ISTL CHAPTER 26

It was the precious painting that had been the ninth item in the auction. As famous as the 〈Treetop Dawn〉 was, it was hard to comprehend why such an expensive painting would be abandoned, covered in filth.
‘Why is the painting that the woman with number 190 won here……?’
No way. It can’t be. It must be a similar painting.
“Oh! We’re ready to depart again!”
Anaïs, lost in thought, was brought back to her senses by the coachman’s whip. Looking again, she realized that what she had seen was just a trick of the rain-soaked view; it probably wasn’t the same painting at all.
Yes, Roxane wouldn’t do something like that.
It was hard to imagine the elegant and noble Roxane tearing up a Cassatt painting.
Moreover, it wasn’t right to jump to conclusions about Roxane just based on a fleeting impression. Anaïs shook off the distracting thoughts and settled back into her seat.
She felt a thrill at the thought of refreshing the salon in preparation for midsummer.
The new paintings by Arthus Giverny would surely complement the vibrant season of greenery. With the remaining budget, she planned to display the artwork and install new curtains; it would undoubtedly look splendid.
As the rain that had weakened after leaving Belmont Street stopped completely upon entering Vicente Street, the clouds parted to reveal the setting sun on the horizon.
As twilight deepened and Anaïs passed by the Grand Theater, she noticed the workers busy putting up a new sign.
The sign, bathed in a shaft of sunset light, depicted a couple in an embrace.
“〈Congratulations on Your Marriage, From J〉.”
Anaïs murmured the elegantly written title below and smiled faintly. The play she had been waiting for was about to open.
***
The glass conservatory after the rain boasted excellent lighting. What was unusual about it was the shelves lined with books on one side, a space created by Queen Elise to enjoy her love for books, tea, and plants all in one place.
Maintaining the right temperature and humidity for both the plants and books was crucial, so the conservatory was meticulously managed by the Queen. In other words, it was the perfect space in the palace for sharing secret conversations.
“How have you been? I’m sorry. I should have come to see you sooner.”
“No, not at all. You’re quite early.”
Max, whom Anaïs hadn’t seen in a long time, was still impeccably groomed. He casually told her not to worry, but Anaïs somehow felt she understood his true feelings. He must have been missing Roxane and enduring difficult days.
“What’s with that sly smile?”
Max raised his finger in emphasis.
“It’s nothing.”
“Nothing what?”
“Nothing. It’s not what you think.”
Anaïs shrugged nonchalantly and wrapped her hands around her teacup. Max looked at her with an incredulous expression as she nodded absentmindedly like a newborn foal.
This wasn’t what he had originally planned. He had merely intended to placate his grandmother and get through the situation with vague excuses. But now, he was entangled in unforeseen complications with Anaïs Brienne.
How could he escape this?
What was troubling was that Anaïs Brienne was a tough nut who wouldn’t flinch at any mere threat. It was a relief if she didn’t indulge in her peculiar fantasies with such strange smiles like now. Even when he tried to create a harsh atmosphere and intimidate her, it somehow ended up being skillfully diffused by her.
What kind of tricky thing was she planning this time?
He had heard that she got along well with Camille, but it seemed like she was just as tenacious as that leech!
Anyway, Max was curious about her intentions but kept his mouth shut. He judged that if he asked hastily, she would surely make a fuss and get ahead of him.
“Prince, do you know about 〈Congratulations〉?”
“Congratulations… what?”
“〈Congratulations on Your Marriage, From J〉!”
“Who’s getting married?”
“……”
“What? Why?”
Anaïs, with an expression of “I told you so,” handed over the small booklet she had brought.
“〈Congratulations on Your Marriage, From J〉! It’s the most popular play these days.”
Max took the booklet with his long fingers and skimmed through its contents.
Nina and Jérôme, who are irresistibly drawn to each other at a charity party. Despite falling for each other at a dangerously fast pace, it turns out their families have been bitter enemies for generations.
“Oh Jérôme, why must you be Jérôme? I reject your name. Take me instead of that name.”
“I shall. From now on, I will never use the name Jérôme again.”
But the cruel fate won’t just stand by and watch their love…
Jérôme’s heartbreaking drama of sending his beloved Nina, who is forced into a political marriage with another suitor chosen by her family!
〈Congratulations on Your Marriage, From J〉, a critically acclaimed revival!
“So? What’s the reason for showing me this?”
“Attending this play is our next operation.”
“Just watching a play?”
“This isn’t just any play.”
Max crossed his arms, as if daring her to prove it. Anaïs lowered her voice, as if revealing a very important secret.
“This play is the one where you go in alone and come out as a couple! Since its premiere two years ago, it’s been a huge hit, with a revival last year and a third run this year.”
“Huh. What? Go in alone and come out as a couple?”
“It’s simple. When a woman who is moved to tears by the heartbreaking love story is handed a handkerchief…!”
Anaïs gave a significant thumbs-up.
“It was a play I recommended a lot to clients when counseling about love. It had great effects.”
“So what you’re saying is, we should see this play with Roxane?”
“Yes! Exactly.”
“Alright, fine. But how can we ensure that she will actually see the play? Have you calculated the probability of sitting next to her within arm’s reach?”
“I’ve already taken care of that! You don’t need to worry.”
“……”
Max watched Anaïs, who was drinking tea with an air of utmost confidence, for a while. His blue eyes were deeply contemplative, giving away nothing of his thoughts.
“I only have one question.”
“Of course! Anything.”
“Why are you going to such lengths?”
Anaïs blinked in innocent surprise at the unexpected question that wasn’t about Roxane or the mission.
“Pardon?”
“Come on. I know you’re receiving a fee for taking on this commission. And I’m aware that your financial situation has certainly improved because of it.”
Max’s previously expressionless face had taken on a distinctly dry demeanor. Was he displeased with the plan? Anaïs, instinctively trying to steady her shoulders, made an effort to stand tall.
“You know as well as I do that the chances of Lady Bastion and I becoming a couple are slim to none.”
Max’s voice was cold and self-deprecating.
Hearing it again and again, Anaïs was boiling inside.
“What? You want me to sit through some pointless melodrama?”
The thought of spending hours in the grand theater, which she never thought she’d visit in her lifetime, was infuriating.
This won’t do.
She didn’t want to get entangled in such absurdity any longer. To avoid that, she needed to show this naïve lady the harsh realities of the world. Max, having decided it was best to quietly abandon his will at this point, pulled out a card that was well-suited for the situation.
“Leaving everything else aside, you must be aware that my brother is hopelessly in love with her.”
“……!”
“So, it’s fine to let it slide a bit, right? Even if you do that, it won’t be your fault if Lady Bastion and I don’t end up together.”
Receive the payment, don’t waste unnecessary energy, and just do the minimum.
That’s all he was asking. He thought she would understand the implications, given her role in running a salon and being the head of a family.
But when Max looked up, feeling a bit of his headache lift, he saw Anaïs’s eyes, still damp, and questioned his own perceptions.
“Prince, you don’t have to do that with me.”
“What do you mean…….”