I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 27

“No, so I really didn’t recognize her.”

“We didn’t get along too well during the marriage, but by the time we divorced, things had improved. We’re still on speaking terms.”

“I assumed you weren’t on good terms with the Duchess since you didn’t seem too fond of Azazel.”

Dane’s expression darkened slightly. “I’ve never felt any affection for Azazel. He feels more like the Emperor’s child than mine. It’s different with Aeshath.”

Though Azazel looked just like him, it was the Emperor who came to mind when Dane saw his son. The look on Dane’s face as he grimaced made his feelings toward Azazel abundantly clear. Eve was tempted to dig further into what had happened between them, but thoughts of her upcoming confrontation with Azazel quashed her curiosity.

Dane, too, fell silent, and the carriage ride lapsed into quietness. It wasn’t until the scenery outside had changed several times that Dane spoke again.

“You should be more concerned about Azazel than Aeshath.”

“Pardon?”

“Azazel… well, he’s dangerous. Even as a child, I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. Be careful.”

Dane’s words were right on target. If Azazel were a normal person, he would never have approached Eve in the first place.

“…What could I possibly have to do with Azazel?”

“Right. Exactly.”

Though she was already deeply entangled with Azazel, Eve smiled innocently, as if she knew nothing.

***

The Seratine villa, located near the capital, wasn’t far from Eve’s own estate. Before stepping out of the carriage, Eve braced herself. To avoid being swayed by Azazel, she knew she had to remain calm. From experience, she had learned that reacting sensitively to his every word would only lead her into his pace in no time.

She didn’t expect to meet Azazel the moment she stepped out of the carriage, but she thought it was necessary to prepare herself mentally. To her surprise, however, the one who came out to greet them was Azazel. As soon as their eyes met, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

“It was a good decision to prepare the large carriage.”

But his smile was brief. Turning to face Dane, Azazel’s smile faded. The stark contrast made Eve feel almost awkward.

“It’s been a while, Father.”

“Yes. Thank you for inviting me.”

Without responding to Dane, Azazel turned his attention back to Eve.

“Welcome, Lady Jenna.”

Eve glanced at Dane. Fortunately, he seemed prepared to overlook Azazel’s coldness.

“It’s an honor to be invited, young Duke.”

Azazel led the guests into the villa, leaving the servants to carry in the luggage. With Dane’s escort, Eve entered the villa of the Seratine House. The villa wasn’t overly grand or flashy, but it was elegant and tasteful.

“The painter and her work have already arrived. My mother is there as well. Shall I take you to them?”

Eve quickly nodded. Being with Aeshath and Rose seemed far better than standing between two uncomfortable people.

They headed straight for the corridor where the paintings were displayed. The gallery, located in an annex, was as large and impressive as any museum. The bright walls were perfect for showcasing the artwork. As they ventured further inside, Eve could hear the voices of Aeshath and Rose.

“I think that painting is better than this one… Ah! Here they come.”

Aeshath, who had been talking to Rose, quickly walked over when she spotted Eve. Unlike the bright-faced Aeshath, Rose appeared haggard, as though she hadn’t slept well.

“The paintings arrived earlier than expected, so we were having a look. They’re quite impressive. We could definitely hold an exhibition… Dane?”

Aeshath widened her eyes as she belatedly noticed Dane. Smiling sociably, Dane greeted her.

“Aeshath. It’s been a while.”

“Thank you for coming. I heard you had prior plans? Sorry for the sudden intrusion.”

“No, it’s an honor. Your villa is not an easy place to visit.”

“Come to think of it, this is your first time here. Feel free to take a look around later. But first, I believe you were interested in the artwork?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“This is a painter Eve has been supporting. The pieces brought today are quite remarkable. Come, take a look.”

The two began conversing like old friends who had just met yesterday. Dane accepted the list of selected works Aeshath had curated. Left standing alone, Eve noticed Azazel sidle up beside her.

“You really came with the Count?”

“You said it would be fine.”

“I did.”

Eve glanced briefly at Azazel before turning her gaze forward again. Aeshath and Dane had now pulled Rose over to one of the paintings and were chatting. Although Eve knew Dane had an interest in art, she hadn’t expected him to be so engrossed, leaving her on her own. This made him useless as a deterrent. As expected, Azazel struck up conversation again.

“They’re busy viewing the art, so won’t you introduce me to it as well?”

Seeing through his intent, Eve pointed toward Rose. “Wouldn’t it be better to listen to the painter directly? I’m sure she can explain it far better than I can.”

Avoiding being alone with Azazel was paramount. He merely twisted his lips into a crooked smile.

“I wouldn’t want to make any mistakes while the Count is around. It’s better for both of us to keep our distance.”

The open display of dislike toward Dane was evident in his sneer. Just as Dane hated Azazel, it was clear that Azazel detested him as well. Once again, Eve wondered why these two, who looked so much alike, had such a poor relationship.

“Do you and Dane really dislike each other that much?”

“We despise each other.”

“Why?”

Azazel gave Eve a look as if wondering if she was serious. “I don’t know what he thinks, but to me, it’s pathetic to see someone who looks so much like me behave that way. I also hate it when people compare me to him.”

Indeed, Azazel and Dane were complete opposites. While Dane’s sociable smile and easy-going nature allowed him to engage freely in all sorts of relationships, Azazel, despite his reputation as the empire’s most handsome man, remained solitary. Though many approached him due to his striking looks, they were soon repelled by his aloofness and cold demeanor.

Moreover, unlike Dane, Azazel had never once been involved in any scandal, despite his appearance. This had led Eve to believe her stepson was a perfect and ascetic man.

However, having experienced Azazel firsthand, she knew better now. He was nothing short of a lewd man, who had once brazenly declared he would pleasure himself using a handkerchief soiled with his stepmother’s secretions. He was also persistent in seducing Eve, even prying into her past.

In light of this, Eve reconsidered her earlier thoughts. Perhaps these two men weren’t so different after all. However, she refrained from saying this aloud, especially under Azazel’s contemptuous gaze.

Noticing her stare, the icy blue in Azazel’s eyes softened, and a warm light entered them. His eyes curved gently into a smile. The sudden transformation made Eve’s eyes widen in surprise. His smiling face radiated liveliness.

“Well then, shall we head over there?”

His refreshing laugh mesmerized Eve momentarily, and she unwittingly followed Azazel. By the time she snapped out of it, Aeshath, Rose, and Dane were nowhere to be seen. As she glanced behind her, Azazel stopped in front of a painting.

“There are quite a few dark and heavy paintings here. Do you like this kind of art?”

Following his gaze, Eve turned her attention to the painting. Despite being displayed on a bright wall, Rose’s painting hadn’t lost any of its distinctive character.

Rose typically painted landscapes, and this one featured her signature red and black sky. The paintings in this gallery were even darker than those from her previous exhibition. The one Azazel was looking at was no exception. While it was the type of painting that might not appeal to everyone, Eve was very fond of Rose’s work.

“I like the bold use of primary colors and the way they blend powerfully together.”

Azazel nodded in agreement with Eve’s words. Her earlier concerns about being separated from the others soon faded as she immersed herself in the art. Most of the paintings they viewed were new to Eve, seemingly recent works.

The layered brushstrokes made the paintings appear as heavy and dark as Azazel had remarked. Yet, Eve felt warmth and comfort when she looked at Rose’s work. The way the colors blended naturally instead of overpowering each other was quite appealing.

It was a sentiment not everyone understood. It was this very appreciation that had drawn Eve to Aeshath, who had smiled contentedly while viewing Rose’s paintings.

While Eve was lost in thought, Azazel stopped in front of another painting.

“This one depicts a person. I overheard the painter mention that this is the only painting here with a figure in it. The atmosphere is quite dark. Could it be a demon?”

Eve glanced at the painting Azazel pointed to and closed her mouth. In the painting stood a man with black hair beneath a crimson sky. Though it seemed like an ordinary painting by Rose’s standards, it had startled Eve the first time she saw it.