IGRA Chapter 95

“Hello, Miss Miles. I apologize for keeping you waiting. I’m Eleanor Townsend.”

 

Jin Miles squinted her eyes and looked up at Eleanor.

 

“Marcus Miller?”

 

“…Yes, I am Marcus Miller.”

 

It was the first time she introduced herself with this name, so it felt awkward. Jin looked at Eleanor with a strangely intimidating gaze, then made a smiling face as if the sun was coming out of the clouds.

 

“I’m Jin Miles. Nice to meet you.”

 

Miles extended her hand for a handshake. It was a bit awkward as handshakes were a custom among men, but Eleanor didn’t show it and took her hand.

 

“The honor is mine, Miss Miles.”

 

“Did I surprise you by suddenly showing up without contacting first? I could have given you a heads up, but I wanted to surprise you, Miller… Ah, is it okay if I call you Miller?”

 

“Yes, please call me by whichever name you find comfortable.”

 

“Actually, I was quite surprised to find out that Marcus Miller is a woman. Once I knew, I wanted to meet and confirm it as soon as possible. I personally liked your work, Miller.”

 

Miles smiled with her eyes narrowed. Despite her cool and refreshing impression, her eye smile was quite playful, making her more attractive.

 

“I’m flattered to hear that. I’ve admired Miss Miles for a long time. It’s an honor to meet you in person.”

 

Miles looked at Eleanor with a chuckle, resting her chin on her hand. Despite her unconventional attitude, it didn’t feel rude at all. Rather, her free-spirited atmosphere seemed appealing.

 

“Ah, did you hear from His Highness the Crown Prince that I am Marcus Miller?”

 

“No? No, I heard it from Duke Griffith.”

 

The moment she heard that, a smile unconsciously spread across her lips.

 

“A few days ago, the Duke personally came to me and asked if I could meet you, Miller. So I said yes. I owe his father, Frederick, a few favors. Of course, even without such a request, I think I would have visited you someday.”

 

“…I see.”

 

Eleanor tried hard to hide her confusion and embarrassment.

 

“Did I make you uncomfortable by bringing up the Duke? If so, I’m sorry. I’m often told that I’m not very tactful.”

 

“No, not at all. Miss Miles, you were just answering my question. I’m the one who should apologize.”

 

Eleanor smiled again. Miles looked at Eleanor as if observing her, then asked.

 

“How have you been feeling lately?”

 

“Feeling…?”

 

“Yes. Soon the whole world will know that you are Marcus Miller. Are you worried or burdened about that?”

 

“…It would be a lie to say that I’m not at all. But it’s okay. It’s something I can’t avoid. I was prepared for this day to come.”

 

At her calm and composed answer, Miles grinned. It was as if she was looking at a proud niece.

 

“I understand how you feel. Ah, maybe I can’t fully understand. I’ve never hidden who I am from the start. In fact, my circumstances were quite different from yours, Miller. I was lucky to be born under a father with an enlightened view. My father had no prejudice against women having jobs. He believed that women lacked only opportunities to learn, not abilities themselves, compared to men. I owe everything to my father.”

 

“He must have been a wonderful person. I too, if it weren’t for the previous Duke…I wouldn’t have been able to learn painting. I owe him a lot.”

 

“Frederick…”

 

Miles paused for a moment.

 

“Yes. He was also a man without much prejudice. It’s not easy for a man of his status and reputation.”

 

“Did you know the previous Duke well?”

 

“A little. Not much.”

 

Miles shrugged her shoulders.

 

“Anyway, it’s clear that you, Miller, have lived in much worse conditions than I have. Despite that, you’ve made it this far on your own, which is truly remarkable.”

 

“That’s an overstatement. It wasn’t entirely my own strength…and I was also lucky.”

 

“No, that’s too modest. You can be proud. You’ve achieved so much.”

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Eleanor hesitated for a moment, then lowered her gaze. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as if she was shy. Miles smiled again.

 

“But the real challenge starts now.”

 

“…….”

 

Eleanor lifted her head at the suddenly serious tone of voice.

 

“I think Marcus Miller’s success so far is because you hid your identity and used a male name. Ah, I don’t mean to belittle your abilities, Miller. You are a great painter. It’s a remarkable ability to be able to paint such deep works at such a young age. But if you had revealed your identity from the start and used your real name… I think you wouldn’t have been as successful.”

 

“……”

 

“This society is harsh on women. Men perceive the success of women as a threat to themselves. Despite having so much, they try to hold onto what they have. I too have experienced countless discrimination and contempt just for being a woman. It may sound like bragging, but without a strong will, I wouldn’t have been able to overcome it. The path you are trying to take, Miller, is exactly that path.”

 

“…”

 

“Especially for you, Miller, it will be harder. You are still young, and unlike me, you are beautiful.”

 

At Miles’ playful words, Eleanor made an awkward expression.

 

“No, that’s not true…”

 

“Don’t take it too seriously, it was a joke. Ah, the part about you being beautiful is true. You know that, right?”

 

Instead of answering, Eleanor laughed awkwardly.

 

“You said you were prepared, Miller, but I’m sure there will be many more difficulties than you think. People will try to belittle your achievements in any way they can. They will say, as you said yourself, that you were just lucky and it wasn’t a success you achieved on your own. They will even say that you didn’t paint the paintings. They will insist that the real Marcus Miller is somewhere else, and you are just a stand-in.”

 

“……”

 

“So never say modest things like you did earlier in front of people. It will only give them a reason to hit you and belittle you. Hold your head high and act confidently, as if all this is rightfully yours. I deserve it. Make everyone think that way. Got it?”

 

Miles spoke with a strong voice, emphasizing each word.

 

“…Yes, I understand.”

 

“I heard you’re going to paint on the spot at the exhibition, is that true?”

 

“Yes, His Highness the Crown Prince requested it.”

 

“That’s good. Be sure to do it. Well, there will still be some doubters, but at least the people there won’t be able to say anything. And try to show that you are close to His Highness the Crown Prince as much as possible. ‘I have this much trust from His Highness the Crown Prince, I am recognized by the future emperor. If you mess with me, there will be consequences’, you should be like this.”

 

“…….”

 

Seeing Eleanor’s expression, Miles smiled.

 

“I see a ‘how dare I!’ expression on your face. I understand how you feel. But I’m not trying to tease you, Miller. These are survival strategies I’ve learned from experience, so remember them and you won’t lose out.”

 

“…Yes, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

 

“I’ve scared you too much for our first meeting. I’m worried you might think I’m an unpleasant old woman.”

 

“No way. I would never… I would never think that.”

 

Eleanor opened her eyes wide and waved her hands. Miles chuckled. She took out a business card from her pocket and placed it down.

 

“If you have any difficulties or want to talk, feel free to contact me anytime.”

 

“…Thank you very much. But I’m not sure if I deserve such kindness from Miss Miles…”

 

“Ahem, what did I say earlier? Hold your head high and confidently, and?”

 

Eleanor hesitated as if embarrassed, then muttered in a small voice.

 

“Show that I deserve it…you said.”

 

“That’s right. Try showing it now.”

 

“……”

 

Seeing Eleanor blinking her eyes with her cheeks flushed, Miles burst into a soft laugh. She spoke with a twinkle in her eyes.

 

“Practice in front of a mirror. I’ll check on the day of the exhibition.”

 

After Jin Miles left, Eleanor mulled over each word she had said. Every single one of them was a golden rule that should be deeply engraved in her heart. It was indescribably moving to receive such advice directly from a life senior she admired.

 

Eleanor thought she was indeed lucky. But along with the overwhelming and exciting feelings, there was an uneasiness she couldn’t shake off.

 

It was because of Daryl.