Raising my Fiancè with Money - Chapter 45

The Museum

TL: Jasmine

Finally, the day has come. Kahan, who woke up early in the morning, left the Duke’s mansion after putting on his well-groomed clothes.

Karhan saw his destination getting closer through the wagon window and checked his clothes again. As he breathed in slowly, Tession, who was sitting across from him, encouraged him.

“You can do well. You even studied yesterday.”

“I memorized it roughly…….

When Karhan muttered without confidence, Tession eagerly encouraged him. From their conversation someone would have thought they were going to a decisive battle.

Finally, the wagon stopped. As he got off the wagon, he saw a huge building made of white marble. The building with eight circular pillars on a flat roof was magnificent, so it drew admiration. Tession, who was looking at the museum building, shone.

“I’ve been here a few times, but I didn’t know Count Bloden was the director.”

Apart from the current situation, Tession was excited. He was like a fish in the water as he was usually interested in art.

The two climbed the stairs and arrived at the entrance of the museum. The employee standing at the entrance was surprised to see the two solemnly looking people. Soon, the employee who calmly checked the invitation nodded.

“I’ll take you inside.”

Karhan was feeling that something was different these days. It was that others were not afraid of him blindly as they were before. Even if there were people who were having a hard time, they didn’t get scared immediately or beg for wrongdoing or run away. That alone was a remarkable achievement.

As he followed the employee inside, he saw Cliff, who was moving busily.

“Welcome. Young Duke.”

Cliff Blodon, who has no resemblance to Lilia except for the color of his hair and eyes, greeted Karhan.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming. I’m done with what I have to do, so let’s go.”

Cliff took a step, saying he would guide him in person. Karhan followed him, slightly nervous.

For today, Karhan has read the Encyclopedia of Art several times. There were many limitations as it was difficult to draw a copy of the original, so there was only the name and explanation of the work without a picture, but it would have been somewhat helpful compared to nothing at all.

And last time, he escaped the situation with the help of Tession. He was nervous because the same shortcut as back then could not continue to work.

Karhan and Cliff began to slowly go around the first floor. Perhaps because it was quiet and there were not many people, he was able to enjoy it leisurely

“I paid a lot of attention to this exhibition. I hope the Young Duke will like it.”

“I see a lot of great works.”

Karhan looked around and replied. Upon hearing the compliment, Cliff walked with a proud face.

“I bought this painting from abroad. Do you know it?”

Cliff pointed to a work and asked. Karhan quickly checked the name of the work and the artist’s name written at the bottom. Fortunately, it was a picture he’d seen in a book.

“Yes, it’s my first time seeing it in person, but I’ve encountered it through a book.”

At that moment, Cliff’s eyes sparkled. Cliff asked a question about the painting, and Karhan carefully spewed the knowledge he knew. When he recited about the artist and the motivation to paint the work, Cliff was amazed.

“I thought about it last time, but you seem to be well versed in art.”

Karhan’s heart ached. He was terrified that he might be found out, only studying by cramming, but he seemed to have passed somehow.

Cliff’s gaze was slightly different compared to before, Karhan who confirmed his favor for himself, was relieved inside. It was worth studying all night long.

The two slowly walked and appreciated the painting. Fortunately, until now, everything was in his head.

Cliff smiled warmly at Karhan’s quick response. Karhan paused when he saw Tession with the same pleased

face next to him. At that time, Karhan opened his mouth in front of a painting.

“I’d like to hear from the Count what he thinks of this painting, if you don’t mind.”

Unlike the cold-hearted and fierce impression, it was a very polite question. Cliff, who was willing to do so, told him everything he knew.

He was the most authoritative person in the Empire when it came to art, so knowledge that was difficult to hear anywhere else was poured out.

Cliff, who had been talking for a long time, looked at Karhan late into the conversation. Karhan was listening carefully without any signs of boredom. Even his family doesn’t listen well because it’s boring, but Cliff was moved to see him listen to it until the end.

“I talked too much. You were bored, right?”

“No, it was interesting because I didn’t know everything.”

Karhan looked at the painting as if he was serious. Cliff, who liked the answer, gave him extra points.

“I was excited to meet someone who has similar hobbies after a long time.”

Cliff wept, saying that his family was not very interested in art.

“From now on……. hmm.”

Cliff, who said that far, belatedly coughed. It was clear that Violet and Heinley would criticise him for being a traitor if they saw him now. Cliff belatedly recovered his stern look.

“Let’s go to the second floor.”

Cliff took a step first. Karhan pondered over whether he had made any mistakes. Tession whispered softly, next to him,

“You’re doing great. I didn’t know you memorised so many things…..”

Tession made a fuss, saying he was a genius.

“And Count Bloden is really amazing.”

Tession murmured that it would be difficult to have such a time even if he gave him a billion. It seemed that Tession, who was interested in art, had already become a fan of Count Bloden.

Certainly, Karhan learned a lot in that short time while talking to Cliff. It was also fun to accumulate and appreciate his knowledge.

As they went up to the second floor with Cliff, he saw many abstract or esoteric works. Cliff stopped in front of a piece of art. It was a formless painting of yellow, pink, and sky blue. It looked fluffy and soft like a cloud.

(T/N- esoteric: intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.)

Looking at the warm color reminded him of Lilia. Wouldn’t it be like this if he could make her into colors? He liked it the most so far, so Karhan didn’t take his eyes off it for a long time.

“What do you think?”

Cliff asked Karhan, who was looking at the painting as if possessed.

“……It’s kind and pleasant, and it makes me feel warm at the same time.”

Karhan gave an honest answer. And he continued, forgetting for a moment that Cliff was Lilia’s father,

“It reminds me of the Young Lady Bloden.”

Cliff saw Karhan with a soft expression like a picture, He couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but that expression was easily read. It seemed that Karhan really liked Lilia.

Cliff, who was happily looking at Karhan, shook his

head.

I couldn’t believe I am such an easy man…..

Cliff criticised himself. He only saw him twice, but it was a big deal because his mind was already tilted. Cliff opened his mouth with a dry cough,

“This picture is painted under the theme of love.”

At that moment, Karhan turned around in surprise,

“It’s popular with couples.”

Karhan, who was stiff, moved only his eyes. Perhaps because he was stabbed for no reason, his heart pounded.

Cliff took a step after explaining the work in detail. After talking for a long time, they finished going around the second floor. Cliff said with a satisfied face,

“It was a very useful time. If you don’t mind, I hope to see you often in the future.”

At Cliff’s words, Karhan lowered his stiff shoulders a little. It was worth studying hard so far. He was relieved that he finally passed, but Cliff asked,

“Do you like music?”

He used to use orgels often. Karhan nodded without much thought.

“I hope we can talk while listening to the orchestra next time.”

Karhan’s eyes shook. He should immediately start studying music, but he is seriously troubled.

Karhan slowly exhaled deeply. Last time he accepted because he couldn’t learn to say no, but not anymore, It was finally time to show the results of practicing with Lilia. Cliff said as Karhan opened his mouth,

“Oh, I think Lilia can come with me then.”

“…..Yes.”

Eventually, Karhan could not refuse.

“Chief!”

Someone called Cliff. The man who came running in a short step whispered something to Cliff. Cliff asked Karhan for his understanding with a sorry face.

“I’m sorry, but would it be okay if I left for a while?”

“See you later. I’ll be looking around.”

Cliff left, saying he would be back soon. Karhan, who was looking at his back as he was getting farther away, sighed without realising it.

This time it’s an orchestra…… He was obviously going to say no, but when he heard her name, Lilia, he involuntarily nodded his head.

Karhan took his steps slowly. And stopped in front of the picture he saw earlier. Looking at the warm colour, his heart was nauseous as if he was seasick Karhan didn’t know why he felt this way.

It was when he was thinking that he wanted to show this picture to Lilia.

“Is he the Young Duke of Evantheon?”.

“What does the Young Duke know about the art here….”

Whispering voices were heard. In blatant disdain, Karhan slowly raised his head. Not far away was a group of old nobles.

Some of them flinched reflexively when their eyes met. A familiar face could be seen among the elderly nobles. The Duke of Evantheon was one of them.

T/N: in the last line it wasn’t clearly mentioned who was there whether the duke himself or the elder of Evantheon. So I guessed and went for duke Evantheon