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.”