A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady
chapter-166

Violet clicked her tongue.

“These paintings are boring.”

The arrogant ducal lady passed her judgment. The painter, who had moved a step away from the apprentices, wore a dazed expression upon hearing her evaluation.

Well-drawn. Faithful to the basics. Faithful to the era.

But it lacked charm.

It lacked the unique philosophy and aesthetics of a true artist. It continued the tradition of the preceding masters, but it was still a mere feeble attempt.

Although Violet’s critique was tinged with personal bias, it provided enough of a blow.

“Nevertheless, it seems commercial enough.”

The additional comment leaned more towards criticism than praise.

It’s a painting motivated solely by money.

Universal beauty was less likely to cater to personal tastes. It was thoroughly stable and safe. It’s not about art that you want to create, but about art that you want your audience to see.

It was a type of refined beauty.

The apprentice guiding Violet, seemingly overwhelmed by her harsh assessment, spoke with a touch of desperation.

“The Maestro’s paintings are beautiful!”

“That’s right. As I said, it’s commercial enough. It lacks personal style, though… Why should I have to praise this particular art?”

“……”

“The master of this atelier will be headed for jail not long from now. Try to handle the rest yourselves.”

“……”

“Ah, and soon using cameras will become more popular. The era where merely capturing the beauty of reality will soon come to an end.”

Violet’s words left everyone with puzzled expressions.

Before long, the maestro was led away to be questioned by the guards.

Spreading false information.

Given the gravity of the accusation, his case would ultimately reach the royal family.

Violet was well aware of this fact. Simultaneously, today’s actions would likely create some waves.

The remaining apprentices in the atelier were all pale, unable to do anything to salvage the situation.

By tomorrow, there would be a new chapter written on the thick book detailing Violet’s notoriety.

Watching her, Cairn said,

“So, you’ve been holding back your temper all this time?”

“……”

“Well, a witch’s temper doesn’t go anywhere, I guess. Still, this time you went pretty easy on the guy, didn’t you? If it was the same as in the past, you would have cut that guy’s tongue and wrists right in front of us and then stomped on his head with the heel of your shoe.”

“…Haa.”

“What! Why are you sighing all of a sudden!”

“……”

Not understanding why Violet suddenly sighed, Cairn followed her with an indignant expression.

* * *

[ Breaking! The horrific downfall of the Maestro, envied by the young prodigies ]

It has been revealed that Leonardo Zelo, who was revered as the greatest artist of the era, has been falsely writing various published articles in the media. Envious of the ‘prodigious artist’ who is ushering in a new era (…)

After Count Larsen, known as a big name in the art world, had cut off support for ‘Leonardo Zelo’ while condemning him for spreading false information (…)

Meanwhile, the paintings of the ‘Ducal Lady Everett’, who is leading a new era, are gaining significant attention, even as rumors continue to abound. The paintings have only been publicly revealed at the ‘Birthday Banquet of His Highness the Crown Prince’, further piquing people’s curiosity.

The incident was neatly wrapped up.

There could have been some lingering issues, but Violet had no interest in any further involvement.

“So that’s what happened.”

“Oh, that was a big story in the newspapers, didn’t you know?”

“…It embarrasses me, but I have no interest in such stories.”

Violet, back to her daily routine, was now having a candid conversation with Aldin, who she considered one of her few friends.

Aldin was currently modeling for Violet.

He’s even topless at the moment.

This was all because of Violet’s sincere request, as she couldn’t quite get the chance to observe the muscles of adult men for her croquis exercises.

Aldin’s face had turned as red as a ripe tomato long ago.

“Uh, by the way, do I have to stay like this?”

“Why. You look cool.”

“……”

Aldin was indeed a great model. Unable to turn down Violet’s requests, he quietly adjusted his pose.

Here as Lady Violet’s escort knight, Zylo simply looked at Aldin with a pitying expression.

Beside Aldin, Cairn muttered.

“Why do you have to use him as a model? I’m here too!”

“The mere idea of it physiologically repulses me.”

Despite the considerable distance between them, Violet made herself known clearly and responded promptly as such.

Cairn was just incredulous.