Apparently, I’m a Poisonous Woman Who Sells One-Night Dreams, but I Ended Up Awakening a Hero’s Devoted Love - Chapter 1.6

The next day, Mariadoll wrapped her canvas in her room, picked up her Boston bag, and descended the stairs.

After calling out to Legacy, who was minding the shop at the gallery, she boarded the carriage she had called for. Normally, she would take a circulating street carriage, but she had a bit more luggage than usual, so she was splurging again, just like yesterday.

The commoners of Dunbargas were resilient.

There were shops that purchased noble dresses, recycled them into day dresses, and rented out carriages with drivers by the hour.

The carriages they used were ones bought cheaply from nobles who had previously owned them. They were old, but for commoners, as long as they moved, there was no problem.

Of course, Mariadoll was a noble herself.

(If Legacy found out, he would absolutely oppose it. It’ll probably come out eventually, but when it does, I’ll just have to accept his anger gracefully.)

What’s done cannot be undone.

She planned to go with a post-facto report after forcing her way through.

After placing her luggage on the front seat and sitting down, the carriage began to move.

It took about thirty minutes to pass through the familiar cityscape and reach the large townhouse on the outskirts of the royal capital.

The carriage passed through the gates of the Haren Marquisate and stopped beside the entrance.

As she got off, the butler greeted her and guided her directly to Marquis Haren’s office.

Her luggage was heavy, but she had brought everything just in case.

“Well, well, thank you for coming.”

“Not at all, I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

With a thud, she set the Boston bag on the floor and immediately began unwrapping the cloth she was holding.

“Let me have some tea brought for you. Oh, but I only ordered one painting, didn’t I?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The other two are for a place I’ll be visiting afterward, so I brought them along.”

Of the three paintings, Mariadoll handed one to Marquis Haren.

Taking it, the Marquis examined it closely—and soon, his eyes grew teary.

“It’s not just similar. When I heard the story, I thought it couldn’t possibly be true, but she looks exactly like my wife. The slightly drooping corners of her eyes, her small lips. Ah, to see her face again. I’m sorry, excuse me for a moment.”

After apologizing to Mariadoll, Marquis Haren turned his back and shook his shoulders slightly.

Averting her eyes from his retreating figure as he pressed a handkerchief to his eyes, Mariadoll quietly stood and left the room.

(That’s good. It seems I managed to paint it well again this time.)

As always, handing over the painting was the most nerve-wracking moment.

Mariadoll could show the husband the dream of his deceased wife for just one night. Since she herself also shared that vision, she painted it afterward and delivered it this way.

Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, a maid appeared with tea.

“Um, where is the master?”

“It seems he has some unfinished work, so I’m waiting outside. I’ll take the tea.”

“Oh no! I can’t let a guest serve like that.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll explain it to Lord Haren.”

Even so, the maid seemed hesitant, but Mariadoll firmly took the tray and told her to leave it to her and attend to other tasks.

After about five minutes, she knocked on the door and received the usual calm reply.

“Earlier, the maid brought tea.”

“I’m sorry to have you do this.”

“No, I was the one who told her to. Please don’t blame the maid.”

Mariadoll poured tea into the cup with practiced ease.

Marquis Haren drank the slightly cooled tea in one gulp.

“Well now, I’ve shown you an embarrassing side of myself.”

“Not at all. I thought it was wonderful how much you care for your wife. And as the artist, it’s a great honor to see my painting move you so deeply.”

“This painting is truly marvelous. When I heard about it from Marquis Steima, I doubted such a thing was possible. My apologies.”

“Everyone says that at first. So, I understand that instead of Marquis Steima, you will be referring clients to me from now on?”

“Of course, I’ll take it on. No, please let me take it on.”

Until now, Marquis Steima had been the one referring clients to Mariadoll, a relationship that had continued since her mother’s time.

Normally, his son would have taken over, but unfortunately, he was a bit loose-lipped. Mariadoll’s work required strict confidentiality for various reasons, so she couldn’t entrust it to him.

Therefore, Marquis Steima entrusted the task of referring clients to Mariadoll not to his son, but to his old friend, Marquis Haren.

Though it was unfortunate, the fact that he had recently lost his wife worked out conveniently.

Since the story was hard to believe, having him experience it firsthand was the quickest way to convince him.

“Now, about the next job…”

“Yes, it’s been a month, and my ability has recovered, so I’m ready for the next referral.”

“In that case, there’s someone I’d like to introduce right away. And, if possible, could you paint one more painting for me? I believe the memory of my wife’s face lasts for two months, right?”

Mariadoll picked up her teacup and gazed at its amber surface.

(Lord Haren is correct. The dream memory remains for two months, and it’s not uncommon to be asked for an additional painting.)

However, the next client was already decided.

“Is the client you’re referring in a hurry?”

“Yes, they’ve asked for it as soon as possible.”

“I see.”

In that case, she might have to work on two paintings almost simultaneously.

(Well, if I cut back on sleep, I should manage.)

Balancing her duties as a feudal lord made time management difficult, but she would be relying on Marquis Haren from now on. Considering the future, she felt she should agree.

“Understood, I’ll take it on. However, would it be acceptable if the additional painting is two sizes smaller than the one I delivered today?”

“Of course. I’m sorry for asking so much of you.”

Even while seated, Marquis Haren bowed deeply, and Mariadoll hurriedly waved her hands in front of her chest.

“Please, raise your head. I’m the one who should be thanking you. So, who is the next client?”

“Bishop Mantel of Begg Church.”

Begg Church was located a full day’s carriage ride west of the royal capital. Until now, clients had come to the capital, but Bishop Mantel was the deputy bishop of that church and apparently couldn’t leave.

Bishop Mantel—formerly a baron, he was an unusual figure who, after losing his family and falling into despair, had taken holy orders. Considering his noble status, it was almost unprecedented, and it had been quite the topic in social circles at the time.

(So, he must have loved his wife that much. Since travel is necessary, my schedule will be even tighter, but it’s not impossible.)

“Understood. Please arrange a date for the meeting.”

“Good, that’s a relief.”

“As for the additional painting, what composition would you like?”

“I’d like you to paint my wife, me, and our daughter. Ah, I’ll introduce my daughter to you later under some suitable pretext. By the way, here’s a painting of my daughter when she was young.”

Mariadoll’s cheek twitched slightly.

(The signature on the painting is a pseudonym, so I don’t think she’ll realize it’s me, but…)

Hiding her unease, Mariadoll carefully examined the painting.

She could see a resemblance in the spirited expression. Strangely enough, even if she showed someone a dream of a family scene, the faces of people other than the wife would appear blurred and unclear. This was true for both the client and Mariadoll, which was why she needed a reference painting for anyone other than the wife.

“May I borrow this, then? Unfortunately, my ability doesn’t allow me to see your daughter’s younger self.”

With an uncharacteristic, forced chuckle, Mariadoll gently averted her gaze.