Chapter 73

Clarette stepped into the main building of the ducal residence for the first time in a long while. She followed Head Maid Susan’s guidance to the tea room, which overlooked the bright garden.

‘It’s the first time I’ve come this way since that night when His Grace and Earl Crowley argued.’

Clarette recalled the grim face of Richard she’d seen that night, and her mood soured. But, unlike her feelings, the sunlit tea room was peaceful and beautiful.

“Miss Sollier! It’s been so long, how have you been?”

“Oh, Lady Jasmine. Did you enjoy your carriage trip?”

“Yes, the weather was lovely the whole way. And you? You’re doing well, right?”

“Yes, I’m doing well.”

Was she, really? Clarette smiled as she answered, but honestly, she wasn’t sure of her own reply. If she had to admit it, these days she hadn’t been doing that well.

While Jasmine excitedly recounted her journey to the Valentin Duchy, Clarette quietly sipped her tea and glanced at Lionel.

He was looking at Jasmine with his usual relaxed smile, responding politely. Clarette kept glancing at Lionel, but he didn’t look at her even once.

‘…He’s upset, after I refused and kept my distance.’

She had expected this. Any man, noble or not, would be displeased. After all, he’d asked her to be his partner, only to be rejected so bluntly.

‘But my mind hasn’t changed. Even if it’s called a hunting tournament, it’s just another society event, and I can’t be His  Grace’s partner there. If I did, we’d both end up feeling embarrassed.’

Just as Clarette reaffirmed her decision, Jasmine clapped her hands together.

“Now that I’ve arrived safely at the Valentin family, I’ll officially make my request. Miss Sollier, are you ready to paint my portrait?”

“Yes, of course, Lady. I’ve been waiting for you to visit.”

“Really? Then how long do you need for one painting? I’m planning to stay in this territory for about a month.”

“A month is enough for one painting. Two would be impossible with drying time for the paint.”

“Is that so? That’s a pity… Then what about a sketch with just pencil?”

“That’s different from painting, so I can do that separately. It’s possible outdoors, too.”

As she answered, Clarette wished the Valentin Duchy’s paints would be mass-produced soon. Then, unlike now, she could paint portraits outdoors for long stretches.

Jasmine nodded, very satisfied with Clarette’s response.

“Good! Then paint one oil portrait in my room, and do the pencil sketch outdoors. Is there a place you recommend?”

“If I may suggest one…”

Suddenly, Lionel’s soft voice entered the conversation. As the two women turned to him, he spoke kindly, looking only at Jasmine.

“Lady Jasmine, during your stay, my cousin Earl Crowley will be holding a hunting tournament at his estate. I believe you received an invitation?”

At the mention of the hunting tournament, Clarette’s eyes flickered. Jasmine, noticing nothing, answered him.

“Of course, I was invited. But I never enjoyed hunting, so I’ve always declined… Is the tournament a good place for outdoor sketching?”

“I think so. The forest will make a beautiful backdrop, and with so many people gathered, the atmosphere in your painting will be lively. And since it’s only held once a year, it’ll be a great travel memory.”

“Oh, that does sound nice! You really do have wonderful ideas, Your Grace.”

Jasmine smiled brightly and turned to Clarette.

“Then, as His Grace suggested, I’d like to have my sketch done at the hunting tournament. Is that possible, Miss Sollier?”

Clarette hesitated, glancing at Lionel. He only smiled gently, as if he knew nothing.

‘…So this is how he’s going to take me there.’

His scheme was too smooth and natural. Clarette had no choice but to nod.

“Yes, Lady. A pencil sketch doesn’t take up much space, so I’ll draw you nearby.”

“Great! We’ll load what we need into our carriage. Oh, I’m already looking forward to it!”

Jasmine laughed, thinking about her soon-to-be-drawn sketch. Clarette tried to smile, but her face kept stiffening.

“In that case, Lady Jasmine.”

Just then, Lionel spoke again and gently took Jasmine’s hand. Clarette’s eyes widened, but he calmly lifted Jasmine’s hand and kissed the back of it.

“Would you be my partner at the hunting tournament? They say if you head into the forest without receiving a flower, luck won’t follow.”

Lionel’s invitation was very polite and kind. Clarette remembered when he’d casually asked her to be his partner and quietly clasped her hands together.

Jasmine, meanwhile, seemed surprised at the request but didn’t seem to mind having her hand taken.

“So there’s meaning to being a partner at the hunting tournament? Come to think of it, it must be your first time participating, Your Grace. Alright! We’ll go together and help each other.”

Jasmine’s acceptance was cheerful. Her romance or marriage prospects with the Duke were already over, but she was always happy to have such a handsome partner.

‘But, this man… Wasn’t he special with Miss Sollier? The atmosphere between them is cold.’

Jasmine let go of Lionel’s hand and glanced at Clarette.

But those deep green eyes were calm and unreadable.

Thus, the three agreed to attend the hunting tournament and left the tea room. Jasmine went ahead to see the gallery in the annex, leaving the main building first.

“Clarette.”

Lionel, walking ahead, stopped and turned to Clarette. They were alone in the long corridor.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Clarette answered, looking at his face, which showed no trace of a smile. Lionel stared at her tense eyes and spoke quietly.

“I’ll tell Diane, so just do as you’re told and come out to the north entrance of the garden. We’ll meet in an hour.”

It was not a suggestion, but a command. Clarette hesitated, then spoke.

“May I ask what you want to meet for? There’s only forest out there…”

“You don’t know how to ride, do you?”

Of course she didn’t. The moment Clarette realized Lionel’s intention, he turned away and added indifferently,

“It’s a hunting tournament, so you should at least know the basics.”

* * *

The north entrance of the ducal residence was at the edge of the garden. Clarette appeared at the promised spot, awkwardly dressed in a navy blue riding dress Diane had prepared.

Lionel was waiting there with two horses. Unlike Clarette, who was formally dressed for riding, Lionel wore a shirt and comfortable trousers.

“Ah, you’re here. You’ll need a new outfit; your skirt’s a little long.”

“I’m just following Lady Jasmine. No need to buy me clothes.”

“Come here, Clarette.”

Lionel brushed off her words, and Clarette felt a bit defiant. She approached him and asked,

“But shouldn’t you get new clothes, Your Grace? Why are you dressed so casually?”

“I’m used to riding in these, so I didn’t bother. But since it’s your first time, it’s better to dress properly and learn.”

“But… ah!”

Clarette stepped on her long skirt and almost fell. Lionel gently caught her arm to keep her from stumbling.

“See? You need to get used to it.”

“….”

Clarette closed her mouth and stood quietly by his side. Standing together, she looked like a noblewoman in her riding dress, while Lionel in his casual clothes resembled an attendant.