Find the One Who Abandoned Me - Chapter 67

In the portrait studio, Riona stood up and greeted her politely.
Calliope responded with a simple wave of her hand and sat down in the same spot, in the exact same posture as before.

Without saying much, Riona picked up her tools and began painting. The faint, rhythmic sound of the brush mixing in pigment echoed in the quiet room—she was clearly using a fair amount of paint.

“So, it seems like the work’s going well?”

“Ah—”

Startled out of her concentration, Riona looked up with a sheepish smile.

“I’m happy with how it’s coming along. But I’m not sure if you will be. It’s… different from most portraits. Not what people usually expect.”

“That’s fine. I didn’t look at the sketches for that very reason. And if I don’t like it, you can always paint another.”

“Oh, no thank you. I’d rather your first official portrait had my name on it.”

“You’re awfully ambitious.”

“Well, it was the daughters of this house who taught me how to be ambitious.”

“You speak much more confidently than before.”

Calliope smiled—not at all displeased. She remained seated, still as a statue, quietly enjoying the rare moment of peace.

Two hours passed like that.

Finally, Riona spoke again.

“This should be enough for now. I can finish the rest in the studio and have it sent to you. Thank you for your patience.”

“You’re the one who worked hard. Carolie’s been saying how excited she is that you get to paint my first portrait. She might even see it before I do.”

“Lady Carolie has always believed in me.”

“She has. I hope you two remain close. I also hope you become the most renowned artist she ever discovers.”

“I’ll make sure I do.”

Riona’s voice was quiet, but filled with certainty.

As she stood, a house servant entered the room and carefully helped her pack up her supplies. He was someone Calliope had assigned to assist her, after seeing how Riona always carried everything by herself. He would also ride with her to the studio and carry everything inside.

“Thank you, as always,” she said.

The servant smiled softly. He wasn’t very talkative, which made him easy to get along with—especially for someone like Riona.

After exchanging farewells, Calliope returned to her room—only to find Romanda and Celia waiting for her outside. It seemed they were here for a progress check.

“Oh! Lady Calliope, the dress is nearly done. We just need to finish the stitching and decorations!”

“I see. You didn’t have much time left before the debutante ball—must’ve been tough.”

“We’re going to work non-stop until it’s done. You’ll still have time for a fitting and adjustments.”

The two of them looked almost giddy, clearly confident in their work. It was obvious they’d come for praise.

“Well then. Let’s go take a look.”

“Yes, my lady!”

And when Calliope saw the dress, they proudly presented to her, she thought:

I’m going to be the perfect debutante.

Her smile said everything. The two women lit up, puffing out their chests with pride.

While trying it on, Calliope endured their over-the-top compliments—how stunning she looked, how perfectly it suited her, how it seemed tailor-made just for her. It was almost touching how hard they were trying to impress her and earn their place in the capital.

On the same day the dress was nearly finished, Riona returned with the completed portrait.
When Calliope arrived at the room where Riona was waiting, she wasn’t surprised to find Carolie already there.

“Oh, you’re here!”

But Carolie’s expression was… odd.

Gone was the excited chatter and overflowing praise she’d usually shower on Riona, the “genius artist” she proudly claimed to have discovered.

“Why the face?” Calliope asked. “Let me see the painting.”

“Well, uh, the thing is—”

“What? You don’t like it?”

“No, the painting is… amazing. Really. But…”

“But?”

“It’s better if you just see it yourself.”

Calliope glanced at Riona, who looked perfectly composed—no hint of hesitation on her face.

Then she turned to look at the painting.

And stood still.

“…I get why your expression was like that.”

“It’s just…”

Carolie hesitated.

“…it looks cold. Really cold.”

As the child had said, Riona’s portrait of Calliope was painted in sharp, almost chilling tones.
It wasn’t conventionally pretty—it wasn’t soft or warm.

The brushstrokes were bold, even harsh in places.
But the detail—every line, every shade—was breathtaking.

To merge such opposing techniques so seamlessly, to create something so stark yet so meticulous…

That was Riona’s gift.

“I really like it.”

“Your technique is, of course, excellent. Truly impressive. But sister, you do understand the meaning behind painting a portrait before one’s debut, don’t you?”

“It’s supposed to be preparation for matchmaking introductions. But I already have a fiancé, so doesn’t that make it alright? I really like this painting. I think it would be nice to give it to Isaac as a gift. Riona, would you be able to paint another one just like it?”

“Of course! As many as you’d like!”

Riona nodded eagerly.

“I was confident in my work, but I wasn’t sure if Lady Anastas would like it.”

“And you still decided to show it?”

“Because that’s how I saw you, Lady Anastas.”

There wasn’t the slightest trace of malice in her voice. Calliope felt as if Riona had looked straight into her soul. Was this what they called a genius, one with a devilish gift? Calliope gently brushed back Carolie’s messy hair.

“That’s what I like about you. Carolie, you should also praise the masterpiece your painter made.”

“Uh… really? It’s okay?”

“Yes. Who else could paint a portrait like this right now?”

“That’s true.”

“All of your paintings are outstanding, but I especially love this one of me. If you’d like, you may display it in your exhibition.”

“Truly? Are you sure?”

Normally, someone who modeled for a painting would receive a fee. But what sort of payment could you offer a noble lady? Usually, when a famous painter captures a noble’s portrait, simply being the subject is considered an honor. But Riona was still establishing her name. It wasn’t as if Calliope’s portrait would provide her with great benefits.

“Yes. I think it would be fun to show others.”

“Thank you so much!”

“There’s no need to thank me. Go on now. I’ll contact you again if I have another commission.”

Riona left, her face beaming with joy, while Carolie tilted her head in confusion.

“Is that really how Riona sees you? I don’t know… you’ve always just been kind to me.”

Calliope ran her fingers through Carolie’s hair and smiled.

“People have many sides. I’m kind to you because you’re you—not because I’m always kind to everyone.”

Carolie scrunched her brows, not fully understanding, but came to a simple and honest conclusion.

“So basically, you’ll always be kind to me? Then it’s fine.”

“Of course, of course.”

Besides the request from Kirke, Carolie was a sweet younger sister who truly cherished her. There was no reason not to treat her kindly.

What would happen if Carolie ever found out about Kirke’s special request was unclear, but it wasn’t something the Marchioness would bring up—she seemed terribly afraid of her daughter getting hurt.

Calliope smiled gently and lifted her hand from the child’s head.

“Alright, let’s go. The debutante ball is soon—we should start getting ready.”

“Seriously, you’re helpless without me. Let’s go!”

Following the girl’s confident stride, Calliope simply remained silent.

The highest hall in the royal palace—named in honor of the One God—was a place that felt like a blessing bestowed upon the young ladies stepping into society for the first time.

A grand chandelier lit by magic illuminated the ceiling, while smaller crystal lamps glowed in every corner, leaving no shadows. A wide dance floor and tables lined with assorted finger foods filled the space. Gold-threaded curtains and a rich red carpet made the hall unmistakably majestic.

Once a year, the capital hosted a grand debutante ball. Noble ladies from higher-ranking families could host private debut parties at their estates with prestigious guests, but Calliope chose the royal palace. It was a decision made both for herself—and for Isaac.

Nobles dressed in vibrant, peacock-like splendor arrived in small groups, exchanging polite conversation.

“I heard Lady Dylas is attending tonight’s ball.”

“Here? She’s often been seen at other events, but she hasn’t come to a debutante ball in ages, has she?”

“Apparently, she came to support a debutante friend.”

“A friend? I didn’t think she had close friendships with other ladies. Who is it?”

“They say it’s the eldest daughter of the Marquess Anastas.”

“The eldest daughter… you don’t mean the daughter from his first marriage, do you?”

“Yes. I heard they got close during a joint fencing class.”

“Fencing class? Hmm. That young lady must be quite unusual.”

“I also heard that another well-known young lady is debuting tonight.”

“Who? I’m not really up to date with all the gossip.”

“A baron’s daughter—I think her name was Nina?”

The women continued exchanging idle chatter. Lady Berchia and Calliope were the main topics of conversation. Meanwhile, across the hall on the balcony, a group of gentlemen discussed different debutantes.

“Come to think of it, some of the young men debuting this year are quite noteworthy.”

“Yes. For one, there’s Lord Otis Glayderth from House Glayderth. He’s always been a prodigy—he didn’t seem like a child even as a boy. Now that he’s officially an adult, we’d better start paying attention.”

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