Find the One Who Abandoned Me - Chapter 47

Otis Glayderth stared at Calliope’s cheerful smile and thought, for a moment, that he must have misheard her. He blinked a few times, dumbfounded like a cow, then gave a stiff chuckle like an old man trying to play it off.

“And why, exactly, should I do that?”

“I told you already—my little sister is the one sponsoring that artist.”

“Yes, and that deserves respect. But the artist should still have the right to choose.”

“She’ll make the right choice. So don’t worry too much.”

The painter, Leona, had once been supported by Carolie. After her debut exhibition, however, she had accepted Otis Glayderth’s offer and left. Carolie tried hard to win her back, but in the end, the resources and prestige Otis offered were too much to compete with.

Even when she grew up, Carolie still regretted losing her. Calliope wondered—if she stepped in now, maybe Leona wouldn’t leave. Carolie’s resources would grow with age, and if the family approved, her support could increase immediately. But back then, Carolie had tried to manage it all alone—and lost the artist because of it.

“You’re only offering material support, aren’t you?”

“What else would a patron be expected to provide?”

“Nothing. That’s exactly why I’m saying this—Carolie will offer more than what’s expected.”

The truth was, the only reason an unknown female artist like Leona was even able to exhibit her work in this art society’s building was because of Carolie—and by extension, the influence of House Anastas. Without them, it would have been nearly impossible.

Calliope didn’t wait for Otis to respond. She began walking deeper into the building, passing paintings one by one. Behind her, she heard the sound of his footsteps catching up.

“What exactly do you mean by ‘more’?”

“Let’s see… creating a space where she can truly focus on her work, for starters.”

“I could easily prepare a studio for her.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

As she moved past several more pieces, Calliope thought silently: None of these artists have the spark Leona has. Carolie really did find someone special.

“Supporting an artist also means protecting them, introducing them to the right people, and shaping the environment around them. That’s what I mean.”

“Shouldn’t an adult be able to manage that themselves?”

“You’re not wrong. But she’s not just any adult. She’s a young, female commoner.”

Otis fell silent at that.

Being a commoner was understandable—most struggling artists in need of support were. But in this country, ever since the reign of the monarch two generations ago, women had faced opposition in everything—from inheriting titles to becoming knights, and even pursuing art. Even the very art society he supported still had several old men who looked down on female artists.

“I’m just saying Carolie is willing to pay attention to all of that because she genuinely cares. You may be able to offer more money than her, but… aren’t you far too busy to bother with such things?”

Otis had no rebuttal to that. Still, he didn’t say he would back off from pursuing the artist either. It felt too much like he’d be admitting defeat to her. Instead, he answered stubbornly.

“In the end, the artist should choose for herself.”

“How stubborn.”

Calliope let out a soft scoff, as if she’d expected that answer all along. Otis suddenly felt like a child—like a sulking five-year-old who’d just been scolded.

Soon, the two of them reached the very back of the exhibit. There were a few guests and several artists gathered there—and standing among them was Carolie. Calliope quickened her steps and naturally came to stand beside her sister.

“Where’s Kaphir?”

“He went to talk to the director of the art society.”

“Oh?”

“I think the guy thought that, even if we’re young, it’s better to make a good impression on the boy rather than a girl. He said he’d introduce him to a ‘good artist’ and took him away.”

“How charming,” Calliope muttered, clearly not hiding her irritation. Otis, standing nearby, furrowed his brow slightly at the tone.

Carolie didn’t seem too bothered. She simply tugged gently at the hem of Calliope’s dress.

“Hey, do you want to meet the artist I’m supporting?”

“Of course.”

As the two sisters began walking, Otis naturally followed along. Carolie looked up at him, confused.

“You came too, Lord Glayderth?”

It was only then that Otis realized he had instinctively followed Calliope without a second thought. In hindsight, he had no real reason to stick with her this long. But he kept his composure and nodded as if it were perfectly intentional.

“It just worked out that way.”

“We ran into each other outside,” Calliope added.

“I see,” Carolie replied simply, not pressing the issue. She turned and led them toward Leona.

Leona was smaller than expected. In fact, it was more fitting to call her a girl than a woman—she couldn’t have been older than fourteen. Isn’t she a bit too young for this? Calliope thought.

“Oh! You came, Lady Anastas,” Leona greeted them, smiling shyly.

She stood alone—unlike the other artists gathered in groups nearby. Carolie frowned for a second but quickly brightened her expression and spoke with the poise of a noble lady.

“Of course I came. I’m supporting you, after all. This is my sister, Calliope Anastas. And over here…”

“Otis Glayderth,” he introduced himself smoothly.

“Oh, I didn’t realize I was in the presence of such esteemed guests,” Leona said, giving a polite nod.

Leona, small and slender, greeted the two politely, then gave them a bright smile once their eyes met.

“I never thought I’d have an exhibition like this. It’s all thanks to… um, what should I call you now?”

Faced with not one but two young ladies from House Anastas, Leona hesitated over the proper title.

“Just call me Lady Carolie,” Carolie said proudly.

She seemed genuinely fond of the young painter and had no problem allowing her to use her name. Then, Leona turned her attention to Calliope. The two stared at each other for a quiet moment before Calliope offered a kind remark.

“You’ve accomplished something impressive at your age.”

“Oh, I’m not that young. I’m practically of marriageable age now.”

Both Calliope and Otis shared a strange look. She didn’t even look fourteen—marriageable age? Noticing their expressions, Leona scratched her cheek awkwardly.

“Ah… I’m seventeen this year.”

“Seventeen?”

“We were very poor. I didn’t eat much, so naturally… But since Lady Carolie started supporting me, things have gotten much better at home. She even gave me a space to work. She’s my savior.”

“I’m no savior. I just recognized your talent, that’s all,” Carolie replied. Still, her lifted shoulders betrayed her pride.

Otis, who had remained silent, studied the young girl thoughtfully. Carolie clearly had a deep affection for this painter. Taking her away wouldn’t be a pleasant thing to do.

“Did anything catch your eye today, Lord Glayderth?” Carolie asked him, looking up with clear and confident eyes.

He paused for a beat, then shook his head.

“No. The works were all wonderful, but none suited my taste.”

“That’s a shame,” she said.

Beside her, Calliope gave a subtle, knowing smile. She didn’t notice that Leona was quietly glancing her way.

Not long after, Kaphir returned with the association director. Upon seeing Otis, he immediately bowed low—so low it seemed his head might hit the floor—then eagerly latched onto his side. With enthusiasm, he began listing off the artists he’d taken note of, naming their works in detail.

Leona’s name wasn’t mentioned.

Even though it was obvious which painting stood out most, her work wasn’t included.

By the time Otis finally escaped the building, having endured a long and detailed rundown, it was nearly lunchtime.

“Finished now?”

“You’re still here?”

While Otis had been stuck talking to the director, Calliope and her siblings had taken Leona outside. To him, it looked like they’d sacrificed him to make their getaway.

And yet, there she was—Calliope, leaning casually against the whitewashed wall, waiting for him. For some reason, seeing her there eased his lingering fatigue.

“Rough morning, huh?” she said, her tone teasing as she motioned toward the carriage where Carolie was already seated.

“You listened to me earlier. How about we have lunch together?”

“When did I ever agree with you?”

“So… are you having lunch with me or not?”

Otis was supposed to grab a quick lunch and head straight back to his office. With his father, the Duke, busy socializing ahead of his mother’s upcoming birthday, all his responsibilities had been dumped on him. His desk was overflowing.

Logically, he should have declined and gotten back in his own carriage. That would’ve been the wise, efficient choice.

“When did I say I wasn’t having lunch?” he grumbled.

Calliope glanced at him like he was an adorable, sulky child, then stood straight from the wall, her expression satisfied.

Otis had a flood of thoughts in that moment. Was it appropriate to have lunch alone with a woman who already had a fiancé? And was it appropriate for a woman with a fiancé to invite another man to lunch?

“Shall we go? I’ve already picked a place,” she said brightly.

“Lead the way,” he replied.

Why not? It wasn’t like anything improper was happening. As soon as she spoke, all his hesitation vanished.

“…So this is what you meant by lunch,” Otis muttered.

He and Calliope were seated in an upscale restaurant. As soon as the staff confirmed their identities, they rushed to summon the manager. The manager had come out smiling far too broadly, personally escorting them to an upper-level private room.

And now…

“I want steak!”

“I told you not to eat only meat.”

“Says the one who won’t eat onions.”

“I eat other vegetables, thank you very much.”

“What about you, Leona?”

“Oh, I’m fine with anything!”

Carolie, Kaphir and Leona, they were all here.

Otis wanted nothing more than to smack himself for not seeing this coming. But he had his pride, so he endured.

Across from him, Calliope smiled openly, finding his reaction quite entertaining. Under the table, she gently nudged his foot with hers.

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