As Mihail finished speaking, the auctioneer appeared on the stage with a podium.

Soon, the auction began.

The museum director gathered his hands and looked up at the man standing next to him.

A tall figure with an elegant face that suited the expression ‘beautiful.’
Merely standing and appreciating the painting, the man who became a work of art along with the painting.

It was Herdin Delmarc, the largest investor in this art museum.

His mother and the former Duchess of Delmarc, Eloise, were well-known for sponsoring artists, being a descendant of the Piache family.

Perhaps due to growing up in such an atmosphere, she also had a deep appreciation for art and had sponsored many struggling artists during her lifetime.

Her son, Herdin, was continuing this tradition, investing in the art museum.

However, every time the director saw him, he felt intimidated.

It might be due to his excessively unreal appearance, but more than that, there was an indescribable chilling aura about this man. Even without considering his background as the museum’s largest investor, the feeling persisted.

Especially today.

‘Why does he look strangely sharper today…’

Nevertheless, when his aide was with him, he didn’t seem as frightening.

Glancing at Herdin, the director cautiously asked, “Uh, is your aide not accompanying you today?”

“He has other matters to attend to.”

For the past few days, Ruth had been volunteering to go out for fieldwork.

She was completely unaware that her recent voluntary outings coincided with Herdin’s heightened sensitivity due to the contract marriage discussions a few days ago.

“I see… I understand.”

While the director’s expression darkened rapidly, Herdin, focused on the painting, remained oblivious to the subtle changes in his demeanor.
“Taking a brief look, there are quite a few good paintings. I should drop by again soon.”

The private art museum regularly replaced the exhibited paintings. Each time, the goal was not only to attract visitors with new exhibitions but also to discover emerging artists.

The artworks that had finished being exhibited were handed over to the nobles through auctions or sales.

“Are you planning to purchase a painting? If you have a specific work in mind, please let me know now. I will set it aside for you.”

“No, my wife will choose the painting.”

A few days ago, Ruth shared the story of the day she prepared for the banquet with Blair. Blair had suggested hanging more paintings on the walls.

Coincidentally, when they visited the art museum, that suggestion came to mind, leading to an impulsive decision to make an appointment with the museum director.

The director looked at Herdin with a puzzled expression.

“Is he really getting along well with his wife?”

When news of Herdin and Blair’s marriage broke, people thought he would mistreat Blair. The tragic connection between the royal family and Delmarc was widely known. However, the current Herdin seemed to care for his wife, at least superficially. Of course, it could be a play for the external image.

Whatever the truth, as long as it fit well with his character, it was acceptable.

“Haha, indeed, decorating the household is primarily the mistress’s insight. Well then, if you provide the brushstroke the day before, I’ll be waiting.”
Herdin left the exhibition room with the museum director. People were streaming out from the underground at that moment.

As Herdin looked at the scene, the director quickly explained, “Oh, today is the day of the spring welcome auction. It seems the auction has just ended. If you are interested…”

While the director was explaining, a group of people exited, and slowly, two men and a woman ascended.

Herdin, who was casually passing by, stopped when he saw them. Although lace attached to the hat partially covered their faces, he recognized at a glance.

That woman was his wife.

Blair, engaged in a conversation with a unfamiliar man, was smiling brightly, seeming to enjoy herself.

The sight was unfamiliar. Quite amusing, actually.

Although the museum director was speaking about Moore on the side, Herdin couldn’t hear a word.

“Your Highness?”

As the director called him, Mikhail, who had been watching Blair with a soft smile, lifted his gaze.

The laughter disappeared from Mikhail’s face when his eyes met Herdin’s.

Only then did Blair, who had sensed something unusual around her, follow Mikhail’s gaze.

Blair’s eyes widened in surprise when she spotted Herdin in the distance.

“… Herdin?”

In her blinking eyes, there was only surprise at the unexpected encounter, and the bewildered feeling of having revealed a secret could not be discerned.

Herdin’s lips, reading that emotion, twisted awkwardly.