Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 63

Although the portrait of Eren painted by Macy didn’t depict a particularly bright smile, it didn’t exude the harsh atmosphere that Duke Krygen’s portrait did.

Eren’s face, being exceptionally handsome, would likely complement Lady Werfel quite well just with warm eyes alone. The portrait captured that warmth, reflecting Macy’s belief that despite Eren’s gruff exterior, he had a warm heart.

The issue was that the portrait was at Yannick’s house. Meeting Yannick was something Macy was not keen on; the thought of it made her uncomfortable.

She didn’t want to face the embarrassment of seeing him and was wary of being questioned about where she had been staying. If Yannick had become angry and discarded Macy’s portrait, she might never see it again.

“Hmm… Maybe I should ask Molly?”

Molly was the maid who had informed her of Yannick’s whereabouts when he took off with Macy’s paintings. She might be able to help Macy.

Putting Lady Werfel’s portrait aside, Macy pulled out another portrait. There was no shortage of work piling up.

Knock, knock.

“Yes, come in.”

A knock interrupted her.

“Macy, Eren will be arriving in an hour.”

“Oh, really? Just a moment!”

Macy hurriedly untied her work apron and changed from her paint-stained clothes in the dressing room, tidying her disheveled hair. As she looked in the mirror, she noticed her eyes seemed darker than usual. Lack of sleep had left her skin looking dull…

As she stood by the mirror, Dia came in.

“Is something wrong, Macy?”

“I feel like I look awful today…”

“No, you’re always beautiful, Macy.”

Dia’s words were comforting, but Macy couldn’t help but notice how much more glamorous her peers seemed, especially compared to the noblewomen she frequently encountered.

Among them, Lady Werfel was strikingly beautiful—her porcelain skin and cherry-like lips were remarkable. Her hair was so soft and silky it was evident even without touching it.

Even to another woman, the sight of her all dressed up, waiting for Duke Krygen, was lovely.

“Noblewomen always have such red lips and emit a lovely fragrance, but here I am…”

In contrast, Macy was surrounded by the musty smell of the studio, with her fingertips always dirty.

Though she had confidence in her appearance, she sometimes felt woefully inadequate. She wanted to appear as charming to Eren as Lady Werfel did. Maybe then, Eren would think of her, or perhaps even visit the cabin once more. Such forlorn hopes lingered in her mind.

“Would you like me to help with your preparations?”

Dia’s gentle offer broke through her thoughts.

“You, Dia? But there aren’t any cosmetics here…”

“I’ve kept some basic items just for this purpose. I didn’t want to use them before, as I thought it might make you uncomfortable.”

“Then… could you help me?”

“Of course. Please wait a moment.”

Soon, Dia returned with a box full of cosmetics.

She set Macy up at the vanity and applied a light powder to her face, a product to brighten her lips, and a rose-scented oil to her hair, combing it out. With just these touches, Macy’s face seemed to glow like a lit light bulb.

“Wow! Dia, your skills are amazing! I look so pretty!”

“You’re already beautiful, Macy; it just needed a bit of enhancement.”

“No, really, thank you so much! I feel so reassured with Dia here!”

Macy beamed and hugged Dia tightly. Dia seemed a bit stiff for a moment but soon gently patted Macy’s back.

With some time left, Dia also styled Macy’s hair. By twisting and pinning the sides, Macy’s hair looked neater and more elegant.

With her heart racing with excitement, Macy entered the bedroom, covering her eyes with a cloth and sitting in the chair.

Today, she had something to say to Eren. She planned to find out what he had thought of her words when she was drunk. With her eyes closed, she waited, counting the seconds in her mind.