If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

Eleanor was perched on Molstead, galloping across the field.

 

It was a good day. The sky was clear, and the sun was warm. It had been so cold just a while ago, but now the colors of spring were in full bloom. The wind wrapping around her body felt a bit chilly, but it was pleasant.

 

As she pulled the reins, Molstead, who had been running as if flying, began to slow down. Eleanor led Molstead to the shade of a tree where Peggy was waiting.

 

“Miss, are you okay? Didn’t you run too fast?”

 

Peggy looked worried as always. As Eleanor dismounted from Molstead, Peggy took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Eleanor’s forehead.

 

“I’m fine at this rate. Sometimes I have to run like this, or Molstead will feel frustrated.”

 

“But if you get hurt…”

 

“I’m fine. You’ve seen me, Peggy. I ride well now. I’ve been learning for over a year.”

 

Even though Eleanor made a boastful face, Peggy still looked uneasy.

 

“I just don’t like the idea of a lady riding a horse dangerously. Why did the Empress have to give you a horse as a gift among so many things…”

 

“What are you talking about, Peggy? These days, many women ride. Horse riding is a noble hobby for ladies.”

 

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m just worried about you getting hurt. How can I face the madam later, I’m always worried about that.”

 

At Peggy’s fuss, Eleanor smirked.

 

“Speaking of which, where did Emily go?”

 

“I sent her on an errand. It would be nice if she could calm you down a bit. Instead, she encourages you. She’s still young and immature.”

 

“Emily thinks I’m not healthy because I’m always at home…”

 

“What’s wrong with your health, Miss? You were not well when you were at home, but now you’ve gained weight and your complexion is good. When I think about how thin you were when you came back two years ago, I can’t stand it.”

 

Peggy looked genuinely angry.

 

It’s been almost a year and a half since she divorced Daryl and returned to Loud. It wasn’t such a long time, but now the days she spent at the Duke’s house felt like a distant past.

 

“…If Emily had taken care of you properly, it wouldn’t have been that bad.”

 

“Peggy.”

 

Eleanor frowned slightly and scolded Peggy.

 

Peggy was more displeased than anyone else that Eleanor had brought Emily to the Townsend Manor. She remembered how rudely Emily had treated Eleanor and Peggy on their first day at the Duke’s house.

 

Emily fully understood and accepted Peggy’s feelings. She sincerely served Eleanor and worked hard on the mansion’s affairs. Since she was originally a smart child with good skills, she was now in a much better relationship with Peggy. However, there were still times when Peggy suddenly voiced her resentment.

 

Eleanor also knew how Peggy felt. Even now, when she thought about what happened then, it was true that her mood was still not settled.

 

There were many difficult times, and there were also painful memories that seemed to never disappear. But now they were all things of the past. Eleanor was now living a completely happy life. And she had no doubt that it would continue to be so in the future.

 

Emily was seen returning from afar. Eleanor stroked Molstead’s mane once, and grabbed the reins. She had an appointment in the afternoon. It was time to go back.

 

****

 

“The work you gave last time was also sold immediately through auction. Here is the receipt and statement.”

 

After looking at the documents handed out by Benjamin, Eleanor looked slightly puzzled.

 

“The price has gone up more than last time.”

 

“Because each of your recent works has received good reviews.”

 

“Even so, this amount for just one painting… it’s too much.”

 

“It means that there are many people who want Marcus Miller’s work. The auction is a method where the person who calls the highest price gets the bid.”

 

Eleanor was silent for a moment, as if her mind was complicated.

 

Although it had been on the rise for the past few years, the price of Miller’s works had skyrocketed over the past year. This painting was also sold at a price that far exceeded twice the price of the work sold around this time last year. It was not unreasonable for Eleanor to feel strange.

 

In fact, Benjamin knew both the reason why the price of Marcus Miller’s works had risen so much and who was the one who always defeated all competitors and got the painting. However, he was not sure whether it was right to tell Eleanor about it directly. That’s why he had been silent until now.

 

“…I think I’ll take a break for a while.”

 

Eleanor, who had been quiet for a while, opened her mouth again.

 

“I spent the year before last as a sabbatical. I think it’s okay to take a longer break this time. Until the public’s interest cools down a bit…”

 

“Do as you please. And you don’t necessarily have to put down your brush because of that. Even if you paint, it’s okay not to sell.”

 

At Benjamin’s words, Eleanor smiled awkwardly.

 

“I’m sorry. From Viscount Brooke’s point of view, it’s naturally good to sell the painting at a high price…”

 

“There’s no need to apologize. It’s only right that the artist’s will comes first.”

 

“Thank you for always considering me. I’ll think about it and let you know.”

 

“Yes, I understand.”

 

Benjamin quietly watched Eleanor bring the teacup to her lips. Eleanor had given no explanation for her sudden divorce from Daryl Lloyd. Of course, Benjamin didn’t ask either. As when Eleanor decided to marry, it was only right to respect her decision to divorce as well. Moreover, Daryl was a terrible husband. Benjamin couldn’t help but feel relieved at the fact that Eleanor was free from him.

 

“Actually, I have one more thing to tell you today.”

 

“Yes, go ahead.”

 

“I’ve told you before that His Highness the Crown Prince is quite a fervent fan of Marcus Miller. He also has quite a few works in his collection.”

 

“Yes, I remember.”

 

“Actually, His Highness the Crown Prince is thinking of holding an exhibition of Marcus Miller’s works this time. And he would like the artist himself to attend the event.”

 

At Benjamin’s words, Eleanor’s eyes widened slightly.

 

Marcus Miller had never revealed his face to the world. His identity remained a complete mystery. There were many speculations that he had a face too ugly to show to others, that he was suffering from a serious illness, or that he was of a very low status.

 

Until now, Benjamin had been protecting Miller with the words, ‘The artist does not want to reveal his identity.’ But now, even that was reaching its limit.

 

“Of course, I told him it would be difficult, but His Highness was very adamant this time. Since His Highness is hosting the exhibition in his own name, there would be no greater sponsorship for the artist, and he would not back down. He even said that if you really don’t want to, he would meet you in person and persuade you.”

 

“……”

 

Eleanor was silent, her eyes slightly downcast. Benjamin bowed his head in a shameful expression. “I’m sorry. It’s my role to protect the artist, but…”

 

“No, don’t say that. I know very well that you’ve been very considerate of me.”

 

“So, I suggest appointing a representative.”

 

“A representative…do you mean sending someone else?”

 

“Yes. Since Marcus Miller is a male name.”

 

“…”

 

When Eleanor hesitated to answer, Benjamin hurriedly continued.

 

“Of course, I don’t mean to send him to the exhibition. I will meet His Highness the Crown Prince in person and try to persuade him again that it would be difficult to attend the exhibition. If Marcus Miller himself shows up and speaks, His Highness might reconsider.”

 

“…”

 

Given Benjamin’s character, saying such a thing meant that he had already found a suitable candidate. It would certainly be someone capable of performing the task without suspicion.

 

Still, it didn’t seem like a good idea. If it was a one-time stand-in, it might be okay, but it didn’t seem like this would be the only time the Crown Prince would call for Marcus Miller. In other words, that representative would have to continue to play the role of Marcus Miller.

 

There was no guarantee that the truth would never be revealed. If it were someone else, it might be okay, but if the person being deceived was the Crown Prince, it would be a serious crime of deceiving the royal family. In that case, Benjamin would also be unable to avoid punishment.

 

Benjamin also knew these facts. He made a dangerous proposal knowing this, out of his desire to help Eleanor.

 

“It’s okay. I appreciate your consideration, but you don’t have to go that far.”

 

“Miss Townsend. But.”

 

“I’ll meet His Highness the Crown Prince myself. As Marcus Miller.”

 

“…”

 

Benjamin’s eyes darkened with worry and anxiety.