Chapter 72

It was a n*de painting of Lionel.

On a blue-toned background that set the overall composition, his body was being painted in pure white. Lionel, unexpectedly seeing his own portrait, was a bit surprised and stayed silent.

Even though it was her first attempt and still unfinished, Clarette’s n*de painting was extremely beautiful. Lionel naturally recalled several mythological paintings he had seen at the auction party and Rosenta Art Museum.

Why had she hidden such a wonderful painting as if it were lacking?

Meanwhile, Clarette hesitated as she explained to Lionel, who stood silently.

“Um, this… the form is already somewhat established. I wanted to paint only the parts I remember for now.”

“So, from now on, you don’t really need me anymore?”

“That’s not true. It’s much better when you are here, Your Grace, of course.”

“Then why didn’t you call me?”

Having said that, Lionel realized he’d shown too much disappointment and let out a shallow sigh, then added,

“No, of course… Yeah, you must have observed me so diligently that you can paint alone now. That means you’ve improved. That’s really a good thing.”

At that point, Lionel couldn’t bring himself to continue. One question had come to mind, but he couldn’t ask her directly.

Maybe she was tired of what happened after painting.

As Lionel remembered, Clarette seemed to enjoy kissing. Even without painting, they often kissed.

But a woman’s heart could change overnight for mysterious reasons. Recalling all the trial and error he’d experienced, Lionel carefully pondered the reason.

Then, Clarette, who had been silent, spoke cautiously.

“Please don’t worry too much about not calling you today, Your Grace. It doesn’t mean anything. I just wanted to practice alone, and you happened to catch me by chance.”

Don’t worry, it means nothing, just a coincidence. Lionel never took these words at face value when they came from a woman. Usually, such words should be interpreted the other way.

But if he asked Clarette to be honest now, she might close her heart out of embarrassment.

So Lionel suppressed his regret and pretended to accept her words.

“Alright, I was wrong. If I’d knocked, none of this would have happened. Sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine. After all, Your Grace, you are the master here.”

Lionel was bothered by the way she kept drawing boundaries. To change the mood, he brought up a suggestion he’d been considering.

“By the way, Clarette. Would you like to go out with me in about three weeks?”

“Pardon? Where are you going?”

“To Earl Crowley’s domain. There will be a hunting tournament.”

Clarette hesitated slightly at the mention of Earl Crowley. But Lionel, thinking she simply didn’t want to leave the Duchy, tried to persuade her gently.

“It’s a very traditional event, so lots of people will gather. Of course, there will be nobles who might take an interest in you…”

“Surely, Your Grace, you’re not planning to bring me as your partner?”

A rare look of wariness appeared in Clarette’s eyes. When Lionel tilted his head as if asking what was wrong, she spoke quietly.

“Your Grace, last time I was your partner because the party’s theme was an art auction and I was staying at the mansion. But the hunting tournament you mentioned is an outside event. It’s not even hosted by you.”

“That’s true. But if you’re fine with it, I don’t see a problem.”

Lionel suggested leisurely, but Clarette shook her head.

“I’m sorry, but please don’t consider me for this. When I was preparing for the last auction party, the butler taught me. I know that to be your partner, one must at least be a lady of an Earldom, Your Grace. Or someone like Marian Belvard, a famous foreign heiress…”

“Clarette, why do you think that way? I’m fine with it, so you don’t need to worry so much.”

“No, I don’t want to.”

Clarette spoke firmly, looking up at him.

“At the hunting tournament, please choose a partner who matches your status, Your Grace. For both our sakes.”

Lionel didn’t respond further and simply looked down at her. He wasn’t angry or disappointed with Clarette at all.

Her reaction made everything clear. Lionel sighed inwardly, feeling that the moment had come.

Clarette was finally starting to worry about the difference in their social status.

Up until the auction party, nothing had happened between them, so she could be his partner without shame. She could easily ignore the gossip and finger-pointing.

But now, Clarette had begun to fear the label ‘Duke’s mistress.’

Because she truly wanted him, such attacks could wound her deeply.

“It’s getting late. Please leave for tonight.”

Clarette coldly spoke as she tidied up her painting.

“As you said, Your Grace, I should stop painting and rest.”

Her tone carried an unspoken warning not to follow her to the bedroom. Lionel respected Clarette’s wishes and withdrew without protest.

“Take your time, Clarette. I’ll be going now.”

“Good night, Your Grace.”

Lionel quietly closed the studio door and stood for a while in the corridor. But he couldn’t bring himself to walk away, so he listened to the sounds beyond the door.

Inside the silent studio, he heard Clarette pull out a chair and sit. Then tap-tap, the sound of her brushing reached him, and Lionel gritted his teeth unconsciously.

After driving him away, Clarette was painting again. The n*de he’d promised to pose for, she was doing alone.

Lionel gave a short, bitter laugh in front of the tightly closed door.

Who did she think would just leave things like this?

* * *

Whether commoner or noble, guests visiting the Valentin ducal residence were always punctual.

That was true for Jasmine de Bruyel, who had promised to visit in summer.

“Oh my, goodness! How many gardeners does the Valentin family employ? The landscaping is so beautiful, Your Grace!”

As soon as summer arrived, Jasmine showed up at the ducal residence. It seemed she’d planned for a long trip, as she brought two carriages from the Bruyel family.

“We don’t have many gardeners, Lady Jasmine. But they’re skilled and have worked here for a long time, so a little work creates a wonderful scene.”

Lionel walked with Jasmine through the garden, responding sociably. Jasmine cheerfully admired the flowers in full bloom.

“It’s truly splendid. And with Miss Sollier here, she’ll paint all these beautiful scenes! In a year, there’ll be a whole gallery!”

Of course, Clarette was steadily painting landscapes. But Lionel only gave a polite smile and didn’t really reply to Jasmine’s words.

Since Clarette had refused to be his partner for the hunting tournament, she seemed to be deliberately avoiding Lionel. She didn’t call him to the studio, and even ate dinner in the annex.

But Lionel wasn’t impatient at all, calmly accepting Clarette’s rejection. It wasn’t yet the right time to win her back.

In that sense, Jasmine’s visit was perfectly timed for him.

“Oh, is that the annex? Where Miss Sollier lives?”

Jasmine was so lively that, even in stiff shoes, she quickly explored every corner of the garden. She spotted the annex far off and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Your Grace, you remember the promise you made to me on the ship, right? Miss Sollier agreed to paint my portrait.”

“That was a promise between you and her, not me, but yes, I remember. That’s why I opened the door for you.”

“So, can I commission Miss Sollier starting today? I plan to stay in the area for about a month, so she can paint a couple of portraits during that time, right?”

“Speak to Clarette directly about your commission. Most likely…”

Lionel gazed at the annex shimmering in the haze.

“She won’t be able to refuse.”