Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 284

‘I only said I’d change, but this is how it goes…’

The servants must have felt like sitting on a bed of nails. His petty venting was really pathetic, even to his own thoughts.

“Rubens. Am I late?”

At that moment, a clear voice called from behind. Rubens quickly stubbed out his cigar and put on a composed smile.

“Macy.”

“I thought you came out quickly. Maybe I’m the late one.”

“No, I just finished. Did anything happen today?”

He held Macy in his arms and lightly kissed her forehead.

Dressed in a purple frilled gown, Macy looked like a single blossoming flower. Every time she dressed deliberately like this, Rubens was reminded anew of her beauty.

There were rumors that Duke Krygen was only smitten with Macy’s looks. If that were the case, he wouldn’t have fallen so deeply for her.

Of course, in his eyes, Macy was the most beautiful of all.

Rubens affectionately stroked her flawless face. Macy blushed lightly and spoke.

“Nothing much. I enjoyed today.”

“Princess Christian can be hard to deal with.”

“She’s not an easy person, but a good one. Honest and always confident—I admire her for that.”

“If it’s uncomfortable, you can stop anytime. As I said, you weren’t made Duchess to bear such burdens.”

“I’m really enjoying it. Don’t worry.”

“Macy?”

While they were deep in conversation, someone interrupted. Turning around, a noble prince with platinum blond hair stood there.

It was Benedict Stein, prince of the Ciseina Kingdom.

“Macy? Ah! I shouldn’t call you that anymore. I apologize. Duchess Krygen, and Duke Krygen. It’s been such a long time.”

“Your Highness! It’s been a while! How have you been?”

“Yes, I’ve been well.”

Macy brightened at the sight of him.

“What brings you to the palace?”

“I had business at the Royal Academy of Arts. I heard you were doing well, but I’m glad to see you in such good spirits.”

“I’m also glad to see you well, Your Highness.”

Benedict and Macy chatted in a friendly atmosphere.

At one point, Benedict had conspired with Ottilie Krygen to drive a wedge between them. But some circumstances exceeded his intent, and Rubens had explained everything, clearing the misunderstanding between Macy and Benedict.

Macy often asked Dia about Benedict’s well-being. Had she ever thought Benedict might harm the Duke?

When Macy disappeared, Benedict’s advice had helped him regain his senses, and so he generously cleared up the misunderstanding. But seeing them together like that, he felt his heart twist.

Rubens pulled out his pocket watch with a bored expression and stared.

“By the way, weren’t we supposed to eat? Have you eaten yet?”

Before Macy could notice Rubens’s hint, Benedict jumped in first.

“Ah! We were going to a famous restaurant near Romanci Bridge. But…”

Macy glanced at Rubens.

“Go ahead. It’s fine.”

Rubens forced a gentle smile, trying to suppress his grimacing face. He didn’t want to stir trouble or remind Macy of painful memories.

“No, maybe next time…”

“It’s really fine. It was an old promise anyway, and Your Highness won’t be in Obelit long, so this is probably the better time.”

“Will the Duke join?”

“No, you two should eat comfortably. I have other plans.”

“I see.”

Benedict’s face brightened noticeably, while Rubens clenched his jaw so hard his forehead veins bulged.

Rubens comforted Macy, who kept stealing glances at him, and encouraged her to dine with the other man. So, he returned alone to the cabin.

Using the excuse of preparing for tomorrow’s official duties, Rubens locked himself in his study, chain-smoking cigars nonstop. Of course, he couldn’t focus, spending more time staring out the window than reading documents.

Outside, a drizzle resembling fog was falling. As the rain intensified, he found himself stepping outside.

Standing on the porch of the cabin, he quietly watched the carriage ascend the hill. The ground was littered with countless cigarette butts.

Seeing that, a sense of foreboding crept over him.

‘I feel like I’ve experienced this before…’