Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 95

Felice was honestly surprised by Julian’s words. She had never imagined he could have feelings for anyone—after all, he seemed interested in nothing but painting.

Most Chireco-style paintings emphasized gentle curves and often featured women, and since her teacher’s style leaned in that direction, Felice had always assumed the painting at the top was inspired by their mentor.

“I see. It’s a striking piece.”

Claude said with a nod, and the headmaster glanced around to see if there were any more questions. Since none followed, the introductions moved on to the next artist.

“Felice.”

Claude murmured quietly by her ear.

Felice flinched at his low, calm voice. She instinctively braced herself, she felt as if he was going to give her a command. Trying to steady her nerves, Felice clasped her trembling hands tightly in her lap and lowered her gaze, pretending nothing was amiss.

“Lady Elise’s lover is here.”

Felice subtly leaned a little closer to Claude, wanting to catch the rest of what he had to say.

“Do you see the doorman at the far left end?”

Feigning interest in the paintings on the wall, Felice turned her head and looked toward the leftmost corner, where a doorman stood.

He had golden-brown hair and handsome, clean-cut features, dressed in the academy’s standard uniform, looking no different from the other staff. But then she noticed his gaze kept drifting to one spot—Lady Elise.

Felice quickly lowered her head. Watching the boldness of the pair, she couldn’t hide her astonishment.

“Aren’t you curious what those two will do next?”

Claude murmured into her ear.

* * *

Claude intentionally leaned in and whispered to Felice, all while observing the artist at the front.

Julian, as he’d introduced himself, hadn’t taken his eyes off Claude since being questioned—and would occasionally glance at Felice. It was obvious, to anyone paying attention, who the woman in his painting might be.

Julian didn’t seem to care about hiding it, either.

Claude pressed his fingers together, making a tight fist. Luckily, Felice was too distracted by her curiosity about Elise’s supposed lover to notice Julian’s lingering gaze.

“The artist’s introduction is over. You are now free to approach the artists and hear them discuss their work. Thank you all again for joining us for today’s gathering.”

Headmaster Edmund finally let out a relieved sigh and bowed to the room.

“It’s an honor to see you again, Baron Racliffe. May I ask who your companion is…?”

At that moment, Julian made his way directly to Claude.

“She’s my partner, Lady Felice Kelton.”

“Hello, I’m Felice Kelton.”

Felice said, bowing politely.

“I’m here at the request of the Marchioness, though I’ve been working as a tutor at the Racliffe estate, so I’m able to attend today thanks to the Baron’s invitation.”

Julian gave a grin.

“Ah, so you’re his partner, but not… a partner, then.”

He glanced briefly at Claude before fixing his gaze on Felice.

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask—you wouldn’t mind posing as my model for a quick sketch later, would you?”

Felice looked at Julian, startled. At gatherings like this, the afternoon sketch session was usually dedicated to drawing the person one hoped would become their sponsor.

With an awkward laugh, Felice tried to signal to Julian that she was uncomfortable, but he only returned her look with a bright, innocent smile.

“It’s just for fun. I’d be honored if you’d sit for me.”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

Claude gently pulled Felice closer to his side.