“When did you come back?”

Raoul blankly shifted his gaze slowly.

The shoulder-revealing outfit was not Diana’s usual style.

Her hair, neatly braided into a single plait, exuded a modest yet lovely feeling.

“……”

“Raoul?”

Diana waved her hand in front of Raoul’s eyes. She slowly approached and met his eyes from below his face.

“……What’s wrong?”

He quickly hid Diana behind his body and faced the pale man.

The man was a handsome fellow with a faded appearance, as if he would evaporate immediately if dried under the sun.

Diana, flustered, grabbed Raoul’s arm and peeked out her head.

“Wait a moment. You’re startling him.”

“……Who is he?”

“He’s a painter I met at the monastery. Say hello. This is my friend in charge of city security.”

Paisar quickly showed his manners.

“……”

“Ah, pleased to meet you! I’m Paisar. If it’s not rude, may I ask your name?”

“What’s your ulterior motive?”

“Pardon?”

“What was your intention in trying to close the door?”

Flustered by the non sequitur, Paisar fumbled with the pencil tip he was holding and stammered.

“Ah….. I thought there was no need to keep the door open. It’s easier to paint in a quiet atmosphere too.”

“How can I trust you.”

Diana jumped in surprise and blocked Raoul’s front.

“Raoul! What kind of rude thing is that to say!”

Despite Diana’s restraint, Raoul couldn’t relax his expression. He pulled Diana’s hand with a wary gaze.

Finding herself suddenly pulled into an embrace, Diana gently patted Raoul’s shoulder, trying to calm him down.

“I’m sorry. He’s not usually like this, I don’t know why he’s acting this way today……”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”

Diana broke free from Raoul’s arms and pushed him out the door.

“Aren’t you tired? Go and rest quickly.”

“I’m fine. I’ll stay with you.”

“No. You’re making them uncomfortable.”

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“Ah, no. It’s fine if you stay.”

Paisar waved his arms and smiled gently.

Why is he being so inconsiderate today? Diana looked up at Raoul with a pouty expression.

Even that look seemed excessively pretty to Raoul.

‘Leave you alone and go out? I absolutely can’t do that.’

And so, an uncomfortable sketching session began.

Scratch. Scratch. The soft sound of graphite brushing against paper was constantly heard.

Raoul sat behind Diana, appreciating her appearance. No, surveying it.

Diana kept sighing heavily, but he didn’t budge an inch.

Fortunately, Paisar was completely absorbed in his drawing, forgetting Raoul’s presence.

He occasionally furrowed his brow, bit his lip, and alternated his gaze between Diana and the canvas.

Under that sharp gaze, Diana couldn’t move a muscle.

She was nervous about ruining the pose Paisar had just managed to set.

Thankfully, Raoul was quiet. Earlier had been really awkward.

Every time Paisar tried to adjust Diana’s posture, Raoul would jump up from his chair, making both Diana and Paisar have to watch out for his reaction.

Only after Diana raised her voice slightly did he finally sit down.

Whether it was because he’d been scolded, Raoul was silent after that.

The studio, with no one speaking, was quiet to the point of being desolate.

Diana couldn’t say anything, unsure if it was okay to open her mouth.

The sketch that began when it was bright outside was only finished when the shadows had grown long.

He put down his pencil with a satisfied expression. Only then did he seem to realize how much time had passed.

“Oh my. Are you alright?”

He hurriedly approached Diana and examined her stiffened body.

To be honest, she was not alright at all. Her whole body was sore and she wanted to lie down right away.

But she massaged her shoulder, smiling as pleasantly as possible.

“I’m fine.”

“Let me see.”

Unable to bear even a moment of their conversation, Raoul approached and examined her complexion.

“Do you usually take this long to paint a portrait?”

Here he goes again. Since earlier, Raoul had seemed desperate to find fault.

It was absurd to say things like “Why are you looking like that?” or “Don’t stare” to a portrait painter.

Diana had to endure the ordeal, unable to turn her head or change her expression freely.

She looked down at the helpless puppy sitting with his knees up below her.

Even the usually mature Raoul looked like a child at times like this.

‘Are you a puppy or a wolf……?’

She massaged around her stiff neck and stood up from the chair.

“It’s okay….. Can I see the painting?”

“Yes. Of course.”

Paisar quickly ran over and turned the easel towards Diana. Diana’s lips parted wide involuntarily.

The completed sketch was incomparably perfect compared to the practice sketch he had drawn in the monastery lounge.

“……It’s hard for me to even say how good it is. How can you be this good?”

“You’re too kind. I’m embarrassed……”

Diana turned to Raoul, seeking agreement.

“Isn’t it really amazing?”

“It’s not as good as the real thing.”

Diana smiled with just her lips and poked Raoul’s side repeatedly.

“What’s wrong with you……?”

Raoul remained silent.

Diana, annoyed at Raoul acting like a sulky 7-year-old, glared at him discreetly before turning to Paisar.

“I really like it.”

“I don’t think I was able to capture all of your beauty……”

“To me, it looks much better than the real thing?”

“That can’t be. I might be able to express the angle of your slightly upturned eyes or the soft curve of your lips, but I couldn’t capture the unique warm atmosphere you possess……”

“……”

Diana’s cheeks turned slightly red at the embarrassing compliment.

“You’re too kind.”

“It’s true. If only I could express your beautiful heart through painting as well……”

“……Umm……Please stop. I’m embarrassed.”

“……There’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m only stating facts. You were really amazing today too. Actually……”

“……”

“Actually, I’m sorry about today.”

“About what?”

“I regret arguing that you weren’t from the Eastern Continent……”

“Ah……”

“I was ashamed. My words of trying to help were just…… merely……”

Raoul furrowed his brow in concern.

“What are you talking about.”

Diana patted Raoul’s shoulder, then smiled gently at Paisar.

“It’s alright. I’m grateful that you stood up for me.”

“My lady……”

“I don’t think my appearance or origin is lowly…… The person we met today has probably never actually been to the Eastern Continent, nor had a sincere conversation with someone from across the sea. If you don’t know well, you should refrain from speaking, but lacking such refinement, they try to reject while wearing colored glasses. It makes me angry, but since that person is ignorant and bad, I try not to dwell on it anymore. If I keep feeling upset, I’m the only one who loses, right?”

“……”

“Still, it was a bit shocking. Living in a safe castle until now, I hadn’t considered the hardships other races and people from other countries might be facing. Even if I think about it, it’s not like I can solve anything.”

“……”

Diana smiled bitterly and comforted Paisar, who was in a similar situation.

“But I believe that someday these views will change. A day will surely come when everyone will have an equal footing legally and understand each other’s culture and history. So if you feel sorry for me, please help many people who are marginalized or in difficult situations…… That will do.”

Even without Diana’s specific request, Paisar will become a great painter representing an era of harmony.

He will paint murals newly decorating temples that truly embody the goddess Aiona’s will, and his masterpiece depicting all races and flora and fauna of the continent nestled in the goddess’s embrace will become his representative work.

‘Congratulations in advance!’

Diana smiled brightly and turned her gaze back to the painting when Paisar, who had been staring blankly at her profile, murmured as if entranced.

“……I think I’ve fallen for you, my lady.”

‘What? Did I hear that wrong?’

Diana whipped her head around and stared with a blank expression.

‘Are, are you serious?’

“……Pardon?”

Behind Diana, who was blinking in bewilderment, a dark aura rose.

The excited Paisar, unable to sense the dark energy, rattled off rapid-fire compliments.

His face was flushed red, looking just like a red rose heavily laden with morning dew.

“I’ve never met a noblewoman with such a kind heart as you in my entire life.”

“……”

“Is this what they call a muse?”

‘Muse? I’m the source of inspiration?’ Diana was startled by the burdensome statement and was about to deny it when an eerily low voice spoke first.

“Enough. I know Diana has a beautiful heart too. But to say you’ve fallen for her, what exactly……”

Diana’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘Why are you stepping in to deny it? Is it that surprising?’

As Diana’s gaze fell dejectedly, Raoul flinched and turned his head.

“Diana, that’s not what I……”

“Of course, it’s not just your kind heart…… Your appearance is outstanding too, of course! Diana’s sharp jawline and keen eyes are very impressive. You have a charm that draws people in. Not only that, but your black hair contrasting with your white skin also sparkles brilliantly, as if the night sky itself has been brought down. You’re truly beautiful.”

Raoul stood between them, covering Diana’s ears so she couldn’t hear.

She blinked rapidly, her face held by large hands.

“……Oh my……”

The clear voice, muffled as if underwater, sounded as sacred as an angel’s comforting song beneath the surface.

As blood rushed to her face, Diana quickly covered it with her hands.

But she couldn’t hide the heat rising above her head.

“This is the first time I’ve experienced such an outpouring of inspiration. If it’s alright with you, I’d like to paint several pictures with you as the model. The background can be anywhere……! Inside the duke’s castle is fine, or the monastery, or by a river or sea, or in the mountains. Anywhere is fine……!”

“That’s enough.”

Unable to bear it any longer, Raoul turned sharply towards Paisar.

A low, heavy animal growl underlay his words.

Diana, startled, stepped between the two men.