Deceived 16

Chapter 16

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***

Blair didn't answer, staring straight ahead. With no other choice, she tried to focus on the displayed paintings. It was fortunate the ridiculous squabble had ended, but the man shadowing her was just as uncomfortable.

Surprisingly, she soon managed to push the man from her mind. And no wonder—the paintings, themed around rivers and multicolored light, were simply too beautiful.

From paintings depicting the pale dawn mist over the water to waves holding a golden sun and riverbanks tinged with sunset hues, every piece was captivating.

Blair loved art. She cherished those moments when she could push aside the complexities of reality and dwell within a painting. The feeling of seeping into another world, that vague sense of escape, strangely comforted her.

Blair's hazel eyes sparkled constantly as she became deeply immersed in the world of the artwork. Her slightly parted lips occasionally uttered silent exclamations of admiration. While Blair was appreciating dozens of paintings, she didn't notice that Edmund's gaze had never once strayed from her.

"It's truly beautiful."

Blair murmured softly as she stood before the final painting displayed at the end of the corridor. Edmund, who had remained silent throughout, lifted the corners of his mouth.

"I'm glad you enjoyed the exhibition. It makes the special opening worthwhile."

He kept his promise not to interrupt her appreciation. He didn't interject with commentary or explanations. Only after the viewing ended did Blair realize this, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed.

"Yes, especially this piece."

And so, without taking her eyes off the final painting that had made the deepest impression, she continued the conversation.

"It's quiet yet warm. I feel a kind of peaceful stillness, you know?”

A hazy, blue-gray mist gently enveloped the river's surface. The stream flowed quietly, carrying an inexplicable sense of loneliness, while the lingering glow of sunset settled upon the water as if caressing it. The warm light permeating the cool tones soothed the viewer's heart.

"If that's how you felt, it's quite interesting."

His deep, resonant voice from above caught Blair's attention.

"The painter threw himself into the river just days after completing this work."

Blair looked up in surprise. After gazing at Edmund for a moment, her large eyes returned to the hanging painting. So this was Ogwiere’s final work?

"The peace Miss Twyford felt might have been closer to resignation. Peace sometimes disguises itself with a look of acceptance."

The man's calm voice, reciting his thoughts, lingered like an echo. What expression did he wear now? Blair took a breath and asked cautiously.

“Was there a special reason for holding an exhibition of Ogwiere’s work?”

"Our foundation places greater value on works imbued with an artist's philosophy and sincerity than on commercial pieces aimed at box office success. Ogwiere’s paintings met that criterion."

"I see."

"That's usually how I answer... but honestly, that's not the whole story."

Blair, who had been taking in the last painting, looked up at Edmund. His gaze remained fixed on the painting, but his faintly smiling expression seemed to be choosing his words.

"Personally, there's something about his work that draws me in. Especially how he captures landscapes that flow freely, unbound by anyone—like the mist or sunset glow faintly spreading over that river. Ogwiere renders them quite accurately."

“…Does Lord Liberte ever feel the urge to escape?”

The question was almost impulsive. She wondered if the man had looked at the painting she’d stared at for so long with the same feelings. Perhaps escaping reality, even briefly, brought him comfort too.

She realized her mistake only after asking, but Edmund laughed as if it were no big deal.

"Is there anyone in this world who doesn't? Even during this morning's bank meeting, which ran three hours over, I wanted to escape."

Blair chuckled along with him. Clasping her lace-gloved hands together in front of her, she continued.

"It surprises me to hear you have moments when you want to escape... To my eyes, you seemed like someone who controlled everything."

"You see me clearly. But control is mostly an illusion. What you think you hold firmly in your hands is really no different from waves that can slip away at any moment."

The man who had left ripples deep within Blair's heart escorted her out of the exhibition hall with natural ease. Perhaps because Ogwiere’s exhibition hadn't started yet, the museum hall was nearly empty. It was fortunate.

It was then that Edmund, standing beside her, asked in a soft voice.

"Have you ever seen the River Ridgeway in person?"

The Ridgeway River flowed through the capital city of Borsha. Its water was exceptionally clear and transparent; gazing at it quietly, one understood why artists were so compelled to capture it on canvas.

"No. I haven't been since I came down to the capital."

Blair shook her head. Perhaps she had already anticipated the suggestion that would follow.

"Would you like to go together? The riverside park along the Ridgeway is quiet even at midday, perfect for a walk."

She couldn't answer immediately. It was difficult to refuse an offer made right after receiving such a great kindness from someone. She knew she should refuse, knowing this was someone she shouldn't become personally entangled with anymore, but the words wouldn't come.

"Miss Twyford."

As if reading her thoughts exactly, Edmund stopped walking and added with a chuckle.

"I'm suggesting this as a friend."

Blair, who had stopped beside Edmund, pondered that unfamiliar word.

Friend. Friend. It wasn't bad. A relationship where they could spend endless time together without feeling guilty. Shifting her thoughts that way, the discomfort of feeling like she was cheating faded.

"If it's still difficult for you, I won't push it."

“…No. I think it’s fine.”

"Really?"

"Yes."

After hesitating, she agreed, and Edmund’s straight lips curved into a pleasing smile.

"I'm glad. I enjoy spending time with you, young lady."

That honest confession struck a chord somewhere deep within Blair. She’d sensed they connected easily and felt he resembled her in some way—did he feel the same?

“Let’s go.”

Edmund reassured Blair that Ridgeway Park was close enough to walk to, then led the way. The two stepped out into the city, bathed in spring sunshine.

***

The river had been a view Edmund had grown tired of seeing since first setting foot in the capital as a boy. He'd never felt any particular emotion for that familiar scenery. In that sense, he thought the woman walking shoulder to shoulder beside him was quite something.

Edmund gazed intently at Blair, who wore a pristine white lace parasol. Like a painting by Ogwiere she was beautiful, framed by the brilliant light and river waters of the Ridgeway. 

Her golden-brown hair, made unusually bright by the midday sun, was luscious. Her fair skin and the delicate features crowding her small face were so exquisitely proportioned it was hard to look away.

Even when she kept her lips tightly closed like a cold woman, the moment their eyes met, the slight parting of her small lips, unable to hide her surprise, was the most captivating sight. It was as if her thoughts about him were completely transparent.

It wasn't a matter of age, young or old. Of course, Blair Twyford was a young woman who had just come of age and lacked much social experience, but the armor she had wrapped around herself was quite thick.

That made it easy to crack that shell and dig into her inner self. Because she was a woman with a similar lack.

"The weather is truly lovely today. I'm glad we decided to take a walk."

Blair murmured to herself as she adjusted her parasol while walking along the riverbank. Edmund, seeing the palpable sense of liberation rippling beneath her refined mask, asked in return.

"You don't often take walks? Is it unusual for you to come to the riverside park on a day like this?”

"Not exactly. Since coming down to Borsa, Father has been terribly busy. So much so that he doesn't even know where I go or what I do..."

"......"

"Ever since I was young, to do anything at the estate in Glassford, I always had to ask permission. Going somewhere, buying something, even what books I read. Being in that environment for so long, the very thought of trying something new gradually fades away."

Even something as simple as going for a walk. Blair's voice trailed off. Edmund matched his pace to hers and replied understandingly.

"That's a familiar feeling. There was a time when I couldn't do almost anything without permission either. Maybe that's why I've become someone who makes all decisions independently now."

"...And are you satisfied?"

"Of course. A bird that has tasted freedom once will never return to its cage."