The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 250
ââŚFor now, letâs look into that matter later. Your Grace, the reason I invited the two of you separately to the reception room is because I have a proposal to make. Would you be willing to hear it?â
There was a reason Count Conwell had exhibited Henryâs paintings.
âA proposal, you say?â
When he had first received the request to rent out his gallery from House Bayern, he had been shocked upon seeing the sample paintings he was given.
How could someone who painted such beautiful works be unknown?
And just how had Duke Bayern discovered a painter like this?
Emil, whom Duchess Nord had brought, had been impressive as well, but in terms of completeness, he couldnât compare to Henry.
Henryâs works had captured his gaze instantly, he who had collected countless paintings.
They stirred the desire to at least exhibit them, if he couldnât possess them.
With House Bayern backing him, Henry could pursue the art he wanted without worry for the rest of his life, butâŚ
âI would like to recommend Henry to become a court painter.â
A court painter, the most honorable position a second son without a title and someone who walked the path of a painter could attain.
That didnât mean being bound to the imperial family for life.
One could retire after serving for a certain period, so becoming a court painter would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Henry.
If he became a court painter, he could receive a title, and even if patronage were cut off, he could sustain himself through the pension provided by the imperial family.
âHenry should not end as merely a painter sponsored by a noble house. He is someone qualified to be a court painter, so I hope the two of you will give your consent.â
Without the patronâs consent, Henry would have no chance to present his paintings to the imperial family.
A talented painter deserved that kind of opportunity.
* * *
Count Azelotâs estate, the study.
Count Azelot was meeting privately with a knight who had just returned.
ââŚYou took care of the repairmanâs family as well, right?â
At Count Azelotâs gruff voice, Klon answered with an anxious expression.
ââŚYes, Miles and John will take care of the bodies.â
âYou couldâve just dumped them anywhere. Tsk.â
Count Azelot frowned.
People died by the handful every day in the back alleys.
They could have just killed them roughly and disguised it as a robbery, so why return late because they bothered to clean things up.
Useless worms who did nothing but eat money.
Cursing the knights inwardly, Count Azelot took out a document envelope from the drawer.
âAnyway, we can finally send the claim to the court.â
When the knightsâ return had been delayed, he had been secretly worried that his dirty work had been discovered.
Now, thinking that he would finally see the twisted expression on that damned Ashâs face, a greasy smile crept onto his lips.
* * *
There had been a small disturbance, but the first day of Henryâs solo exhibition ended successfully.
It had been nice to greet Neville, Marquis Saldersford, and the Duke and Duchess of Granvil after such a long time.
If not for Marquis Ulverni and Richard, it would have been a perfect day.
ââŚI had a feeling, but to think Count Conwell would be the key figure in making Henry a court painter.â
âI would like to recommend Henry to become a court painter.â
Ninaâs answer had naturally been yes.
That was the very reason she had wanted to sponsor Henry.
âThat asideâŚâ
Nina glanced at Ash after looking at the heavy money pouch, just as heavy as when she had brought it.
Perhaps tired, Ash had his arms crossed and his eyes closed as he leaned against the carriage wall.
How could she have known that he would buy all the paintings displayed at the exhibition in her stead.
âThis is a gift for you.â
She had planned to use her priority purchasing rights to buy them all herselfâŚ
âItâs nice for me to save money, butâŚâ
That man who claimed he didnât want a divorce, to think he would secure funds that would become the foundation of her independence.
âItâs not a small amount, so it feels like Iâm indebted to him for no reason.â
The heaviness in her heart, as the gift felt nothing but a debt, lingered only briefly.
Nina gently stroked Ianâs hair as he lay with his head on her lap, eyes closed, and spoke to Ash.
âHoney, I think we should stay at a hotel tonight.â
They could reach home if they rode through the night, but the fatigue settled on Ianâs face was far too deep.
