Chapter 256
“Brother Yannick was unbelievable—he even prepared a medical report proving his injury was real.”
After the trial, Macy’s group gathered in Kieran’s studio.
Macy’s charges against Yannick were mainly copyright infringement, assault, and bodily harm.
She explained how Yannick had threatened her into painting on his behalf, and submitted an old scar caused by Yannick’s violence as evidence.
Additionally, a maid named Molly, who had witnessed Yannick abusing Macy, testified to support her.
Moreover, they presented a comparative analysis from the Royal Academy of Art between paintings Yannick created overcoming his slump and paintings Macy made during her prime.
The analysis detailed color use, brush strokes, subjects, and even minor habits, concluding the two painters were completely different people and it was not difficult to tell them apart.
To prove this, they also submitted paintings copied by a court painter imitating Macy’s style—very similar to Yannick’s paintings now.
But Yannick was no pushover. He argued that painting styles naturally change over time.
He countered that Macy had suffered from the Name curse since birth, leading to frequent injuries and scars from stumbling or falling.
He also called a well-known painter friend from Obelit as a witness, who detailed Yannick’s process and anecdotes about his already expensive paintings.
These stories were told by Macy during the time she and Yannick were close. What inspired her, which coloring methods she used, and what details she focused on—all were exactly the same.
The audience was confused about whom to side with.
‘Who can I blame? I was foolish…’
As a result, a second hearing was scheduled.
The judge, uncertain of the verdict, suggested demonstrating the paintings at the next hearing.
This was good news for Macy, since Yannick clearly couldn’t replicate her paintings well.
Seeing Yannick with his arm in a cast, Macy was convinced:
‘There’s no way Brother painted those.’
The second hearing was set after Yannick’s arm healed.
Unless he caused permanent damage to his right hand, Yannick had no way out.
“I’m glad the judge’s reasonable. The atmosphere suddenly changed, and I was scared for a moment.”
Hils shivered as he spoke, and Anna added,
“A court official whispered to the judge that Duke Krygen pushed for this. They want to finish it with the painting demonstration at the second hearing. Even if they win, public opinion will be divided.”
So that was Eren’s influence?
While admiring the Krygen family’s power, it felt unfair for the judge to be swayed like that. But was it the time to argue about right and wrong?
Macy decided to put her ethics aside for now and focus on what was best for Adrian and herself.
“Well, that’s good. I was worried about a second hearing, but it looks like there’s nothing to fear.”
“Right. Watching how things are going, it’s only a matter of time before we win. The key is how we win.”
Kieran leaned back on the sofa, completely relieved. Then suddenly he sprang up and asked,
“By the way, Macy, Anna, where are you staying?”
It was inefficient to return to the Letttern mansion when the date of the second hearing was unknown.
So they planned to stay in the capital but had no suitable place yet.
“Dia said she’d look for somewhere—a guesthouse or a monthly rental room.”
“Just stay at my place. How’s my studio? A bit messy?”
“You can stay at my place too. Father actually asked where Macy would be staying, so I guess he hopes you’ll come here.”
Kieran and Hils argued over who should host Macy.
Though grateful, Macy didn’t want to burden them any longer.
“No, Rian still cries a lot at night, and it might be uncomfortable for you all. Dia said she’d find a place soon. Oh? Looks like Dia is here.”
At that moment, a knock sounded on the door, and Macy opened it immediately.
“Will the talk take long?”
But the person knocking was Eren.
He’d been standing outside for a while; several cigar butts littered the floor near his feet.
His furrowed brows showed clear displeasure.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.