Chapter 166
Skill can be learned with practice, but a painting that moves the heart is rare. That kind of talent is innate, and Macy’s painting had that ability.
Just as she was about to ask Rubens again, she received unexpected news. Macy Horton had been chosen to paint the engagement portrait of Rubens and Isabella.
Macy had claimed she was the painter brought by Isabella, but Rubens had accepted the commission.
By the time Ottilie heard this, it was already circulating among the nobility that Macy Horton, known for her affordable yet skillful portraits, was in demand. There were even rumors that she had painted in stead of Yannick Horton.
Ottilie was puzzled. Why had Rubens disliked Macy Horton so much that he would lie about it? And yet, he accepted her for the engagement portrait. Ottilie found Rubens’s actions confusing.
Still, she thought it would be a good thing. When the engagement portrait was revealed at the ceremony and Macy’s reputation soared, she planned to suggest that the family officially sponsor Macy Horton.
But then, on the night of the engagement banquet, the two of them disappeared. Moreover, Rubens had been absent for about a week.
“I thought it was strange. He said she couldn’t paint people well, yet he had her do the engagement portrait. But then, to find out they were involved like that… What’s really going on?”
Benedict’s face stiffened as he heard Ottilie’s account of the events.
“So, does that mean they were already involved before the portrait commission?”
“Wouldn’t that be the case? No matter how much he adored her, it must have been uncomfortable for Rubens to have his mistress meet his grandmother. Judging by how she secretly entered her painting into the competition and got the portrait commission through Lady Werfel, it seems like Miss Horton was desperate to reveal her existence.”
“Macy? Why would she do something like that…”
Benedict tilted his head in confusion. Ottilie spoke calmly, as if it were obvious.
“Isn’t it clear? She must have wanted the world to know she’s Duke Krygen’s mistress. Even if she’s a mistress, it’s a position that a commoner should be grateful for if she’s involved with someone from a great noble family.”
It was more beneficial than harmful for a commoner to become a nobleman’s mistress. And for someone like Macy, who had painted portraits for nobility, it made even more sense.
Now, when she walked down the street, everyone would recognize her. There would be those trying to get on her good side to win Rubens’s favor. She wasn’t just some one-night affair—she was the mistress who had won Rubens’s favor enough to be with him during the engagement banquet.
The more Ottilie thought about it, the more she realized how extraordinary it was.
Rubens, who had always been flawless, was now in a situation like this. He was a man of noble blood, with good looks, a sharp business mind, and everything he touched seemed to turn to gold. He had no interest in gambling, drinking, or women, like other men.
It was quite unusual for the Dukes of Krygen who had built a mansion just for their mistresses. He would have undoubtedly become the greatest Duke in Krygen’s history.
Knowing this, Ottilie understood why Rubens didn’t want to publicly acknowledge the affair. For someone as perfect as him, having a mistress was something he didn’t want to make public.
But to have been overcome like this—by a mere painter, no less.
To think that such a thing could break him. A mere painter, of all people, someone who just happened to be good at drawing.
She had shaken Rubens and a prince of a foreign country and must have achieved what she wanted.
She thought to herself that Rubens must now be lost in the painter’s embrace, unable to think straight. Ottilie assumed that if Arzena had been in the South, she would have heard about Rubens’s state by now and would have said something, but Rubens had remained unchanged.
Rubens, who had never strayed in his life, was now making such a dramatic break from his usual character. It caused Ottilie deep anxiety.
“Judging by the way she’s taken her place as his mistress, Rubens must have thrown in the towel.”
“That can’t be true.”
But Benedict, still looking confused, denied Ottilie’s words.
After a moment of hesitation, Benedict finally spoke, revealing something he hadn’t wanted to discuss.
“Macy didn’t want to go with the Duke. While we were kissing, the Duke suddenly barged in…”
What?
“Macy asked him to let go, but the Duke took her to the forest.”
“The Prince and Macy kissed…? No, are you saying that Rubens forced Macy away?”
“Yes. It happened right in front of me.”
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