Chapter 230
She seemed to know more about Eren Wood than even Macy herself—perhaps much more.
“Please think of this as the hypocrisy of someone facing death. I just feel sorry for Macy and want to help.”
Arzena smiled gently at the somewhat serious Macy.
“I’m happy to keep you company, too. It gets terribly lonely lying in bed all day.”
After that, Macy finally accepted Lettern as her residence. Seeing that she had remained hidden so far, Arzena seemed to be keeping her promises.
And indeed, Arzena often visited Macy’s room.
The maid pushed Arzena’s wheelchair beside Macy and then left.
“An unusual article came out today.”
“What kind of article?”
“It’s about Macy.”
Arzena held up the morning paper so Macy could see.
<The Divine Brush, Yannick Horton: Rising from a Long Slump?>
Macy frowned after reading the headline.
<Yannick Horton had stopped working, citing a slump. During that time, suspicion arose that his sister, Macy Horton, had painted on his behalf due to their similar styles. Now Yannick Horton has resumed painting. Macy Horton is wanted for arson at Hallain Mountain, and art lovers frequently visit Yannick Horton’s estate, now that he has regained his original skill.>
Resumed painting? Does that mean he’s painting again…?
Macy was very surprised inside.
No, it wasn’t surprising that he was painting again—Yannick had attended an art academy and painted.
But Yannick never painted enough to make money. The part about art lovers constantly visiting his estate since he recovered his skill seemed strange.
Had he practiced enough to imitate her style? If so, why hadn’t he done it earlier?
“This should clear up suspicions that Yannick Horton employed Macy as a stand-in painter. Naturally, it will restore his reputation.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Don’t you feel wronged?”
Arzena asked, trying to gauge Macy’s feelings, but Macy seemed unusually calm.
“What good would being wronged do me?”
She couldn’t even move her fingers, let alone her legs.
That helpless resignation was now a friend to Macy—familiar and natural. People facing death tend to be calm and detached, no matter what happens.
“How about this article?”
Arzena flipped the paper.
<Arsonist in Hallain Mountain finally caught.>
Though she knew it wasn’t true, Macy’s heart dropped.
The article briefly mentioned the Duke’s comments after learning the arsonist was caught.
<As if Macy could work in a textile factory.>
Macy seemed to hear his arrogant voice in the words. His tone was vividly preserved.
“It seems Eren is still searching for Macy. He probably guesses your limbs are stiffened.”
That made sense. Enough time had passed to allow for that guess.
Arzena read aloud a paragraph Macy had skimmed and dismissed.
“Duke Krygen looked disappointed and returned to the Bayatten mansion. That night, heartbreaking cries echoed through Bayatten. Ha ha. Tears at this age? I guess Eren has a soft side after all.”
“Do you believe that, Madam?”
People loved stories about the head of a noble family who couldn’t forget and went mad over a commoner painter.
They cheered on and encouraged the Duke’s pure love. Even fabricated tales spread as truth, painting him as a great romantic.
To Macy, who knew his true nature, it was uncomfortable. He did not know love.
He was simply irritated at having his toy taken away.
That arrogant man had gotten everything he wanted after gaining power.
Though it surprised people that he stayed holed up in the estate, it was likely due to the effects of the Name weakening his health.
Still, it was nothing compared to Macy’s condition.
‘But why stay at Bayatten mansion…’
It seemed as if he was still grinding his teeth, remembering the day Macy fled Bayatten.
To Macy, who knew Eren’s true nature, it felt that way.
It gave her chills and frightened her.
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