley’s woman?” But having already spoken with Marian, the Duke replied lightly.

“Don’t invite Richard. Just invite Miss Belvard here. She should be staying at a hotel in Moerven, so send word there. It was the hotel at the entrance of the main boulevard near City Hall.”

How did he even know which hotel she was staying at? Oliver had many questions but calmly held them back.

“Then I’ll arrange a dinner for the two of you as soon as possible. Since she’s a commoner, we’ll send a carriage from our side…”

“Oh, not two, but three. Prepare for three people.”

Lionel smiled pleasantly.

“Clarette will join us for that dinner.”

* * *

Marian Belvard visited the Duke of Valentin’s mansion for the first time since the auction party. Enough time had passed that the disappointment and embarrassment of being rejected by the Duke had already faded in her memory.

But the moment she faced the Duke’s handsome face, Marian couldn’t help but recall that thrilling night.

“You’re here. Marian Belvard.”

“Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace.”

Marian greeted softly as she entered the dining hall. Usually fond of flashy outfits, she wore a more modest look today, knowing the conversation would be about business with the Duke.

“Oh, there’s one more seat. Is Earl Crowley joining us?”

Marian asked with a bright smile. Then, seeing a woman enter the dining hall behind her, Marian’s amber eyes widened.

“Hmm, Clarette Sollier? Are you joining us too?”

“Hello, Miss Belvard. It’s been a while.”

Clarette greeted calmly and took her seat. Marian looked to the Duke for an explanation, and he gestured for her to sit.

“Let’s sit down, Miss Belvard. The three of us are today’s members.”

“Your Grace, does that mean… Miss Sollier knows? I mean, about your money.”

Marian spoke indirectly, as if discussing secrets, but Lionel answered directly.

“Yes, Clarette knows about our family’s debt. But it’s not something you need to worry about.”

She’s not just a resident artist, then, but deeply involved in the Duchy’s affairs? 

Marian’s gaze toward Clarette changed noticeably. She looked at Clarette with caution and said,

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. The conversation today isn’t only about the Valentin family. I’ll be sharing some of my information too, so having someone unrelated at the table…”

“She’s not unrelated.”

The Duke’s tone became firm as he defended Clarette. As Marian hesitated, he smiled again and spoke gently.

“Today’s topic requires Clarette’s help. I understand your position, but don’t worry about information leaking. I guarantee everything about Clarette.”

When did these two become so close? At the auction party, they hadn’t seemed this close. 

Marian was confused but sat as the Duke directed.

After the food was served, leaving only the three of them in the dining room, the Duke spoke first.

“Miss Belvard, I’ll give you two years of exclusive mining rights to my copper mine. In exchange for clearing the 250,000 gold debt.”

“Alright. I’ve considered various options, but Your Grace, your offer is the most attractive—if no other conditions are attached.”

“That’s right. But unfortunately, I intend to attach another condition.”

Marian took a sip of water and cleared her throat.

“Well, let’s hear it. Go ahead.”

“I’ll give you the mining rights, but the actual mining will be done on our side. I want to keep the current workers. I don’t think Asilique people and our estate workers will mix well.”

“Wait, isn’t that… basically giving me no mining rights at all?”

“Exactly. So, rather than exclusive mining rights, it’s more like exclusive import rights.”

Marian almost scoffed in disbelief but held back for the sake of table manners. She protested as politely as possible.

“Isn’t this different from what you said just a few minutes ago? I wanted to manage the mine directly. Importing? That means we’ll have to make requests every time…”

“Yes, I understand. Of course you’d be dissatisfied. But we’ll do our best to meet your demands. And one more thing. I’d like to propose another deal that could benefit you.”

“A new deal? What is it?”

“Clarette. Can you explain?”

The Duke’s gaze turned to Clarette. Marian, now disgruntled, glared at Clarette, ready to pounce on any mistake.

But Clarette spoke calmly.

“Belvard Co. is famous for manufacturing military supplies. I’ve heard the Asilique Kingdom is rich in materials for making guns and ammunition.”

“That’s right, so we export to the Rosenta army. But what do military supplies have to do with our deal? Are you planning to make guns?”

“No. The Duke’s plan is much more peaceful.”

Clarette leaned down and took out something she’d prepared in advance. Marian was surprised by the unexpected item.

It was a beautiful landscape painting of the Valentin ducal residence in spring.