I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 47

“Make sure to apply the medicine properly.”

Regardless of the meaning of her comments, her tone was harsh. 

However, it appeared that was enough for Azazel.

“Ah.”

Azazel blinked a couple times in surprise, and his eyes turned somewhat red. 

He appeared ashamed or shy, unable to meet Eve’s eyes directly and turning away. 

This reminded Eve of how tense he had become after she bit him. Her lips twitched slightly at the memory.

Eve hastily averted her head, not waiting for Azazel to respond. 

She couldn’t show him her smile. 

She turned and grinned to herself but was shocked when the servants noticed her and bowed, leading her to remove the smile from her face hurriedly.

There were already other people in the dining room. 

Dane greeted Eve excitedly as she entered.

“You’ve finally arrived. We were going to look for you again because it was getting late.”

Even though she knew it was not his fault, Eve almost glared at Dane, recalling her earlier horror. 

Fortunately, her smile did not falter. 

Dane, who had caught her eye, sprang up to approach her. 

Dane dismissed the servant and brought out Eve’s chair on his own. 

Only once Eve and Dane were seated did Ashers react quietly but strongly.

“I won’t show you, Dane.”

Ashers ignored Dane, who grumbled about feeling left out, and shifted his attention to Eve.

“Eve, do you like my collection? You appeared to be staring at them for quite a while.”

“Yes, they were all wonderful.”

Ashers smiled at Eve’s lighthearted response and looked about suspiciously.

“But where’s Azazel? He promised to bring you here, but did he leave you alone?”

“He escorted me to the dining room and then left.”

Eve, expecting questions about Azazel, responded naturally and raised her water glass.

“Mmm, I see. Well, Eve, I hope you like your supper.”

Ashers made a tiny gesture, and the servants brought out the meal.

Eve laughed so hard that Ashers and Dane’s antics hurt her stomach, which helped her relax. 

After the main course, while munching on dessert and unwittingly recalling the warm blue eyes, she heard her name and turned her head.

“Yes?”

Ashers, who met her gaze, inquired.

“Do you agree as well?”

Eve did not respond right away, but instead grinned as she observed the situation. 

What exactly were they talking about? 

Fortunately, Ashers attempted to persuade her by explaining further.

“I believe it is preferable if you stayed another day. Since Rose agrees, we might hold the exhibition a little early.”

“Uh…”

Rose interrupted Eve’s disguised contemplation.

“In fact… I’m really sorry, but I haven’t shown all my paintings to Madam either.”

This suggested Rose had hidden additional paintings. 

Rose fidgeted nervously underneath the table.

“But after seeing the duke’s paintings today, I thought it would be okay to reveal those as well…”

Eve smiled slightly at Rose, who was waiting for her reaction.

“It is impossible to know everything from the start. Thanks to the Duke, I get to view more great paintings.”

“Call me Ashers. So, you’ll stay for another day?”

It wasn’t a really welcoming proposal. 

Eve felt nasty about meeting Azazel again, but she didn’t have a good reason to reject Ashers’ offer. 

She looked cautiously at Dane, expecting he would refuse on her behalf, but Dane simply winked as if everything was right.

Despite her having brought him for support, he had been causing her anxiety all day rather than helping. 

Eve sighed, unable to find an explanation, and eventually accepted Ashers’ idea.

***

After supper, Eve strolled with Dane, who insisted on dismissing the maids and accompanying her to her chamber.

“Nothing happened with Azazel, right?”

Despite Dane’s anxious expression, Eve remained composed.

“Of course. He gave me a fair explanation.”

“That is a relief. Still, be cautious.”

“Yes, I will.”

Before the conversation could resume with Azazel, Eve shifted the subject.

“What did you think of the paintings?”

“I had an inkling they’d be good when I heard you were sponsoring the artist, and they were indeed impressive.”

“Rose is a very promising artist.”

Despite his talent, Rose had spent a long time in obscurity because of the nature of his work.

“However, this makes him highly risky. You understand that, correct?”

As expected, Dane brought up the same point. 

Rose’s paintings were contentious, and the reactions to his art were equally intense. 

Indeed, she considered her position while deciding to become his patron. 

This was the role of ountess Hound. 

Eve nodded obediently.

“Yes, I understand. Aren’t his paintings generally quite gloomy?”

“Not just gloomy; some of them are rather unsettling.”

Even though they were simply landscapes, the majority of them had that effect. 

She was both excited and concerned about the new artwork.

“Outwardly, he seems shy and innocent, but he may not be like that inside.”