Upon my request to have a cup of tea, Lady Tirel came to the mansion the very next day.

“I heard the news of your marriage. Congratulations.”

Her expression was gentle, but her eyes were sharp. She exuded an atmosphere as if she had a double-edged sword hidden within.

“Thank you.”

My actions became cautious. Now that people outside the mansion knew about my marriage to the Duke, I had to be careful with every word and action.

“I heard that you wish to join my gathering, is that correct?”

“Yes, as you know, I’ve never been in social circles before, so I need help.”

Lady Tirel nodded almost imperceptibly. Then, with a bright smile, she said,

“That’s wonderful. I was actually hoping to invite you to my gathering.”

She opened her fan wide and waved it.

“There’s a theme of art appreciation, but none of the participants really know how to properly view paintings.”

“Ah.”

“So I’d be delighted if you could come to the gathering and teach us a lot.”

I waved my hands in refusal.

“I don’t have the eye to teach anyone.”

“We don’t really have an eye for paintings either.”

The Baroness covered her mouth and laughed softly as she continued,

“Instead, may I introduce you as the Duke’s fiancée at the gathering?”

“Yes, since that’s the truth.”

“Thanks to you, the scale will grow even larger. There will be many additional requests for invitations this time.”

Lady Tirel explained how she conducts the gatherings.

They gather in the salon of the hostess, Lady Tirel, for light conversation. Afterwards, they share opinions on a few specially selected paintings. Of course, purchases are possible. However, half of the painting purchase price is used for poverty relief, she said.

‘It’s not a bad gathering.’

Art appreciation is an area I’m confident in and also a hobby I enjoy.

Moreover, since the Tirel family is one of the Duke’s closest associates, this gathering hosted by Lady Tirel was the perfect place for me to make my first appearance in society.

“The gathering is planned for next week’s holiday. I’ll send you an invitation.”

“Thank you.”

The lady boasted about a few famous paintings that had been showcased at previous gatherings. They were all works by artists I had heard of before.

Suddenly, I became curious.

“Who selects the works to be showcased at the gathering?”

“A curator from the Artenbach Museum selects them for us.”

I see. That’s why all the works were by artists affiliated with the museum.

“Is it possible for individuals to submit works?”

“Of course. In fact, we prefer individual submissions.”

Lady Tirel smiled with satisfaction.

“Seeing such an enthusiastic response, I’m really looking forward to this gathering.”

“Yes, me too.”

I was thinking of showcasing works from Black Swan’s collection and new pieces by Murteng and Ranson at the gathering.

“I’m very excited.”

I called Ranson and Murteng to ask about Lady Tirel’s gathering. Ranson shook his head, saying he knew nothing, but unexpectedly, Murteng answered.

“Ah, I know about that.”

He said he had tried to submit his work to that gathering too, but the curator had first showcased works by artists who had given him bribes.

“Calling paintings by those who can’t even use light properly masterpieces. Tsk.”

For the first time, he frowned and cursed, contrary to his usual cheerful demeanor.

“But why are you asking? Are you planning to submit a painting?”

His eyes sparkled brightly. I felt a bit pressured.

“I’m thinking about it…”

Murteng, who had been sitting lazily with one leg crossed, suddenly stood up. Then he grabbed my hand.

“You’ll submit my work without any bribes, won’t you?”

Surprised, I tried to pull my hand away. But Ranson’s large hand swiftly reached out and roughly removed Murteng’s hand.

Feeling awkward, he gave a short, hollow laugh before his eyes sparkled again.

“When is the gathering? I can definitely finish before then. I’ve already completed more than half.”

“I’ll decide after it’s finished.”

“Then I have no time to be lounging around here. I must return to the hotel.”

Murteng, full of anticipation, left the office like lightning. Anna, who had just brought in tea, stared blankly at the door before quietly removing one cup.

“How was your trip back home?”

Recently, Ranson had said he needed to go home, so I had provided him with travel expenses.

“It was resolved well. I bought some delicious food for my siblings after a long time.”

“That’s good. Once you find a house, it might be nice to bring your siblings to live with you.”

“…Yes, that wouldn’t be bad.”

Ranson smiled brightly. As I thought his smile was radiant when thinking of his family, I also felt something strange.

‘It’s different from usual…’

His face seemed subtly furrowed, and his movements were slightly unnatural.

“Ranson, are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

“I’m fine.”

Maybe it’s just my imagination. But it seems like he’s having trouble using his shoulder.

“Are you really alright?”

“Yes.”

Ranson rotated his wrist in circles. When I looked suspicious, he rotated his shoulders in circles too. But for a moment, I saw his eyebrows twitch.

“Stop it, Ranson.”

I stood up abruptly and sat next to him. I could feel his hot body temperature.

“You seem to have a fever.”

I placed my hand on his forehead. As expected, it was hot.

“Anna, call for a doctor.”

“Yes, miss!”

Anna hurriedly left the office. I spoke with a serious face.

“Ranson, if you’re hurt somewhere, don’t hide it and tell me.”

“Are you worried?”

“Yes, I’m worried.”

“…Are you worried about me? Or are you worried about the sculptures I need to create?”

For a moment, I felt as if I had been hit on the back of the head. I knew he had feelings for me, but I couldn’t completely distance myself from him because of that.

That’s why I had clearly drawn the line last time by telling him I was getting married.

“Ranson. I have a duty to support you so that you can work in a good environment.”

I had to make sure he didn’t misunderstand. I had to prevent his feelings from growing further.

“That’s because I’m the owner of Black Swan and you’re an affiliated artist.”

“…”

Ranson didn’t say anything.

“As one person to another, I care for and respect you.”

“…I’m sorry. I asked thoughtlessly because I’m not feeling well. I don’t want our relationship to become awkward, so please overlook what I just said.”

Ranson winced slightly as if pain was coming over him. I noticed him instinctively trying to grasp his left arm.

Anna returned with the doctor. I mentioned that his left arm seemed to be uncomfortable.

“I need to examine you, could you lift your upper clothes for a moment?”

At the doctor’s words, Ranson hesitated. Then he carefully revealed his left arm.

“Oh my…”

On his slightly exposed back and side, there were recent whip marks and blue bruises. His left arm, which had been in pain, was bruised over more than half.

“Who, who on earth did this?”

Anger surged to the top of my head. Could it be the work of the Leodner gang I saw at the cafe that time?

“I rolled down the hill behind my hometown.”

“Ranson, don’t keep things like this a secret. How can these be injuries from rolling? Clearly, someone…”

I was too shocked and angry to speak. Anna’s eyes were already brimming with tears.

“I rolled down the hill.”

“Ranson!”

He tightly closed his mouth. Even though I repeatedly urged him to tell who did this, his closed lips didn’t part.

“The treatment is finished. You have a fever, so you shouldn’t move vigorously for a while and need plenty of rest.”

The doctor prescribed medicine to take and ointment to apply before leaving. Anna brought water to drink, trembling.

“Take the medicine first.”

Ranson obediently took the medicine.

“Won’t you tell me honestly?”

“I told you I rolled down the hill.”

I felt that further urging would be useless. In this situation, there was nothing I could do.

“…Alright. Take your medicine and rest well.”

“Yes.”

Ranson went into the workshop with Anna’s support. Left alone in the waiting room, I let out a long sigh. It was clearly the work of a person, so why was he hiding it?

The weather was nice. The sunlight falling through the window of the government office workroom looked quite warm.

To Askal, it was just like Schmidt.

The fresh yet sweet scent that came from her. If sunlight had a scent, he thought it would be just like that.

Suddenly, he missed Schmidt. So, using the excuse of getting some fresh air, he headed towards the shopping district where Black Swan was located.

Since a carriage would be too noisy, he decided to take a rickshaw. He also prepared an excuse about wanting to talk about agave fiber in case he was asked why he came.

His light steps, as if his feet were floating in the air, stopped in front of Black Swan. Askal adjusted his tie again and ran his hand through his hair once.

Through the slightly open window, he could see Schmidt. His lips curved up involuntarily.

“Are you worried?”

The voice that drifted out was that of a man. Askal stopped abruptly.

“Are you worried about me? Or are you worried about the sculptures I need to create?”

Askal’s heart plummeted to the ground. The meaning of the question was so blatant that his mind went blank.

He didn’t move for a while. Although he hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, Schmidt’s voice was clearly audible amidst the surrounding noise.

She told the other person that she was the owner of Black Swan. She mentioned the duties that came with it.

She said she cared because it was her duty. She indirectly told him there was no room for him to pursue her.

Askal lifted his head to look at the sky. The weather was still nice, and the sunlight was dazzling.

He canceled his visit to Black Swan. Without any lingering attachment, he turned around and went back the way he came.

‘The weather is exceptionally good.’

The reward for enduring a brief moment of jealousy was incredibly refreshing.

Askal smiled unknowingly, pleased that he was already in a place where it seemed no other man could enter. Restraining the urge to laugh out loud, he moved his steps in time with the beating of his heart.