Chapter 14 - We Might Be Able to Save Each Other (2)
Chapter 14 – We Might Be Able to Save Each Other (2)
As if she could never be shaken, Noel could see the undeterred resolution in Irene’s eyes. He could see how desperate she was, and the strong feelings of conviction.
While still staring at Irene, a soft, gentle voice could be heard from Noel’s mouth. Noel’s voice was calm and sweet as if it had been blown in with the winds.
“We may be able to save each other, that’s quite a romantic remark.”
“Then…”
“But Miss, how can I trust you?”
“…yes?”
Irene’s eyes widened at the unexpected question. As he said this, Noel was still intensely staring at Irene. He was waiting to gage her reaction. His eyes flitted across her face and down her body.
Irene had done all the things that she could. All that was left was Noel’s choice. Whether he was willing to accept or reject her offer, was up to fate. Irene looked up at the stars, hoping that if a God out there was seeing her misfortune, they would take pity on her and grant her freedom.
After a while, she slowly got up from her place and cleaned the grass that clung to her dress. Then, for a moment she looked in the direction Noel had disappeared to. Irene hesitated, before turning her heel and retraced her steps back to the other side.
****
As soon as Noel left her, Irene went past the hall and immediately left the banquet. There was no reason for Irene to be there anymore. While she was on the way home, she stopped the carriage for a moment to visit the small gallery in the corner of the main street.
“Welcome to the gallery.”
The owner of the gallery greeted her as she went inside. She wore a large shawl covering the dark blue dress she wore at the banquet hall. It was undeniable that she appeared to be a noble woman. The owner’s attitude humbled upon realizing her position, her posture showing more courtesy towards Irene.
“What are you looking for in this gallery?”
Upon hearing the question, Irene hesitated and took out a scroll. Inside was an oil painting. The merchant’s eyes sharpened, upon seeing the contents.
“Can you set a price for this painting?”
It was the painting of the garden at Chase Mansion, that Irene had drawn. She had drawn it in secret, without her father knowing. Amongst all the paintings Irene owned, this was the smallest in size. Thus, she could only manage to bring this one along with her, when she attended Duchess Jasmine’s banquet.
“Excuse me.”
The merchant put on gloves to examine the painting. He reached over and touched it delicately, gauging its worth. Irene nervously looked at him. The one painting before him was one of the oldest paintings she had. It was a meaningful piece of art for Irene.
She had poured her emotions in curating it, and in her heart, although she had drawn many that were dear to her, this was the first. When the merchant finished examining the painting, he raised his head and took off his gloves. Then with a bright smile, he said.
“I like the portrayal of color and shades expressed in this painting. Essentially, I think the person who drew this has a good understanding of art and the feelings of artist. It is painted well, and each stroke of the brush placed precisely.”
“Then…”
“I can buy this painting for up to twelve pieces gold. We can still bargain the price if you want.”
“There’s no need, I will sell this painting at that price.”
“Thank you.”
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The merchant bowed his head and scurried to hide away Irene’s cherished painting. Then he went inside the store and held out a pouch that contained twelve pieces of gold coins to Irene.
“The painting displays not only the scenery, but also the artist’s manner and personality. The person who painted this picture was probably a person with a delicate and friendly heart. I can tell, because they painted every little detail of that garden. A heartfelt picture could also change a person’s heart. I hope you will sell more paintings to this gallery next time.”
Irene was shocked at the unexpected owner’s words and bowed her head at him. She went back to the carriage, and after closing the door, the carriage made its way towards the Count’s house.
Irene looked at the gold coins in her hand that she got from selling her paintings. 12 gold. For a peasant, this money is enough for living expenses for two weeks, but for aristocrats, it only enough for a day. But for Irene, 12 gold is a large amount of money but it was not enough money for her to become independent.
However, the twelve pieces of gold she had received from her paintings felt more valuable than any other treasure. Irene, who cradled her gold coins, smiled as she looked beyond the carriage window.