[TKOSINM] 217 - Mysterious Artist

Irene took his hand, and he lifted her up. Holding her hand tightly, he spoke.

“Let us go now. The painter is waiting.”

“Right now?” 

“I deliberately set the time right after the announcement. It took a little bit of time, but yes.”

“I see.”

In fact, Irene thought that even if a portrait of them was going to be painted, it would be a few days later. She thought he would be very tired of preparing for the ceremony, so she thought it would be good to take a little break.

However, there was no sign of fatigue on Noel’s face as she looked up at him. Rather, it looked like the face of a person who had woken from a deep slumber, well-rested.

A pleasant smile spread across her face.

She didn’t want to ask if he was tired after seeing his face. Not only did she not want to disrupt the mood, but she also had high expectations for their couple portrait.

“By the way, Noel, who is the painter?”

Heading to the room to paint the portrait, Irene asked. The names of many famous painters flashed through her mind. He must have been an unusual person as Noel personally invited him. 

***

Initially, Tom heard that Noel had struggled to invite the painter.

Any painter would have been able to set the date right away the moment they gave Kristen’s name. If so, who was the artist Noel was trying to invite?

The doubts grew as they neared the room.

A separate room was prepared for the portrait painting. It was said that all of the successive Grand Duchy’s portraits were painted in this room.

When they arrived at the front of the room, Tom was walking back and forth impatiently. As soon as he saw Noel, he ran behind him.

“You’re here. The artist is waiting inside.” 

“I see. I got it.”

After a short answer, Noel led Irene into the room.

The whole room was dark inside. This was due to the effect of strong light: it would obstruct the view and make things blurry. A room prepared exclusively for painting. Since this was her first time in this room, Irene looked around curiously and found a person. Just then, Noel walked up and greeted him.

“Thank you for coming the long way.”

“Heh heh, Grand Duke... No, the Grand Duke personally came and asked for it, so how could I refuse?”

He was an old man with white hair. The fingertips of his hand that shook Noel’s were discoloured. So much so, that not even fingerprints were left. His face was also distorted as if he had been burned.

After greeting Noel, he looked back at Irene this time.

“Nice to meet you. Grand Duchess.” 

“Hello. My name is Irene Kristen.”

Irene reached out her hand, and he placed his lips on her gloved hand.

However, without making any contact, he withdrew.

He then raised his head. The colour of his eyes, seen through his wrinkles up close, was black.

“It is an honour to meet you, Irene Kristen. My name is.”

He pursed his lips for a moment. He soon smiled kindly.

“My name is Karl.”

♔♔♔

As soon as she heard his name, Irene gasped.

“Is it the same artist who painted 〈Four Seasons〉, 〈Room〉, Karl?”

“Heh heh, it’s an honour that you know my paintings so well.”

“Oh my goodness.”

Irene covered her gaping lips with her hand. She was so surprised that her eyes fluttered.

Karl was an unknown painter who appeared quietly like a wave on the water and spread his presence. He didn’t do many outside activities, and only a few paintings were published, so very few people knew him. Irene had also come across the booklets of new artists by accident.

However, despite being a rookie, it left a deep impression on Irene when she saw his paintings.

-A picture that could evoke complex feelings. This was how she came to know that he was capable of delicate expressionism.

In a way, it could be said that it was the most decisive moment for her to become interested in his paintings. She was a big fan.

She wanted to know more about him, but a veil obscured him. Nothing about him was known. Was he male or female, young or old? That was why he felt more like an unknown being, and that existence of mystery was right in front of her.

“I really like you.”

“Pardon?”

At her sudden confession, Karl was puzzled. At that moment, she realised how frivolous she had been, and Irene calmed herself, speaking once again.

“Your paintings. So….”

 “You may call me Karl if you feel comfortable.”

“Thank you. I really like your paintings, Karl. Starting with the ‘Four Seasons’, ‘Room’, ‘Hermits’, ‘Mud’ and so on. It is the height of delicate colouring, abstract sensibility melted into reality, and the portrayal of a lonely atmosphere.”

She brought out all the things she had thought of looking at his paintings until now. Seeing her reaction full of sincerity, Karl chuckled as if looking at her like a granddaughter.

“Thank you, Grand Duchess. I was hesitant to come here today, but seeing you makes me feel good.”

“No. I am so grateful.”

A warm atmosphere continued. Noel, caught between them, felt a sense of alienation, but he was able to ignore it by looking at Irene, who was genuinely beyond happy.