Chapter 25
“If you know how you look, you should be more careful. If you don’t like a man, don’t let him touch you so easily.”
Eren pulled Macy back into his embrace.
Why was he so nagging today? Macy turned her back to him, feeling frustrated that he didn’t give her the answer she wanted and only scolded her.
“Of course, I’m an exception.”
He flipped her back around as if there was no room for argument.
“We need to focus on the treatment.”
Then, he hugged her tightly, pressing her nose flat against his chest.
“I can’t breathe.”
“Just go to sleep. Kids need to eat well and sleep well.”
“I’m not a kid…”
He patted her back as if putting a baby to sleep. He seemed more playful today than usual.
Although it annoyed her that he kept teasing her, she didn’t mind it. It felt nice to be getting closer to him.
* * *
Macy met Hils in Senew Street after a long time. The street was relatively quiet now that the festival was over.
A neatly dressed gentleman read a newspaper while a shoeshine boy polished his shoes. A carriage driver looked around for potential passengers.
“Mm, this is delicious. The sandwiches at the square are the best.”
“Right, and there wasn’t a long line today, so we didn’t have to wait long.”
They sat by the fountain in front of the clock tower, taking big bites of the freshly made sandwiches. The sweet sauce blended with the various vegetables, creating a rich flavor.
Macy wanted to thank Hils for all his help, so she invited him out. Hils refused any money or an expensive meal, so they compromised by getting the delicious sandwiches they had enjoyed during the festival.
“When will we know the results of the contest?”
“It should take about a month.”
“That’s impressive. Come to think of it, didn’t Uncle Olivier say he regretted you being born a girl?”
“Did my father say that…?”
Olivier Horton was Macy’s father’s name.
“Yeah. I remember him telling my dad that when they were drinking. He said it should have been you born a boy and Yannick born a girl.”
Hils’ father and Macy’s father were close friends. The neighborhood was so tight-knit that everyone knew each other’s family situations well.
“I thought he was just talking nonsense because he was drunk. Yannick as a girl? That’s too awful to even imagine. But I guess he said that because he felt your talent was wasted.”
“I don’t know. Was that really his intention?”
“Of course!”
To Macy, it seemed uncertain that her father’s comment was solely about her artistic talent.
However, Olivier did enjoy seeing Macy follow in his footsteps, painting alongside him. He praised her every completed work and taught her everything about using brushes and mixing pigments.
When people asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she proudly said she wanted to be an artist. Back then, the adults would smile and say how great it was to have such a talented daughter. It was a time filled with kind words.
“So, are you planning to sell all the paintings in the warehouse?”
“Yes. But I don’t think I’ll get a good price for them right now.”
Lost in thoughts of the past, Macy’s focus returned to the harsh reality of her situation. Despite Obelit being a progressive country, the art world remained particularly conservative and closed-minded.
“I’ll have to go around galleries and put in the legwork, but my leg isn’t fully healed yet. I’ll start once it’s better.”
“Let me know if you need any help. I’ll always be there for you.”
“You’ve already helped me so much, Hils. Thank you. I couldn’t have done it alone.”
Hils scratched his nose, looking bashful.
“I should get going. It’s already getting dark.”
“Wait a moment, Macy.”
As the sky turned crimson with the setting sun, Macy stood up to leave, but Hils rummaged through his basket and called her back. He pulled out ten red roses with neatly trimmed thorns.
Seeing Macy hesitate to accept them, Hils quickly explained,
“These flowers are about to wilt, so we can’t sell them. Don’t feel pressured.”
Despite his words, the flowers smelled fresh and their petals looked vibrant and unblemished.
“Hils, I’m sorry, but… I have someone I like.”
“What? No, who…?”
Hils’ reaction was one of genuine surprise. He hadn’t expected to be turned down because Macy already had feelings for someone.
It made sense, considering Macy’s social circle was extremely small. Among her peers, only Anna and Hils remained as her friends.
“If you’re just making that up to reject me, it might really hurt my feelings…”
“No, it’s true! I wouldn’t do that to you. I just can’t openly talk about my feelings because it’s a one-sided love.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
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