Chapter 192

Rather, the nobles purchased paintings at high prices through the gallery and obtained Heaven.

This method raised the painter’s reputation, which in turn increased the value of their works.

While the original artist focused on their own creations, the foundation would inflate their ‘market value’ in this way.

It was a mutually beneficial strategy.

The foundation profited by boosting the painter’s name.

And the nobles, who sought Heaven, achieved their goals.

But recently, with the number of Heaven buyers increasing explosively, it had become a headache.

The plan had been to sell paintings at high prices to raise the sponsored painters’ value, and as a bonus, turn buyers into addicts, thereby expanding the influence of the Delphinium Foundation.

But lately, acquiring enough artwork had become difficult.

Even if the buyers were predetermined, since the pieces were released under the names of established artists, the quality still had to meet a certain standard.

‘If we just exhibit anything, guys like Count Conwell, who have real knowledge of art, will start asking questions…’

Marquis Dunklin asked the painters, who were feebly dragging their brushes across canvases.

“When will it be finished?”

“I-It’ll be done soon. Just give us an hour… No, two hours, please…”

Watching the painter sweat profusely, the Marquis clicked his tongue and exited the storage with the Director.

“Why not have a drink while we wait?”

“Yes, I’ll escort you to the Director’s office.”

…Should he hold a private exhibition exclusively for Heaven buyers?

The thought crossed his mind, but there was a reason he insisted on distributing Heaven through the gallery.

Since galleries were open to the public, that made it difficult to pinpoint the identities of buyers and sellers.

On top of that, gallery viewings were considered a refined aristocratic pastime, which helped maintain appearances.

However, if they started hosting invitation-only events for addicts, the point of sale would become easier to trace.

And if the Imperial Family or the Chief Justice caught wind of it, they’d be ruined.

‘…I’ll have to confer with Marquis Crewe.’

Though he was the one managing the foundation’s operations, the final authority rested with Marquis Crewe.

He had told him to come to the capital anyway.

So, deciding he would raise the matter with him, he entered the Director’s office.

* * *

At the Bayern ducal residence—

Nina was the one spending most of her time with Ian, who was home for break.

On the other hand, as the head of the household, Ash had numerous matters to attend to.

Things like what he had learned from Count Braumhill.

And the investigation into Angel, the drug Rebecca had used on Nina at the palace.

Fortunately, nothing had been detected in the Bayern Duchy so far.

But as caution never hurt, it had been decided that periodic inspections would be carried out.

Today, Ash had set aside official duties and departed for an inspection tour of the territory.

In the meantime, Nina was spending time with Ian in the drawing room.

“…A lot really came in, huh.”

Nina was looking over the letters that had arrived via her mother’s introductions.

Letters saying they were looking forward to introducing their children to Ian.

‘Guess it’s about time to start planning the party.’

Most of the letters had arrived from noble families within her mother’s network.

With that and Ian’s academy friends, the guest list was more or less complete.

Now she’d need to discuss the specifics with Melanie.

‘The problem is that it’s been, what, ten years since I last hosted a party…’

…Maybe she should talk to her mother about this too?

Things had improved compared to before, but Melanie still had a deep-rooted frugality, so there was some concern.

This was a party meant to help Ian build his future connections, which meant when money needed to be spent, it had to be spent.

While her thoughts were tangled up with party planning for Ian’s network…

“Aunt, what are you thinking so hard about?”

Startled, Nina realized she had been mindlessly chewing the end of her pen, resting her weight against the back of the sofa.

Ian was leaning toward her, smiling sweetly.

Startled enough that her heart jumped, Nina quickly pressed a hand to her chest. Ian gave an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry if I startled you. You weren’t answering, even when I called…”

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s fine.”

She was the one spacing out so hard that she hadn’t even heard someone calling her.

“But why were you calling me?”

Hadn’t he been reading just a moment ago?

“There’s something I’ve been wondering for a while now…

And I wanted to ask you.”

“Something you’re curious about?”

What was it, to make him look so serious?

At the sight of Ian’s solemn expression, Nina gulped dryly.

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