Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 181: Gratitude

Chapter 181: Gratitude

The young man who was invited onto the stage was tall and slender, with salient muscles that indicated hard physical labor he clearly had to do on top of being an artist. He was wearing simple clothes—plain black pants and a loose white shirt that was evidently tailored several times, either because of his rapidly developing body or the poor quality of the shirt’s fabric.

The plainness of his attire, however, did not make his looks bleak in the slightest. He was indeed a gorgeous young man—tanned skin, prominent features, thick black eyebrows, dark brown eyes framed by thick black lashes, a sharp nose, and full lips that looked as if they had never smiled before.

His hair was black as charcoal, curling down his neck and shoulders akin to serpentine.

The artist stood out among the rest of the people in Geraldion, and Melania couldn’t help but wonder—could his ancestors be from Lafad, too?

’Despite his rather intimidating appearance, he doesn’t really look more than seventeen," the princess thought quietly. "He has this sincere, innocent look about him... And the eyes of someone who has seen many hardships he wasn’t prepared for.’

In addition to his peculiar exterior, if the young man indeed was from Lafad, then there was nothing special about the way his outstanding appearance seemingly tried to conceal his young nature.

’In Lafad, men mature quickly in the face; however, it takes only one look for a woman to recognize their real age. This guy is still very young at heart.’

As the artist noticed Melania’s intense gaze on his face, he fixed his dark brown eyes on hers as well, his features softening as something within him responded to the familiar air surrounding her.

Lady Tarran, ever so canny and observant, noticed that immediate connection as well and covered the lower half of her face with a light blue lace fan, grinning widely at the success of her intricate little scheme.

"Your Highness," the princess’ attention was directed back at the auction’s host who cleared his throat and addressed her in a loud voice, "Once the auction is over, you are free to meet the artist standing behind this masterpiece and get to learn more about his art. I am certain this young man is nothing but honored to have his painting bought by Her Highness Princess Melania Ruan and is dying to express his gratitude."

Jolted back to reality, Melania felt flabbergasted at first. She remembered Felicity’s words and wanted to stay away from the questionable "traditions" all nobles took part in. However, the more she felt the weight of the glances focused on her, the more she understood that rejecting it would be simply another reason for them to talk about her behind her back.

’I have to play by their rules if I want to be accepted by them. Perhaps if I set an example of innocent patronage, others will follow it too.’

***

Once the auction was over and everyone moved back to the royal banquet hall, Lady Felicity Tarran caught the princess once again, her face beaming with excitement as she spoke to her in a saccharine tone,

"Your Highness, it was very wise of you to not reject a meeting with the boy."

Melania discerned the real meaning behind the lady’s words and furrowed her thin eyebrows while her face assumed a somewhat dark and stern expression.

"I recognize the young man’s talent and want to see if there is more to it than a single painting. If the Tarran family’s charity will no longer support him after graduation, I might find another way to help him. If I find it necessary, of course."

Felicity couldn’t help but laugh, hiding her face behind the lace fan once again. For some reason, she found the princess’s words quite amusing.

"He was blessed twice in his life—once when he was born with such amazing artistic talent, and the second time—when he grew up to be so gorgeous."

Melania raised her eyebrows, clearly clueless to Felicity’s words. The latter stretched her lips into a sly grin and asked,

"Have you noticed all the presenters tonight, Your Highness? Was there at least one person whose looks you found unsatisfactory?"

"I beg your pardon?" The princess widened her eyes, and Lady Tarra only shrugged her shoulders.

"It is not a sin to be born poor when you are blessed with talent. You, however, were born royalty, Your Highness, therefore, you will never understand what these people have to go through in order to get their chance at a better life. Unfortunately, not many nobles are interested in their talents. After all, we have magicians and middle-class nobles who have been working in their fields for generations, proving their skills time and again. Why would a nobleman hire a young nobody to paint their portrait or carve their pillars? They can possess all the talent in the world, but their only real value is the way they look. That is the sad reality of things, Your Highness."

Princess Melania couldn’t believe her ears. Felicity’s words were not simply annoying now; they were enraging.

"What are you trying to say, Lady Felicity?"

Lady Tarran shrugged her shoulders again.

"They are only whores if we call them so, Your Highness. In truth, they are simply trying to secure an opportunity to do what they love doing while also having money to support their families. What’s so bad about that?"

Melania clutched her fan in her right hand and tried to compose herself. However, the more she looked into Felicity’s indifferent eyes, the more she realized that even merely standing next to her would make her explode from rage.

Gritting her teeth, she finally said,

"Lady Felicity... I think this is where we should let this discussion die. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will have that meeting with the artist whose painting I purchased. Enjoy the rest of your night."

Lady Tarran seemed to have not been offended at all. Nodding lightly, she answered,

"He will be waiting for you on the northern terrace, Your Highness. Enjoy your night, too."