138: Meaningful gifts (part 1)

Meaningful gifts (part 1)

Supporting art was among the numerous duties of the royals in Emoria. Considering the prolonged absence of an Emorian Queen and the Archduchess's lack of interest in such festivities, Kaiser's daughters took it upon themselves to assume the responsibility.2

By extending their support to various forms of artistic expressions, such as visual arts, music, and literature, the Archduke's daughters played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Lanark's cultural heritage as well as Emorian traditions, stories, and values. This commitment to art not only enriched the lives of the citizens but also allowed them to experience its beauty through street murals, fountain installations, and statues in public gardens. These artistic endeavors made a substantial contribution to the long-term prosperity and vitality of Emoria.

Over time, Adela wholeheartedly committed herself to fulfilling the responsibilities typically associated with male heirs, aiding her father in the management of the Archduchy's economy and military, while Larissa embraced the pursuits and activities traditionally enjoyed by noblewomen.

Adela had never felt compelled to partake in her sister's endeavors until a recent turn of events necessitated her to return two gifts she had received. She aimed to create a return gift that would be both meaningful and extraordinary.

She recalled Larissa mentioning a renowned artist from Kolhis who had recently arrived in the kingdom. This artist, named Zephir, had garnered considerable attention and admiration among the nobility. Adela had reached out to him the day before, and he had graciously accepted her invitation to visit her the following day.

"My Lady," Zephir greeted with a bow and eyes cast down but he refrained from kneeling. His action caught the attention of the disapproving majordomo and the Baroness who were trailing behind Adela as they entered the drawing room where the artist awaited Lady de Lanark. Despite his departure from Emorian traditions, Adela appreciated Zephir's gesture, as it reflected her own genuine hope for a future where societal divides would fade away making room for a culture built on mutual respect for all.

"How do you do? I am grateful for your prompt cooperation," she greeted.

Zephir stood out from the crowd with his unique and unconventional style. His tall and slender figure was dressed in a combination of mismatched patterns, including a vibrant yellow flowing silk shirt that peeked out from under a bright blue velvet vest. Over this, he wore an embroidered white coat embellished with distinct buttons. His beautiful tanned complexion, originating from Kolhis, accentuated his shoulder-length silver-dyed hair. A well-groomed goatee enhanced his sharp features, adding to his overall distinctive appearance.

As he raised his eyes to meet hers, the man immediately took notice of her attire. His eyes expanded with admiration as he observed her elegance.

Her dress was crafted from a fine, flowing fabric in a soft shade of lavender, falling just below her knees. The silhouette was simple, with a fitted bodice that gently accentuated her figure before gracefully flaring out into a modest A-line skirt. Her hair was swept back from her face, secured in an elegant low chignon at the nape of her neck.

Zephir approached Adela in an unconventional manner, extending his hand as a nobleman would. With a subtle surprise, she placed her hand atop his.

His smile widened from ear to ear. "My Lady, the grace of your attire harmonizes flawlessly with your inherent beauty. It is a pleasure to encounter someone who comprehends the potency of refined elegance." He complimented her, his gaze briefly lingering on her bracelet.

Adela's cheeks took a rosy hue as Zephir pressed a quick peck on the back of her hand before standing upright.

"How may I be of service to you today? Perhaps you would like me to create a portrait for you? I have all my tools with me, and we can begin right away!"

Adela blushed even deeper and explained, "I reached out to you because I wish to send a return gift to a gentleman, but I don't want it to be a portrait of myself. I'm looking for something different, something unique."

His intelligent brown eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "I understand. Do you have any specific ideas in mind for what you would like me to paint?"

She cast a brief glance at the emotionally observant Baroness beside her and then shifted her gaze to the ever-stoic majordomo standing by her side. Returning her attention to the young artist before her, she recognized that their ages were closely aligned, making him potentially the best person to offer advice on the matter.

Adela expressed her frustration with a sigh, admitting, "I am at a loss when it comes to choosing an appropriate return gift for him. Can you assist me in making a selection?"

"Why, of course!" Zephir hummed for a moment, his expression turning serious and professional. "If a portrait of yourself is not suitable, then how about capturing your perspective of him? What does this gentleman mean to you?" He raised an eyebrow, his words carrying an undercurrent of intrigue.

The blush that had just faded from her face returned fiercely as Bernard cleared his throat beside her, openly glaring at the artist.

Zephir let out a laugh, "Allow me to rephrase: What does the gentleman evoke in your mind? It could be a memorable scene you both experienced, a shared moment, or even a significant item that holds meaning for both of you."

Her mind drifted back to the moments two days ago, the memory of her last encounter with Egon vivid in her thoughts. She made a heartfelt promise to cherish the gift he had given her then they ascended the hill, reaching the summit just in time to witness the breathtaking sight of the sunset, their time together was abruptly interrupted when a message from her father arrived, demanding her immediate return.

That night, she sat down and composed a letter to her uncle, conveying her resolute decision to forgo the relocation to Destan embracing her newfound ownership of the land that Egon returned to House de Lanark.

Zephir, noticing Adela lost in her thoughts, decided to alter his approach. "My Lady, could you provide me with a description of the gentleman?" he suggested, hoping to find an alternative inspiration for the gift.

  "...I do not wish for you to create a portrait of him,"

He pondered her statement for a moment, deep in thought. "I happened to be in the Market that day when you and the Archduke made a sudden appearance," he recalled, his excitement bubbling up. "The duel that ensued was one of the most exhilarating matches I have ever witnessed. The young knight's fiery passion matched against the seasoned knights' refined technique—it was truly a spectacle to behold!"

Adela turned to her lady-in-waiting, Baroness Frieda, who was standing beside her. "Baroness," Adela addressed her, "It's the duel I told you about, the one that Arkin won."

Frieda smiled, a glimmer of relief and pride in her eyes. Her son had returned home after that fateful duel, and in the past week, Arkin had been gradually showing signs of acceptance and recovery from the shock he had experienced.

"Excuse me, My Lady," Zephir interjected, trying to regain Adela's attention, "I mentioned the duel not because of the event itself, but because I was truly captivated by His Excellency's presence. If I were to personally gift him a painting, I would undoubtedly depict a lion, for that is how he appeared to me on that day!"

Adela's eyebrows raised in surprise at Zephir's unexpected choice. She pondered for a moment, considering the symbolism and significance of the lion. It was a powerful and regal creature, representing strength, leadership, and nobility. It seemed fitting to capture Kaiser de Lanark's essence in such a way.

"I find your idea intriguing," Adela responded with a thoughtful smile. "A painting of a lion could be a symbol of the qualities father embodies. Please, Zephir, if you could bring this vision to life, I would be immensely grateful, but the other painting takes priority since I have to send it before the feast."

Zephir nodded eagerly, his enthusiasm evident in his eyes. "Consider it done, My Lady. I will create a masterpiece that captures the spirit of His Excellency in the form of a magnificent lion." He was ecstatic to have won the Lady's approval. Then, his expression turned curious as he asked, "Now, does this gentleman leave a similar impression on you, as His Excellency left on me?"

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