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It seemed her favorable opinion of Sophie had just increased by another notch.
After the servants served her coffee, Kyle approached Sophie and whispered something in her ear, Flattery is the best way to deal with someone like her.”
Sophie couldn’t help but chuckle. Who said her guild senior didn’t have the wisdom to navigate complex social situations?
“You and her will eventually share the same roof. She’s your mother-in-law, you can’t be at odds with her all the time. As for the noblewomen of the capital, you’ll need to socialize with them too. Today’s art exhibition is meant to pave the way for you. I hope you won’t let down my intentions, and that you’ll refrain from resorting to conflict in the future,” Kyle advised,
Sophie was touched, but also slightly exasperated.
Did Kyle always see her as someone who only knew how to use violence?
Since returning from Meadow Ridge, she had learned the proper etiquette and spent a year observing the rules of the Jaffe family. She knew how to conduct herself in the capital.
Avoiding unnecessary conflicts was her strategy-not because she feared them, but because she didn’t want anything to negatively affect Ryan.
For Ryan’s sake, she had adopted a peaceful mindset, seeing everything in a more positive light. Even today, Helen seemed particularly agreeable to her.
Meanwhile, Salvador was too engrossed in the paintings hanging on the walls to care about anyone else. His eyes were fixed on each piece, scrutinizing them carefully. If anyone attempted to make a comment that was even slightly critical, he would glare at them.
Who had the right to critique Kyle Spencer’s work? Did they really think they were qualified?
When Jeremiah approached him, Salvador shooed him away. “Go look at something else. I want to enjoy this in peace. Out of all these paintings, why do you have to be staring at the one I’m focused on?” Jeremiah retreated awkwardly. He had been admiring a painting that depicted the direction toward Fawnrun City, where snow blanketed the entire scene. The atmosphere it captured was so perfect that he had wanted to linger on it a bit longer.
Left with no choice, he moved on to the orchid paintings. Even in the harsh environment of Victory Pass, orchids could be found. Kyle’s depiction of them had reached a level of mastery that made it difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.
Yet, Jeremiah was still drawn to the paintings of the buildings and people in the frontier towns. Kyle must have lived in Victory Pass for quite some time, as many of his paintings featured the common folk, soldiers, buildings, and even scenes of daily life.
One painting showed two women arguing, their clothes simple but clean, as they carried wooden buckets to the well. Every village in the border town had a well. Although the people weren’t living in luxury, they were getting by.
The ceasefire had been incredibly important for these people. Regardless of whatever happened at Victory Pass and Fawnrun City, Jeremiah hoped that peace would prevail. Even if the two countries didn’t interact, it was crucial that war didn’t break out again.
After observing for a while, Jeremiah decided to shamelessly approach Kyle. “Mr. Spencer, would you be willing to sell one of your paintings to this old man?”
As soon as he spoke, everyone turned to look at Kyle. Even Salvador’s gaze was filled with eager anticipation.
As the king, Salvador could easily command Kyle to gift him a painting. However, he was hoping to acquire more. If the paintings were for sale, he could choose several.
Kyle smiled, and replied, “Mr. Murray, I’m afraid I can’t make that decision. I’ve gifted all of these paintings to my guild junior, Sophie. If she’s willing to sell them, I have no objections.” Immediately, all eyes turned to Sophie, filled with longing.
One by one, people began to approach her, each pleading for just one painting. They all promised not to ask for more. They knew that Kyle’s paintings were priceless, and they couldn’t afford too many.
Sophie understood that this was Kyle’s way of elevating her status-not just in front of the noblewomen, but in front of the king and the entire court. He was really going out of his way to ensure she received significant re
Sophie appreciated the sentiment, and joked with a smile, “Since everyone loves Kyle’s paintings so much, you’d probably all be complaining about me behind my back if I said I wouldn’t sell them.” “We wouldn’t dare,” said Davis, the Defense Minister, with a laugh.
Then he said loudly. “Even if you don’t sell them, we wouldn’t complain about you, General Devin. I’ll be the first to take issue with whoever dares do that!”
What a joke!
How could one criticize such a talented young general? Anyone who did would be in trouble with the Ministry of Defense!
The noblewomen outside exchanged glances. They were aware that Sophie had achieved military merits, but she was still a woman. How many men truly held her in high regard? Though Davis’ words seemed like a joke, his expression was serious
The ladies who had once spoken ill of Sophie with Eleanor now felt a pang of regret. If their disparaging words reached Sophie’s ears and offended her, they might have caused trouble for their husbands. Salvador looked at Sophie with a gaze that made his intentions clear. Pointing to a painting of mountain passes, he said, “Sophie, I won’t ask for much-how about just this one?”
Sophie replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, if you favor this one, you may take it. I cannot accept your money. It was Kyle’s painting, to begin with, and I wish to offer it to you as a token of respect.” Salvador shook his head. “No, I want to buy it myself. If I take it as a gift from you, wouldn’t you feel obligated to give one to the royal chancellor? And if you do that, wouldn’t you then need to give one to the prime ministers, and also the deputy prime minister? And what about the other members of the Cabinet?”
At Salvador’s insistence, everyone laughed.
They quickly suggested, “We’ll buy it. Your Majesty should accept it as a gift.”
“Are you implying that I can’t afford it?” Then, Salvador looked at Sophie and asked, “How much is this painting of mountain passes?”
Sophie smiled and said, “I’ll make a gesture of goodwill. Each painting is priced at one thousand silver coins. If any of you like one, you may purchase it.”
Everyone had expected her to set a high price, considering that Kyle’s paintings were worth a fortune and hard to come by. In fact, a starting price of ten thousand silver coins would have been reasonable. No one expected her to offer it for only one thousand silver coins.
Instantly, the room erupted into chaos. Excited shouts filled the air, with some unable to contain their enthusiasm and screaming with joy.
In the midst of the commotion, an elderly voice called out, “Jeremiah, don’t compete with me! I want these three paintings. Don’t shove-I’m about to fall. Rosalind, come quickly! Help me get the paintings. Ronald, stop that brute of a prime minister!”
The voice belonged to Trevor. He stretched out his arms and blocked off three paintings, including one that Jeremiah had his eye on. The two men were jostling with their shoulders, while the elderly royal chancellor urgently called for his granddaughter outside.
Rosalind reacted swiftly. Ignoring her manners, she hurried in and immediately wrapped up the paintings her grandfather wanted. Meanwhile, an old attendant by Trevor’s side was holding off Jeremiah, who could only watch helplessly as Trevor secured the painting he desired.
Jeremiah shot a resentful glance at his elderly wife. Why didn’t she have a bit more foresight? Why didn’t she come in to grab them?
Though he thought this, he dared not voice his complaints. Everyone knew that Jeremiah was a pushover for his wife, and that he had been afraid of her for half his life.
People began selecting their favorite paintings. Davis noticed that Rafael had not yet chosen anything. and asked, “Your Highness, have you not found anything you like? It’s no trouble if you haven’t, but at a thousand silver coins, it’s truly a bargain.”
Rafael had his arms crossed, a faint smile on his lips as he replied, “You may take yours first. Sophie is betrothed, and Kyle is particularly fond of her. I’ll ask him to paint one for me later.”
His statement was bound to provoke envy, and many shot him glares.
What a showoff, just like his mother!
The ladies present today all saw how Sophie stole the spotlight. Eve understood that Kyle was protecting her with his reputation.
though they were envious, they
With Kyle’s favor, Sophie was bound to be highly regarded by the civil officials. For example, someone like Trevor, who valued art above all else, would likely seek more Interaction with Sophie if he wished to maintain a connection with Kyle.
As for the king, the prime minister, and the defense minister, their attitudes today showed their high regard for Sophie, and this respect was not solely due to Kyle’s Influence.
Everyone had to admit that Sophie, once dismissed and devalued, had transformed into a favored figure in the capital.
After the paintings were purchased, Ryan was brought out to pay his respects to the king and the others. Sophie had deliberately shown Ryan’s face, highlighting him as the future head of the Duke of Northwatch’s household.
Though small in stature, Ryan stood straight and proud, evoking memories of the young men of the Duke of Northwatch’s family.
Sophie then led Helen and the other ladies to the side hall for tea. As she listened to their conversations, Sophie found the compliments much more pleasant. Occasionally, she heard praise that was genuinely flattering.