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.