《When I Stopped Being Your Shadow》 Chapter 1 Ines looked at the scene in front of her with a blank face. ¡®Lie.¡¯ A studio that Ines obtained by selling her own works to help her husband with his work. In the studio, her husband, whom she loved deeply, was standing with a woman other than her. To be more precise, he was holding her crushedly and kissing her passionately. Was that all? The woman who smiled sweetly as she kissed her husband was Ines¡¯ close friend, Charlotte. The crater lying nearby fell down by the two¡¯s fierce movements. But the two didn¡¯t care. On the contrary, their breath only grew hotter. ¡°Ha, ha¡­¡­ ¡­ ¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Wait, there¡­¡± Her husband¡¯s hand stroking Charlotte¡¯s curvaceous body was lewd. ¡°My love is only you.¡± At Ryan¡¯s affirmation, Charlotte whispered in a sweet voice. ¡°Oh, Ryan. Me too.¡± The air heated up. Ryan left a deep kiss on Charlotte¡¯s neck. ¡°Ugh, I want to get a divorce right away¡­.¡± With his lips pressed against her neck, Ryan muttered with an excited sigh. ¡°It¡¯s just that Ines cries and cries so much that she can¡¯t do it.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Charlotte rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around Ryan¡¯s neck. Ryan smiled and hugged Charlotte¡¯s waist. ¡°Yes.¡± The hem of the dress tumbled down, revealing her white, smooth legs. Ryan¡¯s hand groped her leg and climbed up like a spider. At the same time, the power drained from Ines¡¯ hands. The basket she was holding in her hand fell to the floor. Clink!! A sharp crack sounded. The items in the basket were scattered all over the floor. Red wine spread from the broken wine bottle. The two people, startled by the sound, turned around. These were the snacks that Ines prepared and brought with her for her husband, who was struggling with his work. ¡°Ines?¡± ¡°Hey, Ryan.¡± Her voice trembled uncomfortably. Even after calling Ryan like that, Ines remained silent for a long time. It was difficult for her to accept this situation now. The husband she loved with all her heart, Ryan. And Charlotte, a friend she had been close with since childhood. ¡®How, how could they do this to me¡­¡­ ¡® Tears streamed down her cheeks. Ines bit her lip until it bled. ¡°¡­ ¡­ What the hell are you doing here?¡± Ryan asked, displeased. In spite of that, Ines prayed for a miracle to happen. ¡®It¡¯s nothing, you misunderstood.¡¯ ¡®Please tell me so.¡¯ But. ¡°Why are you here?¡± (Ryan) Rather, Ryan shamelessly asked with his eyes wide open. ¡°Did you follow me?¡± (Ryan) ¡°Ryan!¡± ( ¡°This is my space, my studio!¡± (Ryan) Ines¡¯ eyes trembled violently. Ryan nervously swept his hair up. ¡°Were you always such an obsessive woman? That¡¯s why I go out!¡± (Ryan) Her heart was beating like crazy. Numerous protests lingered in her mouth, but none of them could be brought out. After licking her lips over and over again, the words she finally came up with were¡­. ¡°¡­ ¡­ ¡­ You said it was a slump.¡± (Ines) It was an excuse for why she had come to the studio. ¡± ¡­ ¡­ That¡¯s why I came. Because the job isn¡¯t going well, you can¡¯t even get a proper meal.¡­ ¡­ I¡¯m afraid it will harm your health.¡± (Ines) Ines clenched her fists tightly. She didn¡¯t understand why she was making excuses. Wasn¡¯t Ryan who¡¯s at fault? But. ¡°Then you should have called in advance!¡± (Ryan) Ryan yelled at Ines. Frightened, Ines reflexively lowered her eyes. ¡°The reason I didn¡¯t say I was visiting was because I wanted to surprise you.¡± (Ines) Ryan and Charlotte¡¯s eyes were stinging as they looked at her. ¡°We¡¯ve been somewhat estranged¡­.¡± (Ines) As she spoke those words, Ines felt a pain in her heart as if it were being ripped apart. It felt like even the minimum pride that made up her existence was being shattered. ¡®It¡¯s miserable.¡¯ Come to think of it, Ryan has been getting annoyed lately. ¡°Ha, inspiration doesn¡¯t come, inspiration!¡± To the extent that Ines noticed every time. ¡°Honey, if you put your mind at ease¡­¡± ¡°Noisy, stop nagging! You think I¡¯m a kid?!¡± The back of him leaving the room in great anger kept getting caught in her eyes. ¡°Madam, are you going to bring your own snack basket? We can do it.¡± ¡°No, I want to.¡± Carefully packing snacks and wine in baskets, Ines hoped her husband would relieve the burden of his heart even a little. Even the smallest smile was fine, so she hoped he would smile for her today. Because today¡­ ¡°Ryan, please.¡± Ines said with tears in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s our wedding anniversary today, huh.¡± For a moment, Ryan flinched. He had completely forgotten that fact until now. Ines faced Ryan with a shocked face. ¡°¡­Did you forget that?¡± ¡°If a person is so busy, they can forget about it. Stop being crazy.¡± Shameless Ryan hugged Charlotte¡¯s waist. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Charlotte.¡± Charlotte burst out laughing, grabbed Ryan¡¯s arm and walked outside. Alone, Ines stared blankly at the snack basket scattered on the floor. Cheese shards trampled by the shoes, sandwiches spread out, and red wine flowing and messing the floor. She thought that that sloppy appearance was just like her. *** When she was still an immature girl. Ines thought she was the happiest person in the world. That was, until her parents passed away one day due to an unexpected accident. ¡°Did you hear about Count Brierton and his wife?¡± ¡°Yes, there was a big carriage accident¡­¡­ ¡± Thus Ines became the only heiress to the Brierton. A great legacy, and the successor of a renowned Count. Ines immediately emerged as the kingdom¡¯s best bride. Who she would marry was a matter of utmost concern in the social circle. And when her chosen groom was revealed, the socialites were once again buzzing. ¡°Is he the second son of Viscount Gott?¡± ¡°He was lucky. If it were the second son, it would be difficult to inherit even a penny of fortune, let alone a title.¡± ¡°To seize the title of Count of Brierton and a fortune in one fell swoop, the marriage alone is astounding.¡± Losing her parents when she was young, Ines was vulnerable to loneliness. The person who dug into that loneliness was Ryan Gott. He was the second son of Viscount Gott. ¡°I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Lady Brierton.¡± (Ryan) Ines foolishly believed that. So Ines took Ryan¡¯s hand and Ryan became the Count of Brierton. But Ryan kept complaining she wasn¡¯t good enough. ¡°What do you do with the title of Count of Brierton? It¡¯s just an illusion.¡± (Ryan) ¡°Honey, that¡¯s ¡­ ¡± (Ines) ¡°If I¡¯m a man, I should make a name for myself in the world. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± (Ryan) Ines wanted to see her husband happy. She wanted to give her husband anything he wanted. So, Ines made use of the hobby of her unmarried days, and submitted a few paintings in her husband¡¯s name to an art exhibition. She was just trying to lift her husband¡¯s spirit a little. ¡°Rising up-and-coming painter, Ryan Brierton!¡± ¡°The gorgeous yet delicate style of painting is absolutely perfect¡­¡± Numerous acclaim and praise. Before she knew it, Ryan was praised by everyone as a painter with the hands of God. Though, Ines thought it was okay. The Empire was a conservative country, and it was almost impossible for a woman to do art under her own name. She was happy to see her talents shine under her husband¡¯s name, and to see his happy face. There was definitely a time when that was the case. Ironically, the Briertons¡¯ relationship first turned on red flags when Ryan was gradually settling down as a painter. ¡®Is Ryan staying outside today¡­?¡¯ Ines could not hide her complicated expression and stood in front of the front door. Not surprisingly, Ryan hasn¡¯t returned to the townhouse for three days. He said there was a meeting between artists. She heard that it was a meeting for a profound discussion about art in general. But the problem was that the meeting was held almost every day. Due to attending that meeting, Ryan¡¯s time at the townhouse has been drastically reduced recently. Ines wanted Ryan to be by her side today. ¡°Ryan, do you have to go today?¡± So, while helping Ryan get ready to go out, Ines gathered up all her courage and asked that question. Ryan¡¯s face contorted. ¡°Do you have some kind of dependent issue?¡± (Ryan) ¡°What?¡± (Ines) At that ferocious voice, Ines froze on the spot without realizing it. ¡°Otherwise, how can you interrupt a man¡¯s social life like that?¡± (Ryan) Ryan shot at Ines with disgust. ¡°Are you telling me to become a foolish man who lives by his wife? So what about my network management? Social Reputation!¡± ¡°Oh, no, I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡­¡± ¡°So what if it¡¯s not what you meant!¡± Ryan almost had a seizure. ¡°Because you¡¯re too obsessed with me, I¡¯m starting to hate coming back to this house more and more!¡± (Ryan) Chapter 2 **** *** ¡°Hey, Ryan. what is that¡­¡­¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s noisy! Don¡¯t meddle in my affairs, okay?!¡± Ryan slapped Ines¡¯ hand, who was fixing his collar, and then walked out of the house. It had been 3 days since they lost contact. However, Ines could not even send a person to check on Ryan easily. It was because she was afraid that Ryan would get angry again. But then. ¡°Ah!¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. Through the window, she could see the carriage stopped at the townhouse¡¯s front door. Ines, forgetting a noble lady¡¯s manners, rushed outside in haste. ¡°Ryan!¡± As she approached the carriage, she saw Ryan, who was drunk and unable to greet him, leaning in the carriage. Ines opened the carriage door and tried to help Ryan. ¡°Oh my God, what is this? Why did you drink so much¡­ ¡­ ¡± The stagnant air in the carriage rushed towards her. The strong smell of alcohol and the sweet scent of perfume mixed with it. ¡®¡­ This perfume smells definitely for women.¡¯ She felt like cold water was poured over her head. However, she decided to ask Ryan when he woke up. Ines stood there blankly, looking at Ryan who was asleep without knowing the world. ¡®No way. No way. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll give me an answer that makes sense¡­¡¯ *** The next day, Ryan woke up late. ¡°What? perfume? What the hell are you talking about?¡± He asked back with a shameless face. Rather, he scolded Ines as if he was tired of it. ¡°It¡¯s only because you¡¯re so sensitive, will we be able to live properly as a couple in the future?¡± ¡°Uh, what do you mean we can¡¯t live as a couple?¡± ¡°You make people tired like this, and you think our married life can last?¡± Ryan sarcastically mocked her. ¡°What if the heiress of the venerable Brierton was divorced?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines bit her lip. The Brierton with a long history, one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom. The Brierton was Ines¡¯ pride and was the most precious legacy her parents left her. The reason why she gave up such a position as head of Brierton to Ryan was partly because of the trend in society where male were more recognized than females. Above all, it was because Ines loved Ryan that much. Because she wanted to make Ryan happy, because she wanted to laugh alongside him. But Ryan was now threatening Ines by tying the ¡®married life¡¯ and ¡®Brierton¡¯. Because he was sure Ines loved him and Brierton passionately. Even for the honor of the family, knowing that she will never leave him. ¡°But it¡¯s true that you¡¯ve been out too often lately.¡± Ines, who could not stand it, protested like that. ¡°Ines, are you admonishing me now?¡± Ryan only looked at Ines up and down with a shocked expression. ¡°You have to understand that men have a social life. How long are you going to be so immature?¡± At that cold reply, Ines felt as if the world was collapsing. **** While Ines was struggling alone because of her relationship with Ryan. ¡°Ines, long time no see!¡± Charlotte visited, as if waiting for the couple to argue. Ines was a little embarrassed by the unannounced visit. ¡°This is how you communicate with your friends? Right, Ines?¡± At Charlotte¡¯s kind words, Ines silently nodded. Her relationship with Ryan confused her head. She didn¡¯t want to say anything bad to Charlotte, her only friend and best friend. ¡°I have an appointment around here today, so I came to visit for a while because I have some time in the middle.¡± ¡°¡­¡± It was a very dignified attitude. Charlotte shrugged and continued. ¡°Will you treat me to a cup of tea, Ines?¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Of course, Ines prepared high-end tea and refreshments as usual. In front of that splendid tea table, Charlotte opened her mouth as if she was giving a great favor. ¡°Tell me if you have any concerns.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s what friends are for.¡± Of course, if Ines had been in a normal state, she would have suspected Charlotte, who had visited Ines at the right time and was impulsive. However, Ines was half out of her mind because of her concerns about Ryan. ¡°That¡¯s actually¡­.. .¡± So Ines cautiously told her about this matter. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that your fault?¡± But all that came back was Charlotte¡¯s unbelievable answer after she heard Ines¡¯s story. Ines shuddered and stiffened her shoulders. ¡°Is it my fault?¡± ¡°Of course. If not, then is it Count Brierton¡¯s fault?¡± For a moment, Ines felt speechless. It was strange. It was definitely Ryan¡¯s fault with her common sense, but everybody was telling Ines that she was wrong. Charlotte shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Honestly, you are the kind of person who is a bit bothersome to men.¡± ¡°Me¡­.?¡± ¡°Yes. Men absolutely hate obsessive women like you.¡± Charlotte continued to grumble over the high-quality sweets that were served as refreshments. ¡°Isn¡¯t Count Brierton tired of you because you bother him?¡± ¡°Well, then what should I do?¡± ¡°Um, if it were me¡­ ¡­ ¡± Charlotte, who had tilted her head pretending to be thinking, smiled softly. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just leave the Count alone.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ Ryan? But¡­¡­¡± ¡°Actually, the Count has a very free-spirited personality. Loosening a little can help improve relationships in the long run.¡± Charlotte, who said so, was surprised and raised her body. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s almost time for my appointment. Then I¡¯ll get going, and see you next time!¡± Ines looked at the back of Charlotte, who was walking out of the room with a bewildered gaze. She didn¡¯t know until then that Charlotte¡¯s promise ¡®to be around¡¯ was a secret meeting with Ryan. **** Ines, who could not depend on anyone, gradually became isolated. ¡°Am I really weird?¡± ¡°Is my lack of understanding the problem?¡± ¡°If I keep trying, will Ryan come back to me someday?¡± ¡°I¡¯m bad, I¡¯m wrong. I couldn¡¯t satisfy Ryan¡­¡­ ¡± In the midst of endless self-deprecation, self-hatred, and self-pity, Ines was getting more and more devastated. Meanwhile, she witnessed an affair between Ryan and Charlotte. She would rather have an opportunity to completely clear up her relationship with Ryan. After working at the studio, Ryan changed his attitude like flipping the palm of his hand to convince Ines. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is just¡­ I just deviated for a while.¡± Despite being cold-hearted until now, Ryan hugged Ines, who was dazed, tightly in his arms. ¡°Men sometimes act like children. You understand, huh?¡± ¡°But Ryan¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get rid of Charlotte quickly.¡± Ryan shoved a push into Inez¡¯s ear. ¡°You are my only wife, Ines.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°If I achieve a little more success, Ines, I will surely make you happy.¡± Unable to refuse those sweet words, Ines still loved Ryan too much. Because it was. ¡°Is there anything new you¡¯re working on these days, Ines?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I want you to paint some still lifes this time.¡± All works drawn by Ines were published under Ryan¡¯s name, and were praised as masterpieces that will never happen again. Three years passed like that. In the meantime, Ines drew countless pictures, handed over the rights to *Gott¡¯s family, and helped Ryan. (*Ryan Gott) She wanted Ryan to like her. Because she wanted to receive even a small piece of affection from him. Then one day. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard all this time, Ines.¡± Ryan smiled and patted Ines on the shoulder. That time when Ines¡¯ face brightened at the kind words she had not heard in a long time. ¡°So, let¡¯s end our relationship.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ What are you talking about, Ryan?¡± ¡°See, Ines?¡± Ryan handed a document to Ines. ¡°You are no longer the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re just a psychopath.¡± The document issued by a certain large psychiatric hospital had a full history of Ines¡¯ mental illness. Excessive confidence, obsession, paranoia, hallucinations ¡­ . The only problem was that Ines had never even set foot in that mental hospital. ¡°The hospitalization procedure has already been completed. The psychiatric hospital will come to pick you up soon.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like it, no Ryan¡­ !¡± Ines, who was shaking her head violently, faltered back. Ryan narrowed his brow. ¡°Ines?¡± At the same time, Ines ran out of the house. ¡®I must run away. I can¡¯t stay locked up in a mental hospital for the rest of my life!¡¯ She ran breathlessly. She wanted to get out of Ryan¡¯s grip somehow. And. Boom! ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°A person was hit by a wagon!¡± There was a commotion all around. Ines was lying on the floor, immovable. However, there was no pain. She was just confused. ¡®Then, I think I¡¯ve only lived for Ryan all my life.¡¯ Even the honor, wealth, and title that Ryan had built up so far. All of these were the things given to him by Ines. ¡®I want to get it back.¡¯ At the end of the regret that cut through her heart, Ines slowly closed her eyes. It was an insignificant death that did not remain in anyone¡¯s memory. Chapter 3 *** *** As if immersed in cold water for a long time, her body felt numb and heavy. ¡°Lady!!¡± ¡°¡­¡± In an instant, Ines opened her eyes. ¡°Haaaaa¡­ !¡± ¡°Oh my God, Lady! What is this, look at the cold sweat!¡± The startled maid wiped Ines¡¯ forehead with a handkerchief. ¡°You must have been tired, and on such an important day, you fainted.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ An important day?¡± Ines blinked blankly. Then the maid made a bewildered face. ¡°Today is your wedding anniversary. You were so looking forward to it and prepared the supper yourself.¡± ¡°Wedding anniversary¡­?¡± For a moment, Ines trembled. Wedding anniversary. The word struck her as eerily as a blade. ¡°Oh, what¡¯s the date today?¡± ¡°It is May 28, 1825.¡± In response to that strange answer, Ines froze. That was the day. Three years ago from the day she lost her life. The day she first witnessed an affair between her husband and her close friend. It was the worst wedding anniversary of her life, and she¡¯s back once again. ¡®¡­¡­ Unbelievable.¡¯ Ines bit her lip hard. Her whole body trembled like an aspen tree. Shethought she was going to vomit right away, so she covered her mouth. ¡°Madam, your face is so haggard. Should I call the doctor?¡± The maid spoke carefully. Ines, who was in confusion, suddenly came to her senses. ¡®Yeah, this is not the time for me to do this.¡¯ At this moment, there was someone whom she should find out about his whereabouts first. That man. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. What about Ryan?¡± For a moment, the maid stopped. ¡°That¡­..¡± ¡°He still hasn¡¯t returned?¡± The maid bowed her head sullenly, as if she had done something wrong. ¡°Yes¡­¡± Feeling indescribable, Ines bit her molars. ¡°I see¡­.¡± It seemed that Ryan was having a hot time with Charlotte at the Studio right now. It was rather fortunate. If she sees his face right now, she will definitely not be able to overcome the feeling of being humiliated. ¡°I was preparing supper¡­¡­¡± Ines, who muttered like a sigh, got up. She walked slowly to the dining room. A clean dining with no dust left behind. In the middle was a table that was carefully set up. It was the table that Ines had set up with her own hands. Wine, candlesticks, food, tablecloths, and even the flowers that decorated the table. There was nothing she couldn¡¯t reach. Among them, Ines looked down at the flowers in the vase. The roses that were bright red to the point of making her eyes blinded. It resembled Charlotte¡¯s hair. ¡°It really wasn¡¯t a dream.¡± Ines muttered in a frustrated voice. She sincerely hoped all of this to be a bad dream. However, on the day of her wedding anniversary, Ryan was absent, and painfully, everything she went through was a reality. ¡®Maybe if I go to the studio now¡­I¡¯ll see Ryan and Charlotte mixing bodies.¡¯ Ines, who was standing there blankly staring at the roses, picked up a rose and crushed it. ¡°Oh, Lady?¡± The startled maid raised her voice. Ines brushed away the crushed rose petals from her hands as if throwing away trash. Then she ordered coldly. ¡°Take them all away.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°My husband won¡¯t come home anyway.¡± After saying those words, Ines turned around. One step, two steps, three steps. She was moving slowly, but eventually she could not stand it and fell to the floor. ¡°Lady? Lady!¡± The startled maid tried to support Ines. Ines shook her head violently and pushed the maid¡¯s hand away. ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay¡­ ¡° As she habitually muttered, ¡®It¡¯s okay,¡¯ she burst into tears. It¡¯s okay, what do you mean it¡¯s okay? It hurts my heart so much. People who once thought she was everything in the world actually never loved her. ¡®Just today, just today.¡¯ I¡¯m just going to be sad today and throw it all away. She felt sorry for her former foolish self, for the affection she had for Ryan, for the friendship she had with Charlotte was so precious. ¡°Ahhhhhhhh¡­¡­¡± Ines cried out loud like a child. **** A few days passed. In the meantime, Ryan had been locked up in the studio under the pretext of painting, so he couldn¡¯t even go home. In the meantime, Ines made up her mind. ¡®I guess the secret meeting with Charlotte is that sweet.¡¯ Ines sneered coldly. Let the sadness that felt like the whole world collapsed pass by. Now, deep in her heart, only icy anger and betrayal remained. ¡®I¡¯ve been sad enough so far.¡¯ ¡®I can¡¯t cry forever.¡¯ Anyway, the relationship with Ryan was already over. If so, shouldn¡¯t she have to change a little more realistically now? The first thing to do was¡­.. ¡®Get back everything that was stolen by Ryan.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists. It was Ryan who currently held the Brierton. There was no problem for women to inherit titles under the kingdom law, but the social atmosphere was a little different. ¡°It¡¯s unusual for a woman to hold a title.¡± Ryan¡¯s voice, who had spoken like a sympathetic person, still resonated in her ears. ¡°I will take over the title. It would look good too.¡± ¡°But¡­.¡± ¡°I should have at least one noble title to show others.¡± Ryan gently comforted Ines, who was hesitating. ¡°Ines, you say you love me. Wouldn¡¯t you hate to see your husband wandering around in exhaustion?¡± When she came to her senses, the Brierton was suddenly seized by Ryan. Other than that, the fortune that flowed to the Viscount Gott, Ines¡¯ in-laws, was considerable. Even though it was the amount that had already been applied, she found out that there were quite a few that received business funds in the name of Brierton. ¡®Of course, the businesses are repeatedly being ruined.¡¯ After removing the blind love for Ryan, the reality was so clear. ¡®What the hell have I been doing all this time?¡¯ Ines sighed deeply, feeling pathetic. First of all, divorce from Ryan was an urgent priority. However, according to the Kingdom Law, in order for the divorce of nobles to be established, they must obtain the king¡¯s permission. It was conservative country. ¡®There is no way the divorce will be granted unless it becomes an issue.¡¯ At that moment. Dark green eyes turned to the small painting on the table. It was a picture drawn by Ines herself. Because it was known to the world as Ryan¡¯s work, it recited a huge amount of money because it was the work of a famous painter. ¡®Wait a minute.¡¯ Ines jumped up from her seat and picked up the frame. ¡®By the way, I painted this picture, right?¡¯ In fact, Ryan barely learned basic painting skills. He only knew how to play with brushes, but he didn¡¯t have the ability to draw a complete picture. ¡®Then.¡¯ As was the case with women taking over the title, Kingdom Lancaster did not think positively about women engaging in outdoor activities. The woman took care of the house and stayed inside, and the man took care of the house by demonstrating his abilities outside. That was the foundation of the kingdom. Even so, if Ryan¡¯s reputation as an artist was in fact fake was revealed? ¡®It¡¯s going to be a huge blow to Ryan.¡¯ If his affair with Charlotte was added to that, it would be a huge scandal. ¡®Then I may be able to get permission from His Majesty!¡¯ Ines¡¯ eyes twinkled. ¡®However, in order to scale up a scandal to the extent that divorce is possible, the help of the media is essential.¡¯ Ines was once again deeply troubled. The most famous news agency in the kingdom today was Elton corporation, which published the best daily newspaper in the kingdom. For its accuracy and excellent articles, Elton had a reputation not only in the kingdom but also in the entire continent. And who currently owned Elton was. ¡®The Duke of Sussex.¡¯ Enoch Fitzroy von Lancaster. A man whose nickname was more famous than the king. Enoch was a man with a unique background in many ways. As a direct line of the royal family, he was a prince who had the right to succession to the throne after the current king. However, he wanted to take over a media company that was suddenly in decline, but it had grown into one of the leading media companies in the kingdom. Concentrating on business, he completely distanced himself from politics, and has now turned into a full-fledged businessman. Besides, his privacy was also clean. Even though he has won the hearts of many women with his outstanding appearance, he had absolutely no history with women that could hurt the royal family. However, that beauty and the basic aesthetic sense of Enoch were combined, everything that Enoch wore, ate, and used became a trend in the kingdom. Of course, it was unknown if Enoch used his beauty strategically or if it happened somehow. And Enoch generously showed his aesthetic sense in his own newspaper¡­ ¡®By the way, my work was once featured on the art page of Elton magazine.¡¯ Since her work was published in Elton magazine, her husband, who was occasionally known, quickly became one of the best painters in the empire. Now that she has returned to the past, her connection with Elton has disappeared. ¡®To be honest¡­ ¡­ I was a little happy back then.¡¯ Although she couldn¡¯t claim that it was her work, she still felt like her talent was recognized. Ines¡¯ expression, which had been relaxed for a while, soon became determined. ¡®Then I must somehow get help from the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ How to get the Duke of Sussex¡¯s attention? There was no way to meet the Duke of Sussex in the first place¡­. While Ines was in trouble for a long time. Bump! The door suddenly opened without knocking. A man strode into the room. He combed his black hair back sleekly and wore a suit that fitted his body perfectly. However, it was noticeable that his clothes were a little messy. The features themselves were quite beautiful, but the pale lips and shiny gray eyes gave a mean feeling. ¡°Ines.¡± Ines faced the man with an expressionless face. The person who was fiercely glaring at her was Ines¡¯s husband. It was Count Brierton, Ryan Gott. Chapter 4 *** *** ¡°What the hell are you doing now?¡± Ryan asked in an angry voice. ¡°Your husband returned home, but you didn¡¯t even welcome me outside. Do you have responsibility as a wife or not?¡± In the past, Ines would have shrunk whenever Ryan was so angry and she would try to please him somehow. But. ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same for you?¡± Ines answered indifferently. Ryan paused at the unexpected response. ¡°What?¡± Ines retorted without raising an eyebrow. ¡°How many times did someone come to notify you that I was sick?¡± It was true. Mary, a maid close to Ines, was worried when Ines fainted. Mary kept sending people to Ryan, but Ines didn¡¯t care. Because it wouldn¡¯t make any difference if he knew she was sick or not. ¡°But you, even though your wife had been sick for days, you didn¡¯t even show your face.¡± ¡°No, that¡­.¡± ¡°If you had a sense of responsibility as a husband, at least you wouldn¡¯t have been so indifferent. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± Ines returned what Ryan had said. Ryan¡¯s face heated up red. Ryan, who had nothing to say, raised his voice for no reason. ¡°Ha, it¡¯s because I was busy working. You don¡¯t understand that?!¡± Liar. Ines laughed at her husband¡¯s disorganized clothes. Perhaps there will be red kiss marks on the collar of that shirt. It was traces that Charlotte left as if she wanted to see her to see it. In the past, she would just ignore it. And now¡­ ¡®I¡¯ll have to pretend I don¡¯t know again this time.¡¯ Ines gently bit her molars. If Ryan knew she was preparing for divorce, for sure he would try to appease Ines somehow. But she couldn¡¯t help but feel sick to her stomach. After arranging the expression on her contorted expression, Ines asked a question. ¡°So what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Oh yeah.¡± As if it was good to have had the opportunity to change the subject, Ryan quickly opened his mouth. ¡°Do you know that there is a New Year¡¯s banquet this time?¡± ¡°New Year¡¯s banquet?¡± Ines knew it too. It was a party held once a year by the royal family to celebrate the end of the past year and welcome the new year. The nobles tried to attend with their eyes lit, even to get acquainted with the royal family. ¡°But what does that have anything to do with me?¡± She was just going to lay the groundwork for Ryan anyway. At that time, Ines had a rather sullen expression on her face. ¡°The Duke of Sussex is also attending.¡± For a moment, Ines suddenly raised her head. ¡°Wait, the Duke of Sussex?¡± She had been thinking about how to meet the Duke of Sussex, but this was the solution! Ryan spoke again. ¡°Do you know how influential the Duke of Sussex is in the world of art?¡± ¡°I have to show the Duke well this time. So, Ines, you, too, have to pay attention¡­¡± Ryan whispered more, but Ines couldn¡¯t hear him at all. ¡®I can meet him.¡¯ Her heart was pounding, and Ines pressed her chest gently with her hand. ¡®Someone who can give me a chance to change my destiny.¡¯ To do that, she had to somehow get the Duke of Sussex to be on her side. Ines¡¯ eyes lit up. *** Click. The door was closed. ¡®¡­something strange.¡¯ Ryan glanced back at the closed door with a questionable face. Today¡¯s Ines was a little different from before. ¡°Ryan, I missed you so much!¡± If it had been the usual Ines, she would have looked full of affection as soon as she saw him. ¡°How are you today?¡± She would have plunged into Ryan¡¯s arms, saying she was so happy that she could die. ¡°Have you eaten? Are you tired? Do you want to wash up?¡± She would have asked about his well-being as much as he was tired. But today was different. ¡®Those eyes.¡¯ There were no emotions left in Ines¡¯ eyes, that gaze that was just indifferent. It was like she was dealing with a rolling stone on the side of the road¡­ ¡®No, I¡¯m being sensitive for no reason.¡¯ Ryan shook his head. ¡®Even if that¡¯s the case, she¡¯s a woman who will spend her whole life loving him anyway. If I come back tomorrow and comfort her, she will smile with a stupid face that doesn¡¯t know anything. Because she is such a woman.¡¯ ¡®Then let¡¯s go see Charlotte.¡¯ Thinking like that, Ryan took a step forward. The steps were very light. *** A few days later. Ines met an unwelcome person. ¡°Madam, Lady Jason has arrived.¡± The maid told Ines with a bright face. It was because Ines had been feeling weak recently, so the maid thought the visit of Ines¡¯ best friend Charlotte would cheer her up. However, Ines¡¯ reaction was a little different than expected. ¡°Without an appointment?¡± Rather, Ines¡¯ face had hardened. ¡°Did Lady Jason tell me in advance that she will be visiting today?¡± ¡°Uh, no.¡± In fact, Ines¡¯s point was valid. It was a basic courtesy to make an appointment in advance and ask for their understanding before visiting someone¡¯s house. Above all, the Brierton was a considerable noble family. This meant that it was not a place where anyone could come and go easily. But. ¡°Ines!¡± A woman poked her head into the room and called out to Ines with a lively voice. She was a gorgeous woman with red hair and purple eyes. Ines faced the woman with a stiff face. ¡°Charlotte.¡± Charlotte Jason. She was a close friend who had been friends with Ines since childhood. When Ines¡¯ parents died, it was Charlotte who was by her side and comforted her. ¡°I heard you had a bad headache. That¡¯s why I came to visit you.¡± Charlotte sat down next to Ines. She said that she had to visit a sick person but didn¡¯t bring anything as if it was natural. ¡®It¡¯s always been like that.¡¯ Ines didn¡¯t want gifts. However, whenever Charlotte was sick, Ines would pack all kinds of healthy food and gifts. It was funny thinking about it now. ¡®The way we treat each other is different, but I, alone, believe that it is true friendship¡­ ¡¯ But then. ¡°Lady Jason is here?¡± A voice filled with joy rang out. Ryan suddenly entered the room. ¡°Hello, Count Brierton. I came to visit Ines because I heard she was sick.¡± The two pretended to be casual but they had already met and slept with each other several times before today. Ryan smiled brightly. ¡°Ines has a really good friend. You came here like this.¡± ¡°Oh my, it¡¯s no problem.¡± The two burst into laughter as if they were very happy. Ines observed the two of them silently. ¡®I think I know now.¡¯ Charlotte¡¯s sweet gaze on Ryan. Ryan smiled sweetly at Charlotte. Until now, Ines didn¡¯t know it. ¡®Stupid.¡¯ At the same time, Charlotte, who shared meaningful eyes with Ryan, turned to Ines. ¡°You know, Ines. Can I ask you a favor?¡± Charlotte put her hands on her chest and her eyes twinkled. ¡°The New Year¡¯s ball is coming soon.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have a carriage to go to the New Year¡¯s ball¡­.¡± Charlotte drooped her shoulders as if she was pitiful. ¡°So, can I ride in the carriage with you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± She looked so delicate that made people want to hug her tightly. Maybe in the past, Ines¡¯ heart would have already weakened by those moist eyes. ¡®I don¡¯t feel anything surprising.¡¯ Meanwhile, facing the silent Ines, Charlotte felt a strange feeling. ¡®Something is strange.¡¯ If it had been the usual Ines, she would have already answered yes to her earnest request. But now, Ines was just looking at Charlotte without saying anything. ¡°Ines, you and I are best friends.¡± Impatient, Charlotte sweet-talked Inez. ¡°Besides, I have a good relationship with Count Brierton. Yes?¡± Charlotte, who had acted like that, slowly reached out and placed her hands on Ines¡¯s. Ines shuddered and stiffened her shoulders. Charlotte spoke in a dreary voice. ¡°You know, I¡¯m not like you.¡± In fact, the Jason family was barony, it was close to a fallen aristocracy. Under normal circumstances, Charlotte couldn¡¯t even communicate with the Brierton, one of the most prestigious families in the empire. However, due to an accidental relationship when they were young, Charlotte became Ines¡¯ best friend. With Ines as a stepping stone, Charlotte made her social debut and had the opportunity to interact with various influential people. ¡°If I were in the same carriage as the Brierton, people would be a little less ignorant of me¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Let go of my hand.¡± At the same time, a terrifyingly cold voice rang out. Embarrassed, Charlotte opened her eyes wide. ¡°Ines?¡± Ines pushed Charlotte¡¯s hand as if brushing off dirt. ¡°You should know that touching a person¡¯s body recklessly is an act of disrespect.¡± Chapter 5 *** **** ¡°But Ines, we are friends¡­ .¡± ¡°The more we¡¯re friends, the more polite you should be.¡± Ines drew the line softly but firmly. Actually, that was correct. In the Kingdom of Lancaster, unless it was relatives or lovers, intimate physical contact was avoided. Charlotte¡¯s behavior was clearly rude. Ines continued talking to Charlotte, who was dazed. ¡°And I don¡¯t think I can grant your request.¡± ¡°Uh, why?¡± ¡°Even though we are close friends, you¡¯ll be together in a wagon with a married couple. What would other people think?¡± Perhaps Charlotte¡¯s asking for such a favor was to show off that she was this close to the Brierton and also to mock Ines. Ines narrowed her eyes. In the future that had now disappeared, Ines had heard quite a few gossip about Charlotte. At that time, Ines didn¡¯t know anything about Charlotte and Ryan¡¯s affair, so they said, ¡®It¡¯s just pure friendship¡¯. Ines was too busy to seek affection and was too naive to see the truth. ¡®I can¡¯t see my reputation tarnished anymore.¡¯ Meanwhile, seeing Ines coldly rejecting Charlotte¡¯s request, Ryan was surprised with rabbit eyes. ¡°No, why are you being so cold-hearted?¡± ¡°What do you mean cold hearted?¡± Ryan was bruised, but Ines responded back without raising an eyebrow. ¡°Rather, considering Charlotte¡¯s position, wouldn¡¯t it be right to say no?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I¡¯m close to Charlotte, Ryan, and you¡¯ve been friends with Charlotte for a long time, so it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Charlotte is in a position to care a little bit about other people¡¯s opinions, right?¡± ¡°No, what do other people¡¯s views matter?¡± ¡°It does matter. Charlotte is still single, and she is very interested in marriage.¡± Ines smiled softly, pretending not to know anything. ¡°She had asked me to introduce her to a gentleman several times.¡± ¡°Hey, Ines, that¡¯s¡­ ¡± Charlotte looked into Ryan¡¯s eyes, not knowing what to do. ¡®Yeah, it¡¯s going to hurt your heart.¡¯ Ines twisted her lips. Because in front of Ryan, Charlotte would only pretend to give her lifelong innocence to him. ¡°If you are thinking about getting married, wouldn¡¯t it be better not to do something that could lead to misunderstandings in many ways?¡± Ines turned to Charlotte, pretending to know nothing. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me, but I think the ladies of the social circle will be prejudiced against your conduct.¡± ¡°Prejudice?¡± ¡°Yes, the prejudice about being overly intimate with married men.¡± Charlotte¡¯s face heated up in an instant. ¡®She didn¡¯t notice the relationship between me and Ryan, did she?¡¯ Charlotte glanced at Ines, but Ines just had a calm face. ¡®Of course not.¡¯ Charlotte was a little relieved. Still, her heart felt uncomfortable as if there was a thorn under her fingernail. You¡¯re saying I¡¯m a vulgar person.¡­ No way, that naive Ines couldn¡¯t say something like that.¡¯ When Charlotte shook her head inwardly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that Lady Jason was greedy for marriage.¡± Ryan¡¯s cold voice rang out. ¡®Ah!¡¯ Feeling her heart sink, Charlotte raised her head. She saw Ryan staring straight at her. ¡°Ah, that¡­ ¡± Charlotte tried to make excuses, but Ines was quicker. ¡°Ryan, don¡¯t women always like that? Meeting a good man and finding stability is a woman¡¯s greatest happiness.¡± ¡°Hey, Ines!¡± ¡°Charlotte is just dreaming like that.¡± Pretending to wrap her arms around Charlotte, Ines pushed Ryan further. ¡°But Charlotte has a very lovely side, so she asked me to introduce her to Sir Todd the other day.¡± Ryan clenched his fists. William Todd. As the third son of Viscount Todd, he was a gifted man who even joined the Royal Knights with his own abilities. He was the same age as Ryan, the two were compared in every case. ¡®To be more precise, William¡¯s ability shone through comparison with Ryan.¡¯ Unlike Ryan, who had nothing before his marriage to Ines, William made a place for himself. Ines¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°Well, Charlotte even embroidered on the handkerchief to give it to Sir Todd.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not saying this because she¡¯s my friend, but isn¡¯t she so lovely?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right¡­.¡± After barely giving out that answer, Ryan was silent. There was a lot of force in his jaw as he was biting his molars. ¡®His pride is hurt.¡¯ Ines, who was looking at Ryan with a happy gaze, got up. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the bathroom for a while, you two can continue talking.¡± Ines, who walked out, leaned against a place nearby. As she listened, Ryan¡¯s suppressed voice rang out. ¡°Todd? Todd? How could you bring a handkerchief or anything to that man?¡± Ha, after bursting into an angry laughter. Ryan asked again. ¡°Charlotte, have you been flirting with men other than me?¡± ¡°I, too, can¡¯t live just being your lover forever, can I?¡± ¡°Say it now!¡± Ines, who heard the two of them arguing, grinned. ¡®There have been times like this before.¡¯ The past before regression. Charlotte had a strong desire for marriage, or to be more precise, to raise her status through marriage. Ines had tried to introduce a good man to Charlotte. She thought that if Charlotte found a good mate, she might break up with Ryan. ¡­ If that happened, Ines believed that Ryan would return to her. ¡®But, even after that, they stuck together like a pair of cockroaches and didn¡¯t even fall off.¡¯ Ines shrugged and turned around. Now, such a vain thing didn¡¯t matter. What was important to her now. ¡®New Year¡¯s ball.¡¯ There she had to somehow meet the Duke of Sussex. Ines¡¯ dark green eyes sank coldly. *** The day of the New year¡¯s banquet. Ines stood in front of the mirror with a tense face. A silver-white dress that completely wrapped around her slender body and fluttered down elegantly. White fur was wrapped around the shoulders to make it more elegant, and emerald earrings matched to the color of her eyes were worn on the earlobes. Although there were no fancy decorations, it did not look shabby. Rather, she was elegant and dignified like a queen. The fabric of the dress itself, and the fur and earrings worn on the body are expensive. ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve worn these earrings.¡¯ Ines touched her ear with a nostalgic touch. She liked the feel of the emerald earrings dangling from her earlobes. ¡®My mother loved these earrings.¡¯ These emerald earrings were her mother¡¯s keepsake. She heard that the price of this pair of earrings was enough to buy a carriage. In commemoration of her father¡¯s fifth wedding anniversary with her mother, he directly asked a famous artisan to make it. However, Ines in her previous life did not even wear these earrings but a few times. ¡°What the hell are those earrings? That¡¯s too extravagant. If you are the hostess of a family, you should know how to be frugal.¡± It was because Ryan said so. If she hadn¡¯t returned to the past, if she had been taken to a mental hospital and spent the rest of her life there¡­. ¡®¡­ Could the earrings belong to Charlotte?¡¯ Ines bit her molar teeth. ¡°Madam, the carriage is ready.¡± Just then, the maid¡¯s call was heard. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m coming down.¡± Ines turned around and went outside. Ryan, who was waiting on the first floor of the mansion, found her and narrowed his brow. ¡°Isn¡¯t your outfit too flashy?¡± Reprimands flew in at once. ¡°I said I don¡¯t like extravagant women. How long will you continue to dress so immaturely and expensively¡­..¡± (*Can I strangle this guy already?) ¡°I like it.¡± (Ines) ¡°What?¡± In an instant, Ryan¡¯s eyes widened. Ines added casually. ¡°I know what you like. But I like it, so I dressed like this.¡± ¡°¡­ Ines?¡± ¡°You said I should know how to be frugal as a family hostess, right?¡± Tick, tick, tick. The heels of the shoes collided with the marble floor, making a distinct sound. Ines, standing right in front of Ryan, reached out and touched her husband¡¯s collar. He thought Ines¡¯ long, slender fingers would touch his neatly angled top of his suit, but her hands headed to his tie. ¡°There is some truth to that statement, but you still have to think about the face of Count Brierton.¡± (Ines) Ines tightened the tie with force. ¡°Ugh.¡± At the breath that tightened in an instant, Ryan stiffened his shoulders. ¡°You wear the finest suits you have tailored in the dressing room, and you wear silk ties from the East.¡± (Ines) Ines gently folded her eyes. ¡°Isn¡¯t it all for the sake of the Count¡¯s face?¡± (Ines) ¡°That¡¯s true¡­ but.¡± ¡°So from now on, I will also think about the Count¡¯s face when I dress up.¡± (Ines) Ines finished her speech calmly. ¡°Ack, ack!¡± Ryan, whose conscience was stabbed, coughed for no reason and avoided his gaze. Because he always used excuses to make Ines dress poorly while he indulged in all kinds of extravagance. Chapter 6 *** **** Ryan always preached to Ines to be frugal, but everything he wore set to the highest quality. He used an excuse that men work outside and there were many eyes to see. And the person who suited Ryan in that outfit the most¡­ ¡®It was Charlotte.¡¯ Charlotte always wanted to get everyone¡¯s attention. Ines was, for example, a calyx. Next to Charlotte, who was adorned like a peacock, Ines was nothing more than an extra that made Charlotte¡¯s beauty stand out. ¡°Above all, if I go out dressed in too shabby clothes, won¡¯t people be suspicious?¡± (Ines) ¡°What do you mean?¡± (Ryan) ¡°Is Count Brierton treating the Countess so poorly, that¡¯s why she¡¯s dressed in such shabby clothes?¡± (Ines) ¡°That¡­..¡± As if he had been stabbed in his head, Ryan stiffened. In fact, those words were actually what Ines had heard before her regression. In the first place, Ryan was able to become Count Brierton because of his marriage to Ines. Even after Ines stopped going out and only focused on helping Ryan in the shadow, the rumors had followed Ryan¡¯s back quite tenaciously. Well, the rumors weren¡¯t completely false. ¡°I thought I should pay a little more attention to my attire, to prevent such unpleasant rumors.¡± (Ines) Ines, with her round eyes closed, took a couple of steps back. ¡°This is all for you. You know that, right?¡± (Ines) It felt a bit awkward, but Ryan nodded obediently. Is that the naive Ines he knew? She could never have spoken her mind like that. ¡®Because Ines loves me.¡¯ Facing Ines¡¯ unknown dark green eyes, Ryan comforted himself. Ines smiled softly. ¡°Today¡¯s banquet is a very important event. Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll be late.¡± **** The colorful chandelier lights fell like jewels in the banquet hall. Golden champagne cascades down over the mountains of champagne glasses. The soft, elegant music tickled the ears, and people dressed in splendor like clusters of flowers having a conversation. Among them, some of the ladies greeted Ines. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I saw you, Countess Brierton.¡± Staring at Ines with an unusual gaze, a lady smiled brightly. ¡°You¡¯re very beautiful today.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ines smiled like a painting and nodded her head. Perhaps the meaning of the lady¡¯s words was, ¡®Why have you been wearing such shabby clothes on a regular basis?¡¯ ¡®How many rumors have spread in the dark?¡¯ If they dared to say something like that to her face, how much did they talk behind her back? Ines struggled to swallow the sigh that was about to burst out. ¡°The Duke of Sussex enters!¡± The royal attendant raised his voice loudly. In an instant, people¡¯s eyes turned to him. Bright blonde hair as if it had been extracted by melting pure gold, and eyes as blue as the sea. Really, he was a dazzlingly gorgeous man. Even though he had just entered the ballroom, his presence was overwhelming. Ines stared intently at the Duke of Sussex. ¡®Finally we met.¡¯ Trying to suppress the tension that was rising to the end of her neck, Ines clenched her fists. ¡®My divorce, my work, my life.¡¯ A person who could be the best helper in making all those things happen. The man was standing right in front of her. Meanwhile, the surroundings became noisy like a swarm of bees. ¡°Oh my God, the Duke of Sussex is here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s amazing, I know he rarely attends parties like this.¡± ¡°I think he came today because it¡¯s a New Year¡¯s party hosted by the royal family. Since he¡¯s the king¡¯s young brother.¡± Afterwards, the King and the Queen entered, and the New Year¡¯s party began. However, the main character of this party was definitely the Duke of Sussex. ¡°How are you, Duke?¡± ¡°I enjoyed the special article published by Elton magazine this time.¡± Surrounded by people in an instant, the Duke of Sussex smiled awkwardly. ¡°Oh my God, the Duke of Sussex!¡± Ryan, who approached Ines at the same time, whispered in a very excited voice. It was true. Because the Duke of Sussex was famous for choosing only geniuses to support them. All the artists supported by the Duke achieved considerable fame in the Empire. Hence the nickname ¡®The Gentleman Who Sees Gold.¡¯ ¡°I have to talk to the Duke somehow¡­ ¡­ !¡± Ryan couldn¡¯t get over his nervousness and chewed his lips. People surrounded the Duke almost like a wall, so there was no way to get close to him. And then. ¡°Ines?¡± Someone called Ines. It was a voice mixed with slight displeasure. Looking back, Charlotte stood there, adorned like a bouquet of red roses. ¡°What are you wearing?¡± (Charlotte) Charlotte looked at Ines up and down and wrinkled her forehead. ¡°I told you, you¡¯re much prettier when you wear plain clothes. What¡¯s with this fancy dress?¡± (Charlotte) ¡°Well, I prefer to dress as I like it more than to look beautiful to others.¡± Ines responded casually. Charlotte bit her molars tightly. ¡®What the hell is that reaction?¡¯ If it had been the usual Ines, she would surely have been terrified, not knowing what to do. ¡°Do I look that strange?¡± ¡°Well¡­ ¡­ It doesn¡¯t suit you.¡± After saying something like that, Charlotte would pretend to think about it for a while. ¡°I think it would be better if I fixed your makeup. Shall we go to the break room together?¡± That was how Charlotte always twisted Ines¡¯ mind and then they headed to the break room. After that Charlotte would fix Ines¡¯ makeup as light as possible and then came back out to the ballroom. Anyway, since Ines was the Countess of Brierton, one of the prestigious nobles, there were quite a few gentlemen who wanted to greet her politely. Then Charlotte would stand next to Ines and wait while showing off her gorgeous beauty in contrast to Ines. The gentlemen who greeted Ines would ask Charlotte for a dance, and from among them, she chose the man she liked. ¡°But Ines, that¡¯s¡­ .¡± (Charlotte) ¡°Actually, Charlotte, I got a compliment today from Baroness Wickham that I was beautiful.¡± Pretending to be shy, Ines continued speaking while dyeing both cheeks red. ¡°I had never received such a compliment before, and I am so glad to hear it for the first time.¡± ¡°¡­what?¡± ¡°I guess my taste isn¡¯t too bad. Right?¡± Charlotte couldn¡¯t help but keep her mouth shut. If she said ¡®Your taste is not good¡¯ here, it would mean Baroness Wickham, who praised Ines, was a liar. ¡°I had never received such a compliment before when I dressed plainly like Charlotte said.¡± Ines smiled mischievously. ¡°It¡¯s important to listen to others¡¯ advice, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s bad to dress according to my taste. After all, the person who knows me best is me.¡± ¡°Ines, what are you talking about?¡± At the same time, Ryan interrupted the conversation. ¡°Charlotte said it for your own good.¡± Ines narrowed her eyes and looked at Ryan. Aside from arguing over Charlotte¡¯s men issue, their close affection still remained. Seeing him take Charlotte¡¯s side like this. ¡°Do you think there is anyone who cares for you as much as Lady Jason?¡± (Ryan) ¡°Ryan.¡± (Charlotte) ¡°Do you really need to rebuke her in front of people like that? Huh?¡± (Ryan) (*this guy needs to be shot ????) Ines was dumbfounded. ¡®Now I see that Ryan has never taken my pride into account.¡¯ In the first place, Ines didn¡¯t rebuke Charlotte. How could her response to ¡®Your clothes are not good¡¯ with ¡®I want to wear them according to my taste¡¯ be rude? Wasn¡¯t Charlotte more rude when talking about someone¡¯s attire like that? But Ryan¡¯s voice only kept rising. ¡°You have the face of the Brierton, do you have to be so rude?¡± All of a sudden, the eyes of the people turned towards him. Ryan felt that gaze and stretched his shoulders. ¡®This is an opportunity.¡¯ (Ryan) Recently, Ines¡¯ behavior was strangely annoying. In order to turn her into the obedient wife as before, it was necessary to break her spirit in front of people like this. It was inevitable. Above all. ¡®In front of people, I have to show them how Ines cling to me desperately.¡¯ (Ryan) Otherwise, people would think he married into the Brierton and took the title without needing to work. (*Isn¡¯t it true? ????) Recently, Ryan has been gaining a lot of fame in the art world, so people gossip less than before. ¡®If I don¡¯t step on Ines like this, I¡¯ll never know how high she¡¯ll climb.¡¯ Ryan gave strength to his voice and continued speaking. ¡°Every time you act like this, you humiliate me more¡­¡­ !¡± But then. ¡°Oh my.¡± A gentle voice rang out. It was a beautiful voice. ¡°It seems that I came at a bad time.¡± Chapter 7 *** *** ¡°Ah!¡± Surprised, Ryan looked back. The Duke of Sussex, Enoch Fitzroy von Lancaster. The man who Ryan desperately wanted to try to speak with somehow was looking at him with a sullen gaze. ¡°The paintings that Count Brierton recently published are quite good, so I came here to say hello.¡± Blue eyes like the sea touched Ines for a moment, then turned to Ryan ¡°This is my opinion, but the Count, rather than the Countess, should give more consideration to the face of the family.¡± ¡°Ah, Duke.¡± ¡°No matter how intense your emotions may be, it¡¯s true that it¡¯s you who raised your voice at a banquet hosted by the royal family¡­¡± Enoch¡¯s eyes bent gently. ¡°I don¡¯t think that will help Count Brierton¡¯s face in any way.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Ryan¡¯s face was dyed bright red like a ripe tomato. At the same time, Enoch continued to speak softly. ¡°Besides, as far as I know, the beginning of the Count¡¯s achievements in the art world was your marriage to the Countess. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± (*Tell the little boy, Enoch! ????????) For a moment, Ryan froze on the spot. ¡°I believe that the Countess¡¯s help so far can be attributed to the considerable achievements the Count has shown so far.¡± ¡°That, that¡­¡­¡± ¡°Also, it doesn¡¯t look very good to treat your wife harshly like that in front of people, even if it¡¯s not for that reason.¡± ???????? After saying that, Enoch greeted Ryan with a slight wink of his eyes. ¡°Then have a good time.¡± Enoch excused himself just like that. Again people surrounded Enoch. Among those who were struggling to somehow get a glimpse of Enoch¡¯s interest. Ines looked at Enoch¡¯s back with widened eyes. ¡®He recognized my efforts.¡¯ Until now, no one recognized Ines¡¯ efforts. More precisely, she didn¡¯t even care at all. That may have made her even more clingy to Ryan. The time when she was desperately hoping that her beloved husband would smile, adapting herself to her husband¡¯s every move, taking into account his tastes, and even dedicating her whole life to Ryan. ¡®The Duke knows.¡¯ Somehow, her heart pounded, and Ines bit her lips gently. The first person who recognized Ines¡¯ existence. And now she¡­ ¡®I want to be recognized by His Highness.¡¯ As an independent artist with works containing her own signature. Not Count Brierton, but Ines Brierton. She wanted to be recognized. **** A cheerful waltz could be heard in the distance through the closed glass door. ¡°Ha..¡± Leaning on the balcony attached to the ballroom, Enoch let out a long sigh. ¡®I¡¯m tired.¡¯ Contrary to the splendid appearance of enjoying a party all night, in fact, Enoch didn¡¯t like a lot of people. In fact, the reason he attended this New Year¡¯s banquet was because of the request of his brother, the king. He couldn¡¯t overcome the King¡¯s nagging, so he attended, but he wanted to go back to the duke¡¯s house and rest. Enoch gently pulled the pocket watch out of his pocket. It was the time when he was judging whether he could leave the banquet hall without notice. ¡°Hello the Duke of Sussex.¡± A calm voice was heard. Enoch glanced back. ¡°Countess Brierton?¡± A woman with a graceful appearance like a snow-covered birch tree politely bowed to Enoch. At the appearance of a person he had never expected, Enoch looked somewhat startled. Ines Brierton. Since the Brierton was one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom, Enoch also knew a bit about Ines. Ines was the only heiress of the former Count, and was once called the kingdom¡¯s best bride. He heard that after marrying Ryan, she had been living a quiet life without even going outside. But what was strange was that after the marriage, the Count became a rising artist. In fact, there were not all artists who appeared like a comet like that, but usually famous painters who had been interested in painting since childhood. However, as far as he knew, Ryan had no interest in painting at all when he was young, but Ryan suddenly showed his genius by sweeping numerous art exhibitions. So Enoch guessed. ¡®Is it because he was able to focus solely on painting without having to worry about anything while marrying the Countess?¡¯ Of course, there were certainly some artists whose talents blossomed as the environment improved. But even if Viscount Gott was a somewhat poor aristocrat, he might be able to support his son¡¯s artistic talent..¡­ . Enoch, who had a questionable face for a moment, asked the question again. ¡°What are you doing here, Countess?¡± For a moment Enoch saw the green eyes that had been anxious like freshly bloomed buds quickly became sharp. Ines raised her head straight. ¡°The Duke of Sussex.¡± She seemed to choose her words for a moment, but then she looked straight into Enoch¡¯s eyes and asked a question. ¡°Do you know why my husband doesn¡¯t paint portraits of others?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°That¡­..¡± Ines clasped her hands to hide her tension. Her gloved hands were wet with cold sweat. ¡°It¡¯s because he can¡¯t draw.¡± For a moment, Enoch¡¯s eyes narrowed. Ines swallowed dry saliva and looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡®Did I succeed?¡¯ She had only one goal. To present a topic that will interest the Duke of Sussex as much as possible. ¡®At least¡­ he will be interested in my words.¡¯ Enoch had a great interest in art, and even found some artists to sponsor. Also, Ryan was a rising star that Enoch paid attention to. So if the Countess suddenly declared her artist husband can¡¯t draw, Enoch couldn¡¯t help but be curious. ¡®But I still don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll end in mere interest or turn into a deal that he will be willing to hold my hand.¡¯ Ines felt her mouth dry. After a moment of silence, Enoch answered. ¡°He can¡¯t draw¡­.¡± The dark blue eyes narrowed coldly. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°The paintings published in Ryan¡¯s name are not actually painted by him.¡± Ines continued, trying to keep her voice from trembling. ¡°There is a real artist who painted for Ryan.¡± ¡°Can you prove that?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines nodded and searched the bag she was wearing on her arm. Enoch looked at what she was doing, and what Ines had taken out of her bag. ¡®Notepad and pencil?¡¯ Enoch had a rather perplexed face. However, Ines¡¯ bizarre behavior continued. She laid a note on the railing and began to busily play with her pencil. The sound of the pencil rubbing over the square memo paper echoed for a long time. Then. ¡°Look.¡± Ines handed over the memo. On it was a drawing of Enoch¡¯s top half body of his face to his shoulders. Although the memo pad itself was small and could not be expressed in detail, it was Enoch¡¯s face and body characteristics. Above all. ¡®This strokes.¡¯ The strokes in which the sketch was drawn were very familiar. Ines asked the question again. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a style you¡¯ve seen before?¡± Enoch narrowed his brow slightly. ¡°Count Brierton?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines nodded her head resolutely. ¡°The Duke of Sussex probably knows it well. Portraits are the best ways to make an artist famous in a short period of time.¡± It was an effective work activity for the artist in many ways. Photography was still not very developed, and the fact that black-and-white photos were only occasionally used in newspapers. The most popular thing in this period was the portrait. Even in marriages between nobles, portraits were exchanged to understand each other, and besides, at least one family portrait was hung in the homes of nobles. Thus, portraiture was the most effective way for a painter to make a lot of money, and above all, it was the fastest way to get noticed by the aristocrats. But the rising star, the Count of Brierton, had never painted a portrait. People gave all kinds of compliments to Ryan like that. The eccentricity of a genius, the nobleness of a nobleman. People said that it was wonderful that he was not obsessed with money. ¡®Actually, that¡¯s not it.¡¯ Ines bit her molar teeth. ¡®He can¡¯t draw.¡¯ Portraits had to be drawn with a model in front of them. And the subject of the portrait could continue to check the process of the portrait being drawn. All the paintings that had been submitted under Ryan¡¯s name so far had been drawn by Ines instead. That was why Ryan couldn¡¯t paint a portrait. He feared that if he drew a portrait, his skills would be exposed. Chapter 8 *** *** ¡°Duke, did you not even think once that my husband¡¯s behavior was strange?¡± Enoch was silent for a moment as Ines¡¯s question was exactly what he had thought. ¡®It was definitely strange.¡¯ The fact that Ryan had nothing to do with painting as a child. And from marriage to suddenly starting to become famous. If Ines had painted on his behalf, all the puzzles fit together. Meanwhile, Ines glanced at Enoch, who was in trouble. ¡®Okay, that¡¯s enough.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t tell everything from the beginning. Doubts had already been provoked, and now it was time to give him time to think. ¡®The Duke of Sussex has a rational personality.¡¯ So the more he thought about it, the more he would come to realize that the current situation was suspicious. Ines took a step back and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the picture, so take a closer look.¡± Then she slightly lifted the hem of her dress and did a curtsy. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be waiting for your further contact, Duke of Sussex,¡± After saying those words, Ines turned around lightly. Enoch, who was looking at her distant back, called Ines. ¡°Countess Brierton.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Take it.¡± Enoch pulled something out of his pocket and held it out to her. Ines, who had taken it suddenly, had a surprised face. It was a luxurious handkerchief with delicate embroidered corners. Enoch continued to speak indifferently. ¡°You got graphite on your hands. Wipe it off before going in.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines choked up for a moment. Enoch, who had never had anything to do with her until now, noticed that her hand was covered in graphite and handed her a handkerchief. Ryan, who gained fame for Ines¡¯ paintings, never, never once¡­ ¡®No one had been this considerate before.¡¯ Ines, who was biting her lips gently, smiled faintly. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°It was nothing. Oh by the way, Countess Brierton.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Ines looked at Enoch with a puzzled face. Enoch suddenly asked a question. ¡°Does the Countess subscribe to Elton Magazine?¡± It was a bit of an odd question. Ines, who blinked both eyes, answered quickly. ¡°Yes, I read it every day.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Enoch nodded and continued to speak quietly. ¡°For the next week, I ask you to carefully look at the advertisements on Elton¡¯s page.¡± ¡°Yes? What do you mean?¡± Ines was bewildered, but the two had been alone for too long to answer the question. If anyone saw the two of them together, things could get a bit annoying. ¡°Then, Sir, I will go in first.¡± ¡±Yes.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ines, who asked for permission, quickly headed towards the banquet hall. Meanwhile, Enoch was captured by a strange feeling. ¡®¡­¡­that expression just now.¡¯ The expression of Ines as she bowed and said thanks when he handed the handkerchief. Somehow it seemed very sad. ¡®Why did the Countess have such an expression?¡¯ Minor facial expressions that he normally wouldn¡¯t have paid much attention to kept cluttering his mind. Perhaps that was why Enoch couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Ines, who was getting farther away. *** As soon as Ines entered the banquet hall, Ryan came to her. ¡°Ines, are you kidding me now?¡± Ryan, who glanced around, lowered his voice and became very annoyed. ¡°I mean, do I have to stand in the banquet hall stupidly because I don¡¯t have a partner?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines stared at Ryan. Although she had been gone for quite some time, Ryan was only considering his own face. ¡®If I was in Ryan¡¯s position, I would have asked why Ryan was away first.¡¯ ¡®No, I would have looked for where Ryan was in the first place and worried about his well-being¡­¡¯ ¡­ Ines realized once again that the magnitude of their feelings for each other was so different. Ines, who was biting her lip, answered indifferently. ¡°I had a headache, so I came outstretched to get some air.¡± She said so just in case Ryan was worried. ¡°Do you have a headache? Ha¡­¡± Ryan just clicked his tongue as if he was stunned. ¡®Yeah, I was stupid for expecting it.¡¯ Ines, who smirked briefly, asked Ryan. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you have a partner?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You danced with Charlotte for the first dance before. So I thought you would be with Charlotte.¡± Ryan, who was stabbed in the heart, shut his mouth. No matter how close Charlotte was to Ines, Ryan¡¯s legal wife was Ines. Nevertheless, Ryan always asked Charlotte to dance first. Ines spoke quietly. ¡°You always have a partner named Charlotte, so you didn¡¯t care where I went.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ No, that¡¯s¡­.!¡± Ryan was furious, as if he had been caught. In fact, it was because Ines¡¯ words were true. A while ago, long after Ines disappeared. Ryan and Charlotte didn¡¯t care about Ines¡¯ whereabouts at all, and they danced to several songs together. But there was a buzzing that grabbed their ears. After hearing the whispers, Charlotte pulled away from Ryan¡¯s side with a slightly embarrassed face. After breaking up with Charlotte, Ryan started looking for Ines. However, Ines wasn¡¯t there, and the atmosphere around him made me shiver for nothing. Then Ines was back just in time. But what she said to him was unexpected. ¡°I just want to go back, I¡¯m tired.¡± Ryan openly looked disappointed. ¡°No, already?¡± Ines stared at Ryan with a strange face. Even though she said that she had a headache and that she wanted to go home to rest because she was tired, he had no worries. ¡®You don¡¯t even care.¡¯ Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. ¡°There is no need to be disappointed. Why don¡¯t you stay by yourself and enjoy the party a little more?¡± (Ines) ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s an important party hosted by the royal family, I¡¯ll understand.¡± Ryan flinched. It was because he noticed the thorn embedded in Ines¡¯ voice. But. ¡°Okay, go home first and rest.¡± Ryan forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s a social life. You understand.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines, who took a glimpse of Ryan, left the banquet hall immediately. Ryan looked at her cold back as she left. ¡®Well, if Ines is angry, should I care?¡¯ Soon, Ryan shrugged inwardly. ¡®On the way home, I can just get her some flowers.¡¯ So, with a pleasant step, Ryan cut into the crowd. *** In the carriage back to the townhouse. Ines grabbed her chest and took a short, deep breath. It was because the tension was relieved later when she was alone. ¡®I can¡¯t believe I talked with the Duke of Sussex alone.¡¯ Of course to have her divorce, to recover the paintings she had drawn so far, she desperately needed the Duke¡¯s help. ¡®Still, I really didn¡¯t think I¡¯d have the courage to approach the Duke.¡¯ She remembered what Ryan and Charlotte told her every time. That stern, mocking voice. However, Ines managed to persuade the Duke of Sussex on her own. As proof of that, isn¡¯t there this handkerchief? Ines looked down at the handkerchief that Enoch had given her. A white handkerchief stained with graphite. Although it may seem insignificant to others, it was an item with special meaning to her. ¡®I can do it too.¡¯ That Ines had the courage. Evidence proving that she took the first step to regain her own life. ¡®¡­ Please, the Duke of Sussex needs to accept my proposal.¡¯ After staring at the handkerchief for a long time, Ines folded it neatly and put it in her bag. Then she looked out the window. The street lights were messed up outside the moving carriage. It was like her broken heart. ¡°Ha¡­¡± A long sigh escaped Ines¡¯ lips. Chapter 9 *** *** On the day of the New Year¡¯s banquet, Ryan naturally stayed out overnight. Ines, who normally would have been nervous, did not get angry or look for Ryan this time. ¡®Well, I knew this.¡¯ She just accepted it. After that, Ines summoned Mary, her personal maid. ¡°Mary.¡± ¡°Yes, madam.¡± ¡°When the Elton newspaper is delivered in the morning, bring it to me first unconditionally.¡± Mary had a puzzled face at the somewhat sudden command, but then nodded her head. ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Ines, who had sent Mary back like that, strengthened her heart. ¡®I will somehow get back everything that was stolen.¡¯ Dark green eyes gleamed coldly. ¡®Now the only hope is the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ Her life, her work. Everything. *** A few days later. Ines¡¯ eyes, which had opened the advertisement page of Elton newspaper like a habit, grew round. A small text in one corner of the advertisement page. Ines looked intently at each letter of the advertisement, as if trying to memorize it. ¡®If it was the night three days ago, surely¡­¡­ ¡¯ It was the day of the new year¡¯s banquet hosted by the royal family. Meeting the Duke of Sussex alone, she revealed the secrets of paintings that have been published under Ryan¡¯s name. Besides, the initial S¡­ ¡®It¡¯s the Duke of Sussex!¡¯ She was trying to avoid Ryan¡¯s eyes and contact him in some way, but she couldn¡¯t believe the Duke would put a message on the advertisement page. Ines, who was smiling brightly, got up. As she quickly changed clothes and put on light makeup, Mary became puzzled and asked a question. ¡°Madam, are you going out?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines looked into the mirror and smiled. Then, the maid turned bright and clinged to Ines ¡°It¡¯s a really good idea. Sometimes when you go out, your mood changes.¡± ¡°Thank you, Mary.¡± Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. Now, finally. It was time to go change her life. **** Enoch sat in the parlor, deep in thought. In front of him was an advertisement for Elton newspaper published this morning. ¡®I told her to pay attention to the ad, so she¡¯ll probably see it and visit soon.¡¯ Ines¡¯ dark green eyes that were shining brightly suddenly flashed in his mind. It was curiosity that moved Enoch now. Speaking of the Countess of Brierton, she was a lady with a high rank in the kingdom. She came to Enoch alone and spoke her opinion clearly even with a very nervous face. The desperation in that attitude was also desperation, but above all else. ¡®If Count Brierton really has the Countess as a substitute painter¡­..¡¯ For a moment, Enoch¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡­ Why didn¡¯t he think of it before? Perhaps, he thought that this evil may have existed a long time ago. Because of the conservative atmosphere of the kingdom, it was almost impossible for women and commoners to carry out artistic activities under their own names. However, so far, such matters had never been publicly discussed. That was because¡­ ¡®Because everyone was obsessed with the prejudice that women do not engage in artistic activities.¡¯ Even Enoch, who tried to think quite progressively, didn¡¯t think of it until he heard it from Ines. He couldn¡¯t even imagine the idea of ??¡±using a woman as a proxy artist¡±. But now Enoch listened to Ines and confirmed that such evil actually existed. Then. ¡®This is a deception for the kingdom and the art world on the entire continent.¡¯ Enoch thought that he could not just tolerate such evils. Just then¡­ ¡°Duke.¡± The old butler, who had been serving Enoch for a long time, spoke politely. ¡°Countess Brierton is here.¡± Why does she come right away as soon as I think about her? Enoch smiled and nodded. ¡°Bring her inside.¡± After a while. Ines, who appeared, politely greeted him. ¡°Hello, how have you been, Duke of Sussex?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been well. Countess Brierton?¡± ¡°Thank you for your concern, I¡¯ve been well.¡± we have had a good time.¡± Ines smiled softly. After looking at her for a moment, Enoch suggested a seat. ¡°Please sit down.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ines sat down without hesitation. The two looked at each other as if exploring each other. So what Enoch realized. ¡®It certainly doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s feeling discouraged or uncomfortable.¡¯ Rather, Ines was looking straight into Enoch¡¯s eyes. Most nobles were intimidated in front of Enoch, so this reaction was refreshing. ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ Enoch chuckled and finally opened his mouth. ¡°First of all, I want to praise you for telling me about this.¡± ¡°That means¡­.¡± ¡°I know it takes a lot of courage to mention this.¡± In an instant, a bright splendor appeared in the dark green eyes. Even Enoch knew what the light meant. It was hope. ¡°However, regarding what the Countess was talking about, I felt that a more in-depth discussion was necessary, so I contacted you.¡± ¡°I will listen.¡± ¡°Actually, I thought it was a bit odd too.¡± Enoch slowly leaned back on the leather sofa and continued. ¡°Despite the fact that Count Brierton is such a famous painter, no one has ever actually seen the Count in action.¡± His eyes, as deep as a lake, narrowed in deep thought. ¡°Of course, there is no reason to reveal one¡¯s own work process, but there¡¯s no reason to hide it.¡± Long, graceful fingers tapped the armrest of the chair. ¡°Obviously, if the Countess did the painting for him, I certainly understand why you didn¡¯t want to expose your work.¡± After doing so, Enoch raised his eyes and looked straight at Ines. ¡°Even if Count Brierton acts suspiciously, that¡¯s not why I should cooperate with the Countess.¡± In fact, it was half right and half wrong. Now that he found out about this, Enoch could somehow sanction Count Brierton, even for the sake of the kingdom¡¯s art world. It was a thought. But first, he needed to see if Count Brierton really made the Countess his substitute painter. ¡®Because the sanctions do not have to be in the direction of helping the Countess.¡± Enoch spoke calmly. ¡°So I think you should explain why I should help Countess Brierton.¡± Ines felt her lips dry out. ¡°¡­ I heard most nobles can¡¯t even talk in front of the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ In fact, facing Enoch, the pressure was great. ¡®But I have to overcome it.¡¯ Ines, who had made up her mind, looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes, and answered clearly. ¡°First of all, I know setting up a substitute painter is itself an act of corruption to the art world of the kingdom.¡± Enoch nodded slightly, confirming her words. Ines, who had gained strength from it, spoke quickly. ¡°So, the problem of proxy painters should be eradicated. But this is a principled and moral reason.¡± In an instant, her dark green eyes shone brightly. ¡°The Duke of Sussex will also benefit from this.¡± ¡°¡­what will the benefits be?¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex is the owner of Elton and a journalist. So why don¡¯t I provide you with an interesting article?¡± Ines continued to speak clearly. ¡°Why don¡¯t I give the Duke the exclusive right to report on the sequence of my husband¡¯s downfall?¡± For a moment, Enoch¡¯s eyes turned a different color. He thought she was just an innocent lady, but in a good sense, she was quite presumptuous. But apart from liking the answer. ¡°Hmm, the exclusive right to report.¡± As he pondered Ines¡¯s answer, Enoch tilted his head at an angle. ¡°Certainly, if the fall of the painter called the Hand of God¡­ It¡¯s a scandal worthy of Elton magazine.¡± Contrary to giving a positive answer, Enoch¡¯s eyes were still cold. ¡°Then what does Countess Brierton gain from the scandal?¡± Fortunately, that question had already been answered. A firm voice rang out. ¡°My life.¡± At that answer, Enoch¡¯s eyes changed for the first time. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live in my husband¡¯s shadow anymore. I¡­¡± Ines concluded the conversation resolutely. ¡°My life, my work, even my title. I want to get everything back.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Enoch was silent for a moment. ¡®She wants to get her life back.¡¯ He had never thought about it in that direction. The Kingdom of Lancaster was, in principle, a country in which women could inherit titles. However, how flimsy the principle was was clear when he considered how many women among the heads of noble families in the kingdom were. ¡®Women are counted among the three fingers.¡¯ Even so, these women were older and had the highest status in their families, a common trait. Chapter 10 *** *** That is, they were all widowed from their husbands. In the end, it means that women who have husbands take it for granted that they hand over their rights to their husbands. Even though they were the ones who actually inherited the family. ¡®So it¡¯s reasonable to start with a divorce.¡¯ However, it was difficult for women in Lancaster society to get a divorce. That was why Enoch liked the fact that Ines had the courage to come to him alone and persuade him. ¡®Interesting.¡¯ Enoch slightly raised the evaluation of Ines. But apart from that Enoch was taken aback by her words, or admired her highly. Enoch had not yet fully comprehended Ines¡¯s answer. ¡°It¡¯s an interesting answer, but it¡¯s hard to convince me of that answer alone.¡± So Enoch answered calmly. ¡°If you simply want to get your life and your paintings back, there is a more moderate way than a divorce.¡± ¡°A moderate way¡­..¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you, maybe it¡¯s better to talk to Count Brierton.¡± Ines¡¯ shoulders hardened. It was a sharp point that stabbed her lungs. ¡°If you want a divorce at the cost of ruining the Count, I think there must be a good reason. Isn¡¯t it?¡± At that question, Ines was silent for a long time. She thought about biting her lips, then bowed her head to avoid Enoch¡¯s gaze. The hands on her knees were full of strength. Enoch, who watched the scene silently, nodded. ¡°As expected, it is difficult to get an answer. I understand, because anyone can have a situation.¡± But the words that followed were as cold as ice. ¡°But I don¡¯t work with people who hide something from me. So¡­¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ My husband has never loved me.¡± Just then. A troubled voice came out from Ines¡¯s lips, with her head bowed down. ¡®What?¡¯ At the confession he had never expected, Enoch¡¯s eyes shook greatly. At the same time, Ines raised her head. A dry voice rang out. ¡°I have one close friend.¡± ¡°A close friend¡­¡± Enoch pondered for a moment. Since Ines made a bold proposal at the New Year¡¯s banquet, Enoch had collected some information about her. He learned that Ines had only formed very narrow human relationships until now. Her husband and her only friend. So it was easy to recall. ¡°Are you talking about Lady Jason?¡± ¡°Your Excellency knows too.¡± Ines smiled faintly. In fact, it would be even stranger not to know. Ever since they got married, Ines has lived with Ryan and Charlotte all her life. ¡°My husband loves Charlotte, not me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± An ice-cold silence passed. Enoch, who had not lost his composure throughout the conversation, had a very rare surprised face. Ines suppressed the feeling of being swept over her neck. ¡°Charlotte is also¡­¡± She had to admit with her mouth that her husband loved another woman. How miserable this was. Ines¡¯ smile grew a little darker. ¡°But, as Your Excellency is well aware, it is difficult to proceed with a divorce case with an affair.¡± ¡°Yes, I guess so.¡± Enoch narrowed his brow in agreement. The Kingdom of Lancaster was actually quite patriarchal and conservative compared to other countries. Older people must marry unconditionally, and the roles of men and women were clearly determined. Even if they asked for a trial because of the affair, the judge would convince them to get along well with their husbands again. Enoch thought cynically. Of course, there was an atmosphere in which infidelity itself was condemned socially, but that was all. The wives would be encouraged to accept their husbands tolerantly. ¡®Well, even my older brother who is the current king¡­¡­ ¡¯ He asked Enoch to get married every time, saying it was time. Enoch frowned involuntarily. At the same time, Ines, who had captured her emotions, looked at Enoch with a cold face. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to bury this fact as it is.¡± ¡°Then when are you going to expose it?¡± ¡°I plan to post it later as a follow-up article after my divorce is over.¡± At that deliberate answer, Enoch was a little surprised inside. At least the Countess Brierton didn¡¯t seem to have come here emotionally. Enoch confirmed again. ¡°So, are you saying that after the divorce is over, you are going to publish a follow-up article to fuel the scandal about the Count?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ines nodded calmly. ¡°I don¡¯t intend to let Ryan alone pay the price. Charlotte also deceived me , so both of them should pay the price.¡± Because Charlotte¡¯s long-standing dream was to find a good marriage and achieve a rise in status¡­So this scandal would be a great revenge. The fact that all of her husband¡¯s work was a lie, and that follow-up article about his messy private life as Elton¡¯s sole monopoly. Ines tilted her head and asked. ¡°I think it will attract a lot of interest from readers. Am I wrong?¡± ¡°I will not deny the words of the Countess.¡± It was not at the level of denial. The experience of working as a media executive for a long time was whispered to Enoch. If he posted these articles in a row, it was obvious that Elton¡¯s sales would be sky high. But. Enoch, who had chosen what to say for a moment, continued to speak cautiously. ¡°But, Countess Brierton, I am concerned about you.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. ¡°The moment this scandal is reported by Elton, the Count and Lady Jason, as well as the Countess, will be talked about for a while.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Your Excellency.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a bit difficult to say this with my own mouth, but Elton is a large newspaper subscribed to by more than 80% of the kingdom¡¯s residents. The impact is enormous.¡± Enoch, who was usually less talkative, rarely spoke long. That was why Ines was concerned. ¡°If the Countess had decided, I will not stop you any further. In fact, from the point of view of a businessman, this article is very catchy. But¡­¡­ ¡± Enoch ended his speech with a sigh. ¡°Before you make up your mind, I ask you to consider the wounds you will suffer. Ines became gloomy. Neither her husband nor her best friend ever cared about her. Only this man she met after returning to the past cared about her. ¡®It¡¯s really funny.¡¯ Ines, who was chewing on the soft flesh in her mouth, looked at Enoch with a firm gaze. ¡°I still want to.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Of course, from your point of view, I may look like a fool. I¡­¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not true.¡± Interrupting Ines¡¯ continued babble, Enoch shook his head at once. ¡°I never thought the Countess was a fool.¡± ¡®Now, what?¡¯ Ines doubted her ears. ¡°Unless the Countess lied to me, the Countess is just a victim.¡± But Enoch only shrugged his shoulders lightly. ¡°Whatever form the victim wants to take revenge, it is the victim¡¯s heart. It¡¯s not something I can argue with.¡± After answering that, Enoch asked a question in a businesslike tone. ¡°Anyway, the Countess hasn¡¯t changed your mind about publishing the article, right?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Ines nodded with strength. ¡°But it is a cross between whether the Countess is really the victim, or whether the Count and Lady Jason are innocent. It has to be verified.¡± All of a sudden, Enoch had returned to the cold businessman. ¡°So I will investigate Count Brierton and the daughter of Baron Jason separately.¡± Enoch tilted his chin and continued. ¡°The Elton only publishes certain facts. First of all, it is urgent to check whether the two are having an affair.¡± ¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯d like it too. Please investigate as much as you can.¡± ¡°Okay, then, let¡¯s put aside the Count¡¯s private life at this point, and talk about the most important issue.¡± Enoch looked straight at Ines. ¡°The paintings published under the name of Count Brierton were, in fact, all drawn by the Countess.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines did not avoid Enoch¡¯s gaze. Rather, she just stared straight at him as if she had nothing to be afraid of. Chapter 11 *** *** Enoch was strangely impressed with Ines¡¯s boldness. However, regardless of likes or dislikes about her, the work must be clearly identified and proceeded with. ¡°You showed me a pencil drawing the other day, but it¡¯s hard to tell the style of painting clearly with a palm-sized picture.¡± Of course, even with those small sketches, he could tell at a glance that Ines had a lot of skills. More precisely, he could notice that the lines coincided with the drawings that Count Brierton had published to the society. Still, Enoch wanted a more convincing proof. ¡°I have collected some paintings by Count Brierton. Still-life paintings and landscapes.¡± He collected paintings? Ines blinked her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to give you a still life, so you can paint the same picture.¡± Although his voice was soft, it was more of a command rather than a suggestion. For a moment, Ines felt it. If she did not pass this test, she would not get the Duke of Sussex¡¯s help. ¡°Of course, even if you look and draw, it would be difficult to draw the exact same picture. So I just want to confirm the style of painting.¡± After adding the explanation, Enoch got up. ¡°The items to be painted were placed in another room. Let¡¯s go together.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines also stood up with a tense face. Enoch, who was walking before Ines, looked back at her as if he had remembered something. ¡°Oh, by the way, there is something the Countess should know beforehand.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°If the Count has some knowledge of painting, the divorce case can be messy.¡± Enoch narrowed his eyebrows slightly. ¡°Because you two are a couple, there is room to argue that the style of painting is similar.¡± ¡°That¡­ .¡± Ines, who had been silent for a moment, gently curved her eyes. It was a clear smile. ¡°That probably won¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°How are you so confident?¡± ¡°Because it is an insult to me to compare mine to Ryan¡¯s crude paintings.¡± As if telling a very obvious truth, her voice was full of confidence. ¡°Ryan¡¯s drawings don¡¯t even match my heels, so you don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± ¡°I see.¡± It was an answer that might sound a bit arrogant, but strangely, Enoch wasn¡¯t offended at all. Rather. ¡®It¡¯s nice to see it.¡¯ Ines¡¯ confident face was quite pleasing to Enoch¡¯s eyes. *** Enoch showed Ines to a spacious, well-lit room. Sunlight poured in through the large window, and there was a table in the middle. A crumpled tablecloth on the table, various fruits scattered all over it, and even a porcelain water bottle with blue stripes. The appearance was all familiar to Ines. ¡°This¡­. ¡± Her dark green eyes widened a little. Needless to say, these objects were almost identical to the still-life props Ines drew before. Everything from the bright sunlight streaming in, it was like the scenery of the studio where Ines painted. ¡®In that studio, those still lifes¡­¡­ It was prepared only for Ryan.¡¯ A bitter taste filled her mouth. Ines tried to pretend to be okay, and looked back at Enoch, adjusting her expression. ¡°How come these things are so familiar? Did the Duke buy a still life with water bottles and fruits?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Enoch nodded and glanced to one side. ¡°Also, the painting I mentioned is over there.¡± Ines looked at her involuntarily, and softened her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see that painting in the Duke¡¯s townhouse.¡± It was a still life painting painted in watercolor. The places where the light entered were boldly left with white paper, and the other parts were colored with a lot of water to give a transparent feeling. ¡°Is that so? I really liked that painting from the first time I saw it. It¡¯s quite unique.¡± Enoch continued to speak while looking at the still life painting. ¡°In the Kingdom, oil paintings that express texture by layering paints on top of each other are the mainstream. However, the Countess was the first to use watercolor techniques, which were brought from abroad.¡± Was the Duke of Sussex really this talkative? Ines narrowed her eyes. Meanwhile, Enoch¡¯s words continued. ¡°And you don¡¯t mix white paint to control the concentration of the paint, you just control the color with water, right? I found the transparent color to be quite attractive.¡± The Duke¡¯s voice sounded strangely excited, perhaps she¡¯s mistaken? Ines looked up at Enoch with a puzzled face. Perhaps at the same time he felt her gaze, Enoch turned his head with a slightly embarrassed face. ¡®Oh, he¡¯s shy.¡¯ Ines tried to pretend she didn¡¯t know as much as possible, but in the end she couldn¡¯t stand it. ¡°Haha.¡± She just laughed out loud. Enoch opened his mouth as he was caught. ¡°Yes, I have to admit I was a bit excited. It¡¯s embarrassing when you laugh like that.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to embarrass the Duke on purpose.¡± Hmmm, Ines coughed briefly and cleared her throat. Ines moved closer to the chair and continued her explanation. ¡°In fact, watercolor painting is a very unfamiliar technique in the kingdom. If it weren¡¯t for my parents, I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°As your parents, are you referring to the former Count of Brierton?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ines nodded with a nostalgic face. ¡°My parents loved to travel when they were young. So they traveled around the world and that¡¯s how they were introduced to watercolor for the first time.¡± ¡°You have a story like that.¡± ¡°Yes. When I was young, my mother used to paint as a hobby, and I inherited that skill.¡± White hands picked up the apron hanging from the chair. After skillfully knotting the apron, Ines sat down. ¡°After my parents passed away, I left the brush behind for a while, then married Ryan and started painting again. I wanted to please Ryan. But¡­¡­ ¡± Ines couldn¡¯t finish her words and smiled awkwardly. ¡°Oh, I made such a useless noise for too long.¡± Ines, who muttered in a somewhat subdued voice, picked up a sharpened pencil. For a moment, Enoch was a little surprised. It was because the slender smile on Ines¡¯ lips disappeared in an instant. Instead, Ines straightened her back, stared straight at the white drawing paper on the easel, and started moving her pencil. Only the sound of the pencil lead rubbing against the drawing paper was heard. ¡®It¡¯s great.¡¯ Enoch was truly amazed. The present Ines did not seem to be aware of the surroundings at all. She was completely focused and immersed only in drawing. Ines, who finished the sketch with light lines and blurred shading, squeezed the paint straight into the palette. She never hesitated. As if she had already decided what kind of picture she was going to draw in her head, she moved the brush firmly. A long time passed. With his arms crossed, Enoch captured the entire process of Ines¡¯ painting with his own eyes. He couldn¡¯t help but to do that. The way Ines painted was ¡­ ¡®It¡¯s fascinating.¡¯ Because there was nothing but admiration. It was so overwhelming. Meanwhile. ¡°Oh my gosh.¡± Ines, who was in a trance, suddenly came to her senses. ¡°Sir, have you been standing behind me?¡± Ines looked back and made a puzzled expression. Enoch stood at an angle with his arms crossed, staring at Ines. On Enoch¡¯s face, which was beautiful like a sculpture, a red light came down. It was twilight. It meant the sun was already setting. ¡°How long has it been? Oh no¡­ ¡± Considering that she had been visiting since morning, at least ten hours had passed. Ines, not knowing what to do, got up from her seat in a hurry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did I stay too long?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Enoch shook his head and strode towards the still life painting. His blue eyes looked carefully at the still life. Ines carefully opened her mouth. ¡°The painting is still unfinished. It just needs a little touch¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s definitely the style of Count Brierton.¡± Enoch, who was examining the painting, declared. ¡°You can¡¯t paint in the same perfect style unless it¡¯s you.¡± Ines froze. If you have even the slightest bit of artistic aptitude, even an ordinary person without such literacy will recognize it. ¡°The ones who doubt this must be fools.¡± Enoch said and looked at Ines. Then he suddenly held out his hand. It was asking for a handshake. Chapter 12 *** *** ¡°I got to know a wonderful artist. I hope we¡¯ll get along well.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines looked down at the extended hand for a long time. And. ¡°Yes, I look forward to your kind cooperation. Your Excellency.¡± Holding his hand, Ines smiled brightly. It was a pure smile without a single speck of lies. Enoch, who was staring at that smile, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°You know what, Countess Brierton?¡± To Ines who tilted her head, Enoch spoke playfully. ¡°This is the first time the Countess has such a bright smile.¡± ¡°¡­is that so?¡± Ines touched her lips without realizing it. Her lips, touched by the tip of her finger, drew a large arc. ¡°Iknow, right. I¡¯ve never smiled so much¡­.¡± Ines nodded with a feeling of relief ¡°Thanks to the Duke, I¡¯m smiling after a long time.¡± And Enoch. Somehow, he felt like he was caught off guard. He couldn¡¯t even guess what this feeling really was. His brow slowly narrowed. *** Enoch personally took Ines to the front door. ¡°Go back carefully.¡± ¡°Have a restful night, Duke.¡± After saying goodbye, Ines, who was just about to get on the carriage, suddenly turned around. ¡°Oh, I forgot.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Ines rummaged through the bag, then took out a handkerchief and handed it to Enoch. It was the handkerchief that Enoch lent her at the New Year¡¯s ball the other day. ¡°I was really grateful then.¡± Ines, who smiled brightly, got into the carriage. In the open window, Ines bowed her head once more and the carriage began to run. Enoch glanced down at the handkerchief. A faint scent drifted from it. It was the scent of Ines. Enoch looked down at the handkerchief for a while, then smiled and folded the handkerchief and put it in his pocket. It was a strange pleasant feeling. ¡®I¡¯m very satisfied with this deal.¡¯ He had to admit it frankly. He didn¡¯t expect much at first, but surprisingly, he was offered a very attractive deal. In fact, the ¡°fame¡± that Ines offered as consideration was already an overflowing element for Elton magazine. Because Elton was the kingdom¡¯s leading media company, it had a solid readership, and it had a strong financial base. But the fact that Countess Brierton, who was as pretty as a flower in a greenhouse, made such a proposal. It was very interesting. Furthermore. Countess Brierton had never been in politics, so she probably didn¡¯t know¡­There was a benefit that Enoch gained by helping Ines. That was, moving away from unwanted political attention. Edward, the current King and the older brother of Enoch, was the eldest son of the previous king and the perfect member of the Lancaster family. But there was a time when Edward¡¯s throne was threatened. That was when Enoch was still a young boy. ¡°Even though Prince Enoch is young, he is so outstanding, wouldn¡¯t it be okay to delay Prince Edward¡¯s appointment as Crown Prince?¡± ¡°Yes. I think we can make a decision after Prince Enoch grows up a little more.¡± Some aristocrats gathered and argued. It was unknown if they really wanted Enoch to take the throne, or if they were talking nonsense like that to keep the Lancasters in check. However, it was true that young Enoch suffered extreme stress in the meantime. Enoch had no intention of seizing his beloved brother¡¯s throne, and caused him trouble. However, the previous king was determined to make Edward the king even if he was worried about the siblings, and he thought the problem would be closed like that. Nevertheless, the nobles persisted. Even if Enoch tried to live his life without paying attention to politics as much as possible, the nobles kept chasing Enoch from time to time. ¡°Duke of Sussex, isn¡¯t it time for you to slowly enter politics?¡± ¡°Anytime, just say it, we are always waiting for you.¡± In that way, they secretly formed a faction centered around Enoch and tried to keep the king in check. So Enoch was determined to help Ines. ¡®A divorce lawsuit is filed by Countess Brierton, one of the most prestigious families in Lancaster.¡¯ The reputation of Count Brierton, a rising newcomer to the kingdom¡¯s art world, was, in fact, achieved by establishing the Countess as a substitute painter. He knew better because he was a journalist himself. Those topics were provocative enough to catch the public¡¯s attention at once. If Elton addressed those topics and revealed that Enoch also supported it. The nobles who tried to appease Enoch somehow would also die down. Because there¡¯s nothing more blatantly showing Enoch¡¯s lack of interest in politics than being absorbed in other things. Because of this, Enoch had already made up his mind to help Ines. If he could add one more sympathy¡­ The Countess of Brierton was a genius. So far, he had paid great attention to the art world, and had discovered and supported some of the artists on his own. He had seen the paintings of many masters and developed artistic skills. He prided himself on having good eyes. But no one had ever fascinated Enoch so much. It was true that he felt sorry for Ines¡¯s personal circumstances, but more than that, the reason made Enoch move in earnest was¡­ ¡®I can¡¯t let this genius wither away, hidden in the shadow of the Count.¡¯ It was because he thought that it would be a great loss to the art world of the kingdom in itself. ¡®For now, let¡¯s see if what the Countess said is true.¡¯ Enoch gathered his thoughts and went back to the house. But apart from that expressionless face, Enoch¡¯s heart was running fast with the excitement of meeting a new genius. **** Late in the evening, Ines entered the townhouse of Brierton. ¡°Madam, you¡¯re here!¡± The maid walked over and welcomed Ines. Taking off the coat and handing it over to the maid, Ines asked a question involuntarily. ¡°What about Ryan?¡± It was a question that had been etched into her mind all her life, almost like a habit. At that question, the maid was instantly stunned. ¡°That¡­ He hasn¡¯t come back yet.¡± As if she had done something wrong, the maid looked disappointed. However, Ines spoke casually and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t make that face, because I didn¡¯t think he would come back in the first place.¡± To be precise, it was a question that came out almost reflexively, but she felt a little sorry for the maid making that kind of expression. ¡®But, it¡¯s good that Ryan is away every day, so I can go around freely.¡¯ Ines was thinking positively like that. Ines looked at the maid looking at her with a sad expression on her face. ¡°Madam¡­ ¡± ¡°I¡¯m hungry. What¡¯s for dinner?¡± When Ines asked with a bright voice, the maid quickly changed her expression. ¡°Oh, you haven¡¯t had dinner yet? Wait a minute, I¡¯ll give the kitchen news¡­¡­ ¡± But then. Thump! ¡°Huh, Count?!¡± Along with the sound of someone falling down loudly, the confused voice of the attendant rang out. Surprised, Ines and the maid looked back. They caught sight of Ryan, very drunk, lying on the floor. Ryan, who was shaking his head violently, looked up at Ines with sullen eyes. ¡°Ines?¡± Ines, who looked down at Ryan with an amazing gaze, opened her mouth. ¡°Is it time to wander around drunk like this¡± ¡°No, woman! If you have a social life, you will be like this¡­¡­ !¡± Ryan raised his voice to rebuke. He drank so much that even his tongue was twisted. (*what a loser) Taking a deep breath, Ines walked closer to Ryan. ¡°Wake up, don¡¯t bother others.¡± Ines, who was shooting like that, wrinkled her brow. It was because there was a strong smell of alcohol that made her head dizzy. And there was¡­ ¡®The smell of perfume.¡¯ It was a woman¡¯s perfume. A deep rose scent that could be clearly felt even in the smell of alcohol was strong. Ines bit her lip and spoke to the servants. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but can you move Ryan to the bedroom?¡± ¡°Yes, madam.¡± It was only after two servants put strength together that they were able to lift up Ryan. But Ryan¡¯s words didn¡¯t end there. ¡°Ah, let go of this!¡± Ryan, who got drunk to the top of his head, was taken to the bedroom after a long struggle. Feeling a throb in her head, Ines touched her temple. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I don¡¯t have the face to see you.¡± ¡°No. Madam.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± The servants who answered that way had their faces and clothes all in a disarray from dealing with Ryan¡¯s struggles. Chapter 13 *** Ines entered the room. Ryan had completely lost consciousness from drunkenness and was stretched out on the bed. ¡°Zzzzz, kaaaa!¡± He snored loudly and coughed as if his throat was blocked. The appearance was horrendous. Ines, who had been staring at Ryan for a while, reached out and turned his collar down. At the same time, her dark green eyes narrowed. ¡°Ha.¡± Ines let out a short laugh. On the collar of the shirt, red lipstick marks were clearly visible. It was Charlotte¡¯s. **** A few days later. Enoch was going through a lot of papers. What was contained in those documents was Ryan¡¯s female history, and the many women he is currently interacting with. ¡°How can you be so shameless when you¡¯re having an affair.¡± Enoch let out an absurd laugh. It seemed that Ryan made very little effort to hide his affair in the first place. It wasn¡¯t really a great investigation, but a lot of evidence came out. Ryan had openly invited high-end waitresses to spend a debauched time, and a huge amount of money was spent in all kinds of pubs. And. ¡®Baron Jason¡¯s daughter.¡¯ In the black-and-white photo, Charlotte proudly held his arm as if she was Ryan¡¯s wife. As Enoch looked at the photo, the voice of Ines, whom he had met the other day, kept ringing in his ears. ¡°¡­ My husband has never loved me.¡± That calm voice that had no expectations for her husband. When she realized that she had never been loved by the man she had decided to be with for the rest of her life. Was it the feeling of despair at that time? ¡®I can¡¯t even imagine.¡¯ However, Ines decided to start a fight at the risk of ruining her own reputation. So, Enoch could only guess that it must have been very painful for her. But Enoch knew. The seemingly helpless Ines, given a very small opportunity, could sparkle dazzlingly. Dark green eyes concentrating on the painting greatly, and hands moving without hesitation. The appearance was very¡­ ¡®It was beautiful.¡¯ For the first time, Enoch learned that a person who was passionately immersed in something was very beautiful in itself. Perhaps it was because Enoch had hardly ever been so immersed in anything himself. Ines¡¯s image kept lingering in his mind. ¡®Anyway, the cross-check to see if Countess Brierton¡¯s statement is true is almost complete.¡¯ As a result, there was not a single lie in Ines¡¯ words. Then. ¡®I¡¯ll keep my promise too.¡¯ Enoch rang the bell and called the old butler. ¡°Did you call me, Duke?¡± ¡°I¡¯m thinking of holding an art exhibition, so please prepare for it.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir.¡± It was a rather sudden command, but the old butler was not surprised at all and nodded his head. Because Enoch¡¯s orders always had a reason. ¡°The name is¡­ Hmmm.¡± Enoch grinned. It was a smile as sharp as a blade. ¡°Artists of Sussex, that would be enough.¡± Well, it wasn¡¯t really that surprising so far. Because Enoch had a history of supporting artists several times already. But the next moment. A shocking statement fell from Enoch¡¯s mouth. ¡°And for this art exhibition, make sure that works are accepted equally regardless of age or gender.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± For a moment, the old butler doubted his ears. It was also because there had never been a precedent for women to submit paintings to an art exhibition before. Of course, there was no legal prohibition against women from engaging in artistic activities. But in reality it was different. This is because there was a widespread perception that women should take care of the family, and in fact, even women themselves could not give up the idea that ¡®isn¡¯t it a bit unusual¡¯? Because of that, so far, there had been very few works of art published under women¡¯s names¡­. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± At Enoch¡¯s question, the old butler quickly shook his head. ¡°No, sir.¡± The old butler swallowed dry saliva. Through this art exhibition, he felt like there was going to be a major upheaval. *** When the news of the Duke of Sussex was opening an art exhibition, Lancaster¡¯s social circle was turned upside down. Everyone¡¯s eyes lit up with anticipation. ¡°The Duke of Sussex is holding an art exhibition?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this kind of event hosted by the Duke quite rare?¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯m already looking forward to it¡­¡­ .!¡± The reason the Duke of Sussex opens an art exhibition is to discover and support promising artists. The subject of the entries was freedom. Anyone who wanted could submit a work to the art exhibition regardless of gender or status, but among the numerous works, very few works could be included in the art exhibition. ¡°The jury, including the Duke of Sussex, selects them himself, right?¡± ¡°I heard that too. All the painters in the kingdom are eagerly submitting their work.¡± ¡°Besides, the benefits are enormous. The artists who made it to the art exhibition are directly sponsored by the Duke.¡± When people gathered, all they talked about was the art exhibition of the Duke of Sussex. ¡°He even named it ¡®Artists of Sussex¡¯.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this proof that the host, the Duke of Sussex, attaches great importance to this art exhibition?¡± But the backlash was not entirely absent. The biggest backlash came from the Royal Arts Association, a gathering of established artists. ¡°Let¡¯s say that¡¯s the status quo, the common people didn¡¯t get a proper education anyway, so they couldn¡¯t draw, it will be difficult to exhibit.¡± ¡°No matter how they draw it, they won¡¯t be able to get up to the real level of the art exhibition.¡± Starting with such arrogant remarks. ¡°But how can you post a woman¡¯s painting?¡± ¡°Of course, ladies also learn to draw, but isn¡¯t that just about learning it as a culture?¡± ¡°If you are a lady, you have to take care of your family, and if you are a lady from a good family, you should take bridal classes and prepare to become a wise hostess.¡± ¡°It is questionable whether or not he really possesses great knowledge as an artist.¡± The established artists have put up a vein around their neck like that. ¡°This is my opinion, but I have a feeling that the Duke of Sussex has pushed ahead with the art exhibition a bit too much this time.¡± ¡°How can women who are busy caring for the house submit their paintings?¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather give other artists who haven¡¯t been noticed yet more opportunities¡­.¡± In the midst of such skepticism, there was one of the loudest of all. ¡°Ines, did you hear me?!¡± It was Ryan. Ryan was now sitting in front of the dinner table that Ines had prepared. The silver candlesticks cast a soft light, and the freshly cooked food emitted warm steam. But Ryan didn¡¯t even touch the food. Instead, he sat in a chair with an arrogant posture and looked at Ines. ¡°I said that the Duke of Sussex is holding an art exhibition. Ines, did you hear that too?¡± At that excited voice, Ines, who was slicing the steak elegantly, glanced up. ¡°I heard you. Why?¡± ¡°You know you shouldn¡¯t be this calm, right?¡± Ryan asked in a voice full of excitement. However, Ines only looked at Ryan with an indifferent face. Ryan spoke again. ¡°It¡¯s an art exhibition hosted by the Duke of Sussex, not anyone else.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°So?!¡± Enraged, Ryan raised his voice. ¡°You know how influential the Duke of Sussex is on Lancaster¡¯s art world, right?¡± ¡°I know, I know.¡± Ines shrugged lightly. ¡°But I don¡¯t know what that has to do with me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you remember what my mother said?!¡± Ryan gasped. ¡°She said that if your husband does well, then you do too! This art exhibition is an opportunity for me to become better!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± It was absurd. Viscountess Gott. Ryan¡¯s mother and the current hostess of the Gott family. And she would always tell Ines¡­ ¡°If my son does well, then you do well too, okay?¡± Once upon a time, Ines believed it to be the truth. Ines, who had lost her parents early on, was very weak against the gentle affection of an elder. ¡®All those mouthfuls were for Ryan in the end. How stupid I was.¡¯ Shaking of her own stupidity, Ines put a piece of steak in her mouth. Swallowing food, she swallowed the anger with it. On the other hand, Ryan was arrogant, as if he was representing the entire art world. ¡°But it¡¯s unique. Why did he give an opportunity for women to participate¡­.?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Taking care of families is women¡¯s happiness and joy.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I think the Duke of Sussex is still unmarried and doesn¡¯t know much about these matters.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The complaints went on without end. Ines, who had lost her appetite, was wondering if it would be better to stop eating at this point. ¡°So, Ines.¡± At the same time, Ryan, who struggled to calm his excitement, spoke to Ines. ¡°I need you to draw this entry.¡± It was not a request, but an order. Chapter 14 *** *** Ines looked at Ryan with an expressionless face, and there was still no answer. Irritated, Ryan began to gently soothe Ines. ¡°Ines, will you draw me? Yes?¡± Undoubtedly, if Ines does not draw a picture, he will not be able to exhibit at that art exhibition. ¡®This is a God-given opportunity!¡¯ What a chance to be noticed by the Duke of Sussex! Ryan, who was imagining a rosy future, bit his molars. He must not miss this opportunity. Even if he had to go out of his way to convince Ines. Ryan tickled Ines in annoyance. ¡°Why don¡¯t you answer me, did you even listen to me?¡± At the same time, the tip of Ines¡¯ lips twisted. She put the fork down loudly. Clank! Surprised, Ryan looked at Ines. ¡°Ines?¡± ¡°You know what, Ryan?¡± Ines stared at Ryan with a cold gaze. ¡°This is the first time since last month that you had dinner with me.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Ryan couldn¡¯t hide his embarrassed face. ¡°That, you know. If a man has a social life, he may not be able to come home.¡­ ¡± ¡°So, in the midst of such a busy social life, do you come home early only when you ask for a favor?¡± Ryan felt speechless. Ines sighed deeply and shook her head. ¡°I guess it is.¡± He was surprised by Ines¡¯s cold response, and began to beg Ines like a child. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re not going to draw it for me?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Ines, huh?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I will come home earlier from now on. Yes, we¡¯ll try to eat together once a week..¡± It was just pathetic to see him fuss. Besides, the only way to convince her was to eat ¡®once a week¡¯. ¡®How funny I look.¡¯ Ines, who was biting her lip, pretended not to win. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± ¡°Thank you, Ines!¡± Facing Ryan¡¯s brightly lit face, Ines thought to herself. ¡®Thank you? It¡¯s a trap I set myself to bring you down.¡¯ ¡®Thank you so much, Ryan.¡¯ ¡®Because you crawled into the trap yourself.¡¯ Ines smiled softly. It was a smile like a sharp blade. **** After that. Ines met Enoch once more. ¡°Ryan asked me to draw a picture for the art exhibition.¡± Their plan was simple. They would exhibit the paintings in the names of Ryan and Ines at the same time, and leave the judgment to the public. Naturally, both paintings would be drawn by Ines. The confusion caused by the two identical paintings had been decided to be published exclusively in Elton. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it will be quite a scandal. ¡°Yes, I think so.¡± Enoch, who clicked his tongue briefly, asked a question carefully. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a burden?¡± This art exhibition had been attracting a lot of people¡¯s attention even before its opening. Among them, female artists also submitted their work. There was a lot of talk about Enoch. If Ines submitted a picture in that situation. Even in the process of the entry, the emerging artist Count Brierton¡¯s substitute painter would be revealed. If it was known that the substitute painter was Ines¡­.She would certainly be engulfed in great controversy. Ines let out a short sigh. ¡°Actually¡­ ¡­ ¡­ It would be a lie if I said it wasn¡¯t burdensome.¡± But for a while. Dark green eyes shone resolutely. ¡°Still, it¡¯s what I want to do.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s to get my life back, I can bear this. No, I must endure it.¡± Enoch looked at Ines with wide eyes. In the last few days, there was something that Enoch realized while dealing with Ines. Outwardly, Ines was just a weak lady, but surprisingly, she had a strong heart and boldness. ¡®It¡¯s really different from me.¡¯ Whether it was political affairs or expectations of Enoch in aristocratic society. Unlike himself, who tried to avoid everything, Ines did not hesitate to confront any problem. It¡¯s amazing, it¡¯s unique, it¡¯s a little bit¡­.. ¡®Respectful.¡¯ Enoch nodded quietly. ¡±I see. Great.¡± ¡°Thank you. I would not have even had this opportunity without the Duke¡¯s help.¡± Ines smiled brightly. That smile somehow remained in Enoch¡¯s sight like an afterimage. Enoch made an official proposal out of the blue. ¡°If you need a separate place to paint, I will support you.¡± Then Ines shook her head. ¡°Thank you for your consideration, but it¡¯s okay. I can manage it myself.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be a bit cumbersome to find a place where you could completely avoid Count Brierton¡¯s eyes?¡± To Enoch¡¯s worrying question, Ines confidently answered. ¡°I also have somewhere in mind. Do not worry.¡± ¡°You have something in mind. So you already decided what to paint?¡± ¡°Yes. I want to draw the scenery of Hwabang street.¡± ¡°Hwabang street?¡± Enoch was a little surprised by the unexpected answer. Hwabang Street. It was a street where all kinds of art galleries, small art dealers, and boarding houses where poor artists mainly rent were gathered. However, Ines was one of the highest nobles in Lancaster. Normal aristocrats rarely go to the commoners¡¯ district, so he thought Ines wouldn¡¯t visit there either. However, Ines had a rather puzzled face and only looked at Enoch. ¡°You can buy art supplies on Hwabang Street.¡± ¡°Ah, Countess directly purchases the painting tools from the art shop?¡± It must be so, because ordinary nobles tend to send servants to buy necessary items. However, Ines only shrugged her shoulders lightly. ¡°Yes. I feel comfortable looking at the things I will be using.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Enoch swept his chin awkwardly. Whenever he talked to Ines, he kept getting caught off guard. But strangely, instead of feeling bad¡­it was interesting. Enoch stared at Ines. ¡°Since I go back and forth often, it¡¯s a bit fun to see the streets.¡± Ines smiled softly and added more. ¡°And, Ryan hates going in and out of the streets of commoners, saying it¡¯s vulgar, so there¡¯ll be no encounter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s certainly true.¡± ¡°Yes. So, I¡¯m going to rent a room there and use it as a temporary studio. There are also boarding houses on Hwabang Street.¡± Ines, who had been chatting with excitement for a while, suddenly made an awkward face. ¡°Oh my God, the Duke is probably not interested in it. I was so excited that I kept talking about it.¡± ¡°No. It was interesting because it was the first time I heard of it.¡± Fortunately, Enoch did not have a boring face. Ines, who was relieved inwardly, asked to be excused. ¡°Then can I get up first?¡± ¡°Are you leaving already?¡± ¡®Oh, that¡¯s weird.¡¯ Ines blinked her eyes. Somehow, the Duke of Sussex seemed to be disappointed. ¡®Am I mistaken?¡¯ ¡®Ha, it¡¯s because I¡¯m too sensitive.¡¯ Ines, who shook her head inwardly, answered. ¡°Ah, I was thinking about renting a studio after leaving here.¡± Enoch jumped up to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll take you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Ines doubted her ears. However, Enoch only looked at Ines with a dignified face. ¡°Come to think of it, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been outside Langdon.¡± ¡°Oh ¡­ ?¡± ¡°I am ashamed that even though I am a member of the royal family of a country, I wasn¡¯t too interested in the lives of ordinary people.¡± At the words that flowed out like a clear stream, Ines¡¯s mind became dizzy. ¡°So I would like to visit it with the Countess. Of course if you feel uncomfortable¡­..¡± ¡°Oh, no!¡± Ines, who came to her senses, hurriedly waved her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go together! Your Excellency is so considerate, how can I refuse?¡± ¡°Aha, thank you.¡± Enoch smiled with a bright face. Ines, who had been staring at Enoch for a long time, pouted her lips and murmured inwardly. ¡®Really, the Duke has a surprisingly mischievous side.¡¯ Anyway, the two headed for the market in a carriage. Chapter 15 *** *** The capital of Lancaster, the outskirts of Langdon. Hwabang Street was located in the corner of the commercial district where mainly commoners come and go. The boarding houses were close together, and the colorful signs poor painters drew in lieu of food and lodging expenses. And even art galleries dotted around the streets. Enoch looked around with a curious face. ¡°It¡¯s definitely very different. It feels like their lifestyle is very different from ours.¡± Ines, who was walking ahead with a light gait, glanced back and smiled. ¡°That¡¯s why I really like it here. The atmosphere itself is very free, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It certainly is.¡± Enoch nodded. No matter how far the aristocratic district and the commoners district were, they were in the same Langdon district. It was surprising that the atmosphere was so different. Meanwhile, Ines, who was walking around the street familiarly, entered one of the art stores. A middle-aged woman wearing an apron welcomed Ines with a bright face. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Ines? It¡¯s been so long since I saw you.¡± ¡°How are you?¡± Ines also greeted the woman casually. Enoch, who was watching this, made a slightly surprised face. ¡®Did the woman just call the Countess as Ines just now?¡¯ Apparently, the owner of the art store did not know the true identity of Ines. At that moment, Ines glanced back at Enoch. ¡®I¡¯m sorry, but please work with me.¡¯ After showing a slight wink, she turned back to the owner of the store. There was a twinkle in Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡®By the way, the Countess is very friendly even with commoners.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t it quite different from Ryan, who seemed to have created aristocratic supremacy as a human being? Meanwhile, Ines continued talking to the owner. ¡°I stopped by because I ran out of paint. And I want to see some brushes..¡­ ¡± ¡°Oh, then, come this way. A new brush just arrived, and I am proud of the quality.¡± The owner of the art store guided Ines to a place where various brushes were displayed. Ines examined the brush meticulously. ¡°What kind of hair is this brush made of?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Dambi¡¯s hair.¡± ¡°Hmm, is there anything else?¡± ¡°Other than that, there is weasel hair¡­¡± While they were having a conversation like that. ¡°By the way, Ines, who is that gentleman?¡± The owner of the store lowered her voice and asked playfully. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the first time Ines has visited an art studio with a man? Is he your lover?¡± ¡°Ah, no. He¡¯s an acquaintance¡­¡± Ines, who had answered that way without thinking, suddenly took a breath. ¡®Ah, the Duke is here too! I was so obsessed with the brush that I made him wait too long!¡¯ Astonished, Ines raised her head. At the same time, Enoch¡¯s eyes met hers. ¡®Uh¡­¡¯ Ines, who had only licked her lips, closed her eyes tightly. Enoch didn¡¯t seem particularly angry, but you never knew! Ines looked back at the owner of the art store. ¡®Oh, I can¡¯t live!¡¯ ¡°Please wrap the brush with this.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± While the store owner went to pack the brushes, Ines, who approached Enoch at a slow pace, apologized with an apologetic expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was too preoccupied with the brushes.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Enoch shook his head and asked a question. ¡°Then are you going to see the studio now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines nodded her head. ¡°No, Ines. Are you going to rent a studio on the street?¡± The store owner, who had just packed and brought the brush, interrupted the conversation. ¡°In that case, the upper floor of my store is empty. What do you think?¡± ¡°Ah, upstairs?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s on the 5th floor and it gets a lot of sunlight and it¡¯s nice. It was my son¡¯s room, but he¡¯s going to school now. So it¡¯s empty.¡± The store owner smiled mischievously. ¡°Don¡¯t go and sign a contract for a strange room from a stranger, huh?¡± ¡°Well¡­ ¡­ ¡­ I¡¯ll take a look and decide.¡± ¡°Okay. I¡¯m sure Ines will like it.¡± The store owner answered confidently. And it was true. ¡°How is it, isn¡¯t it great?¡± The store owner who brought Ines and Enoch into the room upstairs looked proudly at Ines. Ines, who was examining the room, smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes, the room is good.¡± First of all, the room was quite spacious. It was enough to have all kinds of art supplies. Among them, the thing that Ines liked the most was the large window in the front of the room. Ines approached the window lightly and glanced out the window. ¡°Wow.¡± For a moment, Ines gave a brief admiration without realizing it. It was because the scenery of Hwabang Street was clearly visible through the window. Roads stretching out like a spider¡¯s web, dense buildings, and free-spirited places where artists gathered. All of those things Ines liked. ¡°Great.¡± Ines, who had made up her mind, looked back at the store owner with a bright face. ¡°I will sign a contract for this room.¡± **** After finishing the contract with the store owner, the sun was set. ¡®Well, I think I had a good time, but¡­¡­ ¡¯ Ines glanced sideways at Enoch. Enoch was, however, a busy man. The only younger brother of the current king and the only duke of the empire. The reason why his name shone was because of the numerous operations under his name. ¡®Of course, it is true that the Duke said that he would follow me first, but shouldn¡¯t I have been more sensible?¡¯ Ines was sweating like that inside. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I think I took too much of your time today, Your Excellency.¡± Enoch smiled and spoke to her. ¡°Today was a lot of fun.¡± ¡°What?¡± Ines, who was reflexively apologizing, widened her eyes. ¡°Well, it would be nice if that was the case.¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious. So, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± ¡®I¡¯m so sorry though!¡¯ Ines, who felt sorry inwardly, suddenly found a sandwich shop across the street. Sandwiches made with baguettes were famous, and Ines herself bought it several times while going to the art gallery. ¡®Yes, this is it!¡¯ In an instant, Ines turned to look at Enoch with a bright face. ¡°Do you happen to like sandwiches?¡± ¡°¡­Well, I don¡¯t hate it.¡± Enoch answered the sudden question with a puzzled face. As soon as she heard Enoch¡¯s answer, Ines quickly walked to the sandwich shop. The shop owner, who had been selling sandwiches for a while, met Ines and greeted her with a friendly face. ¡°Oh my God, isn¡¯t that Ines?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while, how have you been?¡± Ines said hello and bought two baguette sandwiches. Then she hurried back to Enoch and showed him the sandwich. ¡°You wasted a lot of time because of me today, so this is my small return.¡± Ines quickly handed the sandwich to Enoch¡¯s hand. ¡°The sandwiches here are really good. You can trust me.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Enoch was a little stunned. At the same time, Ines sighed and looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think the Duke has ever bought a sandwich on the street, right?¡± ¡®Why on earth am I doing this?¡¯ ¡®The Duke of Sussex can¡¯t eat a sandwich on a street like this!¡¯ Ines criticized herself inwardly. Enoch nodded with his eyebrows raised slightly. ¡°Are you going to replace my day with a sandwich? This is a bit too much.¡± ¡®No, I didn¡¯t ask you to come with me, did I?¡¯ Ines felt a little unfair. But even so, she was the one who was excited today and dragged Enoch here and there. Ines, who felt depressed, opened her mouth. ¡°Well, then, give me back the sandwich. I will find something worthy of Your Excellency¡¯s day.¡± ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t say I¡¯d return it.¡± Enoch retorted playfully, unwrapping the sandwich with his long fingers, and taking a savory bite. Ines looked at Enoch, as if possessed. He was like a painting even eating a sandwich on the street like that. Enoch who chewed the sandwich, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s just that this isn¡¯t enough.¡± ¡°¡­So what should I do?¡± To Ines¡¯s blunt question, Enoch answered sensibly. ¡°Let¡¯s do this. When this is all done, the Countess will reclaim the title of Count of Brierton¡­..¡± In an instant, Ines stiffened. When she is completely divorced, she will recover the title she had handed over to Ryan. However¡­. ¡®Really, I¡­ Will I be able to reclaim the title of Count of Brierton?¡¯ Chapter 16 *** *** Ines clenched her fists at the tension that swept through her body. Facing such Ines, Enoch smiled brightly. ¡°Buy me dinner when it¡¯s over.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± At the unexpected suggestion, the atmosphere became lighter in an instant. Enoch added sarcastically. ¡°For now, I will close my eyes and accept this sandwich.¡± Ines looked at Enoch with dissatisfied eyes for a long time. Then she pouted and mumbled. ¡°Your Excellency seems to have a very, very mischievous personality.¡± ¡°Did I sound like I was kidding? I¡¯m serious.¡± For a moment, Enoch asked with a serious face. In the end, it was Ines who raised the white flag. ¡°¡­ All right, I¡¯ll treat you to the most delicious dinner in the world.¡± ¡°You promised.¡± Only after hearing that confirmation did Enoch put on a satisfied face. Ines glanced at Enoch. ¡®Still¡­ You must be considerate of me.¡¯ Until earlier, she was gripped by vague fears about whether she could really get a divorce. Thanks to Enoch¡¯s playful words, it seemed that the worry had faded a bit. Just then, Enoch suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to your house.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± The two ate sandwiches side by side and walked to the carriage. Ines, who had a slightly lighter heart, continued to speak softly. ¡°Still, this sandwich is quite delicious, isn¡¯t it? In fact, every time I went to the art studio, I bought it¡­.¡± Enoch looked at Ines. Walking around, eating on the side of the road, listening to a Lady¡¯s trivial stories. In fact, Enoch could never have imagined it. For Enoch had lived his whole life as a royalty, and had a natural aristocratic life like breathing. Nevertheless. ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ A small smile appeared on Enoch¡¯s lips. This time spent with Ines, he liked very much. Maybe that was why Enoch asked an unexpected question. ¡°May I visit the Countess¡¯s studio once in a while?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± At the unexpected words, Ines widened her eyes. Unknowingly, Enoch added words as if making excuses. ¡°I just want to see how the painting progresses.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Only then Ines looked relaxed. ¡°Well, in the first place, this would not be possible to accomplish without the help of the Duke. So feel free to come and look.¡± Ines clenched both fists with determination. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will not let you down.¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean that¡­¡­ .¡± Enoch, who was reflexively trying to deny his words, narrowed his eyebrows. ¡®But why am I making excuses?¡¯ They were in a contract relationship. Ines promised to bring a scoop to Elton, and Enoch would use it to help her future divorce proceedings. Enoch hoped to further enhance the reputation of his newspaper by reporting the scoop exclusively in Elton. Also, the basis of all of this was Ines¡¯s paintings, so it was natural to check whether her paintings were progressing well. But somehow¡­ ¡®Isn¡¯t it like I have a crush on the Countess?¡¯ Thinking about that, Enoch smirked. ¡®It can¡¯t be.¡¯ Perhaps it was because the contract with Ines was such a big deal, so he was a bit nervous. Enoch shook off his useless thoughts. **** Returning to Brierton¡¯s residence, Ines met a rather unwelcome person. It was Ryan who came home early for some reason. ¡°Where the hell have you been and just come back now?¡± Ryan leaned on the sofa and looked at Ines with his eyes wide open. ¡®The sun must have risen in the west today because Ryan is already home.¡¯ Ines asked, narrowing her brows. ¡°Seeing you at home at this hour, it must be a big deal. Aren¡¯t you busy today?¡± ¡°Hmmmm, hmm!¡± Ryan, whose conscience was stabbed, coughed a couple of times in vain before answering. ¡°Hey, I came early to have dinner with you. We decided to eat together once a week, didn¡¯t we?¡± Ines¡¯ eyes narrowed. Ryan, who had secretly looked into Ines¡¯ eyes, hurriedly added words. ¡°Well, and I¡¯m a little curious about the progress of your painting¡­ .¡± ¡®I knew it.¡¯ Ines laughed briefly. In the end, Ryan returned home early not to spend time with Ines, but it was because he was curious what she would paint. Ines answered in a cold voice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m thinking about the theme.¡± ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Despite that blunt answer, Ryan¡¯s face brightened up. Ines continued, leaving her coat to her maid. ¡°And I went out for a while thinking about what to draw. I was a little more worried because the theme of the art exhibition was freedom.¡± After saying it like that, Ryan hesitated and asked a question. ¡°I see. Are you tired? Then dinner.¡­ .¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡®¡­ of course you don¡¯t really care if I¡¯m tired or not.¡¯ Ines, who was staring at Ryan, turned around. ¡°My head hurts thinking about the picture, so I want to take a break. You eat alone.¡± ¡°Oh, I will. Good luck, Ines.¡± As a courtesy, he could have at least told Ines to eat some food. But Ryan simply nodded with satisfaction. Ines went into the bedroom, suppressing the feeling of stuffiness as if stones had filled her chest. Click. The door was closed. ¡°¡­ ha.¡± At the same time, Ines let out a long sigh. Perhaps it was because she had just returned from meeting Enoch, and she kept comparing the actions of Enoch and Ryan. Enoch had noticed that Ines¡¯ heart was complicated and tried to solve it with a light joke. And as soon as he met her, Ryan asked what the painting would be like. Isn¡¯t their mindset so different? ¡°You are a worse husband than anyone else.¡± Ines put her hand on her forehead and let out an empty laugh. *** About a month left until the art exhibition. Ines had been painting while going back and forth to the studio in Hwabang Street. Since she had to complete two paintings at the same time, the time was a bit tight. Also, Enoch faithfully kept his word. He kept coming to the studio and checked how the painting was progressing. Meanwhile, Enoch also got to know the owner of the art store. ¡°Are you here?¡± At first, the store owner was hesitant because of Enoch¡¯s unique grace, but now she was used to him. The store owner glanced at the ceiling where Ines¡¯ room was located and spoke to Enoch. ¡°Ines has been drawing and skipping meals. ¡°¡­Is that so?¡± Enoch narrowed his brow. ¡®If the Countess Brierton can¡¯t paint, everything will go to waste.¡¯ It¡¯s good to draw, but she should take care of her own health first. It seemed that Ines had developed a bad habit. It was the habit of painting continuously once she got immersed in it. ¡°It seems that she¡¯s going to present her painting at the art exhibition of the Duke of Sussex. Painting is fine, but it will hurt her body.¡± The store owner clicked her tongue as if dissatisfied. That was how Enoch went to Ines¡¯s room, carrying food in both hands. Knock. Knock. Knock. After knocking on the door, he waited for a while, but there was no answer. Enoch narrowed his brow and grabbed the doorknob. ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡± Click. The door opened easily, as if it wasn¡¯t locked in the beginning. Enoch, who had entered the room, immediately froze on the spot. ¡®This¡­¡¯ The red color of the setting sun shining through the spacious window was burning the room. In the middle were two easels side by side. A bucket of water on the floor, a palette of paints. And Ines was sitting as if to rule everything in the room. While roughly wearing an apron that was stained with paint, she played the brush with delicate movements. Now, she was completely immersed in the painting and seemed to be unaware of anything. It was the first time. To that person, to the air surrounding that person, to the landscape that someone was looking at. A feeling of being devoured and overwhelmed enveloped Enoch. Like. ¡®Isn¡¯t it magical?¡¯ Enoch felt his mouth dry out. Creak. Suddenly, there was the sound of the chair legs being dragged on the floor. Perhaps she wanted to see the whole picture. Ines, who got up from her seat, took a step back and stared at the two paintings. She tilted her head and observed the paintings, and then she walked back to the paintings and started playing with the brush again. Strangely enough, Enoch couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the back of her at all. It felt as if he was possessed by something. Enoch reflexively clenched his fists. Then. ¡°Huh?¡± At the same time, Ines felt a presence and looked back. Chapter 17 *** *** As soon as her eyes met Enoch¡¯s, Ines was shocked. ¡°Oh my gosh! Why didn¡¯t you make a sound and come in!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± At the surprised voice, the overwhelming atmosphere that had enveloped the room completely disappeared. Enoch took a deep breath and answered. ¡°I¡¯ve already knocked twice and asked for permission to come in.¡± ¡°Oh, did you?¡± In response to that answer, Ines became sullen and apologized to Enoch. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I sometimes can¡¯t hear any sounds around me while I¡¯m drawing.¡± ¡°It can happen if you focus. I understand.¡± ¡°Even the last time Mrs. Land called me five times and there was no answer, and she was so annoyed. Oh, and Mrs. Land is the name of the owner of the art store.¡± Ines, who was rushing to make excuses, pointed to the paper bag Enoch was holding. ¡°By the way, what do you have in your hand?¡± ¡°Food.¡± ¡°Food?¡± At the completely unexpected answer, Ines hardened. ¡°I heard from Mrs. Land, and she said that you often skip meals when you paint.¡± ¡°Oh¡­.¡± ¡°So I bought a few goodies.¡± Enoch pulled the table, opened the paper bag, took out items one by one. Cheese, various fruits, meat pie, a bottle of juice, and Ines¡¯ favorite baguette sandwich. He even brought tableware. Ines, who was looking at the food being prepared in an instant, asked Enoch. ¡°So, are you afraid that I will skip meals?¡± ¡°Then would I buy this much food for no reason?¡± Enoch shrugged and skillfully cut a piece of meat pie and set it on a plate. Then he pushed the plate in front of Ines. ¡°Have some.¡± ¡®Come to think of it, I don¡¯t think anyone has ever taken such good care of me.¡¯ For she had always been taking care of Ryan¡­Feeling overwhelmed, Ines bit her lip. ¡°¡­¡­ thank you.¡± Saying thanks, Ines raised the fork. When she cut the meat pie and put it in her mouth, she could taste the savory taste of the cooked meat and the crispy crust. Meanwhile. ¡®Huh?¡¯ Ines felt the gaze staring at her. When she looked up, she saw Enoch looking at her with a somewhat nervous expression on his face. And then he asked in a low voice. ¡°Does it suit your taste?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I bought it from a place with a good reputation, but if you don¡¯t like it, please feel free to tell me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± It felt like someone had hit her hard in the head. Ines, who was a little dazed, smiled at Enoch. ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s delicious.¡± At the answer, Enoch looked closely at Ines¡¯s face. Then he narrowed his brows and said, ¡°Don¡¯t lie.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°People don¡¯t usually look like that when eating delicious food.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Confused, Ines blinked both eyes. Reflexively, she raised her hand and touched her lips. Even though she was smiling, her lips hardened with many emotions. ¡°Really, it¡¯s delicious. I just¡­.¡± Ines, who hesitated, spoke. ¡°It¡¯s just a little strange.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Nobody in my life¡­¡­ Even my husband, Ryan.¡± It was as if someone had blocked her throat with a large stone. Ines struggled to talk. ¡°No one ever took my taste into consideration, so that¡¯s why.¡± ¡°Countess Brierton.¡± ¡°Except for my parents, the Duke was the first.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. It was a sad smile. ¡®The one who took my taste into consideration.¡¯ Enoch, who looked at Ines with a complicated feeling, answered calmly. ¡°In the future, I will pay more attention.¡± ¡°Ha, I didn¡¯t mean to burden you.¡± ¡°There is no pressure. It¡¯s just that I want to care.¡± In response, Enoch poured orange juice into a clear glass and gave it to Ines. ¡°Here, have some more.¡± ¡°Your Excellency, don¡¯t you eat? I don¡¯t want to eat alone.¡± At Ines¡¯ mischievous push, Enoch also raised the tableware. Seeing that scene, Ines¡¯ heart ached once again. ¡®What if it was Ryan?¡¯ No, Ryan wouldn¡¯t eat with her. It was lucky if he didn¡¯t scold her. Ines, who had been thinking about that, tried hard to brush off her thoughts about Ryan. If she had a sullen face, Enoch would think it was strange. In that way, she returned to her usual form. ¡°So, today Mrs. Land¡­¡± The voice that chattered about the little things she had been through was cheerful. Enoch listened quietly to the story. Occasionally, he nodded his head or clapped in sympathy. But in the meantime, Enoch¡­. ¡®Except for my parents, the Duke is the first.¡¯ ¡®The person who took my taste into consideration.¡¯ Ines¡¯s weak voice did not fall from his ears. It was like a small thorn stuck under his fingernail. *** It was about a week away from the art exhibition. Finally the painting was finished. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Enoch looked at the paintings and was truly amazed. At that praise, Ines made a relieved face. ¡°I¡¯m glad you liked it.¡± Each of the two paintings contained the scenery of the Hwabang street. In the sense of a series, one was the morning landscape and the other was the evening landscape. The splendid colors of the twilight that seemed to be on fire stood out exceptionally. ¡°It¡¯s like a series.¡± ¡°I did it on purpose to give it that kind of feeling.¡± Hearing Enoch¡¯s murmur, Ines smiled mischievously. ¡°So that other people can immediately wonder when they see it.¡± ¡°Well, if that was the intention, it was perfectly successful.¡± ¡°It is comforting to hear that the Duke, not anyone else, has said that.¡± Ines shrugged and began to wrap a painting in wrapping paper. Enoch, who was watching the scene, tilted his head and asked. ¡°Is there any reason to even wrap it up? If you leave it to me, I¡¯ll take it to the art exhibition on my own.¡± At that question, Ines paused and stopped her hands. After such a long silence, Ines turned to Enoch with an awkward smile. ¡°Still¡­.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Ryan¡­¡­ he might be wondering¡­¡± The hand that gripped the wrapping paper slowly gained strength. ¡°¡­What kind of picture I painted.¡± There was a glimmer of hope in that voice. Ines believed that at least her husband would be interested in her artistic achievements. She wanted to put her hopes on Ryan¡­ ¡°¡­.¡± The moment he noticed that small expectation, Enoch felt his mood sink. ¡®Why do I feel so bad all of a sudden?¡¯ It had been a very pleasant feeling until recently, but it was strange. Enoch frowned involuntarily. At the same time, Ines looked down at the wrapping paper she was holding in shock. ¡°Oh, this. The wrapping paper is all wrinkled. It¡¯s a waste.¡± The crumpled wrapping paper was like the love she had dedicated to Ryan. Ines felt her heart ache. It felt so bitter, Ines didn¡¯t even notice. The fact that Enoch was looking at her like that. *** That evening. Ines returned to the townhouse with the wrapped painting. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Are you here, madam?¡± The maid greeted Ines with a bright voice, but she did not have a happy face. As soon as she saw that dark expression, Ines noticed it right away. ¡°Ryan hasn¡¯t come home yet, right?¡± ¡°Oh, Madam. That ¡­ ¡± The maid, who had licked her lips to answer something, bowed her head, not knowing what to do. Ines stared at such a maid with a sad heart. Ryan, who seemed to be paying attention to Ines at first, had been going out for the past few days. Still, she thought he¡¯d be home early today. Because she told him in advance that she would bring the painting to show him. ¡®It¡¯s stupid.¡¯ Until earlier, the picture she was holding felt so light. It was too heavy now. ¡®What the hell did I expect?¡¯ Ines laughed at herself. ¡®Did I really think Ryan would be interested in my paintings?¡± In fact, she herself knew. Ryan was not interested in her art world, but only the fame that her paintings brought. Just at that moment, the maid, who found the package of paintings in Ines¡¯ hand, hurriedly held out her hand. ¡°Madam, give me that package. I will take care of it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Ines shook her head and turned around. ¡°I¡¯ll just go in and rest, take care of Ryan when he gets home.¡± ¡°Yes, I will.¡± Facing the back of Ines, who was moving away, the maid looked down and bowed her head. ¡°Poor lady¡­¡± The eyes of the maid staring at Ines were full of sorrow. Chapter 18 *** *** Ryan came home the next day, late in the morning when the sun was in the middle of the sky. ¡°Ines¡­?¡± Ines, who was having breakfast, raised her gaze slightly. Ryan rubbed his haggard eyes and walked closer to Ines. As the distance between her and Ryan got closer, the stench of alcohol stung her nostrils. ¡°What about the painting?¡± There was no apology for staying out without a word. At the attitude of asking only for his own business, Ines wrinkled her brows involuntarily. ¡°I have already applied in your name.¡± ¡°Oh, well done Ines!¡± Ryan¡¯s smiling face suddenly turned pale. ¡°Ugh!¡± It was because he drank too much the night before, and his stomach was churning. Ryan covered his mouth and ran to the bathroom. ¡°¡­¡± Ines, who was looking at his pathetic back, quietly set the tableware down. There was no way she could have an appetite after seeing that. After a while. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m dying.¡± Ryan staggered and came back. Ryan, who pulled the chair across from the dining table and sat down, snapped at the maid. ¡°Ah, it hurts. Go and get something!¡± ¡°Yes, Count.¡± The maid, who retreated with a troubled face, brought him honey tea, which was good for relieving a hangover. Ryan, who drank the honey tea, set the teacup down on the table with a bang. At the same time, Ines asked a question. ¡°By the way, Ryan.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious what kind of picture I drew?¡± It must be so, wasn¡¯t it a painting that was applied in Ryan¡¯s name? If Ines was in Ryan¡¯s position, she would have taken a look at the painting before it was turned in. However, Ryan seemed to have no intention of checking the painting at all. As proof of that, Ryan¡¯s face was full of wonder. ¡°Why should I be curious about that?¡± Ines was momentarily speechless. Ines, who was staring at Ryan with a surprised expression, replied back. ¡°It¡¯s a painting submitted in your name. Shouldn¡¯t you at least know what kind of picture you drew?¡± ¡°Well, Ines, you must have done well. Is that right?¡± Ryan shrugged his shoulders and stood up, scratching his head. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m tired from staying up last night. I need to get some sleep.¡± So Ryan left his seat. Looking at his back, Ines bit her lip. ¡®It¡¯s okay, Ines. There is no need to be hurt again.¡¯ In fact, Ryan had always been like that. The pictures she drew were just a tool for Ryan to win the envy and fame of the people. But now. ¡®That painting will be the most effective weapon to attack you.¡¯ Ryan¡¯s ignorant remarks hurt her heart, but someday it will be okay. Ines comforted herself that way. **** So, finally, it was the opening day of the art exhibition. Ines left the townhouse early in the morning. It was to visit the art exhibition in time for the opening. The Duke of Sussex¡¯s art exhibition will be held by renting a permanent exhibition hall owned by the royal family. In fact, renting the royal pavilion itself was a great thing. The Royal Pavilion was basically only the art works of masters or artists belonging to the Royal Art Association, no matter how he was the current king¡¯s only brother, exhibiting works in such a place, regardless of newcomers and established artists¡­ ¡®The Duke is amazing.¡¯ As Ines admired Enoch inwardly. ¡°Oh my gosh.¡± At the crowded scene that unfolded before her eyes, Ines blinked in bewilderment. Because carriages of high-ranking people lined up around the exhibition hall. This may be because the Duke of Sussex¡¯s art exhibition was a hot topic in the social world¡­¡­ . ¡®Still, I didn¡¯t think there would be so many people.¡¯ At the ominous feeling that invaded her body, Ines let out a painful sound in her mouth. ¡®I think it will take quite some time to get into the exhibition hall.¡¯ But then. Knock. Knock. Someone knocked on the window of her carriage. ¡°Yes?¡± Ines looked out the window with a puzzled face. A young man was standing outside the carriage, looking at Ines. ¡°Are you the Countess of Brierton?¡± Judging by the well-dressed uniform, it seemed that he was an employee belonging to the exhibition hall of the royal family. Ines nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex has sent me. It¡¯s very crowded here, so I¡¯ll take you in separately.¡± At those words, Ines blinked blankly. ¡°The Duke¡­¡± Come to think of it, she had said something in passing. But. ¡®He remembered that and placed a staff in place in advance? ¡­ for me?¡¯ Enoch always gave unexpected attention to detail. ¡­ Unlike Ryan. ¡°Countess of Brierton?¡± At the same time as the voice of the staff calling her, Ines came to her senses. ¡°Oh yes. Let¡¯s go.¡± With the help of the staff like that, it was only after a period of hardship. Ines was finally able to set foot in the exhibition hall. As soon as she entered the lobby, the whole room was noisy as if it was a beehive. ¡°Did you see those paintings?¡± One of the ladies couldn¡¯t hide her surprise and opened her mouth. ¡°Count Brierton had submitted a painting this time!¡± In an instant, Ines clenched his fists in exultation. ¡®I succeeded!¡± ¡°Why is it the same painting under Countess Brierton¡¯s name?¡± ¡°I mean, I thought it was a series, right?¡± ¡°By the way, did the Countess know how to paint?¡± Not only the ladies, but also other visitors seemed to have doubts about the paintings. ¡°Or did Count Brierton paint two paintings and submit them in his name and in his wife¡¯s name?¡° ¡°But it¡¯s strange. There is no need to do such a cumbersome task, is there?¡± Everyone was talking, so the whole lobby was noisy. Meanwhile, One of the spectators found Ines standing at the entrance. ¡°Oh my God, Countess Brierton?¡± ¡°I beg your pardon? Is the Countess here?¡± ¡°Where, where is she?¡± People¡¯s eyes turned to Ines in an instant. Ines stopped, bewildered. Of course, getting people¡¯s attention was her goal, but¡­ Still, the situation itself was burdensome to see so many people looking at her with harsh eyes. Some even looked at her with reproaching eyes. ¡°I see that the paintings of the Count and the Countess are similar.¡± Someone opened their mouth with a shrill voice. ¡°But even so, how can a noble lady submit a painting?¡± ¡°She has to protect and take care of the family.¡± ¡°Besides, the Brierton is one of the most prestigious in the kingdom.¡± ¡°You mean that the hostess of such a family did not take into account the issue of damaging the dignity of the family?¡± Gossip whispers seem to cut through Ines¡¯s body with knives. Her shoulders shudder at the rush of tension. But for a while. ¡®It¡¯s okay.¡¯ Ines took a short deep breath. ¡®It¡¯s far better than being betrayed by Ryan and Charlotte, ridiculed and insulted all my life.¡¯ Her eyes, which had been blurred for a moment, became sharp. Ines, clenching her fists, straightened her back and looked straight into the eyes of the audience. ¡®Because I already knew that people wouldn¡¯t give me the reaction I wanted.¡¯ No matter how crazy people were talking, Ines did nothing wrong. She didn¡¯t do anything shameful, so why should she back down? ¡®Above all, this¡­ It¡¯s my choice.¡¯ To reclaim her work, her life. There was a gleam in her eyes. Ines approached the audience confidently with a dignified step. ¡°What, what?¡± ¡°I thought she would be discouraged¡­.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not ashamed at all, is she?¡± On the contrary, the audience was somewhat perplexed. But then. ¡°Countess Brierton.¡± A smooth voice called for Ines. The people quickly turned their heads towards the source of the voice, and then their eyes widened. ¡°The Duke of Sussex!¡± It was Enoch. Enoch, who immediately focused people¡¯s attention, approached Ines with an elegant gait. As he moved, people retreated like waves. At last Enoch stood before Ines. Then his eyes bent gently. Chapter 19 *** **** ¡°I am very happy that the Countess has come to my art exhibition.¡± It was as if he was encouraging Ines to cheer up, saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be discouraged by people¡¯s eyes.¡± In addition to the greeting, Enoch gently lifted Ines¡¯s gloved hand. Smooch. Ines felt a light kiss on the back of her hand. Basically, it was a gentleman¡¯s courtesy to a noble lady. But the people were astonished and looked at Enoch and Ines. ¡°Ah, did you just see that?¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex¡­ ¡­ !¡± Even so, that etiquette also had a different meaning. That¡¯s right, ¡®the respect for those below.¡¯ The nobles of the Kingdom of Lancaster took an oath of allegiance by kissing the back of the king¡¯s hand. Therefore, although it was basically a ritual for a lady and a gentleman, it wasn¡¯t the duty of a high-ranking person to a subordinate. Enoch had never taken this example except for his older brother, the king and queen. That meant. Enoch showed everyone how much he respected Ines by his actions. ¡°Oh, Duke?¡± Ines herself was even more surprised and looked up at Enoch with surprised rabbit eyes. Enoch parted his lips softly. ¡°Thanks to the paintings submitted by the Countess, my art exhibition is very popular.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s my honour.¡± Ines, who swallowed dry saliva, answered. In fact, it was difficult just to keep her voice from shaking. ¡®What should I do, I¡¯m so nervous I feel like I¡¯m about to collapse!¡¯ In the first place, Ines had never received the attention of so many people at once. Was it like that at the debutante party that felt far away now? Besides, the person who has paid tribute to her now was Enoch von Lancaster, the one and only Duke of the kingdom! ¡°Let¡¯s go. I will guide you myself.¡± Was that all? Enoch naturally escorted Ines into the exhibition hall. Ines had to work hard not to stumble as her whole body was stiff. ¡°Countess, I won¡¯t eat you.¡± At the same time, an evil whisper was heard. ¡°So there is no need to be so nervous.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Enoch looked down at Ines, shining his dark blue eyes playfully. Ines narrowed her eyebrows without realizing it. ¡°Are you telling me not to be nervous? In this situation?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you not to be nervous.¡± When Ines lowered her voice and asked back, Enoch responded sarcastically. ¡°I said there was no need to be nervous.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what¡­¡­ !¡± Ines, who was furious, suddenly looked at a place in the exhibition hall as if possessed. Two paintings hanging in the distance. Painted at different times in the same place, under the names of the Brierton couple side by side. Countless people were standing in front of the paintings that looked like a series of works. ¡°You mean Count Brierton and the Countess drew these paintings?¡± ¡°It seems like the work of one person is too much for that to be true¡­.¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s a married couple, should they draw the same thing?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit strange?¡± People had doubts about Ines¡¯ paintings. Staring at that figure, Ines felt a lot of emotions intersect. It was the first time. Showing pictures to everyone in the name of ¡®Ines¡¯ rather than ¡®Ryan¡¯. Just then, Enoch went one step ahead. People who had been observing the paintings for a long time looked back in surprise. ¡°Most of you here probably know, but let me introduce again.¡± ¡°Oh, Duke?¡± Surprised, Ines looked up at Enoch. But Enoch only spoke calmly. ¡°This is Countess Ines Brierton. Also¡­¡­ ¡± Enoch glanced at Ines. Their eyes met. It was hard for Enoch to take his eyes off her dark green eyes. Those dazzling eyes, sparkling with a passion for art. Gently looking into those eyes, Enoch continued. ¡°She¡¯s also the creator of this beautiful painting.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± All the spectators were staring at Ines as if frozen. Enoch, who took his gaze away from Ines, opened his lips lightly as he faced the audience. ¡°Please pay attention to this outstanding artist I just discovered.¡± The moment Enoch¡¯s words fell. As if by magic, the spectators began to move like magic. The spectators each asked questions to Ines with curious faces. ¡°Is that really what the Countess Brierton did?¡± ¡°The style of painting is very similar to that of the Count, so what are the paintings that the Count has submitted so far?¡± Hearing the countless questions pouring in, Ines felt her heart swell. Finally, she took the first step out of Ryan¡¯s shadow. As proof of that, everyone was looking at her. Ines, not Ryan. **** ¡°Ahhhh!¡± As the colorful lace curtains were removed, the bright sunlight dazzled into the room. It had been a long time since the sun had risen high already. Ryan wrinkled his forehead angrily and crouched down. ¡°I guess I drank too much yesterday.¡± It felt like someone was banging his head with a hammer, so Ryan bit his molars, making a painful noise. ¡°Ugh¡­.¡± ¡°Oh, no! Ryan! Ryan!¡± But he was just about to go back to sleep again. Someone shook him, who was fast asleep, to wake him up. Ryan tossed and turned under the covers. ¡°Ugh, what?!¡± ¡°Look at this, it¡¯s a big deal!¡± Regardless, Charlotte held the newspaper in front of Ryan¡¯s nose. It was an article from Elton. ¡°What¡¯s the matter¡­?¡± Ryan, who was nervously blurring the end of his words, opened his eyes wide for a moment. It was because the headline that was embedded in the top of the newspaper caught his eyes. ¡°Hey, what the hell is this!¡± Ryan raised his voice like a scream and snatched the newspaper from Charlotte¡¯s hand. The content of the newspaper was truly speculative. ¡°Ines, this is¡­ ¡­ ?!¡± Ryan gritted his teeth. Charlotte looked at Ryan worriedly. ¡°Ryan, what should we do?¡± ¡°What the hell, I have to go and fix it right away!¡± Ryan screamed out in frustration, and got up urgently. After a while. Ryan, who had dressed roughly, rushed outside. **** He had no idea how he got to the exhibition. ¡®Ugh, I think I¡¯m going to vomit.¡¯ Ryan managed to calm his upset stomach with excessive drinking and got out of the carriage. He stumbled a couple of times from the drunkenness that didn¡¯t go away, but he got into the exhibition hall anyway. At the same time, the eyes of the audience immediately turned to Ryan. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Count Brierton?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! He came in after all this fuss¡­¡± ¡°What the hell is he thinking?¡± The ladies covered their mouths with their fans and nodded. They lowered their voices, but he could hear everything. Was that all? Some of the older gentlemen were clicking their tongues. Among them were the men who played poker with him and drank with him at the club! ¡®Sh*t!¡¯ Ryan chewed a curse word inwardly. Looking around, he saw Ines standing in the distance. She seemed very happy, seeing her smiling brightly while surrounded by people. ¡®That!¡¯ Sparks bounced off Ryan¡¯s eyes. ¡®That position belongs to me!¡¯ The audience who would look up to him, their sweet voices admiring the genius. Thousands of people who would want a single piece of attention from him. ¡®It¡¯s mine. That¡­.all mine¡­ !!¡¯ Although all the attention he had was because of Ines¡¯ paintings, what¡¯s wrong with that? When the husband¡¯s outside work goes well, the wife will be happy too! If you were born as a woman, you should be courteous and supportive! ¡°Ines!!¡± Ryan shouted loudly. The spectators, startled by the loud resounding voice, turned around. Ryan was taken aback for a moment by the numerous gazes, but then he put strength on his shoulders and walked in. People scattered like grains of sand, and Ines, standing in the middle, became closer. Ryan grabbed Ines¡¯ shoulder. ¡°How the hell did this happen!¡± At the claw-like grip, Ines¡¯ shoulders stiffen. A faint fear crept across her face. But it was only for a short moment. ¡°Let go of me.¡± Ines, who shook off Ryan¡¯s hand, took a couple of steps back. Then she straightened her back and looked into Ryan¡¯s eyes. Chapter 20 *** *** ¡°As you requested, I submitted your work to the art exhibition. Is there a problem?¡± ¡°You¡­ !¡± Ryan contorted his face horribly. Facing Ines¡¯ calm dark green eyes, somehow his stomach was twisted. He was so angry. Why was Ines so calm? ¡°I, what I wanted¡­!¡± ¡°It must have been that my paintings would be submitted with your name alone. I know.¡± In response, Ines promptly looked around. Those spectators with their eyes wide open will spread the news of what happened today to the social world. So, what she had to do now was¡­. ¡®But I have no reason to obey you, do I?¡¯ To provoke Ryan as much as possible to occupy an advantageous position. With that judgment, Ines opened her mouth. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to do that anymore.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you understand? I no longer want to sacrifice for you.¡± Ines gently bent her eyes. It was a clear laugh. At the same time, her lips were slightly raised. ¡°How long are you planning to live dependent on me?¡± Those words that she secretly whispered only to Ryan, not to be heard by others. ¡°Like a parasite.¡± In an instant, Ryan¡¯s reason was cut off. ¡°You are crazy!¡± At the exorbitant remark, the audience, who watched the confrontation between Ines and Ryan with great interest, gasped. ¡°Wow, what did the Count just say now?¡± ¡°How could he say such a vulgar thing!¡± Of course, even the nobles who hung out with Ryan said harsh words behind him. However, at least for the sake of appearance, it was common to be careful with words and actions. However, Ryan, whose head became white in anger, poured out abusive language again. ¡°How dare you try to knock me down?!¡± Ryan inflated his chest and approached Ines threateningly. ¡°An insignificant b*tch like you!¡± But Ines still had a calm face. Ryan frowned. ¡°What the hell is this relaxation?¡± Ines usually gave up quickly when Ryan put pressure on her with his voice raised like this. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I must have offended you because I wasn¡¯t paying attention¡­ Please forgive me.¡± It was Ines¡¯s habit to say such a thing. However, the present Ines was different. Ines, who was making eye contact with Ryan, smirked briefly and whispered to him. ¡°Ryan, why don¡¯t you take a look around?¡± At her words, Ryan looked around with a puzzled face. Dozens and hundreds of pairs of astonished eyes were all set on Ryan. They were the spectators who watched this situation from the beginning. For a moment, Ryan¡¯s mind flashed as if he had been hit with cold water from the top of his head. ¡°Hey, what is this¡­¡­ ?!¡± And among the spectators, of course, there were also aristocrats who were famous in the social world. An icy silence passed. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡®Sh*t!¡¯ Ryan bit his molars tightly. ¡®I made a mistake. How the hell am I supposed to turn this around?¡¯ Even so, the current situation was too unfavorable for Ryan. No matter how angry he was, the act of threatening Ines in front of all the spectators¡­ At the same time, Ines took a step forward. Clank. Clank. The sound of heels hitting the marble floor echoed clearly. Ines, who reached Ryan¡¯s nose, raised his gaze and looked up at Ryan. ¡°And Ryan.¡± Ines¡¯ voice calling for Ryan was calm and unsuitable for the current situation, which was chaotic. ¡°I.. Ines.¡± Ryan tried to appease Ines by suppressing his anger. ¡°You know? It¡¯s because I was just excited, I¡­¡­ .¡± ¡±No.¡± But Ines shook her head and cut off Ryan¡¯s words. ¡°Don¡¯t make excuses for being excited.¡± ¡°What do you mean¡­ !¡± ¡°You always treated me like that right after we got married. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± Towards the frozen Ryan, Ines continued to speak again calmly. ¡°Until now, I have endured all because I loved you, but I cannot endure forever.¡± ¡°Ines!¡± ¡°Never forget that you have become Count Brierton thanks to your insignificant wife.¡± A sharp remark flowed from between Ines¡¯ lips. Ryan doubted his ears. ¡°Ines. So, what now¡­?¡± ¡°Without me, could you have been called Count Brierton?¡± Her calm voice pierced Ryan¡¯s ears like a whip. Ryan looked at Ines with a blank face. Ines in front of him just felt unfamiliar. ¡®That woman with a cold and calm face..¡­¡­ Is it really Ines, my wife?¡¯ Ines wouldn¡¯t do that. As if she could only passionately love him and always lowered her head and would be happy as if she had the whole world with one light expression of affection. But why¡­¡­ At that moment. ¡°What the hell is this noise?¡± A cold voice was heard. Enoch, who was looking at the paintings of other painters, came back after hearing the commotion between Ryan and Ines. Blood drained from Ryan¡¯s face. ¡°Wait, the Duke of Sussex?!¡± ¡°I put both Count Brierton and the Countess¡¯ paintings in my art exhibition.¡± Enoch looked at Ines and Ryan alternately with a calm gaze. ¡°That means Count Brierton and the Countess are equal artists to me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ryan swallowed dry saliva. Enoch¡¯s blue eyes, as cold as the sea of ??ice, were fixed on Ryan. ¡°And I don¡¯t want to see anyone do any harm to my artists.¡± Ryan felt suffocated. The intense tension strangled his neck. ¡°And even more so if it¡¯s a dispute between the artists I pick and choose.¡± ¡°Ha, Your Excellency, but I¡­!¡± Enoch added sternly. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long Count Brierton will be able to remain an artist from my point of view, so I have no choice but to protect the Countess a little more.¡± Ryan widened his eyes. That meant, the disputes between Count Brierton and his wife. Enoch trusted Ines much more than Ryan. For a moment, Ryan swallowed his breath. ¡®Wait a minute, Elton, who first reported this incident in an extra edition, didn¡¯t it belong to the Duke of Sussex?!¡¯ Enoch glanced at Ryan, who had hardened. Enoch¡¯s eyes were contorted with disgust. ¡°In addition, oppressing people like that and wielding verbal violence. I think it¡¯s very low.¡± Enoch spoke sharply and looked back at Ines. Ines had a seemingly blunt face, but he paid attention to her hands. Her hands trembled thinly. And to hide the fact that she was trembling, she held her hands tightly together. Enoch¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡®She must have been afraid.¡¯ In front of all these people, she confronted her husband and was threatened by him. Even if she had a strong personality, it must have been difficult to endure¡­ Enoch reached out to Ines with a polite gesture. ¡°Looks like the Countess needs a break.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I will guide you to the break room.¡± Ines, who was looking down at the hand that was extended to her, carefully placed her hand on Enoch¡¯s. ¡°Thank you, Duke.¡± The voice that answered that way was so small that it seemed as if it would go out at any moment. ¡°¡­.¡± For some reason, Enoch felt uncomfortable. Enoch wrapped his arms around Ines as if to protect her, and gave orders to the staff who were guarding the area. ¡°Take Count Brierton out.¡± ¡°Your Excellency? Your Excellency!¡± Ryan was terrified and called for Enoch, but to no avail. The exhibition hall staff rushed in and held Ryan¡¯s arms firmly. Ryan struggled hard. ¡°Let me go! Let go, you know who I am!¡± Ryan¡¯s desperate shout echoed through the exhibition hall. In a way, even though the nobleman was being dragged away by commoners, no one in the audience helped Ryan. They just looked at Ryan with a mysterious expression of interest and disgust. So Ryan was forcibly kicked out of the exhibition hall. *** After entering the lounge, it became easier to breathe. Ines put her hand on her chest and let out a long sigh. ¡°¡­..ha.¡± Enoch approached the refreshment table, poured a glass of cold juice and placed it in Ines¡¯s hand. ¡°Drink. It will calm you down a little.¡± Ines bit her lips. It was because the hand holding the glass was still trembling slightly. ¡®I¡¯m pathetic.¡¯ She drank the glass of juice and swallowed a sense of shame about herself. Her mind seemed to ease down slightly when something sweet and cold went in. Enoch glanced at Ines¡¯s expression. Chapter 21 *** *** ¡°Are you a little more relaxed now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines nodded her head and quickly expressed her thanks. ¡°Thank you so much for today.¡± The support of the Duke of Sussex itself was a great strength to Ines. If Enoch hadn¡¯t drawn a perfect line with Ryan¡­ ¡®There must have been a lot of gossip.¡¯ Now her mind has calmed down a bit. Ines, who was leaning on the sofa, looked up at Enoch quietly. ¡°But, are you all right, Duke?¡± As if to ask what do you mean, Enoch looked at Ines. Ines continued speaking cautiously. ¡°You kicked out Ryan. I think conservative nobles might be offended by the fact that a noble was expelled. Furthermore¡­¡­ ¡± Ines, who was blurring her words, clenched her teeth. ¡°¡­ After all, Ryan is still my legal husband.¡± ¡°Countess Brierton.¡± ¡°I think it is because of the belief of the kingdom¡­..¡± Ines could not finish her words and lowered her eyes. At least, the belief of Lancaster¡¯s aristocratic society was not favorable for someone who wants to take a path different from others. Conservative and rigid, it kept men¡¯s and women¡¯s work completely separate. A woman who had a family dreamed of advancing into society as an artist¡­.it was considered peculiar enough. Ryan¡¯s deviation was clearly wrong. It was acceptable for men to go out and play. But Ines was different. It was unprecedented for her to submit a painting under her own name. Rather, it was to the extent that Enoch, who willingly accepted her proposal, was a bit strange. ¡®Because of me, the Duke would be looked down upon by the aristocratic society¡­.¡¯ When Ines was biting her lip and in agony. ¡°It¡¯s the Count who was wrong.¡± A calm answer came. Surprised, Ines raised her head. Unlike her, who was very surprised, Enoch had a calm expression on his face. ¡°Why, shouldn¡¯t the one who made the mistake leave the room?¡± ¡°¡­ But.¡± Ines bit her lips. In principle, yes. But hasn¡¯t society always been that way? Ines herself could not ask for a divorce just because her husband was not faithful to the family. Enoch did all of this to lay the groundwork for the divorce¡­ ¡°It is not fair for the victim to have to leave. At least I think so.¡± But Enoch in front of her was talking about ¡®the right thing¡¯. Also, he thought Ines was ¡®right¡¯, so he was helping Ines even though he rebelled against the society¡¯s belief. Ines felt respect rising from the depths of her heart. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen anyone like that before.¡¯ He was firm in his opinion without wavering. ¡®I want to be like you.¡¯ At the same time, Enoch spoke, as if evoking the atmosphere. ¡°I know the belief of aristocratic society. But.¡± That playful smile was as refreshing as a little boy. ¡°I have my identity to use at times like this.¡± ¡°The Duke?¡± ¡°Even if I¡¯m a little arrogant, who can say anything to me?¡± In a way, it was an arrogant statement, but it was also a fact without fault. Because Enoch was the only younger brother of the current king and one of the heirs to the throne of the kingdom. Ines even heard that he had a very good relationship with his older brother, the King. ¡°Rather than doing something wrong to look good to the nobles, it is better to do the right thing by wielding the authority of a royal family. That¡¯s my belief.¡± Having said that, Enoch had a slightly embarrassed face and wiped the corners of his mouth. ¡°Um, does it sound a little arrogant?¡± ¡°No.¡± Ines shook her head in an instant. ¡°On the contrary, I think the Duke is cool.¡± ¡°Am I cool¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. Your Excellency is not bound by the gaze of those around you, and you just do what you think is right.¡± For a moment, Enoch stopped. ¡°Because I can¡¯t, no, I¡¯ve never even had that courage before.¡± (Ines) Ines looked up at Enoch with twinkling eyes full of respect. ¡°I respect Your Excellency.¡± ¡°¡­¡± In response to that answer, Enoch looked at Ines quietly with a curious gaze. Didn¡¯t he think the same thing about Ines? ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± Feeling itchy for some reason, Enoch coughed a couple of times and turned his head away. ¡°Still, the Countess must prepare her heart. This is probably going to cause a lot of controversy.¡± ¡°Yes, I am prepared.¡± ¡°For the time being, you better stay away from the Count.¡± ¡°I think so too. Thank you for your concern.¡± Ines, who had regained her energy, nodded her head vigorously. Enoch kept looking at her like that. Unknowingly, Enoch asked a question that he did not need to ask. ¡°Can I visit you sometime?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. Enoch, who was awkward, hurriedly added. ¡°To check on your safety. It would be a big deal if Count Brierton came to visit.¡± ¡°Aha, that¡¯s what you meant.¡± At that moment, Ines, who was convinced, smiled broadly. ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s nothing.¡± At the end of those words, Enoch could not overcome his embarrassment and turned his gaze away. Ines glanced down at her hands. Her hands no longer trembled. Watching it, Ines¡¯ smile grew a little deeper. ¡®Okay, let¡¯s do my best.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists strongly. *** The exhibition was booming every day. This exhibition was such a big issue that it became a new trend in the social world to visit the exhibition and look at the paintings of the Countess and the Count. People gathered around three or five and chatted about the confrontation between the Countess and the Count involved in the exhibition and paintings. The news was so hot that it even reached the king¡¯s ears. As proof of that, the king was reading the Elton with a curious face. Numerous headlines filled his eyes. Elton magazine said that this issue was organized as a special feature and continued to be published continuously. And the owner of Elton was ¡­ ¡°You¡¯ve done something pretty interesting, haven¡¯t you?¡± The king, Edward, put down the newspaper he was reading and looked at Enoch. Across from Edward sat Enoch, the owner of Elton and Edward¡¯s only brother. Enoch asked with a slightly uncomfortable face. ¡°Did you call me here just to say that?¡± ¡°Just? What do you mean just?!¡± Edward banged on the armrest of the armchair with a joyful expression on his face. ¡°This is the first time in my life I have seen you so deeply involved with a woman.¡± ¡°Older brother.¡± ¡°Even if I asked you to go see Lady, you wouldn¡¯t even listen with your ears! Edward narrowed his eyes and continued. ¡°By the way, you¡¯ve been very popular with ladies for a long time, haven¡¯t you? But you never like anyone, so.¡± ¡°Oh, are you really doing this all the time?¡± Enoch hated the prolonged nagging. Edward waved his hand and gave a giggled laugh as if he was going to die of fun. ¡°Okay, okay. It¡¯s amazing.¡± ¡°You have a lot of amazing things.¡± Regardless of the annoyed reaction of his indifferent brother, Edward couldn¡¯t stop laughing for a long time. After that, after laughing as much as he liked, he barely stopped laughing and brought up the topic. ¡°Even if it¡¯s a work relationship, how can you be so close with a woman like that? Has the sun been rising in the west for the past few months?¡± It was about Ines again. Enoch glared at Edward with dissatisfied eyes. Edward shrugged his shoulders as he met his gaze. It was kind of an expression, ¡®What are you dissatisfied about?¡¯ ¡°Ha.¡± Edward smiled and stared at his brother, who sighed as the ground shut down. A dazzling appearance that seemed to have been crafted by God himself. As the king¡¯s only younger brother, he has a noble status with even the right to heir to the throne. The wealth and honor he had built up as an instigator of Elton, the best news agency in the kingdom. He had an outstanding eye for discovering and supporting numerous artists. It was not that Edward treated him well because he was his younger brother, but Enoch was the groom that anyone in the kingdom of Lancaster would want. The most unusual thing about Enoch was his relationship with women. As a royal, Enoch was careful about his conduct, and his private life was very clean. The only problem was that he has not been married yet because of his cleanliness. Chapter 22 *** *** ¡®Whatever it is, the age of marriage will soon pass.¡¯ Edward looked at Enoch with dissatisfaction and opened his mouth. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you, who used to look at women like stones, now used Elton to make the problem so big.¡± ¡°It¡¯s worth it for Countess Brierton.¡± Edward doubted his ears for a moment. ¡°What did you just say now? ¡­ Is the Countess that special?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Enoch answered firmly. ¡°She is a genius.¡± ¡°No ¡­ ¡± Edward couldn¡¯t hide his surprise. ¡°Enoch, is it enough for you to say that?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. This is my opinion, but¡­.¡± Enoch concluded in a serious voice. ¡°She has the talent to shake up the art world in the future.¡± ¡°Hmm, Countess Brierton. Was her name Ines?¡± Edward was deep in thought. Ines Brierton. The Brierton was one of the most prestigious families in the Lancaster Kingdom since ancient times. Wealth, fame, and even a long history comparable to the royal family. A family that had everything. Ines, the only heiress of that family, who was once said to be the kingdom¡¯s best bride. Edward could vaguely recall her social debut. A beautiful young girl with long dark brown hair in thick braids, decorated with fresh flowers, and wore a snow-white dress. At first glance, she looked like a fairy. After that, Ines stopped appearing in society and news had come that she was married. ¡®I thought she was only living well because she got a husband.¡¯ If the calm woman caused such an uproar, it seemed that the relationship with her husband was not very good. Edward, who was thinking with his chin on his hand, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°Then I think I should go to the exhibition once.¡± ¡°What? Brother?¡± Enoch openly expressed displeasure. Enoch made a distasteful expression on his face. Edward looked at Enoch sullenly. ¡°Why, can¡¯t I come? She¡¯s an artist whom you praise so much that I want to meet her in person at least once.¡± ¡°Stop it.¡± Enoch said it as if giving an order. ¡°The Countess is already tormented to and fro. You¡¯ll put a burden on her if you go there.¡± ¡°Enoch, what the hell is your reaction?¡± For a moment, Edward¡¯s eyes lit up. Enoch¡¯s shoulders stiffened. Because every time Edward put on such a curious face, things never worked out so well. ¡°Have you been seeing the Countess for a long time?¡± ¡°¡­ You are mistaken.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not mistaken. How long have we been brothers?¡± Edward opened his eyes mischievously. ¡°You care so much about the Countess. Hey, I¡¯m getting more and more curious about this.¡± As Edward¡¯s smile grew darker and darker, Enoch¡¯s face became more and more distorted. Edward leaned back in the armchair with his legs crossed. ¡°So where is Countess Brierton now? There¡¯s this uproar, so I don¡¯t think she¡¯s staying at her house.¡± ¡°Is that an order from the king?¡± ¡°What, then?¡± ¡°I still can¡¯t tell you.¡± ¡°This guy really. Edward looked at Enoch playfully for a while then added. ¡°Anyway, well, if she goes ahead with the divorce, I will see the Countess in court.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Divorce. At that word, Enoch stopped. It was the only way for Ines to step out of the position of Countess of Brierton and get the Count title back. And if she gets out of marriage and returns to her old self¡­. ¡°¡­¡± Enoch felt like his mouth was dry for some reason. He couldn¡¯t figure out why he was strangely nervous just thinking about Ines. ¡®Useless thoughts.¡¯ Enoch tried hard to pretend to be calm and straightened his expression, and fixed his gaze on his older brother. ¡°So, what kind of judgment will you make in this divorce trial?¡± ¡°That I don¡¯t know?¡± In response to Enoch¡¯s question, Edward shrugged his shoulders sarcastically. ¡°After examining the data properly, I will make a judgment that does not favor anyone. but why are you curious about that?¡± ¡°¡­ it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°What is it? That¡¯s not a face that says there¡¯s nothing.¡± To be really troublesome for Enoch, Edward wasn¡¯t the type to miss an opportunity to tease his brother. In the end, Enoch had to suffer for a long time at Edward¡¯s mischief. *** At that time, the top floor of the Hamilton Hotel. Ines pulled the curtain and peered out the window. Numerous reporters gathered around like clouds. ¡®Unbelievable.¡¯ She felt like her stomach was going to explode. Ines, who closed the curtains again, slipped and sat down on the spot. ¡®It¡¯s good that it became an issue. It¡¯s good¡­¡¯ Well, the intended purpose itself was achieved. Because it was true that she was going to make an issue of divorce from the beginning. But. ¡®It¡¯s hard to even live a normal life!¡¯ Ines screamed inwardly and ruffled her hair. After the first day of the exhibition. Ines immediately filed for divorce. And as soon as the media heard that she had filed for divorce, they rushed in and began to encamp in front of the Brierton¡¯s townhouse. Nervous, Ines left the townhouse and started staying at the Hamilton Hotel. Of course, she didn¡¯t know if Ryan was suffering from the media or not. ¡®Well, it seems that the media has contacted Ryan a few times.¡¯ Ryan was claiming to be a victim too, but compared to Elton, other ordinary newspapers had a different presence. In line with the incident at the art exhibition, public opinion generally seemed to give Ines more power. But the problem was. ¡®Other media outlets are quite persistent.¡¯ When she left the townhouse, she thought she could avoid them. The press was now chasing Ines like crazy, and they had gathered like clouds in front of the hotel. The Duke of Sussex had already compensated for the disruption to the hotel business¡­ As if he had foreseen this situation, Enoch had asked the hotel for understanding and paid the compensation in advance. Ines also went through the compensation process with Enoch. Recalling that time, Ines naturally thought about Enoch¡­.. ¡®Come to think of it, how did the Duke deal with all these reporters?¡¯ Ines became more respectful of Enoch. As the most famous celebrity in the kingdom, he seemed to attract people¡¯s attention naturally. To be honest, Ines wanted to kick Ryan out of the Brierton Townhouse in the first place¡­ ¡®Then I don¡¯t know how much the nobles will talk about me behind the scenes.¡¯ Ines wrinkled her forehead. It was not long before the divorce. There was no need to make a verbal attack. Rather than that, it would be advantageous to thoroughly guard the position of the victim. ¡®But.¡¯ Ines quietly lowered her eyes. ¡®If it was the Duke, would he have dealt with it in a different way?¡¯ A man who was always confident and dignified. From birth, Enoch seemed to be a different kind of person from Ines. He shone brightly alone, and she kept looking¡­. But then. Knock. Knock. Someone knocked on the door of her room. Ines raised her head. ¡®Who is it?¡¯ There was a faint vigilance on her face. In the first place, Enoch directly booked this hotel, and a lot of people were strictly forbidden from entering. So even the reporters couldn¡¯t get inside and only stayed outside the hotel. So if it was someone who could come all the way here¡­. At the same time, a bright voice of a middle-aged woman called out to Ines. ¡°It¡¯s me, Ines!¡± Ah. For a moment, Ines froze. That voice was familiar to her. That voice that sounded a little nervous¡­ ¡®Viscountess Gott.¡¯ Ines bit her lips. Viscountess Gott was Ryan¡¯s mother and Ines¡¯ mother-in-law. She could get in probably because she knew someone at the hotel. ¡°Can I come in?¡± Ines hesitated for a moment. ¡°I came because I heard that you are here!¡± Bang! ¡°Can¡¯t you open this door right now?!¡± Bang! Bang! Bang! ¡°An elder is talking to you, but you have no manners. Ines!¡± Viscountess Gott screamed while banging on the door violently. Even so, she was the one who always talked about the dignity of a noble family. Thinking that other guests would also be affected, Ines got up with her eyes tightly closed. Click. The door opened. The first thing she saw was Viscountess Gott, standing proudly with her arms crossed. The curious guests were all looking this way. Chapter 23 *** *** ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that Countess Brierton?¡± ¡°I saw her at Elton. She had a painting at the exhibition of the Duke of Sussex this time¡­¡± The hotel guests lowered their voices and whispered, but the Viscountess could hear everything. Viscountess Gott¡¯s face was wrinkled. ¡°What are you doing, Ines?¡± ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°An elder came to visit you, but you don¡¯t even welcome me inside.¡± Despite Ines¡¯ defensive attitude, the Viscountess did not care at all. Rather, without Ines¡¯ permission, she strode into the room and looked around. Suite room with separate living room, parlor and bedroom. The wallpaper, bedding, and even the smallest daily necessities were luxurious. ¡°You have the pride of the Duke of Sussex, I can¡¯t let you live inconveniently.¡± It was a room that Enoch had personally reserved for Ines. The Viscountess¡¯ eyes, who had been observing the room, became thin. ¡°You are so lucky, aren¡¯t you?¡± Then she began to guilt Ines. ¡°After you left the house like that, your husband stopped eating and drinking and became ill.¡± ¡®No way.¡¯ Ines almost burst out laughing out loud. Maybe Ryan was hugging Charlotte and rolling around in bed right now. ¡®I dared to confront my husband.¡¯ Ines, who thought cynically, looked at the Viscountess. ¡°How did you get here?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re asking me now?!¡± The Viscountess raised her voice in a rage. ¡°You don¡¯t even ask if I had a hard time coming here! How can you be so selfish?¡± ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°As I said, I haven¡¯t come to a place I shouldn¡¯t have come.¡± The Viscountess looked at Ines without blinking. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me visiting my daughter-in-law?¡± ¡°Mother, as you may already have heard of it, I am going to divorce Ryan.¡± ¡°Divorce? Divorce?!¡± The Viscountess burst out laughing as if amazed. ¡°Ines, what the hell are you thinking?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just like I said.¡± Contrary to the over-excited Viscountess, Ines still had a face as calm as a frozen lake. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live with Ryan anymore.¡± ¡°Hey, it¡¯s ridiculous! what? You don¡¯t want to live as a married couple?¡± The Viscountess narrowed her brow and approached Ines. The long outstretched index finger poked Ines¡¯ forehead. ¡°You should know your subject, the orphaned girl who couldn¡¯t even have a child!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°How dare you try to drive out my precious son?!¡± The Viscountess glared at Ines. ¡°Do you think it would be good for Brierton for you to behave this way?¡± For a moment, Ines¡¯ eyes flamed red. But the Viscountess had no idea of Ines¡¯ anger. It was because she was so obsessed with yelling as she used the excuse of being an elder. ¡°Do you want to see your family¡¯s honor roll to the ground because of you?¡± With that, the Viscountess raised the tip of her lips with satisfaction. ¡°Okay, at this point, you would have understood what I was saying, right?¡± In fact, the judgment of the Viscountess was not so wrong. If it was the Ines of the past, she would have bowed her head obediently if the Viscountess put pressure on her like this. But. Ines reached out and grabbed the wrist of the Viscountess, who was about to poke Ines¡¯s forehead once more. The Viscountess was astonished. ¡°Hey, what is this!¡± ¡°Touching people¡¯s bodies recklessly is not an act that suits the dignity of a noblewoman.¡± Seriously, what¡¯s that girl talking about right now? The Viscountess doubted her ears. But Ines¡¯s words were not over yet. ¡°Also, I fully understand your concern for the honor of the Brierton, mother.¡± Ines smiled brightly. Facing that smile, the Viscountess felt a chill down her spine for some reason. ¡°But mother is a bit presumptuous.¡± ¡°Presumptuous?!¡± ¡°Yes. The reason Ryan was able to become Count of Brierton from the beginning was because I married him. Shouldn¡¯t you be thankful instead?¡± ¡°What!¡± The Viscountess squeaked, but Ines¡¯s face remained calm. ¡°That means, from the moment the divorce is established.¡± ¡°Ines, what are you saying¡­ ¡­ ¡­ !¡± ¡°Ryan is no longer Count of Brierton.¡± It was like saying, ¡®I¡¯m going to have steak for lunch today¡¯, just in a casual tone. Ines dropped a bomb. ¡°That means, mother is also an outsider to the Brierton.¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t even know the manners, you, this¡­ ¡­ !¡± ¡°I am telling you that there is no need for mother to worry about unnecessary things like that.¡± Surprised, the Viscountess could not even speak properly. She just moved her lips like a carp. Either way, Ines added, without raising an eyebrow. ¡°Also, it is necessary to examine whether it is my fault or Ryan¡¯s fault for not having children.¡± ¡°Wow, what? So you mean my son has a problem?!¡± ¡°It could be. Because¡­¡­ .¡± As if unable to continue speaking, Ines blurted out the end of her speech. Then, she took a deep breath, covering her cheek with one hand. ¡°You know Ryan had countless nights with Charlotte as well as me, but Charlotte hasn¡¯t had children yet.¡± ¡°You, my God, what are you talking about now!¡± ¡°Ryan must have slept with Charlotte a lot more than with me.¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders slyly. ¡°Looking at the fact that neither of the two women has been able to conceive yet, it seems that Ryan¡¯s problem is bigger than mine when it comes to fertility¡­¡± ¡°Hey!!¡± Unable to bear it for a moment, the Viscountess shouted once more. However, Ines was not surprised or withdrawn, but only tilted her head by the exaggerated movements. ¡°Hey? Mother, such a vulgar word is against the dignity of a noble.¡± ¡°How dare you talk back to your elders!¡± ¡°Come to think of it, Ryan was very vulgar at the exhibition hall of the Duke of Sussex this time, and the reaction from the audience wasn¡¯t very good¡­¡­ .¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you stop?!¡± The Viscountess shouted like a seizure. Ines raised her eyebrows and closed her mouth for a moment. The Viscountess took a deep breath. ¡®Since when did that girl start being so aggressive towards an elder?¡¯ Ines, who was so obedient, was gone. Rather, she was now scratching people¡¯s nerves with a smiling face. But. ¡®Hold on. I have to be patient.¡¯ The Viscountess took a brief deep breath. The voice of her son rang in her ears. ¡°Mother, do you know how much our family benefits from the Brierton? Never let the divorce happen.¡± Those were the desperate words of her son, who was now no longer a Count. ¡°If I divorce Ines, we¡¯ll have nothing left! Wouldn¡¯t it be more helpful to our family in the future if I¡¯m the Count of Brierton?¡± Ryan pleaded with tears. ¡®Yes, I have to do what I can for my son.¡¯ The Viscountess, who was determined, opened her mouth with a soft voice this time. ¡°Ines, you¡¯re too young to understand.¡± ¡®What is this again?¡¯ Ines looked at the Viscountess with cold eyes. After realizing that the intimidation didn¡¯t work, she was moving on to conciliation. ¡°Of course, it could be bad from your point of view that your husband is dating another woman. How upset you must be.¡± ¡°¡­..?¡± Ines narrowed her eyes. Sure enough, the Viscountess only talked about Ryan¡¯s affair. The hottest issue at present, the fact that Ryan had deprived Ines of her reputation as a painter, seemed to be of no concern to the Viscountess. ¡°But all men are like that. Even if he goes out for a bit, one day he will come back to his wife.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Ryan. So you too, relax, okay?¡± Facing the Viscountess, who was comforting her, Ines felt a faint sadness. In the past, Ines thought that it was a mother¡¯s affection that the Viscountess meddled in her married relationship. Ines was starving for parental love, because she lost her parents when she was not even an adult. Chapter 24 *** *** But now. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to say to mother.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Go back before I really get angry.¡± Ines drew the line coldly. The Viscountess, who had her eyes wide open and looked at Ines, soon grimaced. ¡°I¡¯m trying to say good things here!¡± Ines, who looked at the Viscountess, sighed deeply. ¡°Because of the old relationship, I was trying to be nice.¡± ¡°What?!¡± But Ines, not paying any attention to the Viscountess, glanced at the half-open door. ¡°Now it¡¯s time for mother to go¡­¡± As soon as Ines mumbled, there was a knock on the door. ¡°Countess Brierton, this is the hotel guard. Do you need help?¡± ¡°Yes. The door is open, come in.¡± As soon as Ines¡¯ permission was granted, strong men rushed inside. The Viscountess looked at Ines and the hotel guards alternately with a look of amazement. ¡°Who, who are these people?¡± ¡°Who? The guards at the Hamilton Hotel.¡± Ines answered bluntly. There was a reason Enoch insisted Ines stay at the Hamilton Hotel. If there was a disturbance in the room, the hotel guards would be dispatched within 5 minutes. Ines parted her lips with a cold face. ¡°Please take my mother outside politely.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The hotel guards, nodding their heads, approached the Viscountess. Even though it was just narrowing the distance, there was a lot of pressure as large men flocked. The Viscountess hurriedly turned to Ines with a pale face. ¡°Are you forcing me out?¡± ¡°Yes, I am.¡± ¡°I am your mother-in-law and I am an elder! How could you do such a terrible thing!¡± ¡°Well, it was mother who rushed into the hotel where I stayed first, and said such rude things.¡± Ines, whose eyes slightly bent, turned to the hotel guards. ¡°And I¡¯m going to make a formal complaint to the Hamilton Hotel.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± At that sharp voice, the guards had a rather difficult face. ¡°Whether it¡¯s a reporter or someone claiming to be my friend or relatives. No matter who they were, everyone who came to see me would need my permission.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. But the Viscountess insisted so firmly that she was your family¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need any excuses, so take her away now.¡± With those words, Ines folded her arms and walked away as if she was not going to talk any more. The hotel guards hurriedly spoke to the Viscountess. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Viscountess.¡± ¡°I, I am a noble! I¡¯m her mother-in-law! You can¡¯t drag people like this!¡± The Viscountess tried to stretch her out a few times, but to no avail. ¡°If you keep doing this, I have no choice but to call security forces.¡± It was because the hotel guards had issued an ultimatum. ¡°!¡± The Viscountess glared at Ines with deadly eyes, but Ines remained motionless. Rather, she just smiled brightly and asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± So the series of commotions ended. Ines, who was alone in the suite, touched her forehead. ¡°Whooo.¡± A long sigh escaped her lips. She was terribly tired. ¡®It¡¯s okay. After divorce¡­¡­ ¡¯ Ines tried hard to comfort herself. *** Meanwhile, after finishing the conversation with Edward, Enoch went to the Hamilton Hotel. ¡®Why the hell did my brother talk about Countess Brierton¡­?¡¯ He grumbled, but on the other hand, he was concerned about Ines. ¡°Hmmm.¡± Enoch, who was sitting in the carriage, narrowed his brow. Through the window, reporters could be seen encamping like clouds from the hotel entrance. ¡°Go back! Didn¡¯t I say no interviews?¡± ¡°At our hotel, the privacy of our guests is our number one priority!¡± The hotel staff were sweating coldly to beat the crowd of reporters. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because Countess Brierton is staying at this hotel.¡± Some of the guests were watching the reporters with their eyes wide open. ¡°The Countess must be quite tired¡­¡­¡± Meanwhile, Enoch¡¯s eyes widened a little. Far away, from the hotel entrance, a middle-aged lady, surrounded by guards, was being escorted. In fact, if that had been the case, Enoch would not have been particularly interested. ¡°Let¡¯s see, Ines! Do you think it¡¯ll be okay if you treat me like this?!¡± The lady¡¯s shouting was so loud that it echoed around the surroundings. Ines. Enoch paid attention to the familiar name stuck in his ear. Judging by the familiar way of calling Ines, it seemed that the woman was related to Ines. ¡°How can this be, let¡¯s see!¡± The woman was angry and disappeared in her carriage. Enoch, who was watching the scene, gave a command. ¡°Stop the carriage.¡± The carriage stopped gently on the side of the road. Enoch got off the carriage and looked in the direction of the woman who had disappeared. ¡®I should investigate that woman.¡¯ Rather, the reporters who blocked the entrance to the hotel were very annoying. If Enoch appeared here, it would be enough to attract everyone¡¯s attention in an instant. ¡®It¡¯s not going to work.¡¯ Enoch clicked his tongue and went to the back door of the hotel. It was a place used by some VIPs when they moved secretly. Fortunately, the reporters did not seem to have found this door. Enoch reached Ines¡¯s room and knocked gently. ¡°It¡¯s me, Countess Brierton.¡± ¡°¡­¡± After Enoch had said so, the door clicked open. Ines poked her head out through the crack in the door. Then she smiled broadly as if she was relieved. ¡°Are you here?¡± ¡°Yes. How are you?¡± ¡°Uh¡­well..¡± Ines turned away, avoiding Enoch¡¯s gaze. At the same time, Enoch narrowed his eyebrows and asked. ¡°Come to think of it, a woman came out calling the Countess¡¯s name loudly.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®Oh, you¡¯ve seen it all.¡¯ Unable to overcome her embarrassment, Ines tightly closed her eyes. But isn¡¯t that already spilled water? ¡°She¡¯s my mother-in-law. Viscountess Gott.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Enoch, who once nodded his head, quickly asked back. ¡°So, why did the Viscountess come to you?¡± ¡°That¡­.¡± Feeling the burning sensation on her face, Ines fanned her face with her hands and took a couple of steps back. ¡°Hey, would you like to come inside?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Enoch entered the suite without hesitation. Enoch was sitting in front of her, but Ines hesitated for a while. ¡®I feel like I¡¯m revealing my humiliation.¡¯ Of course, with Enoch¡¯s personality she had seen so far, he wouldn¡¯t ridicule her or laugh, but¡­ ¡®I just want to show the Duke only my good side.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists tightly on her lap. If she had to pick the person she admired the most, that person was definitely Enoch. The one who gave her a chance to change her life. Wasn¡¯t it natural that she didn¡¯t want to show her shameful side to him? ¡®Anyway, I never thought my mother-in-law would push into the hotel so recklessly¡­ ¡¯ Her face was hot. How much silence passed. Enoch, who was looking at Ines in agony, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°If it¡¯s hard to say, you don¡¯t have to.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°I can see the Countess is uncomfortable, and you don¡¯t want to dig it out.¡± Enoch was really fine. Ines somehow felt her heart soften. ¡®The Duke of Sussex¡­ is on my side.¡¯ He was the only one who supported her when everyone was interested in consuming her work. She didn¡¯t want to hide anything more from this person. Although it would be shameful, it was not polite to make a secret. ¡°No, I will tell you.¡± Ines, who had made up her mind, opened her mouth. ¡°Actually, the Viscountess came to protest about the divorce¡­¡± It was very difficult for her to open her mouth at first, but once she started speaking, words came out naturally. Somehow she felt like she was complaining or telling on him, but it didn¡¯t matter. And during that long story, Enoch never once tried to speak or stop Ines. Rather, he just listened to Ines silently. ¡®If it was Ryan¡­ It would have been¡­¡¯ ¡°Anyway, my mother is older than you, right? So you should have bowed down a bit more.¡± (Ryan) ¡°If you love me, you must take good care of my mother as well!¡± (Ryan) ¡­¡­as if he was her teacher, Ryan used to teach Ines about manners. Ines felt her stomach churn. Chapter 25 *** *** At the same time, Enoch opened his mouth. ¡°If I were to report the Viscountess Gott, would the Countess be offended?¡± ¡°What?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. It must be so, because Enoch, who had always been relaxed, had a rare expression on his face. ¡®His Excellency looks very unhappy for some reason¡­¡­ ¡¯ Why is that? Ines quietly looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. Enoch spoke in a hard tone. ¡°The Viscountess Gott forcefully came in, and she also threatened and insulted you.¡± ¡°Well, yes.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t tolerate the disrespect that Viscountess Gott has committed this time.¡± Facing Enoch¡¯s stern face, Ines blankly blinked her eyes. ¡®Is he angry right now? For me?¡¯ At the same time, Enoch shook his head and spoke. ¡°But it¡¯s up to the Countess, not me, because I can¡¯t do things my way.¡± ¡°Ah, Your Excellency.¡± ¡°However, if Elton magazine handles this in detail, it will definitely help the Countess¡¯ divorce¡­¡­ ..¡± ¡°I will do that.¡± Ines answered without hesitation. Enoch, who was preparing numerous explanations to convince her, was startled. ¡°Are you really okay with it?¡± ¡°Yes. Actually, after the divorce, she will no longer be my mother-in-law. ¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders and smiled bashfully. ¡°Can you do this for the divorce?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Enoch stared at Ines like that. ¡®Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?¡¯ Ines, who was touching her cheek as if checking for something, cautiously called out to Enoch. ¡°Uh, Your Excellency?¡± ¡°¡­ Ah, yes.¡± Enoch, who roughly nodded his head, hurriedly changed the topic. ¡°By the way, I think it will be difficult for you to stay at the Hamilton Hotel any longer.¡± ¡°Yes, I guess I¡¯ll have to find another place.¡± As she said so, Ines had a rather dark face. If even the Hamilton Hotel, which was said to have strict security, had reporters camp like this¡­.. ¡®There are so few places where I can stay.¡¯ There were a few villas owned by the Brierton, but the problem was that they were too far from the capital, Langdon. She couldn¡¯t stay too far away from Langdon because the divorce case would start soon. ¡®Even if I stay away from Langdon to avoid the reporters, it is difficult if I stay in an area more than 30 minutes away from Langdon.¡¯ Ines was suffering from such a headache. Enoch, who had been in deep thought, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°Then how about my villa?¡± ¡°What?¡± At the unexpected suggestion, Ines became surprised with rabbit eyes. Enoch continued to speak calmly. ¡°I own a villa near Langdon.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. The reporters won¡¯t follow you to the royal villa, and it¡¯s easy to get to the courthouse when the divorce hearing starts.¡± ¡°You would lend me your villa?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide as she asked. ¡°I¡¯m staying in the townhouse in Langdon for the time being, so you can stay as comfortable as the Countess would like.¡± Enoch shrugged his shoulders lightly, as if there was no problem. ¡°Because you have already been harassed several times by reporters, the Countess must be protected. In fact, the people will not disagree.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will take measures so that even if you are alone, there will be no inconvenience to your life.¡± Ines, who was stunned for a moment, hurriedly spoke. ¡°Yes, I like it. I¡¯m really grateful, thank you¡­ are you really alright?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I think the Duke is giving me too much.¡± Ines said with a little difficulty. ¡°You¡¯ve already helped enough, so maybe you¡¯re overdoing it because of me¡­¡± ¡°Countess Brierton.¡± But then, a stern voice rang out. Ines, startled, raised her head. Enoch was looking at Ines with firm eyes. ¡°Do I look so irresponsible?¡± ¡°What? No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of person the Countess thinks I am.¡± Enoch narrowed his brows and continued. ¡°I¡¯m not that bad of a person to throw away what I¡¯ve decided to take responsibility for just because it might be a bit annoying.¡± ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t mean it that way. I just¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re also the artist of my choice. Aren¡¯t you an artist of Sussex?¡± Sussex¡¯s artist. The word was unusually catchy. ¡°So it is only natural for me to protect the Countess.¡± ¡°Is that¡­ because the Duke thinks my paintings have value?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch added with a light shrug. ¡°There is someone in a difficult situation right in front of me, and I have the ability to help that person, so why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s also because it doesn¡¯t fit my personality to ignore.¡± Suddenly, a bitter smile appeared on Enoch¡¯s beautiful lips. As if his help was nothing, and it wasn¡¯t great at all. ¡®You don¡¯t know how much strength your support gives me¡­¡­ ¡¯ Gratitude swelled up to the end of her neck, and Ines was a bit choked up. ¡°Then I will be in your care. Thank you.¡± ¡°No need to thank me.¡± Enoch, who was himself again, asked playfully. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the deal we originally agreed to do?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Your Excellency.¡± ¡°I have already featured the Countess¡¯s work in Elton, and Elton¡¯s sales have increased tremendously.¡± Enoch, who returned to the businessman¡¯s face, continued the explanation in a proud tone. ¡°Above all, it¡¯s encouraging that the purchase rate not only of the aristocrats, who are the existing readers, but also of the common people has risen to a great extent.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes, that means I¡¯ve already received a reasonable price.¡± Enoch smiled softly. ¡°So the Countess deserves help from me, to your satisfaction.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°So, don¡¯t feel burdened and think that you are getting what you deserve.¡± Hearing that answer, Ines somehow felt overwhelmed. Enoch mentioned about the deal that had like it was nothing. In fact, the words themselves were enough consideration for Ines. Strictly speaking, Enoch had already paid all the price to be paid to Ines. Enoch promised to create an ¡®favorable environment for divorce¡¯ by publishing an article in Elton. His promise was strictly kept. Now, Enoch even wanted to protect Ines? Even for all the things he has done for her, he refused to hear any price or thanks. Unlike Ryan. ¡°¡­¡­ Still.¡± Ines, who licked her lips and was about to refuse, decided to say something different. ¡°I am always grateful to you, sir.¡± And the moment Enoch saw Ines smile. ¡°¡­¡± He felt a tingling sensation deep in his heart. At the same time, Ines rose to her feet. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then, should we move quickly?¡± ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s do it.¡± Hurriedly following Ines, Enoch touched his collar and pretended to tidy it up. Strangely, it was difficult for him to look straight into Ines¡¯ eyes. ¡®What was that feeling just now?¡¯ Somehow, when Ines was in front of him, he seemed to be acting a little more unnatural than usual. He couldn¡¯t figure out why at all. Feeling frustrated, Enoch narrowed his brow involuntarily. **** Ines and Enoch¡¯s carriage left the city of Langdon and ran for a long time happily. Then they arrived in a secluded country village near Langdon. The village was very small, and it seemed that there were no more than ten households. Ines thought he was going to stop at the village, but the carriage continued to move and headed for a low hill located beyond the village. Above it stood a pretty two-story house with a red roof and white walls. ¡°Wow, what a beautiful place.¡± Ines got off the carriage and admired it while shading her hand over her forehead. ¡°It¡¯s like a doll play set.¡± Bright sunlight, blue sky. A picture-like house that could be seen clearly in the sunlight, and the small village nestled down the hill. Enoch said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it.¡± ¡°Like it?¡± Ines glanced at Enoch. Her dark green eyes gleamed with excitement. ¡°The surrounding scenery is very beautiful. It makes me want to draw right now!¡± ¡°¡­That much?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Ines clenched her fists proudly. Enoch¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°Then I guess I made a good decision.¡± At the unexpected words, Ines stopped while clenching his fists. ¡°A good decision?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Enoch answered proudly. ¡°I had the basic drawing tools in the villa. Fortunately, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be bored during your stay here.¡± ¡°Oh my gosh!¡± While Ines¡¯ both eyes wide open, Enoch pointed to the villa with a playful gesture. ¡°Then, shall we go inside?¡± Chapter 26 *** *** ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Ines hurriedly followed Enoch into the villa. The servants welcomed them politely. ¡°Welcome, Duke.¡± ¡°I was waiting.¡± Enoch turned to Ines. ¡°These are resident servants who will help you. The chef and the maids.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I am Ines.¡± As Ines greeted them, the servants responded by bowing their heads again. ¡°If you need anything, feel free to tell them. Don¡¯t worry about security because they have heavy mouths.¡± (*he meant they don¡¯t talk recklessly) ¡°Thank you.¡± After that, Ines followed Enoch¡¯s guidance and looked around the villa. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you with some escorts, so you don¡¯t have to worry about safety.¡± ¡°Ah, thank you.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you use in the villa. Everything is at your disposal.¡± Ines felt a bit embarrassed to say thank you four times. Ines, who was about to answer involuntarily, changed her words in a hurry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I owe you so much.¡± ¡°This is my suggestion, so there is absolutely no need to feel uncomfortable. Ah, this room will be your bedroom¡­¡± Enoch, who smiled brightly, continued explaining the villa. Enoch¡¯s taste was felt in every little thing. So, to summarize her impressions of visiting the villa in one line. ¡®Wow, it¡¯s very luxurious!¡¯ As the only heiress to the Count of Brierton, Ines was proud of being quite familiar with the high culture of the upper class. Even in her eyes, this villa looked impeccably elegant. ¡®Well, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s appropriate to use the expression that a place has dignity.¡¯ Ines, who was thinking so, suddenly looked out the window. A vast plain where grain grows, and houses dotted around the village. It was as lovely as a house made of matchboxes. ¡®It¡¯s peaceful.¡¯ Ryan and Charlotte were having an affair, and Ines herself suffered a horrific death. Going back to the past, even the fact that she was about divorce Ryan felt so far away. The surroundings around her were just peaceful. ¡®Ryan.¡¯ Reluctantly, thoughts flowed to Ryan. Ines¡¯ expression darkened a little. At the same time Enoch called her. ¡°Countess Brierton?¡± ¡°Ah, yes!¡± Ines, who had suddenly regained her consciousness, looked back at Enoch, but her shoulders hardened right away. ¡®Ah, we made eye contact.¡¯ Enoch¡¯s dark blue eyes were staring at her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Ines reflexively shook her head. Then Enoch narrowed his eyes. ¡°The Countess answers ¡®Nothing¡¯ too often.¡± ¡°¡­Do I?¡± Ines looked a little embarrassed at the unexpected comment. Enoch pointed it out again. ¡°It¡¯s probably nothing.¡± ¡°That¡­..¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, you don¡¯t have to say it. But¡­¡± Enoch spoke in a subdued voice. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t dismiss your thoughts and feelings as ¡®nothing¡¯.¡± When he said that, Enoch¡¯s gaze somehow seemed to care about her very much. As she met his gaze, her heart throbbed. ¡°Yes. It was nothing.¡± Ines, who answered quickly, looked out the window for no reason. If she didn¡¯t do that, Enoch would find out about her burning cheeks. ¡°You know, once.¡± A voice like a sigh scattered through the air. ¡°I once wanted to come with Ryan to such a beautiful place.¡± Ines¡¯ dark green eyes filled with sad light and fell deeply. ¡°I wish Ryan was kind to me, and I wish we could spend time together¡­ It was really hard to let go of that expectation.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Enoch narrowed his brow slightly. Every time Ines put Ryan in her mouth, she had that kind of expression. A lost expression, as if she had fallen into the sea with a rock hanging from her ankle. And for Enoch, the fact that Ines made that kind of expression for Ryan was¡­ ¡®It¡¯s unpleasant.¡¯ At the same time, Ines smiled bitterly and shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Did I say something out of the ordinary?¡± ¡°No.¡± Shaking his head, Enoch frowned and added his words. ¡°But I don¡¯t like it.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The Countess is wasting her energy thinking about the Count.¡± ¡®Why is the Duke of Sussex offended by that?¡¯ Ines tilted her head and looked at Enoch¡¯s expression. ¡®Somehow, the Duke seems to be subtly angry now.¡¯ Honestly, why? Ines and Enoch were a cooperative relationship with a common goal. Of course, Enoch was quite friendly, but that was because Ines was Enoch¡¯s partner. There was no reason to be so emotional¡­ ¡­ Meanwhile, Enoch, who had moved his lips as if to say more, let out a sigh and opened his mouth. ¡°I will return to Langdon now.¡± ¡°Already?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been quite some time already. I have some work to do.¡± Then Ines nodded her head in agreement. ¡°Yes, the Duke is a busy man, so you should go back quickly. Thank you for your consideration.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± It was strangely annoying when Ines said she understood and told him to go back quickly. But he couldn¡¯t figure out why that bothered him, so Enoch walked out of the villa with a timid gait. Ines also followed to see him off. ¡°Go back carefully.¡± ¡°The Countess must be tired too, I hope you get some rest.¡± Even after saying goodbye to Ines, his steps did not fall at all. Enoch got into the carriage, trying not to look back. ¡°To the townhouse.¡± ¡°Yes, Duke.¡± The carriage began to run smoothly. Enoch slowly pondered what had happened today. ¡°Why am I so annoyed?¡± Whenever the Countess mentioned the Count. As if someone had ignited a fire in his chest, his stomach kept getting hotter. Even when she told him to go back. It was a common sense and polite answer. But Enoch couldn¡¯t understand why he was bothered by that answer. ¡®What the hell did I expect from the Countess?¡¯ Enoch, who had been thinking deeply for a long time, stopped for a moment. ¡®Did I wish I could spend a little more time with her?¡¯ Enoch¡¯s forehead wrinkled for a moment. He laughed in vain. ¡®No way.¡¯ Since the Countess¡¯ divorce case was not far away, it must be because he himself has become too sensitive. Being so engrossed in all sorts of thoughts, Enoch didn¡¯t notice at all. The fact that Ines did not go back to the villa, and was watching the back of his carriage as he moved away. *** At the same time. Ryan couldn¡¯t contain his anxiety and was pulling his hair out. ¡°Charlotte, what should I do?¡± Ryan, who was chewing his lips, looked at Charlotte, who was sitting next to him, with trembling eyes. ¡°Is Ines really going to leave me?¡± ¡°No way!¡± Charlotte hurriedly grabbed Ryan¡¯s head and patted him on the back. ¡°Ines cannot live without you.¡± ¡°That, right?¡± ¡°Then. All this will pass, don¡¯t worry.¡± Ryan buried his head in Charlotte¡¯s arms. Charlotte hugged Ryan as if to appease a whining little child. ¡°That girl is bad, tormenting our Ryan so much.¡± But unlike the sweet words that came out of her mouth, Charlotte was also thinking of Ines. ¡®D*mn b*tch.¡¯ Charlotte bit her molars. For Charlotte, Ines has always been the object of envy. Ines was the only heiress of one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom. She had an elegant and dignified appearance like a deer, and an enormous wealth that would not diminish no matter what. And she was loved by everyone, with her kind personality. Wherever Ines went, she captured the attention of people. On the other hand, Charlotte herself had nothing to do with her glamorous looks. ¡®It¡¯s really annoying.¡¯ Charlotte was from a Baron family that could not advance into the central social world from the beginning. She felt sorry for herself because she was stuck in the family and couldn¡¯t do anything. ¡®What is the difference between me and Ines?¡¯ That intense sense of inferiority. ¡®I didn¡¯t realize that our lives were so different, even though we come from only one different family at most!¡¯ So Charlotte made the most of her position as Ines¡¯ only friend. Chapter 27 *** *** ¡°Ines, I am your only friend. I just want to be with you¡­¡± So, as a friend of Ines, Charlotte entered the central social circle. ¡°Are you looking for Ines? Ines was tired and went to rest for a while.¡± Using Ines as an excuse, she exchanged friendships with numerous noble ladies. ¡°Hello, are you Ines¡¯s husband?¡± And knowing that Ines truly loved Ryan, Charlotte deliberately became Ryan¡¯s lover. She cleverly isolated Ines. It was quite fun to watch Ines being swayed by every word she said. However. ¡®That girl¡­ Something has changed lately.¡¯ Charlotte¡¯s eyes narrowed in suspicion. She did not know that the timid Ines would publicize her work by exhibiting her paintings at the Duke of Sussex¡¯s exhibition. ¡®I don¡¯t think Ines notices the relationship between me and Ryan.¡¯ Charlotte swallowed dry saliva. ¡®I think I¡¯ll have to lay low for a while.¡¯ With that in mind, Charlotte dug into Ryan¡¯s arms. Anyway, isn¡¯t she currently in charge of Ines¡¯ husband? ¡®I beat Ines.¡¯ (*you can have that trash forever) The sense of victory was very sweet. *** Inside the office of Sussex¡¯s mansion. Only the sound of the pen nib scratching on the paper rang out. But after a while. ¡°Hmmm.¡± Enoch put his hand on his forehead and let out a short sigh. He couldn¡¯t concentrate on work at all. Enoch glanced away and looked at the desk calendar. There was only one day left until the Countess Brierton¡¯s divorce proceedings. ¡®So I guess that¡¯s why I can¡¯t focus.¡¯ Maybe it was because the court date was just around the corner, and his thoughts kept focusing on the Countess. ¡®She¡¯d be quite upset with her by now.¡¯ In fact, since Enoch had lent his villa to Ines, he deliberately tried not to think about Ines. His mind was complicated. So he didn¡¯t even visit the villa as much as possible. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t take into account the gazes around him at all, but rather. Because he was constantly bothered by the Countess. Enoch wrinkled his brow. Was it because he was fascinated by her sparkling talent? It was Enoch who never lost his composure under any circumstances. But now, just thinking about Ines made his head go haywire. He was so unfamiliar with the status quo that he thought it would be better if he didn¡¯t meet Ines. It was all in vain. At least with his superhuman patience, he had stopped himself walking to the villa countless times. But somehow, he thought about her more because he didn¡¯t see her face. Enoch bit his lip and grabbed his pen. He glanced down at the papers once more, but the white ones were paper and the black ones were just handwriting. ¡°¡­.¡± After sitting like that for a long time, Enoch eventually got up. It was because he decided that it would be difficult for him to concentrate on work any longer if he kept sitting still. With an urgent hand, he picked up his jacket, which he had hung on his chair. ¡®Yes, this is to check on Countess Brierton¡¯s condition.¡¯ Enoch tried to convince himself that way. Even in order to protect his stellar genius, Ines¡¯s divorce was essential. And in order to smoothly proceed with her divorce case, Ines must be at her best. ¡®So this visit to the Countess because I¡¯m her boss.¡¯ But in fact, Enoch himself knew. He was receiving periodic reports of Ines¡¯s condition from his servants, so he didn¡¯t have to check with his own eyes. Noticing his own contradictions, his mood worsened even more. Nevertheless, Enoch did not stop his urgent steps. As he stepped out of the building, the waiting driver found Enoch and bowed his head. ¡°Where shall I take you, sir?¡± Enoch answered with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m going to Meldon House.¡± Meldon House. It was the name of the villa he had lent to Ines. *** Ines sat on a large, sunny window sill. Her dark green eyes were watching the outside, and she was busy on the sketchbook he held in her arms. She teased the pencil. While she was so absorbed in painting. ¡°Huh?¡± Ines, who was casually scanning the surrounding landscape, widened her eyes. It was because she could see a luxurious carriage running in the distance. The appearance of the carriage was somehow familiar. ¡°The Duke?¡± Surprised, Ines got up from her seat. Her eyes weren¡¯t wrong. As soon as she saw Enoch disembarking from his carriage, Ines hurried down to the first floor. ¡°The Duke of Sussex!¡± ¡°Ah, Countess Brierton.¡± Enoch found Ines and smiled, gently bending his eyes. ¡°How are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good. How have you been, Your Excellency?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been fine too.¡± Ines looked at Enoch with a somewhat new feeling. ¡®By the way, I think it¡¯s the first time we¡¯ve seen each other since the Duke rented me this villa.¡¯ Meanwhile. Ines tilted her head. ¡®What is this feeling?¡¯ Recently, she has been strangely depressed and even skipped her meals. But as soon as she met Enoch, her melancholy seemed to melt away. ¡®As expected, the Duke is amazing.¡¯ How could she explain this feeling? The desire to be recognized by someone itself was very different from the past when she wanted to be recognized by Ryan. And. ¡®His Excellency is different from Ryan.¡¯ Unlike Ryan, with whom she had rational affection, her feelings for Enoch were pure respect. Ines convinced herself. Anyway, when she was with Enoch, she felt comfortable and free as if she was wearing clothes that fit her body well. She didn¡¯t have to watch out for the opponent¡¯s mood or tried to fit in. How pleasant it was to be with someone who looked at her positively. Just then, Enoch glanced at Ines¡¯s hands. ¡°You must have been painting.¡± ¡°Ah yes.¡± Ines smiled embarrassedly. As the situation was not so good, she brought along all of her sketchbooks and pencils. Enoch lightly suggested. ¡°Would you like to go for a walk?¡± ¡°A walk?¡± ¡°Yes. I heard that you were only inside all the time, it must be stuffy.¡± Ines hesitated a bit without realizing it. She didn¡¯t hate going for a walk with Enoch. But. ¡°But, if anyone around finds me, the reputation of the Duke will¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before that this area is private land? Don¡¯t worry, the surroundings are tightly controlled.¡± Perhaps he had noticed Ines¡¯s concern, Enoch reassured her casually. ¡°And I don¡¯t really care if anyone actually sees the Countess.¡± ¡°What? But¡­¡± ¡°The Countess did nothing wrong. But why do you care so much about other people¡¯s opinions?¡± ¡°¡­¡± With such a calm face, Enoch asked a question that pierced her lungs. Ines was speechless. Enoch added his words calmly. ¡°People who did nothing wrong hide themselves, and people who do wrong run around outside. I don¡¯t like that.¡± ¡°¡­ that.¡± ¡°Of course, I understand the Countess¡¯ discomfort. But what I want to tell you is.¡± Enoch gave strength to his voice. ¡°The Countess can be more confident.¡± Ines stared blankly at Enoch. Every time Enoch spoke so decisively, Ines¡¯s heart beat faster and faster. Upright, unshaken by any words, and not concerned with the gaze of others. He persevered in what he believed was right. Its appearance itself was shining brightly. He was a completely different person from herself who was always withdrawn¡­¡­ At the same time, Enoch asked a question playfully. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve explained this to you, would you like to go for a walk together?¡± After being silent for a moment, Ines smiled and nodded her head. ¡°I would like that.¡± So the two walked slowly along the path in the forest. The fresh air of the countryside filled the lungs. Although the weather was still cold, it felt refreshing rather than cold. Every time the heels of the shoes trampled on the frozen leaves, the sweet yet refreshing winter smell hit the tip of the nose. Enoch glanced down at Ines and opened his mouth. ¡°Now there is only one day left until the divorce. How do you feel?¡± ¡°Well ¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡± After pondering for a moment, Ines answered cautiously. ¡°I am excited and looking forward to it¡­¡­ ¡± As Ines continued to speak, she lowered her eyes. Her expression suddenly became gloomy like a cloudy sky. Chapter 28 *** **** ¡°¡­I¡¯m a little scared.¡± ¡°Why are you afraid?¡± Enoch asked the question in a rather tense voice. It was really weird. With just one answer from Ines, Enoch¡¯s heart would end up in a mess like a tangled thread. What if Ines doesn¡¯t want to leave Ryan, or what if she wants to reconsider her relationship with Ryan again? Then Ines responded as if he was asking something obvious. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m worried that the divorce won¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°Oh, was that so?¡± Enoch was relieved without realizing it. At the same time, there were deep wrinkles over his beautiful brows. ¡®Why the hell am I feeling relieved?¡¯ Even though Ines¡¯ divorce was just around the corner and he became sensitive, it was a bit excessive. Ines¡¯s every word and every small action could make him feel happy or sad. On the other hand, Ines was reminiscing about the times she had been apart from Ryan. Life without Ryan was too sweet. To the extent that she wished she had never married Ryan. The thought of her having to live as a couple with Ryan once again was terrifying. Ines, who shuddered at the thought, looked at Enoch with a puzzled face. ¡°Then why are you smiling so much, Duke?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡®I smiled?¡¯ Enoch, startled, reflexively touched his face. ¡®Really¡­I was smiling.¡¯ The tip of Enoch¡¯s lips had suddenly soared high in the sky without realizing it. Fortunately, Ines didn¡¯t pay more attention to Enoch. ¡°Ah, look at that tree fruit!¡± Ines pointed to the coniferous tree that had grown thick nearby. Under the branches of the coniferous tree, which remained blue even in chilly weather, red fruits hung mockingly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it so cute?¡± Excited, Ines trotted towards it. Wanting to look at the scenery of the tree, she immediately took out her sketchbook. Then she turned to look at Enoch with a troubled face. ¡°I¡¯m going to sketch, can you please wait a little bit?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch nodded his head warmly. With permission, Ines began to play the pencil with a delighted face. Enoch looked at Ines from behind. How vividly the figure of a human being concentrating on something and letting her talents shine. And how pleasant it was to be able to watch her from the side. ¡®Wait.¡¯ In an instant, Enoch suddenly realized. Who has ever shaken him like this¡­ There was none other than Ines. *** Finally, the day of the trial dawned. Ines looked up at the ceiling and blinked slowly. ¡®My heart is pounding.¡¯ She raised her hand and pressed it against her chest. So many emotions rushed in, Ines barely slept the night before. But she wasn¡¯t tired or sleepy. Rather, the full anticipation energized her whole body. ¡®It¡¯s okay, I just need to finish the court today well.¡¯ Ines¡¯ two eyes lit up. Her long married life was finally ending as of today. She would finally wrap up her relationship with Ryan, and become Ines Brierton instead of Countess Brierton. There was little fear that for some reason her divorce case might fail. ¡®Probably not ¡­because the Duke supports me.¡¯ When she thought of Enoch, a faint smile appeared on the corner of her lips without realizing it. Throughout her stay at the villa, Ines had received Elton¡¯s magazine regularly. Elton¡¯s unique logical article was enjoyable every time she saw it. One of the editorials was especially interesting. The editorial that cleverly drove Ryan as an ¡®incompetent man¡¯ and made her laugh was excellent. Contemplating the contents, Ines, who had been lying on the bed, got up. ¡®Now I have to get up.¡¯ As she opened the window, the cold and refreshing air characteristic of late winter rushed into the room. At dawn, a bluish light drenched everything. Ines captured the tranquil village scenery for a long time. ¡°¡­ ¡­¡­ beautiful.¡± A voice like a sigh came out. ¡®After the successful divorce from Ryan, I probably won¡¯t be able to look at this scenery any more.¡¯ Thinking like that, Ines paused for a moment. ¡®Then now¡­ Does my relationship with the Duke of Sussex end here?¡¯ There was a high probability. Because he and she were only holding hands for their respective purposes. Through a special article about Count Brierton, Elton¡¯s sales soared day by day, and Enoch also faithfully kept his promise to Ines. Because every time Elton magazine articles came out, Ryan¡¯s reputation was thrown on the floor like garbage. That was how they could bring Ryan to trial. Ines tried hard to console herself, but it didn¡¯t work out as well as he had hoped. Until just now, she had been feeling so light. As soon as she realized that her relationship with Enoch was ending, her chest felt heavy as if she swallowed a large stone. The hand that gripped the window frame gained strength. ¡®Okay, let¡¯s stop thinking about it.¡¯ Ines shook her head and stepped back. ¡®Wake up, Ines. Right now, you need to focus on the divorce case.¡¯ Even after repeating it many times, Ines could not close the window in the end. It was because the frustration as if swallowing a large stone was not likely to go away if she didn¡¯t feel the cold wind. *** it was because *** After a while. Ines, who had finished preparing to go out, got on the carriage a little early in the morning. She had to leave early because of the distance between Meldon House and Langdon. Ines, who was quietly observing the distant Meldon House, paid attention to her reflection in the window. Although her expression looked a bit tense, she didn¡¯t look shabby when standing in front of others. It was thanks to breaking away from being the ¡®simple woman¡¯ Ryan had wanted her to be. ¡®Alright.¡¯ Ines clenched her fiery fists. ¡®I can do well. I¡¯ve done a good job so far.¡¯ In a way, it was a miracle in itself to convince Enoch to join her. She might not have created the situation in which she could file for divorce if it hadn¡¯t been for Enoch¡¯s help. ¡®Come to think of it¡­ the Duke of Sussex said he would attend as an observer.¡¯ From the start, Enoch had suggested that he would take her to court himself if she wanted to. But Ines refused. Anyway, Ines was not yet divorced, so she was a little concerned about how others looked at her. Above all. ¡®Because I must not cause trouble to the Duke.¡¯ In fact, she was sincere. She wanted to avoid harming Enoch as much as possible. Even though he said it was okay for Ines to stay at this villa. Because she was the artist the Duke of Sussex had promised to support and she needed protection from the press, and that people would understand. However. ¡®He shouldn¡¯t be misunderstood for more than an artist-supporter relationship.¡¯ The truth that Ines and Enoch weren¡¯t really that kind of relationship probably didn¡¯t matter that much to others. Ines¡¯ respect for Enoch, her benefactor, who gave her the chance to retrieve the precious things that she had lost. She was just grateful. But all of that will simply be consumed as gossip out of public interest. Also, that misunderstanding may be a considerable blemish for Enoch, who has an impeccable reputation. Ines¡¯ green eyes sank deeply for a moment. ¡®Perhaps the Duke thought the same, that¡¯s why he refrained from visiting the villa.¡¯ Since lending the villa to Ines, Enoch had never personally visited her. He only came to see her only yesterday. But Ines understood why Enoch was cautious. If she was him, she would not have been wiser than Enoch. Also, didn¡¯t he stop by and comfort Ines yesterday even though he was busy? Although she knew that Enoch had already helped her plenty, and that it would be rather selfish to wish for more of him in such a situation. ¡®¡­ I wish he had come a little more often.¡¯ Ines, startled for a moment, shook her head violently. ¡®What the hell am I thinking!¡¯ After thinking about it for a while, she realized that the town of Langdon was just a short distance away. Ines looked at the courthouse in the distance. Even though the distance was still considerable, the size of the courthouse was big enough to come to her view immediately. Under the dazzling morning sun, the Statue of Justice sculpted from pure white marble shone brightly. ¡®Now¡­ The trial will begin in a little while.¡¯ Her mouth was dry. About a month before the divorce proceedings start. During this time, Ines had never met Ryan. And she realized. ¡®Only one Ryan disappeared from her life, how could she live so peacefully.¡¯ A life where she was completely focused on herself. She didn¡¯t know it at all, but the time when she got out of her bondage of being called Ryan was so intense. ¡®I don¡¯t want to go back to that hellish marriage again.¡¯ *** *You¡¯ll see your Eddy next chapter, H ???? Chapter 29 *** *** Just then, the carriage stopped. ¡®Okay, let¡¯s go.¡¯ Taking a short deep breath, Ines opened the carriage door. At the same time, a cold sweat ran down her back. ¡®It¡¯s really¡­. It¡¯s enormous.¡¯ The first sight that Ines, who stepped outside, encountered was countless people gathered like clouds at the entrance of the court. It was a divorce case that caused an uproar in the kingdom, so the number of spectators who wanted to attend this case was considerable. In the meantime, reporters from various media outlets were mixed with each other. In order to somehow beat Elton, they ran like a hyena. ¡°Countess Brierton!¡± ¡°Countess, please look here just once!¡± The back of her neck stiffened from the tension as she heard the reporters calling her out. Ines tried to shake off the feeling of pressure that was crushing her whole body, putting strength on her shoulders. ¡°How do you feel about the trial today?¡± ¡°Just one word please!¡± ¡®¡­ No, I can¡¯t even think of going through it.¡¯ It was when Ines frowned without realizing it. ¡°You are here, Countess.¡± A characteristic elegant voice rang out. Ines lifted her head in a flash. ¡°Sir Duke of Sussex?¡± It was Enoch. Ines felt her tension release immediately. Enoch approached Ines with a slow pace. The densely packed reporters scatter like waves with every step Enoch took. ¡°Come this way.¡± Enoch politely reached out to Ines. It was a gentleman¡¯s escort to the Lady. Ines placed her hand over his, as if possessed. Enoch, who gently grabbed her hand, looked around with a cold gaze. ¡°Everyone, stay out of the way.¡± Even with just a single word, a strong sense of intimidation was felt. The reporters unknowingly retreated back. At the same time, court officials came and started moving the reporters. ¡°Everyone, please step aside!¡± ¡°What are you doing in front of the Sacred Court?¡± During that time, Ines and Enoch were able to get out of the place. After such a long distance from the reporters. Stepping into the courtroom, Ines thanked him. ¡°Thank you, Duke.¡± Then Enoch bent his eyes mischievously. ¡°The reason I stopped the reporters was not for the Countess, but for me.¡± huh? Ines tilted her head. Enoch shrugged his shoulders proudly. ¡°As the owner of Elton, don¡¯t I have a duty to protect our precious scoop provider?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Of course. I am in a position to be responsible for the sales of our newspaper.¡± A playful reply rang out. Ines, who was looking at Enoch like that quietly, covered her mouth and burst out laughing briefly. ¡°Haha.¡± Then, she was startled and opened her eyes wide. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to laugh at the Duke¡­¡± ¡°Usually, I would ask for a charge of contempt of the royal family, but this time I¡¯ll let it slide.¡± ¡°¡­.If the Duke jokes like that, I¡¯m really scared. It sounds real.¡± Ines gently complained. Then Enoch asked quietly. ¡°I think you¡¯ve come to your senses now. Are you relieved?¡± Ah. Ines blinked her eyes. ¡®So, now, did he make a joke like that to relieve my tension?¡¯ A small smile crept over her red lips. ¡°Yes, I think so.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± Enoch, who was nodding his head with a smile, suddenly narrowed his brow. He felt strange. ¡®Why?¡¯ Just seeing the Countess smile made me feel so relieved. Enoch narrowed his eyebrows in his puzzlement, but he could not dwell on the question for long. Because the royal servant ran to Enoch. ¡°Duke of Sussex! His Majesty the King is looking for you!¡± ¡°My brother?¡± For a moment, Ines looked at Enoch¡¯s beautiful face, the expression of annoyed to death passed by. ¡®Huh?¡¯ However, that expression disappeared in an instant, and Enoch, who had a normal face again, greeted Ines. ¡°I think I should go see His Majesty. See you in the courtroom.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Yes, Your Excellency.¡± ¡®Well, I must be mistaken.¡¯ Ines nodded her head with a bewildered feeling. So Enoch left. Ines, who was left alone, took a large, deep breath. ¡®It¡¯s okay.¡¯ Even just having a few words with Enoch, she felt strangely courageous. ¡®Finally, I can legally end my marriage with Ryan.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists tightly. There were only 30 minutes left until the trial began. *** Meanwhile, at that time. The king, Edward, who had just entered the courthouse, greeted his brother with a bright face. ¡°Enoch!¡± ¡°In public, you should call me Duke of Sussex, Your Majesty.¡± Enoch politely gave criticism. ¡®No, you¡¯ll either scold or be polite or just do one thing. What the hell is that?¡¯ (Edward) Edward had a steamy face. ¡°What is Your Majesty? Tsk tsk.¡± ¡°There are many eyes. Your Majesty, grow up.¡± ¡°You called me Your Majesty, but you told me to grow up. Isn¡¯t it too disrespectful?¡± Edward, who was grumbling, suddenly glanced behind Enoch with curious eyes. His gaze turned to Ines, who was standing in the distance. ¡°Oh, is that woman ¡®that¡¯ Countess of Brierton?¡± A slender body, elegantly curled dark brown hair, a graceful neck, and vivid dark green eyes like a forest. She was a woman strangely reminiscent of a deer. Her aristocratic dignity was felt in her posture with a straight posture. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see this after a long time. Shall we say hello?¡± (Edward) ¡°Stop it. It¡¯s a burden on the Countess.¡± (Enoch) Enoch snapped sullenly. Edward narrowed his brow and glanced at his brother. ¡°Do you like me or the Countess of Brierton more?¡± (Edward)???? ¡°Your Majesty, please protect the king¡¯s dignity.¡± (Enoch) But Enoch was stubborn. ¡°In the first place, Your Majesty the King assumed the role of judge in this trial. What a flaw it would be for such a person to have a separate conversation with the trial party¡­¡­¡± (Enoch) ¡°Okay, I got it!¡± (Edward) Edward grumpily shook his hand, interrupting Enoch. Enoch narrowed his eyes and requested. ¡°Please be aware of your position.¡± ¡®Ugh, nagging¡­Even my deceased grandparents didn¡¯t push me this hard.¡¯ (Edward) ???? Edward, who was looking at Enoch with dissatisfied eyes, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°Did you know that you can apply that phrase to yourself too?¡± In an instant, Enoch¡¯s face turned into a bewildered face. ¡°That¡¯s right. Aren¡¯t you my only brother, heir to the throne, and the only duke in the kingdom?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°But you are helping the Countess without taking any of those things into account.¡± Enoch struggled to protest. ¡°I did help, but it¡¯s all for a good reason¡­ .¡± ¡°For a good reason, yes. You¡¯re not the kind of person who does something shameful to yourself.¡± Edward, who had responded with a sense of victory, asked again, bending his eyes. ¡°But is that really all?¡± ¡°That¡­..¡± ¡°You are helping the Countess by actively exploiting your status and position now.¡± Enoch¡¯s ever-quiet deep blue eyes trembled. Edward, who was looking into those trembling eyes with interest, nailed it immediately. ¡°Now, haven¡¯t you ignored that fact?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You were fascinated by the genius of the Countess of Brierton. Because you have always been very interested in artists. But¡­ ¡± Edward, who stretched out his words, patted Enoch on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you support and care about someone so much.¡± ¡°Brother.¡± (Enoch) For a moment, Edward was astonished. Enoch, who strictly separated public and private positions, would call Edward ¡®brother¡¯ in public. That meant that Enoch was embarrassed to the point that he didn¡¯t even care about dignity. His expression showed that he didn¡¯t know he was giving Countess Brierton special treatment. ¡°Well, yes.¡± Edward shrugged his shoulders. Enoch narrowed his forehead, and looked back in the direction where Ines was. But she was nowhere to be seen as she had just entered the courtroom. Edward couldn¡¯t hide his intriguing expression. ¡®Hey, this is amazing!¡¯ Who is Enoch? The little brother, who wouldn¡¯t bleed even if he was stabbed with a needle, was now having a hard time. It was quite fun to see Enoch making that kind of expression. Edward wanted to tease Enoch right away, but he put up with it for now. *** * I love the brothers¡¯ bickering. They are so cute ???? Chapter 30 *** *** ¡®If I accidentally mess it up, I might destroy everything.¡¯ (Edward) Edward was sure Enough would return to his signature cold face and say, ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡± The love and concern for his brother as an older brother, that Enoch needs to be honest with his own feelings once in a while. And if he waits for Enoch¡¯s emotions to ripen a bit more, he can enjoy playing and teasing Enoch later. In addition to that. ¡®Because Countess Brierton is still married to husband.¡¯ It was not right to be overly interested in a woman with a husband. Moreover, since he had no intention of doing an unfair trial for Enoch, Edward decided to take a step back. ¡®If Countess Brierton loses, Enoch¡¯s feelings should be sorted out.¡¯ So, there was nothing good about poking Enoch. ¡°What are you doing? Now we have to go inside.¡± So Edward turned around, pretending not to notice anything. *** Meanwhile, at that time. As Ines entered the courtroom, she encountered an unwelcome person. ¡°Ines!¡± He was Ryan. Ryan jumped up from his seat and tried to approach Ines. ¡°What the hell is this, you really want to sue me¡­¡­ !¡± It was a mournful call, like the male lead of a tragic story. Ines made an expression of disgust without knowing it. But, either way, Ryan only raised his voice exaggeratedly. ¡°You said you loved me!¡± Just hearing that sad complaint, Ines felt like a villain where she betrayed his love. Ines was simply amazed. Ryan¡¯s voice was so loud that all the audience in the courtroom were looking at him with interest. Fortunately, Ryan¡¯s passionate performance didn¡¯t last long. ¡°His Majesty, and the Duke of Sussex are entering!¡± It was because Edward and Enoch had just entered the courtroom. Everyone got up and greeted both of them. ¡°I see you, Your Majesty, and the Duke of Sussex.¡± ¡°Let everyone sit down.¡± Edward, who gave a solemn order, took a seat in the judge¡¯s table. In honor of the Duke and the King, Enoch was assigned a seat right next to Edward. Meanwhile. The eyes of Enoch and Ines met. ¡®Huh?¡¯ Ines was a little puzzled. It was because Enoch had a look of awkwardness on his face, and then he averted his gaze. ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him?¡¯ He didn¡¯t look angry, but he looked oddly perplexed. At the same time, Edward opened his mouth. ¡°We will now begin the trial of the divorce filed by the Countess of Brierton.¡± For a moment, Ines¡¯ eyes shook. It was Ines who got the right to speak first. Ines¡¯s attorney stood up. At the same time, Ryan¡¯s eyes widened wide. ¡®Why is Viscount McDowell here?!¡± Viscount McDowell. As a lawyer who has served in high-level positions in the legal profession, he was one of the best lawyers. He had a very high reputation, so a high fee was the default, and then he was famous for meticulously examining the case. And, taking all that into account, the fact that Ines hired Viscount McDowell¡­. ¡®Ines, that!¡¯ Ryan sharpened his teeth and glared at Ines. ¡®You really want to fight me!! But, as if Ines was asking, ¡®What¡¯s the matter?¡¯, she only shrugged her shoulders lightly. Ryan felt the rage rising to the top of his head. Just then, Viscount McDowell lifted the glasses from the tip of his nose and opened his mouth. ¡°I¡¯m McDowell, defending Countess Brierton. I solemnly swear to tell the truth in this court.¡± After that, Ryan¡¯s lawyer got up from his seat. ¡°I, I¡¯m Turner, Count Brierton¡¯s defense. I solemnly swear to tell the truth in this court.¡± However, the atmosphere was leaning towards Ines from the beginning. It was because the up-and-coming lawyer Ryan hired in front of lawyer McDowell, who had won many cases so far, could not stand up straight. ¡®Really, how hard I worked to hire lawyer McDowell¡­ ¡¯ Ines felt the tip of her nose twitch. Rather, money was not an issue. However, since divorce proceedings were not so common within the kingdom, it was difficult to find lawyers who were familiar with it. However, the effects of the art exhibition were significant, and taking on a major event that drew the attention of the entire kingdom was a considerable honor even for a lawyer. After several days of persuasion, he accepted the case. Besides, Ines had a very high chance of winning, so that must have been taken into account. ¡®Before returning to the past, there was no art exhibition, so it was impossible to find a lawyer.¡¯ Ines glanced at the lawyer on Ryan¡¯s side with a smirk. But, she didn¡¯t know why Ryan hired such a young lawyer. Now that Ryan was at a disadvantage, it was not enough time to hire a different lawyer. ¡®Did he beat the fee?¡¯ In an instant, Ines hardened on the spot. It was because of Ryan¡¯s personality that she thought it was a good chance he would do that. Meanwhile, while Ines was speculating in her head, the trial continued. A picture was drawn in which one side overwhelmingly pressed the other side, which was a shame to even call it a legal battle. From the beginning, Ines was perfectly victorious. ¡°Here are two paintings which have been submitted to the art exhibition of the Duke of Sussex.¡± Viscount McDowell continued speaking overwhelmingly. ¡°But the style of painting, the method of coloring, and even those using watercolor techniques that are rarely used in the kingdom are the same.¡± Not only the king but also the audience looked at the paintings with their eyes wide open. ¡° and ¡± ¡°Those two paintings were the ones that caused a huge controversy in the kingdom. But one was presented in the name of the Countess Brierton, and the other belongs to Count Brierton.¡± Upon hearing Viscount McDowell¡¯s explanation, the audience¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ¡°They look like a series when it¡¯s side by side like that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Can it be like that?¡± The audience was whispering. Edward also couldn¡¯t hide his doubtful expression. Only Enoch, who had already seen those two paintings, was calm. ¡®No, this is going to completely shift the mood to that side!¡± Unbearable, Ryan asked for a say. ¡°Your Majesty, May I speak?¡± Edward glanced at Ryan and nodded his head. ¡°Alright.¡± Ryan cautiously stood up. His high-handed attitude toward Ines was overbearing. ¡®What the hell that d*mn lawyer doing?!¡¯ Ryan stared fiercely at his lawyer. From the beginning, he threatened that he could only pay a fee as small as a rat¡¯s tail. So he had forgotten that he could only hire a rookie lawyer who had just graduated from the law department at the university. ¡®Sh*t!¡¯ Ryan, who chewed a swear word inside, changed his expression and looked at Ines with earnest eyes. ¡°Dear King, Ines is my one and only beloved wife.¡± ¡®what?¡¯ Ines doubted her ears. At the same time, Enoch looked at Ryan with a hardened face. But Ryan only continued to speak with a mournful voice. ¡°Honestly, I¡­ I never imagined that Ines would file a divorce like this. I didn¡¯t know she was so unhappy with me.¡± ¡®Because you¡¯ve been ignoring me, Ryan.¡¯ Besides, he didn¡¯t care about Ines¡¯ feelings from the beginning. Ines got up from her seat as she struggled to suppress her desire to shoot back. Ryan slumped his shoulders sadly. ¡°She was such a virtuous and understanding woman, I thought she would understand most of my deviations. However¡­¡­ .¡± The end of Ryan¡¯s voice trembled with emotion. ¡°I realized that it was my greed¡­.¡± But contrary to that sad voice, Ryan was quite satisfied inside. ¡®Okay, everyone¡¯s listening to me.¡¯ At least, he seemed to have succeeded in attracting people¡¯s curiosity. Ryan, who pretended to be sad, bowed his head and suppressed a smile, then raised his head again with a sad expression and continued speaking. Chapter 31 *** *** ¡°It¡¯s true that I wasn¡¯t quite faithful to my family. As a man, I¡¯ve been busy with my social life.¡± People were concentrating on Ryan¡¯s words as if they were possessed. Ines thought sarcastically. ¡®Hya, you¡¯re a person who¡¯s good at talking like flowing water.¡¯ Ines herself was fooled by Ryan¡¯s sweet words and even married him. Ryan continued in a rather exaggerated voice. ¡°I understand that Ines was lonely. Women are usually lonely, and I was often absent, so she must have been. But¡­.¡± Ryan looked back at Ines, as if he couldn¡¯t understand her action. His eyes were blazing. ¡°How can you commit such perjury?¡± Perjury. The word began to stir the audience. ¡°Is it true that Count Brierton just said perjury?¡± ¡°Perjury, then the Countess brought her husband to court for false reasons?¡± Ryan declared with a raised of his neck, encouraged by the murmur. ¡°I and Ines have been painting together for a long time. Of course, we can influence each other.¡± Ryan clenched his fists and asked back. ¡°That means that couples can have similar styles of painting, right?¡± The attitude and voice were so firm that the audience began to discuss. ¡°Is that so? ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡± Listening to the whisper, Ryan felt a thrill in his spine with a sense of victory. ¡®This easy thing, that incompetent lawyer couldn¡¯t even handle this much!¡¯ Confident, Ryan turned his head toward Ines. ¡®At this point, Ines should have come to her senses, so if you beg now, I¡¯ll forgive you.¡¯ At the same time, Ryan hardened his flinch shoulders. ¡®What is it?¡¯ Ines¡¯ expression was just calm even though he constantly pushed Ines into a corner. Her dark green eyes stare straight at Ryan. And. ¡°¡­.¡± Ines smiled brightly. Ryan felt a chill down his spine for a moment. ¡®What, why are you smiling like that?¡¯ Meanwhile, Ines was contemplating her conversation with Enoch. The day Inez made a deal with Enoch, and Enoch agreed to help her. ¡°Because you two are a married couple, it can be argued that the style of painting is similar.¡± ¡°It probably won¡¯t happen.¡± She remembered laughing without realizing it because it was such an absurd sound. ¡°How are you so confident?¡± ¡°Because it is an insult to me to compare Ryan¡¯s crude painting to mine.¡± She was serious. Ryan had no background in drawing. No, it would be more correct to say that he wasn¡¯t even interested in the first place. Therefore, Ines could answer confidently. ¡°Ryan¡¯s drawings don¡¯t even match my heels. So don¡¯t worry about that.¡± And that thought still hadn¡¯t changed. Ryan stuttered a bit and called Ines. ¡°Hey, Ines.¡± Instead of answering, Ines looked at Ryan softly. Ryan made a desperate look on his face and tried to persuade Ines. ¡°I will do better in the future.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I really want to get along well with you again.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°I won¡¯t let you down any more, huh?¡± Toward the silent Ines, Ryan continued babbling. However, Ines did not raise an eyebrow. After a while. Ines opened her mouth. ¡°I request to speak, My King.¡± However, those words were not directed to Ryan, but to King Edward. Edward looked at Ines with interest. ¡°Allow.¡± ¡°Thank you. Your Majesty.¡± Ines got up from her seat and made a courtesy greeting to the king. After that, she spoke in a clear voice. ¡°Count Brierton claimed it was simply a style resemblance, and the paintings he submitted were his own.¡± ¡°Yes, he did.¡± ¡°Then there is a simple way to verify it.¡± ¡°How?¡± Edward¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity. Nodding her head, Ines looked straight at the King and Enoch. ¡°In front of the King, and the Duke of Sussex, and everyone present here¡­ .¡± A bright smile appeared on her lips. It was a smile full of confidence. ¡°I and Count Brierton will paint at the same time.¡± For a moment, the audience¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are they going to paint?¡± ¡°In this courtroom?¡± The audience seemed a bit reluctant. ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m pretty sure¡­¡­¡± ¡°But will His Majesty allow it? Painting in a courtroom is unprecedented, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Actually, from my point of view, isn¡¯t it very rare for a wife to file for divorce?¡± Meanwhile, Ryan snorted inwardly. ¡®Ines, do you think your request will be accepted? You¡¯re so naive.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t that Ryan didn¡¯t even think of this request from Ines in the first place. However, the Kingdom of Lancaster was basically a conservative country, and emphasized family harmony. Of course, His Majesty could reprimand him for neglecting his family. However, in Lancaster¡¯s home-oriented culture, that was not enough to break up a marriage. Above all, the King was very close to the Queen. And he even asked his younger brother, the Duke of Sussex, to marry many times. It was a famous story in the kingdom. He emphasized the harmonious family that much. ¡®So if you want to paint a picture to openly reveal your intention to break the family, I¡¯m sure His Majesty¡­.¡¯ Around the time Ryan was imagining a rosy future. A light reply broke Ryan¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll allow it.¡± ¡®What?¡¯ Astonished, Ryan looked at Edward. But Edward had already made a decision. ¡°Countess Brierton has made a wise proposal. I like it very much.¡± ¡°Ha, Your Majesty!¡± Ryan hurriedly called out to Edward. Edward narrowed his eyes and looked at Ryan. ¡°Anything to say, Count?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®No, to say that I cannot paint here is to admit that Ines¡¯ words are true.¡¯ When Ryan didn¡¯t say anything, Edward shrugged his shoulders and gave the order. ¡°Prepare the tools.¡± Then Enoch turned his head toward Edward and spoke. ¡°Your Majesty, I have prepared the tools in advance.¡± ¡°Oh, the Duke of Sussex?¡± Edward, who looked at Enoch in surprise, immediately bent his eyes slyly. ¡°Yes, of course. My brother is also very wise.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Enoch looked at Edward as if he was going to die of shame, but he did not refute, considering the gaze of those around him. Enoch added his words instead. ¡°I have also hired experts who know about painting well, so if necessary, we will bring them in.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great. If it wasn¡¯t for the Duke of Sussex, wouldn¡¯t there have been major difficulties in the trial?¡± (Edward) ¡°¡­.¡± ¡®Do you really have to make fun of me like this, here?¡¯ (Enoch) Enoch summoned the experts with a grumpy face. After a while, Ryan faced the easel and the painting tools in front of him with a bewildered expression. ¡®No, do I really have to paint?¡¯ The subject was still life. A basket full of fruits was placed on a table lined with a checkered tablecloth. Contemplating, Ryan hurriedly looked at Edward. ¡°Ah, Your Majesty!¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I mean, painting is ¡­ !¡± Ryan only looked up at Edward with a desperate gaze, but couldn¡¯t dare to speak to the end. Edward looked down at Ryan with his lips twitching with a curious gaze. ¡°Why don¡¯t you keep talking? You¡¯ve been calling me for a while now, haven¡¯t you?¡± Edward¡¯s voice was mixed with faint irritation. Ryan swallowed a gulp and tried to convince Edward. ¡°Oh, Your Majesty. How could this be in the sacred court¡­.? ¡°Well, why does the Count think this can¡¯t be allowed in the sacred court?¡± Edward asked back. Ryan couldn¡¯t hide his bewilderment. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Being able to distinguish between those who are wrong and those who are not, and to judge justly before God, isn¡¯t it sacred?¡± Looking at Ryan, who didn¡¯t know what to do, Edward smiled leisurely. ¡°If it¡¯s not illegal, why can¡¯t it be done for a fair judgment?¡± ¡°Your Majesty!¡± ¡°Sit down for now.¡± Edward pointed to the easel with his chin. ¡°Isn¡¯t the Countess waiting for the Count?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± With those words, Ryan reflexively looked back. Ines was already sitting in front of her easel. Her dark green eyes looking back at him were still, unshaken. Chapter 32 *** *** Edward shrugged his shoulders lightly. ¡°We can¡¯t take an indefinite time, so let¡¯s just paint until today¡¯s trial is finished.¡± A firm command was issued. ¡°Then you both can start.¡± Ines moved her hand without hesitation as if waiting. She outlined blurred objects with a pencil, marking the direction of light and shadow. It was free movement without any constraints. ¡®Sh*t!¡¯ Ryan eventually began to tease his pencil while biting his molars. Although his artistic literacy was only drawing, which he learned for a while as a child, he had to draw something. Even so, if it continued like this, he would be completely defeated by Ines. ¡®Watercolor.¡¯ Ryan sharpened his teeth. He suddenly remembered how Ines used to chatter in an excited voice. ¡°Ryan, what about this picture? The concentration is adjusted with water, not oil. Isn¡¯t it amazing? And¡­¡± ¡°Oh really. Why are you making so much noise with only paintings?¡± At the time, he shot her down. In this situation, he regretted that he did not listen to Ines at that time. Meanwhile, Ines was already starting to paint. Every time she teased her brush, the transparent color was dazzlingly set on the white drawing paper. ¡®Oh, no!¡¯ Unable to overcome his nervousness, Ryan started squeezing paint at random. The fingers that started to color trembled with tension. Adjust the density of the paint with white paint and express the light. So time passed, and finally. ¡°Stop.¡± Edward opened his mouth. ¡°Put down your brush.¡± Ines put down the brush without delay, but Ryan was different. He was sweating profusely, and he tried to fix the painting somehow. ¡°Count Brighton!¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± It was only after Edward screamed that Ryan let go of the aesthetic brush. The sun was setting through the window. There was not much left until closing time. ¡°Let¡¯s check it out quickly.¡± So Edward, Enoch, and the experts began to appraise the paintings. After that, the judgment was made. ¡°Count Brierton¡¯s painting¡­¡­ Well, it¡¯s hard to even say that it was painted by a professional painter.¡± An elderly expert raised his glasses and opened his mouth. Other experts agreed. ¡°This looks like a case study. Rather than being professionally educated, it is a painting of a person who has learned a little through culture.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. We can speak in our honor.¡± The experts bowed to Edward. Ryan¡¯s face turned blue. ¡®Hey, this can¡¯t be!¡¯ Meanwhile, Enoch, who was examining the painting, raised his lips. ¡®Ryan¡¯s painting don¡¯t even match my heels. So you can rest assured about that.¡¯ It was because Ines¡¯ confident words suddenly came to his mind. ¡®Countess Brierton didn¡¯t lie.¡¯ Needless to say, the two paintings were qualitatively different from the beginning. It was disrespectful to compare Ines¡¯ paintings with Ryan¡¯s paintings. It was markedly different from the perfection of the painting. Ines completed the painting almost perfectly within the time limit, whereas Ryan barely painted the drawing paper without any blanks. Besides, there was a crucial difference between the two paintings, and that was it. ¡°The coloring method itself is quite different.¡± Enoch opened his mouth. At those words, Ryan shrank as if he had been beaten with a whip. Because he was stabbed in the heart. ¡®D*mn it!¡¯ He was trying to color the way he painted oil paintings. ¡®Actually, it¡¯s not that the method is bad.¡¯ Although Ryan tried to use watercolor techniques, sadly, those efforts were to no avail. It was because he did not have an understanding of Ines¡¯ unique transparent watercolor painting. So Ryan, with the shallow knowledge he knew, used white paint when adjusting the color of paint. Perhaps if it was Ines, she would have painted a uniquely splendid picture with Ryan¡¯s method. Because she was a master who was not limited by her tools. But Ryan couldn¡¯t. ¡®It¡¯s because he¡¯s not very good at it, the painting itself is sloppy.¡¯ Enoch judged coldly. The painting of Ryan felt somewhat dull. He couldn¡¯t control the water properly, so the drawing paper was visible everywhere. In contrast, Ines only adjusted the concentration of paints with water. The brightest part of the picture, which was illuminated by light, was expressed by boldly leaving it on white paper. So, it felt a unique sense of transparency. It was the method of coloring that people called Ryan the genius of the century. And if it was compared with the two paintings that Ines exhibited at Enoch¡¯s art exhibition¡­ ¡°Isn¡¯t it too different?¡± ¡°Yes, how can you claim that it¡¯s the same technique?¡± The audience who witnessed the painting were now talking behind their backs. The difference between the two paintings was huge enough that even the general public could clearly recognize them. ¡°Well, it goes without saying.¡± Edward looked at the painting and shook his head. ¡°Count Brierton, no, I should call you Young Master Gott now.¡± ¡°What?¡± Ryan had a blank face as if he had been slapped in the cheek. ¡°Ha, what does that mean¡­.¡± ¡°Because Young Master Gott lost this trial.¡± ¡°Your Majesty, how is that!¡± Ryan raised his voice without realizing it. Edward faced Ryan with a disgusted look on his face. ¡°No, do you really have a conscience?¡± ¡°Ha, but¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Did you think that you would win after painting like this? Really?¡± Edward felt more absurd than angry. Ryan didn¡¯t know what to do, only opened his eyes wide. ¡°That¡¯s enough, I don¡¯t need to say more.¡± Edward shook his head and turned to Ines. A calm voice rang out. ¡°As of this time, I hereby declare that the divorce between Innes Brierton and Ryan Gott has been established.¡± What! Ryan opened his eyes in shock. But Edward continued without a blink of an eye. ¡°And the title of Count of Brierton will also go to Ines Brierton.¡± ¡°Your Majesty!!¡± ¡°There is no reversal. This ends the trial.¡± Edward, who had finished speaking firmly, turned back. Ryan felt his legs loosened all the strength. ¡®Hey, this can¡¯t be¡­¡­ ¡± With his head dizzy, Ryan flopped down on the spot. But no one paid any attention to Ryan like that. ¡°Did the divorce case get accepted?¡± ¡°Oh my God, should I call her Countess of Brierton now?¡± (*Now, Ines is a Countess as the head of the family, not Countess as in someone¡¯s wife.) The surprised audience began to raise their voices one by one. For a moment, Ryan came to his senses. ¡®Ines!¡¯ He had to hold Ines back right now. ¡®I have to somehow convince Ines now, or else¡­¡­ !¡± The title of Count of Brierton will disappear like a bubble! The luxurious life he held as a Count, and the numerous privileges and benefits he gave to his own family, the Gott! They will all disappear! ¡°Hey, Ines! Wait¡­ !¡± Ryan got up urgently from his seat and tried to approach Ines. But then. Someone got in between Ryan and Ines. It was Enoch. ¡°Anything to say to the Countess of Brierton?¡± Enoch tilted his head and asked Ryan a question. ¡°That¡­ Duke.¡± Ryan looked at Enoch¡¯s countenance and opened his mouth. ¡°I was about to have a little chat with Ines¡­¡­¡± At that moment, Ryan felt goosebumps rising up his spine. It was because the enmity spread over Enoch¡¯s expressionless face in an instant. After a while, Enoch smiled brightly. It was a smile as sharp as a sharpened blade. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a very wise move.¡± ¡°Yes? A wise move, what¡­¡± ¡°Now the Countess of Brierton and Young Master Gott are no longer a couple.¡± Ryan froze at those odd words. No longer a couple. Those words touched his bones. Above all, Enoch¡¯s gaze. The blue eyes looking straight at Ryan were strangely cold. As if he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to get close to Ines. ¡®Why, why is he looking at me like that?¡¯ Ryan swallowed dry saliva. Unknowingly, he retreated back, and Enoch gracefully bent his eyes as if he was satisfied. Chapter 33 *** *** ¡°The trial had ended.¡± ¡°That, but¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°It seems the Countess of Brierton is very tired from attending today¡¯s trial.¡± Enoch, who glanced at Ines, moved as if protecting Ines from Ryan. Ines¡¯ body was covered with the back of his solid body. ¡°It would be better for both of you to have a conversation after getting together a little more.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Above all, I want the Countess of Brierton in a state of calm.¡± Enoch drew a line. ¡°¡­¡± With that stubborn attitude, Ryan couldn¡¯t even rebel against Enoch. Meanwhile, Enoch, who had poured out everything he had to say, looked back at Ines. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ines, who was escorted by Enoch to leave, finally got a glimpse of Ryan. ¡°Ines¡­ !¡± Ryan, who was trying to somehow hold Ines back, stopped. Before, whenever Ines looked at Ryan, her dark green eyes were always as gentle as spring. Now those eyes were full of contempt. It was a look he had never seen before. ¡°¡­¡± Ines turned coldly, as if it wasn¡¯t worth saying more. Ryan looked at the backs of the two people as they moved away with stunned eyes. *** ¡°This way.¡± Enoch strode ahead of Ines. Ines, who was following him involuntarily, closed her eyes tightly for a moment, then opened them again. ¡®I¡¯m dizzy.¡¯ Her vision was shaking at will, and her breathing was also hot. So while she was catching her breath. Ines suddenly felt a sense of incongruity. ¡®¡­ But where am I?¡¯ She was now standing in an unfamiliar passageway. The strangest thing was that there were no people around. The trial had just ended, so reporters and people should filled the place. Ines tilted her head. ¡°Ah, Duke. This road¡­¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a passage only used by the royal family.¡± At the same time, someone suddenly answered Ines instead of Enoch. Astonished, Ines raised her voice without realizing it. ¡°Oh, His Majesty the King?!¡± ¡°So, be thankful.¡± The king, Edward, continued with a sly shrug. ¡°Because we have never allowed anyone other than the royal family to use this passage.¡± ¡°I see. Thank you.¡± ¡°Honestly, I was reluctant to allow it at first. But.¡± Edward squinted at Enoch playfully. ¡°My dear brother asked so much to use this passage, I could not refuse.¡± ¡°There will be a lot of reporters at the entrance to the courthouse. I asked because I was afraid there¡¯s going to be chaos. That¡¯s all.¡± Cutting off Edward¡¯s playful words, Enoch wrinkled his forehead. ¡°You agreed to this in the first place, but why are you suddenly doing this?¡± ¡°Oh, who said what? I just said that.¡± Enoch looked at Edward fiercely. Edward chuckled. ¡°Then I should leave now, right? Because I think Enoch will really grab me by the collar if I stay here longer.¡± ¡°Brother, really¡­ !¡± ¡°Well then, Countess of Brierton. It was nice to meet you today.¡± Edward smirked at Ines. ¡°I¡¯ll see you later.¡± Then he waved his hand gently, and walked out first. Ines, who had a bewildered face, hurriedly bowed to the king who was moving away. ¡°Take care, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Enoch stared at his brother¡¯s back with dissatisfied eyes, and sighed long. ¡°Ha¡­¡± ¡°Duke?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We¡¯ve got the carriage ready, let¡¯s go.¡± Enoch, who had turned around like that, was startled for a moment and opened his eyes wide. Because Ines, who was about to follow Enoch, stumbled. Enoch reflexively reached out his hand and supported Ines. ¡±Countess of Brierton?!¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I think it was because I was relieved.¡± Ines apologized hurriedly. Enoch wrinkled his face. ¡°Is this the time to apologize to me? You have a fever!¡± Ines¡¯s whole body was hot like a ball of fire. Meanwhile, Ines realized only after hearing those words. ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Ines looked up at Enoch with a hazy gaze. ¡°I guess I was dizzy because I had a fever.¡± At that moment, her whole body became heavy as if a stone was hanging from her limbs. Unable to properly control her body, Ines staggered and leaned against Enoch. ¡°Are you okay, Countess?!¡± Enoch¡¯s voice could only be heard in the distance. ¡®I guess I got sick from being exposed to the cold wind in the morning.¡¯ Ines, who had thought so with her dazed head, suddenly opened her lips. ¡°More than that, Your Excellency.¡± Enoch looked down at Ines with worried eyes. As soon as she met his deep blue eyes, Ines smiled. ¡°Everyone calls me Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Countess¡­¡± ¡°Look, the Duke also calls me Countess.¡± Her nose became stuffy. She somehow tried not to cry, but to no avail. Dark brown eyelashes got wet in an instant. ¡°Finally¡­Is it all over?¡± Many emotions flooded in, and Ines pulled her lips involuntarily and asked. It felt as if all the chains that had entangled her body had been loosened. Had she ever been so free? Tears streamed down Ines¡¯ cheeks. ¡°Am I no longer Countess Brierton, but the Count of Brierton?¡± Enoch, who was looking at Ines like that, stretched out his hand and wiped away her tears. A low voice rang out. ¡°Yes, Count of Brierton. It is your victory.¡± Hearing those words, Ines really had a realization that everything was over. ¡°Ahhhhhhh,¡­.¡± Her throat became hot. Ines began sobbing, shaking her shoulders. Enoch didn¡¯t tell Ines to stop crying or comfort her. He just stayed with Ines like that for a long time. *** After that. Enoch personally took Ines to the Brierton¡¯s mansion. ¡°Are you really okay with being alone like this?¡± ¡°Yes, there are also employees in the house.¡± In response to Enoch¡¯s worrying question, Ines nodded and smiled. The corners of her eyes were still red after crying for a long time, but her smile itself was as bright as a lamp. ¡°¡­Okay, then have a good rest today.¡± Even as he said that, Enoch could not hide his worried eyes. ¡°Lady!¡± Just then, Mary, startled, ran out to meet Ines. ¡°I was told you had a divorce trial today¡­ !¡± ¡°I won.¡± Ines answered at once. Mary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I won.¡± Ines repeated once more, and joy spread across Mary¡¯s face. ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°So from now on, you should call me Lord. Understand?¡± ¡°Yes, then, my lord!¡± Mary, who nodded her head eagerly, found Enoch standing next to Ines. ¡°Hey, this is ¡­ ?¡± ¡°Ah, the introduction is late.¡± Ines, with a heated expression on her face, and her eyes were curved, spoke. ¡°This is the Duke of Sussex.¡± ¡°What!?¡± Unexpectedly, the name of the giant came out. As if she was about to faint, Mary hurriedly bowed. ¡°I see the Duke of Sussex!¡± ¡°Be at ease. It seems the Countess of Brierton was a little overworked today.¡± Enoch handed over the staggering Ines to Mary, and made a proclamation. ¡°She has a fever, so take good care of her.¡± ¡°Yes? fever¡­oh my god!¡± Mary, who was supporting Ines without thinking, was shocked for a moment. ¡°Lord, your body is a fireball!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just a little dizzy¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean, your fever is this high?!¡± To the terrified Mary, Enoch added his words once more. ¡°Call the doctor, and make sure to secure the perimeters, in case Young Master Gott is coming.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Excellency. Thank you!¡± After leaving her thanks, Mary hurriedly helped Ines into the house. The two of them disappeared into the house. Enoch looked at the house with a complicated gaze. In fact, the Brierton was one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom. Of course, Ines will be able to take care of herself and protect her surroundings as well. So he didn¡¯t have to worry, and he knew it himself. ¡­But..Why were his steps not falling like this? So Enoch hung around in front of the Brierton¡¯s mansion for a long time. **** That day, Ines had a deep sleep without even dreaming. It was the sweetest sleep she has had since returning to the past. Chapter 34 *** *** The next morning. Ines raised her twinkling eyelids. Mary, who was sitting next to her, looked at Ines with a smile. ¡°Lord, are you awake?¡± ¡°Oh, Mary.¡± Ines, who had blinked blankly, smiled softly. Did you not sleep because you were taking care of me?¡± ¡°Ugh, of course! Do you know how worried I was yesterday? You kept collapsing all the way back to the house!¡± A long roar ensued. Mary stood up from her seat, raising her hand, and place it on Ines¡¯ forehead. Then she breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°But it seems that the fever has gone down now. Still, it¡¯s better to recuperate for a day or so¡­¡± ¡°No.¡± Ines shook her head and got up slowly. His whole body was as light as a feather. ¡°I have to go out today. I have work to do.¡± ¡°What? What are you going to do?¡± ¡°Yesterday, didn¡¯t the Duke of Sussex take me home?¡± Ines asked with a slightly embarrassed face. ¡®I was so ugly.¡¯ She was crying profusely, and she couldn¡¯t control her body properly. As she recalled returning with Enoch¡¯s support, her face heated up by itself. ¡®Really, no matter how bad my physical condition is!¡¯ Excited with the heat, she seemed to have made a fool of herself. Ines vowed to send a letter of apology to Enoch immediately. ¡°Oh, right.¡± Meanwhile, Mary¡¯s eyes widened as if she had just remembered something. ¡°The Duke of Sussex has sent you something.¡± ¡°The Duke?¡± Mary walked towards the table, and then came back with something large in her arms. She then smiled brightly as she held it out in front of Ines. ¡°Look at this, the Duke has sent you a fruit basket to get well!¡± ¡°¡­¡± For a moment, Ines felt like crying. A luxurious basket full of various precious fruits. Sure enough, that basket had a special meaning to Ines. ¡®It¡¯s the same kind of fruit basket I drew in the courtroom.¡¯ A still life that helped her sort out her relationship with Ryan by winning the case. The still life was painted with that fruit basket as the theme. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a card!¡± Just then, Mary¡¯s lively voice rang out. Ines, who suddenly came to her senses, reached out to Mary. ¡°Yes? Give it to me.¡± A short sentence was written on the stiff card in a characteristic elegant handwriting. ¡°It¡¯s perfect handwriting.¡± Ines let out a short laugh without realizing it. She didn¡¯t know the Duke of Sussex was so aristocratic even in his handwriting. Meanwhile, ¡°Huh?¡± Ines was a little surprised. She thought it would just end with a wish, but unexpectedly, the memo had not been finished yet. Elton? Ines hurriedly turned to Mary. ¡°Mary, what about today¡¯s morning paper?¡± ¡°Here you are.¡± Mary handed over the Elton magazine issued this morning. Ines, who was quickly scanning the newspaper, burst out laughing like a sigh. ¡°Oh my god.¡± Enoch kept his promise with Ines thoroughly to the end. In addition to the news of the divorce of the Countess of Brierton yesterday, the news of Charlotte and Ryan¡¯s affair was laid out in a flashy way. Ines, who had been looking at the article for a long time, jumped up. ¡°Lord? Why all of a sudden¡­ ¡± ¡°I told you earlier, I have work to do.¡± Then Mary nagged. ¡°No, I think the sick person needs to rest!¡± ¡°Mary, I¡¯m Count of Brierton now. So¡­¡± Ines smiled confidently. ¡°Now I have to go see Ryan to recover the Count¡¯s estate.¡± It was time to take back everything she had handed over to Ryan. **** A dark room with thick blackout curtains. Ashtrays full of cigarette ashes, empty wine bottles, and clothes were lying on the floor messily like snake skin. And on the bed in the corner of the room. A naked man and a woman were entangled like snakes and were asleep. There was only the sound of breathing, and the room was as quiet as a grave. But then. Knock. Knock. Knock. Someone knocked loudly on the door. The knocking was on the entrance hall of the studio, but it felt like the whole building was shaking. ¡°Ugh¡­.¡± The man, Ryan, made a sick sound. It was because his head was pounding because of the alcohol he drank yesterday. ¡°Oh, d*mn it¡­¡± Ryan muttered a swear word and curled up. Charlotte, who was next to him, dug into Ryan¡¯s arms. She mumbled in an annoyed voice. ¡°Ryan, get up¡­ ¡± ¡°Noisy, Charlotte, can¡¯t you go¡­ ?¡± The two whimpered like dogs, but couldn¡¯t open their eyes. It was because of the heavy hangover. After yesterday¡¯s trial. Charlotte and Ryan sat together in the studio and drank until dawn. ¡°How could Ines do this to me!¡± Ryan vomited out his sorrow. ¡°It¡¯s because she hasn¡¯t come to her senses yet. I¡¯ll meet Ines and try to convince her, so calm down. Huh?¡± As Charlotte comforted Ryan with her sweet words, she felt a subtle sense of crisis. The other day she asked to ride the same carriage to the New Year¡¯s ball but Ines flatly refused. ¡®I don¡¯t think she¡¯s the Ines of the past.¡¯ But Ryan in front of her was so desperate that she had no room for doubt. Sharing one or two drinks like that led to excessive drinking. Just then, the atmosphere became as quiet as the knocking stopped. Charlotte let her mind go and tried to close her eyes again. Until all of a sudden she heard a strange noise. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Crash! There was a sharp sound of metal rubbing. ¡°What, what?!¡± Surprised, Charlotte raised her eyelids. Ryan, who got up at the same time, looked around with his stupid face. ¡°Who, who is breaking the door¡­ ?¡± A hoarse voice came out. As if to make fun of those two, the loud noise continued. It felt as if the doorknob itself was forcibly removed. Creak, creak, crash! The sound of the doorknob and the door being separated rumbled loudly. Boom! Finally, the door came off completely. By that time, Ryan and Charlotte¡¯s sleepiness ran away. ¡°What, what? Is it a thief? Or a robber?¡± ¡°Some crazy b*stard ripped off the doorknob¡­!¡± The two got up in a hurry. Outside the closed door, the sound of heels hitting the floor clearly echoed. After that, The door to the room swung open. The bright midday sunlight poured like water into the dark room. A woman stood with her back to the light. Ryan called her with a bewildered face. ¡°Huh, Ines?¡± It was Ines. Ines frowned and covered her nose with her handkerchief. ¡°Oh, the smell. How much did you drink? In addition, smoking cigarettes in the studio.¡± The strong smell of alcohol, and the smell of cigarettes mixed together, lingered in the room. The smell was so strong that Ines felt like she was going to vomit. Ines, who had looked around, then narrowed her forehead and looked down at the floor. ¡°Besides, Charlotte, didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t smoke?¡± Dark green eyes looked at the ashtray, and red lipstick marks were imprinted vividly on the cigarette butts. ¡°I thought it¡¯s your dream to meet a good man and turn your life around.¡± ¡°That, what? Ines, what¡­¡± Charlotte looked at Ines with embarrassed eyes. Face to face with that stupid face, Ines smiled beautifully with her eyes bent. ¡°So, didn¡¯t you say that you hate gentlemen who smoke?¡± ¡°Oh, no, that¡¯s¡­ .!¡± ¡°But Charlotte.¡± Interrupting Charlotte¡¯s words, Ines tilted her head. ¡°From the moment you spend such a hot night with your friend¡¯s husband, your dream of starting a family with a good man has already gone.¡± Then she added, ¡°Ah, of course he¡¯s an ¡®ex-husband¡¯ now, but that¡¯s it.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a misunderstanding!¡± ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± In an instant, Ines¡¯ face sank as cold as a sharply sharpened blade. Charlotte opened her eyes wide. It was the first time she¡¯d ever seen Ines, who was always so gentle, making such an expression. At the same time, Ines twisted her lips. It was a sharp sneer. ¡°You¡¯re lying naked in the bed with my ex-husband, is it a misunderstanding?¡± ¡°What, what?!¡± At the blunt remark, Charlotte felt her face heat up. Charlotte reflexively pulled the blanket to cover her naked body. Ines looked at Charlotte as if it were interesting. Chapter 35 *** **** ¡°Well, I see that you feel shame too.¡± ¡°Ines, you!¡± ¡°But, how come that shame hasn¡¯t been shown when you¡¯ve been sleeping with my ex for years?¡± From the lips of Ines, who was usually foolish and kind, unexpected words poured out. Blood drained from Ryan¡¯s face. ¡®D*mn it, I didn¡¯t expect to be caught by Ines!¡¯ The situation itself was an outlier. Ryan hurriedly tried to persuade Ines. ¡°I, Ines. Just calm down and listen, we..¡­ !¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Ines looked at Ryan, who was making excuses with her cold eyes. ¡®How could I love a man like that. Me.¡¯ It was just pathetic. It was a waste that she had to cling to a man like that, devote her life to him, and use up her emotions. Ines twisted her lips. ¡®Well, fortunately.¡¯ The past returned, the time when Ines still cherished Ryan very much. At that time, Ryan was just shameless when she found out he had an affair with Charlotte. But now, he was busy trying to save face and aware of Ines¡¯ eyes. ¡°Me and Charlotte, no, Young Lady Jason¡­.!¡± Ines, who listened from one ear, let the words out from another, took out a thick bunch of newspapers from her bag Then she threw the newspaper bundle in front of the two of them. It was a very insincere movement, like kicking a stone caught in the tip of a foot. Ryan narrowed his brow. ¡°Newspaper¡­ Why?¡± ¡°Take a look.¡± Ines pointed at the stack of newspapers with a chin gesture. ¡°Are you happy, Ryan? You¡¯ve always dreamed of being famous.¡± Ryan looked up at Ines with alert eyes. ¡°¡­ What do you mean?¡± ¡°Congratulations on making it to the front page of Elton, the kingdom¡¯s best daily newspaper.¡± Ines gave a poignant congratulations. ¡°At least today, everyone in Lancaster will talk about you more than anyone else.¡± ¡°No, what!¡± Surprised as if he was going to pass out, Ryan hurriedly reached for the newspaper. When he opened the newspaper, there was an article about the size of a door. The title was a headline that stimulated people¡¯s curiosity. Ryan¡¯s eyes shook as if an earthquake had occurred. Charlotte, who was reading the newspaper with Ryan over his shoulder, was astonished. ¡°Wait a minute, if it¡¯s Baron Jason¡¯s daughter ..!¡± Rustle! Charlotte snatched the newspaper from Ryan¡¯s hand. A shrill voice rang out. ¡°Uh, why am I in this article?!¡± Charlotte read the newspaper with a blue face. Elton devoted the entire front page to Ryan¡¯s love affair in detail. Of Ryan¡¯s many women, Charlotte was the most prominent. She was a beautiful woman with luscious red hair. Besides Ryan, she was interacting with many men. And the reason Charlotte was able to make her social debut was because she was a friend of the former Countess Brierton. To sum up the whole situation, it was as follows. ¡®The woman who stole the man of her best friend.¡¯ And the summary itself has ignited people¡¯s curiosity. Under normal circumstances, she would have been arrogant, saying, ¡®The woman dared to claim her divorce and prevailed.¡¯ Such miscellaneous complaints would be included. ¡°Uh, how could this be¡­¡­ ¡± The back of Charlotte¡¯s hands gripping the newspaper trembled with anger and shame. Charlotte, who raised her head, glared at Ines with a grimace. ¡°Ines, how could you do this to me!¡± ¡°How could I do this to you?¡± However, Ines answered calmly. ¡°A woman who can casually kiss and mix her body with her friend¡¯s ex.¡± ¡°You¡­ !¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t I do this?¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders. The moment she saw it, Charlotte felt as if something had been cut off in her head. ¡°This crazy¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ !¡± Slap! Charlotte jumped up from her seat and slapped Ines on the cheek. At the fierce hand, Ines¡¯ cheek became red and swollen in an instant. Even so, Charlotte couldn¡¯t overcome her anger and breathed heavily. ¡°This, vicious, terrible! You really intend to block my way..!¡± Charlotte screamed evil for a while. Then her voice was cut off. Slap! Because Ines raised her hand and slapped Charlotte on the cheek. Charlotte grabbed her cheek and looked up at Ines with bewilderment. ¡°You, you! You hit me!?¡± Whether Charlotte jumped or not, Ines clenched her trembling hand. She slapped her so hard that her palm tingled. Satisfied with the sense of her numbness, Ines asked Charlotte. ¡°You didn¡¯t think that I would be okay being beaten by you, did you?¡± ¡°Ines!¡± ¡°The affair you had with the man who was once my husband, and all the injuries you inflicted on me.¡± Ines looked at Charlotte with a stern gaze. ¡°I¡¯m going to ask for compensation from Baron Jason.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s no use coming out like that! Do you think my family will stand still?¡± Charlotte was furious and raised her voice. ¡°You hit me too! I was also physically injured!¡± ¡°Aha, really?¡± Then Ines burst out laughing as if she had heard something very funny. Charlotte¡¯s face was as red as a ripe tomato. ¡°This, are you laughing now?!¡± After laughing for a while, Ines nodded her head. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s try that once.¡± She laughed so much that tears welled up in her eyes. Wiping the tears away with her fingers, Ines added softly. ¡°Only when the two families of Brierton and Jason met each other in court.¡± Charlotte stiffened her shoulders as she flinched. Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. It was a clear mockery. ¡°Let¡¯s see who can win.¡± ¡°You, are you threatening me now?!¡± ¡°To hear this as a threat because you know that the current situation is very disadvantageous to you?¡± Charlotte was speechless. ¡°Well, that¡¯s on the premise that the Jason will sue me.¡± Ines looked at Charlotte, who was shaking her shoulders, up and down with a look of death in her eyes. ¡°This is my opinion, but if the Jason is a common-sense family.¡± Then she leisurely added her words. ¡°I don¡¯t think your family would dare to confront the Countess of Brierton in the face of an obvious defeat, do you?¡± ¡°You, you¡­¡­ !¡± Charlotte gritted her teeth and raised her hand once more. She tried to slap Ines, unable to overcome her fury. But Charlotte couldn¡¯t do what she wanted. ¡°Char, Charlotte!¡± Startled, Ryan reached out and grabbed Charlotte¡¯s wrist. It was so urgent that he had completely forgotten the title of ¡®Lady Jason,¡¯ which he normally called to deceive Ines. ¡°But before you be more rude to me, or slap me.¡± Ines, who was staring at the two, slowly added her words. ¡°You¡¯d better think it over before you act.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Do you think I would have come this far alone?¡± Charlotte paused for a moment. Ines continued speaking calmly. ¡°Was it a little loud earlier? It¡¯s because I broke the door completely when I entered the studio.¡± ¡°You, you, that¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Could I break it myself?¡± At that question, Charlotte¡¯s face turned white as a blank sheet. Charlotte, who only licked her lips, eventually bit her molars. She then turned to Ryan as she wept. ¡°Ryan, do something about Ines!¡± But Ryan could not move like a mouse in front of a beast. Ines only looked at Ryan as if he was pathetic. ¡®It must be like that.¡¯ As it should be, Ryan, who was no longer Count of Brierton, was nothing. At best, he was just a second son of a Viscount, who couldn¡¯t even inherit the title. By nature, he was weak to the strong and strong to the weak. Ryan was weak. Besides, there were strong guards waiting outside. In this situation, he would not dare to step up to Countess of Brierton. As proof of that. ¡°¡­¡­ Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Hey, Ryan!¡± ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Ryan blushed and grabbed Charlotte¡¯s wrist strongly. Eventually, the two of them got dressed and ran away from the studio. Even as the distance increased, the sound of them fighting could be heard. Chapter 36 *** *** ¡°How could this be? That b*tch is so rude to me¡­.! ¡°Shut up, Charlotte!¡± Charlotte protested as if it was unfair, and Ryan ferociously scolded her. In the meantime, seeing the conversation cut off, perhaps they ran into the escorts Ines brought with her. Ines, who was listening to the sound of fighting, clicked her tongue briefly. ¡®They need to ventilate first.¡¯ The smell of alcohol and cigarettes in the room made her head ache. Ines strode towards the window and opened the curtains. The bright sunlight poured into the room like a waterfall. The traces of the night before were fully revealed. Bottles and glasses lying around, alcohol marks left on the carpet, food plates were pushed into a corner without eating. Cigarette butts piled up in ashtrays. Ines wrinkled her forehead. ¡°Even if it¡¯s a lounge, how could they drink and smoke in the art studio¡­..¡± It was something she could never have imagined. But then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Hearing the voice calling her, Ines quickly turned around. Unexpectedly, Enoch was standing there. ¡°Sir, Duke of Sussex?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. ¡°What¡¯s going on here¡­¡­ ?¡± ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Enoch strode towards Ines. ¡°You had a fever yesterday. I called the house and they said you came here¡­..¡± Enoch¡¯s words were seldom long. As if he was trying to explain why he came to see Ines in person. In fact, it was the other way around. It would be enough to send someone to check her status, but why did he bother to come to the studio? But Ines couldn¡¯t ask what she was wondering. It was because Enoch narrowed his forehead. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your cheek?¡± Enoch discovered one of Ines¡¯ cheeks was swollen and red. ¡°Oh my.¡± Ines unconsciously raised her hand and stroked her cheek. She felt a sharp pain and frowned. ¡°Ugh.¡± Enoch narrowed the distance and reflexively covered her cheek with his hand. ¡°If you touch it like that, the pain will get worse.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± For a moment, Ines held her breath. A shadow cast gently under the shade of golden eyelashes. Blue eyes half buried beneath them. That gaze of concern and focus solely on Ines. Even the touch of his long fingers gently caressing her cheek. ¡®Strange.¡¯ Every time Enoch was in front of her, her heart kept beating wildly. Feeling her mouth dry, Ines took a step back, biting her lips. ¡°Thank you. But it¡¯s okay.¡± Reflexively speaking, Ines closed her eyes tightly and opened them. Wasn¡¯t her voice trembling badly for saying it¡¯s okay? Enoch looked at her blankly, then looked down at his empty hand. After a while. A voice like a sigh came out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I touched your cheek. If you are surprised, I apologize.¡± ¡°That, no. I don¡¯t mean that¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°But even if you say it¡¯s okay with your face swollen like that.¡± Then Enoch continued with a strangely angry face. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look okay at all.¡± At the end of those words, Enoch turned around. He looked around, and found a jug of water lying nearby. Enoch took out a handkerchief and wet it with water, and handed the handkerchief to Ines. ¡°Keep it on your cheek. It¡¯s a temporary measure, but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡± ¡°¡­ thank you.¡± Ines meekly took the handkerchief and cooled her cheek. ¡®It¡¯s cool.¡¯ As the cold water touched her cheek, the burning pain subsided a little. At the same time, Enoch suddenly asked a question. ¡°So what happened to your cheek?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­my cheek?¡± For a moment, she was speechless, and Ines only rolled her eyes. To say that she was slapped by Charlotte and she slapped Charlotte back¡­ ¡®You¡¯re not a kid, but you¡¯re too childish!¡¯ Her face was burning hot, and Ines wanted to hide in a mouse hole. But if Enoch did not listen to a proper explanation, he would never back down. ¡®No, why is he in such a bad mood?¡¯ Ines muttered to herself, but in the end, she was defeated by Enoch¡¯s bloody eyes. She struggled to open her mouth. ¡°¡­ Actually.¡± Ines told the childish story about her and Charlotte slapping each other and she oppressed Charlotte using the status of Countess of Brierton. ¡°You must think it¡¯s childish, right?¡± Ines glanced sideways at Enoch. Unexpectedly, however, Enoch didn¡¯t show any signs of rebuking Ines. Rather. ¡°Well done.¡± ¡°What?¡± At that blunt compliment, Ines doubted her ears. ¡®Somehow, the Duke¡®s face looks relieved, am I mistaken?¡± At the same time, Enoch resolutely praised Ines again. ¡°I told you you did well.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ ¡­ is that so?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡®If he said it like that, I guess I¡¯m not mistaken?¡¯ Ines blinked her eyes blankly. ¡°Good job. If something like this happens in the future, pay them back the same way.¡± ¡°¡­ Are you serious?¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± ¡°Oh, I see¡­ .¡± Looking at Enoch¡¯s calm face, Ines was at a loss for words. ¡®I¡¯m so awkward, isn¡¯t the Duke uncomfortable?¡¯ In the end, the one who regrets loses. Ines tried to change the subject. ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Duke would come to the studio like this.¡± ¡°Yes, because the Countess looked so ill yesterday.¡± Enoch shrugged his shoulders and smiled. At that bright smile, Ines shuddered and hardened her shoulders without realizing it. ¡®Really, that smile is so bad for my heart.¡¯ No matter how much she thought of Enoch as a ¡®respectable supporter¡¯, there was a realization that he was of the opposite sex. Just like seeing beautiful things reflexively makes you feel good, so did Ines. Every time Enoch smiled like that, her heart continued to soften. At the same time, Enoch continued to speak while examining Ines¡¯s complexion. ¡°But I¡¯m glad that you seem to have recovered quite a bit now.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Because the voice asking for her regards was very kind. Ines somehow felt emotional. ¡°¡­.Did I bother you too much yesterday?¡± It was not only outrageous to hold onto Enoch for a long time and cry, but also he had to almost carry her to the carriage¡­. As she recalled what happened yesterday, Ines felt she wanted to run away from this place once again. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about that.¡± The only good thing was that Enoch didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°It can¡¯t be helped if a person is sick.¡± ¡°Do you think so¡­?¡± ¡°Of course, I was a little surprised when the Countess burst into tears¡­¡± ¡­ What she just said, cancel. Ines shut her mouth and lowered her gaze. Enoch looked at Ines, holding back the laughter that was about to burst out. Suddenly, the back of her ears turned bright red. Enoch called her playfully. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Yes¡­..¡± Ines answered in a hoarse voice. Enoch thought it was cute and wanted to tease Ines a little more. ¡®The reason why my brother always tries to make fun of me¡­ Maybe it¡¯s because he feels something like this?¡¯ Enoch unintentionally understood Edward¡¯s feelings. ¡®I really hate it.¡¯ He groaned inwardly and spoke to Ines again. ¡°Countess, your face is red. Is it possible that the fever has risen again?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I think we should see a doctor as soon as possible.¡± At that mischievous voice, Ines glared at Enoch with a resentful gaze. ¡°Are you teasing me on purpose?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. However, you are quick to notice.¡± Enoch answered slyly. Ines felt her stomach boil. ¡®Hold on, I have to be patient. Because this time I was really indebted¡­¡¯ So Ines took a big deep breath and controlled her heart. Enoch, who had been looking around, suddenly asked a question. ¡°By the way, what happens with this studio now?¡± In an instant, Ines stiffened. ¡°This studio seems to have been used by Young Master Gott until now.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Yes, that is correct.¡± Ines wanted to answer as calmly as possible, but she couldn¡¯t help it that her voice was trembling. Enoch seemed to notice it, but he didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he calmly reminded Ines of what she had achieved. ¡°Now that the divorce is over, isn¡¯t this studio going back to the Count¡¯s property?¡± It was then that Ines felt her heart calmed down a little. ¡®Yes, I am divorced now.¡¯ The Count of Brierton was Ines, not Ryan. Upon recognizing that fact, her head cooled a little. Chapter 37 **** *** Ines took a short deep breath. ¡®This studio¡­ This is a place that I personally designed with Ryan in mind.¡¯ Small pieces of furniture, wallpaper, and other things. There was no place that Ines had not touched. ¡®And¡­¡­ Charlotte¡¯s touches must be everywhere too.¡¯ In this place, Charlotte and Ryan sweetly kissed, smiled at each other and had s*x. While mocking Ines, who trusted and loved her husband and her best friend. Ines bit her molars. This studio was the epitome of her love for Ryan. ¡°I want to get rid of it.¡± After being silent for a long time, Ines struggled to open her mouth. However, the voice did not tremble anymore. Enoch, who was looking at Ines, nodded his head. ¡°Okay.¡± Enoch did not add any more words. With his passing attitude, Ines felt a little more at ease. Ines could smile a little then. ¡°Anyway, the Duke was a great help. How should I repay this favor¡­ ?¡± ¡°No, it was a deal between us.¡± Enoch shook his head at once. ¡°I don¡¯t know how many times I¡¯ve said I¡¯ve been paid the same for helping the Countess. Do I have to tell you again?¡± ¡°No.¡± Ines gave a brief laugh and shook her head. Then she continued speaking in a sincere voice. ¡°Still, thank you. If the Duke had not helped me, I would still be Ryan¡¯s wife.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± For a moment, Enoch bit his lips firmly. ¡®If the divorce had failed, Ryan and the Countess were still married¡­¡¯ When he imagined Ines being called ¡®Countess Brierton¡¯, his mind felt twisted. ¡°Alright.¡± Perhaps that was why Enoch opened his mouth impulsively. ¡°If you really appreciate me, there is one thing I wish the Countess would do for me.¡± ¡°What do you wish for? All right, say anything!¡± Ines clenched her fists tightly. ¡°I will do anything I can!¡± ¡°Then I would like to receive a portrait painted by the Countess herself.¡± Ines tilted her head. ¡°What? Whose portrait ¡­ ?¡± ¡°Of course it¡¯s me.¡± ¡°¡­¡± At that casual reply, Ines¡¯ dark green eyes fluttered briefly. ¡®Is he saying I¡¯m going to paint the Duke?¡¯ Meanwhile, Enoch continued speaking calmly. ¡°You said to me before.¡± The voice sounded a little excited. ¡°Why didn¡¯t Young Master Gott paint portraits?¡± Ah. Ines blinked her eyes. The night of the New Year¡¯s ball, the day Ines first met and persuaded Enoch. Ines handed him a rough drawing with a pencil, and she was desperately clinging to Enoch. ¡°Do you know why my husband doesn¡¯t paint portraits of other people?¡± The snow piled up white and frozen, and Enoch¡¯s blue eyes were colder than the snow. And she herself, unable to overcome her tension, clasped her hands tightly. ¡°That¡¯s because he can¡¯t draw.¡± Thinking about it now, it was close to an absurd statement. But Enoch listened to Ines, and gave her a chance to prove that the paintings were hers. Didn¡¯t he just help Ines get a successful divorce? Enoch gently bent his eyes. ¡°I still have the pencil portrait the Countess drew when she persuaded me.¡± Ines was terrified. ¡°Ugh, do you still have that drawing?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°No, how can you call that graffiti a portrait? Throw it away!¡± ¡°What do you mean throwing it away, and graffiti?¡± Enoch asked, puzzled. ¡°How could you say that to the first painting the Countess gave me¡­ I am sad.¡± Ines narrowed her eyes and glanced at Enoch. ¡°At that time, in the Duke¡¯s house, I drew a still life when you check the style of my painting. Where did you put that?¡± Ines struck a counterattack of conversion, but Enoch did not blink an eye. ¡°That is that and this is this.¡± ¡°Really ¡­ Do you really need to keep the scrap drawing?¡± ¡°A master¡¯s scrap is the worth in itself. As a collector, I deserve it.¡± At that brazen answer, Ines was at a loss for words. Soon after, Enoch shrugged his shoulders and continued. ¡°It¡¯s not just that the Countess is a genius that I keep that drawing.¡± ¡°Then why?¡± With that question, Ines looked at Enoch. ¡°Well, what should I say about this? Just¡­ ¡± Enoch continued with a gentle face. ¡°I wanted anything that the Countess had touched.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Thump. It was definitely her heart, her feelings. It moved on its own. It kept getting conscious of that man. Ines asked, pulling the tender flesh in her mouth. ¡®Duke¡­¡­ Do you know what your words sound like to me?¡¯ As her heart raced like crazy, Ines unknowingly raised her hand and pressed it against her chest. Because she was afraid that if she didn¡¯t, Enoch would hear the beating of her heart. ¡®Like that.¡¯ The man, as beautiful as a statue created by God, faced Ines with an unknown smile. And Ines. As if possessed by the man in front of her, she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off of him. ¡®Your Excellency, me.¡¯ Her mouth felt dry. Ines flinched back. ¡®He seems to be thinking of something special.¡¯ That thought crossed her mind. Ines let out a laugh without realizing it. It was a stupid thought. The conservative kingdom of Lancaster saw divorce itself with white eyes. And she was a divorced woman who chose ¡®divorce¡¯. Although Ryan¡¯s fault was very reasonable now, and there was also the name of the prestigious Brierton, so no one pointed a finger at Ines openly. Ines was confident. In clubs where Ryan used to come and go, they would be talking about Ines endlessly. In contrast, Enoch was the king¡¯s only younger brother, heir to the throne, and the only duke. Common sense, that perfect man had no reason to choose her. ¡®So don¡¯t be mistaken, Ines.¡¯ Ines¡¯ expression gradually softened. ¡°Okay.¡± Ines, who nodded her head, touched her hair. Then she smiled broadly at Enoch. ¡°Anyway, I was the one who wanted to say thank you.¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton?¡± It seemed that the atmosphere of Ines had changed somehow. To Enoch, who was looking at her with strange eyes, Ines spoke calmly. ¡°I¡¯ll draw your portrait.¡± *** Ines led Enoch to another room. Perhaps it was a place where Ines worked on her own paintings, it was different from the other room and various painting tools were neatly arranged. ¡°Ha¡­¡± Ines looked around the room and laughed like a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s as clean as before.¡± Ines approached the easel and raised her index finger to sweep its surface. A thin layer of dust crumbled from the tip of her finger. A room with no sense of living. This room itself was proof that Ryan had never used to paint before. Ines glanced back at Enoch. ¡°Would you mind waiting a moment? I have to arrange a place for the portrait background.¡± ¡°Do whatever you feel comfortable with.¡± Enoch nodded his head. Ines lost in thought for a moment, and then she got busy and began to arrange her things. Enoch watched Ines quietly. The place where the deep blue eyes stayed for an unusually long time was the nape of Ines¡¯ neck. It was Ines¡¯ usual habit. To keep her hair up high so that it wouldn¡¯t get in the way when she painted. Beneath her luscious brown hair, roughly curled up, her slender neckline was revealed as graceful as a deer. ¡®Why?¡¯ In an instant, Enoch¡¯s neck moved greatly. Every time Ines did that ¡®painter¡¯ look, his lips felt strangely dry. He wanted the dark green eyes resembling a green forest to look only at himself, and focus completely on him. Such an irrational feeling¡­ ¡®D*mn it.¡¯ At the same time, Enoch chewed and swallowed a vulgar swear word that was unlike him. Edward¡¯s words suddenly came to his mind. ¡°You are helping the Countess by actively taking advantage of your status and position.¡± Those words that pierced his lungs. ¡°Now, aren¡¯t you trying to ignore that fact?¡± Edward¡¯s playful voice seemed to see through Enoch¡¯s deepest thoughts. ¡®¡¯It¡¯s really the first time I¡¯ve seen you support and care for someone like this.¡± Enoch bit his molars. The reason why he remembered those words which he would normally let go out of his ears right away¡­.perhaps because it¡¯s true. Enoch struggled to admit. He was now giving the Countess of Brierton special treatment. Chapter 38 *** *** Although he didn¡¯t want to deny that the first thing that fascinated Enoch was Ines¡¯s brilliant genius. But now it was different. ¡®I.¡¯ As if the entire lake shook violently with a single stone thrown involuntarily. His mind wandered wildly. Enoch was now interested in a woman named Ines. Even if the interest was just a simple curiosity about a completely different kind of person. ¡­..Or whether it has a different meaning. It was still difficult to figure it out on his own. Creak. Just then, there was the sound of something heavy scratching the floor. Enoch suddenly regained consciousness and raised his head. Ines, who had roughly arranged her portrait background props, pulled out an armchair lying in a corner. Perhaps the weight of the armchair was considerable, and it looked like she was struggling. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch reflexively strode towards Ines. ¡°Leave it, I¡¯ll move it.¡± Enoch reached out his hands. At that moment, Enoch¡¯s fingers ran across the back of Ines¡¯s hand. For a moment, Ines¡¯ breathing was disturbed. *** Earlier. Ines, who arranged all the props for the portrait, had a satisfied expression. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough, the last thing I need is a chair for you to sit on¡­¡± Ines looked around. There was a large armchair in the corner. It was a chair that she had put there for Ryan, fearing that he might get tired while working. It had a cushion and was comfortable. All items were carefully selected by Ines, but¡­ ¡®Well, it looks like Ryan¡¯s hardly even sat in that chair, does he?¡¯ Ines sarcastically approached the armchair. She reached out and tried to pull the chair. ¡°Ugh.¡± The chair was heavier than she thought. Ines narrowed her brow and strengthened her arms. Then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch was approaching this way. ¡°Leave it, I¡¯ll move it.¡± Long, graceful fingers brushed the back of her hand while he was moving. Ines sighed involuntarily. It was only his hand rubbing against hers, so why was she getting so nervous? She wanted to pretend to be calm somehow, but her whole body just stiffened up. At the same time, Enoch put his hand away rather hurriedly. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ines glanced sideways at Enoch. For some reason, it seemed that Enoch was also a little perplexed. ¡®Am I too self-conscious?¡¯ Ines pondered for a moment, then narrowed her brow. ¡®More than that, my heart is somewhat strange¡­¡¯ It was only a light touch, why did she feel so strange. She wouldn¡¯t die just by touching it. Ines, who had been clenching and opening her palm for no reason, quickly grabbed her hands. She was well aware that Enoch was a polite gentleman, and that he was not the type of person who would make physical contact with the Lady recklessly. Even though she knew that Enoch was helping because he was being considerate. Why did she feel uncomfortable¡­? Hiding her twisted heart, Ines smiled as if nothing happened. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m grateful for your help.¡± She could have just said that. Ines added without much thought about her ex-husband. ¡°If it were Ryan in the first place, he wouldn¡¯t care if I moved the armchair alone, let alone help me. So¡­.¡± At the same time, Ines stiffened her shoulders. It was because as soon as Ryan¡¯s name came out, Enoch¡¯s eyes went cold. ¡®Why did the Duke suddenly feel so cold?¡¯ She couldn¡¯t understand it. Ines broke a cold sweat and hurriedly changed the topic. ¡°Ha, please sit over here.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Enoch sat quietly. Ines took a couple of steps back and looked at Enoch. The bewildered look was gone, and Ines suddenly had a very serious expression. ¡°Would you mind tilting your head a little? Yes. And raise your chin a little¡­¡± Reflexively, Enoch also became a little nervous. After she corrected Enoch¡¯s posture to such satisfaction. Ines sat down in front of the easel. Her dark green eyes were paying close attention to Enoch, and then the pencil ran on the drawing paper without hesitation. Ines at this moment seemed to be separated from this world. She turned all her attention to the painting, and to Enoch, the object of the painting. And Enoch. He was doing his best to keep his face expressionless. Maybe he was slightly emotional. In front of a genius who might leave a great mark in art history, it was natural to feel this secret joy. Even so, this situation where Ines only focused on him¡­. Enoch was simply ecstatically satisfied. *** After a long time has passed. ¡°Ha¡­¡± Ines let out a long sigh and put her pencil down. ¡°The sketch is finished for now.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± As she poked her head over the easel, she saw Enoch rubbing his stiff shoulders. Ines smiled involuntarily. ¡°You¡¯ve worked really hard, sir.¡± ¡°The Countess worked even harder.¡± ¡°No, how difficult it is to maintain the same posture for a long time.¡± Ines shook her head and got up. At the same time, Enoch also got up from his seat and came to Ines. ¡°How about the sketch?¡± Ines asked Enoch with a nervous expression on her face. For her, the sketch seemed to have been drawn quite satisfactorily, but for the party, Enoch, it may be different. Fortunately, Enoch nodded his head contentedly. ¡°It¡¯s great. I like it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fortunate.¡± So while she was sweeping her chest. Ines suddenly narrowed her brow. ¡®I, somehow, seems to be paying more attention to painting than usual.¡¯ She glanced at Enoch with a squint. Enoch was carefully examining the sketch with a satisfied expression on his face. ¡®Is this because the owner of this painting is the Duke of Sussex?¡¯ In an instant, Ines bit her molars. ¡®No, let¡¯s not think in vain.¡¯ They were just joining hands to achieve their respective goals. So there was no need to be conscious of Enoch. ¡­ That¡¯s the way it should be. ¡°However, I think it will take some time to finish the coloring process.¡± Ines, who tried hard to hold herself together, spoke in a calm voice. ¡°So I think I¡¯ll have to see you a few more times, is that okay?¡± ¡°I got this wonderful portrait, and of course it should be okay.¡± Unable to take his eyes off the sketch, Enoch answered playfully. ¡®I think it¡¯s true that the Duke likes the picture.¡¯ Relieving inside her, Ines added her words as if nothing had happened. ¡°Then I will continue to use this atelier until the painting is complete.¡± For a moment, Enoch stopped. Ines said that this studio had been used by Ryan in the past. If so, then Ines must have a lot of feelings for this place. And earlier. ¡°I want to get rid of it.¡± Didn¡¯t Ines say that with her own mouth? For a moment, Enoch felt an intense displeasure. From this place where Ryan once stayed, he wanted to get Ines out of it immediately. But then. ¡°I¡¯m happy though.¡± Unexpectedly, Ines opened her mouth. Enoch, who had regained his sanity, asked. ¡°¡­¡­ You¡¯re happy?¡± ¡°Actually, this studio was very precious to me.¡± Ines looked around with a calm gaze. ¡°This is a place that I personally designed for Ryan. I also sold the building and rented it, and brought all the tools.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Furniture in the room, chairs and tables¡­¡­ There is nothing that I did not choose.¡± Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. The pain, the feeling of betrayal, and even the pathetic feeling of being in love with Ryan. It was a smile mixed with many emotions. ¡°¡­ Every time I paint here, I want Ryan to think of me a little bit.¡± Her fingertips gently stroked the easel. ¡°So every time I see this place, it hurts. It keeps reminding me of Charlotte and Ryan whispering love.¡± Enoch looked at Ines with a complicated gaze, but he did not say anything or stop her. He just quietly listened to her. And Ines was pleased with that silence. ¡®By the way, the Duke has always been like that.¡¯ Whatever she said, Enoch had never refuted or taught her. If it was Ryan, he would have condemned her, saying, ¡®You¡¯re narrow-minded because you¡¯re a woman¡¯. ¡°But now I am here to paint the portrait of the Duke.¡± Perhaps that was why the time she spent with Enoch was very comfortable. So Ines was able to speak in a light mood. ¡°Somehow, it¡¯s like a feeling of erasing bad memories by overcoating them with good ones.¡± ¡°Oh, then.¡± For a moment, Enoch opened his eyes wide, then they bent slightly. Chapter 39 *** ***** ¡°Am I going to be the good memory of Countess of Brierton?¡± A smile slowly spread across Enoch¡¯s beautiful face. It was a youthful smile. ¡°This feels good.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Enoch, who said so, seemed really happy. Ines felt her heart beating fast. Just then, Enoch took a step closer to Ines. ¡®Why do I feel this way?¡¯ His blue eyes looked straight down at her. Ines met the gaze as if possessed. As if trapped in those lake-like eyes, she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off of it. That moment. ¡®Is His Excellency¡­. looking at me with reason?¡¯ Unknowingly, Ines stiffened her shoulders at the sudden rise of doubt. In fact, Ines wasn¡¯t terribly ignorant of relationships. Before she married Ryan, she lived as the best heiress in the kingdom, and she had the experience of being courted by many men. Although it was not yet known whether the Duke was aware of his own feelings or not. But¡­ . Ines swallowed her dry saliva. ¡®Then what about me?¡¯ Ines, who reflexively questioned herself, felt terrified at the same time. ¡®Did I really treat the Duke only with respect?¡¯ She couldn¡¯t possibly answer that question. Ines felt her heart pounding. ¡®¡­.I had been dealing with the Duke with reasons.¡¯ But how could she be in front of a perfect man like Enoch without being conscious of the opposite sex? Enoch was a very nice and handsome man. Rather, because of his overwhelming beauty, Enoch¡¯s characteristic sweet and thoughtful personality was overshadowed. That¡¯s why. Because Enoch was such a good person¡­ ¡­ ¡®No.¡¯ In an instant, Ines bit her lip tightly. ¡®I respect the Duke. It has to be.¡¯ The Duke of Sussex discovered, recognized and helped her in every way. It was by far Elton who made the biggest contribution to her divorce from Ryan this time. The suspicions about Ryan¡¯s painting and the affair between Ryan and Charlotte. It was all reported by Elton. And it was Enoch who owned the Elton. In such a situation, at this point, not long after the divorce was over. If anyone ever doubts the relationship between Enoch and Ines. ¡®It may harm the honor of His Excellency.¡¯ As soon as she thought of that, Ines felt a terrifying feeling as if she had cut her heart thinly with a sharp dagger. ¡®The Duke of Sussex is a person I am grateful to for giving me decisive help.¡¯ Furthermore. ¡®I¡¯m afraid.¡¯ Ines reflexively took a step back. Enoch called out to Ines worriedly. ¡°The Countess of Brierton?¡± Ines, not knowing what to do, looked at Enoch. Enoch tried to get closer to her. ¡°Your complexion is not good. Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m okay!¡± A sharp cry reflexively erupted. Enoch stopped. Unable to overcome her nervousness, Ines chewed the soft flesh in her mouth. ¡®Now I must look strange.¡¯ Ines kept flinching. Because her memories of being betrayed by Ryan were still vivid. Even if she looked at her life before and after regression, no one was better than Enoch. He helped her seize her freedom and even brought back her lost life. So, if she deepened her feelings for Enoch and then fell apart¡­. ¡®It¡¯s going to end in a relationship where we can¡¯t even see our faces at all.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists tightly. Her manicured nails pierced her palms painfully, but her mind was so complex that she felt no pain. ¡®I don¡¯t like that either.¡¯ In the end, there was only one way to overcome the current situation. Both of them hadn¡¯t properly expressed their feelings yet. At this time, when one was not clearly aware of one¡¯s feelings. ¡®I have to completely cut off the possibility of any progress in the relationship.¡¯ ¡°Thanks for your concern, I think it was because I was a little tired from concentrating on the sketch.¡± Ines tried to look as normal as possible, with an innocent face. Enoch smiled. ¡°Then, shall we go back to the house soon? Coloring will be done later.¡± ¡°Yes¡­.¡± Then, Enoch glanced down at his watch, then looked at Ines. ¡°It¡¯s lunch time, so I¡¯d like to treat you to a meal. Also to congratulate the Countess on her divorce. How is it?¡± ¡°No.¡± But Ines resolutely shook her head. ¡°I am a little tired today. I¡¯m going to go early and rest.¡± ¡°¡­ Ah, you had a fever just yesterday.¡± Enoch meekly nodded his head, but he could not hide his regretful face. ¡°How do you plan to get back to the house?¡± ¡°The carriage is waiting outside.¡± Ines was only stubbornly drawing the line. ¡°Alright.¡± Enoch eventually took a step back. ** So that was how the two left the studio. She left the house early in the morning, and now it was midday when the sun was high in the sky. ¡®Somehow, because of me¡­¡­ I think the atmosphere has become a bit awkward.¡¯ But she didn¡¯t want to harm the Duke, so she had to draw the line. Ines, who felt embarrassed for no reason, apologized to Enoch. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I took your busy time.¡± ¡°No, no need to be sorry.¡± Enoch shook his head resolutely. ¡°It was because I wanted to find you in the first place.¡± ¡°¡­ Duke.¡± ¡°I wanted to meet the Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch concluded in a calm voice. ¡°That¡¯s why I came.¡± ¡°¡­¡± For a moment, Ines¡¯ expression shook slightly. But only for a moment. ¡°Then go back carefully.¡± Ines, who was smiling brightly, tried to get into the carriage without any regrets. At the same time, Enoch called for Ines. ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Ines glanced back. After talking a moment, Enoch opened his mouth again. ¡°The Countess will shine brightly as an artist and as the head of a family in the future.¡± At the unexpected words, Ines stared blankly at Enoch. Enoch spoke in a calm voice. ¡°And I am honored to see you spread your wings and soar.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines was somehow choked up. No one whom she cherished had ever said such a thing to her. A husband she once loved passionately, a close friend she trusted. However, this man in front of her believed in her potential. When she looked into his eyes, she felt the sincerity of his words. Enoch really thought so. ¡°¡­¡­ thank you.¡± Ines, whose lips quivered as if to say something, finally opened her mouth with only a thank you message. Enoch smiled and took a step back. ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it today and get a good rest. It¡¯s a promise.¡± ¡°Okay. The Duke, do not stand still like this, and get on the carriage.¡± At Ines¡¯ worried words, Enoch shook his head. ¡°No, I am going to watch the Countess depart.¡± Ines clenched her lips tightly. Perhaps Enoch was not doing this to win Ines¡¯ favor. It must be just the consideration that was ingrained in his body. And for Ines, Enoch¡¯s behavior shook her endlessly. ¡®My heart keeps beating.¡¯ That was why she wanted to turn a blind eye to how she felt about Enoch. Ines struggled to get on the carriage pretending there was nothing. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go first.¡± Leaving only those words behind, Ines set off the carriage as if to run away. The studio moved away in an instant. And the whole time the carriage was running, Ines didn¡¯t look back on purpose. It was because she didn¡¯t want Enoch to see her wretched expression on her face. ¡°¡­It¡¯s okay, that¡¯s a good thing.¡± Thump. Thump. Pressing her pounding chest with her hand, Ines exhorted herself like that. ¡°Good job, Ines.¡± Ines, who was muttering like a spell, leaned her head against the window. Like a tangled thread, her mind was all messed up. She thought back to what she had done earlier. If Enoch has no feelings for her, then she has drawn an excessive line. ¡®I was sensitive.¡¯ Ines lowered her eyes. ¡®His Excellency is just being polite to me, I¡¯m just mistaken.¡¯ And as soon as she made that assumption. Ines felt her heart cool as if she had swallowed a large piece of ice. Chapter 40 *** *** ¡®I don¡¯t like it..¡¯ Ines shrugged her shoulders slightly. In fact, she knew it herself. Her behavior and emotions were inconsistent. In the first place, she left the place as if running away, fearing that Enoch would become conscious of her thoughts. But nonetheless. ¡®I want him to be conscious of me.¡¯ Although it was very weak, it was a sincere desire that c could not be completely turned away. Even though she knew it shouldn¡¯t be, she kept wanting it. Even though it was clearly her own feelings, it didn¡¯t always go her way. After all her love for Ryan was horribly trampled on, she was confident she would never be shaken by anyone again. Her feelings for Enoch were only respectful, her gratitude for her new savior. She had no doubts that it was just that. But, what the hell is this¡­ ¡®No, let¡¯s not think in vain.¡¯ Ines closed her eyes tightly. She tried her best to somehow shake off her thoughts of Enoch. But as she closed her eyes, she couldn¡¯t stop Enoch¡¯s face from glimmering. *** In the distance, Ines¡¯s carriage disappeared. Enoch, who was watching her back, let out a long sigh. ¡®I have no idea why.¡¯ When they first met today, Ines had treated Enoch comfortably. But at some point she started acting like she was avoiding him¡­ There was a deep wrinkle on Enoch¡¯s forehead. Because he actually knew. The reason why Ines¡¯ attitude had suddenly changed like that. ¡®It must be because I approached her too suddenly.¡¯ Earlier, as soon as he saw Ines¡¯s swollen cheek, his heart sank. So he reflexively covered her cheek, but¡­ ¡®I was irrational.¡¯ Enoch bit his lips. ¡®I must reflect.¡¯ If it had been the usual Enoch, he probably wouldn¡¯t have done it. However, when Ines was standing in front of her, his normal mind kept getting looser. The tension of reason loosened, and emotions ran wild. Her smile made him happy, and when she quietly lowered her eyes, his heart sank. When he suddenly came to his senses, he found himself staring at Ines as if possessed. Enoch clasped the hand that had caressed Ines¡¯s cheek. It seemed that the soft touch still remained in his palm. To erase that feeling somehow, Enoch tried to dwell on other thoughts. Fortunately, another thought came to his mind quickly. ¡®More than that, did she say it was Baron Jason¡¯s daughter?¡¯ The woman who made Ines¡¯ cheek like that. Of course, Ines paid the woman back the same, and she smiled saying not to worry. ¡®¡­ I still don¡¯t like it.¡¯ The bright blue eyes gleamed fiercely. *** The ¡°Backstory on the Countess of Brierton¡¯s Divorce Proceedings,¡± reported extensively in Elton magazine, aroused the curiosity of the public, from all walks of life. Exposition and divorce proceedings that her husband stole her artistic achievements. That alone was enough to attract people¡¯s attention, the fact that her husband had an affair with her close friend was added. And so, Elton¡¯s sales soared without knowing it, there was a person who contributed to the sales in the meantime. That person was the current king, Edward. ¡°Edward, what are you looking so hard at?¡± Just then, there was the sound of footsteps. Edward, who had been absorbed in the newspaper for a long time, raised his head slightly. ¡°Helena.¡± The Queen, Helena, was facing him. Edward chuckled and pointed his chin at the newspaper. ¡°This article. I heard that the sales of Elton magazine have risen sharply, and it¡¯s more realistic than fiction.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Helena dropped her gaze towards the newspaper, and gave a curious look. ¡°Are you talking about Baron Jason¡®s Young Lady, right?¡± It wasn¡¯t just a voice recognizing the scandalous woman, there was displeasure in her voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t know Helena knew of Lady Jason.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say that I don¡¯t.¡± Helena answered insignificantly. Charlotte Jason. A beautiful woman with vivid red hair and a voluptuous body, like a rose in full bloom. She was always surrounded by many men, and even in the lavish ballroom, she stood out greatly. Helena remembered Charlotte clearly, not just because of her beauty or her appearance. ¡°The other day, I had the opportunity to chat with Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady¡­..well.¡± Helena told her story. ¡°Well, to put it in a good way, you can say she¡¯s very active.¡± As the Queen of a country, it was natural that people somehow tried to talk to her. Around Helena, people would flock like clouds to greet her. But among them, Charlotte was unique in many ways. ¡°May I say that she is a little rude.¡± Helena couldn¡¯t hide her displeasure. Edward looked a little surprised. Helena, who was usually gentle and calm and was called a model for all the ladies. How could she draw the line so coldly? ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you judge someone so harshly.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s true.¡± Helena smiled bitterly. Charlotte did not dare to speak to Helena first, for the difference in status was far from the beginning. Because the people Helena interacted with were the only people who were considered celebrities in the social world. However, Charlotte opted for the second best option. She followed Helena everywhere she went, and she would keep snooping in the corner of the Queen¡¯s sight. The high-ranking ladies near the Queen became annoyed at Charlotte¡¯s extreme behavior. ¡°No, why is Baron Jason¡¯ Young Lady chasing after you like this?¡± ¡°I know. This isn¡¯t even a goldfish pond¡­.¡± But Helena didn¡¯t pay much attention. She thought it wasn¡¯t her business wherever Charlotte went. Charlotte¡¯s behavior was a bit extreme, but she just thought it was because she was an active person. An amazing thing happened after that. ¡°Ines Brierton sees Her Majesty the Queen.¡± Charlotte used Ines as an opportunity to greet Helena. Ines had a reluctant face, but Charlotte was full of smiles. ¡°Charlotte Jason sees the Queen.¡± Helena was feeling rather unhappy. Did she have to use another friend to say hello like that? It¡¯s because it felt that way. ¡®¡¯It¡¯s an honor to see the Queen. Please have a good time.¡± Meanwhile, Ines, who noticed the unpleasantness, hurriedly greeted and winked at Charlotte to leave. ¡°My Queen! I¡¯m so happy to be able to talk to you like this!¡± But Charlotte¡¯s eyes lit up and stubbornly cling to Helena. Helena nodded her head with a reluctant face. ¡°¡­ It was.¡± She would have rather wished she had just said that much. But Charlotte crossed the line casually. ¡°The weather is really nice today, right? It¡¯s perfect for boating on the Humpson River on a day like this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± In an instant, the atmosphere subsided. But Charlotte still brightly chattered. ¡°The Humpson River is not far from the capital, so it would be great if we could go boating together with the Queen sometime!¡± ¡°Cha, Charlotte!¡± The terrified Ines grabbed Charlotte¡¯s collar. Without noticing the surroundings as quiet as if it had been poured with cold water, Charlotte questioned Ines unpleasantly. ¡°Why are you doing this, Ines?!¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s¡­.¡± Ines stopped, but she somehow managed to drag Charlotte away. People looked into each other¡¯s eyes. That was because Helena¡¯s close cousin died in the Humpson River. The direct cause of death was drowning while boating. Helena didn¡¯t talk much about it, so most people didn¡¯t know. But if you¡¯re interested in the Queen, you should know. Helena recalled the events of that time, and felt her mood dropped. ¡°Helena?¡± ¡°Ah yes.¡± At the same time, at Edward¡¯s call, Helena came to her senses. Chapter 41 *** *** ¡°After all, if you stay in the social world for a long time, you will hear rumors about this and that.¡± From what Helena had heard since, Charlotte didn¡¯t seem to have a very good reputation among the ladies. She (Charlotte) was overtly trying to make friends with people of high status or wealth, and after becoming acquainted, she tried to get to know the gentlemen. ¡®It¡¯s hard to say no to Countess Brierton¡¯s earnest request.¡¯ ¡®Because that kind of approach is difficult.¡¯ ¡®No matter how much she wants to build a connection, how did that woman approach me like that?¡¯ It was obvious that Charlotte approached people only for the purpose of connections without the least consideration for the other person. Helena muttered to herself involuntarily. ¡°Still, I¡¯m a little surprised.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°When I first met the Countess of Brierton, she seemed rather timid.¡± Even though Ines and Charlotte were friends, Ines had a much higher status. It was embarrassing to compare Baron Jason with the Count of Brierton. But Ines of that time seemed to follow Charlotte¡¯s words. ¡°But she proceeded with the divorce like that.¡­ ¡± ¡°Is that so? The Countess of Brierton I saw was not like that at all.¡± Edward got a curious expression and stroked his chin. Ines was unwavering in the courtroom, and she was as cold and serene as a frozen lake. There was no sign of being scared. And Enoch¡¯s eyes as he looked at Ines. Just then, Helena opened her mouth. ¡°Come to think of it, it¡¯s been quite some time since I¡¯ve seen the Duke of Sussex. Shall we have dinner together after a long time?¡± A faint mischievousness appeared over Helena¡¯s eyes. ¡°I have a story to tell.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a story to tell¡­.ah.¡± Edward¡¯s eyes seemed to widen a little, and then his eyes twinkled. ¡°Yes, there is going to be an ¡®event¡¯ soon.¡± ¡°Maybe the Duke of Sussex would be quite interested?¡± The couple looked into each other¡¯s eyes and smiled. It was a secret and playful smile, like a child with a fun toy in front of him. *** It was dark in the room with the curtains down and not a single light came in. In the middle, Charlotte was sitting with her little body crouched on the bed. Her red hair, which had always been carefully trimmed and lustrous, was scattered messily. There were dark shadows under her eyes, and her skin was also dry. Not to mention, Charlotte couldn¡¯t sleep last night. ¡°How could you do this to me?¡± She mumbled in a dying voice. Numerous envelopes were scattered in front of her, torn in a mess. As soon as the affair article was published in Elton Magazine, there were a flood of letters canceling invitations to tea parties and parties that had been previously received. Charlotte grabbed the letters with both hands. ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡± In her grasp, the letters were crumpled at will. ¡°I, I¡­¡­ ! How can I show up in the social world? Arghh!¡± Charlotte, unable to overcome her wrath, screamed and pushed the envelopes out of the bed. Envelopes fluttered white into the dark room. Abusive language poured out from between dry and chapped lips. ¡°How much trouble did I really have to enter the central social circle!¡± It wasn¡¯t Charlotte to be exact, but Ines, who had worked hard to become a member of the central social circle. To put it bluntly, Charlotte¡¯s entry into the central social circle was a miracle in itself. Already in Charlotte¡¯s mind, she was more of a tragic heroine. Charlotte, who had been breathing hard for a while, suddenly lifted her head. ¡°Ines, I must meet Ines.¡± In the end, only Ines could solve this problem. Charlotte sharpened her teeth. ¡°It¡¯s Ines who messed things up, so she is responsible for this!¡± It was because Charlotte herself had had an affair with the husband of her best friend, though, from the beginning. In the mind of Charlotte, she herself was, of course, the victim, and Ines was established as a perpetrator. Charlotte bit her nails with an irritated look on her face. ¡°Yeah, once I see her¡­Let¡¯s explain that she misunderstood and that it hurts so much to be misunderstood by her.¡± For a moment, Charlotte¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I¡¯m a victim, Ryan seduced the innocent me, so I couldn¡¯t help it! That¡¯s how I will say it!¡± Charlotte got up and jumped out of her seat. ¡°After that, she will ask Elton for a correction and it¡¯ll be alright! Everything will go back to its place!¡± In fact, if you thought about it a little, you could see that the idea itself was nonsense. Ines witnessed her divorced ex-husband and her friend lying naked in bed, how could that be a misunderstanding? But Charlotte was already completely blown away by a sense of crisis that she might be kicked out of the social world. Furthermore. ¡°Who would be that girl¡¯s friend if it wasn¡¯t me?¡± There was such confidence. Ines, whom Charlotte knew, was naive and stupid. Her early loss of her parents made her vulnerable to loneliness, and she valued her once-established relationship with her. Ines relied on her best friend, Charlotte, wholeheartedly and openly, badly swayed by Charlotte¡¯s every word. What kind of wind was blowing, but Ines was pretending to draw her line resolutely¡­¡­ . For a moment, Charlotte pulled her lips together and thought. When Ines caught her with Ryan, Ines slapped her without hesitation. In a frightening mood, Charlotte shook her head to shake off her thoughts. ¡°It must have been because she was angry. After all, I am the only friend of Ines!¡± Trying to think positively, Charlotte hurriedly turned around. Her footsteps running into the bathroom behind her were urgent. *** Charlotte, who went to the townhouse of Brierton with her swollen heart. ¡°The Lord did not allow Lady Jason to enter.¡± She was blocked by the guards guarding the entrance to the townhouse. Feeling absurd, Charlotte raised her shrill voice. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with everyone? I¡¯m Charlotte, Charlotte Jason! Ines¡¯ best friend!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± But the guards only looked at Charlotte with disgusted eyes. Charlotte glared at the guards with a fierce gaze. ¡°Can¡¯t you get out of the way now?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°As Ines said before, open the door whenever I come!¡± ¡°That¡¯s the way it used to be. The Lord has now withdrawn her order.¡± ¡°What, what?!¡± At the shock that hit her head, Charlotte opened her eyes wide. ¡®How could Ines do this to me?!¡¯ Unable to overcome her resentment, Charlotte clenched her fists tightly. She gave her strength so strongly that her bones stood out white on the back of her hand. It was like that while she was arguing with the guards. ¡°What the hell is this?¡± A cold voice rang out. The main character of that voice was Mary. She oversaw the housekeeping of the Brierton townhouse, and Ines¡¯ closest maid. Of course she knew Charlotte too. Charlotte was delighted to see her. ¡°Mary!¡± Charlotte swiftly walked over to the closed door. Mary¡¯s face was reflected through the white-painted vine door. Charlotte, who almost stretched her head over the door, soon bent her eyes and smiled broadly. ¡°Mary, you know who I am, right? It¡¯s Charlotte!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with the guards all of a sudden. Hurry up and open this door, will you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± But something was strange. Mary was usually rather businesslike when dealing with Charlotte, but at least she was careful not to be rude. But now Mary was just staring at her with a cold stare. ¡®What¡¯s wrong with her?¡¯ Feeling anxious, Charlotte narrowed her brows and asked again. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? I¡¯m here to see Ines¡± ¡°In the Lord¡¯s schedule today, I didn¡¯t see the appointment with Lady Jason.¡± ¡°Are you telling me to make an appointment with Ines before visiting?¡± Charlotte snorted. However, Mary just nodded her head. ¡°You¡¯re right, Lady Jason.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°Please please today, and make a formal appointment next time.¡± Without raising an eyebrow, Mary suggested to Charlotte. ¡°If you come to visit us so recklessly, the Lord will definitely be offended.¡± ¡°You you¡­¡­ !¡± Charlotte pointed at Mary. Nonetheless, Mary had only what she had to say. ¡°Also, the Lord has a prior arrangement today.¡± ¡°A prior arrangement? Where is she going?¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s no reason for me to tell you that, is there?¡± Mary shook her head with a grin. Charlotte¡¯s ripped voice soared into the sky without realizing it. ¡°I came here to see Ines in person, but you said she left with her prior arrangement?¡± And at that moment. Mary felt something snap in her head. Chapter 42 **** *** ¡®How can a person be so shameless?¡¯ It has been eight years since Mary had been by Ines¡¯ side. When the young lady lost her parents, made her socialite debut, befriended Charlotte, and met Ryan. She watched the whole process of her getting married. For all that long, Ines has always been true to both Ryan and Charlotte. Devoted to her husband, and true to her friend. Nevertheless, Ryan and Charlotte had always been hard on Ines. ¡°How can the two do that to you, madam!¡± Mary, who couldn¡¯t help but express her resentment, but Ines said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s because I¡¯m not good enough.¡± Ines only smiled helplessly. Fortunately, Ines had her heart set and finally cut off Ryan and Charlotte. That did not mean that the wounds that Ines had suffered so far disappeared. The sound of her weeping softly as she was left alone every night, still sounded vividly in Mary¡¯s ears. ¡°Young Lady Jason.¡± So Mary opened her mouth without realizing it. ¡°I know my actions are presumptuous and rude, but I have to tell you this.¡± Her voice was terribly subdued. ¡°How long do you plan to cause trouble to the Lord?¡± ¡°Wow, what? Cause trouble?!¡± ¡°Up until now, the Lord has done so many things for you because you were her friend.¡± Mary fixed her blue-edged gaze on Charlotte. ¡°Nevertheless, Lady Jason didn¡¯t even thank her for that, but didn¡¯t you avenge her kindness instead?¡± ¡°What are you saying now¡­¡­ !¡± Charlotte contorted her face horribly, as if she could grab Mary by the neck at any moment. But then. A carriage started running out from inside the townhouse¡¯s garden. It was a carriage with the coat of arms of the Count of Brierton. Also, at this point in time, there was only one person in that carriage. ¡°Ines!¡± Charlotte called out to Ines with a friendly voice. As the distance between the carriage and the main gate got closer, the guards opened the front door so that the carriage could pass. Mary took a step back, making a sad face. ¡°My Lord¡­.¡± Through the window of the carriage, Ines could be seen. Guilt flooded in. ¡®I didn¡¯t want the Lord to see Lady Jason.¡¯ Seeing that brazen attitude, Mary raised her voice without realizing it. ¡®But I¡¯m the Lord¡¯s closest maid.¡± Although she knew that every single one of her own demeanor was directly linked to Ines¡¯s reputation, she became angry. At the same time, Charlotte quickly shouted to Ines. ¡°Mary, how dare you slap me on the subject of a maid!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re bothering me. What are you talking about? How can that be¡­¡­ !¡± Charlotte was now even pointing at Mary. She has no doubt that Ines will rebuke Mary, and she has an elated attitude while yelling at Mary. Ines, who was staring at the frivolous figure, turned to Mary. ¡°Marry.¡± ¡°Yes, my Lord.¡± Mary bowed her head. At the same time, a warm voice rang out. ¡°Thank you.¡± Huh? At her unexpected thanks, Mary opened her eyes wide and looked up at Ines. ¡°Ines?¡± Charlotte, meanwhile, looked like she had been hit in the face. Ines, who smiled at Mary, gave an order to the coachman. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The carriage ran out of the townhouse. Terrified, Charlotte rushed out of the way. ¡°Ines!¡± Charlotte called the carriage as it was moving away again and again, but instead of stopping, the carriage increased its speed even more and disappeared. ¡®Are you ignoring me now? Ines?¡¯ Before the carriage left. Ines¡¯ expressionless eyes, who had glanced at her, pierced her chest. Perhaps it would have been better if it was a contemptuous or angry look. It was as if Ines was looking at a stone stuck in her feet, that gaze facing something completely worthless. It was a look that Charlotte never thought she would see in Ines¡­ ¡®¡­ Uh, how could this be!¡¯ Feeling her pride being torn to pieces, Charlotte bit her lips to bleed. But she didn¡¯t even have time to immerse herself in that sentiment for long. ¡°Are you going to stay here like this?¡± The guard asked Charlotte in a harsh voice. Charlotte, who suddenly came to her senses, raised her head in a flash. ¡®No, if I go like this, I¡¯ll lose Ines..!¡¯ In a situation where even convincing Ines wasn¡¯t even enough! Nervousness engulfed her whole body.Charlotte ran frantically to the roadside. *** The place Ines decided to visit today was Baroness Wickham¡¯s townhouse. She had sent the invitation to tea time directly to Ines. Although she invited Ines this time perhaps because she was curious about the Countess of Brierton¡¯s glamorous divorce case. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Baroness Wickham was also fairly broad-minded in the social world. Moreover, the other ladies who interacted with the Baroness had similar tendencies to her. It meant luxury. So, if they talk about this divorce case in moderation, it will take care of spreading it widely. Meanwhile, Huh? Ines, who was about to walk into the parlor, paused. It was because during the ladies¡¯ conversation, a familiar name was heard. ¡°Sir Duke of Sussex.¡± ¡®The Duke of Sussex?¡¯ Ines opened her eyes wide. In fact, Ines was expecting her story to come out. Because there was a lot of talk about her divorce. But why suddenly the Duke? ¡°The first person to excavate Count Brierton this time is the Duke of Sussex.¡± One of the ladies gathered in the parlor spoke in an interesting voice. ¡°Isn¡¯t he truly unique?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. In fact, it is rare for an immediate royal family to directly run a business.¡± ¡°His Majesty the King and the Queen were also very opposed to this, saying that the dignity of the royal family was inferior, right?¡± Hearing that story, Ines recalled her distant past, which had been buried in her memory. By the way, the fact that the Duke took over the collapsing Elton Company itself was quite significant. It was when Ines was still a girl. The second Prince of Lancaster, Enoch, suddenly announced that he would take over one of the press. There was a lot of buzz around him. Now, Elton was one of the kingdom¡¯s leading newspapers, but at that time, Elton was a small, crumbling company. So no one could understand the prince¡¯s eccentricities. ¡°But now look, the Duke of Sussex is the most famous person in the kingdom right now, right?¡± The lady was sipping her tea and talking. ¡°Elton is the most trusted press in the kingdom, and as the Duke focuses on Elton, naturally, the issue of succession to the throne was resolved neatly.¡± ¡°I see, there was a time when it was quite noisy over the succession issue¡­¡± Ines blinked quietly. Maybe it was because she had been mostly exposed to Enoch¡¯s business side. She hadn¡¯t thought of that part at all. ¡®Then¡­¡­ It seems that the Duke of Sussex had no desire for the throne at all.¡¯ In fact, Enoch has always had outstanding abilities and was a promising talent in the royal family. To put it more bluntly. It meant that he was in a position where he would have been fine if he had tried to take the throne. But looking back on his steps, it was like¡­¡­ ¡®Doesn¡¯t it look like he¡¯s deliberately distanced himself from the throne?¡¯ Just then, the lady opened her mouth again. ¡°Besides, all of the leading up-and-coming artists in the kingdom were discovered by the Duke.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, he recently discovered the Countess of Brierton.¡± Ah, so that¡¯s where the story of the Duke of Sussex came from. Ines was convinced. Apparently, while talking about her, the stem of the conversation extended to the people who discovered her and helped her. ¡°Isn¡¯t it amazing? Thinking about it now, the Duke of Sussex¡¯s decision to run a press was the perfect choice in many ways.¡± ¡°What do you mean, do you call this a godsend?¡± The ladies chattered in interesting voices. Meanwhile, Ines, who was unintentionally overhearing, showed her presence and entered the parlor. ¡°Oh my God, Countess of Brierton!¡± The teatime organizer, Baroness Wickham, rose from her seat to welcome Ines. ¡°Welcome, everyone has been waiting for you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re here. Countess?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a long time!¡± Across the beautifully decorated tea table, the ladies who were sitting together also welcomed Ines. Ines responded to the ladies with a smooth smile. ¡°How are you all doing? It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve attended tea time, so it¡¯s a bit awkward.¡± At that moment, the ladies made sad faces without knowing it. *** *I know it¡¯s a slow novel but giving how much Ines had suffered, we need to give time to Ines to rebuild her life emotionally and physically. Chapter 43 *** *** Everyone knew why Ines couldn¡¯t even attend such a light tea time until now. Ines Brierton. Although she was now the protagonist of a divorce case that has attracted the attention of the world, the evaluations of the noble ladies were quite different. To summarize the evaluation of Ines at the time in one line. ¡®Poor woman.¡¯ The naive aristocratic lady, blinded by her love, married her husband, who was far below her, and gave him a great fortune as well as the title of Count of Brierton. Was that all? After her marriage, she refrained from outside activities and solely supported her husband. She was quite different from Ryan, who showed his face to all kinds of parties and gatherings. Even when Ines seldomly went out with Ryan, the dynamic was off. ¡°What do you know?¡± ¡°But, honey.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t interfere. Okay?¡± Ryan was overbearing every time, and Ines was at a loss for what to do in front of him. Even at that time, some people thought the relationship was strange. But at that time, Ryan was a painter of genius, and everyone looked up to him and admired him. Even those who had doubts about the relationship between Ines and Ryan would choose silence rather than be hostile to Ryan. But now. ¡°Countess, what do you mean¡­we know it was really hard for you.¡± Baroness Wickham grabbed Ines¡¯ hand and opened her mouth. The other ladies also joined in and comforted Ines. ¡°How could Master Gott do that! How devoted the Countess was to him!¡± ¡°Right, he¡¯s so shameless!¡± The kingdom was a conservative country and there were many people who viewed divorce negatively. Most of the ladies were on Ines¡¯s side emotionally. Apparently, Ryan¡¯s fault was too great, and there were no ladies who had sacrificed that much for the family. How hard would it have been to be able to get a divorce? That was the common evaluation of the ladies. To the countless consolation pouring in, Ines answered plainly. ¡°Thank you all for your concern.¡± Naturally, the atmosphere moved in favor of Ines. The ladies enjoyed tea and refreshments and chatted about various things. ¡°Once upon a time, Viscountess Gott bragged about her son, the Count of Brierton and how he carried so much strength on his shoulders.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why the Viscountess doesn¡¯t even come to the social gatherings these days.¡± ¡°Aha, it¡¯s hard to show off now.¡± ¡°Yes. How can she carry her face around in shame?¡± A roar of laughter erupted. Ines, who had been listening closely to the conversation, drank tea with satisfaction. ¡®This is enough.¡¯ Even without Ines having to deal with it, the Gott¡¯s reputation had already completely dried up. It seemed that it was because of the behavior that usually made many enemies here and there. But then. Knock. Knock. A short knock sounded. Baroness Wickham narrowed her brow and looked towards the door. ¡°It¡¯s strange, I didn¡¯t call anyone.¡± During tea time, she told the servants in advance not to interrupt unless it was urgent. But if someone came knocking like this, perhaps they needed permission from the hostess. ¡°Come in.¡± The Baroness granted her permission. Click. The door opened. The maid, who stepped into the parlor, bowed her head with a troubled face. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Well, ma¡¯am,¡¯ the maid said cautiously. ¡°Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady has come to visit.¡± ¡°What?¡± Baroness Wickham¡¯s face wrinkled. ¡°I¡¯m sure I sent the cancellation letter. Did you deliver it properly?¡± ¡°I did. But now, she¡¯s standing in front of the house, stubbornly insisting that she wants to meet the Countess of Brierton¡­¡± ¡°What?!¡± Baroness Wickham, who had responded with annoyance, glanced at Ines. The most influential person in this position right now was by far Ines. Head of the of Brierton, one of the kingdom¡¯s most prestigious families. A huge amount of financial power that raised even the Gott, her husband¡¯s family, who was once ruined. In addition, the artist who proved that Ryan¡¯s painting was hers through divorce proceedings and proved her genius. ¡®You don¡¯t mess with the Countess of Brierton.¡¯ With such a calculation, Baroness Wickham raised her voice. ¡°Tell her to go back now! What kind of disrespect is this¡­.¡± But the Baroness couldn¡¯t finish her sentence. Clank. It was because the sound of the teacup and the saucer collided resounded clearly. Although it wasn¡¯t a loud sound, it was enough to draw people¡¯s attention at once. Facing five or six pairs of eyes focused on her, Ines spoke leisurely. ¡°It¡¯s okay to let her in.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Baroness Wickham doubted her ears. At the same time, Ines¡¯ smile grew a little darker. ¡°If she misses me so much, let her in.¡± ¡°Ha, but.¡± ¡°Lady Jason is standing outside right now. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t like it.¡± Ines added, shrugging her shoulders lightly. ¡°Also, I don¡¯t want people to talk about the Baroness for nothing because of me.¡± ¡°Oh no, Countess¡­..¡± At those caring words, Baroness Wickham was touched. Charlotte¡¯s reputation was at its worst because of the article from Elton. And Ines was currently attending Baroness Wickham¡¯s tea time. ¡®Of course I¡¯m not afraid of a small family like the Jason, but rumors circulate¡­.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s only the appearance of our family that will look strange.¡¯ The Baroness bit her molars. Charlotte even had several interactions with Baroness Wickham, with the help of Ines. So, in the eyes of others, it would look like the Baroness cut off Charlotte to get to Ines. For that reason, Ines took that into consideration, even meeting with Charlotte, which would be very unpleasant for her. Then, Ines spoke softly. ¡°It¡¯s my fault that Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady came here, so I shouldn¡¯t make Baroness Wickham have more trouble, right?¡± For a moment, the ladies were a little nervous. Not to mention, isn¡¯t this the first time Ines called Charlotte ¡®Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady¡¯ instead of ¡®Charlotte¡¯? That sounded like Ines drew a line with Charlotte. ¡®I have to be careful.¡¯ The ladies looked at each other and smiled awkwardly. *** ¡°Ugh, I thought I was going to miss it.¡± Charlotte, who somehow followed Ines without missing it, staggered and alighted from her carriage. She would have completely missed Ines if the rental carriage didn¡¯t run by just in time. But somehow the surrounding scenery was familiar to her eyes. Charlotte opened her eyes wide and looked at the building in front of her. ¡°Wow, here¡­ ¡­ Isn¡¯t that Baron Wickham¡¯s townhouse?¡± Charlotte swallowed dryly. Baroness Wickham. There were many women of higher rank than her in the central social circle. However, there was no one who made friends with various nobles as colorful as she did. Her pleasant characteristic, friendly personality helped her connect with many people, despite her not so high status as a Baroness. Meanwhile, as several families who were friends with Baroness Wickham became married, she quickly emerged as a best matchmaker. And Charlotte, whose dream of ¡®marrying a good man and raising her status¡¯, had no choice but to want to make an acquaintance with Baroness Wickham. So Charlotte. ¡®What is it, Ines? Isn¡¯t this an invitation from Baroness Wickham?¡± As soon as she found an invitation to a picnic from Baroness Wickham on Ines¡¯s desk, Charlotte pushed Ines to attend. Ines couldn¡¯t hide her troubled expression, but in the end, she was defeated by Charlotte¡¯s stubbornness. So Charlotte followed Ines to the Baroness¡¯s picnic, and met the prominent ladies who were very surprised to see Charlotte there. After that, she hung out with the Baroness several times using Ines as an excuse. ¡®As soon as this happened, the tea time invitation that you sent to me was quickly canceled¡­¡­ !¡¯ Charlotte sharpened her teeth. And yet you invited Ines? Her wretched pride of hers swept away any reason she had left. Charlotte clenched her fists. *** *Gotta give it to Charlotte for being so persistently shameless, lol. Chapter 44 *** *** ¡®I have to meet Ines right now!¡¯ It was important to convince Ines to quickly improve this shameful situation. As Charlotte strode towards the front door, a guard guarding the townhouse stopped her. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Let Baroness Wickham know that Charlotte Jason has visited.¡± Charlotte raised her chin and gave the command to the guard arrogantly. ¡°Tell her I¡¯m here to see the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Did you come with an appointment?¡± The guard asked Charlotte in a questionable voice. But she said Charlotte was still a brazen face. ¡°No?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± The guard was at a loss for words. Then Charlotte got very nervous and began to complain. ¡°What are you doing without going to report right away?!¡± ¡°No, but¡­¡­ .¡± ¡°Well, do whatever you want.¡± Charlotte crossed her arms and glared at the guard. ¡°I will wait here until you tell Baroness Wickham.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The guard could not hide his troubled face. After all, Charlotte was a noble. A noble with a similar status to Baroness Wickham. It was too burdensome to treat Charlotte based on his own judgment, so eventually, the guard went to report the situation. So the answer came back..¡­ . ¡°You¡¯re allowed to come in.¡± ¡°Yes, it should!¡± In response to the unexpected reply, Charlotte burst into laughter. ¡®No matter how proud Ines is, she can¡¯t live without me!¡¯ Perhaps by now Ines was attending tea time. There¡¯s no way that timid girl could get along well with the other ladies. So Ines must have finally realized the importance of Charlotte. ¡°Guide me.¡± Charlotte raised her chin and gave orders to the guard. In this way, she was guided into the elegant parlor. The eyes of the ladies turned to Charlotte in an instant. Facing those unfriendly gazes, Charlotte hesitated for a moment without realizing it. ¡°Ines!¡± As soon as she found Ines sitting among the ladies, Charlotte became excited and walked towards Ines. She added in a cheerful voice. ¡°Thank you so much for finding me like this, I¡­ !¡± ¡°You have to be straight. I never looked for you, Lady Jason.¡± But Ines coldly drew the line. ¡°What?¡± At that cold reaction, Charlotte blinked blankly. Ines looked up at Charlotte with a cold gaze. ¡°The current situation is that Lady Jason broke into tea time at will. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Speechless, Charlotte bit her lips. Towards Charlotte, Ines curved her eyes like a half moon. She had a smile as cold as ice. ¡°You chased me from the Brierton townhouse?¡± ¡°Yes, but ¡­ !¡± ¡°I was embarrassed to see you following me in a hurry, but I hope you don¡¯t pretend to be friendly.¡± ¡°Ines!¡± ¡°Also, if your opponent is a noble with a title, it is polite to call him by that title.¡± Ines¡¯ smirk grew a little darker. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t call someone else¡¯s name recklessly.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­ !¡± Enraged, Charlotte tried to protest, but she was interrupted by Baroness Wickham, who was just watching the situation. ¡°Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady, stop and sit down.¡± ¡°Ha, Baroness Wickham!¡± ¡°You wanted to attend this tea time, that¡¯s why you stood in front of the house, right?¡± Baroness Wickham glanced at Charlotte with her wretched gaze. ¡°Then just drink your tea and go. Don¡¯t stir up trouble for nothing.¡± So the Baroness openly gave her a scolding, but Charlotte did not open her mouth. It was because Baroness Wickham, as well as the other ladies, showed signs of displeasure. Charlotte had no choice but to sit down awkwardly in the end. Then Baroness Wickham smiled broadly and spoke to Ines. ¡°By the way, Countess, now that you have received your title back, will you be more busy in the future?¡± ¡°I think so. There are limits to what a person can do.¡± ¡°Thank you so much for attending our tea time even though you are so busy.¡± The Baroness secretly showed off her acquaintance with Ines. Then the other ladies eagerly joined in. ¡°You don¡¯t know how nice it is to see you like this.¡± ¡°Right. I hope to see you more often in the future.¡± ¡°I hope so, too.¡± Ines smiled softly at the ladies. Charlotte, meanwhile, felt a subtle sense of deprivation as she faced the amicable atmosphere. Not to mention, the way the ladies treated Ines and Charlotte was completely different. ¡­ ¡®It¡¯s as if I became an invisible person.¡¯ Charlotte clenched her fists. No one wanted to talk to her. They were all busy trying to talk to Ines. ¡®That seat was originally mine!¡¯ The center of conversation, a position that receives everyone¡¯s attention. But now it was Ines who took that position. Charlotte felt her stomach simmer. Just then, Ines gently switched the topic. ¡°Ah, Viscountess Fildette. I heard that your husband is in the business of importing ceramics recently?¡± ¡°Oh, did the Countess know?¡± The lady with her eyes wide open quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why he is so busy these days.¡± ¡°It will definitely work out. So, if you give Brierton a chance to invest a little bit, I¡¯d be happy¡­¡± ¡°Oh my God, if the Countess invests in us, we are only grateful!¡± At that suggestion, Viscountess Fildette¡¯s face turned brightly. Ines had a friendly conversation with the other ladies like that. She didn¡¯t even give a glance to Charlotte. An hour passed like that. And in the meantime, Charlotte couldn¡¯t even say a single word. It was because Ines was naturally taking the lead in the conversation. Charlotte tried to force herself into the conversation, but she couldn¡¯t. Because the content of the conversation between Ines and the ladies was very unfamiliar to Charlotte. For example. ¡°The wheat crop this year has been pretty good, hasn¡¯t it? So His Majesty had established a policy of stockpiling wheat for famine in advance¡­ ¡± It was related to national projects; or ¡°Did you hear that the Duke of Sussex recently participated in the nobility meeting?¡± Anecdotes from the financial world, ¡°This time, my brother opened a restaurant, and he says that the profits are very good.¡± Or, business operations that could only be done with enormous financial power. They were all topics that only the upper class could talk about naturally. Charlotte¡¯s usual interest in fancy dresses and jewelry, parties, meetings with nice gentlemen, and weddings were not even mentioned at all. ¡®What the hell am I?!¡¯ Eventually Charlotte¡¯s patience with which she was barely holding back was shattered. ¡®It wasn¡¯t like this usually, I¡¯ve never been so alienated!¡¯ In fact, the reason Charlotte hasn¡¯t been alienated was all thanks to Ines. It was because Ines gave her such consideration from the beginning so that Charlotte could participate in the conversation as well. But now that Ines has turned away from Charlotte. The situation has changed completely. ¡°So, this time¡­¡± ¡°Oh my, did that happen?¡± All the ladies who attended the tea time acted as if they had forgotten the very existence of Charlotte. Everyone seemed happy except Charlotte. And for Charlotte, to hear the laughter and chatter of the ladies bursting out cheerfully was unbearably unpleasant. ¡°What are you doing now?!¡± Impatient, Charlotte raised her voice. ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± The atmosphere became silent as if cold water had poured over. The ladies were surprised and looked back at Charlotte with wide eyes. But among them, there was only one person with an indifferent face. It was Ines. ¡°What disrespect is this, Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady?¡± That calm voice rather touched Charlotte¡¯s nerves. The expression made her feel horrible. She wanted to mess up that calm face right away. Charlotte jumped up from her seat and pointed at Ines. ¡°What rudeness! What you are doing is rude!¡± Then, unable to overcome her anger, she gasped as she glared at Ines. ¡°Don¡¯t you treat people like they are invisible!¡± ¡°What do you mean invisible people?¡± ¡°Now don¡¯t even think about denying it! Everyone is ignoring me, don¡¯t you think I don¡¯t know?!¡± Charlotte exclaimed loudly. ¡°You ordered all this!¡± Ines looked at Charlotte with a look of triumph. Chapter 45 *** **** ¡°Why do you think I would do such a troublesome thing?¡± ¡°Troublesome, you¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The reason Lady Jason was able to attend this tea time in the first place was¡­¡± Ines glanced at Baroness Wickham with a smirk. ¡°Because I asked Baron Wickham to bring Lady Jason in.¡± ¡°What the hell does this mean?! Blood drained from Charlotte¡¯s face. She glanced sideways at Baroness Wickham, and saw the Baroness nodding her head as if agreeing with Ines. It meant that there was no lie in Ines¡¯ words. ¡°It¡¯s much easier not to get inside from the beginning than to get in and be ignored.¡± ¡°Well, then what the hell is going on?¡± ¡°It is not that we ignored the Lady, but rather the Lady wasn¡¯t willing to participate in our conversation, right?¡° Ines asked softly. At the same time, the ladies came out one by one to help Ines. ¡°You are right, Countess.¡± ¡°In the first place, it was Lady Jason who forcefully intervened this tea time.¡± ¡°In such a situation, it¡¯s too much to have a conversation with Lady Jason.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you try talking to us first?¡± Since it was not their position to welcome Charlotte from the beginning, the backlash of the ladies was quite intense. Charlotte stiffened her shoulders. ¡®How did this happen?¡¯ When she came to her senses, she realized that she was on the defensive. In that situation, Ines nailed it again. ¡°Above all else, you know what Lady Jason said is an insult to the ladies here, right?¡± ¡°Hey, what are you talking about!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. There is no hierarchical relationship between me and the ladies¡­¡± Ines sighed. ¡°The ladies in this room can¡¯t be swayed by my words, right?¡± Oops. Charlotte felt cold, as if she had swallowed a large piece of ice. ¡®I made a mistake.¡¯ As proof of that, the ladies were staring at Charlotte with bloody eyes. To be honest, it was true that the ladies were wary of Ines. But speaking out about it was another matter. It was the same as saying, ¡®You are lower than Ines¡¯. The ladies who were gathered here were not people who were nobody , and of course they had a high nose. In the current situation that was unfavorable to Charlotte, it has even touched the pride of the ladies¡­ ¡®It¡¯s over.¡¯ Ines made a satisfied face. ¡°Ah, that, that¡­ ¡­¡­ .¡± Charlotte was not sure what to do, and she looked around. But she had no way out. So Charlotte, who was in her predicament, came up with a solution. ¡°Ines!¡± In the end, all she could do was cling to Ines. ¡°Why the hell are you doing this to me?¡± Charlotte pleaded with Ines with her wide-eyed eyes. ¡°We are friends, aren¡¯t we?¡± ¡°Oh my God, friend?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide for a moment, then burst out laughing as if she had heard a really funny joke. ¡°How can a woman who is having an inappropriate relationship with her friend¡¯s husband be considered her friend?¡± ¡°Hey, Ines?!¡± ¡°Even the very day after I got divorced, you lay naked in the studio I got for my ex.¡± Ines continued making explosive remarks without raising an eyebrow. The ladies were astonished. ¡°My, is that true?¡± ¡°Oh my God, how did that happen!¡± The murmuring of the ladies did not subside easily. ¡°Honestly, how much has the Countess of Brierton ever cared for Lady Jason?¡± ¡°Right. Whenever she attended a party or tea time, you were always with the Countess.¡± ¡°Actually, if it wasn¡¯t for the Countess, she wouldn¡¯t have even been invited.¡± ¡°How shameless.¡± Disgust lingered in the eyes of the ladies. Charlotte, meanwhile, looked like she was about to faint at any moment. The blood drained from her face, and she turned white, then she turned blue, and her red eyes looked like she would burst into tears. But Ines had no sympathy at all. Rather, the emotion Ines was feeling right now. ¡®I feel cool.¡¯ It felt refreshed as if her chest had opened up. The public opinion that her revenge was futile, at least did not fit Ines at all. It didn¡¯t matter if other people pointed fingers at her saying she was mean. She wanted Ryan and Charlotte to feel as much pain as she felt. ¡°¡­ To be honest, I was really surprised.¡± Therefore, Ines lowered her eyes and spoke in a subdued voice. ¡°After the divorce, I went to clean up the studio, and saw the two of them were sleeping together.¡± ¡°Ines, what nonsense are you talking about now!¡± Charlotte raised her voice like a scream. On the other hand, the ladies each let out a sigh with a sad expression on their faces. ¡°Oh my god.¡± ¡°No way¡­ ¡± It may be a somewhat cheap metaphor, but at first glance it seemed to be a composition of an adulterous woman and the good wife who lost her husband. And the adulteress was a close friend of the good wife. Significantly, all of the people who attended this tea time were married women, women who had at one time or another been troubled by their husbands¡¯ female histories, whether light or deep. It meant that the situation was filled to the brim with emotional sympathy for Ines. Charlotte, on the other hand, felt a choking sense of crisis. ¡®No, I can¡¯t go on like this, it¡¯s not right!¡¯ The situation was against her. Charlotte desperately worked her brain. ¡®I have to convince Ines somehow. To do that¡­Oh yes!¡¯ For a moment, Charlotte¡¯s eyes lit up. Come to think of it, there was one reason to persuade Ines. That¡¯s right. ¡°But Ines, listen to me. I am a victim too!¡± Charlotte promptly raised her voice. Ines asked Charlotte with a puzzled look on her face. ¡°Victim?¡± ¡°Yes, Ry¡­. No, Young Master Gott!¡± She almost always called Ryan. Charlotte quickly changed the name and nodded her head violently. ¡°The Young Master seduced me. I just fell for him!¡± Tears welled up in Charlotte¡¯s eyes. ¡°I was so young and naive back then¡­¡­ I just couldn¡¯t resist him.¡± In pleading so, Charlotte sang a delightful song in her heart. ¡®Okay, that¡¯s a perfect explanation!¡¯ In the meantime, Charlotte buried her face in her hands and cried out loud. The sight of tears streaming down her reddened cheeks was so pitiful that it made people want to hug her and comfort her. It had always been like that with men. Whenever she shed tears, they would try to comfort her, not knowing what to do. ¡®If I do this, Ines will also soften a little, right?¡¯ Charlotte was so absorbed in the ¡®victim role¡¯ that she did not notice the fact that Ines and other ladies were all looking at her with tired faces. After a while. ¡°Why do I need to know about that?¡± A pitiful voice returned to Charlotte. Surprised, Charlotte lifted her head up with a flash. ¡°Ha, Ines?¡± With her tears welling up, Ines¡¯s face appeared beyond her blurred vision. Ines¡¯s face was so cold that seemed to have no blood. ¡°That¡¯s Lady Jason¡¯s love affairs.¡± ¡°What?¡± For a moment, Charlotte doubted her ears. ¡®I even bow down like this and complain about injustice, but you¡¯re like that?¡¯ That gentle Ines? Charlotte felt numb as if she had just been slapped in the back of her head. Ines fired again. ¡°In the inappropriate relationship between Master Gott and Lady Jason, even if the Lady is a victim¡­.¡± ¡°No, wait¡­ .¡± ¡°To me, you¡¯re the perpetrator.¡± At those blatant words, Charlotte¡¯s face hardened. Ines spoke with a grim face. ¡°So, don¡¯t you dare pretend to be pitiful in front of me.¡± ¡°Pretending to be pitiful, I¡­!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to be as low as Lady Jason, so I¡¯m being very patient.¡± ¡®This isn¡¯t it?¡¯ Charlotte, who looked around at a loss, stiffened her shoulders. Sure enough, the ladies also had the same expression on their faces as Ines. There was no pity, not even a sign of feeling sorry. The only thing that could be seen on the faces of the ladies was pathetic, disgust, and disgust. ¡°Lady Jason.¡± At the same time, Baroness Wickham called Charlotte in a solemn voice. ¡°I am very disappointed with the behavior of the Lady today.¡± ¡°Yes? But!¡± ¡°Obviously, you received the cancellation letter, but you were very rude to come so arbitrarily.¡± The Baroness who drew a sharp line, glanced sideways at Ines. Chapter 46 *** *** ¡°Besides, with the Countess¡¯s generosity, she allowed you to attend the tea time, but you caused a commotion.¡± ¡°Wait a minute, that¡¯s¡­ !¡± ¡°I hope to never see Young Lady Jason at the Wickham¡¯s residence in the future.¡± The Baroness raised her chin and finished her words. ¡°So, I want you to leave now.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Charlotte was terrified. But Baroness Wickham was determined. ¡°If you step down now, it will end with Lady Jason¡¯s personal departure, but if you persist, it¡¯s going to be a dispute.¡± ¡°Ha, Baroness Wickham. I mean¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Now I¡¯m giving you a chance to quietly cover up the current commotion.¡± Charlotte, who was rushing to come up with excuses, stiffened her shoulders. ¡°If you don¡¯t accept that opportunity, I have no intention of putting up with it either.¡± Baroness Wickham declared coldly. Charlotte was about to cry, in fact, the current situation itself was too disadvantageous. Her affair was reported by Elton, the most trusted magazine in the kingdom. And even the personal testimony of Ines. Even the excuse of ¡®I am also a victim!¡¯, which she believed in her heart, was destroyed by Ines. No matter how she looked at it, there was no room for Charlotte to turn. Baroness Wickham raised her voice once again. ¡°Is anyone there? Lady Jason is leaving, take her to the front door.¡± ¡°No, I can go out on my own!¡± In the end, Charlotte was forced to back down with a resentment on her face. As soon as Charlotte walked out of the parlor, words of consolation poured down on Ines. ¡°Ugh, what is this¡­ ¡­ It seems like the storm has swept through.¡± Starting with Baroness Wickham. ¡°Are you okay, Countess?¡± ¡°Whether Lady Jason has a concept or not¡­¡± The ladies also blatantly poured harsh words towards Charlotte. ¡°She claims to be the victim is outrageous.¡± In particular, the Viscountess Fildette, who heard about Ines¡¯ investment, was eager to talk. ¡°Even if Master Gott had seduced her in the first place, she thought have told the Countess first, right?¡± ¡°I mean. If she didn¡¯t really want that kind of relationship, she would have distanced herself from Master Gott already.¡± ¡°It looked like they had fun together, but now what¡­ ¡­ ¡± Listening to the pouring words of consolation, Ines had a bitter smile on her face. ¡°Thank you all for comforting me like this. It is a great comfort.¡± ¡°Oh my God, Countess!¡± ¡°But I¡¯m okay now.¡± Ines continued speaking in a calm voice. ¡°Even though it¡¯s true that I once loved Ryan very much, and gave him my all.¡± ¡°Hey, Countess of Brierton¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°However, in a way, I think it¡¯s fortunate that this is the end.¡± Ines did not shed tears or become sad. Instead, she calmly expressed her inner feelings with a consistent attitude from start to finish. ¡°Anyway, the divorce was successfully completed, and I can filter out people who I once thought were friends but were not.¡± The eyes of the ladies who had heard those words were filled with admiration. ¡®¡¯You must have suffered a lot of heartache so far, but how can you be so calm¡­ ¡° ¡°If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t have been so calm.¡± Ines continued. ¡°Anyway, what I want to tell you is that you don¡¯t have to stop interacting with Lady Jason because of me.¡± ¡°What? Still, Countess¡­ ¡± ¡°How can I meddle in your ladies¡¯ friendships?¡± Ines asked that question casually. For a moment, the ladies looked shocked. ¡®How can she be so generous?¡¯ Come to think of it, Ines didn¡¯t interfere at all with today¡¯s tea time, whether Lady Jason was present or not. It was just that the ladies knew and acted on their own. ¡°However, I have no intention of interacting with her any more, so I hope you understand that.¡± Ines ended her words softly. Each of the ladies looked at Ines with a solemn expression on their faces. ¡°Of course, Countess!¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t because the Countess made it so, we also don¡¯t want to interact with such a shameless woman.¡± ¡°Right! what? Did the Countess tell us to continue to interact with Lady Jason?¡± Among them, some noble ladies with strong pride were angry and zealous to the top of their heads. Facing the excited ladies, Ines raised her lips with satisfaction. ¡°Who do you think we are?¡± ¡®Okay.¡¯ At least for the ladies here, Charlotte¡¯s reputation seemed to have come to an end. And given the influence they had on the social world¡­ . ¡®Charlotte, you¡¯re going to have a hard time.¡¯ Ines¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. **** That day, Ines returned home later than usual. Even though Baroness Wickham invited her to stay for dinner, Ines refused. ¡°Are you here, my lord?¡± Mary welcomed Ines. But, somehow, there was a sad expression on her face. ¡°Mary? What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ines looked at Mary with a puzzled face. Then, after she hesitated for a long time, Mary opened her mouth with difficulty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°About earlier¡­ ¡± Mary muffled her words with a dark expression. Earlier in the day, when Charlotte came to see Ines, Mary couldn¡¯t stand it and shot back at her. Although Ines said ¡®thank you¡¯ and moved on. ¡°Nevertheless, it was a task that the headmaster had to deal with, but I think I was too presumptuous.¡± Mary shrank her shoulders, avoiding Ines¡¯ gaze. Just then. ¡°Ha, my lord?!¡± Startled, Mary widened her eyes. It was because Ines hugged Mary tightly in her arms. ¡°No.¡± At the same time a faintly wet voice rang out. ¡°On the contrary, I¡¯ve been grateful and sorry all this time.¡± ¡°¡­ My Lord.¡± ¡°I guess I was too busy with my work to say thank you properly.¡± Ines was sincere. Eight years ago, when Ines was still a young girl, until now, Mary was always by her side. Whenever Ryan was harsh on Ines, Mary was the only one who comforted Ines and was nice to her. ¡®And¡­¡­ Even before the regression.¡¯ Mary¡¯s arms slowly gained strength. Come to think of it, one year before Ines was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Suddenly Mary got fired. To be precise, not only Mary, but all of the servants who had been working for the Brierton for a long time were expelled. At that time, Ines was only helpless. Even in a situation where the people who had been kind to Ines were forcibly leaving the residence. Far from stopping it from happening, she only feared that she might be hated by Ryan. What did Mary say to her then? ¡®It¡¯s not your fault.¡¯ ¡®So, be strong. Don¡¯t cry.¡¯ A muffled voice came out from between Ines¡¯ lips. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry I couldn¡¯t part with Ryan sooner. Did I wake up too late?¡± ¡°Oh my God, what do you mean? That¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Still, I¡¯m glad to be called by the title of Lord.¡± After hugging for a long time, Ines took a step back, held Mary¡¯s hand tightly with both hands, and smiled brightly. His dark green eyes were drenched in water. ¡°Thank you for getting angry for my sake.¡± In her indescribable mood, Mary, who had only licked her lips, frowned and smiled. ¡°You are the head of a family, and you cry so much, what should I do?¡± ¡°Then can¡¯t I cry in front of Mary?¡± ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Mary nodded her head quickly, and opened her mouth as if she had just remembered something. ¡°Oh, my lord. A letter has arrived for you.¡± ¡°For me?¡± Ines opened her eyes wide. ¡°Yes, a letter from the Duke of Sussex. I put it in your study.¡± In an instant, Ines stiffened. Mary tilted her head and asked. ¡°Lord?¡± ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± Ines, who came to her senses, hurriedly moved to her study. Inside the silver tray on the desk. She saw a white letter inside. ¡®Sir Duke of Sussex.¡¯ Ines, who looked down at the envelope with a complicated gaze, picked up the envelope. The purpose of the letter was simple. Since the portrait was incomplete, he asked when she could continue. However, even for that simple matter, Ines could not easily reply. She just fiddled with the envelope for a long time. ¡®Right. To complete the portrait, I have to see his face¡­¡¯ Will she be able to not be shaken in front of the Duke? Can she face him without thinking of reasons? ¡®But I can¡¯t just keep avoiding him like this.¡¯ Strictly speaking, it was Ines¡¯s own problem that she was conscious of Enoch as the opposite attraction. It was also strange that Enoch did nothing wrong but she continued to avoid him. ¡®Okay.¡¯ Taking a deep breath, Ines pulled up a chair and sat down. She unfolded the stationery and grabbed a pen. But even after that, the light illuminating the study did not go out for a long time. Chapter 47 *** *** At that time, the palace. Enoch had been brought to the dinner table by Edward¡¯s unexpected call. Although having dinner together was her idea, Helena, busy with her work, had not yet arrived. So now, Enoch and Edward were sitting facing each other alone. Somehow, instead of having dinner, Enoch seemed to be preoccupied with other thoughts all day. ¡°Enoch¡­.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Enoch!¡± After Edward had called Enoch several times. ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Enoch, who suddenly came to his senses, looked at his brother. Edward narrowed his eyes and asked. ¡°What the hell are you thinking about?¡± ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s nothing.¡± Enoch shook his head and spoke dryly. However, it was evident that his mind was elsewhere. ¡°Really? Is that an expression of nothing?¡± ¡°I said it¡¯s nothing, so why? Do I have to give the answer you want?¡± ¡°Wow, are you even annoyed with the king now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because you keep asking. It¡¯s called private, brother.¡± Enoch didn¡¯t hold back a single word, and answered the question again and again. Edward, who was looking at Enoch up and down with dissatisfaction, suddenly opened his eyes wide. ¡°Shall we guess why you are so sensitive?¡± ¡°I am not sensitive at all¡­.¡± ¡°Is it because of the Countess of Brierton?¡± ¡°No.¡± Enoch answered with a straight face. At the same time, Edward¡¯s smile deepened. It was an evil smile. ¡°As far as I know, there are cases where excessive denial is equivalent to affirmation.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Enoch had an unhappy face, but he did not dare to retort. Honestly, it was true that Edward had hit the nail on the head. What Enoch was worried about right now was¡­ ¡®Why didn¡¯t the Countess of Brierton reply to the letter?¡¯ In fact, it was rather strange to receive a reply in time. It was noon today when he originally sent her the letter, and after that, he entered the palace right away because of Edward¡¯s call. But he couldn¡¯t help but keep his thoughts focused on the letter he sent to Ines. The thought that started with the letter continued to spread its branches at will. ¡®Come to think of it, the Countess seems to be a little uncomfortable with me.¡¯ ¡®If by any chance she refuses a schedule related to the portrait ¡­?¡¯ Enoch¡¯s blue eyes darkened. ¡®Then, will it be difficult to see the Countess¡¯s face in the future?¡¯ In an instant, he felt his heart sink. Feeling upset, Enoch just stared at the silverware lying on the table for nothing. On the other hand, Edward was observing Enoch, whose expression changed from moment to moment with a mysterious expression on his face. ¡®Did something happen to the Countess of Brierton?¡¯ When Edward narrowed his eyes with suspicion. The Queen, Helena, entered the dining room. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m a little late. I had a few things to say to the maid.¡± ¡°No. Long time no see, my Queen.¡± Enoch politely greeted her. The Queen smiled brightly. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Duke of Sussex.¡± ¡°Helena, please take a seat.¡± Edward, who loved his wife dearly, promptly offered Helena her seat. Helena took a seat, and the food began to come out one after another. It was not a formal dinner, but rather a family-style meal. ¡°Isn¡¯t work too busy these days? Your face looks thin.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re worried about me. But I am more worried about His Majesty than myself.¡± Today, the king and his wife were very affectionate. It was good, but Enoch, sandwiched between the couple, felt downright sick to his stomach. ¡®I must eat quickly and get up.¡¯ Enoch slicing the steak while roughly spilling over the back of his ear as the king and his wife were having a conversation. But then. Helena slowly opened her mouth. ¡°By the way, the news about the Countess of Brierton is all over the world, isn¡¯t it?¡± For a moment, Enoch stiffened his shoulders. Helena continued to speak mischievously. ¡°Even the royal family subscribes to Elton.¡± ¡°¡­is it?¡± ¡°Of course. The newspapers are talking about the Countess of Brierton every day, so there¡¯s no way I don¡¯t know.¡± Even though the topic of Ines was brought to the fore, Enoch¡¯s face was simply calm. But Edward and Helena noticed that Enoch¡¯s nerves were on edge. Because Enoch had only been slicing steaks before, but didn¡¯t eat them. Edward opened his mouth. ¡°Enoch.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Is your goal to turn steak into meat power?¡± Oops. Enoch then came to his senses a little. The steak cooked with great care by the chef was already torn into pieces, making it difficult to even recognize its shape. ¡°¡­¡­ no.¡± Enoch put a small piece of steak in his mouth with an awkward face. Then he mechanically chewed and swallowed the meat. Helena smiled and opened her mouth. ¡°Ah, Duke of Sussex. Can you help me?¡± ¡°Help?¡± ¡°I mean, there hasn¡¯t been an exchange in recent years, has it?¡± As soon as he heard those words, Enoch¡¯s eyes twinkled. Helena spoke her words, ignoring him. ¡°So I am thinking about holding an exchange exhibition after a long time. We have already finished talking with Kaldorov.¡± Exchange exhibition. It was literally a place where artists from each country interact. To find out where exchange began, we have to go back about three hundred years. At that time, Lancaster and Kaldorov had been fighting for a hundred years, repeatedly truce and war. The long period of war is called the Hundred Years¡¯ War in historical books. Meanwhile, after the Hundred Years¡¯ War ended, it has become a tradition to continue to exchange to promote friendship. The Queen of Lancaster, who first attended the end-of-war meeting, was an art lover, and starting with her, it became an exchange of artists hosted by royalty. And now, three hundred years later. How well they handled that exchange became a subtle pride battle between Kaldorov and Lancaster. Enoch, who seemed to be in deep thought for a moment, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°Then can I recommend a talent?¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex personally recommends a talent, so I am really looking forward to it. Who is it?¡± ¡°The Countess of Brierton.¡± In response to that answer, the king and his wife stared openly at Enoch. But instead of raising an eyebrow, Enoch worked hard to convince Helena. ¡°I assure you, the Countess¡¯s artistic talent is outstanding.¡± That was true. If Ines had been untalented in the first place, Ryan wouldn¡¯t steal her talent and walk around pretending to be a great painter. ¡°Because she¡¯s an emerging artist, and she¡¯s also a woman.¡± Enoch spoke enthusiastically. ¡°Among all the artists who have participated in the exchange so far, hasn¡¯t there been a single female artist?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°There must be gender-free symbolism in front of art.¡± At those words, Helena felt her ears sting. Lancaster and Kaldorov were opposing countries in many ways. If Lancaster was conservative and aristocratic, Kaldorov was open-minded and relatively free. So, whenever they had an exchange exhibition, Kaldorov secretly ridiculed that there were no female artists in Lancaster. In the face of opposition from established artists within Lancaster, there has been no precedent for a female artist in attendance. They never thought Enoch would really recommend Countess of Brierton. ¡®It¡¯s interesting.¡¯ Now it¡¯s a little bit tempting. Enoch continued to fan the fluttering heart of Helena. ¡°Has not Kaldorov secretly ridiculed Lancaster¡¯s rigid atmosphere all this time?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°If the Countess is present in this situation, then it¡¯s very positive.¡± It was the right thing to say. But. ¡®Have you ever seen Enoch recommending someone so passionately?¡¯ (Edward) ¡®At least I think it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen it.¡¯ (Helena) Edward and Helena secretly exchanged glances with each other. There was not even a trace of his seemingly boring appearance as he was usually indifferent to everything. ¡®This is the one.¡¯ Edward¡¯s eyes lit up. Doesn¡¯t it seem as if Earl Brierton¡¯s participation in the exchange and her fame increased was a very important thing for Enoch? However, it was not a bad proposal from the point of view of hosting the exchange. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s think about it positively.¡± Helena nodded her head. ¡°Thank you.¡± Even though he hadn¡¯t received a confirmation yet, Enoch¡¯s face brightened. Helena, who was looking at Enoch like that, suddenly asked a question. Chapter 48 *** *** ¡°By the way, Duke of Sussex.¡± ¡°Yes, tell me.¡± ¡°Why does the Duke even say thank you?¡± He was taken aback. Enoch, who had a very excited face, hardened as it was. ¡°Even if the Countess of Brierton joins the crew of the exchange, it would not be good for the Duke.¡± Helena asked the question playfully again. ¡°Isn¡¯t it inconvenient to ask me to do this?¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ that.¡± Enoch¡¯s neck moved loudly. ¡°I just hope that the exchange will be held successfully.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. And personally, I cherish the genius of the Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch continued, pretending to be calm. ¡°I discovered the Countess, so I want her talent to shine as much as possible.¡± ¡°Hmm, then.¡± Helena didn¡¯t ask any further questions. With a look of knowing something, she blinked her eyes and nodded her head. *** That evening. The king and his wife returned from seeing Enoch off. ¡°Surely¡­ I think the Duke of Sussex had a crush on the Countess.¡± The first to speak was Helena, who had a somewhat unexpected face. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the Duke talk about someone with such enthusiasm.¡± Unlike Helena, who looked a little surprised, Edward had a playful smile on his face. ¡°Right? Isn¡¯t it funny?¡± ¡°Since when did Edward notice?¡± ¡°Well, to be honest, I thought he was a bit suspicious from the moment he opened an art exhibition out of the blue.¡± Edward, who swept his chin, spoke. ¡°Anyway, I haven¡¯t confirmed it myself, so let¡¯s watch it for now.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Helena nodded with a puzzled face. But the royal couple were already feeling it. The fact that Enoch, who was only indifferent under any circumstances, showed various expressions when ¡®Ines¡¯ became a topic of discussion. *** late evening. After returning home to the townhouse, Enoch heard the good news. ¡°A reply has arrived from the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Enoch listened to the news about the letter from the butler, pretending to be carefree. Enoch, who immediately entered the study, put off even changing his clothes and picked up a paper knife. So, the reply from Ines that was confirmed was simple. There is a lot of work to be done with the recent return of the Countess of Brierton. So, it was about meeting again at the studio from the other day in a week. ¡°¡­¡­ A week later.¡± Enoch spoke softly to himself. Earlier in front of the butler, Enoch pretended to be nonchalant, now it was only himself in the study. A smile slowly spread across his beautiful face. It was a very happy smile. *** Meanwhile, Ines was busy. While she attended social events she had never even set foot in support of Ryan before, she also met face-to-face with representatives of businesses she had invested in in Brierton. Then, an incident happened that Ines did not expect. It was about the quarrel with Charlotte at Baroness Wickham¡¯s teatime. ¡®Honey, do you know that? How did the Countess of Brierton get a divorce?¡¯ The ladies who attended the tea time talked to their husbands one by one. ¡®Well, this is the story I heard. Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady, and Viscount Gott¡¯s Young Master¡­.¡¯ The husbands then told their friends at their club that Ines had witnessed a shocking sight in the art studio. The rumors that had spread like that suddenly grew and inflated, and even people who were not interested in other people¡¯s business got to know them. It even got into the ears of Ryan, the party to the rumor. ¡°Ryan!¡± Someone grabbed Ryan¡¯s shoulder from behind. At that hurricane, the alcohol that flowed over the glass wet Ryan¡¯s shoulders and chest. Ryan looked back with a grimace. ¡°This punk?¡± The opponent was one of the club¡¯s party goers, whom Ryan often drank with. A drunken man abruptly shoved his face at Ryan. The distance was so close that the tips of their noses touched. ¡°You, get away¡­!¡± ¡°Ryan, you¡¯re very talented, and on the day of your divorce, you had a hot night with Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady.¡± For a moment, Ryan wrinkled his brow. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why? I heard that Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady was crying profusely. She said you seduced her first.¡± The lowly vulgar man chuckled softly. ¡°So, I heard that Young Lady Jason couldn¡¯t withstand your pressure and spent the night with you?¡± For a moment, Ryan felt his eyes roll over. ¡®Charlotte, you damn b*tch!¡¯ He was also annoyed that Ines divorced him because of his tangle with Charlotte! But now Charlotte spread nonsense behind his back?! ¡°How sadly Lady Jason was sobbing, it was heartbreaking for everyone who saw it!¡± The man was now holding his belly and giggled. bang!! Ryan, who couldn¡¯t win, slammed the table and jumped up from his seat. ¡°Sh*t!¡± In the midst of that, the wine bottles and snacks on the table were scattered all over the place. Ryan, who had been vigorously angry, ran outside. The eyes of people who were drunk and hung up followed Ryan¡¯s back. ¡°You b*stard, where are you going?¡± ¡°Well, are you going out to see The Countess of Brierton?¡± One of the men opened his mouth viciously. ¡°To take her back, get down on your knees and weep like a child.¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Laughter erupted from among the people. ¡°A b*stard has no pride¡­.¡± ¡°Well, isn¡¯t it more ridiculous to take care of his pride in front of the Countess?¡± ¡°He¡¯s the b*stard who had the Brierton on his back, and now he¡¯s a dog!¡± The people who laughed at Ryan for a long time titled the bottle again. Actually, he deserved it. It¡¯s because Ryan¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t very good among people. Who would like a man who always bragged, ¡®It¡¯s on the Count of Brierton¡¯ in the first place? However, Ryan was proud of Ines¡¯s money and paid for his alcohol well, so people hung out with him. That meant that Ryan, who had lost the title Count of Brierton, was no more than a mockery. But then. ¡°Hello.¡± A woman¡¯s gentle voice was heard. ¡°I want to meet Young Master Gott.¡± People¡¯s eyes immediately turned to one side. At the end of that gaze, a beautiful woman with her long red hair was standing with a proud expression. ¡°Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady?¡± **** Meanwhile at that time. Ryan got into the carriage in a hurry. ¡°Let¡¯s go to Brierton Townhouse right away!¡± Ryan, who shouted first, gritted his teeth. ¡®Charlotte, what the hell am I supposed to do with this b*tch?¡¯ Ryan couldn¡¯t help but bite his nails. ¡®I was going to visit Ines again when she calmed down moderately, but I didn¡¯t expect to visit her like this.¡¯ But if he stayed like this, only Ryan¡¯s appearance would drag to the mud. First of all, since Charlotte lied that ¡®Ryan seduced me first¡¯, he had to clear up the misunderstanding. What if Ines really closes the door to her heart¡­¡­ ¡®That¡¯s not good!¡¯ He had to somehow appease Ines¡¯ heart. Just then, the carriage stopped. Ryan hurriedly ran out of the carriage. Late at night when only gas lamps illuminate the surroundings reddishly. The atmosphere was silent. ¡®For now, I¡¯ll have to wait and see if I can hang on to Ines.¡¯ Although he knew the guards were guarding the townhouse, he still wanted to meet Ines once. Ryan strode towards the townhouse with a grim expression on his face. ¡°I want to see The Countess of Brierton.¡± Instead of reflexively trying to call Ines, Ryan gritted his teeth. Ines. He didn¡¯t know that the name he usually called casually would feel so far away. The guards, who used to call Ryan politely ¡®Count of Brierton¡¯, now stared at him with stern faces. ¡°The Lord has not yet returned home.¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s so late¡­¡­!¡± Ryan angrily shouted. Speaking of the devil, he heard the sound of a carriage running from afar. It was a carriage with the coat of arms of Brierton. Chapter 49 *** *** ¡°Hey, Ines!¡± Ryan hurriedly turned around. Ines, who was sitting in the carriage, looked down at Ryan with a pathetic gaze. ¡°Still the same.¡± What?¡± ¡°When visiting someone else¡¯s house, it is polite to make an appointment in advance and not visit too late or too early.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Looking at Ryan with a confused face, Ines smiled prettily. ¡°Even those basic manners are still not observed.¡± As soon as they met face to face, the continuous venom poured out, and Ryan felt his mind dizzy. But for a while. ¡®Oh, no.¡¯ He was lucky to meet Ines, but he couldn¡¯t stand idly like this. Ryan hurriedly opened his mouth. ¡°Well, Charlotte.¡± ¡°Charlotte?¡± ¡°I think Charlotte is spreading rumors, and it¡¯s all nonsense.¡± Ryan continued to speak hurriedly. ¡°I seduced Charlotte first, she said, what nonsense is that?¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t believe in such nonsense, do you? Huh?¡± Ryan, who was babbling over and over, felt the heat rising in his head. Once again, it was due to anger. Ryan raised his voice without realizing it. ¡°Rather, Charlotte seduced me first!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the only one I love, although for a moment I went crazy!¡± He felt suffocated by the subdued air around him. Ryan pleaded with Ines in a squeezing voice. ¡°You¡¯re the only one for me!!¡± Ines just looked at Ryan with an incomprehensible gaze, and kept silent. Ryan felt his heart tighten as he panicked. ¡®Why is she so quiet?¡¯ He would rather Ines would be angry or respond back. ¡­ But then. Ines opened her mouth with a cheerful voice. ¡°Oh, Charlotte?¡± At the same time, Ryan¡¯s face was distorted. ¡®Charlotte?!¡¯ Ryan quickly looked back. Charlotte, who was standing behind Ryan, opened her eyes and glared at Ryan. She shot with a very sharp voice. ¡°Ryan, how could you do this to me?!¡± Charlotte has now even forgotten to call Ryan ¡®Master Gott¡¯, which she used to call in consideration of other people¡¯s views. Charlotte roared again. ¡°You ignored my calls until now! Do I have to go looking for you like this?!¡± After Baroness Wickham¡¯s tea time. Charlotte pondered for several days, and she came to the conclusion that she should not be like this. ¡®If I keep going like this, I¡¯m really going to become garbage.¡¯ And she had already been completely humiliated by Ines. She couldn¡¯t persuade Ines, and she didn¡¯t want to do it again because her pride was hurt. So now the last string left was Ryan. ¡®It¡¯s not a prestigious family, and at least I have to cling to the second son of a Viscount!¡¯ But already rumors surrounding Charlotte weren¡¯t too good. Besides, she has already had a bad relationship with the ladies who could introduce her to good men, so Ryan was the only alternative. But the problem was. ¡®Why the hell can¡¯t I contact Ryan?¡¯ After he divorced Ines, Charlotte hadn¡¯t been able to get in touch with Ryan. As if he was deliberately avoiding her. ¡®¡­.No way, that¡¯s not true.¡¯ With her uneasy mind, Charlotte looked around the bars that Ryan used to frequent. The drunken men spoke to each other in mocking voices. So, just in case, Charlotte came to the Brierton¡¯s residence to check it once. ¡®No, why is Ryan here?!¡¯ Charlotte opened her eyes wide. Ryan was arguing, blocking Ines¡¯s carriage going into her house. ¡°Please, trust me. Yes?¡± Ryan looked up at Ines in her carriage with pleading eyes. And Charlotte saw Ryan¡¯s face like that for the first time. When he whispered sweet words to Charlotte, or when they mixed their bodies and climaxed together, Ryan always acted like he was in control. ¡®Never once had he wanted me in such a way or so desperately!¡¯ Charlotte¡¯s eyes went white with rage. She shot sharply. ¡°Why don¡¯t you beg with the pretty Countess of Brierton more?¡± ¡°Charlotte, you!¡± ¡°Then you will lick her shoes too. Yes?¡± At that outright sarcasm, Ryan had a pierced face, but that was for a moment. Ryan immediately turned to face Charlotte with a brazen expression on his face. ¡°Why do you care if I beg Ines or not?¡± ¡°What?¡± Charlotte¡¯s face hardened. Ryan twisted the tip of his lips at an angle. It was a mean smile. ¡°What are you asking me to do?¡± ¡°Ryan, what are you saying¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Get a grip, Charlotte. You are nothing to me.¡± Ryan looked Charlotte up and down with a pathetic expression. ¡°In the first place, do you think you¡¯re a good match for Ines?¡± ¡°Ryan!¡± Charlotte¡¯s eyes fluttered violently. Ryan laughed at Charlotte again. ¡°Ines is the Countess of Brierton, how about you?¡± ¡°You, you¡­ !¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you the only daughter of a Baron, whose only dust comes out when you shake it off?¡± Charlotte, unable to overcome her shame, gritted her teeth. Ryan threatened Charlotte like that. ¡°On a subject like that, how dare you spread the rumor that I seduced you first?¡± ¡°You said you loved me! So¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Love? Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡± Ryan raised his voice sharply. Ines, who was watching the couple, smiled mischievously. Now Ryan and Charlotte had completely forgotten Ines, and they were fighting each other. ¡°You know what? I divorced Ines because of you!¡± Ryan pointed at Charlotte. ¡°That alone makes me angry, but how dare you spread such nonsense?!¡± ¡°Ryan, that¡¯s¡­ !¡± ¡°You know how ashamed I was with that nonsense!!¡± Charlotte bit her lip to protest, but that was all she could do. It was because she was speechless by Ryan¡¯s relentless pouring of insults. In addition, since her partner was Ryan, who had been dating for a long time, the shock must have been great. Ines glanced at Charlotte. It was quite pathetic to see Charlotte shaking her shoulders and looking pitiful, but Ines didn¡¯t want to comfort Charlotte. Instead, Ines recalled the past before her regression. ¡®Pretending to be the love of the century like that.¡¯ In her studio, which Ines gave Ryan, while rubbing their lips and mixing their bodies. Ines laughed. ¡®Such a shallow love¡­¡¯ ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± There was nothing more to look at. After giving the command to the coachman, the carriage started moving again. The door to the townhouse opened. ¡°Hey, Ines!¡± Ryan, who belatedly noticed that Ines was entering the townhouse, rushed towards the carriage. ¡°Go back, Master Gott.¡± At Ines¡¯ cold words, Ryan had to stop. ¡°Of course, if you want to be more chaotic, that¡¯s fine. But.¡± Glancing at Ryan¡¯s bewildered face, Ines bent her bright eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll report it to the authorities, so you know.¡± ¡°Come on, wait a minute. what is that¡­¡­ .¡± ¡°Also, I never gave you permission to call my name, so in the future, please be polite and call me Countess of Brierton.¡± Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. It was a cold smile. ¡°It¡¯s very uneducated for a Viscount¡¯s son to call a Count¡¯s real name. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± With those words, Ines¡¯ carriage went into the townhouse. Chop-t-ch-k-kang! The iron door was closed. ¡°Come on, wait! Wait¡­ !¡± Ryan somehow tried to talk to Ines a little more, but it was all in vain. ¡°Stop it. It¡¯s late, so please go home.¡± ¡°If you keep doing this, I really have no choice but to report it to the authorities.¡± The guards intercepted Ryan with a grim face. Ryan looked at the back of the carriage moving away with a bewildered gaze, but je could not call Ines¡¯s name recklessly like before. Ines was very pleased with the quietness. Chapter 50 *** *** The next morning. Ines has finally done the odd job. That¡¯s right. ¡°After looking at the documents, it appears that the amount invested in Viscount Gott¡¯s business is substantial.¡± ¡°Yes that¡¯s right. The former Count (Ryan) told me to invest money first¡­¡± The agent, who had been called from early in the morning, opened his eyes wide and looked at Ines. During Ryan¡¯s presidency as the Count of Brierton, considerable funds flowed into his family. ¡®Ryan, you¡¯re really too much.¡¯ Ines smirked briefly, and declared. ¡°Now, stop paying all those investments.¡± As soon as he heard those words, a smile bloomed on the agent¡¯s face. ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Seeing he was happy as if he was doing his job, Ines was a little stunned. Was it something to like so much? But in fact, he should. So far, the funds invested in Gott¡¯s family had been blind money. Ryan had abused his position as Count of Brierton, barely keeping a business on the verge of bankruptcy on Brierton¡¯s money. ¡°Count, reduce the size of your investment a little¡­¡± The agent carefully suggested it while Ryan was still the Count. ¡°Do whatever you¡¯re told, how dare you say anything?¡± All that came back was Ryan¡¯s rude remarks. So the agent had to just keep his eyes open and watch as Brierton¡¯s money leaked out. Finally, permission to withdraw the funds was given from Ines. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave.¡± ¡°What? already?¡± ¡°Yes. We¡¯re running out of time to get the money back as quickly as possible. It is not enough to leave right now.¡± Ines blinked her eyes. Well, she didn¡¯t tell him to retrieve it today¡­.. But she didn¡¯t even want to pour cold water on the ambitious agent, because getting her money back was what Ines wanted too. ¡°Great.¡± Ines simply nodded her head. So, after the agent left the study with a happy face. Ines glanced at the calendar on the desk. ¡°¡­¡­ It is already tomorrow.¡± The date of meeting Enoch and resuming portrait work was just around the corner. Ines bit her lips. It was strange. Even if she tried not to think about Enoch, she kept thinking of him. The mind that ran arbitrarily was out of control, and if she let it relax, her mind would be filled with thoughts about Enoch. ¡®That¡¯s enough.¡¯ Ines shook her head and got up. ¡®Today, don¡¯t worry about useless things, just rest well.¡¯ After reclaiming the title of Count of Brierton, she had not been able to rest properly in the past few days to organize things. Saying she needed rest, Ines immediately walked out of the study. But. ¡°Marry?¡± Ines¡¯ eyes went wide. Likewise, Mary, with bunny eyes startled, stood outside the door. She was holding a tray full of refreshments and tea in her hands. ¡°What is all that?¡± ¡°The Lord even skipped breakfast this morning and worked. So I prepared something¡­¡± ¡°Aha, did you worry about me?¡± Ines chuckled. ¡°But what to do? I¡¯m on a business strike today. I¡¯m going to rest.¡± ¡°Really? That¡¯s good.¡± Mary, who was halfway to the office door, turned her body with lightning speed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll put this back in the kitchen to prepare breakfast.¡± ¡°What? No, I can just drink the tea you brought with you..¡­ ¡± ¡°No.¡± Mary glanced back at Ines and shook her head sternly. ¡°If the Lord wants to rest well, you must first eat well.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Mary smiled and hurriedly ran to the kitchen. After that. Ines had a quiet time after a long time. Ines¡¯ favorite scrambled eggs and assorted fruits, carefully crafted by the chef. After enjoying breakfast, she sat by the sunny window, basking in the sun and reading. The fragrant aroma of tea spread from the warm teacup on the table. So she thought that the day would pass peacefully. Until that afternoon, an unexpected person came to visit the townhouse. ¡°I, my Lord.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ines, who was leisurely reading a book, raised her head. A maid announced with a look of hesitation. ¡°A guest has arrived.¡± ¡°Guest?¡± But there were no appointments today. Ines, who had tilted her head, narrowed her brow for a moment. ¡°Is it a person from the Gott¡¯s family by any chance?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡± The maid looked at Ines, not knowing what to do. Ines had a stunned face. ¡°Wow, how can a person be so shameless?¡± When Ines didn¡¯t touch the investment, they had never contacted her. Even for the ugliness that Ryan had done last night, they didn¡¯t even show the slightest sincerity to send someone to apologize. But this time, as soon as Ines withdrew the investment, they came in a hurry¡­ ¡®How can they act so obvious like this?¡¯ Ines shrugged her shoulders with a click of her tongue. ¡°If they have sent me a letter, I don¡¯t need to read it, just throw it in the fireplace.¡± ¡°That¡­Viscount Gott came to visit.¡± ¡°Viscount Gott?¡± Ines was a little surprised for the first time. Viscount Gott. He was Ryan¡¯s older brother and who was once Ines¡¯ brother-in-law. Although he pretended to be a decent gentleman on the outside, Ines did not really like Viscount Gott. Because he only cared about himself. ¡°My family has recently run a business. I was a little short of funds, so¡­¡± When Viscount Gott smiled kindly and sneakily mentioned , Ryan was the first to take the bait. ¡°My brother said the business is really solid!¡± In addition, the elder Viscountess Gott joined as if waiting. ¡°It¡¯s family. Surely you will invest, right?¡± ¡°Ah, but after discussing that with our vassals¡­¡± (Ines) ¡°No, what do vassals matter?¡± (Ryan) Ryan, who was pounding his chest and smiling wildly, was acting proud. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m the Count. Anything can be done with my permission!¡± ¡°No, wait a minute. That¡­.¡± (Ines) ¡°It¡¯s only natural for a family to make this kind of investment. Right, Ines?¡± So, the Gott family secretly forced Ines to answer. Recalling that time, Ines narrowed her eyes. ¡°Tell him I can¡¯t see him because I¡¯m taking a nap.¡± It was to express that she did not want to meet the other person enough to give such a nonsensical excuse. But the troubled face of the maid did not brighten at all. ¡°Well, there is something that the Lord must see for herself at least once.¡± ¡°For what reason?¡± ¡°That¡­Viscount Goth sent a gift for the visit.¡± ¡°A gift?¡± It was a completely unexpected answer. Ines tilted her head in bewilderment. ¡°Then bring it.¡± So, two maids struggled and put the gift in front of Ines¡­ ¡°Are you sure this is a gift?¡± Ines couldn¡¯t hide her bewilderment. Yes¡­.¡± The maids were more embarrassed. When the needlessly colorful wrapping paper was peeled off, the object was revealed inside. ¡°Oh my God, it¡¯s a teddy bear.¡± With a little exaggeration, it was a teddy bear the size of Ines. It was cut and crafted with the finest silk, had a luxurious satin ribbon wrapped around its neck, and eyes inlaid with sapphire. It was a really expensive and useless thing. Ines knew the meaning of this gift. ¡®I brought a gift this expensive, so I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know me, right?¡¯ That¡¯s how they secretly pressured Ines. Just then, a maid carefully added her words. ¡°Ah, the Viscount Gott has asked me to give you a message.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°That ¡­..He said that this doll was chosen by Master Gott in consideration of the Lord.¡± ¡°Aha.¡± Ines seemed to understand a little about what had happened then. Back in the day, when Ryan and she were still married. She once called Charlotte and they had tea together. And as soon as Charlotte visited, Ryan, who had been snooping around the parlor, took a seat. After that. While they were having a conversation, Ryan suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°A doll is the best gift for women. Is it not?¡± Ines laughed awkwardly. ¡°Well, of course, there are people who like dolls. But I don¡¯t like it very much¡­¡­¡± ¡°What? Ines, you have a very strange personality.¡± Then Charlotte cut Ines ¡®words like that and interrupted the conversation. ¡°I like dolls! Aren¡¯t they cute?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not saying they¡¯re not cute.¡± Feeling pushed for some reason, Ines bit her lip, not knowing what to do. In the first place, In the first place, not all women must like dolls. As for Ines alone, since she was a child, she liked to play with art tools rather than dolls. ¡°How can a woman not like dolls?¡± ¡°The Count is right. To be honest, among the young ladies around me, I can¡¯t find a single person who doesn¡¯t like dolls.¡± But Ryan and Charlotte were driving Ines as if she had become a strange person. Chapter 51 *** *** Ryan pointed to Charlotte first. ¡°Look at that, Lady Jason even says that.¡± ¡°Charlotte, and the other girls like dolls. However, the taste may differ from person to person¡­¡± Then Ryan looked down at Ines, as if she was pathetic. ¡°Ines, how long are you going to keep talking back and forth like that? There is no cuteness.¡± Then he continued speaking as if he was teaching. ¡°Women should be feminine and like feminine objects like dolls.¡± Ines shuddered and stiffened her shoulders. ¡°That¡­ !¡± ¡°You¡¯re unattractive because you¡¯re so stiff like a piece of wood.¡± Ryan clicked his tongue as if annoyed. At that insult, Ines¡¯ face turned red. Just then, Charlotte said as she smiled softly. ¡°Please understand, Count Brierton, our Ines had only grown up in the house.¡± Then she blinked her eyes and added her words. ¡°I am by her side. I can help her in many ways.¡± ¡°Really, Ines should be nice to Lady Jason. Where else in the world can you find such a friend!¡± The two burst into laughter next to each other. Only Ines did not know what to do, so she just looked at the two of them. As Ines recalled that time, she naturally felt depressed. Ines spoke coldly. ¡°Just throw that doll away.¡± ¡°What? If so, wouldn¡¯t it be better to give it back?¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t even need to give it back. Just throw it away.¡± Ines, who was commanding once more, suddenly opened her eyes. She had come into sight of the maid fiddling with the doll¡¯s ear with a sad expression on her face. ¡®Oh, yes.¡¯ Ines had a good idea. ¡°Then let¡¯s do this.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°That doll looks pretty expensive. It¡¯s a pity to throw it away like this¡­ ¡° Ines looked up and down at the doll and smiled brightly. ¡°Let the two of you take care of it yourself.¡± With surprised bunny eyes, the maid asked Ines. ¡°Well, is that okay? It was a gift for the Lord, and it¡¯s too expensive for us to dispose of.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders. ¡°No matter how you dispose of the gift, isn¡¯t it up to the recipient?¡± Ines spoke softly again. At that, the maids looked at each other with their eyes twinkling. ¡°The materials from which the dolls are made are of very good quality. So, why not use it in many ways?¡± In an instant, the maids¡¯ faces brightened. **** Viscount Gott stood outside the Brierton¡¯s residence with an annoyed expression. ¡®Oh, I¡¯m going to die from the cold.¡¯ The Viscount shrank his shoulders and held his coat tighter. Although it was early spring, the weather was still chilly to stand outside for a long time. He desperately wanted to go into a warm room and drink hot tea. However, ¡®How long are you planning to leave me outside?¡¯ Ines still did not call the Viscount into the house. Viscount Gott chewed the swear words into his mouth and swallowed them. ¡®D*mn it, if Ryan had done well, things wouldn¡¯t have turned out this way¡­¡­ ¡¯ Last night. Ryan crawled into the house, drunkenly. He had been living off the booze ever since his divorce, but yesterday was a little strange. He couldn¡¯t beat the one whose face was bright red and throbbing. ¡°Charlotte, you don¡¯t know the subject and you dare¡­!¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Viscount Gott, unable to overcome his frustration, asked Ryan. Then Ryan licked his slips, and stumbled into his bedroom. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know!¡± Until then, it was just a fight with Charlotte, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal. The full story of the incident was revealed this morning. ¡°Ines, that girl, isn¡¯t she really funny?!¡¯ Breakfast began with the gossip of the ex-daughter-in-law of the Gott family. ¡°What the hell did we do wrong?¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks The elder, Viscountess Gott, didn¡¯t even touch the meal, and raised her voice in a sarcastic tone. ¡°She used to cling to Ryan like she was dying, but now, she divorced him like that?!¡± The Viscountess Gott could not contain her anger and pounded on the table with her tableware. ¡°My son, what should we do about Ryan!!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Look at him. Ines is so cold-blooded that makes him drink every day¡­..!¡± The Viscountess Gott just looked like she was about to die of pity for her son Ryan, but the Viscount Gott, her eldest son, was different. Viscount Gott looked at Ryan¡¯s empty seat with pitiful eyes. ¡®Stupid child.¡¯ Who was Ines Briarton? She was the golden rope that everyone in the kingdom wanted to hold on to. Heir to one of the most prestigious families in Lancaster, she had an outstanding appearance, inherited a great fortune, and even had an obedient personality. If Ryan had been lucky enough to hold onto that rope, he shouldn¡¯t have missed it, but he had already lost it. If he had stood still, he could have continued to pretend to be Count of Brierton! ¡°Ha, whatever.¡± Viscount Gott let out a long sigh and shook his head. ¡°Losing Brierton is a huge loss for us too, so let¡¯s watch the situation for a bit and then respond.. Having said that, the Viscount looked at his mother in annoyance. ¡°Why on earth did mother pick on sister-in-law for no reason?¡± ¡°Oh no! I did it to make it work!¡± The elder Viscountess was furious. ¡°Honestly, isn¡¯t it funny that she divorced Ryan?¡± ¡°Mother, please.¡± ¡°What, she¡¯s a girl without parents! If my precious son took her as his wife, she shouldn¡¯t be so ungrateful¡­ !¡± When the Viscountess was very angry. ¡°Viscount!¡± Someone ran into the dining room. He was Viscount Gott¡¯s personal secretary. ¡°Big, big trouble!¡± The secretary raised his voice. His face was so pale, it looked like he¡¯d lose his mind if someone touched it. Viscount Gott narrowed his brow. ¡°What? Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m eating right now¡­¡­¡± ¡°Now, the Countess of Brierton¡¯s agent has come to visit!¡± The secretary gasped and exclaimed. ¡°They are withdrawing all the investment they invested in our business!¡± ¡°What?¡± Viscount Gott doubted his ears. The secretary¡¯s face was full of despair. ¡°If all the investment is recovered, our business is over, we won¡¯t be able to make it!¡± ¡°Why, why are they suddenly withdrawing the money?¡± The Viscountess jumped up from her seat, as if she was about to pass out. Frankly, since Ines and Ryan were divorced, it was only natural that Ines would stop her investments. But they never imagined that such a sudden withdrawal of funds would occur. The Gott¡¯s business was well-established, but such a sudden withdrawal would kill it. ¡°What the hell is the reason?¡± ¡°The agent just said that the Countess of Brierton made that decision, but he didn¡¯t give a specific reason¡­¡± ¡°Just what!¡± The secretary, who had hesitated for a while, closed his eyes tightly and spoke. ¡°Yesterday, Young Master went to visit the Count and was left outside.¡± ¡°What?!¡± ¡°Even Baron Jason¡¯s Young Lady was there with him.¡± ¡°What the hell have you done, Ryan!¡± Viscount Gott cried out. After he found out about the circumstances, he rushed to the Brierton¡¯s residence. ¡®No, it will be fine.¡¯ Viscount Gott struggled to persuade his nervous heart. He also prepared a present, and roughly decided how to convince Ines. Ryan was reflecting on what he did to Ines yesterday. In his passionate love for Ines, when he saw the rumors spreading, he acted rudely ahead of time. He couldn¡¯t come to visit today, but instead, he prepared this gift himself and sent it to Ines. What Ryan really wanted was a reunion with Ines. ¡®I have to convince my sister-in ¨C law somehow.¡¯ Viscount Gott was firmly entrenched in his heart. The only way to keep their business from going bankrupt was the support of Brierton. ¡®Anyway, it¡¯s true that sister- in- law truly loved Ryan¡­¡¯ ¡®I think she will probably come back if I beg for it.¡¯ The Viscount clicked his tongue briefly. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡®Ugh, for the time being, I have to tell Ryan to lay low.¡¯ Already in the Viscount¡¯s mind, the future where Ines and Ryan were reunited was clearly established. Chapter 52 *** **** But then. ¡°Viscount Gott.¡± A calm voice rang out. It was Mary, Ines¡¯ close maid. Viscount Gott was delighted. ¡°What did the Countess say?¡± ¡°The Lord is currently resting.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Viscount narrowed his brow. ¡°It¡¯s a rest the Lord barely got while she was so busy after taking over the title. So she can¡¯t see the Viscount, she asked for your understanding.¡± ¡°No, wait. What do you mean¡­¡± ¡°She also wanted to tell the Viscount that the gift you sent was well received.¡± Mary smiled softly and bowed her head politely. ¡°I am afraid you¡¯re getting hurt by the cold, so the Viscount should also go back.¡± ¡°Hey, hey. I must see the Countess¡¯s face this time..¡­ !¡± ¡°Then I will leave.¡± After finishing her words, Mary just disappeared. Viscount Gott¡¯s face flushed red with anger. ¡°Sh*t!¡± Was he really rejected like this? He looked around the mansion for a while, just in case, but the front door showed no sign of opening. In the end, Viscount Gott gave up and got into his carriage. ¡°Let¡¯s go back!¡± Just like that, the moment the carriage was about to start. ¡°Huh?¡± Viscount Gott opened his eyes wide. Just in time, the maids came out of the mansion with a trash basket. It looked like they were taking the trash to the public bin outside¡­¡­ ¡°No, no. Wait a minute!¡± Viscount Gott shook his hands and stopped the coachman. The coachman who was just about to start the carriage turned around with a puzzled face. ¡°Sir?¡± ¡°Wait a minute!¡± The Viscount stared out the window. He could hear the maids chattering. ¡°The silk and down feathers that the Lord gave us. Where are you planning to use it?¡± For a moment, Viscount Gott furrowed his eyebrows and hardened. ¡®Silk and down feathers?¡¯ All the materials were familiar. Because it was the material for the teddy bear that he brought to Ines. The maid answered in an excited voice. ¡°Well, actually, I¡¯ve always wanted a silk handkerchief. It was so expensive I couldn¡¯t even dream of it. So I decided to try making a handkerchief.¡± ¡°Good idea! So what are you going to embroider on the handkerchief? Flower? Or vines?¡± ¡°For now, I¡¯m thinking about floral designs.¡± The maids opened the lid of the trash can and poured the contents of the basket. The Viscount narrowed his eyes and looked carefully at the pouring garbage. ¡®That?¡¯ It was far away, so he couldn¡¯t see it clearly, but somehow the trash was familiar to his eyes. The maids who dumped the wastebasket closed the trash can lid with a light gesture. ¡°Duck down is also very high quality! I¡¯m going to make a new pillow!¡± ¡°Well, shall I add fur to my winter coat?¡± ¡°That sounds good, too. I think it¡¯s going to be very warm.¡± Finally, the maids return to the mansion. Viscount Gott hurriedly ran towards the trash can. He didn¡¯t feel very good. The Viscount, who reflexively opened the trash can lid, widened his eyes. ¡®Unbelievable!¡¯ Inside, the doll he had sent was torn to shreds. To be more precise, there were only a few scraps of fabric left that were once a doll. Eyes made of jewels were nowhere to be seen, and even the high-quality duck feathers that filled the doll¡¯s insides only fluttered away with a few feathers. ¡°What? You said you received the gift well?!¡± The Viscount couldn¡¯t control his anger and closed the lid of the trash with a bang. And there was someone watching it from afar through the window. ¡°Great.¡± Ines smiled satisfied. The trashy gift sent by Viscount Gott was neatly processed, and the Count¡¯s maids were also happy. She threw a stone and caught two birds. ¡®If it were normal, he would have run like a fool right away, asking how I could ignore the sincerity of Viscount Gott.¡¯ It seemed that he was afraid of losing the investment money. Seeing that he was not able to protest directly to Ines even though he burst out in anger like that. ¡®Well, that¡¯s not to say that they won¡¯t have their investment.¡¯ Ines turned around with a light face. She thought she was going to have a good dream tonight. *** Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Time passed quickly, and the date of her appointment with Enoch came. It was still early in the morning. Ines, lying on the bed, sighed deeply and looked up at the ceiling. ¡®This is one, I completely lost my sleep.¡¯ It was only to finish the portrait work, but she couldn¡¯t understand why she was so nervous and excited. As a child, she felt as if the long-awaited picnic day had arrived. The fact that she was going to meet Enoch kept her heart beating faster and faster. ¡®No, wait.¡¯ At the same time, Ines narrowed her forehead and jumped up from her seat. ¡®Do you want to keep thinking useless thoughts, Ines?¡± In this case, it would be best to take a bath in hot water. By letting the water flow, she would also erase her thoughts. Ines resolutely headed to the bathroom. But sadly, all her efforts she had made were to no avail. The more she tried not to think about the Duke, the more she thought about him¡­ As she returned to her bedroom after taking a bath, Ines shook her head sullenly. And then. Knock. Knock. A knock sounded. ¡°Come in.¡± Mary entered the bedroom and her eyes widened. ¡°Lord, are you awake already?¡± It was understandable that Mary was surprised because Ines made a request yesterday before going to sleep. ¡®Don¡¯t let me oversleep and wake me up in time.¡¯ ¡°Well, somehow, I woke up early.¡± Ines, who smiled awkwardly, sat down in front of the dressing table. Mary asked a question as she dried Ines¡¯ wet hair with her skillful touch. ¡°How do you like your hair done today?¡± ¡°Can you raise it up? And a headdress¡­¡­ ¡­ .¡± Ines, who had opened the jewelry box without thinking, fell into deep agony for a moment. ¡®Should I use a ruby ??pin? Or is this pearl better? Well, or else I¡¯d rather have a neat headdress¡­¡¯ Ines, who was carefully examining the inside of the jewelry box, began to pick up and put down the accessories. Was that all? She even picked up several ornaments and put them all over her head, making all kinds of decorations. Mary, who was looking at Ines like that, suddenly opened her mouth. ¡°Lord, you look very happy.¡± For a moment, Ines flinched. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. Above all¡­..¡± Mary spoke in her affectionate voice. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen you care so much about your decorations.¡± Since marrying Ryan, the smile gradually faded from Ines¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s that outfit? When you become a hostess of a family, you should know how to be frugal.¡± Because of all the nagging, it was difficult to dress properly because she was always looking at Ryan¡¯s eyes. But now to watch her get dressed in such excitement¡­. ¡®Now it feels like I¡¯m back to the original master.¡¯ (Mary) Not the Countess Brierton who was oppressed by Ryan, but the happy Count of Brierton. Mary asked again with a happy face. ¡°Who are you going to meet?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­ He is an important person.¡± Ines, who hesitated for a moment, shook her head hurriedly. ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡°Lord?¡± ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t think hair ornaments are necessary. Just¡­ .¡± Ines hesitated for a moment, but then concluded the conversation resolutely. ¡°Please make it as simple as you can.¡± ¡°Yes? Since you¡¯re going out now, isn¡¯t it better to change your mood and go out prettier?¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to.¡± Ines turned down the advice at once. Mary, startled, abruptly nodded her head. ¡°Ah yes¡­¡­ .¡± ¡°You have to make it look like I didn¡¯t care about my look. Understand?¡± Ines repeated it again. Mary was bewildered, but she couldn¡¯t force her to dress up as Ines said so. While brushing Ines¡¯s hair with such regret, Mary¡¯s eyes became round. ¡®Oh?¡¯ Ines tried to pretend to be calm, and was sitting with her back straight. But Ines¡¯ ears and the nape of her neck was already dyed bright red. ¡®Aha.¡¯ In an instant, Mary realized. Perhaps Ines did not properly notice her own feelings. But, in Mary¡¯s opinion, at least. ¡®I don¡¯t know who you are meeting today, but I think the Lord is looking forward to it!¡¯ Mary resolutely grabbed the hairbrush. At the same time, Ines narrowed her eyes and looked at Mary through the mirror. ¡°Mary, why do you have such a mischievous expression on your face?¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°Mischievous?¡± Mary looked at her with a smirk. ¡°Lord, just relax and leave it to me!!¡± Chapter 53 *** *** And after about an hour. Ines sat in the carriage with a slightly puzzled face. ¡®Well, I guess Mary was incredibly ambitious¡­¡¯ The reflection seen through the window was quite beautiful even to Ines herself. Although she didn¡¯t decorate it with a lot of force, it was meticulous in many ways. From an elegant hairstyle to makeup that added vitality to the face. ¡®What if the Duke misunderstands because of Mary?¡¯ Ines grumbled inside for nothing, but to be honest, it didn¡¯t make her feel bad. Because she didn¡¯t want to look shabby when she met Enoch. Meanwhile, ¡®ah.¡¯ The art studio appeared in the distance. Ines looked at the appearance of the building, more precisely, the front door that looked much newer than the building. Previously, Ines had someone to remove the door, so the old front door could no longer be used. So, it was replaced with a new door¡­. Dark green eyes sank deeply with countless emotions. After a while. The carriage gently stopped in front of the studio. Ines stepped into the building and looked around. Come to think of it, many terrible memories were entangled in this place. It was the place where Ryan and Charlotte were thoroughly trampled on before returning. She also witnessed Charlotte and Ryan¡¯s hot night here this time too. So it was a place she didn¡¯t like at all. In fact, just stepping into this studio made her feel like insects crawling all over her body. ¡®It¡¯s really strange.¡¯ When she thought that she would actually meet Enoch in this atelier, this place felt special. The disgust towards the studio disappeared without a trace. Her heart was filled with anticipation, and it inflated like a balloon. ¡®Then let¡¯s organize the tools first.¡¯ Ines quickly headed towards the painting room. Perhaps she was in a pleasant mood, Ines started humming. She was preparing to paint the portrait by arranging the craters, dragging and placing the easel. ¡°Is there anything good going on?¡± A light voice spoke to Ines. Startled, Ines looked back. ¡°Oh, Duke? When did you come?¡± ¡°I just arrived.¡± Enoch answered with his characteristic friendly face. Confused, Ines glanced sideways at the wall clock. ¡°There are still 20 minutes left until the appointment time¡­¡­ No, how did you get in?¡± ¡°Because the front door was open.¡± Enoch looked at Ines with a strict gaze. ¡°I tell you right now, Countess. Please lock the door well.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You left the studio open the other day. But at the time, there were workers with you, but now you are alone.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What would you do if someone came in with a bad heart?¡± The first thing Ines heard when she first met Enoch in a long time was nagging. Listening to the endless scolding, Ines felt a sense of familiarity. When Ines was still a young girl, she was scolded by her parents¡­ ¡°To be honest, this is all your fault.¡± Ines, who could not hear the nagging for a long time, spat out in a loud voice. ¡°Because I was preparing to draw while waiting for Your Excellency, so I forgot to lock the door.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s an excuse.¡± Enoch, who shook his head resolutely, added more words. ¡°¡­ still.¡± At that moment, Ines saw it. A thin smile spread like ripples over Enoch¡¯s beautiful face. ¡°It¡¯s kind of nice to think that the Countess was so concerned about meeting me.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Ines blinked her eyes blankly. Somehow, she felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Perhaps considering the portrait work, Enoch was dressed the same as when he had his sketch before. Other than that, there were other similarities. Even though he pretended to be calm, there was excitement in the deep blue eyes looking at Ines¡­ Facing such Enoch, ¡®It¡¯s like a cat.¡¯ Without realizing it, Ines thought of a cat. Although it pretended to be innocent on the outside, the cat couldn¡¯t overcome the joy and wrapped its owner¡¯s ankle with its body. ¡®No, what the hell am I thinking?¡¯ For a moment, Ines was a little embarrassed. It was rude to think of the only Duke in the kingdom as a cat. At that moment, Enoch spoke calmly. ¡°I came out early, but I didn¡¯t know that the Countess would arrive first.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you¡¯ve waited a long time.¡± At those words, Ines felt grateful and bitter at the same time. Unlike Ryan, whom she had to wait all her life, Enoch was worried that she had waited for him. Didn¡¯t he come before the appointed time? Because the attitude of the two men towards Ines was incomparable¡­ Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°It¡¯s okay, I didn¡¯t wait too long.¡± Ines, who had escaped from her thoughts, shook her head. ¡°Then let¡¯s get started, shall we?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Oh, by the way, Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering for a while, what made you so happy?¡± ¡°huh?¡± Ines looked up at Enoch with a puzzled face. She had no idea what the purpose of the question was. ¡°What? What do you mean what made me happy?¡± Enoch, who faced her, had a strangely playful face. ¡°You were humming until I spoke to you.¡± Ugh. In an instant, Ines¡¯ face turned bright red. Come to think of it, the first thing Enoch had asked her was ¡°Is there anything good going on?¡± Was she humming while moving the art tools earlier¡­? ¡°I hummed ¡­me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lie! I¡¯ve never done that!¡± Then Enoch chuckled and asked a question. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because you were looking forward to meeting me?¡± ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t!¡± Ines refused it at once. Then Enoch grinned and shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s think so.¡± Ines opened her eyes wide and looked at Enoch. To be honest, she was so embarrassed that she lied she didn¡¯t hum, but it was true that she did. ¡®In all likelihood, the Duke heard all of that¡­¡­ ¡¯ Ines, who had a rather shriveled face, bit her lips tightly. Still, it made her feel a little relieved in her heart. ¡®I¡¯m so glad.¡¯ After the portrait work, she was worried about what to do if they were awkward with each other. Aren¡¯t the two of them talking freely like before? ¡°Please come here and sit down.¡± Ines, who sat Enoch on the chair that had been drawn in advance, adjusted her dress once again. Meanwhile, ¡°Oh, wait a minute.¡± Ines¡¯ fingers touched Enoch¡¯s collar. In an instant, strength entered Enoch¡¯s shoulders. ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡± It was all about smoothing the collar, but she couldn¡¯t figure out why the atmosphere kept getting weird. Ines took a step back, pretending to be calm, and smiled awkwardly. ¡°Then I will start.¡± Instead of answering, Enoch nodded his head. Then Ines turned to him. ¡°No, moving will disturb your posture.¡± ¡°¡­.sorry.¡± Enoch, who had straightened his posture, offered an apology. Before long, Ines had a unique serious look that was only visible when painting. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Stay there, okay?¡± Ines, who once again asked, sat down in front of the easel. In an instant, the atmosphere became silent. The only occasionally rattling sound was heard was when Ines wet her brush in the bucket of water. The appearance of being conscious of the strange atmosphere that flowed between them was gone, Ines was now focusing solely on painting and her target, Enoch. And it was difficult for Enoch to take his eyes off Ines. ¡®To be fascinated by someone.¡¯ His hands, which were placed on his lap, slowly strengthened. Enoch clenched his fists and fixed his gaze on Ines as if possessed. ¡®¡­ That was the feeling.¡¯ He felt like it would be okay to look at Ines for the rest of his life. Ines had a frown on her forehead as she concentrated on the painting. Dark green eyes narrowed. Occasionally, she glanced over the easel and lifted her head, observing this side. The appearance of Ines, who was immersed only in the painting, was simply fascinating. How much time has passed? ¡®Oh, my God.¡¯ In an instant, Ines came to her senses. She checked her watch and it was already past two in the afternoon. Five hours had already passed since they met. And, ¡®The Duke.¡¯ Blue eyes like the sea were staring straight at Ines. The moment she looked at him. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°¡­.¡± Ines¡¯s gaze flickered briefly. Chapter 54 *** **** Up until now, she proceeded with her work peacefully, because she only looked at Enoch as the subject of a portrait. But now, rather than that. ¡®Since when have you been looking at me like that?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t she too conscious of the situation in which Enoch was looking at her? Much more than a picture. In an instant, strength entered Ines¡¯s hand, which was holding the brush. Her mind was messed up at will. It was like getting lost in a messy maze, just because it was empty. ¡®Calm down, Ines.¡¯ Ines chewed the soft flesh in her mouth. When I felt the stinging pain, she came to her senses a little. Enoch was right in front of her. If she was too conscious, she might get caught. ¡®The atmosphere is definitely going to get weird.¡¯ And that wasn¡¯t what Ines wanted either. Ines struggled to fix her expression and straightened her body. ¡°Sir, the portrait is almost finished.¡± In an instant, the dense silence that had settled in the room was shattered. An expression crept over Enoch¡¯s expressionless face. It was a faint smile. It was just a small change. But Ines kept getting nervous about every move Enoch made¡­. Ines felt her mouth dry out. ¡°I see. Thank you for your hard work.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Countess?¡± At that call, Ines suddenly came to her senses as if she had been hit by cold water. ¡®Don¡¯t be stupid, Ines.¡¯ Ines continued calmly, rebuking herself inside ¡°I can finish the portrait by myself, so you don¡¯t have to bother visiting anymore.¡± ¡°If so, the meeting ends today?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines nodded her head resolutely. ¡°I will send the finished painting to the Duke¡¯s residence.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Enoch had a regretful heart, but he quietly withdrew. Fearing that Ines would feel burdened, he was even careful about expressing his regrets. Just then, Ines beckoned to Enoch. ¡°It¡¯s not finished yet, but would you like to see the portrait?¡± Enoch pondered for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°No.¡± huh? At the unexpected answer, Ines widened her eyes. Enoch said calmly. ¡°I want to see it when the portrait is completely finished.¡± ¡°But¡­ .¡± Ines clouded the end of her speech. For saying that, Enoch was looking at the easel with eyes that were filled with regret. Seeing the passionate gaze, she thought Enoch was also curious about the painting. ¡°Then can¡¯t you just look at it?¡± When Ines tilted her head. Enoch opened his mouth abruptly. ¡°By the way, did the Countess ever receive a box of chocolates as a child?¡± In response to the sudden question, Ines nodded her head. ¡°Yes¡­.¡± When giving gifts to children, the most common items they chose were candy and chocolate. Enoch spoke softly. ¡°When I was a kid, I was given a box of chocolates. There were various kinds of nuts, dried fruits, etc., so there was a variety of flavors mixed in.¡± ¡°Ah, I got that too.¡± For a while, Ines was wary of having special feelings for Enoch. But now she was immersed in Enoch¡¯s story with her eyes twinkling. Not to mention, the childhood story of the Duke of Sussex, who was extremely reluctant to reveal his private life. In the end, curiosity only triumphed. ¡°My favorite flavor was the caramel inside, but the problem is that my mother only allowed me one chocolate a day.¡± Enoch shrugged and asked Ines a question. ¡°So, which one do you think I ate first?¡± Ines gently narrowed her brow. ¡°Did you eat your favorite flavor first?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s the other way around.¡± In response, Enoch smiled and shook his head. ¡°I ate the caramelized chocolate last.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Even the waiting time for the caramel chocolate was enjoyable.¡± Enoch¡¯s smile, reminiscent of those days, grew a little deeper. ¡°And the Countess¡¯s painting, to me, is like that chocolate.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Life becomes more enjoyable even just waiting, so I want to enjoy that pleasure a little longer.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Ines felt her heart tighten. ¡®Is there anyone else who thinks my paintings are that important?¡¯ At least so far, no one has. Her former husband, Ryan, only used Ines¡¯ paintings to increase his reputation. ¡°I am very happy that my paintings have meant that to you.¡± Ines opened her mouth with sincerity. ¡°You can look forward to it, because I will do my best to finish the portrait.¡± ¡°Well.¡± Then Enoch had a rather awkward face. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell the story of my childhood to put pressure on the Countess.¡­ ¡± ¡°I know. That¡¯s how much you value my paintings, right?¡± Ines smiled brightly and added her words. ¡°This may be a bit rude to say, but this is the first time you have ever told your own story. I¡¯m really happy.¡± For a moment, Enoch felt a burning sensation behind his ears. Fortunately, Ines did not seem to notice his abnormal reaction. If she noticed his heart beating so fast, Ines would not look at him with that friendly face. ¡°Really, I never imagined you were so cute.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Your Excellency at that time was probably the most adorable child in the world.¡± Ines, who had been chattering for a while, got up lightly. ¡°Then shall we go back? I have to visit Hwabang Street in the afternoon.¡± ¡°¡­ Hwabang street?¡± ¡°Yes, I saw earlier that the paint had almost run out. Now that I¡¯m on my way, I¡¯m going to look at the brushes and the paint.¡± In an instant, Enoch¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Then I will go with you.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± What the hell is this? With such a question in mind, Ines stared intently at Enoch. Enoch smirked. ¡°Have you forgotten already? You owe me dinner.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Ines, who was bewildered for a moment, opened her mouth. ¡°Are you talking about when we went to rent a studio in the past?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that just a joke?¡± ¡°I never said I was joking.¡± Enoch straightened his posture and looked straight at Ines. ¡°I would like to have dinner with the Countess.¡± Although he was pretending to be playful, Enoch¡¯s blue eyes were serious. Eyes looking at Ines with special emotions, but pretending to be calm by suppressing those emotions as much as possible. And Ines¡­ ¡®I have to say no.¡¯ Even though she thought so in her mind. ¡°Okay¡­.¡± She couldn¡¯t refuse him. Then Enoch smiled brightly, as if he had become the happiest man in the world. ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡± In an instant, Ines felt her heart beating like crazy. In the middle of the street lit up with gold as dusk descended, Enoch was smiling like a boy while he was biting a sandwich. That moment vividly came to Ines¡¯s mind. In fact, from then on, she was attracted to Enoch, and she started to doubt herself. ¡°Well, it¡¯s true that I owe you dinner.¡± In order not to be noticed that her expression was collapsing, Ines turned around, avoiding his gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly. We have to stop by the art store and buy dinner.¡± Leaving those words behind, Ines quietly walked out first. Even her back was too lovely. But he knew too well that he shouldn¡¯t force Ines to speed her heart. Enoch bit his lips. He kept getting thirsty. *** The Hwabang street he visited after a long time was still crowded and noisy. In a good way, it¡¯s lively, and in a bad way, just walking on the street takes people¡¯s minds. Poor artists walked around chewing sandwiches in sloppy clothes, and sometimes sitting in the sun and discussing art in general. Enoch murmured in a fresh voice. ¡°Every time I come here, I see something new.¡± ¡°Yes? So I like it here.¡± Ines, who was walking alongside Enoch, looked up at him and smiled brightly. It had been a while since she walked through the streets without hesitation. The two finally arrived at the art store. The owner of the art store, Mrs. Lant, was holding a duster with a bored face. The appearance of her dusting was very lethargic. ¡°Mrs Lant!¡± Mrs Lant, who found Ines, was stunned for a moment. ¡°Hey, Ines! ¡­ No, Countess of Brierton?!¡± Oh, my god. Ines clicked her tongue briefly inwardly. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Apparently, Mrs Lant had also read Elton. Ines¡¯ entry into the art exhibition and divorce lawsuit were really popular topics, so there was no way not to know. Ines smiled embarrassedly. Chapter 55 **** **** ¡°You can call me Ines like before.¡± ¡°But how can I call the Countess¡­¡± ¡°We have known each other for a long time. I hope you don¡¯t call me that.¡± At that soft voice, Mrs. Lant hardened her shuddering shoulders. Ines continued with a serious face. ¡°I want to be friends with Mrs. Lant as Ines, not Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Mrs. Lant, who was dumbfounded, looked at Ines with wide eyes. Ines nodded her head quickly. ¡°Yes. So there¡¯s no need to be so awkward.¡± ¡°Well, if you really say that¡­.¡± It was for a moment that Mrs. Lant was relieved a little like that. ¡®Wait a minute. That one!¡¯ As soon as she found Enoch standing behind Ines¡¯ back, Mrs. Lant was once again contemplated. In the past, she had speculated that Enoch was just a wealthy commoner. He hung out with Ines, who bought expensive art tools, and didn¡¯t feel any pressure. However, ¡®Why didn¡¯t I notice at all?¡¯ Such a remarkably gorgeous appearance and graceful behavior that exuded from his body. In addition, considering the art exhibition that triggered Ines¡¯ divorce¡­¡­ ¡°He, I, Sussex, the Prince¡­ the Duke¡­¡± Mrs. Lant, who was frozen tight, her lips quivered. The playful conversation she had with Ines the other day flashed through her mind. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the first time Ines has visited an art studio with a man? Is he your lover?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡®What the hell am I supposed to do with the Duke¡­¡­ !¡¯ Mrs. Lant¡¯s face turned blue, then red, and then turned white. Enoch, unable to see the colorful colors of her face, shook his head. ¡°Just call me Mr. Fitzroy like before.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Mrs. Lant jumped up from her seat. It was strange that she had never noticed until now. Sure enough, ¡®Fitzroy¡¯ was the middle name of the Duke of Sussex! But Enoch still had a calm face. ¡°There is no need to reveal my identity. It¡¯s just troublesome.¡± ¡°Uh, that, but¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Please.¡± Enoch spoke politely but firmly. The Duke himself said that, so she couldn¡¯t refuse, but to call him ¡®Mr. Fitzroy¡¯ as before¡­.. It was also very difficult. When Mrs. Lant rolled her eyes, not knowing what to do. Fortunately, Ines saved Mrs. Lant, who was about to faint. ¡°Madam, I¡¯m going to buy some of those paints.¡± ¡°Oh, paint? okay! Just in time, there is a new paint¡­¡­ !¡± Mrs. Lant turned around hurriedly. ¡®Wow, Mrs. Lant is very nervous.¡¯ It was only for a moment that Ines laughed quietly. Then she swallowed her breath. Apparently, it was because she met Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡®Ha¡¯ Ines turned around and tilted her head. ¡®¡­¡­ But, is this my mistake?¡¯ She felt like Enoch had looked at her several times like this before. As if Enoch was looking at Ines all the time¡­ ¡®No, I must be sensitive.¡¯ Still, she couldn¡¯t help but be conscious about Enoch. Ines spoke to Mrs. Lant to change the awkward atmosphere. ¡°Oh, besides paint, I need a new water bottle and a palette. Can I take a look?¡± ¡°Water bottles and palettes¡­¡­ It¡¯s over there.¡± Mrs. Lant trembled and led Ines to the corner of the room. After looking at the tools for a while, Ines glanced back without realizing it. And, ¡°¡­¡± Once again, she met Enoch¡¯s eyes. Enoch smiled, not surprised as soon as their eyes met. Ines hurriedly lowered her head toward the tools. ¡®It makes people¡¯s hearts flutter, why do you keep smiling like that!¡¯ *** So, after finishing the art supplies shopping. ¡°Thank you, Ines!¡± Mrs. Lant¡¯s face was in full bloom. It was true that she was very nervous at first. Living as the owner of a small art store, how often could she meet aristocrats with such a high status? However, that tension has now melted away in front of the considerable sales that Ines had purchased. ¡°I can have the workers load the supplies you bought now into the carriage like before?¡± ¡°Yes, thank you for that.¡± Ines, who said thank you, suddenly asked a question. ¡°Ah, the 5th floor room I rented last time. Did someone else rent it?¡± ¡°No, not yet.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks In response to that answer, Ines asked again with a smile. ¡°Then can I take a look?¡± Although it was not a studio where she stayed for a long time, the place was special to Ines. It was the place where the series of Hwabang Street that led to Ines¡¯ divorce was drawn. Fortunately, Mrs. Lant nodded her head graciously. ¡°Do as you please. Ines is the biggest customer of our store, so you can do whatever you want.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Having obtained permission, Ines moved to the 5th floor. Climb the creaking stairs and open the locked door. A view of the spacious room spread out. ¡°Ah.¡± Ines somehow felt her chest tighten. The art tools she brought in had long since been removed, so the room was empty. Only dust shining golden in sunlight floating in the air. ¡®Here¡­ ¡­ I used to paint the two paintings to be exhibited in the art exhibition.¡¯ The art exhibition and even divorced. It had happened for a couple of months at most, but it felt like a long time ago. Even her horrific marriage with Ryan now felt like a very distant past. Ines, who was walking through the room soaked in her vague mood, approached the window and pulled up the curtains. The lively scenery unique to Hwabang Street filled the field of vision. ¡°Is this the scenery?¡± Just then, a calm voice was heard. Enoch was approaching and was looking out the window. ¡°The subject of your paintings exhibited at my art exhibition.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Ines nodded her head. Enoch suddenly remembered that Ines was painting in this room. The blazing twilight and the back of Ines, who seemed to fall into the painting at any moment. Even the bright and beautiful dark green eyes that only looked at the paintings. Unknowingly, Enoch glanced at Ines. The white and elegant side face carved out of ivory was looking at the street scene, not Enoch. At the same time, his blue eyes sank deeply. Again. Even though he knew it was childish, he wanted Ines to only look at himself. As much as Enoch¡¯s nerves were focused on Ines, he hoped she would be conscious of him too. Enoch smiled faintly. ¡®What kind of childish thought this is!¡¯ But then. Unexpectedly, Ines turned her head and looked directly into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡°Sir, is there anything you want to say to me?¡± It seemed like he was looking at Ines too deeply. He didn¡¯t expect her to notice his eyes and ask him back. In an instant, the nape of his neck warmed up. Enoch was momentarily perplexed, but fortunately he had something to say to Ines. He tried to pretend to be calm and opened his mouth. ¡°It will be difficult to see you for a while.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± For a moment Ines felt her heart pounding. Fortunately, Enoch didn¡¯t seem to notice Ines¡¯s hardened expression. Then Enoch added an explanation. ¡°There will be an international art exchange soon.¡± ¡°An international art exchange?¡± ¡°Yes. This exchange exhibition is hosted by the Queen, and I have decided to help out as well.¡± Only then did Ines relieve the tension in her body a little. ¡®I¡¯m glad it¡¯s not that I can¡¯t see the Duke anymore¡­.¡¯ She was just relieved. Ines, unable to overcome her complicated mind, grabbed the hem of her dress tightly. ¡®What the hell¡¯s wrong with you, Ines.¡¯ She clearly thought that she should distance herself from Enoch. Why did her heart keep turning to him? She could never figure out why. ¡®Okay, stop thinking nonsense.¡¯ In order to shake off her mundane thoughts, Ines opened her mouth pretending it was nothing. ¡°It¡¯s been almost seven years since we have had an exchange art exhibition.¡± In fact, it was a topic of interest for both painters and nobles of the kingdom in many ways. It was an art exchange between countries with a long tradition. However, due to the long history of feud between Lancaster and Kaldorov, it was an event that often spread like a fight for pride. ¡°By the way, the last exchange was held at Kaldorov, wasn¡¯t it?¡± However, the result of that exchange was not good. At that time, it was said that Kaldorov focused heavily on exchange, and that the Lancaster came back overwhelmed by their freestyle. How it was a blow to Enoch¡¯s self-esteem at the time, and even led to the founding of the Royal Artists Association¡­. ¡°Then the Duke will be very busy.¡± Ines, who seemed to have been deeply in thought for a moment, smiled brightly. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only **** *Hi guys, as you know we are a free to read website and we only survive on ads. However, ads are not able to help us much longer and we are on the verge of disbanding. If you like what we do and have any spare, please consider supporting us to keep us alive. Your help is desperately needed. Chapter 56 *** *** ¡°It would be great if I could be of some help to Your Excellency.¡± For a moment Enoch¡¯s face turned to a bewildered face. ¡®How can a person be so lovable.¡¯ Isn¡¯t that a foul? Showing such a pretty smile in an unexpected way¡­. On the other hand, Ines, ignorant of Enoch¡¯s troubled heart, continued to speak with her eyes twinkling. ¡°I also received a lot of help from the Duke, didn¡¯t I?¡± Although Enoch had said several times that it was a deal, and that he had already been paid well enough. He did not know that the words themselves were speaking in consideration of Ines. Ines¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°So, if there is anything I can do to help, please tell me.¡± Enoch, who looked at Ines, nodded his head. ¡°Yes, I will.¡± At the same time, Enoch managed to swallow back the words that were rushing up to the tip of his neck. ¡®I would like the Countess to participate in the exchange.¡¯ Because the Queen has not yet confirmed the participation of Ines, Enoch couldn¡¯t ask Ines to join him outright. ¡®I have to get the Queen¡¯s permission somehow.¡¯ Enoch once again made up his mind. Just then, Ines changed the subject. ¡°Then it¡¯s a little early, but shall we go have dinner? There is a good restaurant I know.¡± Ines, who was proud, quietly looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡°However, this is not the high-end restaurant the Duke usually goes to. Sorry about that¡­ ¡° ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Enoch smiled softly. ¡°Wherever I can be with the Countess, it¡¯s good.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Ines looked blankly at Enoch. ¡®Isn¡¯t it a bit too much to say something sweet like that?¡¯ It was a perfect figure for ladies to misunderstand. Doesn¡¯t every little thing like that fuel the many fantasies the ladies have about the Duke of Sussex? However It hurt her pride to be swayed by each and every one of those actions. ¡®The Duke must have said that without any special meaning.¡¯ Besides, if there was any meaning to those words¡­. ¡®If that¡¯s the case, I shouldn¡¯t be shaken even more.¡¯ With such thought, Ines turned around resolutely. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Anyway, it was fortunate that the sunset was exceptionally red. So she could hide the reddened nape of her neck. *** Unexpectedly, Ines headed to the back alley of Hwabang Street. ¡®Even though it¡¯s a restaurant, wouldn¡¯t it be inconvenient to welcome guests if it¡¯s located in a corner like this?¡¯ Enoch was a bit bewildered, but since Ines was so confident, he quietly followed her. After that. His blue eyes widened a little. It was because the tables and chairs were placed side by side in the empty lot of the back alley that he never imagined there would be a restaurant. On the good side, it was quite liberal, and on the bad side, it was a complete mess. It had folded paper on the legs because the height of the table was not right. The old chairs creaked. After brief and intense deliberation, Enoch found the only good thing about this restaurant¡­ ¡® ¡­ Still, the table and chairs are of the same design.¡¯ If it hadn¡¯t been for that, he would have thought it was a junk dealer rather than a restaurant. Meanwhile, Ines seemed very familiar with this place. She walked into the vacant lot, and seated skillfully. Unexpectedly, Enoch also sat across from Ines. ¡°It¡¯s a bit unfamiliar, right? You can sit anywhere you want.¡± At the same time, Ines leaned over to Enoch and whispered in her soft voice. ¡°I think the Duke has only been to the restaurant where the staff guides you, is my guess correct?¡± ¡°I will not deny it.¡± Enoch nodded his head slightly embarrassed. Then Ines spoke again with a voice full of playfulness. ¡°If it is not for me, when will you ever come to a restaurant like this?¡± ¡°Yes, I should thank the Countess.¡± As he meekly affirmed her words, it was Ines who had a bewildered face. It was an opportunity to make fun of the Duke of Sussex, but it was all over. Enoch smiled brightly. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± That smile was so clear. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks In an instant, Ines felt her heart beating wildly. Enoch¡¯s smile was engraved in her eyes like a stamp, and it kept glimmering in front of her eyes. Ines looked away for nothing, picked up her words casually. ¡°So, to be honest, today is the first time for me to eat at this restaurant too.¡± ¡°Then how did you know about this place?¡± ¡°Ah, Mrs. Lant is a regular here.¡± Fortunately, as they kept talking, she felt a little less nervous. Ines continued briskly. ¡°Mrs. Lant complimented this place so much that I got scabs in my ears. In the past, when I worked on the series of ¡°Hwabang Street,¡± I used to order it and eat it every time¡­.¡± Meanwhile, Enoch listened quietly to Ines¡¯s voice. Ines¡¯ chattering words sounded like a song. ¡°¡­¡­So, I¡¯m going to eat tomato meatball pasta. The meatballs here are huge and delicious. How about Your Excellency?¡± ¡°Oh,¡± At the question that came back suddenly, Enoch blinked blankly. Ines stared at him blankly as if wondering. ¡°What have you been thinking?¡± ¡°No, nothing.¡± For the life of him he couldn¡¯t say ¡®Your voice sounded like a song, and I was paying attention to it¡¯, so Enoch hurriedly looked at the menu board in front of him, avoiding Ines¡¯s gaze. Ines nodded her head and spoke. ¡°This restaurant¡¯s salmon steak is also good. Served with tartar sauce and lemon, it doesn¡¯t taste fishy and it¡¯s delicious.¡± And it was delicious.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll get it.¡± In fact, the menu itself was unfamiliar, so Enoch nodded his head saying that he understood. Then Ines raised her hand and raised her voice. ¡°Hello, take my order, please!¡± ¡°¡­.¡± For a moment, Enoch looked at Ines with a surprised face. It was because the restaurants that Enoch had been to until now had a separate waiter in charge of the customers. It was the first time he saw someone had to call a waiter so loudly to order. But the waiter here was busy taking orders from various people, so he didn¡¯t seem to hear Ines properly. Ines did not give up and called the waiter again. ¡°Here is the order!¡± ¡°Oh, yes!¡± Only then did the waiter rush over. ¡°One tomato meatball pasta, salmon steak, and¡­.¡± After finishing the order skillfully, Ines found Enoch with a bewildered face. ¡®Oh.¡¯ She asked with a mischievous voice, brimming with her playfulness. ¡°Are you very surprised? Is this your first time placing an order like this?¡± ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s a little surprising. Don¡¯t you have a dedicated waiter?¡± ¡°How can you have a dedicated waiter in such a small restaurant? If they did, the labor cost would be higher.¡± Ines stared at Enoch with a smile. ¡®By the way, his appearance is fresh in many ways.¡¯ Enoch, whom Ines knew, was always calm and relaxed. To add a bit of exaggeration, there was an impression that a needle would not fit. But Enoch right now couldn¡¯t hide his bewildered expression¡­ ¡®¡­.I think it¡¯s a little cute.¡¯ It was a little rude to think that about the Duke, but what about it? It was true that he was cute. Not that the Duke could look into her head. Ines, who was coughing for no reason, stretched her shoulders and added. ¡°Wait a minute, the surprise isn¡¯t over yet.¡± And what Ines said was true. After about 20 minutes, Enoch, who faced the cooked food, turned into rabbit eyes in surprise. ¡°Is this really for one person?¡± He was just surprised. It was because the food was piled up that the plate overflowed. Since artists with light pockets were the main customers, the food was also cheap and plentiful. Ines couldn¡¯t hold back and burst out laughing. Embarrassed, Enoch involuntarily narrowed his eyebrows. ¡°¡­you don¡¯t have to laugh like that.¡± Ines smiled for a while, then waved her hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Excellency¡­¡­ It was because of your unexpected expression.¡± ¡°What do you mean unexpected?¡± ¡°Well, the Duke I know is always so calm.¡± She laughed so much that tears came to her eyes. Ines ended the conversation, wiping the tears from her eyes. ¡°I thought it was amazing that you didn¡¯t lose your composure no matter what. I think you¡¯re a little different today.¡± For a moment, Enoch¡¯s eyes deepened. Huh? At the same time Ines blinked her eyes, Enoch shook his head resolutely. ¡°Well, I think the Countess is probably mistaken.¡± ¡°I am mistaken? What?¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°I¡¯m a much more emotional person than the Countess thinks.¡± *** Chapter 57 *** **** Picking up a knife and fork in a characteristic elegant motion, Enoch continued. ¡°I have already lost my composure several times in front of the Countess.¡± ¡°Lost your composure, why¡­ ¡­ .¡± ¡°Well, why¡­.¡± Enoch, who was slicing the salmon, smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± Actually, it was nothing special. But why was it like this? A gentle force entered the hand holding the tableware. Why did he lose his composure? He wanted to inquire somehow. Besides, why was his mouth so dry? Why did his heart keep trembling uncontrollably? Tick. In an instant, a lamp lit in the darkened vacant lot. The waiter walked around and started lighting the lanterns scattered around. In the darkness, scarlet lanterns rose like stars one by one. At the same time, the noise of the world was far away. In a world where the scarlet light spread gently, only Enoch in front of Ines was clear. He only focused on her, looking straight into her eyes. Facing calm blue eyes like a lake at night¡­ ¡®Oh, I see.¡¯ Ines suddenly realized. ¡®Not being conscious of the Duke is impossible¡­..¡¯ Her calm mind was now out of her control. Then there was only one thing she had to do now. So that their fresh friendship would not break, and it wouldn¡¯t be a burden on each other. ¡°By the way, does the food suit your taste?¡± Ines asked Enoch as if nothing had happened. Enoch, who stared at Ines with a mysterious look, quickly nodded his head. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s great.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fortunate.¡± Ines, who had been forced to laugh, then bit her lip as she gazed at the pasta plate. That was why Ines didn¡¯t notice. The moment she averted her gaze. The fact that Enoch¡¯s eyes fluttered briefly like a lake from which stones were thrown. ¡°I¡¯m not lying.¡± (Enoch) There wasn¡¯t a single word of lies in what he had just said to Ines. However, he did not fully reveal his true feelings. More frankly speaking. ¡®Whenever the Countess is by my side, my emotions are not controlled the way I want them to.¡¯ So, the two of them hid their hearts and focused on the meal. ¡®You destroy my composure.¡¯ (Enoch) It was the deepest secret that he couldn¡¯t confess. A bitter smile crept over Enoch¡¯s lips. *** After that, some time passed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know I could finish the whole steak.¡± Enoch looked at the empty plate with admiration. The food was very tasty. Despite the huge amount, he emptied the whole plate. But then. ¡°No, that¡¯s why! I drew a picture, and that picture¡­¡­¡­!¡± One of the guests sitting nearby pounded the table and raised his voice with a displeased face. Enoch pricked up his ear towards the table. Although he knew it was disrespectful to glance at someone, he didn¡¯t look back. ¡°Ugh, who gave this person a drink? Look at how your voice is getting louder already!¡± ¡°Can¡¯t I have a drink at my disposal?¡± In fact, Enoch was very curious about the free-spirited atmosphere he has now. From a very young age, he was taught to follow strict etiquette when eating. He¡¯s been like that all his life¡­ ¡°Wow, so what happened?¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t laugh and listen to me! That¡¯s why I just warned him!¡± People here laugh out loud or talk loudly without looking at others. But it wasn¡¯t a bad feeling just because it was unfamiliar. Rather. ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ Was this joy due to this cheerful atmosphere, or was it because of Ines sitting right in front of him? Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Or both, although he couldn¡¯t tell for sure. ¡°By the way, you were talking about the exchange earlier.¡± At the same time, Ines, who was eating chocolate pudding for dessert, opened her mouth. ¡°Isn¡¯t Kaldorov really funny?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°No, it used to be like that.¡± Ines had a stern face and poked the pudding with her spoon. The soft pudding was terribly crushed under the spoon. ¡°I heard it was terribly ignorant of Lancaster back then.¡± Ines grumbled, wrinkling her face. ¡°What did they say? They said Lancaster overall is too rigid. Funny, really.¡± In fact, being ignored by Kaldorov in many ways in the last exchange was bound to hurt Ines¡¯s pride as an artist in Lancaster. ¡°They showed off that they valued a free artistic atmosphere. Who knows that they¡¯re the only ones who see it?¡± Ines, who had a lot of heat in her head, seemed to forget the pudding. ¡°Look, even this art gallery street! Those idiots are arrogant, but we have enough of that free atmosphere.¡± It was true. Enoch himself was only immersed in the aristocratic upper-class culture and did not know it. This street where many artists lived together had a unique free atmosphere that had never been encountered before. Meanwhile, Ines paused as if she had thought of something. Then she was deeply troubled. ¡°¡­ummm.¡± Enoch, who could see her hesitation, encouraged Ines. ¡°If you have something to say, feel free to say it.¡± Even after Enoch said that, Ines hesitated for a long time before speaking with a questionable face. ¡°Well, it just came to my mind. Until now, the art exchange has been focused on royalty and nobility, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it has.¡± Enoch nodded. ¡°I¡¯m talking about this without knowing much about the exchange, so if I¡¯m talking nonsense, please tell me.¡± ¡°I will listen.¡± Enoch straightened his posture. It was an expression of listening to Ines seriously. ¡®Really, if it were Ryan, wouldn¡¯t he have even pretended to listen to me with the back of his ear?¡¯ Ines, who was thinking of Ryan anew, soon became disgusted and continued to speak. ¡°The art exchange that has been held so far is, in a way, the exclusive domain of the upper class. Yes?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Then, how about expanding the exchange so that not only the upper class can enjoy it, but also the common people?¡± At that question, Enoch¡¯s eyes widened a little. ¡°There are so many artists in this area right now. And they aren¡¯t noble.¡± Ines continued to speak while looking around. ¡°That means that there are certainly people who are not aristocrats and who can make art.¡± ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°Then here¡¯s the question,¡± Ines asked suddenly. ¡°Your Excellency, do you know how the commoner artists make a living?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Well, don¡¯t they do painting-related jobs?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. They make paintings and sell them cheap on the street, or sometimes they get requests from shops to make signboards.¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders as if she was proud. ¡°Just looking at it, commoners have the desire to enjoy art itself, but they just don¡¯t have the chance to do that.¡± Enoch was completely blown away. A brief explanation by Ines followed. ¡°Besides, Lancaster also has a very unique place called Hwabang Street, right?¡± The most characteristic place in the capital Langdon. A place where poor artists naturally gathered, and the street itself was formed into a kind of huge art district. ¡°I personally think it¡¯s foolish to leave a unique place like Hwabang Street without using it.¡± Now the drunken people were singing, shoulder to shoulder. Looking at them with affectionate eyes, Ines suggested. ¡°So, why don¡¯t we use the entire Hwabang street for the exchange this time?¡± ¡°The whole Hwabang Street?¡± ¡°Yes. And if the exchange itself is held like a festival, wouldn¡¯t it be easier to access not only the nobles but also the commoners?¡± When she realized that the other person was seriously listening to her, Ines¡¯s voice was also warmed by itself. ¡°This is my opinion, but I think it will be helpful for the commercial district of ??Hwabang Street if visitors come for the exchange.¡± Ines¡¯ eyes twinkled. ¡°Of course, there may be protests from the natives of Hwabang Street, but can¡¯t that extent be overcome?¡± ¡°In what way?¡± Oh. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only For a moment, Ines secretly looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. *** Chapter 58 *** *** ¡°Well, it¡¯s a little bit of a budget, but it¡¯s probably the easiest way to give the store owners a reasonable amount of compensation, right?¡± Whatever it was, the biggest problem was funding. As it was an exchange event between countries hosted by the Queen, the budget itself would be plentiful. But what if she thinks it¡¯s a waste of money? Ines broke out in a cold sweat. ¡°It¡¯s a reward. That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡± On the contrary, Enoch nodded his head casually. ¡°Hwabang Street is a place worth a budget.¡± ¡°Thank you for saying that.¡± Ines breathed a sigh of relief and spoke again. ¡°And if the artists in Hwabang Street can participate in it, there will be less opposition to using Hwabang Street as a venue for the exchange.¡± ¡°Then, in the process, we may discover new artists that we have never known before. That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Feeling good, Ines smiled brightly. The conversation with Enoch was very enjoyable. He understood everything she said and organized it neatly. He expanded ideas that were simply left as clues. As if Enoch had entered Ines¡¯s mind. Just then, Enoch asked with a serious face. ¡°Is it okay if I tell the Queen what the Countess just told me?¡± ¡°Yes? Yes, yes.¡± Ines nodded her head without much thought. ¡°Although it¡¯s a crude idea, I¡¯d be happy if it was of any use to you, Your Excellency.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not crude at all. It was very fresh.¡± Enoch answered with a straight face. Then he smiled softly at Ines. ¡°I got a great help from the Countess. Thank you.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± How many times has it been to receive such honest compliments and thanks. Feeling her face getting hot for no reason, Ines coughed a couple of times and got up from her seat. ¡°Now that we have finished eating, shall we go back?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Yes.¡± Was it because the conversation has been sorted out? Enoch had a very sad face. Ines glanced at Enoch like that with a subtle feeling. ¡®Does the Duke know?¡¯ Every time Enoch made that sad expression on his face, Ines¡¯s heart was like the sea caught in a storm. It was still the same. Once again, her heart fluctuated at will. ¡®Okay, it¡¯s because I¡¯m sensitive.¡¯ Ines hurriedly straightened her expression and turned her body. Enoch looked at Ines with complicated eyes. *** The carriage with the coat of arms of the Duke of Sussex glided to a halt in front of the mansion of Brierton. Ines, who got down from the carriage, politely greeted Enoch. ¡°Today was a lot of fun. Please go back carefully.¡± ¡°I really enjoyed it too.¡± Even after answering that, Enoch hesitated for a moment. Ines tilted her head. ¡°Duke?¡± ¡°Yet again.¡± At Enoch¡¯s unexpected words, Ines¡¯ eyes widened a little. ¡°I wish I could spend more time like this with the Countess.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines stared blankly at Enoch. But Enoch just smiled and pointed to the door. ¡°You must be tired, so please go inside.¡± ¡°I want to see the Duke leave¡­¡± ¡°No, I want to see the Countess entering the house.¡± After hesitating for a while after Enoch refused to leave first, Ines finally entered the mansion. Click. The front door was closed. Ines watched Enoch through the window. After confirming that Ines had returned safely into the house, Enoch moved his feet. After seeing his carriage disappear over the boulevard. ¡®Oh, what should I do?¡¯ Ines grabbed her chest and breathed heavily. ¡®I¡¯m so nervous¡­!?¡¯ Her cheeks were burning and her heart was beating wildly. But for a while. Her dark green eyes fell deep. ¡®¡­but now we won¡¯t see each other anymore.¡¯ Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks The portrait was almost finished, and Ines even said that she would finish it by herself and send it to Enoch. There was no longer any justification to meet Enoch. ¡°I hope to be able to spend time with the Countess again.¡± Enoch¡¯s voice still lingered in her ears¡­ ¡®Okay, now, let¡¯s stop lingering.¡¯ Still, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit bitter in her mouth. Ines lifted her back against the wall and slowly walked across the hallway. Then she suddenly stopped. It was because the mansion¡¯s studio came to her view. ¡®Portrait of the Duke.¡¯ The still unfinished portrait was moved to the mansion. Ines impulsively entered the studio. Under the moonlight shining through the spacious window, the portrait on an easel was placed. Ines pulled a chair and sat down in front of the portrait. She looked at Enoch¡¯s face in the painting. Intellectual blue eyes, elegant nose, sharp jawline, and a long neck. ¡°¡­ha.¡± A long sigh flowed out. Her mind was so complicated that Ines did not leave the painting for a long time. *** But two days later. Ines realized that she was completely wrong. It was because an envoy from the royal family suddenly came to visit her. ¡°Countess of Brierton, prepare to receive the orders of the Queen.¡± ¡°Ines Brierton. I¡¯m ready to receive the orders of the Queen.¡± It was impossible to leave the royal envoy hanging, Ines accepted the Queen¡¯s orders with courtesy. As she carefully unfolded the paper, she stiffened in place. Written in elegant handwriting, the content was¡­. {The Countess of Brierton is appointed as a member of the management team of this exchange.} what!? Ines was perplexed. *** Eventually, Ines entered the palace. With the Queen directly appointing her to a member of the management team, she dared not refuse the appointment. Besides, looking at it objectively, this was a very good opportunity for Ines. ¡®Aren¡¯t I going to lead a national event by the Queen¡¯s side?¡¯ The royalty of the kingdom, and an artist. Considering both positions, it was truly an honor to join the management team of the art exchange. It was as if the royal family recognized Ines¡¯s artistic vision. Ines¡¯ reputation will rise in no time, and the gossip about her ¡®poor wife who lost her work to Ryan¡¯ will disappear. But in the meantime, there was one person who complicated her mind. ¡°See you again.¡± It was Enoch. Facing his smile as bright as a rose in full bloom, Ines felt dizzy before her eyes. She thought she had barely organized her mind, now she ran into him like this? In fact, the psychological damage to her was enormous. Of course, it was natural for Enoch to be here. He said from the beginning that he would help the Queen with the art exchange. However, ¡®Isn¡¯t it like something that puts people to the test¡­¡­ ?¡¯ Ines swallowed tears of blood and asked a question. ¡°How did I get to participate in the exchange?¡± Then Enoch immediately turned worried and asked Ines. ¡°Are you feeling uncomfortable?¡± ¡°No, I¡®m not! Of course it¡¯s an honor, but¡­¡­ .¡± But then. ¡°I¡¯m glad, but I¡¯m sorry if the Countess doesn¡¯t want it, but she¡¯s forced to do it.¡± At that moment a soft voice rang out. ¡°Here comes the Queen.¡± Astonished, Ines hurriedly prepared her manners. A lady with an elegant appearance was walking into the parlor at a leisurely pace. It was the queen, Helena. At the rushing tension, Ines swallowed dry saliva without realizing it. ¡®Come to think of it, the Queen is hosting this exchange herself.¡¯ The royal family seemed to be very concerned about this exchange. Not only the Queen but also the only younger brother of the current king directly participated in the operation of the exchange. ¡®I can¡¯t believe I also joined the management team.¡¯ Ines felt like she was getting sick. Just then Helena spoke softly to her. ¡°I heard this time the Countess of Brierton came up with a very good idea for the exchange.¡± huh? For a moment, Ines pricked up her ears with a questionable face. ¡®Is she referring to the conversation we had about the Hwabang street?¡¯ As Ines glanced sideways at Enoch, Enoch nodded his head slightly. It meant ¡®you guessed right¡¯. Ines was terrified. ¡®When did he talk to the Queen about it?¡¯ Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only In terms of time, perhaps Enoch told the Queen about Ines¡¯s idea the very next day after he talked to Ines. *** Chapter 59 *** ¡°I heard about your idea, and I really liked it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± Helena, who spoke in a firm voice, bent her eyes and smiled. ¡°Anyway, you can¡¯t just say nonsense when it¡¯s an event hosted by the Queen, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s an honor to hear Your Majesty say that.¡± ¡°Well, glory doesn¡¯t feed you.¡± A sharp joke flowed from Helena¡¯s elegant lips. ¡®Wow, did the Queen even joke like this?¡¯ Ines occasionally saw the Queen at banquets, and she thought she was just impeccably elegant. Ines was speechless. ¡°I have to give you something, but I thought it would be better to proceed in the best way for the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Wow, my Queen.¡± ¡°The Countess is already overflowing with wealth, so I don¡¯t think money will be useful.¡± Helena shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Looking at what has happened recently, I thought that the opportunity for you to showcase your talent as an artist would be the most useful. Am I wrong?¡± ¡°No, Your Majesty. Thank you for your consideration.¡± Ines hurriedly bowed. At the same time, Helena¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°To be more honest, the Countess of Brierton was a little bit coveted.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Me?¡± ¡°Of course. You should be¡­¡± Helena glanced at Enoch with her playful gaze. ¡°The Duke of Sussex praised the Countess so much.¡± For a moment, Enoch narrowed his brow and turned to Helena. ¡°My Queen.That¡­¡­¡± Enoch rushed to shut Helena up, but it was already too late. Helena continued speaking as if to listen. ¡°The Duke said the Countess is an outstanding painter and must be recruited.¡± ¡°Your Excellency¡­.¡± Ines looked back at Enoch with her eyes wide open. Effortlessly ignoring the gaze, Enoch pretended to be okay and straightened his back. ¡°I did not lie.¡± But Helena saw it. Enoch, who was usually expressionless, was slightly embarrassed. As proof of that, Enoch was glaring at Helena with a resentful gaze. Helena grinned and nodded her head. ¡°Who says what? I have no intention of denying that the Countess of Brierton is an outstanding artist.¡± Helena, who interrupted Enoch¡¯s speech at once, looked at Ines. ¡°I saw the series of {Hwabang Street} that was exhibited at the art exhibition the other day. It was very beautiful and unique.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to hear that you liked it, my Queen.¡± ¡°Today I¡¯m calling you here to meet you, and we¡¯ll talk about it in detail soon.¡± Helena spoke in a soft voice. ¡°I wish you all the best in the coming art exchange.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Ah.¡± Ines, who swallowed a dry saliva, once again bowed. ¡°Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.¡± ¡®I¡¯ll have to say thank you to the Duke later.¡¯ Ines vowed with determination. Then Helena suggested. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet the Countess like this, so I¡¯d like to treat you to a cup of tea. How about the count?¡± ¡°¡­..tea? Thank you.¡± Although in a confused mood, Ines nodded her head quickly. Even though she was a little embarrassed, she couldn¡¯t miss the opportunity to have a private conversation with the Queen. At the same time, Helena looked gently at Enoch. ¡°Then the Countess will go with me, and the Duke of Sussex, please visit His Majesty the King.¡± Then Enoch made a distasteful expression. ¡°Why, His Majesty, suddenly¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s because the King has been waiting for the Duke of Sussex since morning.¡± Helena added. ¡°He even said he really wants to have a conversation with his one and only brother, and postponed today¡¯s government meeting until tomorrow.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Unable to let go of any hope, Enoch asked. ¡°Why now? I can see him later.¡± But Enoch¡¯s hope was shattered by Helena¡¯s mischievous reply. ¡°Isn¡¯t it because the Duke of Sussex always avoids His Majesty the King?¡± To be honest, even Enoch had nothing to refute. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks As much as Edward had great fun teasing his brother, Enoch had also been avoiding Edward because he was annoyed. Just then, Helena squinted her eyes and said, ¡°Oh, and you know that it makes His Majesty sad when you make such a face in front of him, right? So please manage your expression.¡± ¡°All right¡­.¡± Enoch was eventually forced to stand up from his seat with a face full of discontent. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave.¡± Finally, after looking at Ines with eyes dripping with regret. Enoch walked out of the parlor politely. At the same time, Helena clicked her tongue and spoke to herself in a small voice. ¡°Ugh, really. You have to be so full of lingering feelings.¡± At the same time, Ines was a little bewildered. Lingering feelings? But she never had a chance to hear the answer. It was because Helena looked back at Ines and smiled brightly. ¡°Then, shall we have tea together with us ladies?¡± **** The fragrant aroma of tea wafted into the air. Helena, who poured the tea directly into Ines¡¯s cup, spoke softly. ¡°I hope the tea will suit your taste.¡± ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Ines drank the tea with a slightly nervous face. Even in the midst of this, the movement of drinking tea was elegant without breaking any rules. Conversational mannerisms and polite manners seemed to be well-educated from a good family. Helena observed the woman in front of her as if exploring. Ines Brierton. She was once the only heiress to the Count of Brierton and was now one of the few women in the kingdom to hold the title. Although she went through one marriage and divorce, she still had a youthful face. ¡®She¡¯s twenty-three this year.¡¯ After making her social debut, Ines married Ryan right away when she was 18. Helena had met Ines a few times before at banquets, and she thought Ines was just a weak lady. She wondered what had charmed Enoch, and Helena couldn¡¯t help but wonder. ¡®By the way, the Duke of Sussex couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the Countess of Brierton earlier.¡¯ It was really the first time she had ever seen Enoch pay so much attention to someone. As she recalled the image of Enoch she had just met, Helena suddenly opened her mouth. ¡°You know what? The Duke of Sussex really appreciates the Countess.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± In an instant, Ines¡¯s face heated up. ¡°That¡­ I have received a lot of favors from the Duke that are difficult to repay.¡± Helena looked at Ines like that with curious eyes. Ines was always dignified and calm, but the moment ¡®Enoch¡¯ became a hot topic, Ines lost her composure in an instant. Her appearance looked like a little girl who was lost in the sweetness of her first love and was helpless. ¡®Maybe I was wrong?¡¯ (Helena) Maybe it wasn¡¯t just the Duke of Sussex¡¯s one-sided interest¡­ It seemed there were feelings on both sides. Just then. ¡°My Queen.¡± Ines, who was watching Helena, carefully opened her lips. ¡°May I ask why you think so?¡± For a moment, Helena¡¯s eyes lit up. Sure enough, Ines couldn¡¯t overcome her curiosity and was asking about Enoch. If she wasn¡¯t even interested, she wouldn¡¯t bother asking why the other person has a crush on her. Even more so when she dared to ask the Queen a random question. This meant that Ines was more curious about Enoch than the burden she had on Helena. Helena replied politely. ¡°Well, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen the Duke of Sussex care so much about someone.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not saying you didn¡¯t know, are you?¡± To that mischievous question, Ines lowered her eyes and answered carefully. ¡°How dare I judge the Duke¡¯s feelings recklessly.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Although Ines gave an easy answer, Helena knew. That the lady in front of her right now was paying attention to Helena¡¯s every move. Helena, who had been pondering for a moment, suddenly asked a question. ¡°Then.¡± Helena, who was briefly lost in thought, suddenly asked a question. ¡°Do you know why the Duke of Sussex is the owner of Elton?¡± ¡°Yes? In fact, I haven¡¯t heard of any particular reason.¡± ¡°It¡¯s in consideration of the current King. At least I and His Majesty are guessing that way.¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Ines¡¯ eyes widened slightly at the unexpected fact. **** Chapter 60 *** Helena smiled bitterly. ¡°To tell you a little bit of the old days, the Duke of Sussex has been prominent since childhood.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s possible because the Duke is such a great person.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, but being great isn¡¯t always good.¡± Helena touched the teacup with a thoughtful look on her face. ¡°Since the Duke of Sussex is so outstanding, public opinion has been formed that the Duke should be crowned instead of the current King.¡± Ines looked very surprised, but she didn¡¯t say anything recklessly. And Helena liked Ines¡¯s prudence. ¡°Of course, the previous king and Queen did not want the two Princes to divide, and the current King¡¯s will to succeed the throne was also strong, so that didn¡¯t happen.¡± A small sigh escaped Helena¡¯s lips. ¡°¡­Perhaps the situation itself was too burdensome for the young Duke of Sussex.¡± Helena briefly recalled the past. When she was fifteen, her fianc¨¦, Edward, was made Crown Prince. While attending the dedication ceremony, she met Enoch for the first time. Enoch was an eight-year-old who stood quietly in a glamorous robe that even an adult would find very uncomfortable to wear. ¡°I¡¯m really glad that my brother was appointed as the Crown Prince.¡± The child¡¯s face was full of relief. That young voice whispered softly, as if telling a great secret. ¡°I have no interest in the throne at all.¡± ¡°Prince.¡± ¡°So my brother doesn¡¯t hate me, does he?¡± The little voice, fearful of being hated by his older brother, still echoed in Helena¡¯s ears. However, public interest in Enoch did not disappear easily, and Enoch was more and more isolated from the public eye. After years of suffering like that, Enoch¡¯s feelings continued to dry up. And at some point, Enoch had grown up to be an emotionless and indifferent person. Unlike his older brother, Edward, who was full of emotion. Meanwhile, Ines, who had been listening to Helena¡¯s story, suddenly had a surprised expression on her face. ¡°Then, the Duke of Sussex became the owner of Elton¡­.¡± ¡°Right. To prove that he has no interest in the throne.¡± Helena, nodding her head lightly, quenched her throat with tea. Before she knew it, it left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth from the lukewarm tea. ¡°Actually, when he started paying attention to Elton, people¡¯s interest in him diminished quite a bit. At least politicians have almost lost their hope.¡± ¡°¡­that¡¯s what happened.¡± ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why, even if it wasn¡¯t the Duke of Sussex¡¯s purpose, he valued Elton quite a bit.¡± Click. Helena put down her teacup and asked Ines leisurely. ¡°By the way, how many times has he published articles about the Countess of Brierton in Elton?¡± For a moment, Ines shrugged his shoulders. Helena gently squinted her eyes. ¡°Of course, through cross-validation, he would have only published articles with certain content.¡± ¡°That, that¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that proof that the Countess of Brierton was a significant person to the Duke of Sussex? I think so.¡± Facing Ines¡¯s red-hot face once more, Helena ended her words sarcastically. ¡°I still don¡¯t know what that ¡®special¡¯ means.¡± Completely flawless. It was the most appropriate word for Enoch. He was not shaken by anything and was always smooth. In fact, it was not a bad quality for a royal family. Enoch¡¯s calmness and thorough judgment naturally made those around him in awe. However, ¡®¡­ When he was younger and even now, he never seemed happy.¡¯ He gave no side to anyone. He was impeccably polite, and he was always careful not to be rude to others, but¡­¡­That politeness was, in a way, a strong wall he had built towards others. By excluding faulty things, he tried not to get entangled with others as much as possible. But neither Edward nor Helena wanted Enoch to be that perfect as he was their only brother. Rather, the two wanted him to be a person with a variety of expressions. Not insensitive nor a face that viewed everything was boring. ¡®Can the Countess evoke various emotions in the Duke?¡¯ Of course it was unknown. But it was true that the Countess was, at this point, the most likely person to be. Swallowing those thoughts to herself, Helena spoke her words playfully. ¡°Above all, on the day the Duke talked to the Countess, he dared to visit me at dawn to tell me about your idea.¡± For a moment, Ines was startled, as if she was going to pass out. ¡°What? What?¡± ¡°Honestly, I was really surprised. What a great person the Countess was that made the Duke visit the Queen even at that hour?¡± ¡®Ugh, what should I do¡­¡­ !¡¯ Ines¡¯s face turned red in a different way than before. Helena giggled. Looking back, the Enoch she met at that time was completely different from now. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks His characteristic expressionless face disappeared out of nowhere, and rarely did he explain Ines¡¯s idea with a cheerful voice. ¡°The Countess is a genius.¡± How about that firm belief? ¡°If my name is to go down in history, I think it is because I¡¯m the one who discovered the artist.¡± Yes, he certainly said that. Helena smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to burden you. I just want you to know that the Duke of Sussex has high expectations for the Countess, and I also have expectations for you.¡± Momentarily, Ines¡¯s expression became determined. She straightened her back and looked straight into the Queen¡¯s eyes and spoke. ¡°All I can say is, the person I do not want to disappoint the most is the Duke of Sussex.¡± Ines remembered Enoch. His deep blue eyes looked straight at her with trust. She could not betray that belief. ¡®No, I don¡¯t want to give up.¡¯ She hoped to meet the Duke¡¯s expectations as much as possible. She wanted to see him smile because of her. ¡°I promise. I will do my best not to disappoint the Duke and Her Majesty the Queen.¡± For a moment, Helena blinked her eyes. Ines had just mentioned Enoch before Queen Helena. Perhaps she said it casually without any intention. But¡­ ¡®It means that she cares about Enoch that much.¡¯ The Queen¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°It¡¯s a good attitude. Then I look forward to it.¡± *** At the same time. Edward greeted his younger brother with excitement. ¡°Why are you so late? I have been waiting.¡± ¡°What is it? Why are you waiting so desperately?¡± ¡°Are you really going to keep up with that mouth?¡± It wasn¡¯t until Edward criticized him that Enoch opened his mouth with a look of boredom. ¡°I apologize for the long wait. I came right after receiving the message from the Queen, but I¡¯m a little late.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Then Edward patted Enoch on the back and exclaimed cheerfully. ¡°Hey, why do you need to apologize when it¡¯s just us!¡± ¡­ What do you mean? Enoch looked at his brother with a dumbfounded face. Of course, Edward didn¡¯t blink an eye, he just said what he had to say. ¡°Sit, sit! Tea? Or alcohol?¡± ¡°¡­ Drinking alcohol in the morning, if the Queen knows, your ears will be full.¡± How sharp was the retorting voice? Edward grinned. ¡°Are you complaining that I interrupted your time with the Countess?¡± He must have hit the target. Seeing Enoch glaring at Edward with bloody eyes. Edward continued speaking. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s true that Helena won¡¯t like it, so let¡¯s drink tea for now.¡± So the two brothers sat down with teacups in front of them. ¡°Come to think of it, you¡¯ve been bothering my wife quite a bit this time, haven¡¯t you?¡± Edward stared at Enoch, his eyes twinkling. ¡°My brother, who clearly separates public affairs from private matters, has never asked me or my wife to do such a favor.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Does my brother think that the Countess of Brierton is that special?¡± Edward groaned mischievously. But it seemed that Enoch was determined to exercise his right to remain silent. Seeing him keep his mouth shut, Edward changed the topic without further ado. ¡°But you must have a lot of faith in the Countess, don¡¯t you? I was a little surprised to see you have introduced the Countess so confidently to my wife.¡± Then Enoch opened his mouth for the first time and answered. ¡°Yes.¡± It was a very natural tone. ¡®Oh, look at this.¡¯ Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Edward was a little startled. He didn¡¯t know Enoch would be so sure. *** Chapter 61 *** ¡°Brother must have heard it from the Queen.¡± (Enoch) The relationship of the King and Queen was very good, and it was only natural for the king to know what the Queen knew. On the contrary, Enoch asked confidently. ¡°Isn¡¯t brother also convinced? If we proceed with the Countess¡¯s idea, the exchange will be successful.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I think it¡¯s a fresh idea.¡± Edward responded with a slightly hesitant look on his face. ¡°It¡¯s Hwabang street, I never thought we would use that place.¡± It was true that he was frankly stunned. Because Hwabang Street was mainly used by commoners. It was unavoidable that Edward, who had been a royal all his life, could not immediately think of it¡­. ¡®Even though I am the King.¡¯ Although resentful that the Countess of Brierton had first recognized the value of the place first, he was grateful to the Countess. ¡®It is rare for aristocrats to take an interest in the commoners¡¯ district.¡¯ Even the Countess of Brierton was the head of one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom, she carefully examined and remembered the strengths of her country, and gave her time to help. Edward patted his chin and murmured. ¡°It¡¯s the art street. I know it¡¯s built on the outskirts of Langdon, but I¡¯ve never actually visited it before.¡± ¡°Thanks to the Countess, I went there for the first time.¡± The expression on Enoch¡¯s face, who said so, was not so bright. ¡°Well, I have a lot of thoughts.¡± ¡°Yes? What did you think?¡± ¡°I am a member of the royal family, and of course I should know every nook and cranny of my country, but¡­.¡± Enoch¡¯s voice suddenly became heavy. ¡°¡­ It felt like there were so many places I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°It made me reflect on my ignorance.¡± Enoch had a serious face. Edward, who was staring at his brother like that, suddenly opened his mouth. ¡°I have to admit, at least the Countess of Brierton has a good influence on you.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Hey, I know you were a guy who didn¡¯t pay any attention to anything.¡± For a moment, Enoch was speechless. Edward shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the first time you¡¯ve been interested in those around you?¡± It was true. At first he was deliberately indifferent to everything. He didn¡¯t want to argue with his one and only precious brother over the throne, because every little act of Enoch aroused people¡¯s greed. ¡®If the Prince I support takes the throne, wouldn¡¯t I be able to get credit for it?¡¯ Enoch was simply fed up with the greed of the people. That¡¯s why he distanced himself even more from people. As he lived like that for nearly ten years, his characteristic indifference was ingrained in his body. He knew that Edward and Helena were worried about him. He¡¯d rather live without paying attention to anything, because he thought he would be much more comfortable with it. ¡®Somehow¡­I think it¡¯s different now.¡¯ A sense of being focused on someone. His mind kept wandering, shaken, and was in a mess. Still, the feeling that the whole world brightened with her one smile. ¡®To be honest, it¡¯s not bad.¡¯ At the same time, Edward grinned. ¡°Do you know? You always put on that stupid face whenever the Countess of Brierton is the topic of the conversation.¡± Enoch paused. ¡°Do you really have to describe my face in such a vulgar language?¡± ¡°Look, you are angry with my words, but you won¡¯t deny what I said.¡± Edward asked sarcastically again. ¡°You can¡¯t say no, can you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± It hit the target. It would be better to be quiet here, so Enoch kept his mouth shut in dissatisfaction. Edward wanted to tease him more, but he stopped. ¡®Well, anyway, that guy seems to have noticed his feelings to some extent.¡¯ He thought it¡¯d be better to stop poking around and watch. ¡®Ha, there is no brother as generous as me.¡¯ Edward inwardly praised his own generosity. *** Time passed and the sun was setting. After finishing tea time with Helena, Ines was guided by the servant as she moved her steps. She was going to her carriage. ¡®By the way, Her Majesty the Queen never mentioned my divorce.¡¯ Ines reflected on the conversation she had with the queen today. What if Helena asked about her divorce, she was worried that the Queen wouldn¡¯t look at her divorce positively. Surprisingly, Helena did not bring up the topic of her divorce at all. Instead, she only showed interest in Ines¡¯ artistic achievements. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to burden you. However, I want you to know that the Duke of Sussex has high expectations for the Countess, and I also have expectations for you.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Helena¡¯s words suddenly came to her mind. At the same time, her nerves were again on Enoch. ¡®I had no idea that Elton meant that to the Duke.¡¯ After she heard that story, she realized how unreasonable she had asked Enoch. Her dark green eyes sank deeply. ¡®Nevertheless, he listened to my request.¡¯ The kindness Enoch showed her somehow made her heart ache. Because she didn¡¯t know what his kindness meant, and¡­. She was afraid that she might be swayed by Enoch¡¯s kindness, and they both might be hurt in the process¡­. ¡®Again, again!¡¯ For a moment, Ines rebuked herself. ¡®I¡¯m just thinking about the Duke again, really!¡¯ But then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡­Was she too engrossed in the thought of the Duke? She felt like she was hearing things. ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Countess, can¡¯t you hear my voice?¡± Then Ines, startled, looked up at Enoch. ¡°Ha, Duke?!¡± ¡°Yes, It¡¯s me.¡± It was Enoch. Ines blinked, becoming startled rabbit eyes. ¡°Your Excellency? I thought you went back already.¡± ¡°Um¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t much of a question, but it seemed that Enoch¡¯s answer was strangely late. After hesitating for a while, Enoch opened his mouth. ¡°It just felt a bit disappointing to just leave the palace.¡± ¡°Huh, why?¡± ¡°Maybe because I couldn¡¯t even say goodbye to the Countess of Brierton.¡± Ines doubted her ears. ¡®¡­¡­ Because of me?¡¯ Enoch in front of her had a rather embarrassed face. ¡°I wanted to meet face-to-face and greet you in person¡­.¡± Wasn¡¯t it too much for him to do that? ¡°Uh¡­¡± Ines was dazed for a while. Then she smiled and shook her head. ¡°I should rather say thank you. You let me participate in the art exchange.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because the Countess¡¯s idea is great.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s the Duke who passed on the idea to the Queen and recommended me.¡± Meanwhile, Ines¡¯s expression darkened without realizing it. What if it was Ryan? Rather than passing the idea on to the Queen in the first place, he would have taken her credit by claiming it was his. In an instant, Ines felt as if falling into an abyss. ¡°¡­Now I don¡¯t want to think about Ryan anymore. Why am I still not completely free from Ryan¡¯s shadow?¡¯ Meanwhile, Enoch noticed Ines¡¯s darkened expression. And he seemed to understand why she was making such a face. ¡®Probably because of Master Gott.¡¯ Enoch bit his teeth. Even though the divorce case has already been successfully completed, Ryan and Ines were no longer husband and wife. Ines sometimes has a grumpy face like that. Not long after her marriage ended, she was probably forced to reflect on Ryan¡¯s track record. He could understand it in his head. However, ¡­ In his heart, he didn¡¯t want to understand. ¡®I don¡¯t like the Countess thinking of another man.¡¯ That was his honest thought. He knew that he thought like a child, but when it came to Ines, his reason seemed to be lost. Enoch looked at Ines quietly. ¡®It might be offensive to mention Master Gott first.¡¯ Hasty consolation can sometimes unintentionally injure others. So, instead of talking about Ryan for, Enoch chose to switch the topic gently. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m glad to collaborate with the Countess once again.¡± Fortunately, Ines¡¯s expression brightened up quickly. ¡°I know. I am delighted to be able to work with you again.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± Enoch smiled and reached out to Ines to shake hands. ¡°I look forward to your future cooperation.¡± Ines looked down at Enoch¡¯s outstretched hand. Lancaster people think it¡¯s a virtue for women to stay home to take care and protect their families. She wasn¡¯t happy with that fact. But Enoch always sees her as his partner and treats her equally. Ines held Enoch¡¯s hand firmly and smiled brightly like the sunny sky. ¡°I look forward to your kind cooperation, too.¡± And Enoch thought that Ines¡¯s smile was truly dazzling. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only *** Support us if you like what we do. Chapter 62 *** After that, News related to the art exchange was featured in the Elton magazine. Among them, the thing that drew people¡¯s attention the most was that Countess of Brierton would join the management team of the exchange. ¡°How the hell did this happen!¡± Ryan, who was astonished enough to pass out, clutched the newspaper today and raised his voice. Ryan, with his eyes wide open, glared at the headline that appeared at the top of the Elton magazine as if he was about to eat it. {Exchange with Kaldorov confirmed! Her Majesty the Queen personally names the Countess of Brierton to join her management team! Today, Her Majesty the Queen announced that an art exchange with Kaldorov will be held soon. Her Majesty the Queen is hosting this art exchange herself, and the Duke of Sussex and the Countess of Brierton will participate as a management team. The Royal Arts Association questioned Countess of Brierton¡¯s achievements, but Her Majesty the Queen dismissed them at once¡­¡­ } After reading the article as if chewing on each letter like that. ¡°How, how could this be¡­ !¡± A sigh escaped Ryan¡¯s lips. ¡°Ines is in the management team of the art exchange?!¡± The hand that was holding the newspaper tightened. At least, it was clear that the Lancaster royal family attached great importance to this exchange. It was to the extent that Queen Helena was going to host this exchange herself. And Ines was selected to join the management team for the exchange. Considering that there has never been a history of female artists participating in the exchange before. The fact that Ines was in the management team proved how important she was to the current royal family. ¡°If only I hadn¡¯t divorced Ines¡­¡­ !¡± Ryan¡¯s eyes trembled. If only he had kept Ines by his side. He could have grabbed everything he wanted. Fame, royal favor, and even the envy of the people. All of it. A genius painter and socialite, Count Brierton could do just that. But what was the reality of Ryan now? ¡°I still can¡¯t even show my face outside, and I¡¯m being treated like trash¡­ Ines!¡± Ryan sharpened his teeth. It hurt his bones just to lose everything he had enjoyed so far, but there was a bigger problem. ¡°¡­¡­¡­ If it continues like this, it will have a huge impact on my family.¡± Ryan bit his lip until it bled. It¡¯s only been two weeks since Ines collected all the investment she had invested in the Gott¡¯s family. In that brief time, Viscount Gott realized in real time how much they had been parasitic to the Brierton. Although he managed not to sell off his estate, several of his buildings have already been sold to prevent the shortfall of funds. To convince Ines, Ryan¡¯s older brother (Viscount Gott), who had left confidently for the Brierton¡¯s residence, came back huffing. The appearance he had returned was still vividly seen. And his brother¡¯s irritable voice. ¡°Ines, that girl isn¡¯t as easy as I thought.¡± Viscount Gott tried to rebuild the business somehow, but to no avail. Like a sandcastle swept by the waves, the Gott¡¯s business was falling apart. Viscount Gott wandered around and tried to save the business, but in vain. Then one day. ¡°Ryan!¡± bang! The door was opened with a bang. Viscount Gott grabbed Ryan by the collar and pulled him up while Ryan was sleeping with his drunkenness. ¡°Ack, ack!¡± At the sensation of his suffocating breath, Ryan struggled hard. ¡°Ahhh! Brother, what is this¡­!?¡± ¡°Do something! We have to get help from that girl!¡± The Viscount¡¯s eyes, waving wildly at his younger brother, glistened with madness. ¡°One of the businesses has already gone out of business. At this rate, the whole business is really on the verge of bankruptcy!¡± ¡°Remove your hand for now¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°This is not the time to lie down after drinking like this!¡± That scream was still ringing in Ryan¡¯s ears. It was the first time that his older brother, who always acted as if he was on top of his head, showed such a desperate appearance. ¡°¡­¡­Sh*t.¡± The newspaper Ryan was holding in his hand had lost its original shape and was crumpled. To be honest, it was true that he had been as optimistic as possible up to this point. ¡®Anyway, will the business go bankrupt?¡¯ He was watching the situation. Their estate and properties were gone one by one and the faces of his brother and his mother were gradually deepened with wrinkles. Ryan also began to feel a sense of crisis. ¡°I have to reunite with Ines somehow, otherwise¡­!¡± But he couldn¡¯t think of a way. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Ines continued to be cold to Ryan, and things were even more complicated because of Charlotte. ¡°D*mn it!¡± Ryan felt like he was going crazy, and threw the crumpled ball of the newspaper on the floor. ¡°D*mn it, d*mn it¡­!¡± Not enough, he stomped on and trampled the newspapers. But there was no sign of any relief from the suffocation. *** Meanwhile, at that time. Today, there was another person whose eyes were turned over after checking Elton magazine. ¡°Aaaah!¡± That person was Charlotte. Unable to contain her anger, she pulled her hair and let out a loud scream. ¡°Ines, what the hell is that girl?!¡± While she was being thrown into the corner of the room like garbage, but Ines was winning every time? ¡°What? Art Exchange¡¯s management team? Management?!¡± A fever rose in her head. Charlotte stared at the newspaper with wild eyes. A fine detail in the newspaper caught her eyes. The Queen was smiling brightly, and Enoch and Ines were standing next to her. It was as if they were making fun of Charlotte in the picture. ¡°No, no!¡± Charlotte couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and she tore the newspaper to pieces. Newspaper fragments fall around as white as snow. ¡°What the hell was the Queen thinking? Ines is such a boring girl!¡± Charlotte had a reason to be angry like this. Basically, it was very honorable to be acquainted with the royal family. The fact that the Queen, who was the center of the current Lancaster social circle, to be by her side also meant that that person¡¯s influence on the social circle would increase at once. In other words, the one chosen by the Queen will become a celebrity in the social world. And Charlotte had always wanted to be the queen of the socialites. ¡°I, I have never¡­ ¡­ ¡­ !¡± She couldn¡¯t even talk to the Queen, let alone have a proper conversation! Anger and despondency burned her eyes white, Charlotte¡¯s shoulders shook. After teatime at Baroness Wickham¡¯s residence, Charlotte was never invited to any of the many social gatherings. All the ladies scurried away as if Charlotte had become like a plague patient. She showed her face at social gatherings, but people wouldn¡¯t look at her, and only a cold response was returned. ¡°Am I the only one who feels uncomfortable with Lady Jason?¡± ¡°Me too. Even when we ignore her¡­.¡± ¡°Why does she keep pretending to be close?¡± ¡°Even if you don¡¯t have a clue, it¡¯s enough.¡± People who once talked about all kinds of sweet things to get close to Charlotte and even men who liked her cut off contact at once. Even Ryan was ignoring her call because he was conscious of Ines. ¡°How could everyone do this to me, how!¡± Charlotte screamed once more as she pulled her hair. But the reality in front of her was still disastrous. *** On the other hand, Ines¡¯s participation in the art exchange caused various waves in various parts of society. Representatively, there was the Royal Art Association, where established artists gathered. A club full of cigar smoke. ¡°No matter how much Her Majesty the Queen believes in the Countess of Brierton, the art exchange is a major event between the two countries. When one of the gentlemen spoke up, the other gentlemen also followed suit like a swarm of bees ¡°You¡¯re right. Of course, I don¡¯t doubt the Countess¡¯s artistic talent, but¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Well, is it true that the Countess has never had a social life?¡± ¡°She only stayed in the house.¡± ¡°I have a lot of doubts whether she will be able to carry out her duties properly.¡± In addition, dissatisfaction with the art exchange¡¯s idea suggested by Ines also surfaced. ¡°Besides, this exchange will be held in the form of a festival, right?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this too frivolous to host the distinguished guests?¡± ¡°Everyone seems to have high expectations for this exchange, but I don¡¯t think it will be good for the position of the Countess if she makes a mistake.¡± ¡°If Kaldorov¡¯s envoys laugh at us, it¡¯s a big deal¡­¡± Numerous complaints, and words of checks disguised as worries. If they had to remove all of that and express only their blatant true intentions, it was roughly like this. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°¡¯It¡¯s not a good thing that the Countess of Brierton, a woman, plays an active part in the art exchange that used to be the domain of men.¡± **** Support us if you like what we do. CH 63 *** But they had yet to openly protest against the Countess of Brierton. It was because the Queen, as well as the Duke of Sussex, who had a great influence on the art world of the kingdom, fully believed in and supported the Countess. The first man who opened his mouth added sarcasm while spewing smoke from a cigar. ; ¡°Well, anyway, up until now, only good things have happened with the Countess.¡± The Brierton was one of the most prestigious in the kingdom, but since the death of Ines¡¯ parents, Ines had not come to the fore. The only heiress, Ines, had refrained from her outside activities after marrying Ryan. Ryan, who married Ines and became Count of Brierton, used it to his advantage. However, this time, as Ines helped the Queen with the art exchange, the Countess of Brierton came to the fore again. Meanwhile, The gentlemen who had gathered at the club chastised the thick, middle-aged man sitting next to them. ¡°Are you going to stay still, Marquis Usher?!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The art exchange was originally an event hosted by the venerable Royal Arts Association, isn¡¯t it?¡± ; At the arrow pointed at him, Marquis Usher spat out a groan in his mouth. Marquis Usher. He was the president of the Royal Arts Association and was a fairly prestigious aristocrat in the kingdom. However, no matter how much Marquis Usher acted as a focal point for the Lancaster noble artists, it was impossible to openly tell the royal family that there was a problem with the personnel management in this situation. ¡°The problem is that the royal family has the right to designate the management team as however they want.¡± Marquis Usher leaned back in his chair with an uncomfortable expression on his face. ¡°We cannot ask the management to remove the Countess of Brierton. It may seem like a protest against the royal family.¡± ¡°Then do we have to stand still like this?¡± One of the nobles was furious. Then Marquis Usher asked, with his eyes wide open. ¡°Who told you to stay still?¡± ¡°¡­I wonder if the Marquis has any insight?¡± ; ¡°I understand that the royal family attaches great importance to this exchange exhibition, but in that case, they should have chosen the Royal Art Association as the management team.¡± In fact, the royal family did not exclude the Royal Arts Association from this exchange exhibition. Before choosing Ines to join the management team, they had sought advice from the Royal Arts Association. It was in the sense of respecting the Royal Arts Association, which has been engaged in the exchange exhibitions so far. However, Marquis Usher did not speak of that part, but secretly encouraged the gentlemen. ¡°To choose the inexperienced Countess over the Royal Arts Association¡­¡± Marquis Usher looked around and shrugged his shoulders. ¡°In a way, isn¡¯t that an insult to us?¡± Marquis Usher folded his eyes. It was a sinister smile. ¡°So we¡¯ll have to act in our own way.¡± ¡°What kind¡­..¡± ¡°This exchange.¡± Marquis Usher¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Let¡¯s boycott.¡± *** On the other hand, no matter what people were talking about behind the scenes, Ines was busy preparing for the art exchange. Inside the large conference room at the Royal Palace. Ines and Enoch were sitting side by side, reviewing the papers. On the spacious six-person desk, the entire bird¡¯s-eye view of Hwabang Street, detailed maps, and pens were lying ; around. The sight itself proved how overworked they were. ¡°There are only two months left until the exchange.¡± ; Ines spoke with determination. The time allotted was not enough, and, above all, Ines sincerely wanted to make this exchange a success. ¡®I have to do well in this exchange.¡¯ In fact, the gains she would get by making the exchange a success were also benefits, but she was much more reluctant to disappoint Enoch. ¡®Besides, the Queen seems to have high expectations for this exchange.¡¯ ; Unsurprisingly, the Queen did not spare any support for this exchange. ¡°If you need anything, feel free to tell me.¡± The confident voice of Queen Helena rang in Ines¡¯ ears. And Helena strictly followed her own words. Not only did she approve the budget, but she also assigned administrators to help them with their work. And the magistrates had been up all night for three days already. As the Duke of Sussex and the Countess of Brierton did not intend to leave the palace, the officials under his command were naturally unable to leave the office. ¡®Okay, let¡¯s work harder.¡¯ Ines clenched her fists, thinking about how the magistrates would weep if they knew. Suddenly, she glanced at Enoch with a squint. ¡®¡­.But something is strange.¡¯ Her green eyes narrowed. Enoch by her side had a happy face since morning. To be more precise, since he checked Elton today, he seemed to have softened strangely¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡®I know that the newspaper didn¡¯t have anything special.¡¯ Ines tilted her head. Today¡¯s main article in Elton magazine was that the Queen announced that the art exchange would be held. In addition, from the perspective of Ines and Enoch, the issue of the exchange was informed by the Queen in advance. So there was no reason for Enoch to be affected by that article. ¡°Duke, did something good happen?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t now.¡± Unable to contain her curiosity, Ines asked a question, but Enoch only gave an ambiguous answer. Ines narrowed her brow. Contrary to the vague answer, Enoch¡¯s smile deepened. ¡®I think there¡¯s something about this.¡¯ But then, ¡°Isn¡¯t this enough reason to feel good?¡± Enoch turned to Ines and smiled mischievously. ¡°I¡¯m spending time with the Countess like this.¡± ¡°¡­¡± In an instant, Ines hardened on the spot. It was like he was talking about his normal daily life, saying, ¡°The weather is nice today.¡± It was just a casual voice. ¡®Maybe the Duke said that without any particular meaning.¡¯ Nevertheless. Ines felt her face heat up. Once again, she was caught up in it. ¡®Calm down, Ines.¡¯ She gently bit the soft skin in her mouth. ¡®I can¡¯t concentrate on my work. What if I get excited like this?¡¯ ¡°I am very glad that the Duke values the time you spend with me so much.¡± ; The dark green eyes faced Enoch shyly, and he smiled brightly. ¡°Then I must work hard so I don¡¯t go against the expectations of the Duke, right?¡± ; With those words, Ines laid the papers on the desk. The sound of a square pen scratching the paper rang out. ; ¡°First of all, what we should focus on in this exchange is, I think¡­¡­ ¡± Enoch looked at Ines like that. While Ines was focusing on work, he had a hard time concentrating on his work at the moment. ¡®This is too much.¡¯ The morning sun dazzlingly scattered through the window and shimmered across Ines¡¯s dark brown hair that was carefully braided so that not even a single strand of her hair loosened. Ines¡¯ sparkling dark green eyes focused on the papers and her white hand busily making notes of the ideas that came to her mind. That figure was full of enthusiasm¡­ She was inevitably lovable. His heart kept beating fast. But calming his heart was not something Enoch wanted to do. He just wanted to capture and protect Ines¡¯s passionate image. ¡®In order to do that, I have to gradually exclude those who are hostile to the Countess¡­.¡¯ In an instant, his blue eyes sank deeply. ¡®By the way, Baron Jason¡¯s young Lady continues to be in misery.¡¯ There was also a reason why Enoch had a good feeling when he checked out Elton today. Charlotte has been using Ines as a springboard into social circle. Besides, she had a lot of greed, so today, the article was going to be quite painful for her. While Ines had reached the center of the social circle enough to interact directly with the Queen, Charlotte was now removed from the social circle. This would be the revenge for slapping Ines on the cheek. ¡®I¡¯m a little childish.¡¯ Thinking like that, Enoch narrowed his brow and smiled bitterly. It didn¡¯t matter because all he cared about was Ines. In any case, he was never going to ignore the attack on Ines. Of course, considering that Ines would be burdened, he had to be careful so she wouldn¡¯t notice. But then. ¡°Duke?¡± A piercing voice called out to Enoch. Enoch, who had come to his senses, lifted his head, and his eyes met Ines¡¯s. ¡°¡­huh, Countess?¡± Then Ines narrowed her brow and pointed at her pen. ¡°Duke, would you mind paying a little more attention?¡± ¡°Um, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Enoch apologized with an awkward face. *** *Enoch, pay attention in class! Don¡¯t daydream about the teacher! ???? CH 64 Ines looked at Enoch with a sullen face and got down to business. ¡°For now, my goal is to complete the preliminary investigation of Hwabang street for a week, then write a report and post it to the Queen.¡± Ines raised her pen upright and opened her mouth. ¡°After that, we have to plan on how large the exchange will be in accordance with the budget allocated to us¡­¡± Ines, who had been talking, looked at Enoch with a momentary sigh. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m doing things too arbitrarily?¡± ¡°No. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s reasonable enough.¡± Enoch shook his head playfully. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m allowed to continue to do this.¡± ¡°Well, I forgive you for that. The reason I was able to join the management team was because of Your Excellency.¡± Ines also responded playfully. Enoch smiled and asked a question. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯d like to hear more about that part.¡± ¡°Um¡­ well, like I said before.¡± Ines pulled a white piece of paper and wrote ¡®festival¡¯ on it. ¡°I was thinking about making this exchange exhibition a festival.¡± Ines continued, circling around the word festival. ¡°If that happens, it will not be a format that allows you to view the works of artists in a uniform way.¡± There was heat in her voice. ¡°For example¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Let¡¯s say there are musicians.¡± Ines raised her head to meet Enoch¡¯s gaze. ¡°What if the musician was playing music on the street?¡± ¡°Well, if his performance is excellent, he will naturally attract audiences, right?¡± However, it seemed that Ines was not looking for such a principled answer. Ines stared at Enoch. ¡°And?¡± ¡°And¡­ well, the artists participating in the exchange exhibition are not just performers¡­¡± Enoch, who had been pondering for a long time, asked with a questionable voice. ¡°¡­ For example, if there is a dancer nearby, maybe she will dance to the music or something?¡± ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Ines exclaimed excitedly. ¡°I am hoping for what you said. To allow artists to freely interact with each other and to appreciate each other¡¯s art.¡± Ines chattered with a happy face. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ Enoch imagined the scene for a moment. It sure would look like it¡¯s going to be a great show. Above all, the artists participating in the exchange exhibition were selected and chosen from each country. Obviously, the quality of their art would be excellent. ¡°Okay. Naturally, various small-scale performances will occur sporadically on the street.¡± Enoch continued to speak, deep in thought. ¡°The audience can watch the show as they please, or if they don¡¯t like the show, they can move on to watch something else.¡± Ines nodded her head eagerly in response to Enoch¡¯s words. Perhaps because of that reaction, Enoch was motivated to share his thoughts a little more. ¡°Artists must be a little nervous, too, because they can see the likes and dislikes of the public right in front of their eyes. Anyway, I think it will be a pretty unique atmosphere¡­¡± In an instant, Enoch¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®I didn¡¯t expect to be like this.¡¯ Up until now, performance and art had been close to the culture of the aristocracy. Expensive, noble, monopolized by a few. Luxurious viewings in the grand opera house, lofty concert hall, or ballet theatre. Enjoying those hobbies proved that they were upper class. In addition, it was limited to the critics or nobles who had built up artistic culture since childhood to evaluate the artists. Ordinary people were naturally alienated from evaluating art because they were outsiders. When it came to art, even Enoch himself, who had a very awake view, thought so unconsciously. The views of the people of Lancaster were probably not too different from that of Enoch himself. ¡°Of course, it is not that there have been no street performances so far, but a small number of amateurs have an opportunity.¡± Dark green eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. Enoch stared at Ines as if possessed. ¡®Countess of Brierton.¡¯ Such a culture itself should be enjoyed fairly by all, and that anyone could freely evaluate it. ¡°But this time, in a place that anyone can easily access, the quality of the professionals invited to the exchange event is high.They can watch the show for free.¡± Meanwhile, Ines was so absorbed in the conversation that she did not notice Enoch¡¯s startled expression at all. She continued cheerfully. ¡°It¡¯s good for the audience, and above all, it helps amateur artists on the street.¡± For a while Enoch was bewildered. His eyes widened. ¡°I see. Because this event is an exchange event.¡± ¡°Right. The exchange exhibition is a place to discuss and have conversations about each other¡¯s artistic ideas, right?¡± Ines smiled. ¡°It¡¯s an opportunity to see, listen to, and get advice from high-value professionals. Perhaps the artists on the street will come with their eyes lit?¡± Then she added a sarcastic remark. ¡°Why, you know what Kaldorov says all the time? Lancaster¡¯s art is the property of the nobility, and we are different.¡± Ines stiffened her neck, mimicking a virtual self-respecting artist. After that, She gave strength and concluded her speech. ¡°This exchange will show that we can do as well as, no, better than Kaldorov.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Enoch¡¯s eyes twinkled. The exchange exhibition was an event for the upper classes, mainly led by the royal family and aristocrats. However, if they followed Ines¡¯ idea, really, regardless of status or wealth, everyone on Hwabang Street could enjoy art that suited their taste. ¡®Fresh¡­¡­ Amazing.¡¯ Even though he already heard the explanation about the idea several times, it continued to feel new. ¡°¡­Of course, the report must be well written so that Her Majesty the Queen can understand and approve it, and the budget must also be allocated efficiently.¡± On the other hand, Ines, who had been talking for a while, quietly looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡°My, am I too excited?¡± It was only later that she realized that. At the same time, Enoch quietly nodded his head. ¡°I¡¯m sure the Countess can do it.¡± ¡°Ha, aren¡¯t you too confident?¡± Ines asked sarcastically. ¡°If I had to dare, I still only have a concept, so I have to come up with an actual plan¡­ .¡± ¡°No, the Countess can do it.¡± But Enoch answered firmly once more. Ines blinked blankly. ¡°So believe in yourself and go ahead.¡± Adding those words, Enoch smiled softly. ¡°I am very happy to be able to help the Countess too.¡± Ines looked at Enoch as if possessed. Those beautiful eyes, full of pure trust. It was like being trapped in a blue sea. She couldn¡¯t move. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Ines thought, feeling like she was about to cry. ¡®I think the Duke is special.¡¯ If not, her heart would not be tangled up like this with a single word of light kindness. Ines, who nodded her head meekly, gave strength to her eyes. ¡°I believe what the Duke said.¡± In response, Enoch¡¯s smile widened a little. That bright smile lingered for a long time as if stamped in Ines¡¯ eyes. She couldn¡¯t help it as her heart raced. But then. With a brief knock, a servant appeared. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Duke of Sussex. And Countess of Brierton.¡± The servant swallowed dry saliva and opened his mouth. ¡°The Queen is looking for you two urgently.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Us? Right Now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± There was a deep wrinkle on Enoch¡¯s forehead. He had a feeling something wasn¡¯t right. And that prediction was exactly right. *** ¡°Here you are.¡± Helena¡¯s face as she looked back at the two of them was full of sorrow. Then she dropped a bomb. ¡°The Royal Art Association has informed me that they will not participate in this exchange.¡± ¡°What? What do you mean¡­.?¡± Surprised, Ines clouded the end of her words without realizing it. As if she had a headache, Helena continued, rubbing her forehead. ¡°It sounds like we have to boycott.¡± ¡°¡­ Why?¡± ¡°For superficial reasons, they humbled themselves, saying that they don¡¯t think they would be of any help in the exchange. But the real reason is¡­¡± Helena¡¯s gaze shifted to Ines. Ines raised her lips and said in a sure voice. ¡°It¡¯s because of me.¡± CH 65 A female painter protruding like an awl hidden in the pocket. Even the reason why Ines got the attention in the first place was to prove her talent by exposing her husband¡¯s cheating. For established artists, it was shameful that such evils were exposed to the outside. If she had been of lower status, they would have trampled on her. Ines was the head of a noble family of Brierton, and was also protected by the Duke of Sussex. So she already had vested interests, wasn¡¯t she enough to be considered a thorn in the Royal Art Society? Enoch opened his mouth. ¡°So, did they even turn down the advice the Countess had given in advance?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Helena nodded her head heavily. ¡°I mean¡­¡± Enoch¡¯s eyes narrowed coldly. ¡°Then I will prove it.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°To prove that they are of no help for this exchange as they said.¡± Enoch twisted his lips. It was a cold sneer. ¡°Literally, the existence of the Royal Art Association will be completely erased from the exchange exhibition.¡± ¡°¡­ Would it be okay?¡± Ines asked cautiously. Enoch shrugged his shoulders and asked. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Because the Royal Art Association has been the mainstay of the exchange exhibitions so far¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Well, in words, they have been.¡± Enoch answered sternly. ¡°Aren¡¯t the achievements that the prestigious Royal Art Association has achieved in exchange exhibitions so far very poor?¡± ¡°¡­..¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Ines and Helena were speechless. It seemed that Enoch was very angry. He had given up his gentle manners and showed a sarcastic appearance. ¡®There is truth to the words of the Duke.¡¯ Ines fully understood Enoch¡¯s words. What was the reason Ines joined the management team in the first place? Of course, there was also a reason that Kaldorov looked down on Lancaster¡¯s conservative art world. Basically, it was because the Royal Art Association had not produced any results in recent exchange exhibitions. Enoch asked in a sharp voice. ¡°Besides, even if someone is not an artist from the Royal Academy of Arts, that doesn¡¯t mean they are not talented.¡± Ines¡¯ eyes widened a little. ¡°As I visited Hwabang Street this time, I looked at many things.¡± Enoch spoke carefully. ¡°I think the art world over there is, in a good sense, a little different from the elite art of the Royal art association.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°Art is naturally blended into the living space. It has a unique charm. It was interesting.¡± Non-mainstream not recognized by the mainstream Royal Art Association. People in Hwabang Street survived a day by selling their art. However, there was no reason to be ignored unconditionally just because it was non-mainstream. ¡°Also, as the Countess of Brierton said, ¡®opportunity to experience each other¡¯s art¡¯.¡± ¡°Ah yes.¡± ¡°Why should we give that opportunity to the Royal art association?¡± huh? In response to the unexpected question, Ines blinked bewilderedly. Enoch¡¯s smile grew a little darker. ¡°Let¡¯s show them that we can do it without them.¡± ¡°You mean¡­.¡± ¡°For artists affiliated with the Royal Art Association, please omit invitations.¡± Among the two women who had startled rabbit eyes, only Enoch had a calm face. ¡°Anyway, this exchange exhibition is going to be centered on the street, so the direction is different anyway.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t that too radical?¡± Queen Helena asked with a questionable face. ¡°I still don¡¯t know what Hwabang Street is like. But if we proceed in the direction of the Duke of Sussex¡­.¡± Helena, who had blurted her words for a moment, looked at Enoch worriedly. ¡°I know at least that it will be an unconventional exchange.¡± Helena asked Enoch again. ¡°Can I really trust you? If the exchange fails in this way, the dignity of the royal family will be greatly damaged.¡± ¡°Yes. You can believe it.¡± Enoch nodded his head without hesitation. ¡°The Countess of Brierton came up with the idea, and I tested it.¡± ¡°Duke Sussex¡­¡± ¡°I am not a person who appreciates someone¡¯s talent recklessly.¡± It was just a calm voice, as if telling the truth. ¡°Of course you¡¯re not, but¡­¡± Helena, who took a deep breath, looked at her brother in law fondly. ¡°Do well. Okay?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch, who replied with a smile, looked back at Ines. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines straightened her posture and met Enoch¡¯s gaze. Enoch gave strength to his speech. ¡°Countess, no matter how the external situation unfolds, focus only on the exchange. I¡¯ll deal with whatever else.¡± ¡°Oh¡­.¡± Ines was stunned for a moment. She feared that the Duke would feel burdened, and he would not be able to carry out the plan to the end. But seeing his determination and courage, Ines couldn¡¯t help but admired. ¡°Yes, I will do my best.¡± Ines, too, had no choice but to live up to Enoch¡¯s expectations with all the strength she had. *** After that, Ines really obeyed only Enoch¡¯s advice. It meant that she did not pay any attention to the external reaction and focused on preparing for the exchange. Every time she went to Hwabang street, she looked around, and obtained the consent of the people on the street to proceed with the exchange, and started writing a report in earnest. She was greatly helped by Enoch, especially about the budget. Enoch was a really good helper, and just having him by her side was enough to make her feel like she had a thousand people. ¡°The residents of Hwabang Street should be compensated sufficiently.¡± Long graceful fingers clutching a pen and writing notes on paper. Ines looked at the document written on the basis of the need to increase the budget. ¡®Again today, the staff will work overtime.¡¯ Ines mourned in her heart, towards the staff, who had to deal with the paperwork. To double the budget, the staff had to run sweaty all day today. Ines opened her mouth sincerely. ¡°I am very glad that the Duke has taken on this task.¡± With those words, the gaze that had been fixed on the paperwork raised upwards. Facing the brightly shining blue eyes, Ines smiled gently. ¡°Actually, this exchange exhibition is a bit different from the events we¡¯ve held so far, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Countess.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my first time doing this, so there are a lot of difficulties here and there, but if you hadn¡¯t been by my side, I would definitely have given up.¡± Ines¡¯s smile grew a little deeper. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± At Ines¡¯s words, Enoch blinked his eyes as if he was stunned. ¡°¡­Uh, if we want to report to the Queen, we need to supplement this budget as well.¡± He coughed briefly and turned his head away. Ines tilted her head, and her eyes widened. ¡®No way¡­is he embarrassed?¡¯ For some reason, the nape of the Duke¡¯s neck had turned red. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can work this efficiently. I think I have to learn how to distribute the budget from the Duke.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°How come you¡¯re good at everything? I don¡¯t think I can even keep up with your heels.¡± Well, it was not like it was not true. Ines, who was playful, deliberately continued to praise Enoch. Then, the nape of Enoch¡¯s neck grew even redder. ¡®No, is he really embarrassed?¡¯ Ines was bewildered. ¡°¡­Your Excellency is surprisingly weak at compliments, isn¡¯t it?¡± Then Enoch protested in a rather dissatisfied voice. ¡°I¡¯m not always weak.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°My reaction depends on who is praising.¡± Then Ines asked innocently. ¡°Can I interpret that as you are embarrassed because I am praising you?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± For some reason, feeling lost the more he spoke, Enoch shut his mouth tightly. ¡°Ah¡­¡± At the same time, the sound of laughter blowing through Ines¡¯ lips. Enoch narrowed his brow and glared at Ines. ¡°..Do you really have to laugh like that?¡± ¡°No, I never meant to tease you!¡± Ines hastily waved her hand. ¡°I just thought that the Duke also has such a cute side.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I offended you.¡± Ines quietly looked into Enoch¡¯s eyes. But she still had a smile on her lips that she couldn¡¯t hide. Because the Duke was irresistibly lovely¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll let it go this time.¡± In the end, Enoch himself laughed out loud. It was really strange. Even if it was just a pointless conversation, just the fact that the person he was talking to was Ines. His mood was endlessly pleasant. CH 66 So, after many twists and turns, the report was finally completed. Was it because of the time and effort of Enoch, Ines, and countless staff? The report was absolutely flawless. ¡°Oh my God, I haven¡¯t seen such a perfect report in a very long time.¡± Even Helena, who took care of the royal palace¡¯s internal affairs and owned numerous palace staff, became surprised with rabbit eyes. Meanwhile, Enoch asked Helena secretly. ¡°By the way, what is the reaction of the Royal Art Association?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not much different from what we expected.¡± Perhaps, if the Royal Art Association put a super strong force that they withdrew from the exchange, the royal family would bend their will. Quite the contrary, however. ¡°Then the Royal Art Association will be completely absent from this exchange.¡± ¡°Are you going to hold an exchange exhibition without the Royal Art Association?!¡± ¡°How could that be!¡± ¡°There has never been such a precedent!¡± Perhaps they completely forgot that they said they would not be joining in the first place, the members of the Royal Art Association jumped up and complained. Enoch neatly ignored the objection. Although Helena was skeptical of Enoch¡¯s reaction. She didn¡¯t say more, as she had already agreed to give Ines and Enoch strength. After that, the schedule was straightforward. The last remaining schedule was for the queen to personally inspect the Hwabang street where the exchange exhibition was going to be held. ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was such a unique place in Langdon.¡± Helena, who visited the street, was delighted like a little child when receiving an unexpected gift. ¡°The Countess of Brierton has done a great job of discovering a place like this.¡± ¡°Since this is a commoner¡¯s district, it is unlikely that the Queen would come here herself.¡± ¡°Thank you. It is thanks to the Countess that this exchange is going smoothly.¡± Helena praised Ines. ¡°This is enough for you to face the the Royal Art Association without problems.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m flattered.¡± Ines didn¡¯t want to show it on the outside, but she was extremely proud on the inside that her shoulders were full of strength. And Enoch could not take his eyes off of Ines. ¡®How can a person be so cute?¡¯ On the other hand, there was one person who was paying close attention to the strange air currents of these two people. ¡®Oh.¡¯ It was Queen Helena. Her eyes twinkled. ¡°By the way, I think it would be a good idea for you two to participate as partners at the celebration before the exchange exhibition. What do you think? ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Both Ines and Enoch were bewildered at the same time. Both of them looked at the Queen with their eyes wide open. ¡®How did they even have the same surprised expression?¡¯ The Queen narrowed her eyes and smiled mischievously. ¡°Why, you two are the management team of this exchange, are you not?¡± ¡°Yes, but.¡± ¡°So, does it sound so strange to be partners at the celebration?¡± Helena shrugged her shoulders as if she was proud of herself. ¡°It would be a lot easier to deal with a lot of things if you¡¯re together.¡± As if she had already thought about the matter for a long time, Helena¡¯s words were truly convincing. In fact, this was the right opportunity. ¡®Uh, what?!¡¯ Ines, not knowing what to do, glanced back at Enoch. It was because she was worried about what would happen if she was the only one who was conscious of Enoch. ¡®Huh?¡¯ For a moment, Ines had a slightly startled face. Because Enoch, who had always been calm, was also rarely perplexed. ¡®I thought His Excellency would think of such a problem as strictly business.¡¯ Surprisingly, this was not the case. If he had not been conscious of Ines at all, there was no reason to show such an embarrassed face. It was a bit embarrassing, but Ines was also happy. ¡®It¡¯s a relief that the Duke doesn¡¯t refuse to be my partner.¡¯ Ines, who had thought that way without thinking, immediately stiffened her shoulders. ¡®¡­ Since when did I feel happy looking at the Duke¡¯s every expression?¡¯ As if a pebble had been thrown into a still lake. In an instant, her heart fluttered. ¡°Anyway, think about the partner suggestion and let me know. Okay?¡± Helena didn¡¯t blink her eyes and reminded them. Then she went back to the royal palace. At the same time, Enoch carefully spoke to Ines. ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Yes? Yes?¡± Ines looked at Enoch in surprise. Enoch pondered for a moment, then lifted his lips heavily. ¡°About us being partners for this celebration¡­.It was just an arbitrary suggestion from Her Majesty.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I know.¡± ¡°So, if you feel uncomfortable, you can say no.¡± Ines remained silent. She knew it herself. Because Enoch cared for her, fearing that she would feel embarrassed. So the best answer here was¡­. ¡°Thank you for your consideration. It¡¯s up to us to find a party partner.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Enoch agreed with much effort, or to calm his shaky heart. It was better to keep the distance as far away as possible. However. ¡°The Queen has ordered it.¡± Ines said, pulling her lips together. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Upon hearing the unexpected answer, Enoch¡¯s eyes widened a little. Ines continued to speak, pretending to be calm. ¡°The Queen has personally proposed it, how can we refuse?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s because of Her Majesty, don¡¯t worry, I can tell her separately.¡± Enoch answered politely. ¡®That ignorant man!¡¯ Unknowingly, Ines opened her eyes and looked at Enoch. ¡°No!¡± ¡°Countess¡­.?¡± ¡°I will be your partner.¡± Ines spoke firmly. ¡°You mean¡­¡± ¡°I mean I¡¯ll be your partner for this celebration. That¡¯s all.¡± As if there was no such thing as self-interest, so as not to even doubt it. Ines nailed the lever. Enoch looked puzzled for a moment, but then nodded his head. ¡°Yes, the Countess accepted the offer for the exhibition.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Ines replied with coyness. At the same time, an unexpectedly sweet voice landed in her ear. ¡°I¡¯m happy though.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°The Countess will be my partner.¡± Because that smile that slowly spread over his beautiful face was so dazzling. Ines was able to forget for a moment the deep rooted question. ¡®The Queen only asked the opinion of me and the Duke, but she did not force it at all.¡¯ Still, using the Queen¡¯s words as an excuse, Ines accepted Enoch¡¯s partner proposal. *** So time passed like that. Finally, Kaldorov¡¯s delegation entered the country. It was a truly luxurious delegation with many famous artists in Kaldorov. The royal couple directly greeted the delegation. ¡°Welcome to Lancaster, delegations from Kaldorov.¡± ¡°My Majesty the King of Lancaster and Her Majesty the Queen have been so welcoming, what an honor.¡± Courtesy greetings came and went. Ines and Enoch stood right behind the royal couple and politely bowed to the delegation. ¡°Today¡¯s schedule was a celebration to commemorate the exchange exhibition.¡± Ines looked back over the future schedule in her head. The official exchange exhibition would be held tomorrow. And tomorrow, Enoch and Ines decided to take charge of carrying out the mission. Ines, who remembered the whole process¡­ ¡®What should I do, I think I¡¯m going to die from nervousness.¡¯ Her lips trembled as she smiled desperately. Her gloved hands were damp with cold sweat. But then. Enoch glanced at Ines. Their eyes met. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines felt her breathing became easier for a moment. CH 67 When they first met over the divorce issue with Ryan, those blue eyes were just insensitive. Now his gaze was filled with a glimmer of concern. She couldn¡¯t be unaware that Enoch was worried about her. That momentary glance alone was enough to comfort her. ¡®¡­ I feel like the tension is going away.¡¯ As proof of that, her stiff shoulders softened. At that time, the Queen pointed to Enoch and Ines. ¡°I introduce the Duke of Sussex and the Countess of Brierton.¡± In an instant, people¡¯s eyes turned in this direction. Ines reflexively straightened her back and lifted her chin slightly. As the only heir to a prestigious family, she had an aristocratic attitude that had been educated all her life. She used to be a passive woman. Now, she seemed to be overflowing with confidence in every action she made. No matter what she thought inside, her outward appearance was full of confidence that did not bow to anyone. There was a gleam in people¡¯s eyes. ¡°The two were the core of this exchange, and they oversaw the operation.¡± Just then, Helena spoke in a powerful voice. ¡°I am confident, but you can look forward to this exchange.¡± For a moment, people¡¯s eyes widened a little. It was very unusual for the queen of a country to praise someone so directly. Even though the Duke of Sussex, who was already famous for his artistic savvy, made a concession¡­ Her Majesty also mentioned the Countess of Brierton. At least, it seemed to be true that Helena had a high regard for Ines. Helena spoke softly. ¡°I would like to give a big round of applause to the two people who have worked hard in this exchange exhibition.¡± Clap clap! A loud applause rang out. At the same time, Ines¡¯ eyes fluttered slightly. It had been a long time since she had felt such an overwhelming feeling. The most similar feeling to this¡­ The overwhelming satisfaction she felt when her existence was recognized for the first time at Enoch¡¯s art exhibition. ¡®If it wasn¡¯t for the Duke, I would have had to live my whole life without knowing this feeling.¡¯ Come to think of it, didn¡¯t all of her positive changes come through Enoch? Ines looked at Enoch with gratitude. And Enoch. ¡°Thank you, but I am ashamed that my name and the Countess¡¯s name are mentioned together.¡± Turning the credits to Ines, Enoch took a step back. ¡°What?¡± Confused, Ines¡¯ eyes widened. Enoch noticed her gaze and smiled. ¡°The first idea for this exchange was all from the Countess of Brierton. I¡¯d just expand her idea. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Oh, Duke.¡± ¡°So this applause deserves to be fully received by the Countess of Brierton.¡± Feeling a bit choked up, Ines pressed her lips together. She felt like something hot was being fired from the depths of her chest. Helena, who was watching her, smiled gracefully. ¡°Then have a nice party.¡± With those words, the atmosphere of the banquet began to ripen in earnest. Enoch entertained the other distinguished guests in the banquet hall, and Ines headed to Kaldorov¡¯s delegation. ¡°Nice to meet you, Ines Brierton.¡± ¡°Ah, you are the management team of this exchange.¡± ¡°Yes. I just want to thank you for attending this celebration.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome. We are really impressed with this hospitality.¡± The delegation¡¯s response was also quite favorable. Ines, who smiled softly, spoke calmly. ¡°I hope that through this exchange, Lancaster and Kaldorov will develop a deeper relationship.¡± ¡°So do I. I am looking forward to the exchange tomorrow.¡± Meanwhile, people were surprised to see Ines speaking skillfully with Kaldorov¡¯s delegation. ¡°Don¡¯t you think the Countess has changed a lot from what she used to be?¡± ¡°Yes. She¡¯s not nervous at all when dealing with delegations from other countries.¡± ¡°By the way, I heard that the Queen has a lot of trust in the Countess¡­.¡± ¡°Really, who knew that the Countess of Brierton would rise so quickly?¡± They lowered their voices around her, whispering, and Ines was absorbed in the conversation with the delegation. The representative of the delegation¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity. ¡°By the way, they said the Countess mainly paints in watercolor, but isn¡¯t oil painting the mainstream in Lancaster?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. But it takes at least one non-mainstream person like me to make the art world colorful in the future. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± The man smiled broadly at Ines¡¯s witty answer. ¡°Heh heh, that¡¯s right.¡± However, not everyone was satisfied with the warm atmosphere. Typically, established artists belonging to the Royal Art Association were looking at Ines with a somewhat wary gaze. She was not exactly an artist of the Royal Art Society, but a noblewoman with titles. They said they wouldn¡¯t want to be involved in this exchange, but they came anyway. They did not want to miss the opportunity to stamp their presence on the king and queen, as well as foreign guests. Perhaps they themselves knew that their actions were frivolous, but they didn¡¯t come directly to Ines. Without resting their mouths, they talked about this and that. ¡°Will this exchange really go well?¡± ¡°Well, the Queen is very confident¡­¡± ¡°Still, you have to see it once to know.¡± A mixture of jealousy, envy, and insidious malice gleamed over the eyes that squinted at Ines. The secret hidden between their conversations could, in fact, be summed up in one line. ¡®It would be more refreshing to see them ruined.¡¯ And among those who harbored such malice, Ryan, who roamed the banquet hall like oil floating in water. ¡®Damn it, I have to see with my own eyes how Ines wins like that¡­¡­ ¡¯ Ryan felt angry and hurt. Today Ryan was alone. In the first place, there was only one invitation that the royal family gave out to the Viscount Gott. ¡®The Count of Brierton received an unlimited number of invitations, what the hell is this!¡¯ The Lancaster people could see clearly which families were more important. It was enough to estimate the power of the family by itself. ¡°I heard that only one person of the Gott family was invited.¡± ¡°Somehow, it¡¯s so different from when he was Count of Brierton.¡± Inevitably, Ryan had to hear such a secret sneer from behind. Even Ryan wasn¡¯t invited today. Usually, a royal banquet was attended by the head of a family and his or her spouse. ¡°I¡¯ll try to convince Ines somehow, huh?¡± Ryan insisted that he would attend instead of his brother. ¡°No, how the hell do I trust you?¡± Viscount Gott fired angrily, but eventually handed over the invitation to Ryan. Because he didn¡¯t like Ines either. Although he drank a lot of alcohol the other day and went to visit Ines, he lashed out. When it comes to improving his relationship with Ines, he thought that Ryan would have a slightly higher win rate than himself. But despite the commotion and attendance at the celebration, so far Ryan had achieved nothing. This was because Ines was surrounded by numerous nobles. ¡®How can I not even speak word until now?¡¯ So while he was groaning inside. ¡®Wait a minute.¡¯ For a moment, Ryan¡¯s eyes lit up. It was because he suddenly remembered what had happened with Ines the other day. The day Ines retracted all the investment she had invested in the Gott family. Viscount Gott prepared a present and went to visit Ines, but in vain. Ines threw the gift he had sent to the trash, and he could still see his brother¡¯s furious expression. ¡®Then, can¡¯t this be interpreted to mean that she has received a gift?¡¯ Even if it was shameful, wasn¡¯t this an excuse to talk about it? Ryan smiled slyly. ¡®Great.¡¯ At the same time, Ines was engaging in conversation with the nobles. If he chimed in unexpectedly, Ines wouldn¡¯t be able to treat him coldly in front of the nobles. With that calculation in mind, Ryan secretly spoke to Ines. ¡°Did the Countess of Brierton participated in the exchange this time?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ines stared at Ryan with a bitter face. But Ryan only smiled shamelessly. CH 68 ¡°Her Majesty the Queen recognized the Countess of Brierton¡¯s ability with a keen eye.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°I am very fortunate to be able to show off the Count¡¯s abilities to the fullest through this exchange.¡± Being able to speak without wavering was also a talent. In the first place, the reason Ines couldn¡¯t showcase her talent as a painter was because Ryan stole her identity. Moreover, there were too many hostile people who wouldn¡¯t accept women artists in the society. Even so, Ines was in a position to reduce friction as much as possible as the management team of the exchange exhibition. ¡®He knows he¡¯s in trouble so he talks to me on purpose.¡¯ Ines narrowed her brow. Ryan spoke in a soft tone. ¡°Come to think of it, thank you so much for accepting the gift I sent you a while ago.¡± ¡°¡­¡± For a moment, Ines¡¯ eyes went cold. Although Ryan was saying thank you out loud, Ines could see through his intention. When she didn¡¯t turn down the gift, it meant that she wasn¡¯t completely done with Ryan. As evidence of that, the surrounding nobles looked a little surprised and curious. ¡°Did you accept the present?¡± ¡°But aren¡¯t you two already divorced?¡± ¡°Why do you give your ex-wife a present¡­?¡± At the same time, Ines smiled brightly. ¡°Oh, I should have told you in advance, but I was so busy that I forgot.¡± ¡°Tell me what?¡± Ryan¡¯s face hardened slightly. Smooth words followed. ¡°Would you mind waiting a moment?¡± Ines apologized and beckoned to a nearby servant. ¡°I have a document I left in the locker, will you bring it to me?¡± ¡°Yes, Countess.¡± The servant answered politely. People looked at the back of the servant, who was moving away, with eyes full of curiosity. Ryan asked with suspicion. ¡°¡­a document?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see when you see it.¡± As soon as he heard those words, Ryan felt his chest inflate like a balloon with anticipation. ¡®Are you trying to loosen up a little bit of Gott¡¯s financial line?¡¯ In fact, what kind of documents would Ryan receive from Ines officially? ¡®After all, Ines must have not completely given up on me!¡¯ He tried to straighten his expression, but Ryan¡¯s lips were already grinning. Ines looked at Ryan pathetically. After that, In the hand of the servant who returned, he held a fairly luxurious envelope. Ines took it from him and handed it to Ryan. ¡°No, what is all this¡­¡­¡­¡± Ryan, who took the envelope with a happy and excited face, immediately hardened. It was because the document was completely different from what he expected. ¡°¡­¡­This?¡± The name of a place he had never thought of was clearly engraved on top of the luxury envelope. ¡®Turner Orphanage.¡¯ Ines¡¯s smile grew a little darker. ¡°Open it.¡± People¡¯s eyes were already focused on this. Unable to overcome the pressure of those gazes, Ryan hesitated and pulled out the document. The document with the seal of the orphanage was revealed. ¡°¡­A donation certificate?¡± Ryan looked down at the deed with a puzzled face. Ines¡¯s smile grew deeper. ¡°Yes. In the name of Viscount Gott, I donated the same amount of the gift you gave me.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Ryan was taken aback. He glared at Ines with bloody eyes. Whether he was angry or not, Ines simply continued to speak. ¡°As Young Master said, the Gott family sent me a present the other day.¡± ¡°At that time, you took it well, then why suddenly¡­!¡± ¡°The gift came in so suddenly, so I had no time to refuse it.¡± Ines cut Ryan¡¯s words in the middle, and continued talking again. ¡°Thinking about it, I don¡¯t think we are in a relationship to exchange gifts.¡± ¡°Countess Brierton!¡± ¡°However, if I sent the gift back, I was worried that Viscount Gott, who was standing outside my house, would lose his face.¡± That was true too. Wasn¡¯t that a public announcement to the outside that the families have such a bad relationship with each other? Ines shrugged lightly. ¡°So I took the gift as it is, but donated the amount of the gift in the name of Viscount Gott.¡± ¡°What!¡± Ryan¡¯s face contorted horribly. Ines sneered inwardly. ¡®I knew he was going to make it messy.¡¯ So from the beginning she decided to donate it to an orphanage. It was one of the ways if the nobles politely refused something. When you receive an uncomfortable gift, use that amount of money to help someone in need. However, since it was such an old-fashioned method, it was extremely rare to refuse gifts in that way these days. So Ryan wouldn¡¯t have expected it¡­ ¡°I just got the certificate today. So I was thinking of sending it to the Gott¡¯s residence, but I brought it with me because I thought I would see Viscount Gott today.¡± Ines added a lively statement. ¡°I am very glad to be able to give you this certificate.¡± ¡°No, who wants to donate¡­¡­¡­!¡± Ryan, who was about to raise his voice reflexively, stopped for a moment. It was because the nobles who watched the situation secretly leaned towards Ines. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not that bad of a rejection method, is it?¡± ¡°A lot of things happened between Countess of Brierton and Young Master Gott, so I guess it would be an amicable response.¡± ¡°I think so. Why did he send an unwanted gift in the first place?¡± Ryan quickly sharpened his teeth. ¡®Damn it!¡¯ He was at an advantage. Ines whispered quietly. ¡°I heard that the Gott family¡¯s donation has decreased recently?¡± ¡°What the hell is that¡­¡­ ¡­ !¡± Ryan was furious, but Ines didn¡¯t even raise an eyebrow. ¡°As nobles in the kingdom, I think we should set an example for others. I can¡¯t always take care of you, right?¡± Ines only spoke up to that point, but people did not find it difficult to read the lines between them. The fact that the donation had decreased since Ines divorced Ryan meant that the Gott family¡¯s finances were tight. Rumors abound that the Brierton had recouped the investment they had invested in the Gott family. Those words Ines added ¡°I can¡¯t always take care of you¡± made it clearer. ¡°So even before the divorce, the Countess took care of the donations for the Gott family?¡± ¡°No matter if you were married, the Countess must have suffered a lot taking care of your in-laws¡¯ family.¡± A faint contempt passed over the faces of the nobles. It was the kingdom¡¯s tacit practice for high-ranking nobles to donate even a small amount once or twice a year. Of course, it was not an obligation, but they tend to donate a good amount for the sake of the family¡¯s face. But even that donation would have been passed on to the Countess of Brierton! Ryan had a history of enjoying the benefits of the title of Count of Brierton through his marriage to Ines. To have all the benefits but he talked about the smallest gift he gave to the Countess¡­ ¡®Okay, at this point, the atmosphere seems to be well established.¡¯ Now it was a perfect time to leave Ryan out of the conversation. With that judgment, Ines looked around the nobles again. Then she smiled with a sorry face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my personal story was too long. So, what we want to focus on in this exchange exhibition is¡­¡± So the topic naturally moved on to the exchange exhibition and art in general. And Ryan bit his mouth as if it was glued shut. To be honest, he couldn¡¯t interfere with the topic because he knew nothing of art. ¡®You chose such a topic on purpose!¡¯ Shame and anger were smeared on Ryan¡¯s face. Knowing that Ryan had a shallow knowledge of art, to deliberately alienate him from the conversation! In the first place, he barely mastered what ordinary nobles learned through culture, and there was no way he could keep up with the conversation between the envoys and Ines. Perhaps noticing Ryan¡¯s ferocious gaze, Ines looked at Ryan with a squint. When their eyes met, she smiled brightly. ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ Her eyes seemed to ask. Eventually, Ryan was completely alienated by the end of the conversation. ¡®Damn it!¡¯ He felt like an invisible human. Ryan¡¯s face turned red from embarrassment. CH 69 After that, The members of the delegation scattered around the banquet hall and began to enjoy the celebration. At that moment, Ines let out a little sigh. ¡®Still, the atmosphere of the celebration seems to be quite good.¡¯ It was fortunate. However, she did not forget to watch the banquet through the eyes of a hawk. Food and drinks were plentiful, and the people were dancing with happy faces. The royal couple, who chatted with each other, seemed satisfied. Ines, who was paying close attention to people¡¯s reactions, glanced around. ¡®And the Duke¡­¡¯ He was having a conversation with the delegation representative. Ines smiled softly. ¡®Okay, I think this is good enough.¡¯ The delegation seemed to be satisfied with the conversation with Enoch. Most of all, she liked that Ryan was out of sight right now. The last thing she saw was how angry he was when he couldn¡¯t join the conversation between her and the delegation earlier, and his face was stained red¡­ ¡°Ines.¡± ¡°¡­¡± At the voice calling her, Ines frowned. ¡®Oh my gosh, he¡¯s persistent.¡¯ Ryan came as if he was conjured. Ines clicked her tongue inwardly and looked back at him. Ryan was looking at her with a desperate gaze. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± Ryan fervently pleaded. But¡­ ¡°No.¡± Ines flatly refused. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re too shameless? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in a friendly relationship to talk to each other.¡± Ryan was furious at the answer. ¡°How many times have I apologized for being wrong! How long are you going to be this angry?!¡± Ines was just astounded. As if his apology would of course force her to forgive, Ryan was just too sure of himself. Rather, he started arguing with Ines as if he had become a victim. But he was worried that the people around him would hear it, so he lowered his voice and cursed. It was ridiculous. ¡°It¡¯s just filing a divorce case. But are you really getting a divorce?¡± ¡°Ryan, what do you think the purpose of the divorce case is? Of course, it¡¯s meant to be a divorce, is it not?¡± ¡°Now you say that¡­¡­ ¡­ !¡± Ryan, who had raised his voice without realizing it, wrinkled his brow and suppressed his voice again. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll talk about divorce later. Then why did you suddenly withdraw all of your investment?¡± ¡°I am the head of my family, I have the right to collect and invest money as I see fit.¡± Ines shrugged her shoulders. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°Are you crazy? Do you know how much damage my family has suffered?!¡± Ryan¡¯s face turned red. ¡°Aha, so let¡¯s get to the point.¡± Facing such a Ryan, Ines smiled crookedly. ¡°The Gott¡¯s family business is faltering, so now it seems like the fire has gone out, so you came to me?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Ines.¡± At that blatant sarcasm, Ryan bit his lip hard. He felt like he wanted to scream and threaten Ines right away. Ryan barely suppressed his anger. ¡°I know you¡¯re angry, so let¡¯s stop.¡± ¡°What the hell are we going to stop doing?¡± ¡°This time, I will be a faithful husband. I¡¯m not going out or doing anything, so let¡¯s stop this emotional fight¡­¡± ¡°Stop¡­¡­¡­¡± At those words of pleading, Ines¡¯ eyebrows twitched and hardened. She shot coldly. ¡°Whose way?¡± Ryan felt speechless for a moment. Ines continued. ¡°Now that this has come to this, I will make sure of it here.¡± ¡°Make sure of what?¡± ¡°Ryan, the marriage with you was terrible.¡± Ryan went blank as if he had been hit in the face. Ines nailed the last nail. ¡°So, don¡¯t ever say such nonsense again, like a reunion or something.¡± ¡°Unbelievable, we¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Because the only way I can be the happiest is to live my life free from entanglement with you.¡± In an instant, Ryan lost his temper. ¡®How dare Ines reject me?!¡¯ Once she looked at him with affectionate eyes, but now that person was nowhere to be found. No matter how much he pleaded, she didn¡¯t waver in the slightest. She drew the line coldly. And Ryan couldn¡¯t believe it at all. ¡®How could Ines not love me?¡¯ She once vowed that her love for him was unchanging. And now she denied it in front of his face. It was embarrassing as his pride had been torn to pieces and trampled on. And anger surged over that shame. ¡®We¡¯ll see!¡¯ Ryan, possessed by evil, gripped Ines¡¯s wrist tightly. At the rushing pain, Ines let out a gasp. ¡°This, let go¡­!¡± Ines tried to shake Ryan¡¯s hand somehow, but she couldn¡¯t. The grip of a grown man whose eyes were turned over in anger was something that a slander woman could not shake off. And that moment. ¡°¡­¡­ What the hell are you doing?¡± A voice as cold as a sharpened blade resounded. ¡°Ugh!¡± A suppressed moan erupted from Ryan¡¯s mouth. Enoch, who came closer to Ines in an instant, grabbed Ryan¡¯s wrist with strength. The grip was so strong that he felt like his wrist was going to break at any moment. ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± Ryan, whose eyes were turned over in pain, raised his claws and tried to remove Enoch¡¯s hand. It was all in vain. On the contrary, the force that tightened his wrist only became stronger. ¡°I think I need to hear some explanation about the current situation.¡± Although his demeanor was calm, he wasn¡¯t even calm with the emotions in his voice. Ryan shouted in a cracked voice. ¡°My wrist¡­!¡± But Enoch was as cold as ice. ¡°Why should I let you go?¡± ¡°Oh, ugh!¡± Ryan, who was trying to make an excuse in a hurry, could not bear the pain and twisted his wrist. It was because the force applied to the wrist was getting stronger and stronger. ¡°Is it okay for Young Master Gott to treat the Countess this rudely?¡± ¡°Ha, Your Excellency!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it fair to return what you did to the Countess?¡± It was a terribly cold tone. ¡°You had once threatened the Countess at my art exhibition the other day. You never showed any respect for her.¡± Enoch finished his speech. He grabbed Ryan¡¯s wrist and strode towards the door. ¡®Are you trying to kick me out?!¡¯ Ryan¡¯s eyes went wide. He tried hard to shake off Enoch¡¯s hand, but to no avail. ¡°Ha, I got an invitation too!¡± Ryan clenched his teeth. ¡°It¡¯s not polite to my family, the Gott Viscount, that you drag me out like this!¡± ¡°Not polite?¡± ¡°Yes! Go, the Gott family are nobles of the kingdom! So¡­!¡± At the same time, sparks bounced off Enoch¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t want to hear Ryan¡¯s bullshit anymore. And above all else. ¡®The Countess of Brierton.¡¯ Behind him was Ines. Because of that, Enoch could no longer stand to watch Ryan hanging around Ines. ¡°Wasn¡¯t you who was rude to the Countess first?¡± ¡°Duke!¡± ¡°You have to be a guest to be treated with courtesy. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± Up until now, Enoch had maintained respect with minimal courtesy. Now, he had skipped using honorifics. ¡°I can¡¯t have a bastard like you by her side anymore.¡± At the end of those bloody words, Enoch pulled Ryan¡¯s wrist roughly again. ¡®It hurts!¡¯ Ryan clenched his teeth. A sharp pain rose from the wrist held by Enoch, as if cut by a piece of glass. It looked like the bones were broken. ¡®What the hell? Does he mean he¡¯ll even be a bodyguard for Ines?¡¯ Ryan, who was bitter, looked at Enoch with murderous eyes. ¡®Ines¡¯s husband was me, and the man Ines loved was me¡­¡­ !¡¯ But Ryan had no choice but to curl his tail right away. ¡°Besides, is Viscount Gott aware of what you have done?¡± Enoch shot sharply again. ¡°My, what did I do¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°At the celebration hosted by the Queen, attended by Kaldorov¡¯s delegation.¡± It was a low-pitched voice, similar to the growl of a wild beast. ¡°You were trying to intimidate the Countess, one of the staff of the exchange, and bringing shame to the nobles.¡± For a moment, Ryan felt his stomach grow cold, as if he had swallowed a whole chunk of cold ice. ¡°Oh, no. I¡­¡­ !¡± As cold water poured over his excited head, he suddenly came to his senses. CH 70 Ryan looked around hurriedly. Before he knew it, people were looking this way. Even Kaldorov¡¯s delegation and the king and the Queen were paying attention to the two with surprised eyes. ¡°Was young master Gott being rude to the Countess of Brierton?¡± ¡°So the Duke of Sussex is going to deal with him himself?¡± ¡°I think so, but they¡¯re making such a fuss¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s too violent.¡± Dozens of eyes filled with astonishment. In those eyes, Ryan read the unkempt contempt and patheticness. Ryan¡¯s face was drained of color. ¡°I think you¡¯d better follow me quietly.¡± Enoch whispered in an icy voice. ¡°Or would you prefer to be stigmatized that young master Gott, who attended the imperial celebration on behalf of Viscount Gott, was as mad as a dog?¡± Ryan¡¯s eyes went wide at the uncharacteristic verbal abuse of Enoch, who usually used elegant speech. ¡®What, I go crazy like a dog?!¡¯ But Enoch continued coldly. ¡°Otherwise, after today¡¯s celebration, the royal family will directly hold the Gott family responsible for ruining this celebration.¡± Ryan freaked out. ¡°Ha, what do you mean¡­¡­!¡± ¡°So you¡¯d better leave before applying any more mud to the Gott¡¯s reputation.¡± Enoch stared at Ryan with determination. ¡°If you keep being stubborn, your family won¡¯t be able to lift their heads in society.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ryan felt goose bumps all over. * * * Thump. The door of the banquet hall was closed. The elegant classical melody that had been flowing from the banquet hall was cut off. Ryan, who was dragged out, looked at Enoch with a fearful expression and opened his mouth timidly. ¡°What do you mean by holding my family responsible¡­¡­.¡± But Ryan couldn¡¯t even finish his sentence. The blue eyes staring at him were deadly. Bang! Enoch grabbed Ryan by the neck and pushed him against the wall. ¡°Ugh!¡± Ryan, who was strangled by the neck, breathed heavily. ¡°Ha, let me go¡­¡­!¡± Ryan struggled to get away from Enoch, but to no avail. Rather, the power of the grip on his neck was only getting stronger. ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± His neck was getting tighter, and his vision was getting dimmed. Ryan scratched Enoch¡¯s hand that weighed on his neck and struggled, but it was all in vain. At the same time Enoch growled furiously. ¡°Don¡¯t ever show up in front of the Countess again. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Oh, ahh¡­!¡± Ryan¡¯s face turned blue, and soon faded like a blank sheet. Just as his eyes were about to turn upside down. ¡°Let go, Duke!¡± The knights guarding the banquet hall rushed in and pulled Ryan away from Enoch. ¡°Please calm down for now!¡± ¡°Young master Gott will definitely faint if you don¡¯t let go!¡± Only after the knights had persuaded Enoch for a long time did Enoch release his grip on Ryan. Ryan, who collapsed on the floor, coughed violently. ¡°Ack, ack..ha¡­¡­!¡± Looking down at Ryan like a bug, Enoch pulled his necktie loosely. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen a Duke so angry¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡®What the hell happened at the banquet?¡¯ The knights looked nervously at Enoch. They had never seen Enoch, who was always calm, lost his reason like that. Enoch took a deep breath to calm his anger for a while. ¡®I have to calm down, the celebration isn¡¯t over yet¡­.the Countess.¡¯ He knew how much Ines devoted her time to this exchange than anyone else. So he couldn¡¯t be the one who ruined this celebration because of a trashy man. Enoch, who had his expression in order, glared at Ryan, who was terrified. ¡°Young master Gott is going home. Escort him back.¡± Now Enoch had returned to his usual elegant speech. The knights rejoiced. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take your orders.¡± The knights, who had been courteous to Enoch, urged Ryan politely. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°No, but¡­¡­!¡± Ryan reflexively tried to pull himself back. It hurt his pride to step down like this. But that was only for a moment. ¡°What?¡± Ryan opened his eyes wide. It was because of the firm grip of the knights on his arms. The knights¡¯ grasp was as hard as steel. ¡°Let go of me!¡± Ryan struggled away from the knights. After that, he gritted his teeth and shot back. ¡°I can go on my own feet!¡± Then, he straightened his crumpled clothes. Enoch watched Ryan¡¯s face with a pathetic look, and then turned around. Boom! The door of the banquet hall was opened and closed behind him. Enoch¡¯s figure disappeared into the colorful landscape with imposing strides. ¡®I¡¯ll never be able to step into this fancy world again.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m not the Count of Brierton, I¡¯m nothing.¡¯ So get a clue! ¡°Damn it!¡± Ryan¡¯s face was horribly distorted. * * * As Enoch entered the banquet hall again, everyone¡¯s eyes fell on him. Whether they did or not, Enoch¡¯s gaze was fixed on only one person. It was Ines. Enoch strode toward Ines. Ines, who was restless, hurriedly spoke to Enoch. ¡°Oh, Duke. Master Gott¡­¡± ¡°How¡¯s your wrist?¡± Huh? My wrist? With her eyes wide open, Ines reflexively lowered her sleeve to cover her wrist. ¡°Oh, my wrist.¡± But Enoch had already seen it. The dark bruises on Ines¡¯ wrist. It was because she was forcibly held by a grown man. Enoch¡¯s blue eyes turned cold. ¡°¡­¡­it needs to be treated.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can stand this much¡­¡­.¡± ¡°What¡¯s fine?¡± Enoch replied rather sharply. Surprised, Ines swallowed her breath. ¡°Your Excellency.¡± Oh, my. Enoch didn¡¯t mean to be angry with the Countess. He looked at Ines with complicated eyes, and muttered in a weighed down voice. ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± Enoch, who barely suppressed his anger, raised his head. His eyes met with the king and the Queen, who were watching him. At the same time, the king and the Queen looked a little surprised. Enoch walked straight to them. ¡°Duke¡­.¡± Ines, who was reflexively trying to dissuade Enoch, hurriedly closed her lips. Enoch, standing in front of the king and the queen, stiffly spoke of apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the disturbance.¡± Although he said sorry, he didn¡¯t look sorry at all. Enoch, who gave an apology, explained. ¡°The Countess was being manhandled so I had to step in.¡± Enoch¡¯s voice sounded calm at first glance, but the king noticed the subtle displeasure in his voice. At the same time, Enoch added through gritted teeth. ¡°¡­¡­he hurt her wrist.¡± Looking at the sharp blue eyes, Edward clicked his tongue inwardly. Enoch¡¯s eyes were deadly. In fact, Enoch had never once wanted attention to himself. Enoch, who was always calm and indifferent. Today he was completely different. Edward could affirm. In the thirty-five years of his brotherhood with Enoch, he had never seen Enoch so angry. It meant that he took Ines¡¯s threat seriously. ¡®At least for Enoch, it means that the Countess is very important.¡¯ Enoch¡¯s feelings for Ines seemed to be quite serious. Much more than Edward had ever guessed. ¡°The Countess¡¯ wounds are severe. She needs treatment as soon as possible.¡± Enoch added as if he came to his senses. ¡°Oh my, please forgive my insolence.¡± Edward laughed in vain. However, Enoch was not going to move at all until he was told, ¡°You can step back.¡± At last Edward nodded. ¡°It¡¯s forgiven.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Meanwhile, Ines, who was listening to the conversation in the background, was shocked. ¡®No, can I really go? I¡¯m part of the management team.¡¯ She glanced at Enoch with that question, but Enoch only took Ines out of the banquet hall very naturally. In the end, Ines hurriedly followed Enoch after she greeted the King and the Queen. CH 71 ¡®What am I gonna do?¡¯ Ines, who slipped out of the grand banquet hall, looked up at Enoch with an embarrassed face. Enoch had a stiff face the whole time. ¡®The Duke, he looks angry.¡¯ Ines, who was secretly looking at Enoch, opened her mouth carefully. ¡°Well, Your Excellency,¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to go back now?¡± At that moment, she felt the temperature around her suddenly decreased. ¡®Did I make him more angry?¡¯ Ines was a bit nervous inside, but it didn¡¯t seem like it was going to work like this either. She opened her mouth cautiously. ¡°Today¡¯s celebration is an important event attended by Kaldorov¡¯s delegation. It¡¯s better to settle the situation as quietly as possible.¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± At the same time, Enoch, who had been silent the whole time, opened his mouth firmly. ¡°Nothing is more important than the safety of the Countess.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines was silent. Enoch clenched his fist tightly in a barrel of anger to the tip of his head. ¡°Why does the Countess always worry about other things first than herself?¡± He wanted Ines to put herself more first. Looking at her worrying about the celebration rather than her safety, he kept feeling upset. He knew it was natural for Ines to be like that rationally, but he kept getting angry¡­ ¡°You hurt your wrist.¡± The angry emotion filled his words. ¡°As the situation is, the envoys will understand.¡± While saying that, his head was heated up. ¡®Calm down.¡¯ Thinking that he was too excited, Enoch closed his eyes tightly and opened them again. Then he tried to speak in a calm voice. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the lounge and treat your wrist first. Your wrist is still swollen.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines stared at Enoch. ¡®I¡¯m sure the Duke is very angry.¡¯ ¡®Why do I keep feeling tight. She suddenly realized. ¡®That¡¯s probably because the Duke is genuinely concerned about me.¡¯ For a moment, the back of her ears became hot. ¡®Even the celebration attended by Kaldorov¡¯s delegation is not as important as me.¡¯ Enoch¡¯s sharp reaction was a concern for her. Her mind kept stirring and her heart skipped a beat. Ines bit her lower lip. ¡®Honestly, I am relieved.¡¯ Seeing Ryan, who was caught in Enoch¡¯s grasp and being dragged out of the ballroom struggling like a bug. Because of the pressure to behave gracefully as a lady. Didn¡¯t Enoch take over the things she always imagined and couldn¡¯t bear to do? That high-minded, elegant man¡­ Solely for her sake¡­ ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Her mouth went dry. How many people in her life had been so angry on her behalf? Somehow, she was choked up, and Ines, who hesitated for a while, whispered as much as a mosquito. ¡°¡­thank you for your concern.¡± Enoch paused. After a moment. He replied with a bitter smile. ¡°Rather than such a thank-you, I prefer the Countess to get your wrist treated quickly.¡± ¡°Yes, I will.¡± Ines nodded obediently. Whenever Enoch spoke of concern for her, her chest was tight. But she didn¡¯t feel bad. No, more precisely. ¡®I¡¯m happy.¡¯ Ines, who was walking behind Enoch, slowly smiled. It was a happy smile. **** The two arrived at the lounge. The problem, however, was that it was a royal lounge, not a lounge open for ordinary nobles. Ines, who was trying to follow Enoch without thinking much, stopped. ¡°This is a lounge only for the royal family, can I come in?¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t you?¡± Enoch replied sourly. ¡°The general lounge should be full of people by now, but I don¡¯t intend to keep the Countess in that tumultuous place.¡± ¡°Well, still.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a royal and I¡¯m okay with it. What¡¯s the problem?¡± Enoch put Ines in her seat, hesitating, and asked her to close her eyes. ¡°Just relax.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Was it because Enoch told her to? Ines felt her whole body, which had been hardened with tension, relaxed. Enoch turned and headed to the drawer in the lounge, and skillfully took out the first aid kit. When he opened the first aid kit, disinfectants, bandages, light abrasions and ointment applied to bruises, etc. There was a considerable variety of drugs. Ines, who was watching him, tilted her head. ¡°Do you usually have a first aid kit in the lounge?¡± Besides, it¡¯s not just a variety, but surprisingly, it¡¯s quite serious. Then Enoch crumpled his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s because of His Majesty.¡± ¡°What? His Majesty?¡± ¡°His Majesty likes to drink, but sometimes he gets hurt because he had too much to drink.¡± Then he added in a tired voice. ¡°Of course, I have to take care of everything after that.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± ¡°Although it is an ungodly idea to leave His Majesty behind, you know that I will clean up the mess in the first place.¡± Enoch continued with a sullen face. ¡°I almost doubt that he drink too much only when I¡¯m around.¡± It seemed that there had been an increase in the useless knowledge of His Majesty. Even so, it was the knowledge that the respect for His Majesty was falling. Not knowing what to answer, Ines smiled awkwardly. Enoch opened the lid of the ointment. ¡°It can sting a little.¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Enoch carefully applied ointment to Ines¡¯s swollen wrist. The touch of his fingers tickled her delicate skin. Ines couldn¡¯t breathe properly and stared at Enoch. A sculptural face with long, golden eyelashes, blue eyes underneath, and smooth lines. ¡®What do I do?¡¯ Her heart pounded wildly. Fluffy all over her body occurred, and her nerves were on edge. ¡®Wake up, Ines.¡¯ Ines rebuked herself inwardly. ¡®He is helping to apply ointment, why am I so nervous?¡¯ At least Enoch in front of her didn¡¯t seem to be conscious of her at all. He was just worried about her injured wrist. ¡®You can¡¯t do this.¡¯ In order to shake off the thoughts that kept messing with her head, Ines tried to open her mouth as if nothing was wrong. ¡°I think I often come to the lounge when I¡¯m with the Duke.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a rest room¡­¡­.¡± ¡°You did that the other day. When the Duke opened the exhibition.¡± Even then, Ryan tried to intimidate her, and Enoch firmly blocked Ryan. The situation was a little similar to then. Ines muttered to herself unconsciously. ¡°Your Excellency always helps me.¡± Then, she closed her mouth in surprise. ¡®Oh my, my heart just popped out of my mouth!¡¯ At the words, Enoch, who had been focusing only on Ines¡¯s wrist the whole time, raised his head for the first time. Their eyes met. The blue eyes were like an unknown lake. ¡®There is an old saying that ¡®if you look at the deep water for a long time, you will be attracted to it.¡¯ Every time she faced Enoch¡¯s eyes, Ines sometimes recalled the myth. She felt like she was slowly sinking in that gaze. She couldn¡¯t move at all. But the weirdest thing was¡­ ¡®But I think it¡¯s okay.¡¯ If the opponent was Enoch.This strange feeling of being rather charmed. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines couldn¡¯t overcome her complicated mind and pulled her lips gently and asked. Then Enoch answered meekly. ¡°That¡¯s right. I want to help the Countess as much as I can.¡± ¡°Why is that?¡± ¡°Well, why do you think so?¡± Enoch snapped back in a calm tone. Ines¡¯ eyes shook violently. Her heart beat like crazy. Enoch didn¡¯t push her any more. He just focused on Ines¡¯ wrist treatment as if he was asking her to think about it on her own. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± There was a long silence. ¡°Well, it¡¯s all done.¡± Enoch let go of Ines¡¯s wrist only after he had carefully bandaged it. ¡°Thank you.¡± Ines fiddled with her bandaged wrist. Her mind was very complicated. ¡®Well, why do you think that would be the case?¡¯ It was only a question, but she kept getting restless. At the same time Enoch sighed. ¡°I was rough in the banquet hall earlier. I apologise.¡± It was actually inevitable. As soon as he saw Ryan grabbing Ines¡¯s wrist, Enoch felt the conventional expression with his whole body. His head was white with anger. ¡®Still, the Countess of Brierton must have been somewhat troubled by my actions earlier.¡¯ ¡®I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m considering Ines¡¯s position only after my head cools down.¡¯ Enoch reflected in himself, thinking he should have been more careful. CH 72 But then. ¡°No.¡± Unexpectedly, Ines shook her head. ¡°You were angry on my behalf.¡± Enoch looked at Ines with astonished eyes. It was also embarrassing to meet the eyes, so Ines kept her head down. ¡°Your Excellency, thank you for taking care of me.¡± Her voice was now so small that it could not be heard unless he tried to listen carefully. ¡°For stopping Ryan from trying to bully me.¡± Still, Ines stuck to his words. ¡°I¡¯m grateful.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch rarely had a blank face. Ines, who raised her head slightly, smiled at Enoch. ¡°More than that, I became the Duke¡¯s partner for the first time, but it¡¯s a shame that we couldn¡¯t dance properly once.¡± At that moment Enoch sprang up from his seat. Ines, embarrassed, looked up at Enoch. ¡°Duke?¡± ¡°Take a break.¡± Enoch turned hurriedly. ¡°I¡¯ll send a doctor right away.¡± ¡°What? A doctor? I don¡¯t need a doctor.¡± ¡°No, you can go back to the banquet hall after receiving treatment. Until then, I will be entertaining the distinguished guests.¡± Enoch, who had spoken with determination, left the lounge. Ines, who was left alone, said to herself in a bewildered voice. ¡°Why a doctor all of a sudden?¡± By all accounts, her wrist didn¡¯t have to be treated by a doctor. Above all. ¡°Hasn¡¯t His Excellency already treated it?¡± Ines looked down at her wrist with wonder. * * * Enoch, who rushed out, stood against the wall. ¡°Ha.¡± A long sigh came out. He lifted his gaze and looked at his reflection in the window glass. He had rushed out in a hurry. ¡°I¡¯m speechless.¡± His face was red as if painted and warm as he touched it with his palm. * * * At that time. Viscount Gott was stunned. Ryan, who confidently attended the celebration, came home long before the celebration was over. It was because there was a crack in one of his wrists. His whole arm was swollen and looked like a sausage. ¡°Oh, my God, my son!¡± Elder Viscountess Gott brought in a doctor to check his injuries and was terrified. ¡°Ryan, what the hell is this?¡± Meanwhile, Viscount Gott was worried about what other accident his brother had caused. ¡°He¡¯s hurt now. Is that all you have to say?¡± The mother of the Viscount Gott gave him a straight face and scolded him, so he stepped down without asking more questions. The next day after the disturbance. ¡°Ugh.¡± Ryan was lying on the bed, groaning. Then, he got very angry with the maid who was taking care of him. ¡°Oh, it hurts!¡± The old maid, who had worked for a long time in the Gott family, suddenly stiffened her shoulders. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t even take care of people properly. Are you serious?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The sarcasm flushed the maid with shame. It was actually a ridiculous nitpicking. The maid was just taking care of Ryan, and she didn¡¯t put a finger on him. Ryan was just grumbling in an irritating voice, whether the maid was embarrassed or not. ¡°Oh, it hurts like hell. How can he use violence against a person like this?¡± It was a short time when he was exaggerating like that. Ryan gritted his teeth. ¡®No matter what, how could he send an invitation and kick me out of the banquet hall?¡¯ He remembered the Duke¡¯s strong grip on his wrist. The icy blue eyes that looked down at Ryan like a bug. He was elegant even when he was verbally abusive, saying, ¡°You¡¯re crazy like a dog.¡± Everything stimulated Ryan¡¯s inferiority complex. And the biggest distortion of Ryan¡¯s judgment was¡­. ¡®Ines, that girl. She acted like a host and I don¡¯t like the way she hangs out with the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ It was that Ines and Enoch looked terribly good together. When he recalled the images of the two, he felt like his head was burning white with rising jealousy. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s enough! Get out now!¡± In the end, Ryan couldn¡¯t beat his anger and threw out the maid with a temper. ¡°It¡¯s so annoying¡­¡­ Ugh.¡± Ryan tried to sweep up his head with his habitually cracked right hand, frowning in the surging pain. His eyes turned toward the table. A heap of envelopes of letters came into view. Among them, the name that stood out. Every single letter came from Charlotte. Ryan clicked his tongue briefly, looking at the seemingly five letters. ¡®Really, I¡¯m tired and sick of Charlotte¡¯s letters.¡¯ Ryan picked up an envelope and read it roughly. But only for a short moment. He crumpled it up and tossed it at random. ¡®Well, Charlotte isn¡¯t important right now.¡¯ He must hold onto Ines somehow. Ryan lay on the bed, glaring at the ceiling with nervous eyes. ¡®This time, the Duke of Sussex intervened, so I couldn¡¯t get close.¡¯ At that moment, Ryan was unknowingly choked up. ¡®Why the hell does the Duke of Sussex keep interrupting me?!¡¯ When he first had a scuffle with Ines in the art exhibition, he thought it was worth it. Anyway, it was an art exhibition hosted by Enoch, and Ryan¡¯s making a fuss there would have hated to see. But this was not the case. Although the Duke of Sussex was the one managing the art exhibition, this time¡¯s action was clearly excessive. ¡®How can you drag a person out like a dog? Because he¡¯s the Duke and His Majesty¡¯s brother?¡¯ Ryan thought arrogantly, without considering the rudeness he had committed. And he remembered the Duke¡¯s expression. The coldness and deadly expression as if he could rip Ryan to death right away. ¡°D*mn it.¡± The wrist held by Enoch throbbed once again. Ryan looked down at his wrist with a sad expression. It was then. Someone burst open the door. Boom! The door was pushed out so hard that it hit the wall and was about to break. Beyond that, there was Viscount Gott standing and panting. ¡°Brother?¡± Ryan looked at Viscount Gott with puzzled eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your face? Like you saw a ghost.¡± Viscount Gott¡¯s face was literally blue. ¡°You b*stard!¡± Viscount Gott, who strode into the room, raised his fist. Puck! ¡°Ugh!¡± Ryan fell flat on the bed. Suddenly being beaten, the bewilderment was much greater than the pain. Ryan held his tingling cheek and stared at his brother. ¡°No, what are you doing!¡± ¡°What the hell did you do at the celebration? The royal family sent me a letter of complaint in person!¡± ¡°What?!¡± At that moment, Ryan opened his eyes wide. What Enoch said yesterday came to his mind. ¡°Or would you prefer to be stigmatized that young master Gott, who attended the imperial celebration on behalf of Viscount Gott, was as mad as a dog?¡± ¡°Otherwise, after today¡¯s celebration, the royal family will directly hold the Gott family responsible for ruining this celebration.¡± Ryan didn¡¯t really expect the Duke to send a letter of protest like this. He thought the Duke said it to put pressure on him. Ryan felt his head dizzy. Viscount Gottthrew the letter of protest he was clutching in his left hand over Ryan¡¯s face. ¡°Now, open your eyes and look! What have you done?¡± Ryan stared blankly down at the paper scattered on the floor. On top of a luxurious piece of paper emblazoned with royal designs, the neat handwriting specifically described Ryan¡¯s actions. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Viscount Gott stared at Ryan with a deadly expression. ¡°You incompetent fool, the best thing you¡¯ve ever done in your life was to marry Countess Brierton!¡± ¡°Wait, brother! I..!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me brother, either! You¡¯re such a useless b*stard!¡± Viscount Gott, who shot back fiercely, shuddered out of the room again. He didn¡¯t even want to talk to Ryan anymore. ¡°Are you taking this seriously? What the hell is this?!¡± Alone, Ryan¡¯s face was horribly distorted, stained with despair and anger. CH 73 The next day, the Hwabang street where the exchange exhibition would be held. It was a very fine day. The sun was shining brightly, and the sky was blue. Helena, Ines, and Enoch led the Kaldorov¡¯s envoys to Hwabang street. ¡°I was looking forward to it when Her Majesty said that she was confident in this exchange exhibition.¡± ¡°It certainly deserves to be praised.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was a place like this in Lancaster¡­¡± The eyes of the delegation sparkled with curiosity and interest. First of all, the street itself was very unique. A maze-like street created by poor artists was a very characteristic landscape in itself. And in it, many artists were freely showing off their art world. They played music, danced, and did small puppet shows on the streets. Along the street, people were having their portraits done by painters. In the meantime, visitors came and went freely to see the scene or participate directly in the form of a model for a portrait. Helena smiled at the delegation. ¡°I just hope this exchange will be remembered as a fun time. Please feel free to enjoy it.¡± Among the delegation members, a very eager person raised his hand. ¡°Can I go take a look now?¡± Even though he tried not to be so impatient, he couldn¡¯t wait. That was because this exchange was perfect with Kalodorov¡¯s unique free-spirited personality. Helena nodded. ¡°Of course. Enjoy it comfortably.¡± As soon as the permission was granted, Kaldorov¡¯s delegation scattered with excitement like children. ¡°Shall we go over there first? He was playing Levante¡¯s waltz!¡± ¡°No, I¡¯d rather watch a puppet show!¡± Meanwhile, Enoch, who was looking at the delegation¡¯s distant backs, muttered with a tired face. ¡°¡­I think we need to work harder on security.¡± ¡°Please, Duke of Sussex.¡± Helena looked at Enoch playfully. Enoch narrowed his brows. ¡®How similar¡­¡¯ The king and the Queen resembled each other in personality. The way she commanded and arranged her subordinates naturally just like Edward. Of course, the ability to appoint talent as King and Queen of a country was necessary, but¡­ It was inevitably sad from the point of view that it was being divided. Enoch, who unintentionally understood the administrators¡¯ position, immediately called in a security officer. ¡°This street is dangerous because there are no streetlights, so send more people to patrol often. And also¡­.¡± Enoch opened the map and started discussing this and that with the person in charge. Helena, who was happily watching the scene, glanced back at Ines. ¡°Come to think of it, how¡¯s your wrist?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Ah.¡± Ines was a little stunned. It was because she didn¡¯t expect that Her Majesty would ask about her well-being. ¡°Thank you for your concern. I¡¯m not seriously hurt.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that, but¡­but don¡¯t overdo it.¡± Helena continued in a sweet voice. ¡°The Countess of Brierton is a very useful talent.¡± Ines stiffened her shoulders and nodded quickly. ¡°¡­Yes, I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± She could feel the obsession with ¡°useful talent¡± from that overly sweet voice. This was probably her misunderstanding, right? * * * Even after that, Ines moved wildly without knowing how time passed. Eventually the sun went down. Helena decided to leave first with Kaldorov¡¯s delegations. It was because it was time for supper. ¡°Hwabang street is a very attractive place.¡± ¡°Of course, I know that Her Majesty¡¯s dinner is important, but¡­¡± However, seeing that he glanced behind with his eyes overflowing with lingering feelings, it was clear that the delegation liked this Hwabang street very much. To the point where they wanted to stay more than attend the Queen¡¯s dinner. But the delegations were people who knew how to distinguish between public and private matters. h ¡°If you like it that much, you can visit again tomorrow.¡± At Helena¡¯s suggestion, they eventually left for the palace again. However, Ines and Enoch decided to stay in Hwabang street. This was because they had to continue to watch the progress of the exchange and manage it. ¡°Ugh, we¡¯ve finally got some free time.¡± Ines shook her head. ¡°I learned what it means to be so busy that I can¡¯t even blink my eyes.¡± Enoch, who was being briefed by staff who had been dispatched to various places before the exchange, looked back at her. ¡°However, it seems that the exchange is going successfully.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± Ines¡¯s eyes, which had been working hard just now, softened. Although she was extremely tired, she was more proud. ¡®Kalodorov¡¯s envoy and Her Majesty seemed very satisfied, didn¡¯t they?¡¯ The hard work paid off. Ines glanced sideways at Enoch. ¡®¡­and the Duke seems to be satisfied.¡¯ She didn¡¯t want to disappoint Enoch at all. She was honest. It was a real relief. Meanwhile, Her eyes turned to those who enjoyed the event. To be exact, she looked at painters who used the large wall as their canvas. At the same time Enoch opened his mouth mischievously. ¡°The Countess seems to be interested in mural painting.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± For a moment, Ines flinched. As a member of the management team, she had to focus on the exchange, but she was embarrassed that her mind was elsewhere. Ines looked away shyly. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not really¡­¡± ¡°Really? You haven¡¯t been able to take your eyes off the mural since a while ago.¡± ¡°Well? The Duke must have seen it wrong.¡± Ines denied shamelessly. Then Enoch smiled with his eyes. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try drawing it?¡± ¡°What?¡± For a moment, Ines looked up at Enoch with surprised rabbit eyes. ¡°Well, I¡¯m in the management team¡­.¡± At the same time, the desire to paint took over her mind. She was a painter herself, and it was regrettable that she only prepared for this exchange exhibition and did not have a chance to participate in person. Enoch secretly encouraged Ines. ¡°That¡¯s why we should show the Countess¡¯s art to many people who visited the exchange exhibition. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± ¡°Um¡­.¡± ¡°The biggest reason why you were appointed as a member of the management team of this exchange exhibition in the first place is because you are an outstanding artist.¡± She didn¡¯t expect Enoch to praise her that much. Ines swallowed her dry saliva. ¡°I am a patron of the Countess, and a royal of this country. I hope many people can enjoy your paintings.¡± Enoch continued in a strange way. ¡°Isn¡¯t it natural to want the talent of the House of Brierton to be widely known?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s also true that as a royal in this country, I want Lancaster¡¯s art to be more widely known.¡± When he persuaded her like that with a calm face, there was a part where she was really tempted. Ines agonized for a long time, but in the end, she could not shake off the temptation of the mural. ¡°Well, then.¡± Ines approached the wall carefully. Most of the wall was already covered with murals, but only one was empty. Blue paint was pouring down the wall. Paint was scattered around it arbitrarily, so it was not in a state where she could freely paint. She thought it looked like someone accidentally spilled the paint. ¡°Well.¡± Ines took a moment to look at the wall, and boldly picked up a large brush. Then she began to apply other paints over the flowing blue paint marks. After a long time. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s a waterfall!¡± A child passing by the street shouted, pointing his finger at the wall where Ines was standing. The blue paint had been transformed into a waterfall that was pouring down gracefully. Even the white foam under the waterfall was vividly embodied. The paint stains splashed in all directions became water droplets that bounced from the waterfall. The wet rock glistened in the sunlight, and the green forest spread beyond it added freshness. ¡°Wow¡­¡± The child looked up at Ines¡¯s mural with his eyes twinkling. Then Ines smiled and handed him the brush. ¡°Would you like to try it, my little gentleman?¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± The child clutched the brush with excitement. He drew a line with a focused expression. Then, he whined for a long time and made fun of the brush, but the result was not even recognizable. The child looked like he was about to cry. ¡°I wanted to draw a butterfly¡­.¡± ¡°Butterfly?¡± Ines tilted her head, and then she smiled brightly. CH 74 ¡°Do you know this?¡± Squatting down, making eye contact with the child, Ines whispered as if she was telling the world¡¯s biggest secret. ¡°What you drew is a caterpillar. It hasn¡¯t fully grown into a butterfly yet.¡± ¡°Ha, really?¡± The child looked at Ines with a puzzled face. Ines winked one eye playfully. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll use magic and turn it into a butterfly soon!¡± Magic? The child¡¯s eyes were filled with curiosity. After that, The line that the child roughly drew became a tiger butterfly fluttering its colorful wings. Joy stood on the faces of the children who were watching the scene with excitement around them. ¡°Me too, me too!¡± ¡°I want to try!¡± That was how the children swarmed in. Even the parents of the children were looking this way with their eyes twinkling. Ines, who unintentionally caught people¡¯s attention, smiled awkwardly. ¡°Well, children. Then can you wait a little bit?¡± ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The children sang in unison. Enoch, meanwhile, took a step back and stared at Ines, surrounded by children. She was really special. Regardless of age or status, she interacted freely, did not discriminate, and smiled brightly to everyone. That carefree look¡­¡­. ¡®How lovely is she.¡¯ Meanwhile, Ines suddenly looked back at Enoch and smiled broadly. ¡®Look, I¡¯ve completed the mural!¡¯ Her eyes seemed to say. At that moment, Enoch felt his heart stop beating. ¡°You¡¯re so cool!¡± ¡°I want to see flowers!¡± Excited children chattered. Ines, standing against the backdrop of a red dusk, a slightly chilly temperature, a cheerful atmosphere, and a refreshing forest painted by her fingertips. She was the center of all this spectacularly beautiful landscape. The presence of Ines was perfecting this moment. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± His mouth was dry. This time was engraved in his mind, and he couldn¡¯t forget it for the rest of his life. Ines, who finished all the painting, said goodbye to the children. ¡°Then have a good time, little ladies and gentlemen!¡± ¡°Bye, sister!¡± ¡°The painting is so pretty!¡± The children waved their hands. Only after greeting, Ines briskly walked up to Enoch. ¡°Your Excellency!¡± ¡°Oh, Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch came to his senses at her call. Ines, standing next to Enoch, whispered in a heart-rending voice. ¡°Look, everyone¡¯s having fun.¡± Both the artists and the audience who participated in the exchange exhibition were full of joy. There were people who brought a violin and played like water, and sang spontaneously accordingly. Audiences sat on the floor or leaned against the wall to watch the performance. Meanwhile, ¡°I..I¡­.¡± A young man with a red face spoke carefully to the girl sitting next to him. ¡°If you could dance with me?¡± He was so embarrassed that he stuttered. At the same time, the girl with her eyes wide open smiled shyly. ¡°Of course.¡± Starting with the two, the atmosphere of dancing naturally between young men and women was created. Lovers held hands and went out to the open space. Ines watched the scenery with pleased eyes. Then, ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± At the low call, Ines looked up at Enoch in amazement. Before she knew it, Enoch was politely reaching out to her. ¡°May I ask the Countess to dance?¡± ¡°¡­Duke.¡± Suddenly, she remembered what she said yesterday. [¡°More than that, I became the Duke¡¯s partner for the first time, but it¡¯s a shame that we couldn¡¯t dance properly once.¡±] Ines smiled faintly. Straight up, she held Enoch¡¯s hand. ¡°All right.¡± A light violin performance, a singer¡¯s humming gently on top of it. Round and round people danced and stepped to the beat. The warmth felt in her hand. Enoch¡¯s tender eyes looking at her. The whole thing was so perfect. ¡°It¡¯s fun.¡± Ines¡¯s chest was bursting with waves. * * * After all the day¡¯s schedules, they were on the way back to their homes. Ines and Enoch returned home in a royal carriage side by side. In the first place, only licensed carriages could be used for safety for the exchange. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m so tired.¡± Leaning against the carriage seat, Ines sighed satisfactorily. ¡°You look very happy, though.¡± ¡°Well, I was honestly proud.¡± Enoch¡¯s mischievous question made Ines blush. ¡°Well, can you elaborate more?¡± Ines, who thought carefully about what to say, continued quietly. ¡°What should I say? These days, I feel like I¡¯m a person who can achieve something.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Well, should I say that I am able to think of myself more positively?¡± Ine¡¯s smile deepened a little. ¡°And the reason for that was, perhaps, meeting the Duke.¡± Enoch¡¯s Art Exhibition, the Divorce, and the Exchange Exhibition. All of them were accomplished by meeting Enoch. Ines continued with sincerity. ¡°So this is all thanks to Your Excellency. Thank you very much.¡± ¡°No, this was all done by the Countess.¡± Enoch shook his head firmly. ¡°To be precise, I just gave the Countess a little platform to move freely.¡± ¡°But, Your Excellency.¡± Ines opened her mouth calmly. ¡°Some people in the world don¡¯t have a foothold, so they have to live under the shadow of others for the rest of their lives.¡± Her dark green eyes sank deep. It was because the past came to her mind before the regression. Those times when everything was lost to Ryan and she had to live in misery. What Ines didn¡¯t have at the time was her willingness to change her life. Then Enoch happened. And the present became real. Didn¡¯t meeting Enoch change her life? ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines gave strength to her voice. ¡°You¡¯ve really helped me a lot.¡± ¡°Countess, that is¡­¡± ¡°You saved my life.¡± Enoch paused at the serious voice. ¡°The Duke is generous, but I want you to accept my thank you.¡± Enoch suddenly thought, facing Ines¡¯ eyes, which were still and unshakable. ¡®The Countess¡­meant it.¡¯ She really thought of Enoch as a lifelong benefactor. Enoch, who had hesitated for a while, nodded. ¡°I¡¯m happy that the Countess thinks so.¡± ¡°I do. I hope I can repay this favor someday.¡­.¡± ¡°You say that again.¡± Enoch playfully bashed Ines. ¡°Maybe if my name remains in history, I will be credited as the patron who discovered the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°So I was rather indebted to the Countess. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± When he said so half-jokingly and half-seriously, Ines burst into laughter. ¡°I really hope so.¡± ¡°It will be.¡± Enoch said, quite rightly. At the sheer faith in her, Ines somehow became a little ashamed. Even so. ¡®I¡¯m happy.¡¯ After that, Ines talked about this and that. Whether she liked today¡¯s exchange exhibition or what she liked about the artists she met during the day¡­¡­. After a while, She stared at the window with her eyes wide open, as if she were holding back a yawn. The effort not to fall asleep as much as possible was difficult, but¡­¡­. ¡°You¡¯re asleep.¡± Enoch clicked his tongue briefly. Unable to overcome the surging sleepiness, Ines head was bent to the side while sleeping. She looked very uncomfortable as she was leaning against the window. Enoch, who had been agonizing for a while, took off his coat. When he folded and put his coat under her head, Ines hummed and looked satisfied. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch looked at Ines, who was fast asleep, for a long time. Before he knew it, there was a faint smile on his lips. * * * After a long time, the royal carriage arrived at the Brierton mansion. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry!¡± Ines woke up and looked at Enoch in horror. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I fell asleep, but you even lent me your coat. What should I do?¡± ¡°Never mind about that.¡± Enoch shook his head, his eyes bent gently. ¡°It¡¯s just because I wanted to do it for you.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­.¡± Ines looked like she was about to cry. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll wash your coat and return it!¡± ¡°Sure. You did a great job today.¡± ¡°¡­¡­and the Duke too. Go home safely.¡± Ines greeted Enoch and hurried into the mansion with embarrassment. Then, ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines looked down at the coat in her arms. Something deep in her chest tightened for some reason. ¡®I have to return it¡­¡¯ Though she thought so in her head, Ines couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the coat for a long time. CH 75 After a while. Ines hugged the coat tightly and rushed to her bedroom. Even though she knew there was no one in the bedroom, she sneaked a peek to see if there were any people around, swallowing dry saliva. Then she carefully put the coat on her body. The coat was filled with Enoch¡¯s unique elegant body scent. The sleeves completely covered her hands, and the hem long enough to cover her thighs. The unique heavy weight of men¡¯s clothing enveloped her pleasantly. ¡®Wouldn¡¯t it feel like this, if I hugged Enoch?¡¯ ¡®What should I do¡­?¡¯ Ines blushed. Now that this happened, she had no choice but to admit it. ¡®I like the Duke.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t ignore this feeling anymore. * * * The exchange was simply very popular. ¡°It was an interesting exchange exhibition!¡± ¡°I want to stay a little longer, but it¡¯s too bad I have to go back.¡± The Kaldorov delegation lavished praise on the lips. The Royal Art Association was unhappy with the satisfactory response. ¡°Did you like this exchange?¡± ¡°Since it¡¯s a different way than before, I¡¯m worried that it might have been a little unfamiliar.¡± ¡°It was so fun and fresh!¡± ¡°I¡¯m thinking about introducing that way to Kaldorov!¡± The delegation was so excited that it only resulted in compliments. In the end, the Royal Art Association had no choice but to take a step back with mysterious expressions. After the exchange ended like that. ¡°Duke, I have a package from the Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch received the unexpected packages. The package contained a clean, washed suit coat. And the second package¡­ ¡®It¡¯s a portrait.¡¯ It was a portrait of Enoch that Ines was working on. Enoch in the portrait had a soft smile on his lips, not his usual expressionless face. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± He inadvertently raised his hand and touched his lips. ¡°I¡¯m in a portrait¡­and smiling like that.¡± Perhaps in the eyes of the Countess of Brierton, he was always smiling like that. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch looked at the portrait for a long time. This painting itself was evidence. Evidence of his feelings for Ines. ¡®She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s special.¡¯ The one and only existence in the world, incomparable to anything else. Even the genius of Ines, who initially fascinated Enoch, now felt insignificant. However, this ambiguous relationship with Ines. ¡­¡­He couldn¡¯t resist the feeling of thirst. * * * After the exchange, Ines¡¯s name became the hottest news in Lancaster. ¡°Did you all hear that?¡± At a tea party for the ladies. One of them opened her mouth with a wide fan. ¡°Lately, I heard that the Queen is very close to the Countess of Brierton, right?¡± The most frequently talked-about topic of late Lancaster. Ines Brierton. It was influenced by Lancaster society, and recently, ladies¡¯ salons and gentlemen¡¯s clubs had been talking about Ines every day. ¡°That¡¯s understandable, she made this exchange a huge success.¡± ¡°Did you hear that? Thanks to this exchange exhibition, sales on Hwabang Street have also increased tremendously.¡± The artists who attended the exhibition left behind items such as murals and sculptures painted or produced on Hwabang street. Ines set a related budget in advance and bought the works with proper compensation. From the artist¡¯s point of view, art such as murals was ambiguous to move separately. It was relatively easy to accept Ines¡¯s proposal. The street became tourist¡¯s attractions, and tourists continued to flow in even after the exchange exhibition was over. ¡°I heard dating on Hwabang street is popular among young people these days.¡± ¡°Yes, I actually went to play when the exchange exhibition was held.¡± ¡°Once, I took my children with me, but I want to go there again, and I want to know how much they are fussing about it.¡± ¡°Well, there are sculptures of famous artists everywhere and paintings on display. It¡¯s great for education.¡± Hwabang street was generally well received by socialists. ¡°These days, there is a saying that if you want to interact with Her Majesty, you should target the Countess of Brierton first.¡± ¡°Well, the Queen says that she has the Countess by her side.¡± ¡°Oh my, I should send an invitation to the Countess of Brierton.¡± The ladies burst into laughter side by side for a while. One of them went on again. ¡°I¡¯m saying this because it¡¯s just between us. Isn¡¯t the Countess amazing?¡± ¡°Amazing? Of course, I know this exchange is quite popular, but¡­.¡± ¡°No, not that. I mean her divorce.¡± The lady shrugged. ¡°Right? Honestly, when she filed for divorce, I wondered if she could win, but she won.¡± At the words, the other ladies who were facing each other nodded respectively. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Of course, there was evidence that she had been painting for a long time as a shadow painter, but¡­¡­ It¡¯s not easy to win a divorce case.¡± ¡°In a way, His Majesty also made an unconventional ruling.¡± In fact, the ladies were secretly satisfied with Ines¡¯ move. A woman who had won a divorce on her own in a conservative Lancaster society. In a society where domestic and submissive women were considered virtues. Women who had titles and done art and actively engaged in social activities were looked down on. Seeing Ines did what they thought was impossible so far, they were forced to envy her. However, apart from the vicarious satisfaction of the ladies, this situation was not necessarily accepted by everyone. The other lady spoke in a dubious voice. ¡°But some people don¡¯t like the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Um¡­.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± The ladies went silent for a moment. With Ines¡¯ move, not everyone in Lancaster society could make the same assessment. To be exact, the evaluation of this exchange was divided into extremes. It was definitely well received in Kaldorov, the mainstay of this exchange. In addition, commoners, amateur artists, and women who were basically excluded from society were beyond excited. However, it was criticized by established artists, including the Royal Art Association, which was the mainstream of the Lancaster art world. ¡°But, well, this isn¡¯t for sure.¡± One of the ladies opened her mouth with a humming cough. ¡°I heard that members of the Royal Art Association also went to see the exchange exhibition¡­¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. I also saw Lord Kelton this time.¡± ¡°What? I heard Lord Kelton is going down to the fief this time?¡± The other lady asked back in bewilderment. Then the young lady, who was sipping tea, carefully opened her mouth. ¡°Actually, I saw him, too. Didn¡¯t he go around with Lord Wilbur?¡± ¡°Yes, Lady Gray. Did you see the lord?¡± Lord Kelton and Lord Wilbur. Both were members of the Royal Art Association. ¡°No way.¡­¡± The ladies exchanged secret glances, not to mention who was first. * * * At that time, The aristocrats belonging to the Royal Art Association raised their voices. ¡°I heard it all!¡± One of the nobles looked around with a bulging vein on his neck. ¡°I heard that people from the Art Association went to see the exchange exhibition!¡± Then other aristocrats sneaked away. ¡°Well, well.¡± ¡°But it can¡¯t be helped, can it?¡± ¡°Who would have imagined that the exchange would be so successful?¡± ¡°If you didn¡¯t see the exchange, you wouldn¡¯t see what happened.¡± When he protested so timidly, the aristocrat who first spoke hit the table violently. Bang! The nobles stiffened their shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t you see how serious the situation is?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Her Majesty wanted to appoint the Countess of Brierton as a member of the Royal Art Association!¡± It was true. Helena appreciated the achievements of the exhibition and wanted to appoint Ines a member of the Royal Art Association. However, it was temporarily put on hold because the existing members¡¯ opposition was so strong. ¡°Even Marquis Usher, the president of the Art Association, did not attend the exchange exhibition, how can this be!¡± The aristocrat, who first spoke, raised his voice again. Meanwhile, Marquis Usher, who was watching the mess, intervened in the conversation. CH 76 ¡°Don¡¯t be so angry.¡± ¡°But, Marquis Usher¡­!¡± ¡°It¡¯s because everyone is so passionate about art.¡± Marquis Usher smiled, pretending to be generous. ¡°But don¡¯t you know it well, too? To work as an artist in Lancaster, you must have a lot of experience.¡± ¡°Experience¡­ Ah!¡± The faces of the nobles, who had been puzzled for a while, turned bright. ¡°As expected, the Marquis has an idea!¡± ¡°You¡¯re amazing!¡± Marquis Usher enjoyed countless compliments with a pleased face. Then he opened his mouth sternly. ¡°As long as I am president of the Royal Art Association, the Countess of Brierton will never be accepted by the Royal Society of Art.¡± A despicable light flashed over the eyes of Marquis Usher. ¡°Of course¡­¡­she won¡¯t be able to get an individual exchange exhibition.¡± * * * The exchange exhibition was successful, and highly praised by Kaldorov and the public. It got a backlash from the Royal Art Association, and it was unexpected from the beginning, so she thought she didn¡¯t have to pay much attention. Ines was still in agony. ¡°Ha.¡± Ines exhaled a long sigh. She knew that the Royal Art Association was hostile and sensitive to Ines¡¯ actions. However¡­ ¡®¡­I didn¡¯t know that no matter how much they kept me in check, they would interfere like this.¡¯ One needed some conditions to be recognized as an artist in Lancaster. Among them, an individual achievement from the exchange exhibition under their name was included. Thus, while successfully completing the exchange exhibition, Ines tried to proceed with the individual exchange exhibition as well. Meanwhile, she ran into an unexpected wall. ¡®I didn¡¯t expect the Royal Art Association to find fault at every turn.¡¯ Ines narrowed her brows. Although the exchange exhibition was definitely a great achievement as an artist, it was not enough. The only exhibition that Ines participated in so far was the winning works of the art exhibition that Enoch hosted. However, it was better not to hold an individual exhibition at her own expense. If the artist was not talented enough for an individual exchange exhibition, the artist would be ridiculed behind scenes. Thus, ordinary artists would hold individual exhibitions with the certification of the Royal Art Association. In Lancaster, the Royal Art Association was a influential group. The certification by the Royal Art Association itself meant that the artist¡¯s talent was recognized in part by the official institution. So, of course, Ines sent a request for certification to the Royal Art Association¡­ She was rejected in less than half a day. Ines, who was determined, continued to make requests, and was rejected one after another. No matter how deep the emotional goal was in this exchange exhibition, she didn¡¯t know they¡¯d be so mean to block her way. If so, it should be considered that the way to hold an exchange exhibition in Lancaster was completely blocked. When Ines was drooping on the desk, unable to overcome her frustration. Knock, knock, knock. There was a short knock. Ines answered helplessly, leaning against the desk. ¡°Come in.¡± Mary, who came into the room, opened her eyes wide. ¡°Master, you have to keep up your spirit.¡± ¡°Tell that to the Royal Art Association. How ridiculous they are being.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ines¡¯s sullen reply made Mary feel pity. Mary knew that Ines was having a hard time recently because of trying to open her own exhibition. ¡°So, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­¡± Mary looked at Ines in a straight posture. ¡°A message came from the royal family. Her Majesty has ordered you to enter the palace.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Ines¡¯ eyes widened. Now that the exchange was over, she thought she wouldn¡¯t see the Queen anymore. Until then, Ines had no idea. The long-thinking individual exhibition problem would be solved in a completely unexpected way. * * * Ines, who entered the royal palace, faced an unexpected person. ¡°The Duke of Sussex?¡± Enoch. ¡°Oh, Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch welcomed her with a pleasant smile. ¡°Did the Countess also receive the Queen¡¯s call?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Ines nodded eagerly. Since the recent exchange exhibition was over, she was glad to see Enoch again. ¡®¡­¡­However, I hope the Duke will be pleased to see me.¡¯ Ines, who was glancing at Enoch, soon came to her senses. ¡®Oh, my God, what am I thinking?¡¯ At that moment. Ines made eye contact with Enoch. ¡°You look happy.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve been smiling since a while ago.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± For a moment, her face flamed up. Recently she had been rejected by the Royal Art Association over and over again, so why was she happy? Objectively, there was not a single good thing. And yet, the reason why she was smiling so lightly that Enoch said so¡­ ¡®As expected¡­ It¡¯s probably because of seeing the Duke.¡¯ Ines hurriedly schooled her expression. No matter how determined she was to admit her interest in Enoch, it was another matter to make it obvious. If it went wrong, the current smooth relationship could be ruined. Not knowing the turmoil of her mind, Enoch spoke. ¡°Shall we go?¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡± Anyway, they entered the palace at the invitation of the Queen. ¡®I need to get my act together.¡¯ Ines took her eyes off Enoch on purpose, and walked only looking forward. Otherwise, she thought he¡¯d notice her thumping heart. * * * ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t make you a member of the Royal Art Association this time. I really wanted to appoint you.¡­.¡± Queen Helena looked really sorry. Ines smiled softly. ¡°That¡¯s all right. I don¡¯t mind at all, so don¡¯t worry about it, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Still¡­¡± Helena could not hide her regret. That¡¯s because Helena herself wanted to somehow appoint Ines as a member of the Royal Art Association. Ines had long been shadowed as Ryan¡¯s shadow painter, despite the successful conclusion of the exchange. Therefore, being a member of the Art Association, which was once Ryan¡¯s, must mean something special to Ines, too. ¡®But the opposition was too much¡­¡­.¡¯ Helena pressed her fingers against her throbbing temple. [¡®I understand that the Queen wants to congratulate the Countess of Brierton¡¯s achievement, but!¡¯] The artists of the Royal Art Association spoke out against Ines¡¯s appointment. ¡®[The Royal Art Association has never received a woman!¡¯] [¡®No matter how much the Countess of Brierton has achieved remarkable results, we cannot ignore the history and traditions of our art association like this!¡¯] [¡®That¡¯s right! Please reconsider!¡¯] It was what they said¡­ Faced with numerous objections, Ines eventually failed to become a member of the Royal Art Association. Helena sighed deeply and opened her mouth. ¡°Thank you for saying that. Rather, the reason why we invited you two today is because of the official request from Kaldorov.¡± ¡°What do you mean, a request?¡± ¡°In Kaldorov¡¯s art world, they were very impressed with the success of exhibition achieved by the Countess.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± At the unexpected news, Ines¡¯ eyes grew round. At the same time, Helena smiled gracefully. ¡°So they want to officially invite the Countess of Brierton and the Duke of Sussex, who were the leaders of this exchange exhibition.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yes. They said that they wanted to hear the experience of the management team who successfully conducted the exchange exhibition.¡± Helena shrugged her shoulders and asked Ines. ¡°Come to think of it, the Countess of Brierton has never held an individual exhibition, right?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true.¡± Ines nodded with a puzzled face. Then Helena winked playfully. ¡°That¡¯s great, in Kaldorov, they seem to want to take charge of the Countess¡¯ first individual exhibition.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± ¡®How can I explain this feeling?¡¯ An indescribable emotion raged to her neck. Ines couldn¡¯t answer and only her lips were trembling. It was a dream come true. It was a great honor as an artist to receive such an offer. Even Ryan, who used Ines as a shadow painter in the past before her return, did not experience such an experience. However, ¡°¡­Can I really go to Kaldorov?¡± At Ines¡¯s worried question, Helena looked puzzled. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Ines, who had been agonizing for a while, carefully continued. CH 77 ¡°I thought there would be a strong backlash from the Royal Art Association.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± At that moment, Enoch¡¯s forehead was deeply wrinkled as he listened. ¡®Oh my..¡¯ Helena glanced sideways at Enoch. On the other hand, Ines, who had never noticed Enoch¡¯s low mood, continued to explain softly. ¡°Honestly, the Royal Art Association still thinks of me as an eyesore.¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°If I accept this proposal, maybe I¡¯ll cause a stir in the art world¡­¡± Ines blurted out the end of her words. Everything Ines had done so far has been divided critically between people. The public cheered her move, but the established art world, including the Royal Art Association, looked down on her. She couldn¡¯t help but pay attention at all since it was obvious. In addition, Ines intended to continue her artistic activities in the future, so there were difficulties in continuing to clash with the art world. ¡°Considering the backlash from the art world, it is better to work a little more in the country than to go to Kaldorov this time¡­¡± But then. ¡°Why should you do that?¡± She heard a stern voice. It was Enoch¡¯s. Ines blinked in surprise. ¡°Duke?¡± ¡°There is a saying that in a one-eyed village, people with two eyes are treated abnormally.¡± Enoch spoke in an uncharacteristically firm tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know why a person with two eyes should lower herself to match a one-eyed person.¡± ¡°Uh, I¡­.¡± ¡°Just do whatever you want.¡± Enoch concluded his speech with determination. ¡°The Countess is too precious to be swayed by someone.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Facing Enoch, who seemed rather angry, Ines involuntarily swallowed her dry saliva. ¡®Perhaps the Duke is saying that because he really values my talent without much meaning.¡¯ However, Ines clenched her fist on her lap. ¡®¡­¡­Whenever he says that, I keep getting excited.¡¯ Meanwhile, an unexpected smile lingered over Helena¡¯s lips as she watched the situation. It was because she noticed the subtle air current flowing between Enoch and Ines. ¡®Come to think of it, when the Duke of Sussex gets angry like that¡­¡¯ Wasn¡¯t it only when it¡¯s related to the Countess of Brierton? But it seemed that the parties involved were not even aware of how they felt for each other. ¡®Wouldn¡¯t it be okay to push them a little?¡¯ With such self-interest, Helena opened her mouth mischievously. ¡°Come to think of it, Lady Margaret put a lot of effort into Kaldorov¡¯s invitation this time.¡± Margaret? It had been such a long time since Ines had heard about her name. Ines pricked up her ears. At the same time, Helena added a curious explanation. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know of the Countess of Brierton knows when I say Margaret. I mean the Marquess of Attlee.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the Marquess of Attlee¡­¡­.¡± At first glance, Ines knew the name. She was the cousin of the current King Kaldorov and the wife of the Marquis of Attlee, one of the most prestigious families in Kaldorov. She was also very interested in art, so she found new artists and sponsored them. For a moment, Ines glanced sideways at Enoch without realizing it. ¡®Why¡­ she¡¯s like the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ They both were related to the royal family, and they discovered and supported artists. It was strangely reminiscent of Enoch. At the same time, Helena¡¯s smile deepened a little. ¡°Come to think of it, it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve met Margaret.¡± ¡­¡­Margaret. At the friendly address, Ines¡¯s brow furrowed. It seemed like Queen Helena knew Lady Margaret personally. And then. Helena dropped the bomb casually. ¡°Well, Margaret once was involved with the Duke of Sussex. You didn¡¯t know that, did you?¡± ¡°¡­involved?¡± At that moment, Ines flinched. It was clearly a look of agitation. Helena watched her without missing a detail, and continued leisurely. ¡°Well, that¡¯s a long time ago, though. Now, as the wife of the Marquis of Attlee, she has a profound influence on Kaldorov¡¯s art world.¡± ¡°Well, I see. She¡¯s a very talented lady.¡± ¡°Even in this exchange exhibition, Margaret sent me several letters. Saying that she¡¯s very sorry she couldn¡¯t attend.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines nibbled at the tender flesh in her mouth. Meanwhile, Enoch, who knew nothing, looked back at Helena with a puzzled face. ¡°Come to think of it, I thought the Marquess of Attlee would attend the exchange exhibition, of course.¡± ¡°She said she was pregnant. So it¡¯s hard to travel a long distance.¡± Then Enoch smirked. ¡°Oh, Andrea must be happy to have a younger sibling.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Andrea yourself when you visit Kaldorov this time?¡± Both Helena and Enoch had friendly conversations about the Marquess. Ines, who was listening to the conversation, somehow felt low in her mood. ¡®You remember the Marquess of Attlee¡¯s family history as well as their names.¡¯ How close were they? Besides¡­ ¡®What do they mean, involve each other?¡¯ Ines chewed her flesh. She knew it in her head. Enoch was already slightly over the marriageable age, more precisely the right age. So it was not strange if he was involved with someone. Ines herself, who was younger than Enoch, had already been married once and divorced. Of course, she was well aware of those facts, but¡­¡­. ¡®My heart is stuffy.¡¯ She felt like someone was ripping through the depths of her heart with a long skewer. Just in time, Helena looked at Ines. ¡°Anyway, if you go to Kaldorov this time, you¡¯ll be able to meet her.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. I¡¯m also looking forward to meeting the Marquess.¡± Ines hurriedly schooled her expression and smiled. Helena looked at Ines with a strange expression and smiled at her. But that smile felt like she knew something. Ines had difficulty looking directly at Helena for no reason. * * * A late afternoon when the sun was shining brightly. Finally, the conversation with Helena was concluded, and Ines and Enoch got up. But then. knock, knock. The royal servant, who appeared with a short knock, bowed deeply toward Enoch. ¡°Duke of Sussex, His Majesty is looking for you.¡± ¡°Again?¡± Enoch asked back in a curious voice. Somehow, whenever he entered the royal palace, he felt like he was called by his brother without notice. ¡°Why is he calling me this time?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know that either. However, the King made sure to bring the duke and requested him to do so.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch seemed wary, but he could not ignore the call of His Majesty the King. He looked back at Ines with a sigh. ¡°Countess, I think you should go back first today.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Even though she answered reflexively, Ines was still unfamiliar with her feelings. Why on earth did she feel regret? They were just moving together to the place where the carriage was waiting anyway. She had her own carriage. So it wasn¡¯t like they would ride together. She couldn¡¯t believe she was upset that she couldn¡¯t be with him for that short travel time.¡­. At the same time, Enoch added in a regretful tone. ¡°It¡¯s too bad I couldn¡¯t go back with the Countess.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Certainly the Duke said it without much intention. But she felt like he had read her mind. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Ines turned away as if nothing was wrong. * * * ¡°Brother.¡± Stepping into the parlor, Enoch called Edward in a weary voice. ¡°Can you stop calling me without warning?¡± Edward, who was leaning against the sofa and looking at the documents, lifted his eyes. ¡°Then would you have come happily if I told you in advance?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s not true.¡± Edward squinted at the brazen answer. ¡°This guy.¡± ¡°Anyway, why did you call me?¡± Enoch, who was approaching, slumped across the sofa without asking Edward for permission. Usually, Edward would roast him, saying it¡¯s rude. Edward now had a rare serious expression on his face. ¡°You know, in the Royal Art Association, there¡¯s a lot of backlash against the Countess of Brierton, right?¡± Edward got straight to the point. Enoch¡¯s eyes sank darkly. ¡°¡­¡­I know that the Royal Art Association is taking the initiative.¡± CH 78 Ines Brierton. There was no potato as hot as her in the current Lancaster society. She had a good reputation for finishing the exchange exhibition well, and was successfully established in the social world. As a Count, her ability to rule the family was also well received. In particular, professional managers who ran the business on her behalf agreed that Ryan¡¯s business had become much easier to proceed than when he was the Count of Brierton. However, not everyone was satisfied with Ines. [¡°No matter how hard it is, but divorce?¡±] [¡°Couldn¡¯t she have a conversation with her spouse and make the marriage work?¡±] Unlike the ladies who secretly supported Ines¡¯s divorce, the gentlemen were more likely to empathize with Ryan¡¯s position. Even though it was a minority, such opinions came out to the point of knowing. In addition, the reputation of Ines in the art world was divided in half. [¡®This exchange exhibition has raised interest in art as a whole.¡¯] ¡°[Many tourists visit Hwabang street, and the number of people who want to buy paintings or sculptures has increased.¡±] The unknown artists who had not yet seen the light were in favor of Ines. [¡°I admit that the Countess of Brierton has excellent skills, but isn¡¯t that too conspicuous?¡±] [¡°It¡¯s not a good thing to do this and that just because you¡¯re doing well alone.¡±] [¡°One has to think about adapting to our art world, being a thunderstorm¡­¡­Tsk.¡±] The established artists were still looking at Ines with a sharp eye. ¡°So, I mean, going to Kaldorov this time.¡± Edward tilted his head and looked at Enoch. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Enoch¡¯s blue eyes quickly sharpened. Edward sighed. ¡°Send only the Countess of Brierton, and you just stay in Lancaster.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re my only brother.¡± Edward continued in a subdued voice. ¡°There¡¯s already a lot of talk around about you and the Countess.¡± ¡°You know well that I don¡¯t care about things like that.¡± ¡°But it bothers me.¡± Edward drew the line sharply. At the same time, the brothers¡¯ eyes met. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch bit his lip gently. ¡®If it had been usual, I would have resisted somehow, but why am I so speechless?¡¯ It was because he realized that Edward was genuinely concerned about him. Edward shot back at Enoch in a rather sharp tone. ¡°Your reputation may be at stake if you and the Countess go together.¡± ¡°Brother.¡± ¡°I told you earlier. There is already a lot of talk in the art world about the Countess of Brierton.¡± Edward tapped nervously on the armrest of his chair. Enoch, who was watching the scene, bit his lip. That was Edward¡¯s reaction when his nerves became extremely sharp. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to say this¡­Do you know what they say?¡± Edward frowned and spoke in a heavy voice. ¡°The reason why the Countess of Brierton was able to be involved in this exchange exhibition is because of your help.¡± ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± ¡°I know, my wife is not such a sloppy person.¡± Only after he remembered Helena, whom he loved deeply and trusted her firmly as his queen, Edward could calm down a little. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to step down this time, for both of you and the Countess of Brierton¡¯s image?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch gritted his teeth. Edward was right on every note. But apart from realizing how much his brother was worried about him and how reasonable Edward¡¯s proposal was. ¡°The Countess of Brierton is far more important than my reputation.¡± Enoch had no choice but to say so. He quickly continued. ¡°I don¡¯t care what others say, I¡¯ll protect the Countess somehow.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Her talent should not be broken. It¡¯s a national loss. So I¡­¡­.¡± Enoch clenched his fist. ¡°I¡¯m not going to miss the opportunity to be around her. Never.¡± Was that really all? A faint suspicion lurked deep inside him. But Enoch dismissed the question. It was a matter that could be considered later. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Meanwhile, Edward¡¯s eyes seemed to be thinning as he stared at his brother. Enoch met the gaze directly. There was a long silence in the room. ¡°You certainly said in the past that you would help her because of her talent.¡± Edward spoke heavily. ¡°Are you helping the Countess simply because of that? Are you sure?¡± When asked back, Enoch was caught off guard. The question he tried to ignore came back to him from his brother¡¯s lips. Edward asked again. ¡°I¡¯m asking if you want to help her only because of her talent?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch didn¡¯t know how to answer the question. And in that silence, Edward read Enoch¡¯s inner heart. Edward spat out. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, either.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch, who had been agonizing for a while, nodded sincerely. ¡°Brother is right.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I insist on following the Countess out of my own greed.¡± Enoch straightened his back and looked directly into Edward¡¯s eyes. ¡°Even if it¡¯s selfish, it can¡¯t be helped. I want to see the Countess of Brierton fully displaying her talents with my own eyes.¡± ¡°Enoch.¡± Edward remained silent, calling out his only brother¡¯s name. Edward¡¯s expression was very complicated. Enoch chewed gently on the tender flesh in his mouth. Although Enoch had many special feelings for Ines, he still wanted her to succeed as an artist. He believed that blooming her talent was much more important than his feelings. However, ¡®¡­¡­what about the feelings of the Countess of Brierton?¡¯ Such a question occurred to him. Ines was already divorced, and the private exhibition was also blocked due to the interruption of the Royal Art Association. At least, she managed to find a way out with Kaldorov¡¯s invitation. Enoch was proud of her, so he was confident that he wouldn¡¯t care what others said. ¡®But the Countess¡­¡¯ Enoch¡¯s face turned gloomy like a clouded sky. Edward, who was closely observing Enoch¡¯s expression, sighed a long sigh. ¡°If you¡¯re so stubborn¡­ I can¡¯t help it.¡± He continued in a sour tone. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Kaldorov that you and the Countess of Brierton are both visiting.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°What are you thinking?¡± But Enoch didn¡¯t hear what Edward said. Instead, he was thinking while he was staring at his older brother with complicated eyes for a long time, and suddenly called Edward. ¡°Brother.¡± ¡°What?¡± At the blunt voice, Enoch smiled softly for the first time. ¡°I know how much you love and care about me.¡± ¡°What?¡± For a moment Edward doubted his ears. It was the first time Enoch, who was always indifferent, talked about feelings. ¡°Thank you. Always.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Now Edward was in serious agony over whether the sun had risen from the west this morning. Whether he was surprised or not, Enoch just bowed deeply toward Edward. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave now.¡± That was the end of the conversation. Enoch left the parlor, looking relieved that he had said everything he wanted. ¡°Oh, my, I¡¯m shocked.I didn¡¯t expect to hear all the thank you from him¡­¡­.¡± Edward, left alone, smiled crookedly. ¡°I can¡¯t nag him more.¡± * * * Meanwhile, ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Huh? Ines, who was walking, stopped on the spot at the sudden mention of her name. A group of nobles were walking in the distance and talking. ¡°I don¡¯t know if she knows her approach to art is too shallow.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, how dare the common people participate in the festival and exchange exhibition¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t she even say that in this exchange exhibition, the artists on the street and established artists would work together?¡± ¡°What will happen to Lancaster¡¯s art world?¡±¡± ¡°It¡¯s the end of the art world, if not the end of the world.¡± ¡°She¡¯s really arrogant.¡± Ines, listening to the blatant gossip, squinted her eyes. CH 79 ¡®They¡¯re¡­¡­.¡¯ Some of the men between the nobles were familiar. It was the people of the Royal Art Association. In this life, she saw them roughly passing by at the exchange celebration, but Ines knew their faces very well. Before her return, when Ryan was on a roll as the best artist in the kingdom and wrote to the Royal Art Association. It was because she had met them with Ryan a few times while waiting. ¡®Did they come to the royal family to report your achievements today?¡¯ The Royal Art Association was established by the royal family, so they had to report their achievements to the royal family periodically. Ines herself had painted countless times to make Ryan¡¯s achievements in her previous life. Ines, who was thinking about that time, felt her mouth getting bitter. ¡®¡­¡­but I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d come across it like this.¡¯ She thought it would be better to pass by without bumping into them as much as possible. ¡®Besides, Kalodorov¡¯s individual exhibition has been confirmed.¡¯ For the time being, it was good to be careful not to get into gossip. Of course, Ines didn¡¯t feel good. There would be a lot of words to fire back if they faced each other face to face. But even if they bump into each other like this here, they would roast her nonetheless. ¡®First of all, if I openly argue with the Royal Art Association, the mainstream of the art world¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡®The Duke of Sussex.¡¯ She thought it would hurt Enoch, who always trusted and supported her. It didn¡¯t matter how bad Ines was feeling. However, ¡®The Duke of Sussex shouldn¡¯t hear this and that because of me.¡¯ In that judgment, Ines stepped back cautiously, biting her lip. But then. ¡°Then I will ask.¡± A sharp voice interrupted their conversation. To that question, the eyes of the association people, who had been complaining, grew big. The person who spoke was¡­¡­. ¡°What is the standard of arrogance that the association think?¡±¡± ¡°Duke of Sussex?¡± It was Enoch. With his sharp blue eyes staring straight at them, people unwittingly swallowed dry saliva. ¡°Well, that¡¯s because the Countess doesn¡¯t think about trying to adapt to our art world, but she keeps trying to go outside the box.¡± One of them tried to protest. The tip of Enoch¡¯s lips twisted up at the lame excuse. ¡°Are you going to let her have a chance to get used to it?¡± ¡°What? What do you mean¡­¡­.¡± ¡°If you talk about melting into Lancaster¡¯s art world, but if you undermine her as much as possible, saying that the exchange exhibition is shallow in the background.¡± Enoch asked bitterly. ¡°Would you feel like you¡¯re going to melt into that great art world?¡± ¡°No, My Lord¡­¡­!¡± ¡°The Royal Art Association continues to reject the Countess of Brierton¡¯s request for certification of individual exhibitions.¡± At that moment, Ines¡¯ eyes grew a little. ¡°Did you think I didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡®¡­he knew.¡¯ She didn¡¯t even mention the individual exchange exhibition because she was afraid Enoch would feel burdened. Enoch tilted his head. ¡°To argue that we should blend into the art world, at least we should let go of the hindrance.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± There was no excuse, so the nobles kept their mouths shut like shells. ¡°In addition, you seem to have forgotten who the management of this exchange exhibition was.¡± A stern voice fell. ¡°His Majesty has appointed two people, the Countess of Brierton and myself, the management team.¡± For a moment, the blood drained from the faces of the nobles. They were so absorbed in criticizing Ines that they completely forgot about it. Enoch was also in the management team of the exchange exhibition, so it was an insult to Enoch that they talked badly about it. ¡°For your information, I am the one who recommended the Countess of Brierton to the management position.¡± Enoch shrugged his shoulders proudly. ¡°Then, based on your logic, I¡­¡­ Oh, yes.¡± The smile on his lips deepened a little. It was a cold smile as if it were made of ice. ¡°Are you going to discriminate because the Countess is a woman?¡± ¡°Ha, no way!¡± ¡°How dare we!¡± People opened their mouths to defend themselves. Enoch listened to the lame excuses with a bored expression. He tilted his head. ¡°Then, would the Countess have your support?¡± It was a hard question. People kept their mouths shut in unison. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch continued, breaking the heavy silence. ¡°I thought an artist enough to join the Royal Art Association would have considerable knowledge and personality.¡± Now, people couldn¡¯t even breathe properly and were just looking at each other. It was very rare for Enoch, who had always been calm, to express his displeasure openly. ¡°But seeing you talk behind someone else¡¯s back like this, I feel like the expectations I had for you are being trampled.¡± Enoch alternately looked at the people with a cold, subdued gaze. And, ¡°It¡¯s very disappointing.¡± Enoch, who spoke in a pitiful tone, turned as he was. Looking at the distant back, people felt a deep sense of crisis. ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡± One of them murmured softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Duke of Sussex to defend the Countess like that.¡± ¡°If we leave the Countess doing what she likes, our prestige will be completely destroyed.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. We have to solve this problem somehow¡­¡­.¡± Deep emotions fluttered over people¡¯s eyes. Ines was a clear enemy. * * * Meanwhile, Ines was hiding against the wall and at a loss. ¡®Oh, what should I do?¡¯ She just wanted to pass quietly without any conflict with the people of the Royal Art Association. Unexpectedly, she didn¡¯t expect Enoch to take her side openly in front of them. She didn¡¯t expect him to say he was disappointed. Her heart thumped. Ines raised her hand and pressed it hard on her chest. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t be happy.¡¯ Enoch stepped up for her. It prevented all sorts of ridiculous slander against her. Ignoring the resistance of the nobles, he stood by her. ¡®Stop laughing, Ines.¡¯ Ines chewed well on her lips, which were about to smile. And then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Enoch popped up in front of her out of the blue. ¡°Oh my!¡± Startled, Ines breathed heavily. ¡°Oh, Duke?¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Enoch asked curiously. ¡°Why is the Countess hiding in a place like this when you did nothing wrong?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± Frowning, Enoch pointed behind her with his chin gesture. ¡°There is no reason for the Countess to be doing this, even those stupid people are walking around the Imperial Palace at will.¡± ¡®No, what do you mean stupid¡­¡¯ It was a frank remark that was not like Enoch. Ines, surprised, glanced behind to see if anyone was there. Fortunately, the people of the Royal Art Association had long since left. ¡®It¡¯s a relief.¡¯ She felt relieved for a moment. Ines glanced at Enoch. When Enoch noticed the gaze, he looked straight at her. ¡°Anything you want to say?¡± ¡°Ah¡­that¡¯s¡­¡± Ines clenched her lips. After thinking for a long time, Ines opened her mouth with a long sigh. ¡°I thought I should. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You had an argument with the Royal Art Association earlier.¡± Unable to overcome her apologies, Ines lowered her eyes. There was a faint depth of worry over a white face like ivory. ¡°¡­¡­If it weren¡¯t for me, Your Excellency wouldn¡¯t have had to argue like that.¡± But Ines¡¯s guilty look didn¡¯t last long. Unexpectedly, it was because Enoch narrowed his forehead and asked back. ¡°Well, why do you think it¡¯s because of the Countess?¡± At the unexpected question, Ines became puzzled. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s true that their behavior of insulting the Countess was unkind, but I¡¯m also a member of the exchange exhibition management team.¡± ¡°What? I know that, but¡­¡­.¡± ¡°So, it means I need to defend you for my sake too.¡± ¡°¡­¡­for your sake?¡± ¡°Of course, this exchange exhibition has been a great achievement, as acknowledged by Kaldorov.¡± ¡°Well, even so.¡± It was not an exchange exhibition planned and conducted by Ines herself, but an objective fact. Not only did the exchange exhibition end successfully, but it also had various positive effects derived from it. Both Ines and Enoch took great pride in this event. ¡°It is also an insult to me that they call such an exchange exhibition vulgar.¡± There was no time for Ines to say anything. Enoch poured out his words determinedly. CH 80 ¡°The Royal Art Association is definitely an association that operates nationwide. The salaries paid to them are made up of the people¡¯s taxes, so they should achieve results that are worthy.¡± ¡°Well, Your Excellency?¡± ¡°They can¡¯t emulate you in a situation where other artists are promoting national prestige, but they are trying to undermine you arbitrarily because you¡¯re holding an individual exhibition overseas.¡± Enoch looked really disgusted. ¡°Aren¡¯t they too mean?¡± ¡®¡­the Duke must have been extremely unhappy with the Royal Art Association.¡¯ But Ines felt refreshed inside. Although she was uncomfortable to complain openly to the Royal Art Association, she was also dissatisfied. How should she say it? In addition. ¡®Your Excellency is now¡­¡­ telling me not to worry.¡¯ So, the innermost thoughts in those long words were clearly for her sake. ¡®The reason he¡¯s so angry is not only because of himself but also because of me.¡¯ ¡°So don¡¯t worry about it for nothing and don¡¯t feel guilty.¡± ¡®¡­Isn¡¯t he trying to reassure me somehow?¡¯ The moment she noticed him. Ines suddenly felt excited. At the same time, Enoch narrowed his brows and looked down at Ines. ¡°¡­¡­¡­why are you smiling like that?¡± ¡°Oh, did I smile?¡± Ines smoothed her lips reflexively. Before she knew it, she could feel her lips drawing a round arc. ¡°I just thought that you and I could be so similar.¡± Since this happened, Ines decided to speak her mind honestly. ¡°To be honest, I once wanted to be recognized by people by being part of the Royal Art Association.¡± Ryan popped into her head. On second thought, the source of all Ines¡¯s inferiority complex was Ryan. Was it because there was a time when Ryan was honored to join that association before her return? There was a compulsion to belong to the Royal Art Association somehow. ¡®But now¡­¡­ I don¡¯t care about Ryan at all.¡¯ His Majesty and the Queen, the Royal Art Association and the public, ahead of all of them. The priority was to be recognized by this man in front of her. If only this man recognized her, the gaze of others was now of no consequence. ¡°But after hearing your words, I understand.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­Countess.¡± ¡°No matter what others think of me, even if I don¡¯t have to join the Royal Art Association.¡± Ines smile deepened. It was a bright smile like the sun. ¡°I¡¯m already an artist.¡± Ines expressed her sincere thanks. ¡°Thank you so much for turning my old inferiority complex into nothing.¡± Her smile was spotless. Her smile was so bright. ¡®If I keep facing that smile, I think my heart will be caught shaking.¡¯(Enoch) ¡°¡­If you knew, that¡¯s all right.¡± Enoch took a step back, pretending nothing happened. ¡°By the way, my Lord.¡± Ines glanced sideways at Enoch, as if she had something to say. Her glistening dark green eyes met his gaze. ¡°You didn¡¯t want me to feel burdened, so you purposely spoke as long as you did just now, right?¡± ¡®¡­I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d notice that.¡¯ Enoch quickened his pace a little instead of answering. Ines followed closely by him. ¡°What? Why are you walking so fast?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Is it because I hit the nail on the head?¡± ¡°What?¡± Despite countless questions, Enoch was tight-lipped. But the silence itself was affirming Ines¡¯ words. Looking at Enoch like that, she somehow felt unbearably pleasant. ¡°That¡¯s what you said was for me, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Ines couldn¡¯t stop laughing. But then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Suddenly stopping, Enoch glanced down at Ines. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°This invitation to Kaldorov.¡± His expression was so serious that Ines became a little nervous without realizing it. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go alone?¡± ¡°Al..All of a sudden?¡± Ines, who was so surprised, stammered unconsciously. ¡®Stay calm, Ines.¡¯ Ines tried to pull herself together. Objectively, Enoch and Ines had no relationship. Work collaboration, nothing more. ¡®If I express too much regret here, it may come as a burden to the Duke.¡¯ With that judgment, Ines opened her mouth as carefully as possible. ¡°I and the Duke were invited together. But if I go alone, wouldn¡¯t it be rude to Kaldorov?¡± ¡°Never mind that, I¡¯m going to proceed with a polite refusal with moderate reasons.¡± But Enoch was stubborn. Ines couldn¡¯t overcome her regret and bit her lower lip gently. ¡°¡­¡­if you say so.¡± Ines, who took a deep breath, looked up at Enoch. ¡°May I ask why you made that decision and why suddenly change your mind?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Enoch reflected on his earlier conversation with Edward. [¡°The reason why the Countess of Brierton was able to play in this exchange exhibition is because of your help.¡±] [¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to step down this time, for your sake and the Countess Brierton¡¯s?¡±] To be honest, Enoch was well aware of what Edward was concerned. And that the concern made sense. Although, in front of Edward, he had the cheek to say, ¡®I¡¯m right to be selfish.¡¯ ¡®But¡­ when I saw the Countess¡¯s face.¡¯ He didn¡¯t want to see the Countess in trouble. ¡°This time, there was a backlash in the art world in many ways.¡± Enoch carefully chose his words. ¡°So I¡¯m afraid that my accompanying Kaldorov will result in people¡¯s jealousy of the Countess.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Ines blinked with a surprised face. After that. The end of her voice soared without knowing that it was high. ¡°Are you going to turn down Kaldorov¡¯s invitation because of the rumors?¡± ¡°The artistic achievement of the Countess is more important.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t know those rumors either. Just a moment ago, I heard the nobles talk behind my back.¡± Ines shook her head and went on quickly. ¡°But you stood by me.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°Your Excellency told me that the wrong side was not me, but the Royal Art Association. And yet you say you won¡¯t come with me..¡­.¡± Dark green eyes shone resolutely. ¡°Isn¡¯t it like giving in to their logic?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± At the words, Enoch had a rare face that was caught off guard. Ines took a big deep breath. Now that she said this, Ines also needed to be prepared. ¡°But it¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll do as you wish¡­.¡± Ines plucked up her courage and looked up at Enoch. ¡°Will Your Excellency be in a lot of trouble?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch met Ines¡¯s gaze with a mysterious expression. ¡®Oh no, if I¡¯m asking too much¡­¡­.¡¯ Ines grew impatient. At the same time Enoch grinned. ¡°No.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Duke?¡± ¡°To be honest with you, I think I was hoping that Countess would say that.¡± Just a moment ago, he looked troubled. Enoch now had a strangely refreshing face. ¡°I was a coward. I made the decision without consulting you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Ines shook her head firmly. ¡°Rather, I¡¯m grateful that you asked me for my opinion first.¡± She meant it. Until now, Ines had been surrounded by people who forced her opinion. So Enoch was very special to her. The first person to treat her in an equal position, and to listen to her. ¡°So when you have such worries in the future, please tell me.¡± Ines smiled brightly and shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Do you happen to know? If we put our heads together, we might have a better solution.¡± Enoch, who had been silently looking at Ines for a long time, nodded slowly. ¡°Yes, I will.¡± It was a distinctly lighter voice. CH 81 Helena stepped into the parlor. Edward was staring at a point over the window. ¡°Did your conversation with the Duke of Sussex go well?¡± A calm question rang. Edward glanced back. Helena walked gracefully to his side. Through the window, she could see carriages with the emblems of the Countess of Brierton and the Duke of Sussex running away. Edward muttered in a sour voice. ¡°When the Countess of Brierton is involved?¡± Helena stared at her husband. She couldn¡¯t figure out what Edward was feeling at the moment. He seemed a little dissatisfied, proud, satisfied, and sad. ¡°You look like your child is leaving you.¡± Helena smiled quietly inside. ¡°What would you do if the two had good feelings for each other? Are you going to disagree?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t really know. I was just worried that Enoch might get hurt because of his hasty curiosity.¡± Edward continued, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Of course, Enoch is already an adult, and I have no right to interfere with his choices, but¡­¡­.¡± But for saying so, Edward¡¯s voice had a longing note. ¡°Hmm.¡± Helena, who was looking at her husband as if she were observing him, soon closed her eyes and smiled. ¡°You look pretty upset for saying that, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just¡­.¡± Edward, who slurred at the end of his speech, crumpled his brows. ¡°My one and only dear younger brother grows up and meets a woman, so if I say I don¡¯t feel emotional, it would be a lie.¡± ¡°You are upset.¡± ¡°Of course, as you said. I feel like I¡¯m giving up my child who was raised in my arms.¡± After a few complaints, Edward continued in a rather soft tone. ¡°¡­¡­but he may need the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Oh, do you think so?¡± ¡°Honestly? He always looked like he wasn¡¯t interested in the world.¡± The grumbling voice was filled with an indescribable affection for his younger brother. ¡°Now he can express his anger, annoyance, and even smile.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Helena leaned her head on her husband¡¯s shoulder instead of answering. She had watched Edward¡¯s countenance with Enoch many times before he succeeded to the throne as crown prince. What was Edward feeling for his brother? Brotherly affection, guilt, and sorry. ¡°¡­¡­ Enoch always treated me like nothing.¡± Edward sighed and opened his mouth. She knew Enoch was considerate of Edward in his own way. However, Edward¡¯s calm attitude was on his mind. ¡®Would it have been better if he had complained or been angry that he had been having such a hard time because of his brother?¡¯ But then. ¡°As you said, I¡¯m glad the Duke looked quite happy unlike before.¡± Helena nodded and affirmed Edward¡¯s words. Edward glanced at Helena. ¡°Does it look like that to you, too?¡± ¡°Yes, so don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Helena gave an unpleasant glance. ¡°You¡¯re always so serious.¡± ¡°¡­¡­is that so?¡± ¡°Of course. Perhaps the Duke would feel burdened by your fear.¡± The acrimonious criticism made Edward look rather awkward. ¡°As you said, the Duke is already an adult.¡± ¡°Helena.¡± ¡°If the duke chose something, and if he was sure that the choice was right. We just have to trust and support him.¡± For a moment Edward looked caught off guard. Helena continued quietly. ¡°I know you feel indebted to the Duke about his childhood. But you can¡¯t live forever tied to your childhood, right?¡± ¡°¡­¡­yes.¡± ¡°Most of all, the Duke wouldn¡¯t want you to do that.¡± Helena nailed it again. ¡°So stop worrying like a child on the water, okay?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Edward, who had been listening for a long time, nodded silently. ¡°Yes, I will.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Helena smiled as if to cheer up. Edward frowned. ¡°Oh, I feel like the men in my family are being led by women.¡± Enoch, who had not even had a relationship, let alone married, was already showing signs of being caught by the Countess¡­ ¡®Well, I¡¯m married, though. I¡¯m better.¡¯ With that self-justification, Edward smirked after his wife. * * * In the late hours of the night. Charlotte stood in front of the Viscount Gott¡¯s mansion with a blank face. ¡°¡­¡­Ryan.¡± The cold air scattered the low voice. Now Charlotte was becoming increasingly isolated. The money she had received as Ryan¡¯s mistress was long gone. Life was only getting worse, and there was no sign of improvement. She couldn¡¯t help but come to Gott¡¯s mansion to see Ryan again, but the result was simply disastrous. ¡°No, my family is also in a state of turmoil!¡± The mother of the Viscount Gott, who chased her, raised her voice to Charlotte. ¡°Are you out of your mind to ask for money? You have no sense of shame!¡± ¡°Please, Ryan will definitely try to support me.¡± Charlotte clung desperately to the elder Viscountess Gott. ¡°Let me see Ryan just once. If you¡¯ll do that, I¡¯ll step down quietly¡­¡± ¡°Outrageous!¡± A sharp cry struck Charlotte like a whip. ¡°Didn¡¯t this happen because of you in the first place?¡± ¡°Viscountess!¡± ¡°Why are you hitting my precious son like this!¡± The Viscountess glared at Charlotte, disgusted, as if she were seeing something dirty and repulsive. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, my sons wouldn¡¯t have had to suffer like this!¡±¡¯ ¡°Ha, but Ryan loved me. Ryan is¡­!¡± ¡°What? Love?¡± The Viscountess snorted. ¡°Let¡¯s listen to it. You¡¯re saying all sorts of things. My son hates you, he doesn¡¯t even think about meeting you!¡¯ ¡®¡­¡­what?¡¯ Charlotte froze on the spot. The madam continued, twisting her lips. ¡°I¡¯m Ryan¡¯s mother! Don¡¯t you think I know him?¡± ¡°Well, still¡­¡­!¡± ¡°So you should stop trying to get to him and stop bothering us. Got it?¡± Viscountess Gott, who warned with her eyes wide open, turned around and entered the house. ¡°What an unlucky person!¡± At the end of the cry. Bang! The gate was closed. Charlotte stumbled on the spot because her whole body was drained. ¡°Oh, no.¡± Actually, Charlotte knew. So on the defensive, before camping in front of the mansion of Viscount Gott. She had been following Ryan all the time to meet him. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you contact me these days?¡± Charlotte, who was desperately clinging to Ryan, stopped. Ryan, who always smiled when he looked at her, looked so cold. Her voice trembled automatically. ¡°Well, are you really trying to abandon me like this? Huh?¡± In response to the desperate Charlotte, Ryan replied in a tone of annoyance. ¡°Oh, stop it.¡± ¡°Ryan!¡± There was also a limit to pretending to be friendly to try to restore the relationship with Ryan somehow. Charlotte¡¯s face hardened with despair. Ryan continued, shaking his head. ¡°Were we even close to each other?¡± ¡°Ryan, how could you say that to me¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s never see each other again.¡± Ryan, who jumped up from his seat, looked down at Charlotte coldly. ¡°Because just thinking about how to get Ines back is killing me.¡± ¡°Ines? Does Ines matter now? Our relationship is!¡± ¡°Charlotte.¡± Charlotte, who was raising her voice like a fit, was horrified. It was because Ryan stared at her with a ferocious expression. Clenched his fist tightly, he looked like he was going to give her a slap right away. ¡°I mean it, don¡¯t you understand?¡± Ryan spat out every word. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you anymore.¡± At the end of the sentence, Ryan left. CH 82 Charlotte looked at Ryan¡¯s disappearing back with a stunned face. ¡®Even Ryan¡­ I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d abandon me.¡¯ Everyone left to find their own way. Before she knew it, Charlotte was left alone. ¡®Without Ryan, there¡¯s really nothing left for me.¡¯ Her dream of marriage with a well-known family was also her ambition to become a lady who controlled society. Everything disappeared like a bubble. In a rush of shame, Charlotte bit her lip hard enough to bleed. And she was wondering if she could meet Ryan at least once to convince him. Knowing that she couldn¡¯t marry anyone if she didn¡¯t hold on to Ryan. She looked around the mansion helplessly. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± It was time to embrace reality. Charlotte turned and began to walk in the dark streets with a limp. Now that she didn¡¯t even have the money to ride in a carriage, she had to walk by foot to get back to her house. Meanwhile, Charlotte was wearing fancy shoes. Shoes that weren¡¯t very suitable for long walks, only worn at parties. ¡°¡­¡­It hurts.¡± Charlotte gasped quietly. The shoes she wore were the last pride she could not put down as an aristocratic lady. Commoners usually wear soft shoes to move comfortably, but Charlotte, who went to all kinds of parties, had never taken off her fancy shoes. ¡°Ugh.¡± Charlotte looked down at her feet with tearful eyes. It was because the shoes were sorely tightened. The heels were covered with blood. Nevertheless, Charlotte stubbornly didn¡¯t take off her shoes. The place she arrived after a long walk after dragging her feet was..ll Under the dim light of the gaslight, a shabby place creaked faintly. An old, shabby mansion came into view. A mansion that was not even comparable to the antique Brierton townhouse, or the townhouse of the Gott. Cheap boarding houses where poor country aristocrats stay for a while during the social season. That was where Charlotte lived. The rising sense of inferiority squeezed her throat, so Charlotte took a short deep breath. ¡®¡­¡­¡­I didn¡¯t even put my foot in a place like this at one time.¡¯ After her affair with Ryan was discovered. Ines cut off all the expenses she had provided to Charlotte in the name of a close friend. Therefore, it was this boarding house that she moved to urgently. But Charlotte had always mingled with Ryan and slept in the most luxurious rooms, had been sweetened and drunk, and had enjoyed all sorts of pleasures. Of course, it was hard to see such a shabby mansion, even renting a one-bedroom. ¡°I hate it.¡± Charlotte closed her eyes tightly. As she hobbled up the stairs, she saw a pile of mail in front of the old door. Among them, there was an exceptionally noticeable envelope. ¡°Is this¡­?¡± Charlotte picked it up with a frown. When she tore the envelope with a dry gesture, she noticed a familiar handwriting. Charlotte¡¯s mother was Baroness Jason. She was so embarrassed reading the letter, and the letters filling the paper were like an earthworm crawling. There were even ink stains left on the letters, as the pen was leaking. Lady Ines. Charlotte clenched the letter paper with a force in her hand at the word. The corners of the letter paper crumpled badly. It¡¯s always been the case. Charlotte was Charlotte, but Ines was Lady Ines. Ever since they first met and became friends. After a long lamentation and rebuke, the letter ended. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Charlotte, who had been staring at the letter for a long time, grabbed the envelope and strode into the room. She tore the letter apart and threw it in the trash. ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh. Do you think I¡¯ll be dragged to the Jason house?¡± Her eyes were filled with venom. ¡®How did I get here¡­¡­!¡¯ Although it was thanks to Ines that Charlotte was able to enter Langdon society. The reason why the countryside noble girl became the favorite of society was all because Charlotte put in hard work. ¡®I can¡¯t go back to being a country girl. Never!¡¯ A long memory once again weighed on Charlotte. Baroness Jason was simply a typical country aristocrat. A small aristocrat who had no possession of even the land and had to bow to the wealthy commoners. Still, Charlotte was the prettiest girl in the neighborhood, and there was a subtle pride in the fact. However, the pride was shattered the moment she met Ines. A wide-brimmed hat decorated with flowers made of expensive silk. The hem of a dress that fluttered abundantly over the ankles with a generous cut of cloth. Round-nosed shiny enamel shoes. Even glossy, dark brown hair that had been trimmed neatly. Charlotte had never seen someone dressed so dazzlingly before. A girl who looked like a princess in a fairy tale greeted Charlotte kindly. Dark green eyes resembling the fresh green of summer were gently bent. Charlotte, staring blankly at Ines, reflexively looked down at her shabby clothes. She tried to take care of it as well as she could, but she wore an old dress that came up to her ankles. Shoes with worn-out soles. The bonnet inherited from her mother fluttered in the wind. Standing next to Ines, who was as pretty as a fine porcelain doll, Charlotte was just a hillbilly girl. The contrasting figure was clearly stuck in her mind. It was that moment. The first time Charlotte learned the feeling of inferiority. The Brierton had come down to the countryside to spend their summer holidays with family. Ines, who had no friends of her age, quickly became close to Charlotte. After that, even after Ines went back to Langdon. Charlotte and Ines continued to write letters, and in the meantime, Ines¡¯ parents died. And Charlotte. ¡®I¡¯ve finally got a chance.¡¯ Charlotte comforted Ines, who was left alone, with a secret sense of inferiority deep in her heart. Ines was deeply grateful to such a friend, and gradually became dependent. After winning Ines¡¯s heart, Charlotte secretly whispered to Ines what she wanted. ¡®I want to be educated by a good teacher like other ladies.¡¯ As soon as she sent the letter, Ines recruited famous teachers in Langdon to teach Charlotte. ¡®It¡¯s my dream to debut in Langdon society. I have always wanted to have a harmonious family with a good husband.¡¯ It was easier to control Ines than to wring a child¡¯s wrist. So when she finally went up to Langdon. ¡°Ryan.¡± Charlotte realized the moment she ran into him. If she was to win a complete victory over Ines, she must take away Ines¡¯s beloved Ryan. So Charlotte did so. Clank! Just in time, she heard a thick bundle of paper falling over the door. The morning paper was delivered. Charlotte looked back at the door with a white face. ¡°Today.. will it have Ines¡¯ news?¡¯ Recently, Charlotte was obsessively collecting Ines¡¯ news from newspapers and magazines. Every time she saw Ines¡¯s story on a roll, she would envy her and her pride hurt and she felt like she had gone crazy. However, she couldn¡¯t stop paying attention to the news at all. It was as if it were continuously stimulating the wound that had not healed. Even though she knew that she had to not touch it at all to heal the wound, she kept going. Charlotte, who walked in front of the door, bent down and picked up a thick bundle of newspapers. Elton G. When she turned the page with a dry touch, the cultural section came into view. And, ¡°Ha¡­¡± Charlotte twisted up the tip of her lips. It was only natural now that all media outlets had articles about Ines. The first page was already talking about Ines¡­. ¡®That¡¯s too much for me.¡¯ The whole world seemed to be mocking Charlotte. Charlotte clenched her teeth and fixed her eyes on the newspaper. CH 83 There was a detailed explanation under the headlines. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Charlotte¡¯s eyes sank cold. Ines was smiling brightly in the newspaper. Like the young lady when Charlotte first met Ines, it was really bright. All the dirty behinds and emotions in the world, even this desperate inferiority complex that bites Charlotte¡¯s whole body. One had no idea. With a noble appearance on her face alone, as if she were laughing at Charlotte¡­¡­. ¡°I can¡¯t be the only one rolling around in the mud like this.¡± A voice mixed with iron came out. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s suffering¡­ Do you think I¡¯m going to be in a terrible state alone?¡± ¡°You are the only one who shines in the spotlight.¡± Ryan, who relentlessly abandoned her, saying he would hold onto Ines. ¡°Isn¡¯t it fair to make a mess of everyone?¡± Charlotte said to herself, her eyes twinkling. ¡°I know.¡± The newspaper clenched in her hand was crumpled. ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯ll see.¡± A whisper filled with malice sank low the dark room. *** A few days later. Ines was standing in front of a carriage to Kaldorov, receiving Mary¡¯s farewell. ¡°The Lady has a weak stomach, so be careful of food and cold water. I have some medicine for motion sickness in the bag, so don¡¯t forget to take it. And also¡­.¡± ¡°Alright, Mary.¡± Mary looked much more nervous than Ines. Ines, who could not hear the worries flowing out one after another, opened her mouth soothingly. ¡°I¡¯m not going to die, it¡¯s okay.¡± Then Mary opened her eyes wide. ¡°What¡¯s okay? When you were young, you always had a stomach ache when the water changed. I¡¯m really worried about you¡­.¡± Mary, who had been talking about many things, started crying. ¡°Okay. Make sure to take medicine for motion sickness, and be careful of cold water and food.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines, surprised, replied hastily. Mary continued, sobbing. ¡°I really, if I could, I would come with you¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, Kaldorov said they would take good care of me.¡± ¡°My Lady always drinks hot tea every morning. Who¡¯s going to take care of the tea for you since you¡¯ll be away from Lancaster for a month?¡± Mary cried and asked. ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to worry so much about just hot tea.¡± Ines gulped down the emotion that came up to the end of her throat. After a few moments. Mary wiped her eyes and smiled brightly. ¡°But I¡¯m glad.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve finally been recognized.¡± And Ines easily noticed the hidden meaning between the lines of Mary¡¯s words. The fact that Ines was recognized. It meant that she got away from the grips of Ryan and regained her life. There was a slow smile on Ines¡¯s face. It was a smile as bright as Mary¡¯s. ¡°Take care and come back safely.¡± Mary, who was saying goodbye, was startled. It was because Ines stretched out her arms and hugged Mary tightly. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be back, Mary.¡± ¡°Take care of your health and have a great time, okay?¡± A friendly touch patted Ines on the back. A young lady who lost her parents and was pushed like a ball. The fragile woman, who couldn¡¯t even breathe properly under Ryan¡¯s shadow, shook off her ex-husband¡¯s shadow before she knew it. The fact that she could smile with such a light face¡­¡­. It may be somewhat rude to have this thought about her master. However, ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± ¡®Is this how it feels to look at a daughter who has grown up and is independent?¡¯ Mary felt her heart beat fast. *** So she said goodbye to the employees of the mansion. At last Ines got into the carriage. Enoch, who was waiting in the carriage, spoke to Ines. ¡°Mary worries a lot about the Countess.¡± ¡°Yes, Mary has been by my side since I was young.¡± Ines opened her mouth inadvertently, waving lightly to Mary outside the window. ¡°I didn¡¯t know much about it before, but I think there are a lot of good people around me.¡± ¡°Good people?¡± ¡°Yes, including the Duke.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± With that unexpected word, Enoch felt somehow speechless. Ines didn¡¯t know. How Enoch shook with every little thing she did, every light word she said. ¡°¡­¡­Let¡¯s go now.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Ignorant of Enoch¡¯s complicated heart, Ines was lighthearted. The carriage ran briskly. *** After a long journey, Ines and Enoch finally arrived at Kaldorov. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s amazing.¡± Ines looked out the window with her eyes shining. ¡°It certainly looks different from Lancaster.¡± Kaldorov¡¯s unique exotic landscape disturbed Ines¡¯s vision. The trees on the street were mainly trees with large leaves, and the wind touching her face was also warm. Enoch, who was looking over the carriage window, answered lightly. ¡°Kaldorov is located in the south of Lancaster. The weather is also mild because it is connected to the sea.¡± He continued. ¡°Come to think of it, Kaldorov has quite a good seafood dish. There are also some famous shops in Calips, the royal road.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± At that moment, Ines flinched her shoulders. ¡®How does the Duke of Sussex even know such little information?¡¯ As if he had been here once before¡­¡­. At the same time, Enoch added as if he had read into Ines¡¯s mind. ¡°It¡¯s a long time ago, but I¡¯ve tried lobster dishes. It was quite impressive.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines frowned without realizing it. ¡®Ines, wake up. What does it matter to you whether or not the duke comes to Kaldorov?¡¯ She tried to calm herself down, but it was all useless. When she came to her senses, she had already asked Enoch a question in a suspicious voice. ¡°Have you ever been to Kaldorov before?¡± Ha! At the same time, Ines, who came to her senses, bit the tip of her tongue gently. Enoch, who didn¡¯t notice anything, just nodded his head. ¡°I came here when I was 20 years old. At that time, I visited with His Majesty.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Dark green eyes narrowed with suspicion. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me, were you visiting for a wedding with the Marquess of Attlee?¡¯ Meanwhile, Enoch tilted his head and asked Ines a question, as if he felt the imploring gaze. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡­.¡± Ines swallowed her dry saliva. Her reason was giving a loud warning, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t do anything useless.¡± ¡°Did you meet the Marquess of Attlee at the time, too?¡± Sadly, curiosity prevailed. Enoch couldn¡¯t hide his puzzled expression at the unexpected topic. ¡°Why suddenly asking about the Marquess of Attlee?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just¡­.I¡¯m curious.¡± Ines answered in a hurry. ¡°The person who invited us this time is also Marquessof Attlee, and she¡­¡­.¡± ¡®Oh, I don¡¯t know.¡¯ Ines, who glanced at Enoch, closed her eyes tightly and continued. ¡°She seems to be quite familiar with the Duke, not to mention the Queen.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Yes. You even knew the name of Marquess Attlee, didn¡¯t you? ¡°You mean Andrea?¡± ¡®Andrea.¡¯ At the friendly address, Ines felt her insides twisted for no reason. ¡°Come to think of it, that was the first time I had actually met Andrea. I only heard from her by letters.¡± ¡°Letters¡­¡± ¡°Yes, and to answer the question of the Countess¡­¡­.¡± Enoch leaned against a soft carriage chair and shrugged his shoulders lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been to Kaldorov, and I¡¯ve met the Marquess.¡± ¡°Both of you were single at the time?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ines¡¯s mind was complicated while Enoch was nonchalant. Looking at that face, she kept feeling low. ¡°I see.¡± Unconsciously, a sour answer came out. Ines turned her head sadly. Enoch asked Ines again with a puzzled face. ¡°But why do you ask that?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± ¡®¡­¡­ It¡¯s not a look of nothing.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t figure out why Ines suddenly felt down. Enoch became stunned as if he had faced an unanswered mystery. CH 84 After that, Kaldorov¡¯s side served Ines and Enoch very well. In particular, there were many people who showed curiosity before the exchange exhibition, and they did not spare any effort to talk to the two. ¡®The exchange exhibition must have been more popular than I thought¡­?¡¯ Ines thought so without realizing it. In fact, in Lancaster, due to the check of the Royal Art Association, there were many people who discounted the exchange exhibition one way or another. But Kaldorov was different. Due to the constant stream of invitations from all sides, it was difficult to come to any senses. With the sense of crisis that she¡¯ll be ten bodies short for all these invitations. Ines got a little grace period by declaring, ¡°I will reply to the invitation after finishing the individual exhibition.¡± She was busy preparing for the individual exhibition. Kaldorov also helped several times, especially King Calypse. He let Ines have the most famous exhibition hall. ¡®Perhaps it would have been difficult to meet the schedule if the Duke hadn¡¯t helped me both materially and mentally¡­.¡¯ It was fortunate that she was able to retrieve the paintings that had been published under Ryan¡¯s name. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to put her works on the individual exhibition. After all that preparation, time flew by. It was the day of the individual exhibition. ¡°Whoo.¡± Ines looked at herself in the mirror. There sat a lady who showed off her elegant beauty like a slender birch. ¡®Well, it¡¯s not bad.¡¯ Ines praised herself, remembering how many people had helped her dress up. Her brown hair was finely curled up. The makeup artist¡¯s desperate efforts covered the shade under her eyes, and her pale cheeks were animated with red powder. In the hot weather, she wore a dress made of thin layers of fabric, which recently followed the trend of Kaldorov. Thin fabrics like the tail fins of tropical fish overlap to create a mysterious color. ¡°What do you think? Do you like it?¡± The makeup artist, who was patting her face for the last time, carefully asked the question. ¡°Thank you. I love it.¡± Ines smiled as if relieved. ¡°Thanks to the Countess, I was able to attend the exhibition without problems.¡± ¡°Thank you for saying that.¡± Only then did the makeup artist look relieved and smiled brightly. Ines scrutinized herself in the mirror once again. In particular, she liked that the fatigue that was attached to her disappeared when she opened her eyes. She prepared for an individual exhibition almost all night for a few days, and she did get much sleep today. But the host of the individual exhibition shouldn¡¯t show fatigue. ¡®Even though I only slept for five hours.¡¯ ¡®Maybe I can rest a little after today.¡¯ Ines, who glanced sideways at the clock, got up. It was time to leave for the exhibition hall. As she went down the stairs, she saw Enoch waiting for her in the hotel lobby. Ines¡¯s face, which had been showing signs of fatigue throughout, was alive for the first time. ¡°The Duke of Sussex!¡± Enoch glanced up at her call. ¡°Huh?¡± He was obviously glad at first, but all of a sudden he made a bad face. Then he narrowed the distance with Ines at once. ¡®What¡­what? Did I do something wrong?¡¯ (Ines) Ines was a little nervous without realizing it. Enoch, who was approaching, had a worried expression. ¡°You look tired, are you okay? Did you sleep well last night?¡± Ah. Ines blinked bewilderedly. ¡°Do I look that tired? I¡¯d covered it up with makeup as much as I could.¡­.¡± ¡°Countess¡­¡± Enoch continued in a voice full of concern. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡®It¡¯s cheating if you suddenly say it like that!¡¯ Ines felt her face flushed. She knew he wasn¡¯t meant to shake her mind, but it was even more problematic in that there was no intention. Every action and speech like that was very harmful to Ines¡¯s heart health! ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m completely fine, but¡­but it¡¯s not enough to strain today¡¯s schedule.¡± Somehow, in a ticklish mood, Ines replied, glancing at Enoch. Then Enoch suddenly put something in Ines¡¯s hand. ¡°Take it.¡± ¡°Is this¡­?¡± When she opened her hand, there was a bite-sized chocolate on her palm. ¡°I guess the Countess has skipped meals today, too.¡± Enoch looked down at Ines with a stern gaze. ¡°Right?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The silence was the answer. She had looked at the list of VIPs attending the individual exhibition until the dawn of the previous day, and fell asleep watching the morning sun rise. After that, she woke up in a hurry in the afternoon and was busy preparing to attend the party, so she couldn¡¯t afford to eat. ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t say no.¡± Reflecting on her unhealthy lifestyle again, Ines peeled off the chocolate and put it in her mouth. At the same time she opened her eyes wide. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s delicious.¡± She felt a little energized because it was sweet. Enoch smiled with his eyes crinkled. ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it. Shall we go?¡± Ines, who had been peeling chocolate like a squirrel, quickly stood next to Enoch. ¡®Oh, my.¡¯ Enoch smiled bitterly without realizing it. ¡®Even if my brother teases me that my eyes are covered with beans, I can¡¯t do it.¡¯ The Ines in front of him was so lovely. Her presence alone makes his mouth as sweet as candy. *** The individual exhibition invited VIPs to hold a light cocktail party as a celebration before showing the exhibition directly to the public. So Ines arrived at the exhibition hall an hour early to check the last details. Just by busily moving around with Enoch, looking at the exhibits and making sure that there were plenty of refreshments and drinks. Time flew like an arrow. ¡®Really, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to handle all this if it wasn¡¯t for you, Your Excellency¡­¡­.¡¯ Ines sighed with relief. A calm voice rang out. ¡°There are exactly ten minutes left until seven.¡± The individual exhibition was held at seven o¡¯clock. Enoch, who was looking down at the wristwatch and measuring the time, asked Ines a question. ¡°Are you nervous?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s my first individual exhibition competition, how can I not be nervous?¡± Ines shook her head. ¡°My heart is beating so fast that I feel like throwing up.¡± ¡°¡­¡­is it that much?¡± Enoch looked at Ines with a concerned gaze. At the same time, Ines looked at him with mischievous eyes. ¡°Well, it¡¯s all right.¡± Then she added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Because Your Excellency will be with me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The nonchalant voice made Enoch speechless for a moment. Beautiful dark green eyes filled with faith only for him. Every time he looked at those eyes, he made a vow to himself that he would never want to disappoint her. ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch nodded with force. Ines smiled as if she knew it would be. Along with him, the exhibition hall staff came in. ¡°Well, Countess and the Duke.¡± The staff looked rather flabbergasted. ¡°It¡¯s time to welcome the VIPs.¡± ¡®¡­.why do they look like that?¡¯ Ines was somewhat suspicious, but she had no time to find out. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡± Ines, who took a short deep breath, stepped forward. And, ¡°Oh my God.¡± Ines, who went outside, blinked in surprise. It was because the exhibition hall was filled with more VIPs than expected. When she selected the guests and sent out the invitations, she didn¡¯t think all of them would attend. It seemed that every single person attended. ¡°Countess¡­¡± At Enoch¡¯s low call, Ines, who had been absent-minded for a while, came to her senses. Swallowing her dry saliva, Ines stepped up to the front of the people. Curious eyes turned her way. ¡°Is that the Countess of Brierton?¡± ¡°Oh, my God, you¡¯re much younger than I thought.¡± ¡°I heard that Marquess Attlee personally invited the manager of the last exchange exhibition¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Then the Duke of Sussex must have attended.¡± In the murmur, Ines stopped in front of the exhibition hall. CH 85 Ines greeted the VIPs politely. ¡°Thank you so much for coming to my solo exhibition, Kaldorov¡¯s distinguished guests. It¡¯s an honor to be able to do my first exhibition in Kaldorov.¡± It was a clear voice that was just right to hear, and an impeccably polite attitude. The eyes of the distinguished guests were slightly likable. Ines continued calmly. ¡°The theme of this individual exhibition is ¡®Return¡¯.¡± The affectionate gaze slowly fumbled on the wall of the exhibition hall. Countless pictures hanging on the wall. At one time, those paintings were all published under Ryan¡¯s name. She filed for divorce from Ryan and regained it, proving it was her own paintings. ¡°Because the paintings displayed in this individual exhibition themselves are proof that I have regained my life.¡± Ines¡¯s voice was energized. ¡°I hope my paintings can reach you with a single echo. Thank you.¡± As soon as she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted from the corner of the exhibition hall. Clap clap clap clap! Ines looked back reflexively. Looking at her round belly, the woman looked well past her mid-pregnancy. Nevertheless, she was a noble lady who somehow kept the feeling of a young girl. ¡°Oh, that person.¡± For a moment, Ines felt her heart rattle. She couldn¡¯t help but know. ¡°You¡¯re the Marquees of Attlee.¡± The mastermind of inviting the management team of the exchange exhibition to Kaldorov, and the lady who once had a relationship with Enoch. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines tried to suppress her complex mood. She put her hand on her chest and bent her knees to show courtesy. It was a polite greeting that was common on all continents. Then Marquees Attlee¡¯s expression brightened. Facing the bright face, Ines fell into a confused mood. ¡®¡­¡­ Marquees Attlee is definitely a person to thank.¡¯ She gave her a golden opportunity to hold an individual exhibition in Kaldorov. So she was grateful. ¡®Why does my heart become so heavy the moment I face the Marquees¡­?¡¯ Meanwhile, starting with the applause, a thunderous applause broke out. Ines, who came to her senses, once again showed courtesy to people. ¡°Thank you very much for this hospitality. But the reason why I was able to come this far is.¡± She glanced back at Enoch. ¡°His Highness, the Duke of Sussex has been very helpful.¡± Their eyes met. Looking into his lake blued eyes, Ines continued clearly. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t supported me, I wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity to take my painting back and present it to the Kalodovs.¡± Ines concluded her words with sincerity. ¡°Thank you very much, Sir.¡± Once again, a big round of applause broke out. Facing countless people applauding her, Enoch smiled faintly. Unlike his usual smooth smile, he had a rather clumsy smile. That was really strange. He certainly didn¡¯t like being a center of attention. ¡°I am honored to be the first to recognize the Countess¡¯s talent.¡± Enoch politely gave credit to Ines. Ines bit her lip gently. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± It was certainly a blessing for Enoch to take her seriously. And yet¡­ ¡®I¡¯m confused.¡¯ Ever since she encountered the Marquees of Attlee, it had been difficult to calm down. Ines, who was forced to smile, turned her head. Under the shadow of her lower eyelashes, her dark green eyes trembled slightly. Like a summer forest swept away by strong winds. * * * A little time has passed. The atmosphere of the individual exhibition was ripe to the fullest. ¡°Nice to meet you, Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°I really wanted to see the Countess this time, and I¡¯m very happy to have this opportunity.¡± Ines was surrounded by people in an instant. The most surprising thing was that not only the ladies but also the gentlemen tried to talk to Ines somehow. Of course, just like in Lancaster, no one openly said anything about Ines¡¯s divorce. However, there was also a negative view of saying, ¡°How dare a woman divorce?¡± In particular, the view was more prominent with the gentlemen than with the ladies, and some of the gentlemen were somewhat reluctant to Ines. ¡°I just crossed the border, but I didn¡¯t know the atmosphere was so different.¡±¡¯ It was a bit of a daze but not a bad feeling. In fact, it can¡¯t be good to be ostracized by someone. Ines was pleasantly absorbed in the conversation. On the other hand, there was a gaze on her. ¡®Countess of Brierton, really¡­¡­ She is very popular.¡¯ It was Enoch. There was a deep crease between his brows. Rationally, Enoch knew clearly why Ines was so popular. She proved her ability in the exchange exhibition and was also excellent as a painter. Kaldorov¡¯s aristocrat, who had long been Lancaster¡¯s rival, paid attention to Ines and held her first individual exhibition abroad. In addition, aside from her artistic talent, Ines was pretty enough to attract men¡¯s attention. It was an objective fact, not because of Enoch¡¯s favor with Ines. No wonder, Ines was also secretly popular in Lancaster. Although there were some people behind the scenes who were secretly talking about her because of the fact that she was divorced once. Ines, who was young, beautiful, rich, and even had a title, was still one of the best brides candidates in the kingdom. Ines was so hurt by Ryan that she drew too many lines around her that she didn¡¯t notice the interest. Though he knew how men show their interest just by the look of it. ¡®¡­¡­Do you need to be that popular?¡¯ Strangely, he felt his stomach twisted. And then. ¡°The Duke of Sussex.¡± Just in time he heard a voice calling for him. Enoch looked back at his opponent with an elegant smile. A beautiful noble lady was looking at Enoch with sparkling eyes. She had just made her debut in society, but she was still close to an adolescent girl. ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to have this opportunity to meet the management team.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t help but thank you enough for appreciating our exchange exhibition at Kaldorov.¡± ¡°Oh, my¡­ How can you be so humble?¡± The aristocratic lady chattered, her cheeks turning red. ¡°I really wanted to go to the exchange exhibition. I was really sad that I couldn¡¯t go because my parents didn¡¯t allow me¡­¡­.¡± Her eyes folded in a gentle way. ¡°I¡¯m so happy to meet the famous Duke of Sussex like this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± ¡°No! Your reputation is also very high in Kaldorov.¡± The lady had a rather shy face, but nevertheless she was articulate. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been wanting to see your face for a long time.¡± In that excited voice, Ines glanced back toward Enoch. She stared at Enoch, wondering who was the noble lady talking to him. ¡®It¡¯s the same thing in Kaldorov, as people say, he¡¯s Lancaster¡¯s most popular.¡¯ Looking at Enoch surrounded by the ladies, her heart somehow became stuffy. Of course, Enoch¡¯s popularity remained to be understood. A handsome and rich unmarried royalty was bound to be popular everywhere. In Lancaster, the ladies used to line up to try to talk to Enoch, so it was natural that it was a similar reaction here. In addition, the age difference between that lady and Enoch looked significant at first glance. Ines didn¡¯t have to be conscious of that lady. ¡®I know him well, but¡­¡¯ ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines pulled her lips unconsciously. Sometimes, whenever she saw Enoch like that. She felt like he was far away. Because he was the man everyone wanted. Twinkling far away, out of reach of her hands. ¡®I don¡¯t think I should dare cross the line¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡°Hello, Countess of Brierton.¡± Just in time, a cheerful voice greeted Ines. Negative thoughts break apart. Ines, who reflexively looked back, opened her eyes wide. ¡®Oh, that person¡­¡¯ That person with a gentle smile. From Lancaster to Ines¡¯s complicated mind¡­¡­. ¡°It¡¯s really nice to meet you like this. I¡¯m Margaret Attlee.¡± ¡­¡­It was the Marquess of Attlee, the lady who once had a relationship with the Duke of Sussex. CH 86 Ines hurriedly schooled her expression and greeted her. ¡°I am very honored that the Marquees came to my individual exhibition.¡± ¡°I invited the Countess of Brierton, of course I should come.¡± The voice of the Marquess of Attlee was as high as it could be. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much I was looking forward to this individual exhibition. But when I came here, it was much better than I thought.¡± ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to be too humble.¡± The Marquess waved her hand and continued gently. ¡°They were all very nice paintings. In particular, the unique transparent color of the Countess was very beautiful.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Facing the friendly gaze of the Marquess of Attlee, Ines felt sorry. The other person showed her pure kindness. However she had a pathetic jealousy just because there used to be a relationship between the Marquess and the Duke. ¡®Wait. Jealousy?¡¯ Ines paused for a moment. ¡®¡­¡­I see.¡¯ She was now jealous of the Marquess of Attlee. Meanwhile, the Marquess, who had no idea of Ines¡¯s complicated mind, happily spoke. ¡°The Countess chose ¡®Return¡¯ as the theme of this individual exhibition, right?¡± ¡°Yes, I did.¡± ¡°If I say that it was a subject that seemed to implicitly express the Countess¡¯s life, am I too presumptuous?¡± The Marquess smiled at Ines. ¡°Actually, you¡¯re unique in many ways.¡± ¡°What? What do you mean¡­¡­.¡± ¡°As the Countess already knows, Kaldorov has a higher percentage of women entering society than Lancaster.¡± The Marquess who said so looked rather bitter. ¡°Nevertheless, none of Kaldorov¡¯s women has achieved as much as the Countess.¡± ¡°That¡­ Marquess?¡± ¡°Just, I had a lot of thoughts.¡± Ines blinked her eyes. The Marquess had a really complicated look on her face. ¡®Well, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t understand how you feel, but¡­¡­.¡¯ To be honest, Ines had such concerns. In Lancaster alone, Ines had clashed with established artists several times. Ines, who had been agonizing for a while, opened her mouth carefully. ¡°But what I¡¯ve achieved, I¡¯m not the only one who¡¯s done it.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex and Her Majesty the Queen helped me establish myself as an artist in Lancaster.¡± The Duke of Sussex. Enoch. When she thought of the name, her heart throbbed for no reason, but Ines continued in a grateful and energetic voice. ¡°Because you invited me to Kaldorov this time, I was able to hold an individual exhibition like this.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°So if you look at it carefully, I¡¯m at least helped by three people.¡± Ines continued, counting her fingers. ¡°Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Sussex, and the Marquess of Attlee.¡± ¡°Oh, is that right?¡± The Marquis of Attlee¡¯s eyes went wide. Ines nodded eagerly. ¡°Of course. Besides, I was able to get a successful divorce because His esteemed Majesty made a wise decision.¡± Then a gentle smile spread over the Marquess¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m happy that the Countess said so. It¡¯s my pleasure to support talented artists.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± In response to the friendly reply, Ines felt once again confused. The Marquis of Attlee was very much like Enoch. Maybe that was why they hit it off. ¡­¡­to the point where there was even talk of marriage. ¡°Anyway, winning the divorce suit in that conservative Lancaster. It¡¯s really cool.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too much of a comment, Marquess Attlee.¡± ¡°What do you mean too much? I hope one day, Andrea will grow up to be like the Countess.¡± The Marquess continued in a rather excited voice. ¡°Your life is about people who carve out for themselves.¡± ¡°No, I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Although the Countess spoke modestly, I still respect you very much.¡± Then, facing the Duke, Ines felt her conscience poked. ¡®¡­.Marquess Attlee is a really nice person.¡¯ Because of useless jealousy, she felt pathetic for herself, who kept on being wary of the Marquess. In a stuffy mood as if a stone was stuck in her chest, Ines took a champagne glass from the servant passing by. As she was sipping cold champagne, she felt a little stuffy. Meanwhile, Enoch was looking closely at Ines. ¡®Aren¡¯t you drinking too much?¡¯ The champagne Ines sipping was as sweet as juice and easy to drink lightly, but apart from that, it was somewhat high in alcohol. ¡®She¡¯s been preparing for the solo exhibition all night for a few days, so even with that much alcohol, I¡¯m sure she might feel sick.¡¯ Worryingly, Enoch approached Ines. ¡°The Count of Brierton, the champagne¡­.¡± But Enoch¡¯s words were interrupted in the middle. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s been a while. Duke of Sussex.¡± It was because Marquess Attlee greeted Enoch in a welcoming voice. The Marquess had a long relationship with Enoch. ¡°Long time no see, Margaret. No, you¡¯re now the Marquess of Attlee, aren¡¯t you?¡± Enoch also responded kindly. ¡°Come to think of it, where is the Maquis?¡± ¡°He hasn¡¯t come yet. He is a very busy person.¡± The Marquess¡¯ eyes were full of affection for her husband when she mentioned him. ¡°But he said that he wouldn¡¯t come too late. You¡¯ll be able to see his face.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Just a moment ago, Ines thought she was pathetic, jealous of the married woman. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Watching the two have a friendly conversation, Ines once again felt her stomach twisted. Enoch¡¯s attitude was also somewhat different from that of others. ¡®The Duke has never been very close to others¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡®Aren¡¯t you having a pretty friendly conversation with the Marquess of Attlee?¡¯ Just in time, the Marquess brought it up mischievously. ¡°It reminds me of the past. I fell in love with the Duke of Sussex¡¯s face, and I asked him for a marriage proposal, didn¡¯t I?¡± ¡°If you say so, I think the listeners will misunderstand.¡± ¡°What do you mean misunderstanding, it¡¯s not a complete lie, is it?¡± ¡°You have to consider that the Marquess was only fifteen years old at that time.¡± ¡°Well, the way I see it hasn¡¯t changed much, even at the age of 15.¡± The Marquess of Attlee shrugged her shoulders playfully. ¡°It seems that time doesn¡¯t have an effect on the duke. You¡¯re still handsome like before.¡± ¡°Thank you for the compliment.¡± ¡°Oh my God, you don¡¯t even deny that you¡¯re handsome?¡± When the Marquess teased him like that, Enoch replied with a brazen face. ¡°It¡¯s actually a compliment I¡¯ve heard a lot.¡± ¡°I¡¯m amazed, really.¡± So the two continued their conversation amicably. There was a friendly atmosphere unique to them who had been close for a long time. ¡­¡­something Ines could never have. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± To hide her complex feelings, Ines sipped champagne absentmindedly. ¡°But I won.¡± The Marquess shrugged her shoulders. ¡°While the Duke of Sussex, who denied me, is still single, I met my husband, the nicest and sweetest man in the world.¡± Ines tried to think as rationally as possible. The Marquess has been married for a long time now, and her love at the young age of 15 has already been settled. So she knew that the Marquess of Attlee would never get involved with Enoch again. Even though she knew that¡­ ¡®I feel nauseous.¡¯ Ines eventually decided to leave this position. ¡°I¡¯m going to get some fresh air.¡± ¡°What? But¡­¡­.¡± Enoch tried to dissuade Ines, but Ines stepped back lightly. Then she faked a smile. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll get in the way of you two sharing your reunion after a long time.¡± ¡°Countess?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see you again in a little while.¡± Leaving only a light greeting, Ines walked away with a light step. ¡°What?¡± At that moment, the Marquess sensed a deep sense of incompatibility. Enoch only looked helplessly at the direction in which Ines disappeared. He wasn¡¯t even thinking about resuming the conversation. ¡°¡­¡­Your Excellency.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°The Duke of Sussex!¡± Only after the Marquess had called several times did Enoch come to his senses. ¡°Oh, yes. Did you call me?¡± The Marquess, who looked at Enoch with an understanding gaze, sighed and pointed to the door with a fan. CH 87 ¡°Don¡¯t look so bothered like you¡¯re going to die, but hurry up and follow.¡± The Marquess of Attlee was also the most important guest in the individual exhibition. So it was right to remain with the Marquess in a rational way. ¡°Excuse me, then.¡± But Enoch couldn¡¯t let the Countess leave by herself. He ran through the throng of people and disappeared. When she told him to chase her, the Marquess looked rather surprised. ¡°¡­¡­there are times when he acts in such a hurry.¡± The Marquis of Attlee, who arrived late just in time, rushed to the Marquess. ¡°Sorry for being late, Margaret.¡± ¡°Really, why are you so late?¡± The Marquess glanced at her husband in an upset way. ¡°Really, you should be scolded for making me wait so long.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯ll forgive me, right?¡± After a long, sweet conversation. The Marquis looked around. ¡°By the way, where are the Countess of Brierton and the Duke of Sussex? Let¡¯s greet them.¡­.¡± ¡°No, we don¡¯t have to.¡± The Marquess covered her mouth with a fan and smiled strangely. The Marquis squinted down at his wife. ¡°¡­¡­Madam?¡± ¡°Adult men and women sometimes need their own personal time. You know it well.¡± After a mischievous reply, the Marquess gently pulled on her husband¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Don¡¯t be curious.¡± ¡°Madam?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy the exhibition a little more.¡± * * * Ines quickly walked out of the exhibition hall. Now, she explained almost all the works displayed in the individual exhibition, and she showed her face enough to be seen at the cocktail party. Everyone was either appreciating the paintings or engaging in social activities among the VIPs. Ines didn¡¯t have to be attached to the exhibition hall. ¡°Ha.¡± Ines stopped in the garden attached to the exhibition hall and took a deep breath. A round moon casted a fair moonlight on everything. Dark green eyes scanned the surrounding scenery. The leaves swaying black in the dark were like her complicated mind. ¡°¡­¡­really, why am I like this?¡± Ines muttered nervously. She thought the outside air would calm her down, but it seemed to be her illusion. The wind was quiet, and the night air was lukewarm. Ines strode and slumped down on a bench under the shade of a tree. She felt like her face kept heating up, so she tried to fan her face for no reason. ¡°I have to get sober quickly.¡± Ines tried to comfort herself . ¡®I¡¯m the organizer of this exhibition. It¡¯s not polite to be away for a long time¡­¡­.¡¯ After a while. Ines¡¯ expression was distorted as if she was going to cry. ¡­¡­what¡¯s so confusing. All her attention was on Enoch. ¡®I feel like I¡¯m hovering in a maze that I can escape.¡¯ ¡®Look, even now.¡¯ ¡®Come to think of it, I¡¯ve been out like this with the Duke before.¡¯ Obviously, it was warm spring weather now, but strangely, the cold air peculiar to winter seemed to hover at the tip of her nose. At that time Enoch was leaning against the balcony. It was when the indifferent blue eyes looking back at her became a friendly light. Since when did she want those eyes to look only at her¡­ But then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Ines looked back at an unexpected voice. She froze. ¡°¡­¡­Your Excellency.¡± Enoch stood against the colorful lights of the exhibition hall. It was as if he had walked out in the winter when she first met Enoch. Just the way he was standing in front of her now. ¡°Why are you here alone?¡± Enoch approached her with a worried expression. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± Countless words circulated in her mouth. ¡®Why did you follow me?¡¯ ¡®Did you leave the Marquess alone?¡¯ ¡®Go back quickly. She¡¯s the most precious guest, so you have to stay with her.¡¯ But Ines didn¡¯t put the words out of her mouth. Instead, she said something else. ¡°It feels weird somehow.¡± A sigh of whispers scattered through the air. ¡°In the past, I visited Your Excellency the Duke, but this time, Your Excellency visited me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch paused on the spot. At the same time, Ines shook her head with a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m embarrassed because I said something out of the blue.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Countess.¡± ¡°I think I drank a little too much.¡± She had already had three champagne glasses while watching Enoch and the Marquess of Attlee talking earlier. ¡°You¡¯ll feel better after a little walk.¡± Ines tried to get up from her seat but she wobbled due to the mixture of accumulated fatigue and alcohol.¡­. ¡°Oh.¡± Ines, who lost her footing, was falling. ¡°Countess!¡± Surprised, Enoch reflexively grabbed Ines¡¯s wrist. ¡°You may as well sit down. It¡¯s better to move after you¡¯re sober then.¡­.¡± ¡°Your Excellency the Duke.¡± At the same time, Ines called Enoch in a clear voice, unlike a heavy drinker. Enoch stared at Ines as if possessed. Emerald-colored eyes that only look up at him, shining clearly alone in the dark. That eye was the only one in the world. Something that could keep him from moving. Ines, who had been staring at Enoch for a long time, suddenly asked a question. ¡°The relationship with the Marquess of Attlee¡­¡­ How serious was it?¡± [T/N: =????(???????) baaaaka] ¡®Stupid, stupid Ines!¡¯ Ines rebuked herself in her mind. The next day, when she was sober and clear headed, she would regret that she asked this question. And yet. ¡°I want to know.¡± How seriously Enoch took the marriage proposal of the Marquess of Attlee. How deep was the feelings he had for Marquess at the time. ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± The moment Enoch moved his lips was as long as eternity. Ines forgot to breathe and focused all her attention on Enoch. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ ¡­ a long time ago.¡± Enoch, meanwhile, answered sincerely with a puzzled face. ¡°Both I and the Marquess were not yet of age, so neither of us was very serious-¡° ¡°Us?¡± Ines asked reflexively. ¡°You must have been in a very friendly relationship to the point where you call us together.¡± ¡®Oh, please don¡¯t do this.¡¯ At the same time Ines clenched her fist tightly. She felt as if she had become a child crying and whining. But her mind was completely out of control. She kept spouting pointy words. ¡°I think you two have a very good taste and personality. It¡¯s too bad that the marriage didn¡¯t happen¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton,¡± At that moment Enoch suddenly opened his mouth. His blue eyes, looking straight at Ines, were deep in darkness. ¡°Why do you ask me that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± He hit the nail on the head. Ines stiffened her shoulders. Enoch tilted his head and looked down at Ines. ¡°No matter who I talked to or if I confessed to someone.¡± Enoch asked quietly. ¡°¡­¡­¡­the Countess has never cared before. Why now?¡± It was a question that pierced her heart. Ines closed and opened her eyes with force. ¡°It used to be.¡± She thought she shouldn¡¯t before. Because she didn¡¯t deserve to meddle in who Enoch loved. In the first place, she was afraid to fall for him, so she tried to draw a line and distance herself. Therefore, ¡®Maybe this is the last time.¡¯ Ines bit her lip hard enough to bleed. A moment to step back. She wanted to smile and say sorry for being rude when she was drunk. But, ¡®¡­¡­I don¡¯t want to¡¯ Ines opened her dry lips. ¡°It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t care.¡± She wanted to make it as clear as possible and pretend as if nothing happened. Her voice was coming out with a terrible tremor. ¡°¡­¡­I tried not to care.¡± A heavy silence fell. Not confident to face Enoch, she looked away. ¡°I¡­¡± Ines bowed her head to avoid Enoch¡¯s gaze. ¡°I¡¯m concerned about Your Highness¡­too much.¡± CH 88 The confession that was made with the utmost courage was so small and thin. It was hard to even hear her voice. ¡°I was glad that Your Excellency had considered my position the other day.¡± ¡°Countess.¡± ¡°When the Royal Art Association interfered with this and that, I was grateful for your support.¡± The sincerity that had been buried for a long time flowed out rambling. ¡°But all those things, even though the Duke said it was okay¡­¡­.¡± Her voice kept shaking, so Ines took a moment to catch her breath. She was afraid that Enoch would hear her heart beating so wildly. ¡°How can you be okay?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not okay, because you sacrificed so much.¡± Ines¡¯s head was lowered further down. ¡°Your Excellency is a very good man, and I have already caused you a lot of trouble.¡± Ines bit her lip. She didn¡¯t have the courage to look up at Enoch. ¡°With all my heart, I thought I shouldn¡¯t burden the Duke.¡± ¡°Countess, that is¡­¡­.¡± ¡°No, to be more honest.¡± Ines swallowed her dry saliva. She only found out now that she has confessed all her true feelings. The true weight of her heart, which had been buried deep for a very long time, as she tried to ignore it. That it was actually too heavy. ¡°If you know how I feel, I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t be able to go back to our old relationship anymore¡­I was afraid of that.¡± That¡¯s why. The feeling of venting all the sincerity was lighthearted and quite frightening. ¡®What will happen to my relationship with the Duke now?¡¯ ¡®All of a sudden¡­all of this buried feelings.¡¯ ¡°Your Excellency must feel awkward.¡± A lot of thoughts were going through her mind. But then. Enoch stretched his hand and touched Ines¡¯s cheek. Before she knew it, Ines looked up at Enoch. Their eyes met. Eyes that shone with blue colors in the darkness looked only at Ines. Ines felt her mouth dry. ¡®It¡¯s like the night sky.¡¯ It was so deep, so clear that his eyes were sparkling, and so beautiful that she couldn¡¯t help but cry. ¡®It makes me want to stay in it forever.¡­.¡¯ ¡°Why does the Countess care about me?¡± A split voice asked her. ¡°Can I ask you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines somehow felt lost. It had been a while since she had stayed in the garden, and it¡¯s about time she started feeling sober. The heat rose up the whole body, making it impossible to judge rationally. Those blue eyes that make her unable to move. All of that paralyzed her mind. ¡°Are you asking because you don¡¯t know¡­.¡± She didn¡¯t know where the nerve came from. Ines grabbed Enoch¡¯s collar and pulled him toward her, reflexively closing her eyes. Enoch hardened. Her lips touched his briefly like a bird pecking. Rather than a dense kiss between the opposite sex, it was a light kiss shared by young boys and girls who were aware of their first love. Ines lifted her eyelids slowly. Enoch, who was always relaxed, had a rare embarrassed face. Facing the raw emotion, Ines opened her lips. ¡°What kind of heart am I feeling for you¡­.You can¡¯t be unaware of it, sir.¡± A low whisper came out. Enoch dazedly fixed his eyes on Ines in the moonlight. A flushed face, wet eyes. The red lips that stood out clearly over the white skin, everything. ¡­Couldn¡¯t help but drive him mad. Meanwhile, Ines, who took a deep breath, schooled her expression. She continued talking as calmly as possible. ¡°It¡¯s okay to move on as if nothing happened.¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay to move on thinking that I made a mistake because I drank too much. But I-.¡± But Ines couldn¡¯t finish her sentence. It was because Enoch suddenly kissed her lips passionately. It was a truly devouring kiss, as if it would swallow her from head to toe. No breathing, no voice, all disappeared into Enoch¡¯s lips. Her dark green eyes opened wide. ¡°Uh¡­ wait a minute¡­¡­!¡± Surprised, Ines tried to recede reflexively, but Enoch persistently followed her. The tongues were intertwined, and breathing was mixed. As the soft flesh entangled his tongue scanned through the even teeth, Ines felt a sense of whiteness in her head. Her whole body seemed to melt away. Ines clung to Enoch without realizing it. His hard arms wound around her waist, Ines was sitting on Enoch¡¯s lap before she knew it. ¡°Oh, sir, wait a minute¡­¡­.¡± Ines gasped desperately. As her body attached to his wide and solid chest, her heart began to beat like crazy once again. Only after being devoured for so long. Enoch relaxed a little bit in his arms, embracing Ines. Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t let her go. Enoch asked back in a slow, smiling voice, with Ines tightly locked in his arms. ¡°Why would I move on?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Your Excellency?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for the Countess¡¯s ¡®mistake¡¯ for a long time.¡± Blue eyes looking straight into Ines¡¯s. It was a persistent gaze like that of predator to its prey. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a mistake or not. But what I can tell you is.¡± Enoch declared emphatically. ¡°No matter how hard the Countess tries to push me now, I won¡¯t retreat.¡± It sounded like a declaration of war. At that moment Ines was convinced. ¡®Now¡­ I can¡¯t pretend I don¡¯t know anymore.¡¯ The affection that she had tried to suppress bursts out like a flood. Like stepping on the wrong foot in the swamp and falling into it in an instant. She foresaw a passionate love for the man in front of her. But it was okay, though. ¡®It¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t get out of it forever.¡¯ Rather, she was willing to be buried in it. ¡°The exhibition hall¡­ I have to go back.¡± Ines managed to catch the reason on the verge of panic, and whispered so. ¡°I know.¡± While answering so with his mouth, Enoch once again bowed to her lips as if it were a matter of course. Ines closed her eyes again. She naturally accepted his lips. The mixed breath, the heat of his lips that devoured her tenderly, was so sweet. Her head was in a daze. * * * The exhibition lasted until late and ended almost midnight. So in the carriage where the two of them sat. Ines was fast asleep on Enoch¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Countess,¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch quietly called Ines, but Ines didn¡¯t think to open her eyes. Only regular breathing sounds were heard. ¡®You must have been very tired.¡¯ After kissing in the night garden, Ines and Enoch went back to the exhibition hall. Ines entertained the distinguished guests with a graceful appearance. It was simply an impeccable figure of a lady. <¡°You¡¯ve been away from the exhibition for quite a while, did you finish your work well?¡±> The Marquess of Attlee smiled strangely and asked mischievously, but Enoch didn¡¯t answer. However, the situation changed as soon as the VIPs were sent back. Due to the fatigue and alcohol accumulated for several days, Ines fell asleep as soon as she got in the carriage. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch stared down at Ines. In the past, he only folded his coat and placed it under her head as she leaned on the carriage side. Now Ines was sitting close enough to feel her breath. He felt happy as their distance shortened. Only¡­ ¡®This is too¡­ Isn¡¯t she defenseless?¡¯ Even so, Enoch was a man, and she fell asleep on his shoulder like this. Perhaps that¡¯s how much Ines trusted him. ¡®¡­¡­but still.¡¯ Enoch had mixed feelings at heart. He was a gentleman but it was hard because he was attracted to her. ¡°Damn it.¡± The two emotions were intertwined and his head was about to explode. And then. The carriage came to a standstill. Enoch, who fixed his eyes on Ines as if possessed, hurriedly raised his head. ¡®¡­¡­it was dangerous.¡¯ He didn¡¯t think he had ever been so driven to the point where his reasoning was cut off in his life. Just in time, the hotel staff came running and opened the carriage door. ¡°We have arrived, sir¡­.?¡± The Countess of Brierton was sleeping soundly on the shoulders of the Duke of Sussex. The atmosphere between the two was rather intimate. The employee¡¯s eyes were round. CH 89 ¡°Should I call the other employees to serve the Countess?¡±¡± ¡°Shh, be quiet.¡± At the careful question, Enoch shook his head, raising his index finger on his lips. ¡°She slept soundly after a long time. I¡¯ll take her to her room myself.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± The driver nodded with an awkward expression. Enoch held Ines carefully. ¡°Uh-huh¡­¡± Ines, who had been sleeping, clung closely to Enoch. ¡°Countess, not long before the bedroom.¡± Enoch soothed Ines with a light smile. At the same time, the inn staff¡¯s mouth opened wide. ¡®What the hell did I see?¡¯ The clerk rubbed his eyes and tried to suppress the urge to watch again. The Duke of Sussex. The Duke and King of Lancaster were the most difficult people the inn staff had ever met. Though basically a famous aristocrat who was polite, kind and didn¡¯t make unreasonable demands. Nevertheless, the reason why most people find it difficult to please the Duke of Sussex was because¡­.he was cold. Like no one was allowed to approach. Plus, with his dazzlingly beautiful appearance, the duke sometimes looked more like a living work of art than a human being. A casual person who doesn¡¯t care about anything. They knew it¡¯s prejudice, but that was the first impression the inn staff had from Enoch anyway. ¡®Of course, he seems quite friendly with the Countess, but still.¡¯ However, Enoch¡¯s present kindness was far from just being friendly. In other words, it looked like he was dealing with a lover. Just in time, Enoch glanced up and looked at the employees. ¡°What happened now¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Yes, of course I¡¯ll keep it a secret.¡± The staff hurriedly straightened up. The inn where they worked had a strict rule of keeping customers¡¯ privacy. It was natural that it was a place where high-ranking nobles and royalty from each country usually stayed. ¡°Thank you.¡± Enoch, who nodded, hugged Ines and disappeared into the inn. ¡®Oh, that¡¯s amazing.¡¯ The staff looked at the retreating back with stunned faces. * * * Creak. The door opened. Enoch carefully laid Ines on the bed. ¡°Um¡­.¡± Ines seemed to be tossing and turning briefly, and soon began to make a strange sound of breathing. There was no sign of waking up. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch stared down at Ines, who was asleep. Lashes that fall neatly like a butterfly, red lips that spread like petals. Looking at it, he suddenly remembered the garden of the night that he was sitting alongside Ines earlier. The moment when he swallowed those red lips urgently, it felt as distant as a dream. At the same time, Enoch¡¯s forehead was deeply wrinkled. ¡®What am I thinking in front of a sleeping person?¡¯ Enoch turned to a rather frantic gesture. Just as he was about to get out of the bedroom. Ines murmured in a sleepy voice. ¡°Duke¡­¡­ Your Excellency.¡± Enoch paused. Ines was talking in her sleep. Her fingers stretched out and grabbed Enoch¡¯s collar with force. Then she smiled brightly like a child. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch stared at Ines with an indescribable gaze. Was this the feeling of being touched? He couldn¡¯t bear the overflowing affection. Enoch bent down and kissed her white forehead briefly. But then. The tightly closed eyelids opened gently. Blurry green eyes gazed up at Enoch. ¡°¡­¡­don¡¯t go.¡± ¡°What?¡± She whined softly. ¡°Tonight¡­ I want to be with you.¡± The moment he heard that sweet whisper, Enoch felt that the last string of reason he was holding on to with all his might was suddenly cut off. * * * The next morning. The dazzling sunlight poked the closed eyelids. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Ines made a sick sound without realizing it. Not only was she thirsty, but she felt like someone was banging her head with a hammer. Ines recounted what happened yesterday with her eyes closed. At the exhibition hall, she met the Marquess of Attlee, who had a marriage proposal with Enoch, and drank champagne one after another with a complicated mind. She remembered the Marquess and Enoch looking pretty close and she was upset. ¡®I went out to the garden to sober up¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡®I ran into Enoch.¡¯ ¡°Right, I did!¡± For a moment, Ines came to her senses as if she had poured cold water on her head. The scattered memories were arranged at once. Kisses they shared in the garden at night. Enoch¡¯s fullness when he hugged her with all his might. ¡®When I returned to the exhibition hall, I shared a secret glance that avoided people¡¯s eyes.¡¯ And that she had fallen asleep in the carriage, and that Enoch had taken her to the bedroom. She had turned around and grabbed him and whined not to go¡­¡­. ¡°Oh, my God, what have I done?¡± Ines felt a surge of fever in her face. She opened her eyes wide. The first thing that came into view was hair that sparkled like gold thread. ¡®Wait, wait, wait¡­¡­.¡¯ Ines opened her eyes wide as if she were going to faint. Large green eyes move slowly along the outline of the hair. The ivory-like earlobe, the elegant nose, slightly open red lips, and even the tightly closed eyelids, as God made with all his heart and soul. Gold eyelashes cast a faint shadow over the beautiful face. Ines, who was watching the scene as if possessed, suddenly freaked out. ¡®oh my gosh ¡­¡­.¡¯ She had acted impulsively because of alcohol and fatigue, but now the memory of last night was so clear. Breathing mixed with the hot air, both arms tied to each other, and body temperature that was exceptionally hot. Kisses pouring down like rain, and blue eyes that looked straight at her as if they were taking a picture! But then. ¡°Countess.¡± [T/N: Enoch knows her name, right? ?_??] A drowsy voice rang out. It was Enoch. Surprised, Ines froze on the spot. ¡°Duke, are you awake?¡± ¡®I¡¯m sure he was asleep.¡­?¡¯ Before she knew it, Enoch turned his head and looked her way. Facing that gentle gaze, Ines involuntarily swallowed her dry saliva. ¡°You look like a different person from yesterday¡­¡± Last night Enoch was completely different from usual. He persistently clung to her, as if he didn¡¯t want to keep him from his arms for a moment. The rush of pleasure was so thick and dense that it was driven to the point of darkness several times. Among them, Enoch¡¯s eyes were the most clearly memorable. The blue eyes that sank black as if they would eat her right away by keeping the darkness in full. The intense obsession with Ines and the satisfaction that Enoch secretly felt that he wanted her this much. All those things were still clear¡­¡­. But now Enoch¡¯s gaze, which she faced, was only shining warmly in the sun. ¡°Did you have a good dream?¡± With a curious question, Enoch reached out to Ines. A long, elegant finger tidied her disheveled hair over her cheek. It was a very tender touch. ¡°You slept soundly.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Didn¡¯t you make me have no choice but to fall asleep?¡± Oh, my. Ines, who asked back without much thought, bit the tip of her tongue gently. Without realizing it, her inner thoughts popped out. Meanwhile, Enoch opened his eyes wide, perhaps caught off guard. Then he smirked away. ¡°I know. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The smile was refreshing like a little boy. Ines gave strength to her mouth, which she tried to smile at will. ¡®Please, let¡¯s not get excited.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t her tactless heart pounding again and starting to beat its own way? Just in time Enoch asked the question again. ¡°Seeing you say that, you remember everything that happened last night, right?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ines, who was speechless for a moment, finally replied with a sigh. ¡°Well, how can I forget that?¡± She never had such pleasure in her life. A sensation of pleasure melting throughout her body. The nights she spent with Ryan so far were really nothing. It was a bit obvious, but it was such a shame that she lived without knowing the ecstasy euphoria. ¡®What do I do?¡¯ Ines, who inadvertently touched her lips, glanced at Enoch. ¡®I feel like I¡¯m going to die¡­¡¯ ¡®I think the intense feeling of kissing him yesterday still lingers.¡¯ ¡®¡­¡­but still.¡¯ Shamefully, Ines avoided looking. But then. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± A subdued voice called her. CH 90 The fluffy hair all over her body seems to raise. She was not confident to look into Enoch¡¯s eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± Ines answered Enoch¡¯s call, fixed her gaze toward the pillow. Enoch asked. ¡°Why do you keep avoiding my eyes?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Really, how can he be so clueless! Ines glanced sideways at Enoch with resentment. Enoch seemed to never back down until he heard an answer. In his persistence, Ines asked back in tears. ¡°Can¡¯t you just pretend you don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you yesterday?¡± But Enoch shook his head firmly. ¡°Now, no matter how much the Countess tries to push me away, I won¡¯t retreat.¡± ¡°No, this isn¡¯t about pushing you away¡­!¡± Ines, who was raising her voice reflexively, frowned. It was because she felt like she said something that she shouldn¡¯t. ¡°Then what is it?¡± Enoch continued. His angry voice and nervous attitude was strange. In the midst of the embarrassment, Ines became a little puzzled. ¡®What¡¯s wrong with you?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t that image far from the ease Enoch usually showed? As if he was angry with her¡­ ¡°Ah.¡± For a moment, Ines¡¯ eyes grew a little bigger. Perhaps the reason Enoch kept looking at her mood like that, asking questions, and getting on her nerves. ¡®¡­because I feel the same way.¡¯ As much as Ines valued Enoch, so much as she was happy with her actions. The same may be true of Enoch. When she thought so, her heart calmed down in an instant as if snow was melting in the spring sun. ¡®Good.¡¯ Even though she was embarrassed and wanted to hide somewhere right away, she couldn¡¯t hide from this forever. Ines, who was determined, opened her lips. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­.¡± But Ines¡¯s voice, which drew all the courage out of her mouth, was smaller than the sound of a mosquito. Of course Enoch didn¡¯t understand her. Ines¡¯s face turned redder and redder. ¡°I mean, I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Excuse me, Countess, I can¡¯t hear you very well.¡± ¡°Oh, really!¡± Ines eventually couldn¡¯t resist and raised her voice. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m excited to be with you! Do you have to hear that from me?¡± Ines, who had been throwing a tantrum, paused for a moment. It was because Enoch was smiling brightly before she knew it. ¡°Was that why you were trying to avoid me?¡± ¡°Gosh, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m avoiding you.¡± Looking at that bright smile, it tickled her heart. Ines stuttered a little unconsciously. At the same time, Enoch¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°I¡¯m excited.¡± Enoch, who was pondering Ines¡¯ words, whispered softly. ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m glad about everything.¡± Ines glanced sideways at Enoch. But whether Ines scolded him or not, Enoch had a really happy face. There was a faint smile in his voice. ¡°How can I not be happy?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± It was a calm tone that told a very natural fact. Rather, Ines was embarrassed. Enoch added cautiously. ¡°In fact, I¡¯m afraid the Countess will regret what happened last night..I was a little worried about that.¡± [T/N: I¡¯m more worried that you still use her title instead of her name during pillow-talk, Duke ?_??] However, Ines couldn¡¯t just listen to that. She immediately answered. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to regret it.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch stared at her. Facing the gaze directly, Ines nailed it firmly. ¡°Did you forget already? I¡¯m the one who said I liked you first.¡± ¡°¡­Countess.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t lie about that.¡± Ines recalled what happened last night. Hot kisses. Passionate touch. Ecstasy moans¡­. [T/N: my, my¡­] And the beautiful man in front of her who made all that time perfect. ¡°I¡¯m serious about all the confessions I made yesterday.¡± The whole thing felt like a dream. To the point where she could live with that memory for the rest of her life and remember it as the most ecstatic moment of her life. ¡°Countess, I¡­.¡± Enoch tried to say something, but Ines was a little faster. ¡°How long are you going to call me Countess?¡± [T/N: oh, good question..] ¡°What?¡± Enoch, caught off guard, looked a little embarrassed. ¡®Why, why, why?¡¯ Ines met Enoch¡¯s gaze with strength in her eyes. ¡°Just when we are alone, call me Ines.¡± To be honest, the Duke called the Marquess of Attlee, Margaret. Although he quickly corrected her title to Marquees Attlee but! She could help but was jealous! Besides, ¡°Come to think of it, what exactly happened to the marriage talk with the Marquess of Attlee?¡± Her voice came out sharp without filters. Enoch, who noticed that her mood had gone down in an instant, hurriedly opened his mouth. ¡°Huh? Why is the Marquess of Attlee suddenly¡­¡­.¡± ¡°No, well.¡± Ines replied coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve been married to Ryan before, so I just wondered¡­¡± As soon as she started, Enoch¡¯s face hardened. Ines flinched inwardly. No, he looked pretty happy just now. What¡¯s wrong with him? ¡°But honestly, I¡¯m curious. So if you don¡¯t mind¡­¡­.¡± Ines glanced at Enoch, blurring the end of her words. At the same time Enoch opened his mouth firmly. ¡°There seems to be a misunderstanding, so let¡¯s correct it.¡± ¡°Your Excellency?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you¡¯re curious about me. I can tell you anything. However.¡± But? Ines swallowed her dry saliva. ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about young master Gott.¡± It was a rare cold voice. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear his name from the Countess¡¯s mouth.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± ¡®¡­.Did you feel so low because I talked about Ryan? Really?¡¯ Ines, who was blinking her eyes blankly, asked back mischievously. ¡°Is that jealousy?¡± ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡± To ease the mood. She was going to tease him a little bit. Rather, Enoch simply affirmed . Ines was speechless. ¡°Is it okay for you to say that you¡¯re jealous?¡± ¡°Whatever.¡± Enoch shrugged his shoulders proudly. ¡°I¡¯d rather be a little more honest than have misunderstandings in our relationship.¡± ¡°That¡­¡± ¡°People say that the one who likes more loses.¡± For a moment, Enoch looked down at Ines with a soft, fluffy smile. Ines grumbled coyly. ¡°Even if you say so, I feel like I¡¯m losing now.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that.¡± Enoch smirked. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re looking at me so seriously?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡®How can you make a person¡¯s heart flutter with every word?¡¯ Ines, who was staring blankly at Enoch, came to her senses. She hurriedly arranged her expression and asked as if nothing was wrong. ¡°Well, so. When exactly did you propose to the Marquess?¡± In a way, it was an individual¡¯s private life, so it was a question that could be taken somewhat sensitively. Enoch answered sincerely. ¡°It was about seven years ago.¡± ¡°Oh, seven years?¡± It was a long time ago¡­ Ines¡¯s face felt hot because she seemed too angry about the old days. Enoch went on to explain softly. ¡°The Marquess of Attlee was the daughter of the Count of Lloyd before marriage.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s Lloyd, isn¡¯t he one of the most prestigious families in Kaldorov with Marquis of Attlee?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. We are two years apart in age, but since we were of the right age for marriage at the same age, there was talk of marriage..¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± A marriage talk. Enoch¡¯s marriage talk made Ines very unhappy. Even though it was in the past, and knowing that even if it didn¡¯t happen, she felt jealous anyway. She kept making a curt expression. Enoch shrugged. ¡°But it¡¯s all a long time ago. As you can see, the Marquis of Attlee and his wife are very lucky to have each other.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s true that the Marquess liked you.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡­ I can¡¯t say no to that.¡± Enoch, who was still blinking, smiled brightly. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m here now, not by her side.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Just like you¡¯re there for me.¡± The sun rises in the east, sets in the west, and raindrops pour down from the sky and wet the ground. It was just a natural attitude. ¡°Most of all, the person I love is you, not the Marquess of Attlee.¡± CH 91 ¡°¡­¡­.¡± His mouth was as sweet as candy. Ines was speechless for a moment. Enoch nailed it. ¡°I mean it.¡± At the firm declaration, Ines¡¯ face flushed like a fire. ¡°Well, by the way. You had a luncheon appointment with the Kaldorov royal family today, didn¡¯t you?¡± Ines tried to scramble to her feet hurriedly. ¡°At this rate, I¡¯ll be late for the appointment. I have to prepare quickly¡­¡± ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Enoch¡¯s firm arms embraced Ines¡¯s waist. When the muscles were moderately attached and the solid chest touched the bare skin, Ines quickly hardened her body. ¡°We still have plenty of time. We can stay together a little longer.¡± ¡°No, it could be really late¡­¡± Ines, who was trying to escape Enoch¡¯s arms somehow, stopped. That¡¯s true, unlike his seemingly relaxed attitude. Enoch¡¯s neck was red as well. ¡®¡­¡­¡­I wasn¡¯t the only one who was embarrassed.¡¯ Ines slowly caressed Enoch¡¯s neck with her fingers. At the same time, Enoch¡¯s shoulders were stiff. ¡°Your Excellency.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Your neck is really red.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Enoch, who had been silent for a long time, grumbled, burying his face in Ines¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just pretend you didn¡¯t know?¡± This is a situation where what she said comes back to her. Ines burst into laughter without realizing it. ¡°Pfft.¡± It was a very pleasant feeling. Enoch looked up at Ines with a discontented gaze, and then pulled her over and laid her on the bed. ! Ines, who fell on the bed, looked at Enoch with a flustered face. ¡°Ah, Sir?¡± ¡°Ines.¡± Enoch called her name in a honeyed voice. ¡®Uh, what did you just say?¡¯ Ines panicked. Of course, it was true that she asked him to call her name. But¡­ ¡°Eh, all of a sudden?¡± His deep blue eyes were filled with mischievous light. ¡°You asked me to call you Ines.¡± This feeling¡­ Enoch, who kissed her cheek, whispered as his lips touched her ear. ¡°Why don¡¯t you call me Enoch?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­.¡± Ines tried to say something, but nothing came out. It was because Enoch swallowed her lips in an instant. ¡°Ah.¡± Her stomach became hot as if she had swallowed a ball of fire. In the end, Ines couldn¡¯t get out of bed until the appointment time was close. * * * At the reception room of the Royal Kaldorov. ¡®So glad I¡¯m not late for my appointment.¡­.¡¯ Ines breathed a sigh of relief, sweeping her chest. Ines knew Enoch was strong and virile, and his stamina in bed was mind blowing. Fortunately, Enoch had such common sense that she should not be late for an appointment with the Kaldorov royal family that he let her go, even with a sad face¡­¡­. ¡®But the arrival time was really close.¡¯ Ines glanced at Enoch with a look of resentment. Usually, for appointments with the royal family, it was common to come in about 20 minutes early and wait, but they barely came in with 10 minutes left. Meanwhile, as soon as he noticed her gaze, Enoch bent his eyes and smiled brightly. Ines felt her stomach flutter. ¡®Really, I don¡¯t know how people feel.¡¯ Nevertheless, Enoch¡¯s smile looked dazzlingly pretty. Ines was just sighing deeply inside. ¡®Isn¡¯t this what a bean pod is?¡¯ Ines was seriously thinking when just in time, the royal servant came in and bowed to the two. ¡°I¡¯ll show you to the dinner table.¡± After moving along with the attendant for a long time, the attendant waiting in front of the dinner hall opened the door. An elderly woman sitting at the top welcomed the two. ¡°Welcome, I¡¯m Melissa Kaldorov.¡± ¡°It¡¯s such an honor to meet you here.¡± Ines and Enoch politely greeted the old lady. Melissa Kaldorov. She was the sister of the former king and the aunt of the current king. She was also the oldest monarch in the Kaldorov royal family. At the same time, the Marquess of Attlee, who was sitting next to Melissa, greeted the two. ¡°It¡¯s really nice to see you two again.¡± The Marquess of Attlee started. ¡°Countess of Brierton looked a little tired yesterday, are you alright today?¡± The Marquess of Attlee anxiously asked Ines. Ines smiled socially. ¡°Thank you for your concern. Thanks to you, I got a good rest.¡± It was a very strange thing. When she first met the Marquess of Attlee yesterday, she was in a terrible state of jealousy. As soon as Enoch and Ines confirmed their feelings, she couldn¡¯t be calmer. ¡°Sit this way, please.¡± Following Melissa¡¯s guidance, Ines and Enoch sat down. ¡°His Majesty is busy with state affairs, so it is difficult to meet the two of you right away, but he said that he would make time for it at least once before you return home.¡± ¡°I understand how much Kaldorov cares about us. Thank you.¡± Enoch answered politely. In fact, it was true that Kaldorov was paying considerable attention to Ines and Enoch. In addition, the host of the invitee was not the king, but the Marquess of Attlee. The king said that he would make time in person, even though he didn¡¯t have to. Melissa folded her wrinkled eyes and smiled. ¡°Come to think of it, the Duke of Sussex is still unmarried, right? If I had a daughter, I would have welcomed the Duke as my son-in-law.¡± [T/N:¡­] ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s difficult now.¡± The blue eyes touched Ines for a moment and fell. Then he smiled at Melissa. ¡°I have someone in mind now.¡± ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Melissa opened her eyes wide. ¡°I wonder who the lucky woman is.¡± ¡°If I have a chance someday, I¡¯ll introduce you. I¡¯m still a little cautious.¡± Since then, Enoch and Melissa continued to have a friendly conversation. ¡®No, why does Enoch look at this side.¡­.¡¯ Only Ines was staring at the tableware in front of her because she was embarrassed and happy for no reason. The atmosphere of the dinner was friendly. People had this and that conversation. Recent trends in the art world of Kaldorov, greetings from the King and his wife in Lancaster or the child of the Marquess of Attlee¡­¡­. Marquess of Attlee opened her mouth, slicing the lightly cooked lamb dish. ¡°Personally, I think the Countess of Brierton is really great. Should I say I respect her a lot as a woman?¡± Suddenly Ines¡¯s name was mentioned. ¡°Huh? Me?¡± Embarrassed, Ines looked at the Marquess. As soon as she made eye contact with Ines, the countenance of the Marquess of Attlee became softer. ¡°They say Lancaster has a somewhat stricter atmosphere than Kalodorov, right? I admire the Countess so much that she stands out in such a society.¡± ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± ¡°Kaldorov has female painters, but it¡¯s very rare.¡± The Marquess gently tightened her hands holding the tableware. ¡°Art, no. Not only is it difficult to receive formal education in a particular field. If you¡¯re a lady of an aristocratic family, you tend to put more importance on creating a mix.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Ines was a little nervous. Obviously, just a moment ago, the Marquess had cut the meat in graceful movements as she had painted it. ¡®¡­..I guess it¡¯s just how I feel.¡¯ ¡°Kaldorov blasts that it¡¯s a freer atmosphere than other countries, but there¡¯s very little we can do.¡± The Marquees continued rather acrimoniously. ¡°Even Andrea wants to study painting, but no matter how much I look for it, there is no school where girls can enter. That¡¯s the reality.¡± ¡®Wait, school?¡¯ For a moment Ines felt like she had been hit on the head. What Marquess of Attlee pointed out was, in fact, that Ines had already hit the wall several times. Didn¡¯t Ines also learn from a tutor rather than getting a formal education about painting? At least, her parents, who loved Ines terribly, took care to learn this and that, but it was more common for ordinary aristocratic young children to take bridal classes than that. ¡°The Marquess of Attlee.¡± Just in time Melissa called the Marquees of Attlee in a stern voice. CH 92 Only then did the Marquess smile. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m sorry. I must have said something too harsh in front of the guests.¡± ¡°No, as a parent, you must be worried about your daughter¡¯s education.¡± Ines quickly helped. Then the Marquess glistened her eyes. ¡®What is it?¡¯ In her likable eyes, Ines, who was surprised, flinched her shoulders. At the same time, the Marquess secretly spoke to Ines. ¡°Actually, Andrea is very interested in the Countess. If you don¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t you meet her?¡± ¡°Andrea, is she your daughter?¡± ¡°Yes. Marquis Attlee¡¯s residence is not far from here.¡± ¡°Can I do that?¡± ¡°Of course, of course!¡± More enthusiastic responses than she thought. ¡°Honestly, I was the one who invited the Countess but at the individual exhibition yesterday, the Countess was always taken away by the Duke.¡± With that grumbling, the Marquess of Attlee glanced at Enoch playfully. She guessed that Enoch was also poked inside. Given that he only coughed briefly and did not refute the Marquess¡¯ words. Finally, after looking at Enoch with her eyes wide open, the Marquess turned her head toward Ines. ¡°It¡¯s not a brag, but the scenery around Attlee¡¯s residence is also very beautiful. It comes with a beach owned by the family.¡± ¡°It must be nice to have a family-owned beach.¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s a private property of Marquis Attlee, so you can enjoy the sea quietly.¡± The Marquess recommended again in a distinctly excited voice. ¡°Since you¡¯ve come all the way to Kaldorov, it¡¯s too bad to go back right away after working, right? What do you think?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Ines was briefly troubled. Marquess of Attlee, a relative of the Kaldorov family, suggested it that way but it was also difficult to refuse. The sea. ¡®Come to think of it, I think it¡¯s been a long time since I saw the sea.¡¯ ¡®I think I went around a lot when my parents were alive.¡¯ Ever since she married Ryan, she had only stayed at home to support Ryan. ¡®¡­¡­Instead, Charlotte and Ryan went to see the sea affectionately.¡¯ [T/N: *#%!] A painful memory popped out like an awl and stabbed the heart. Ines tried to keep a smiling face. ¡®It¡¯s not a bad suggestion anyway.¡¯ She had been busy with the individual exhibition in Kalodorov, so it wouldn¡¯t be bad to enjoy a little. Ines nodded at that judgment. ¡°Thank you, then I will be in your care.¡± The Marquess of Attlee also nodded with a pleased face. ¡°Andrea would be very happy. She wanted to meet the Countess badly, and now my daughter will finally fulfill her wish.¡± ¡­¡­She thought it was just an exaggeration to flatter Ines up until then. After the luncheon. Ines, who arrived at the mansion of Attlee, had to change her mind somewhat. ¡°Mother, father!¡± The little girl ran out. It was very lovely to see the cilantro tied pigtails fluttering. ¡°Andrea!¡± The Marquis of Attlee immediately tried to lift his daughter. Andrea then asked the Marquis back with a straight face at once. ¡°What about the Countess Brierton?¡± ¡°¡­Daddy¡¯s not even visible?¡± The Marquis was often upset, but Andrea was cool. ¡°Dad, I can see you every day, but you¡¯re not a Countess, are you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± The Marquis narrowed his brows in dissatisfaction and replied. ¡°Since we¡¯ve brought the Countess you¡¯ve been waiting for forever, there¡¯s no need to hurry.¡± ¡°What? What do you mean¡­¡­ whoo!¡± Andrea opened her eyes wide. Behind her father and mother, she found Ines and Enoch, who were at the front door. The child¡¯s cheeks turned red. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Andrea Attlee!¡± Andrea, who was full of energy, quickly bowed her head. The child¡¯s sparkling eyes were fixed only to Ines. Ines smiled unconsciously because such a child was cute. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Ines Brierton.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you! It¡¯s an honor to meet the Countess like this!¡± She was a cute seven-year-old child, Ines wanted to bite her when she tried to speak like an adult as possible. In the meantime. Ines tilted her head. It was because the child was eagerly looking at Ines. Even Enoch, who usually catched the eyes of children with his outstanding appearance, was not given any attention. ¡®Do you have something to say?¡¯ The child, who had been hesitating for a long time, gently held out a large brochure that she had been hugging tightly. ¡°Well, I want to ask for your signature.¡± ¡°You want me to do it?¡± ¡®No way¡­¡¯ Ines looked down at the brochure sticking out to her with a puzzled face. The prediction was right. It was her solo exhibition brochure. ¡°Yes! I was wondering if you could sign for me!¡± The child¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡®Oh, my God, my autograph¡­¡­.¡¯ It¡¯s a little embarrassing, but she was also proud to see the child like that. Ines signed the brochure. Andrea smiled brightly, hugging the brochure tightly in her arms. ¡°Thank you! I¡¯m definitely going to the Countess¡¯ next solo exhibition! My mom promised to take me there!¡± ¡°I¡¯m more grateful that you said that.¡± Andrea seemed somewhat encouraged by Ines¡¯ favorable response. ¡°Well, Countess.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I¡¯m learning painting recently, can I ask for some advice?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Well, I don¡¯t know if I can be a good teacher.¡± Ines smiled awkwardly. To have sufficient knowledge in a field but to teach her was something different entirely. Ines paused for a moment. ¡°Aren¡¯t you learning from your teacher?¡± But Andrea was determined. ¡°Still!¡± An excited Andrea raised her voice by clenching her both fists. ¡°I really want to hear it! The Countess¡¯ advice!¡± In response to the enthusiastic response, the Marquess gently calmed her daughter while watching the situation. ¡°Andrea, the Countess is a guest, how can you just say what you want?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. Rather, it¡¯s good to see this motivated look.¡± Ines replied with a smile. She meant it. Ordinary aristocratic young children rarely express their opinions so proudly because of their virtue. In addition, it was very nice to see her directly interested in art. Perhaps thanks to the Marquis couple raising their child without limiting her chances as much as possible. ¡®¡­¡­like my parents.¡¯ Meanwhile, when Ines defended, Andrea tightened her shoulders. ¡°Mom, the Countess says it¡¯s okay!¡± ¡°Andrea.¡± The Marquess warned, but Andrea remained steadfast. ¡°Well, Countess. Would you like to go to my studio?¡± No matter how mature she pretended, a child is a child. It was cute to see. Ines¡¯s smile deepened a little. ¡°Okay, shall we go together?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Andrea, who was so excited, walked ahead. Ines followed her with a leisurely pace. * * * Andrea¡¯s studio was quite authentic to say that it belonged to a seven-year-old child. Perhaps the Attlees were quite attentive to their daughter¡¯s education, so the studio was well equipped. ¡°Wait, Countess!¡± Andrea, who had Ines seated, ran toward the desk, and soon returned with a thick sketchbook in her arms. ¡°These are my drawings¡­¡­!¡± Traces of practicing drawing were filled in the sketchbook. They were works in the direction of laying the foundation, such as basic perspective and muscle structure of the human body. Usually, kids get bored with these practices. It was obvious that she had been practicing for quite a long time. Ines, who examined the works closely, gladly praised Andrea. ¡°You draw well.¡± Her skills were quite good for her age. At the compliment, Andrea¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Thank you!¡± Ines pointed to the picture and continued to explain everything. ¡°However, this woman¡¯s painting, the muscles of the arms holding the tray, rather than being held like this¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Andrea listened to Ines as if possessed. ¡°It¡¯s good to try croquis often. You don¡¯t have to try to draw well, but it will be helpful if you focus on the character¡¯s movements and characteristics in the shortest time possible.¡± ¡°Yes, I will!¡± [T/N: aww¡­ she¡¯s such a cutie] CH 93 After a long time of questions and answers. Andrea¡¯s face became relieved and she smiled. She said, ¡°It¡¯s so nice to meet the Countess like this and get advice.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad I was helpful.¡± Ines also smiled at Andrea. Then Andrea wiggled her fingers and asked cautiously. ¡°Well, how long will the Countess stay here?¡± ¡°I do not know. Probably a week?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± For a moment, Andrea¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Can¡¯t you just stay a little longer?¡± ¡°Yes? What is that..?¡± ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to be stubborn.¡± Even though she apologized, Andrea had a sad face. ¡°I wish I could ask many teachers like this¡­¡­ .¡± For some reason, Ines felt a little sorry for Andrea at that low self-talk. Come to think of it, Ines and Andrea were in similar positions in many ways. Parents care about education regardless of the child¡¯s gender, but they are still hungry for learning. ¡®The Marquis¡¯s daughter is much younger than me, but I can¡¯t believe she hasn¡¯t improved at all compared to when I was young.¡¯ Ines, who was thinking so, suddenly felt as if she had been hit in the head. ¡®Come to think of it, didn¡¯t the Marquess of Attlee also talk about the academy earlier?¡¯ Academy. A place where you can get advice from numerous teachers, interact with peers, and grow while sharing various perspectives. A place where you can dramatically broaden your growing child¡¯s horizons. However, very few children were currently allowed to go to school. Even in Lancaster, there was only one art school, and only male children of high-ranking aristocrats enrolled in that school. Children who grew up in the academy become established artists and furthermore became members of the Royal Art Association. ¡®Kaldorov talks about being freer than other countries, but they can do very little.¡¯ Looking back at the words of the Marquess of Attlee, it seemed that Kaldorov¡¯s situation was not too different. She couldn¡¯t improve this solid system by herself. ¡®Besides¡­ Commoners make up the vast majority of Lancaster.¡¯ They couldn¡¯t cross the academy threshold just because they were commoners. At the same time, aristocrats could receive education if they exceed the limit of gender, but commoners could not overcome the double triple bond and eventually collapsed. ¡®Then.¡¯ Ines looked at Andrea. What if we nurture young students who will break this rigid art world? Like this little girl in front of her, with children who have willpower but face the limits of gender. Even the numerous commoners who had sparkling talents but were not discovered because of their social status. By teaching all these children equally. * * * After that, Ines separated from Andrea and went to see Enoch and the Marquis of Attlee. But Enoch was a little dissatisfied. It was because while she was served tea and went out for a walk on the beach, Ines was almost lost in her own thoughts. ¡°¡­..es¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Ines!¡± Ines, startled, turned to Enoch. Enoch was watching her with his eyes narrowed. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± What kind of rudeness is this to keep having different thoughts in front of people? Ines was a bit embarrassed. ¡°Just, I remembered my conversation with Andrea earlier.¡± ¡°Andrea?¡± Enoch asked with a sullen face. ¡°Has been with Andrea ever since you arrived at the Attlee¡¯s residence. Do you still want to spend more time with Andrea again?¡± ¡°No, that¡­.¡± Ines laughed awkwardly. ¡°I haven¡¯t organized my thoughts yet. I¡¯ll tell you when I¡¯m a little organized.¡­.¡± ¡°That sounds like you¡¯re trying to focus on other thoughts while you¡¯re with me.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± Ines was at a loss for words. However, Enoch was determined not to back down until he heard the answer. In the end, Ines could not overcome Enoch¡¯s sad gaze and opened her mouth. ¡°A while ago, Andrea was disappointed that it was difficult to experience various things. The Marquess of Attlee also complained about that.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. So I naturally thought of school¡­¡± Still, as she explained to Enoch step by step, she felt that something was a little more concrete. Ines explained. The idea for the school came from a conversation with Andrea and the Marquess of Attlee. Come to think of it, even in Lancaster, there were very few children who could receive formal education in the arts. ¡°Because I¡¯m a commoner, because I¡¯m a girl, because my family is poor¡­¡± Many reasons were blocking children¡¯s aspirations for learning. ¡°¡­I want to teach such children without discrimination as long as they have the will to learn.¡± That¡¯s what Ines concluded. Enoch asked in a cautious voice. ¡°So to sum up, you mean you want to build a school, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Honestly, I think it¡¯s a very excellent idea. However¡­¡± Enoch slurred. ¡°It will be very difficult.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Ines was silent for a moment. If Enoch, who usually helped and supported Ines in both physical and mental ways said that then¡­ Perhaps it would be really difficult. However, ¡°I still want to do it.¡± Ines replied resolutely. Enoch stared at Ines. Those sparkling green eyes, determined to carry out what they believe. It¡¯s beautiful. Because of the dazzling passion that made her move without hesitation. He was enchanted again as if it was a given. ¡°Your Excellency?¡± Enoch¡¯s gaze fixed on her, Ines tilted head. ¡®Oh, dear.¡¯ He was too distracted. Suddenly, Enoch came to his senses and mischievously corrected her words. ¡°It¡¯s Enoch, not Your Excellency.¡± ¡°¡­Well, that¡¯s true.¡± Perhaps a little embarrassed, Ines cleared her throat and looked away. ¡°Still, since this is the private property of the Marquis Attlee, wouldn¡¯t it be better to be a little more careful about the title?¡± ¡°Who cares, it¡¯s just the two of us right now.¡± Enoch shrugged and asked back. ¡°And when I called you Ines earlier, you didn¡¯t dissuade me.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± At that sharp point, Ines closed her mouth in dissatisfaction. ¡°I understand Ines¡¯ grand plans for the future, but can you focus a little on me today?¡± Enoch¡¯s voice, which asked so, was full of mischief. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve been alone since Ines ¡®mistake¡¯.¡± ¡°Really, stop talking about mistakes!¡± Ines was frightened of being heard. Smirking, Enoch suddenly asked. ¡°Can I kiss you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± For a moment, Ines doubted her ears. ¡®Are you kidding me, or are you serious?¡¯ But Enoch was just looking at her with a smirk. Ines felt her face heat up. ¡°¡­Do you really have to ask about that?¡± Unable to overcome her embarrassment, Ines scolded him for being stupid. However, the answer that came back to the pin out was needlessly serious. ¡°I will not do anything without your permission.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± At that moment. Even the habitual assumption of ¡®what was Ryan like?¡¯ was completely forgotten. It just felt like her heart would explode at Enoch¡¯s kindness. Her lips moved wildly as she answered his question. ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask for permission or anything like that.¡± Ines casually replied, shocked by what she said. Still, she did not back down. Instead, she added her words like driving nails. ¡°Enoch, if it¡¯s you, it¡¯s fine.¡± As soon as her permission was granted, his long, graceful fingers gently caressed Ines¡¯s cheek. His fingers gently lifted her chin. Ines closed her eyes as if it were natural. Their lips met. The feeling. Her entire body relaxed, and Ines¡¯ lips parted slightly. A soft piece of flesh dug through her lips, caressing her delicate mouth, sweeping her teeth without hesitation. ¡°Oh¡­.¡± Ines involuntarily gasped for her breath. Her whole body seemed to melt away at the sweet pleasure that invaded her whole body. ¡®I¡¯m happy.¡¯ Ines reveled in her heart-rending satisfaction. The sandy beach with white foam and the deep blue horizon sparkling with sunlight. A cool sea breeze tossing her hair. And even this beautiful man who was messing with her. It was a perfect moment. [T/N: aww , so sweet] CH 94 After a while. Ines finished the exhibition successfully and returned home. ¡°It was a very fulfilling time.¡± Ines said proudly. In reality, it was worth so much self-assessment. She was invited by artists to discuss each other¡¯s views on art, and to see other artists¡¯ exhibitions. She also had frequent exchanges with socialites, including the Marquis of Attlee and his wife. In fact, it was tantamount to returning home after stamping all Kaldorov¡¯s celebrities. ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect to have an audience with His Majesty the King of Kaldorov. I was so nervous that my heart was about to burst.¡± Meanwhile, Enoch who had been listening to Ines chatter, smiled strangely. ¡°You will probably be pretty busy when we get back to Lancaster.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± Enoch replied, as if it were a matter of course, to her puzzlement. ¡°Well, this time the Countess of Brierton had a truly overwhelming achievement. I¡¯m sure there will be a flood of interview requests.¡± ¡°I appreciate the sudden compliment, but I don¡¯t have anything in particular to offer.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to compliment you, I¡¯m just stating the facts. Besides, don¡¯t you think you have many things to offer?¡± Enoch, who responded like that, had an extremely businessman-like face before she knew it. ¡°As a journalist, I have no intention of missing the great story of an exclusive interview with the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°So the first interview after returning home should be given to our Elton magazine.¡± Enoch nailed it firmly. ¡°Okay?¡± Ines, full of spirits, laughed. ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry, I will definitely do that.¡± Until then, she was skeptical about it. Enoch¡¯s prophecy came true. Upon returning home to Lancaster, Ines was surrounded by reporters. ¡°I heard that Kaldorov¡¯s solo exhibition was very well received!¡± ¡°I hear there are requests to hold Kaldorov¡¯s solo exhibition in Lancaster as well!¡± ¡°Countess of Brierton, just one word please!¡± Of course, it was true that the solo exhibition was a considerable success. However, the reason why the atmosphere was so hot was because of the uniqueness of the place where Ines was recognized. Kaldorov. It was a neighboring country with borders, and the national power was also similar. A country that had long been a rival to Lancaster and had even fought a long war in the past. The fact that she was recognized by Kaldorov satisfied the people. ¡°So, this is an enhancement of national prestige?¡± Ines, barely getting out of the crowd of reporters, muttered in bewilderment. Even the current King, Edward, said that she had raised the national prestige, and officially congratulated Ines directly. That meant that public opinion favorable to Ines was at its peak. ¡®Then.¡¯ There has never been a better time than now to carry out a project that would revoke various reactions from all walks of life. For example, the establishment of schools. ¡°When is the Elton interview?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m trying to fit Ines¡¯ schedule.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s proceed with the interview as soon as possible.¡± ¡°So suddenly?¡± In front of Enoch, who had a bewildered face, Ines smiled mischievously. ¡°I am going to announce that I will build a school.¡± * * * Elton magazine¡¯s solo interview with the Countess of Brierton sparked tremendous repercussions throughout society. It was like dropping a bomb. That¡¯s right, because no school like this had ever existed in Lancaster. ¡°No, what the hell are you talking about?¡± One of the aristocrats sitting in the club opened his mouth in an amazing voice. ¡°It is to enroll ladies from aristocratic families in art schools. It is true that the Countess of Brierton is talented in many ways.¡± The aristocrat who spoke first clicked his tongue and continued. ¡°But isn¡¯t it a bit excessive to admit not only nobles but also commoners to the school?¡± ¡°You are right. How can nobles and commoners be educated together, even if it means making a concession to aristocratic women?¡± ¡°Besides, teaching art and nothing else.¡± It was an extremely discriminating point of view. However, the aristocrats did not even have the notion that the discrimination was wrong. ¡®Commons are inferior to nobles.¡¯ That thought had been embodied in the nobles all their lives. ¡°Certainly the Countess is thinking of accepting all the artists who make noise on the street saying they are artists¡­.¡± When someone muttered that with a sigh, another nobleman agreed with the words. ¡°Do commoners know artistic sensibilities? I have to go through various experiences since I was young and sharpen my sensibilities¡­.¡± [T/N: and yet, you¡¯re still insensible, go get your refund.] ¡°To be honest, giving common people such an opportunity for education is a waste.¡± [T/N: No, seeing you breath at ease is a waste] That¡¯s how the male aristocrats, the mainstream of Lancaster society, viewed Ines¡¯ idea angrily. And, of course, the Royal Art Association as the most vehement opponent of Ines¡¯s move. ¡°The Countess of Brierton¡¯s move is too radical!¡± ¡°No, isn¡¯t it not enough to give noble women a chance to get an education first? It is premature to open the door to education even to the common people!¡± ¡°They say you get sick of food eaten in a hurry.¡± That was the thesis of the Royal Art Association. To be honest, it was a bold move. The Royal Art Association was in fear that their vested interests might be threatened. Receiving advanced education means that you will soon have the opportunity to seize vested interests. Besides, if there were more artists through Ines¡¯s school, they would have to compete with many new artists. The Royal Art Association with its boats full of oil, did not want such a competition at all. One day when the backlash intensified. The Queen, Helena, secretly summoned Ines to her palace. ¡°Countess of Brierton.¡± Helena, quietly called Ines, had a faint pensive look on her face. Ines quietly lowered her head. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty the Queen.¡± ¡°Does the Countess know? The Royal Art Association is very opposed to the school the Countess is establishing.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Even while saying that, Ines did not avoid Helena¡¯s eyes. Also, Helena was familiar with that look on Ines¡¯s face. A look that didn¡¯t doubt that her thoughts were right. Yes, similar. ¡®This is the expression the Duke of Sussex.¡¯ At the same time, Ines calmly opened her mouth. ¡°However, I am not going to give up on the issue of establishing the art school.¡± ¡°¡­ Is that so?¡± Helena laughed. Even the eyes of Ines were the same as Enoch¡¯s. ¡°It is obviously a great burden to have opposition from the Royal Art Association and furthermore from the aristocratic class. Your Majesty must have called me because she was concerned about that part.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t say no.¡± ¡°Nevertheless, the reason I say I will establish a school is.¡± Ines straightened her back. She looked straight into Helena¡¯s eyes and connected her words clearly. ¡°It¡¯s because I thought the art world couldn¡¯t stay stagnant forever.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t stay stagnant, huh.¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s true that I¡¯m quite famous in Lancaster art right now, but¡­.¡± Ines cleared her throat. Soon, a clear voice followed. ¡°I think there is a limit to stepping into the art world alone and being recognized for that talent.¡± ¡°Hmm, could you elaborate a bit more?¡± ¡°I am too unconventional for the Lancaster art scene.¡± Ines continued without hesitation. ¡°The reason why the Lancaster art world is dissatisfied with my progress but moderately turns a blind eye is probably because strictly speaking, I am the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°¡­..¡± It was a word that stabbed the heart. ¡°I was once considered one of the best heiresses in the Kingdom of Lancaster and I am still the head of one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom.¡± ¡°Countess, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been able to not get caught up in the gender of being a woman. As long as it stays like this, I will probably be able to continue my activities as an artist until the end.¡± There was a slight heat in Ines¡¯s voice. ¡°But what about my descendants?¡± At that question, Helena¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Indeed, the female artists after me and furthermore, the artists who are bound by the status of commoners¡­Can they blossom their talents in this rigid art world?¡± [T/N: tell ¡®em] And Helena could very easily answer Ines¡¯s questions. The answer was ¡®no¡¯. ¡°Not only women, but commoner artists with free painting styles, regardless of gender, must continue to come in. If so, new blood will be transfused into the rigid art world, and if not¡­.¡± It seemed that Ines had been thinking about this for a long time. Unstoppable words followed. ¡°Because the moment I disappear, It will return to the closed art world again.¡± As she concluded her words, Ines blushed slightly. It was because she seemed to have vomited too much eloquence in front of the Queen. CH 95 Helena stared at Ines for a while, then abruptly declared. ¡°I think so too.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°I think the Countess is right.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Ines didn¡¯t know that the Queen would agree with her so kindly. Ines blinked blankly. At the same time, Helena calmly added her words. ¡°Also, His Majesty the King thinks the same as me.¡± ¡°That means¡­.¡± ¡°It means that the Royal family will not stop the Countess from establishing the school.¡± The answer surprised Ines too. Although not as overtly opposed as the Royal Art Association, the aristocracy also secretly supported its move. In this situation, the Royal family declared that they would ignore the dissatisfaction of the aristocracy. Helena smiled bitterly at her. She said, ¡°Even the Royal family can only talk in principle anyway. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t be of much help.¡± ¡°No, Your Majesty the Queen. It is a tremendous help.¡± Ines replied with a bright smile. She had someone who believed in her. She had people who supported her that she was right. Therefore, ¡®It will never collapse.¡¯ When she closed her eyes, she remembered the friendly smile of a man, and Ines made up her mind. * * * After a confidential conversation with Ines. As for the Queen, she was sure to keep her word that she had. The Lancaster Royal family declared that they would not officially oppose this issue. ¡°There is no basis for blocking the establishment of the Countess of Brierton¡¯s school.¡± It was true. From the beginning, the private school was an academy that Ines made with her own money. It wasn¡¯t a Royal school that used royal finances or a national school that used people¡¯s taxes. The Royal family didn¡¯t even have a reason to put a brake on Ines¡¯ establishment of the school. Nevertheless, the decision of the Royal family once again raised the voices from all walks of life. ¡°Too radical approaches to education only lead to chaos in society! We have to put the brakes on properly at the Royal court!¡± The Royal Art Association strongly protested the royal decision. ¡°The Royal family has made a wise decision, the door to education must be open to anyone!¡± On the contrary, the common people expressed their fervent support. On the other hand, Ines did not succumb to opposition or support from all walks of life. Rather, she contacted famous foreign artists to become professors, looked at the site for the school, and continued her steps to establish the school. Of course, the Royal Art Association was suspicious of Ines¡¯ behavior, so she visited the Royal family once again. ¡°If the people want it that way, we have no reason to oppose it.¡± In front of the head of the Art Association, who inevitably came to meet him, Edward firmly drew a line. Rather informal, he responded positively to the school Ines was trying to build. ¡°And the people¡¯s logic is actually not wrong. If the Countess of Brierton builds a school, it¡¯s fine if it helps Lancaster, right?¡± ¡°Huh? But, Your Majesty!¡± The president of the art association tried to protest, but Edward spoke a little faster. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s a pension given to the art association from the national budget, and the preferential treatment was considerable, but it¡¯s true that the performance was rather low compared to that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­..!¡± ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d just stay quiet rather than incur the anger of the people by raising school issues. What do you think, sir?¡± There was no way to say anything at a time when he was stabbed in a painful place. In fact, the King had a reason for saying that. It was true that the atmosphere of the commoners was strong. ¡°Besides, the Countess said that she would use her own money to build a private school.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the fact that the number of educational institutions increase in the first place would help Lancaster in the future!¡± ¡°Does it make sense that commoners are not getting an education because of the nobles¡¯s excessive sense of privilege?¡± [T/N: medical term is noble complex] In taverns where commoners usually gather, in cheap restaurants, and on the streets. When the commoners gathered together, they all brought up the topic of Ines¡¯ school. Of course, at first, the aristocratic class, including the Royal Art Association, did not even listen to the public opinion. ¡°For the commoners, what¡­!¡± ¡®I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll protest a little like that before disappearing.¡¯ But this time, the reaction of the people was more intense than the nobles expected. It was because the common people who had difficulty in having educational opportunities were thirsty for the facility itself called ¡®school¡¯. Under such circumstances, Ines professed to accept her students at her school, regardless of gender and status. She announced that the cost of education was also very low compared to conventional schools, and that a scholarship system for outstanding students was even being considered. It was natural for the people who were deprived of the opportunity to receive education to support wholeheartedly. ¡°This is how our tax money is wasted!¡± ¡°You¡¯re right! There are only a handful of public schools that teach commoners while paying taxes to the state!¡± ¡°Is there any need to interfere with the private school that the Countess of Brierton is building with her own money?¡± And the arrows of the backlash poured down on the aristocrats and furthermore, on the Royal Art Association. ¡°Above all, the people of the Royal Art Association have no right to claim like that!¡± ¡°You are right! Of all the older artists who put strength on their shoulders, who has achieved more than the Countess of Brierton?¡± ¡°The Countess of Brierton also succeeded in the exchange exhibition and her first solo exhibition was also held at that high country Kaldorov!¡± ¡°On the subject of putting their names on the Royal Art Association, getting pensions from each other and building friendships!¡± ¡°Who pays for the cost of keeping the Society alive? Isn¡¯t that all due to the taxes paid by the people!¡± [T/N: *nodding while *] As dissatisfaction with the Royal Art Association piled up, some extreme commoners even began to form a public opinion to abolish the Royal Art Association, saying, ¡°Rather get rid of the Royal Arts Association!¡± If it was normal, the extreme public opinion would not have gained strength to this extent. But this time, the target to burn their anger was very clear. An educational opportunity long deprived. They almost got that chance, but it was going to be taken away right in front of their noses. On the other hand, watching the public opinion, the Royal Art Association felt a great sense of crisis. They further inflamed their enmity towards Ines. ¡°If only the Countess of Brierton hadn¡¯t said she would build a school in the first place!¡± And it was the same for the president of the art association, Marquis Usher. [T/N: not the singer¡­ pfft] ¡°I can¡¯t leave the Countess of Brierton like this.¡± Public opinion about the abolition of the Royal Art Association spread like wildfire among the common people and the middle class. As soon as he thought of her, the president of the art association felt a chilling sense of crisis in his stomach. ¡°As of now, public opinion¡­The Royal Art Association which has a long history and tradition might really disintegrate.¡± If so, it was natural for him to fly to the position of president of the Art Association. ¡°This is not for me. For the sake of the Royal Art Association and furthermore, for the sake of this country.¡± The art association president¡¯s eyes shone insidiously. * * * That¡¯s how dissatisfaction with the Art Association was brewing. Suddenly, an interview article popped up in the yellow press. The reason why the article, which would normally go to one of the many garbage articles, attracted attention was because of the person pointed out in the interview. Ines Brierton. A person who had recently been attracting public attention had been mentioned. And the person who accused the corruption was Charlotte Jason. She was once a close friend of the Countess of Brierton, and she used that position to commit an affair with the Countess¡¯ ex-husband. It was Charlotte who had been almost buried in the social world. * * * Charlotte aggressively spoke about Ines¡¯ bribery allegations. ¡°The Countess of Brierton had an improper bribe from a certain nobleman when purchasing the school site.¡± Here¡¯s a rough summary of her claim that started with those words: The Countess of Brierton contacted a nobleman and promised to buy and sell some of the nobleman¡¯s land for a school site, but she actually bribed them. On the other hand, it wasn¡¯t a bad offer for the other nobles. When a school was built, various infrastructure would form around it, and the land price around the school naturally rose. Even if Ines paid a considerable amount of bribes, the damage would naturally be offset by the increase in the price of the surrounding land. In addition, the infrastructure once formed would continue to generate revenue, so the nobles¡¯ pockets would grow thicker as time goes on. In the end, Ines acquired the land cheaply by bribing, and the landowner was able to generate profits beyond the bribe, so it was a mutual aid structure. But here a problem arises. After Ines accepted a bribe, she decided to buy another piece of land, ignoring that secret deal with the nobles. ¡°¡­I did all the dirty work for Ines, no, the Countessof Brierton.¡± Charlotte looked at the reporter sitting in front of her with tears still in her eyes. ¡°As you all well know¡­Actually, the Countess and I don¡¯t get along very well.¡± [T/N: sigh.. didn¡¯t she learn anything from the past?] CH 96 ¡°That¡¯s right, everyone in the kingdom wouldn¡¯t know that.¡± ¡°And the Countess wanted to make contact with her counterpart of nobles secretly so that no one would suspect it.¡± Charlotte bit her lips with a faint expression. ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s why the Countess chose me.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Because I have such a bad relationship with the Countess, that¡¯s why no one will suspect the collusion between me and the Countess.¡± [T/N: ¡­..] At first glance, it sounded plausible. The reporter who casually nodded his head asked again. ¡°Then why did Lady Jason help the Countess of Brierton?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± She hesitated for a moment, then opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind. ¡°In exchange for me helping the Countess, the Countess promised to help me through my difficult life.¡± [T/N: haa¡­my BP] ¡°The Countess of Brierton made that promise?¡± ¡°Yes. Furthermore¡­ She also said that she would help repair my ruined social reputation.¡± [T/N: (¥Î£à§¥¡ä)¥Îáê©ß©¥©ß] Charlotte lowered her moist eyes. Her lashes fluttered like butterflies. The reporter, who had been looking at Charlotte with pity, proceeded to interview her again. ¡°Then what evidence is there that the Countess of Brierton took a bribe or bribed people?¡± ¡°I have a gift document. In that document¡­¡­¡± As if her heart was rising, Charlotte closed her eyes for a while and managed her emotions. After a moment, Her little voice rang out as if it would go out at any moment. She said, ¡°The Countess of Brierton personally signed it.¡± ¡°Is that really?!¡± The reporter¡¯s duty was to be cool, but sadly the reporter interviewing Charlotte failed to do so. The startled reporter raised his eyes wide. ¡°So, you mean there is physical evidence?¡± ¡°Yes. With her signature.¡± Charlotte nodded her head forcefully. After that, she broke down and gave up her words. ¡°It is true, of course, that I was involved in a bribe deal and that I helped the Countess of Brierton.¡± ¡°Oh my God, Lady Jason.¡± ¡°However, the reason why I confess my sins like this, albeit late¡­.¡± On her white cheeks, once again, beads of tears overflowed. Charlotte buried her face in her handkerchief and sobbed. ¡°It is true that I do feel remorse but the most defining emotion that brought me here was fear.¡± ¡°Fear?¡± ¡°Yes. I was so anxious and scared that the Countess would try to silence me about this deal¡­¡­!¡± Charlotte couldn¡¯t keep up with her words until the end, and her shoulders trembled faintly. ¡°I thought that if I committed a crime, I should be punished properly, so I came here shamelessly¡­¡­¡± However, if he thought about it a little, he could see that Charlotte¡¯s words were strange. Aside from the fact that Ines and Charlotte were fierce enemies, Ines was the head of one of the most prestigious families in Lancaster. Even if it wasn¡¯t Charlotte, she already had a lot of people she could command, so she had no reason to coax Charlotte to her side to take this risk. Besides, it was common sense not to leave evidence when a bribe came and went. Alternatively, there were cases when a contract was drawn to keep the secret. However, the evidence that came out this time was a gift certificate with Ines¡¯ signature. To be honest, unless Ines was an idiot, there was no way she would personally sign the gift certificate proving her crimes¡­¡­ ¡°My God, how painful the lady must have been under the pressure of the Countess of Brierton!¡± ¡°To be honest, how could a low-ranking aristocrat as low as Lady Jason stand up against the Countess of Brierton?¡± Things were taking a weird turn. Even the process of Ines¡¯ previous divorce had been subtly questioned by more and more people. In addition, the Royal Art Association, which was hostile to Ines and some aristocrats, who had looked down on her actions that Ines had shown so far, also supported her. In particular, some people fluttered like fish in water. The nobles, who were secretly dissatisfied with Ines but were unable to express it, openly supported Charlotte. ¡°There are rumors that the reason why Lady Jason had an inappropriate relationship with young master Gott was only because the young master put pressure on her.¡± ¡°Then didn¡¯t the Countess of Brierton catch the affair in person?¡± ¡°I wonder if she took her anger out on the weak Lady Jason¡­..¡± ¡°Well, who knows what the truth is¡­¡­If you think of the tough look the Countess has shown so far, there is a good chance.¡± People who knew Charlotte in real life didn¡¯t even listen to it, saying it was nonsense. However, since it was such an interesting incident, the public¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to Charlotte. Above all, it was very stimulating to see a beautiful woman as bright as a rose complaining while shedding her tears. It was a natural course for public opinion to become so fierce. ¡°Can we really just let the Countess of Brierton build the school?¡± ¡°How do you know if the purpose of establishing a school is pure?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, school is just a pretext, maybe to defraud improper advantages like that!¡± People raised their voices. Besides, the situation was unfavorable. What Ines was trying to establish was a ¡®school for teaching children¡¯, and the banner she raised was also ¡®I will try to teach children without discrimination¡¯. ¡°School is where children study, so can we just let such a controversial person set up a school?¡± ¡°In order to protect the children, wouldn¡¯t it be better to postpone the establishment of the school until the troubles are resolved?¡± ¡°It would be a big deal if the children were affected by the Countess of Brierton¡¯s bad deeds.¡± People pretended to be for the sake of the children and uttered slanderous words about Ines. Meanwhile, Ines, of course, insisted that the gift certificate was a fake. Not surprisingly, Ines had never actually signed the paperwork. Since she left for Kaldorov and returned, Ines had been very busy with the school problems. Even Enoch, who had just become her lover, couldn¡¯t see her much. Ines was deeply shocked when she saw the gift certificate that Charlotte had shown as evidence. ¡°Oh my God, how could it be¡­¡­¡± She had a reason why Charlotte was so confident. It was because the signature on the gift certificate was indeed the same as Ines¡¯s. ¡®It was so similar that I even doubted, ¡®Did I really sign that document?¡¯ Even to reveal the truth, several signature judges came and tried to identify the signature¡­¡­ ¡°The Countess of Brierton¡¯s signature is right.¡± In fact, the decision was unavoidable. It was such an elaborate signature that even Ines was confused. And just like that, the confusion surrounding Ines continued to deepen. It¡¯s as if the riddle won¡¯t be solved unless someone is singled out and destroyed. [T/N: phew..I didn¡¯t smash anything, thank God] * * * Inside the dark studio. Ines stood idly by, staring blankly at the numerous paintings she had drawn. Among them, there was not a single finished work as she moved on to the latest work. ¡®¡­¡­ I can¡¯t draw.¡¯ Ines looked at her hands with trembling eyes. Ever since Charlotte¡¯s fake revelations in the yellow press, Ines hadn¡¯t even held a pencil, let alone a paintbrush. She actually knew in her head that Charlotte was trying to destroy her. But the truth would reveal one day. But there was no time to be in such leisurely despair. However, the only thing Ines was able to respond to in such an urgent situation was to use an agent to announce that the signature on the certificate was false. That was possible thanks to Enoch going out of his way to help her. ¡®I have to move but I can¡¯t.¡¯ The lethargy that made it difficult for her to even lift a finger gripped Ines. She felt like she was driven to a dead end. ¡®I¡­..Had I been doing the wrong thing all this time?¡¯ It was confusing. She felt like everything she had ever done was being denied. She thought it was the right thing to do, so she tried to proceed even with her family¡¯s own money. But there were so many people who were hostile to Ines and tried to interfere with her work. In front of that gigantic malice that somehow tried to suppress Ines, she felt immensely helpless. [T/N: ish gon¡¯ be okay]