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chapter 16
Some might laugh and ask why he was so obsessed with a painting by an unknown artist.
But to Dionhart, it meant a great deal.
He had no intention of explaining.
No one—except his younger sibling—would ever truly understand why he searched for it so desperately.
All he wanted was to meet the painter. He wanted to buy any other works the artist possessed as well.
So for a long time, Dionhart sponsored new painters and requested that they paint works featuring cottages.
Perhaps rumors spread, because countless artists from all over the country brought their paintings. But none of them were the one he was looking for.
A blue made with a unique pigment not sold on the market.
When dark, it looked almost violet. In brighter light, it carried a hint of red. That mysterious color did not exist among any known paints.
The gradation was especially magical. No artist had been able to reproduce it exactly.
Some came close—but none carried that irresistible pull he had felt when standing before the original.
“I hope this time it’s truly that artist,”
Nile said seriously.
“…Yes. For Arti’s sake, at least.”
For something meant to be a painting for his sibling, a heavy silence settled over the room.
The next day, after finishing his duties, Dionhart went to the gallery where the cottage painting had been displayed.
But the exhibition had already ended.
“M-My apologies. We didn’t know His Grace would come looking for it…”
“The painter personally requested it be taken down?”
“Yes, sir. The artist asked for their name to remain as confidential as possible… We cannot reveal it. But it is true the exhibition was halted midway due to a sudden request.”
After the Grand Nobles’ Council ended, it had taken considerable time to calm the Emperor, who had been raging furiously.
After sparring with him long enough to exhaust him, Dionhart had come straight here.
It wasn’t even 11 a.m. yet—and the painting was already gone.
He had hoped to at least view a single piece, but that too was impossible. Every last one had been taken.
Judging by the sweat pouring down the curator’s face, he did not seem to be lying.
“So they quietly removed it at dawn like a thief.”
Was there a reason it had to be done that way?
And why hide the name?
People had already seen the exhibition.
It wouldn’t take long to track the artist down.
“It could be a copy. Or even a forgery,”
Nile said in a disappointed tone after they left the gallery.
“The only explanation is fear of damaging their reputation. No one bought the entire collection, after all.”
If he had known this would happen, he should have left the Emperor to tear down the palace if he wished and come sooner.
A faint regret lingered—but it was too late now.
“It can’t be helped. I don’t even remember the artist’s name.”
“I’ve organized the documents. Once we return, I’ll check and report back.”
“Very well.”
Unlike the North, the capital’s sunlight was warm and gentle. The people passing by wore bright expressions; no one looked burdened by life.
That painter must have grown up in a place like this.
That must be how they painted such a picture—
A painting infinitely warm and kind.
A painting that had saved him as a child.
* * *
At the same time, at the Teresia estate.
The atmosphere there was so gloomy it might as well have been a funeral.
That morning, upon learning that Felix had forcibly withdrawn the painting from the gallery, Blanche had thrown her spoon mid-meal and burst into tears until her eyes were swollen.
It was outrageously rude and childish behavior, but since Griselda defended her, no one could say anything.
“Waaah, it’s my painting! I hate you, Oppa!!!”
Felix, exhausted from trying to comfort her, eventually fled somewhere.
Only Griselda, Blanche, and Iona remained in the reception room.
“Shu, dear. Didn’t your brother say he’d buy you a new dress for the imperial banquet?”
“But… but… what about my marriage now?!”
Clutching the returned painting, Blanche sobbed miserably.
Watching her blankly, Iona let out a dry laugh.
“Anyone would think the Grand Duke Kaelas had promised to marry you.”
“…!!!”
“And it’s a stolen painting at that. At least pretend to have some shame.”
“Waaaah!!!”
How noisy.
Iona was only here to move the painting to her private bedroom.
But Blanche was sprawled in front of it like a four-year-old, making it difficult.
Honestly, I’d like to just shove her aside with my foot.
…Should she?
As Iona slowly approached, Blanche hiccupped nervously.
“Move.”
“How can you treat me like this, sister-in-law?! Shu’s been so good to you!!!”
At the piercing scream, Iona quickly covered her ears. It was the same repeated nonsense anyway.
She would never admit fault.
“You all. Move that painting to my bedroom immediately.”
“You wicked woman! Must you really go this far?!” Griselda shrieked this time.
Iona raised an eyebrow and sighed deeply.
“Yes, I must. And why are you yelling at me? It was Felix who ordered it returned. You should fix your habit of bullying the weak and fearing the strong, Mother.”
“Y-You…!”
“Save it. The servants need to finish their work. Can’t you see how tired they look?”
Caught in the crossfire, the servants exchanged uneasy glances.
What do we do?
What do you mean? The master said to return it.
But look at Lady Blanche…
Her beautiful face was soaked with tears, trembling like someone deeply betrayed.
Still… the young madam is terrifying. How did she even get it back?
Since the day Iona had smashed up the house, the servants viewed her differently.
She had become someone who might overturn everything again if displeased.
They no longer dared ignore her.
After all—
If she speaks like that to Lord Felix, what are we to her…?
I don’t want to end up found dead on my day off.
Iona had never done such a thing—but the thought lingered unspoken.
Nobles could make people disappear.
The old Iona never would have.
But now? She was like a lioness.
Trembling, the servants carefully lifted the painting.
Though heavy in its luxurious frame, they carried it without complaint.
“Are you satisfied now?”
When the task was nearly complete, Iona encountered Felix outside her bedroom.
“Don’t try to dump your guilt about your sister onto me. That’s yours to bear.”
“Are you still not satisfied?”
“You’ve never once thought from my perspective. If you were me, would you be satisfied?”
“At the very least, you should offer thanks.”
At his absurd remark, Iona burst out laughing.
“Thank you? For what? For stealing what’s mine and then giving it back?”
“I only…”
Felix tilted his head, staring at her, then swallowed whatever he had been about to say.
