Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 69

“Name treatment doesn’t necessarily involve deep physical contact, right?”

“Eh, yes… that’s right.”

“If someone has obsessive-compulsive disorder, they’d probably be more reluctant, right?”

“Obsessive-compulsive disorder?”

Macy’s eyes widened in surprise.

“It’s not certain, but it might be. He always wears gloves and dislikes anyone touching him without permission. He seems to dislike showing bare skin too… I haven’t seen his arms for years.”

“Ah…”

“Oh, I mean, my friend hasn’t seen them.”

“Yes, there are such people. It seems he likes to keep things clean.”

“Haha, yes.”

Thinking back, Duke Krygen always wore pristine white gloves. His attire was always immaculate, and he exuded an untouchable, perfect aura.

‘Ah, that’s a relief.’

Macy felt a deep sense of relief inside. Eren didn’t have obsessive-compulsive disorder. At first, she suspected he might be obsessed with cleanliness when he brushed her off, but it was probably just because she was a stranger at the time.

Nowadays, he hugs her without hesitation and even kisses her, and more… The thought made her face flush instantly. If Lady Werfel, who had been around for years, felt that way, then Duke Krygen must indeed have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

‘But Duke Krygen has had his Name manifest…’

She was startled to find another connection with Eren. Though it wasn’t as apparent as with the Duke, Name manifestations were more common than expected. It was said that many noble mistresses fall into this category…

Because of the nature of Name treatment, relationships can easily develop, and it seemed that the Lady was worried about this.

‘I don’t think that’s something to worry about.’

The Duke seemed rational enough that even with the physical contact involved in Name treatment, he wouldn’t be easily swept away by emotions. It was hard to imagine him falling for someone.

The most interaction he had with Lady Werfel involved long conversations and his unique sharp atmosphere, which seemed to soften over time. Maybe it was just his way of showing affection?

“Miss, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Yes? What’s the matter?”

At that moment, a maid hesitantly approached Lady Werfel, whispering something only she could hear before stepping back.

“What should we do? The Duke says he can’t make it today…”

“There’s nothing we can do. It’s alright.”

The Lady’s expression darkened instantly. It was clear that she had feelings for the Duke.

‘It would be nice if he was kind to her…’

Macy felt sympathy for her but suddenly wondered about the Duke’s actions.

‘Could it be because of me that he’s not coming?’

“Miss, I have something to tell you. I was wondering if it’s because of this issue that he’s not coming…”

“What do you mean?”

“Actually, there was an unpleasant incident involving the Duke, and I was wondering if he’s uncomfortable because of that…”

“Oh, I heard from Duke Krygen. You mean the incident where you spilled the teacup?”

“Yes…?”

Macy was momentarily startled, her mouth opening in surprise.

“Is that not it?”

“Oh, yes. That’s right.”

She corrected herself and nodded repeatedly.

Lady Werfel observed Macy’s expression for a moment before speaking gently.

“The Duke said it’s fine to proceed as planned. He’s someone who keeps his promises, so it’s unlikely that he’s avoiding you because of that incident.”

“That’s a relief. I thought it was because of me.”

“He’s a busy person, so try not to worry. But it’s indeed a bit troublesome.”

Macy turned her attention back to the canvas. The portrait of Lady Werfel was nearly complete, but Duke Krygen’s face was still a smudged patch of flesh color, clearly unfinished.

‘I should have left it as is. I was worried it might upset him if I kept it incomplete.’

Through the incident at Duke Krygen’s estate had taught Macy a valuable lesson: never paint anything that might disturb their sensibilities. Still, it seemed better than leaving it unfinished. Duke Krygen was known to be aloof even in front of his fiance.

“Would it be alright if I visited the Duke’s estate to finish it?”

“Macy, you?”

An idea suddenly occurred to her.

“Yes. If I wait there, I can complete the painting when the Duke has a moment.”

“Hm… would you be able to do that?”

Lady asked with a slight delay.

“Yes. It’s an important painting for both you and the Duke. I need to get it done somehow. I’m also looking forward to finishing this painting.”

“Thank you so much. I’d be very grateful if you could.”

Her expression seemed slightly awkward, but Macy didn’t mind.

‘She must be feeling sorry.’

After finishing her work, Macy received a letter from Lady Werfel. Macy was told that if she gave the letter to the butler, she would be able to enter the Duke’s estate.

* * *

The next day, Macy visited the Duke’s estate. Even upon a second visit, the grandeur of the mansion was impressive.

‘I wonder what it feels like to live in such a house.’

The art pieces displayed everywhere rivaled those in famous galleries. Every little decoration and piece of furniture was luxurious and gleamed with polish.

“I’m sorry, Miss Macy. The Duke has returned home, but he said he’d like to rest now, so he asked you to leave.”

Meeting the Duke was not as easy as simply arriving at his estate. Duke Krygen was even busier than she had expected.