The person who was most pleased with his unexpected appearance was not Blair but Lady Sionelle.

“How fortunate that the Duke has come! I think it would be nice to check the couple look together for a lively feeling.”

Whether she was excited about having her creation worn by the best model or for some other reason, she chirped in her characteristic high-pitched voice.

“Now, everyone. Let’s assist the two.”

Lady Sionelle loudly folded the fan she was holding. As if it was a signal, her assistants promptly took Blair and Herdin to the dressing room.

Lina and Meli exchanged glances, sharing a proud smile. Then, when Mason and Luth locked eyes with them, Lina gave a thumbs-up.

Herdin’s presence here was due to his persistent efforts, even though Mason didn’t overtly display emotions, his expression seemed subtly softened.

As Ruth observed the three with suspicion, Herdin emerged from the dressing room soon after. Shortly thereafter, Blair also stepped out.

The two were wearing outfits in navy blue. The dark-toned clothes accentuated the distinctive features of their fair skin more splendidly.

Although the colors might not be suitable for the bright daylight, they perfectly suited the night’s gala.

Watching them, Lina thought to herself, “Honestly… the two look good together.”
Putting aside the background and personality, just looking at the external factors, one could not help but acknowledge that the person who perfectly matched Blair in the entire empire was none other than that man.

This sentiment seemed not to be unique to Lina alone.

Especially Lady Sionelle seemed pleased with the clothes she had created and the models who adorned the final touches on those clothes.

“Oh my, when worn by the master, the clothes truly come to life. Anyone can see you two look like a newlywed couple in full bloom.”

As Lady Sionelle chattered with her unique enthusiasm and finished the final check by placing the two side by side, a knock accompanied by a servant entering interrupted.

“The painter who will paint portraits of both of you has arrived.”

The two changed into their gala outfits for the portrait session and came to the sponsorship greenhouse.

Even inside the greenhouse, where flowers were in full bloom, there were chairs placed in the area where the sunlight was most prominent.

Blair looked at the spot with new eyes filled with emotions.

In the past life, Blair had suggested being the first to paint portraits.

Although everyone in the mansion did not particularly appreciate being the host, Blair wanted to feel the mixture of emotions associated with being intertwined with Delmarc.

However, this time, there was no intention to paint portraits.

After all, in a few months, Blair would be leaving this mansion.

Someone else would become the master of this mansion, and what good would it do to leave behind traces of a mere six-month-old duchess. It would only be awkward.
However, in this life, Mason was the one who suggested first.

“Lady, as this is your first social event, how about creating and hanging portraits of both of you?”

Blair had rejected his proposal for the same reasons as before, but reluctantly accepted due to the earnest hopes of Lina and Melly, just like with the couple outfits.

However, there was something she hadn’t considered…

“Why didn’t I think about having to spend hours with this person…”

Blair glanced at the standing Hérdin with a sidelong glance.

Since the day they argued at the cafe in front of the art museum, Blair had been avoiding him. Apparently, he didn’t seem particularly eager to see her either.

But now, they had to sit side by side and have their portraits drawn.

Since it was impossible to send the painter they had invited away, Blair had no choice but to accept it now.

Following the painter’s guidance, Blair sat down with Hérdin.

The painter first adjusted Hérdin’s pose.

“Your Excellency, place your hand on the lady’s shoulder like this… Yes, that’s good.”

Following his instructions, Hérdin’s hand embraced Blair’s shoulder. At that moment, Blair felt a slight tremor in her body.

Even though it would be more comfortable to fully lean on him in this position, Blair sat up straight, keeping her waist erect, as if she wanted to distance herself as much as possible.
Hérdin silently stared at Blair, but she never looked at him once. It seemed as if she deliberately avoided his gaze.

Hérdin’s gaze, observing his wife, finally turned directly toward her. Only then did he sense a small sigh escaping from his wife’s lips.

The portrait session lasted for over an hour.

“Would you like to take a short break?”

As soon as the painter suggested a break, Blair, as if waiting for it, immediately rose from her seat. Then, she quickly escaped from the greenhouse, almost as if fleeing.

Hérdin, who watched her leaving with a languid posture, had a chilly expression in his eyes.

After leaving the greenhouse, Blair decided to take advantage of the interval to explore the garden after parting ways with Lina, who went to fetch snacks.