Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 89

No matter how much she wanted to deny it, the evidence kept piling up.

The similarities were too numerous to dismiss just because the names were different. The Name of a person is determined by the first word they recognize as their own name. If the Duke was called something different in his childhood for some reason, and if there was a compelling reason for using a different name…

Macy had gradually started considering the possibility that Eren might be living as Duke Krygen.

“Well, I really need to get my head together. I was supposed to hand over the list of flowers for today’s engagement decoration. Macy, I should get going now.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve taken up too much of your time. It was nice meeting you today.”

“Indeed. I’m glad we met, even though I didn’t get a chance to properly say goodbye. Let’s find time to meet again. Take care in the meantime.”

“Sure.”

As Phillips was hurriedly about to leave, he paused and calmly looked into Macy’s eyes. There was a fleeting, quiet sorrow in his gaze.

“Even if you’re going through tough times, just hold on a little longer and it will eventually be resolved. I can see that in your eyes.”

It sounded like a vague, encouraging remark. Normally, she might have taken it that way, but given the situation, it felt as though he knew all about her situation , making her heart sink.

“…Will it really be resolved?”

“Yes. That person is not as harsh as they seem, at least not to you.”

It was unclear whether Phillips meant Eren or the Duke, the owner of the garden. Macy’s eyes wavered in confusion. But the fear of discovering the truth kept her from asking who he meant.

If they were the same person, why had he deceived her? Why…

Phillips bit his lip in thought, patted Macy’s head gently, and then gave his final farewell.

“Next time, let’s have a relaxed meal with Morgan and Dia. Preferably within the Duke’s household. If you ask, they might agree.”

“…”

That was the comment that left Macy bewildered.

* * *

Benedict stepped into the endlessly long corridor. The long gallery of the Krygen estate was adorned with various works of art.

Among the art pieces, the most striking were undoubtedly the portraits of the previous Dukes.

Black hair and striking cobalt blue eyes. The silver brooch symbolizing the family’s prestige. The haughty and cynical appearance had passed down to the current head of the house, Rubens Krygen. It was said that Rubens’s portrait was painted immediately after he became Duke, and he looked nearly the same as he does now.

‘Actually, he looks even more like a sculpture in person.’

No matter how one looked at it, there was no Duke as handsome as Duke Krygen. From a young age, the Duke had been sharp-witted and excelled in physical activities like hunting, fencing, and polo.

He was considered the most perfect man in the world. Benedict held such an opinion of Rubens. Since developing an interest in business, it was as if money had attracted more money.

‘So, it’s no wonder I couldn’t help but admire him as a fellow man.’

As he stared at the painting, he found himself more curious about the Duke’s fiance, Lady Werfel. He had heard that the marriage was arranged even before the Duke’s birth and that she was renowned as the most beautiful woman in high society.

What a perfect couple they must be. Benedict, too, wished to meet a fateful person like Rubens. His admiration for Rubens from childhood had even influenced his views on romance.

Though Rubens had openly shown his irritation towards Benedict, an opportunity to associate with him had arisen. Benedict was determined to take full advantage of this chance.

“Hmm, perhaps I should go see some of the paintings he collected.”

Today, they were supposed to watch a horseback riding match with Rubens. Rubens had said he would handle some urgent paperwork and join later, but it seemed to be taking longer than expected.

Benedict had already seen the paintings Rubens had collected after the hunting trip, but there might be some he missed. Given the vast number of pieces, he hadn’t been able to examine them all in detail.