Chapter 79

‘Thiago?’

Clarette stared at Thiago and set her pencil down for a moment.

He gazed at her, then turned away. Thiago was absorbed in something, but people blocked the view, so she couldn’t see clearly.

‘He’s drawing, for sure.’

Clarette immediately rose from her seat. Jasmine glanced at her, but Clarette didn’t mind and approached Thiago.

As expected, he was sketching the scene of the hunting tournament.

“Thiago. What are you doing here?”

“As you can see.”

Thiago was skillfully drawing the panorama of the hunting tournament. Clarette realized that, unlike her, his spot had been set up in a wide, open area.

“So, you came on Earl Crowley’s commission. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“Me neither. I didn’t know you’d become famous enough to paint the Young Lady of Bruyel Duchy’s portrait.”

“Lady Jasmine is close to Duke Valentin. That’s how I got introduced.”

“Ah, right. That’s good. Connections matter for people like us.”

Thiago replied absentmindedly as he moved his charcoal. Clarette wanted to draw his attention, but her gaze kept drifting toward his artwork.

Unlike Clarette, Thiago was using charcoal instead of a pencil, and a canvas instead of paper. It seemed he’d been commissioned for an oil painting, not just a sketch.

‘…He really is good.’

Clarette watched his neat sketch and admired it for the first time in a while. The composition was so stable, and even without color, the atmosphere of the scene was perfectly captured.

“So, did you just come to say hello? Or do you have something else to talk about?”

Thiago finally looked up from his painting and met her eyes. Clarette quietly met his pale green gaze, which she had once truly loved.

She hadn’t expected to meet him, but this was the perfect chance.

The perfect chance to ask him to restore that damaged portrait.

“Well, actually…”

Clarette began carefully.

“Oh my, those two—aren’t they Thiago Salto and his model?”

Someone nearby recognized their relationship. As Clarette hesitated, the gossip-loving nobles eagerly focused their attention on them.

“My, they look good together. They’re like a painting.”

“I heard they were childhood friends? I once heard the story at the art museum.”

“I thought they were already married, but then Clarette Sollier suddenly entered the ducal residence…”

People started talking about Clarette and Thiago, sharing whatever came to mind. Thiago’s expression was indifferent, but Clarette blushed and stepped back in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry, Thiago. I guess I came over too rashly.”

“No need to apologize. I don’t mind those comments.”

“Oh, right. You must be used to it, since you often mingle with nobles.”

At Clarette’s words, Thiago snorted as if amused.

“Is it a matter of being used to it? I like hearing what I want to hear.”

Clarette was at a loss for words for a moment. The meaning behind Thiago’s comment was clear.

‘It’s an extension of his proposal to live together, to date.’

Thiago had always been that way. He never did things step by step, whether improving his art, building connections and reputation—

Now she realized, even the way he loved someone.

In the end, Clarette couldn’t accept Thiago’s feelings, but she still had something to ask of him.

“…Thiago, actually, I have something to tell you.”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s hard to say here. Everyone’s watching, so I’ll come back when the attention shifts to the hunting tournament.”

“Alright. Whatever’s comfortable.”

With those words, Thiago turned back to his painting. Clarette wanted to watch his beautiful sketch longer, but she had no choice and returned to Jasmine’s side.

* * *

As the host, Richard sat in the seat of honor, finding it harder than usual to maintain a smiling face.

Even if he hated to admit it, the star of today was not himself, but the Duke of Valentin.

Richard stared quietly at Lionel, who drew more attention than himself. Today, Lionel’s presence was even greater than expected.

While ordinary noblemen nervously checked their pistols and awkwardly shifted their rifles, Lionel stood among them with a relaxed smile, completely at ease.

Even the black horse from the Valentin Duchy was big and beautiful like its master, and Lionel’s partner was Lady Jasmine, the future Duchess of Bruyel.

‘And he even brought Clarette Sollier. Ha, who’s really hosting this tournament?’

Richard gritted his teeth, hiding his displeasure.

“Sir, everything is ready. The contestants may now enter the forest.”

A young footman from Earl Crowley’s mansion reported to Richard. Richard broke off his conversation with the surrounding nobles and finally stood up.

“Is everyone ready?”

When Richard entered the clearing where the contestants were gathered, all eyes turned to him for the first time. Only then did Richard smile in satisfaction and greet the participants.

“Earl, thank you for lending us this beautiful forest on such a fine day. Goddess Ensila will surely bless the Crowley family.”

“This year, I’m aiming for the bullet of victory! Our family could use the goddess’s blessing. I won’t lose to you, Earl—not a chance!”

Among the young men, hearty laughter and cheerful banter filled the air, and the mood soared. Richard finally managed a relaxed smile.

“Earl Crowley.”

At Lionel’s calm call, Richard quietly turned his gaze. As their eyes met, Lionel smiled lightly.

“Thank you for the invitation. It’s my first hunting tournament, but I think it’ll be more fun than I expected.”

“Is that so? I suppose you are aiming for victory as well, Your Grace?”

Since it was an official occasion, Richard, as a branch of the Valentin family, addressed Lionel formally as Duke. Lionel, meanwhile, responded nonchalantly to Richard’s polite question.

“Well, at first I wanted to win, but now I’m just here to enjoy it.”

Yeah right. 

Richard scoffed inwardly and turned away. In his mind, Lionel absolutely had to win this tournament.

If he didn’t, Lionel’s reputation as a soldier—which was the only thing giving him recognition—would take a big hit.

‘Playing humble for once. He’ll do everything to win, but acts relaxed in front of others.’

Maybe Lionel had learned the fake language of high society. But the other contestants seemed to take his words at face value.

“As expected of you, Duke Valentin! The hero of Rosenta, winning the hunting tournament—just having you here is an honor.”

“Then we’ll take it easy, too. May we accompany you, Your Grace? I’d love to see your famous shooting skills up close.”

“Your Grace, after the tournament, could you tell us some stories about the Flandor Battle at the banquet?”

The young nobles seemed genuinely impressed by the war hero’s modest attitude.

But Lionel’s statement about enjoying the tournament more than winning unintentionally lowered the prestige of the event.

Naturally, compared to a real war, a hunting tournament was child’s play. But Richard couldn’t accept his cousin’s words.

Without noticing Richard’s suddenly darkened expression, Lionel smiled and addressed everyone.

“Still, everyone, do your best in the tournament. If my cousin wins, don’t be embarrassed by the applause you’ll get.”

Lionel naturally praised Richard as the likely winner. But now, no one was left to admire or celebrate Richard.

The contestants simply felt stronger admiration for Lionel’s relaxed and humble demeanor. Even his supportive words stung Richard’s pride.

‘What’s with that attitude? Even if you’re serious, I could beat you any time.’

Richard couldn’t even force a smile anymore.

‘Victory isn’t some favor you’re granting me!’

Richard wanted to snap at Lionel, but the contestants each admired Lionel and dispersed to their places.

“Who calls him a rake? He’s just cool. No wonder women follow him.”

“I think he’s better than the late Victor. He joins us for events like this, and he’s already running the business.”

Hearing the murmurs, Richard clenched his fist. This wasn’t the tournament he wanted. Richard had planned to prove himself here.

That Richard Crowley was more capable than Lionel de Valentin.

That he was the true heir.

But regardless of his wishes, the tournament proceeded. Now, each family’s servants brought out the contestants’ horses and hunting dogs.

Richard prepared to head out with his horse, three hunting dogs, and a servant, but paused when he saw Lionel.

“Your Grace, where are your hunting dogs? You should bring a servant, too.”

“Oh, I don’t need dogs or a servant. They’d just get in the way. Riding is enough.”

Lionel stroked Blackjack’s proud nose and smiled confidently. Unlike Richard, Lionel’s attitude suggested he was perfectly fine alone, which made Richard bristle again.

“Are you sure one horse is enough? Don’t be stubborn—borrow anything you need from me.”

“No, actually, I brought an extra horse in case Lady Jasmine wanted to ride. She doesn’t seem interested, though.”

Lionel glanced at Pepper, who was grazing in the distance, then naturally looked toward Lady Jasmine’s seat. Seeing Lionel gaze affectionately at his partner, the nobles whispered romantic theories.

But only Richard noticed that Lionel’s gaze actually rested on Clarette. He shot a cold look at the problematic painter and turned away.

“Let’s go, Your Grace. It’s time to hunt.”