Chapter 78

At the 54th Crowley’s hunting tournament, a total of ten families participated. Among them, the Valentin Duchy, returning to compete for the first time in fifteen years, drew the most attention.

“Look, he’s getting out of the carriage now.”

“My goodness, he looks even more handsome today.”

“It’s not just his face, is it? Look at those thick thighs, oh my…”

“He looks even better now than at the party. Is it the outfit? I guess riding clothes are meant for men with a body like that…”

“Oh, is that the black horse? They say it’s the sibling of His Majesty the Emperor’s prized steed.”

When the Duke of Valentin appeared at the hunting grounds, the noblewomen whispered among themselves, their colorful fans fluttering to hide their flushed faces and smiles of desire.

But it wasn’t only the women who paid attention to Lionel’s arrival.

“Nice to meet you, Your Grace. I’m Benedict, the eldest son of Earl Joyce. I’ve wanted to meet you in person for some time.”

“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I’m the second son of Marquis Eoni, and this is our family’s retainer…”

Most of the young noblemen representing their families at the tournament were in their twenties, like Lionel.

These tall, athletic men who enjoyed shooting and riding looked at Lionel with deep admiration. As a war hero of the Empire, with a handsome face and strong build, Lionel stood out even among them.

“Oh, I think I’ve seen you before. Didn’t we greet each other at the Bruyel Duchy’s ball?”

“It’s an honor that you remember me! Do you still box these days? If I get the chance, I’d love to learn from you sometime…”

The gathering of young men around Lionel was a delightful sight for the noble ladies. Jasmine watched with Clarette and chuckled.

“Really, Duke Valentin is as popular as the rumors say. I knew women liked him, but I didn’t expect him to be surrounded by men too.”

Clarette smiled politely and opened her sketchbook. From afar, Lionel looked to be in a good mood today.

‘That’s a relief. I hope he can forget about business for today and enjoy himself.’

Clarette, letting go of her worries about Lionel for a moment, turned her attention to Jasmine. Today, she had to capture the most splendid moment of this lively, lovely client.

However, contrary to Clarette’s hopes, Lionel couldn’t just relax and enjoy himself.

‘Lady Jasmine, what is she doing? If she moves around like that, how is Clarette supposed to draw her?’

Lionel glared at Jasmine, who was doing as she pleased regardless of Clarette’s sketching, and sighed. Of course, the point of an outdoor sketch was to capture natural moments, so Jasmine wasn’t really doing anything wrong.

Lionel was simply envious and annoyed that Jasmine could monopolize Clarette so freely. He stared intently at Clarette, who sat calmly beside Jasmine.

She wore a simple summer dress in a soft ivory shade. Seeing her turned away to look at Jasmine, Lionel couldn’t help but recall that unforgettable day in the forest when he’d laid Clarette down on the grass.

‘If she’d worn a dress like that, I could have done so much more.’

The dress she wore now could be slipped off easily by undoing just a few ties. Unlike the structured riding dress, the thin fabric revealed more of her figure, and even touching her while she wore it would have been enjoyable.

‘I always thought she was slender, but when I touched her, I realized her chest was bigger than I thought. Why didn’t I notice before?’

It was because Clarette always wore plain clothes that hid her figure. As Lionel kept replaying that day’s failure in his mind and staring at her, someone approached.

“Duke Valentin! I see you’re busy looking after your partner. I heard Lady Jasmine even came all the way to Moerven to see you?”

Benedict, the heir of the Joyce Earldom who had greeted him earlier, spoke to Lionel in a friendly tone. Lionel responded naturally.

“Lady Jasmine didn’t come for me, but for my painter. She’s commissioned a portrait, and that’s what she’s here for, even now.”

“Ah, you mean that painter. ‘Flower in a Frame’—so Your Grace, you finally claimed her?”

Here we go again. Lionel politely deflected the attempt to flatter him using Clarette.

“Well, she’s not a flower, she’s a person. I wouldn’t dare to claim her.”

“Really? So you’re just keeping her as a painter…”

“Of course. Haven’t you seen her paintings?”

“No, I’m not much of an art enthusiast… haha.”

The familiar reaction made Lionel feel oddly nostalgic as he glanced away. To Clarette, he must have been just one of many frivolous men in her past.

So, he had no choice but to pursue her.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I misunderstood. Lady Jasmine is here, and I went too far.”

“No, it’s fine. Lady Jasmine is just a partner, so don’t mind her.”

“Oh, yes! I look forward to today.”

Benedict, embarrassed, returned to his group. Lionel watched as he explained things to the other men.

Probably, he’d have to keep explaining his relationship with Clarette for the rest of his life—whether she was a painter, a mistress, or an official lover.

Men would always treat her as the Duke of Valentin’s possession and make careless jokes about her.

Unless he married her.

“Um, Duke Valentin. Good day!”

At that moment, a young noble boy who looked very disciplined came up to Lionel and greeted him. With red hair and olive eyes, he was tall but looked to be in his mid-teens.

Lionel wondered why such a child was here, but he saw the boy holding a rifle and smiled. He must be a contestant.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Jeremy, third son of Marquis Elderin! Today is my first chance to compete in the hunting tournament, and I’m so happy to meet you in person, Your Grace!”

Lionel felt like he was at a boot camp and laughed quietly. He was curious how such a young boy knew him.

“Jeremy, how old are you?”

“Sixteen, Sir!”

“Ah, just old enough to compete. If you’re the third son, where are your older brothers?”

“They’re over there, watching and cheering for me! I’m the best shot in my family, so they’re counting on me to win!”

Jeremy, speaking enthusiastically, paused and corrected himself.

“O-of course, Your Grace, you or Earl Crowley might win, but I’ll do my best… And, Your Grace.”

Jeremy, stumbling over his words, quickly reverted to his boyish self and shyly asked Lionel,

“If I win, could I ask you for a letter of recommendation?”

“A recommendation? For what?”

“For the Military Academy! I want to enter, just like you, Your Grace, and become a war hero!”

Lionel looked down at the boy with shining eyes. For sons of noble families without inheritance rights, like Jeremy, entering the Military Academy was a common dream. It was honorable, secured their status, and provided salary, pension, and accommodation.

From Lionel’s perspective, it wasn’t necessarily the career he’d recommend.

“Alright, if you win, I’ll write one for you.”

“R-really?”

Jeremy smiled as if he’d already won. Lionel smiled and gave his word.

“Of course. Then you’ll be the man who beat me.”

“Thank you! I’ll do my best today!”

Jeremy thanked him and ran off to his family, excited. Lionel stroked the pistol at his waist and the rifle on his shoulder, and smiled.

Winning wasn’t important—he just wanted to stretch his body for the first time in a while.

* * *

While Lionel chatted with the participants, Clarette focused silently on her sketch.

“Miss Sollier, try this! It’s topped with plums and smells wonderful.”

“Oh. Yes, Lady. I’ll try it in a bit.”

Jasmine mingled easily with nobles she’d never met, enjoying the food and conversation. Clarette observed Jasmine’s lively, cute manner and gently moved her pencil.

‘I think I’ll finish sooner than expected. It’s coming out well.’

Clarette could feel herself improving rapidly. She’d always been good at portraits, but now she could focus on people more than clothes or backgrounds.

‘Thanks to Lionel, I guess. Drawing women was easy since I could use my own body as reference, but now I can draw men too.’

Clarette even blended the men near Jasmine naturally into the background. As she observed those around her and happily filled the blank paper, she suddenly locked eyes with a familiar silver-haired man in the background—and stopped her hand.