Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 114

Macy found herself in a similar situation, where she couldn’t escape from Eren. If that were the case, then Baron Shearton must have been aware of how Eren was deceiving her while treating Macy.

He knew that Macy was Eren’s name master as well. Realizing this left a bitter taste in her mouth. The feeling that they were toying with her, that she was just a pawn in their game, was hard to shake off.

“I look forward to the day I can receive one of Macy’s paintings.”

At last, Baron Shearton spoke as if he still held a lingering hope. Macy forced a bright smile despite her stiffening demeanor. Just the thought that he was Eren’s ally made her increasingly uncomfortable.

As she pondered how to excuse herself from this situation, someone suddenly called out to her.

“Macy? Is that you?”

Lady Werfel approached Macy. Her soft, wavy hair cascading like silk. She looked particularly radiant today, her crimson dress adding vibrancy to her appearance.

“Yes, Lady Werfel. I hope you’ve been well. Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Oh my goodness! I came to check just in case, and it’s really you!”

The golden tiara on her head was studded with diamonds. Just looking at her attire made it clear who the star of the event was.

“Thank you so much for coming! I’ve heard so many compliments about the portrait. They say I’m the only one fit to be with Duke Krygen. It’s all thanks to you, Macy.”

That could have been a common compliment, but for some reason, those words felt particularly piercing. The idea that only Lady Werfel would suit Duke Krygen resonated painfully with Macy. She found it relatable to a degree, which only heightened her discomfort.

“You two truly do suit each other, even outside of the painting…”

“Being told that by a genius painter makes me even happier!”

At the mention of ‘genius painter’, the surrounding attention began to focus on them. Lady Werfel didn’t seem inclined to hide the identity of the artist who painted her portrait.

“Is that Macy Horton?”

“I thought she was a noble, but she’s a commoner. How fortunate to be invited to such an event.”

“I heard Baron Lawrence was going to ask her to dance. Guess he dodged a bullet there.”

It seemed that whispering was a common occurrence at gatherings, and Macy felt both strange and uncomfortable in this setting.

“Are you here with Baron Shearton, Macy?”

In contrast, Lady Werfel continued the conversation as if she hadn’t heard the gossip at all.

“No, I’m just here to guide Macy to the gallery.”

“Then how do you know each other?”

“Macy has attended as a painter for the outing, so we have a connection.”

“I see. By the way, isn’t the Baron an art enthusiast?”

“Yes. I have a fondness for talented new artists, and Macy stands out among them.”

“Oh, right. Uh, Duke Krygen!”

As Lady Werfel spoke, she suddenly gestured toward the entrance connected to the hall.

There stood the person Macy had been searching for—the other main guest of the event, Eren, perfectly embodying the Duke’s stature.

Dressed in a neutral-colored suit enhanced with intricate silver embroidery, Eren commanded attention simply by walking in. Macy found herself captivated, and when her eyes met Eren’s, she instinctively shivered. His gaze was fierce and piercing.

“Macy has attended.”

“I don’t recall giving an invitation.”

“I did. It’s a great opportunity to make her name known.”

“An opportunity.”

Eren’s gaze traveled from Macy’s face down to the deep neckline of her dress, lingering on the hand clutching her shawl and her slender waist. Just the way he looked made her skin crawl, and cold sweat trickled down her back.

It was clear that he was not pleased.

“Congratulations on your engagement, Duke Krygen.”

Macy pondered what to say and finally uttered the most natural comment in this situation. After hearing her, Eren let out a quiet chuckle, barely audible. Macy hadn’t expected to extend such congratulations to him. He, too, seemed surprised to meet Macy here.

“I thought the congratulations were sufficiently conveyed through the portrait, but I guess not.”

“…….”

“It must be an uncomfortable gathering, yet you’ve come so willingly.”