MLCDF 71

~Chapter 71~

A week after collecting the fear from the Siren curse—

Damien’s hearing had thankfully recovered quite a lot.

The Maledictus-owned newspapers ran big articles on the missing persons cases.

With police patrols increasing, people began to feel uneasy.

Even near the imperial palace, no suspicious activity was detected.

“It should be fine for a while.”

Informants also reported no unusual movement near the palace. The culprit might have decided to lay low after seeing the articles.

So, we decided to spend our time preparing for the second stage of the soul contract while continuing daily life.

“Then, let’s start today’s lesson.”

I focused fully on my art classes—these hours were the only time I could set aside thoughts of curses and think only about painting.

After the lesson, completing my assignment, and receiving feedback, the end of class approached.

“Really, I think there’s nothing more I can teach you. The more I teach, the more you surpass me.”

“That’s not true.”

It was the highest praise I’d received so far, and I replied shyly. But I knew he wasn’t just being polite—my paintings had improved dramatically.

“Grand Duchess, isn’t it time to prepare for your debut?”

“Hmm, a debut?”

Back when I lived in the Aristia family, I could barely paint. I’d never had formal art training, so going pro had seemed far away. Even after marriage, I thought formal education should come first, so I delayed the idea.

“Yes, there’s an unbridgeable gap between amateurs and professionals. Just debuting teaches you a lot—I experienced that myself.”

“…I see.”

I did want to debut as a professional, but I wondered if my skill was ready.

“You don’t have to worry too much. Waiting until you’re perfect could mean missing the right time.”

That convinced me—if I delayed too long, I might never move forward.

‘It might be time to prepare for debuting.’

Even though I’d only recently begun formal training, I’d been practicing on my own for years. It wouldn’t be strange to debut.

“I’ll think about it. I’m still not sure I’m ready.”

The teacher thought for a moment, then said, “Then why not enter a contest? Winning would certify your skill and get people talking.”

A good idea—but there was one problem.

“The next contest is the nationwide one hosted by the imperial family, right?”

“Yes. It’s the largest and best for newcomers.”

I knew its prestige well—and had dreamed many times of entering. But…

‘The imperial family hosting it bothers me.’

Relations with the royals were already strained, and the recently discovered fear still weighed on my mind.

“And I believe you can enter under a pen name. Even if you win, no one will mind if you skip the award ceremony.”

That swayed me further.

“I’ll think about it.”

After the teacher left, I continued to mull it over.

‘Honestly, I want to enter.’

As long as I didn’t take first place, the royals probably wouldn’t notice. The judging was by the Imperial Academy professors and experts—not the royals themselves.

‘I’ll talk to Damien about it.’

When I told Damien I wanted to enter, he was delighted and promised full support.

He immediately brought me the latest art supplies and took care of Ruhi, Kkiggi, and the doll curses so I could focus.

The preliminary theme was “The Boundary Between Beauty and Ugliness.”

I finished my piece in three days, well in time for submission.

“Sorry for making you come out when you’re busy.”

“It’s fine, it won’t take long.”

The imperial contest required in-person submission—postal errors and thefts had made that necessary.

“Plus, we have to submit at the palace.”

The drop-off point was near an entrance the public could access—probably for the professors’ convenience.

“There’s a tiny chance we could run into Leonard or another royal.”

“Unlikely.”

Royals rarely appeared in public areas like that.

“I’ll just submit and be right back.”

“Alright. I’ll wait out front.”

Only entrants could go inside to submit, so I’d meet Damien again afterward.

“It’s nice getting out like this—it’s like a date.”

Damien’s violet eyes sparkled under the summer sky—so much I wanted to capture it in a painting.

‘Wait… in a painting?’

I shook my head. I’d always painted what I loved… painting Damien felt…

“Ruby? Your face is red.”

“Ah, it’s just warm.”

I tried to cover my flustered feeling with an awkward smile, but he only came closer.

“Are you sure?”

His perfect face came so close my heart skipped—despite seeing it so often.

‘It’s actually harder to look at him directly lately…’

There were even more entrants than I’d expected—only 30 would reach the finals.

Thinking Damien might be waiting, I wore a thick black veil to hide my face and hurried to submit.

Then—

Grab.

“Been a while, hasn’t it?”

Someone pulled my wrist. I turned—

“Already abandoned by him?”

It was Leonard, in a hat and plain clothes so no one would recognize him.

“Coming here on your own… thinking of having an affair with me at last?”

So the crazy man was this crazy man. I couldn’t hide my scowl.

“I didn’t know you were here. I just came for other business in the public area.”

“Other business? Oh—you mean this line.”

He glanced at the line of people, his golden eyes narrowing like a snake’s.

“Then, while you’re here, how about tea with me—”

“No.”

The firm, familiar voice came from beside me.

Damien appeared, pried Leonard’s hand from my wrist, and pulled me toward him.

With a calm smile, he struck first.

“With your lack of magic, adding an adultery scandal would make your already shaky standing even worse, wouldn’t it?”

The smugness drained from Leonard’s face instantly.