TCBCVF 117

~Chapter 117~

At that moment, Evangelin, Laritte, and Seraphina were sitting at one table.

It was an unusual combination that could never be seen on a normal day, but it was made possible by the presence of the Empress.

In fact, the Empress had excused herself for a moment, telling them she would wash her hands, leaving the three of them sitting alone…

Ha, this is driving me crazy.

With the Empress, who had somewhat eased the atmosphere, leaving, Seraphina truly felt like she was sitting on a bed of thorns.

Seraphina cast a quick sideways glance at Laritte.

Where on earth did that girl, Laritte, get such a rare painting?

Donovan, the sacred painter.

Among the artists the temple produced, he was considered the greatest.

He was the first to portray the goddess, always sacred and noble, in the human form of a mother.

Starting with Donovan, the image of the goddess as a warm and affectionate figure began to be highlighted.

And Seraphina was now looking at this artist’s early work, thinking:

“Well… the painting is really… avant-garde.”

“It seems like a painting that perfectly matches Laritte’s level. It almost feels like it was painted by a child?”

She had sneered like this!

Remembering herself blabbering without knowing anything, her face turned red with embarrassment.

Just then, Evangelin turned to Seraphina and smiled brightly.

“Lady Lopez.”

“……”

What could she possibly say?

Seraphina, with a wary look, stared at Evangelin, then forced a smile.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You said earlier, didn’t you? That it was a painting that perfectly suited Laritte’s level.”

At those words, Seraphina stiffened, her shoulders tensing.

Did she hear that?

At the same time, Evangelin’s smile grew even wider.

It was a smile like a blade, so much like Dietrich’s.

“I also agree with Lady Lopez. Laritte has such a high artistic insight, after all.”

“……”

Seraphina clenched her teeth.

Evangelin squinted her eyes and asked again.

“By the way, Lady Lopez, you seemed a bit surprised when you heard it was Donovan’s early work. Could it be that you didn’t recognize it as a painting by Donovan?”

Seraphina swallowed a deep breath.

Evangelin had just stomped on her bruised pride once more.

“I heard that Lady Lopez has been cultivating knowledge in various fields, so I thought you’d be truly impressive…”

Evangelin spoke with a faint sigh, as if somewhat disappointed.

“Seems like no one can be perfect, right?”

“……”

Her tone was so cutting that even Laritte, sitting across from her, looked at Seraphina with a hint of sympathy.

Seraphina’s face turned bright red.

But she wasn’t given a chance to refute.

Just then, the Empress came over gracefully.

“Sorry to keep you all waiting.”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“It is an honor to be in Your Majesty’s presence.”

Evangelin, Laritte, and Seraphina hurriedly put smiles on their faces.

The Empress shook her head with a smile and sat down.

“Honestly, to think I’d see such a rare painting like Donovan’s early work in a place like this. I never expected it.”

Then, with curiosity in her eyes, she asked:

“By the way, that early work, if I’m not mistaken, was supposed to be part of the Claudius family’s collection, right?”

What?!

For a moment, Seraphina widened her eyes.

If what she said was true…

Then Seraphina realized she had completely been played by Evangelin and Laritte.

If she had known that the painting had been submitted under the Claudius name from the start, she would have been more careful.

By deliberately having it submitted under Laritte’s name, they had completely lowered her guard.

“So, this means it was submitted under Lady Ansie’s name by the Duke’s family, then…”

The Empress, glancing at Laritte, continued with a playful tone.

“Even though it’s a princess’s request, the Duke would never casually remove a family treasure.”

“That’s…”

Laritte, at a loss for words, could only roll her eyes.

The Empress grinned mischievously.

“Besides, I’ve never seen the Duke take another woman as a partner, apart from the princess.”

“……”

Laritte’s face turned slightly red.

But the Empress didn’t stop her barrage of questions.

“And now, this early Donovan piece was sold for such a high amount.”

The Empress’s voice was sharp as she added:

“Could it be… that the Duke and Lady Ansie have a special relationship?”

At that question, Seraphina’s face froze slightly.

The Duke of Claudius.

He was considered one of the best potential husbands in the Empire.

Seraphina, who had secretly admired him, felt her pride wounded by how Laritte was constantly involved with him.

Meanwhile, Evangelin looked at Laritte with a satisfied smile.

As she met that gaze, Laritte…

The relationship between me and the Duke…

Laritte’s hand, resting on her lap, clenched tightly.

The truth was, Laritte herself was curious.

What exactly are we?

Laritte definitely liked Dietrich in a romantic way.

She could no longer hide those feelings.

Also…

It seems the Duke… at least doesn’t hate me.

But…

The difference in status was too great.

The Claudius family, a prestigious family in the Empire.

And the Ansie family, a lower-tier noble family.

That vast gap made Laritte hesitate.

Just then, a calm voice called her name.

“Lady Ansie.”

Laritte quickly raised her head.

Dietrich was standing there.

“Excuse me, could I have a moment of your time?”

Although Dietrich always had his usual calm demeanor, this sudden request was unusual.

It was not like him to act without the proper formalities.

“Haha, go ahead.”

Before Laritte could answer, the Empress waved her hand teasingly.

Ah, is he finally confessing?!

Evangelin made a gesture of understanding and clenched her fist.

“Have a good talk, Laritte!”

Meanwhile, Seraphina only looked on with a sour expression.

So, he had managed to bring Laritte out for a walk, but…

…How am I supposed to bring this up?

Dietrich felt completely lost.

The place where they were standing was a small prayer room, completely empty of people.

He had just been looking for a place without people, and by accident, they had ended up in the prayer room.

The statue of the goddess hanging on the wall stared down at the two of them.

The extinguished incense candles gave off a faint scent, which made the atmosphere feel serene and reverent.

Perhaps because of this, he couldn’t help but feel an unnecessary sense of holiness.

How could he confess in such a sacred atmosphere?!

Damn it.

Cursing inwardly, Dietrich glanced at Laritte with a sideways look.

If only Isaac wasn’t around…

If Isaac hadn’t provoked him for no reason, Dietrich wouldn’t have impulsively dragged Laritte out like this.

He wanted to be cooler about it.

To be more thoughtful.

To say something important and make sure his feelings didn’t get misunderstood.

He had planned to try his best…

“Um, Duke?”

“Ah, yes.”

Dietrich, who had been focusing all his attention on Laritte, responded reflexively.

Her pink eyes were looking up at him.

Even though it was just that, it made him feel…

…How is she so beautiful?

Dietrich stared into her eyes, mesmerized.

Realizing that it might be awkward, Laritte hesitated for a moment before speaking carefully.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask why we came all the way out here?”

“……”

For a moment, Dietrich felt his mind go blank.

He knew he couldn’t leave the awkward distance between them as it was.

And he also knew how to close that gap.

I like you.

To express his true feelings.

…But, just those few words felt so difficult.

“……”

Dietrich felt his mouth go dry.