Time to go back.

Chapter 35: Time to go back.

Kein's POV

After staying here for a week, I was done with the portrait, meaning I get to come home. I stood proudly in front of my work that was covered in white cloth as Vincent's parents' expression looked like they couldn't wait any longer. Mostly it was the Duchess but ahem.

"Duke Tristan, and Duchess Viviana. May I present to you the portrait we've worked so hard to accomplish. I would like to call this piece, [Cariñosa Familia]."

I dramatically pulled the cloth, revealing the family portrait where they all fitted together perfectly. The duchess clinging to the duke happily as Vincent was in the middle with hands behind his back but you can tell even if he looked serious in that. The gleam in his eyes seemed to differ.

I have successfully brought their colors of what kind of family they are in this portrait. I'm actually quite proud of myself this time. "Oh my! Splendid! Truly you deserve to have won the title of champion at the Luminaria Festival!" (Duchess Viviana)

The Duchess was first to react as she clapped in applause looking at her husband. "My love, what do you think? Isn't it amazing?"

The Duke nods as he approves of my work. "Oh my! He nodded! He's really impressed!" (Duchess Viviana)

Wow, I never thought a simple nod from someone would really make me happy right now actually. "Thank you for your kind praises," I replied back feeling great from all this nice attention.

Vincent smiles as he also nods. Like father like son huh.

"I already asked Nigel if we could get it framed. Mother, Father. Lady Kein has worked hard all this week to meet your expectations." (Lord Vincent) praised me casually as I scratched the back of my head.

"Aw thanks, Lord Vincent."

The Duke comes forward to me and hands me a coin purse which I hesitantly accepted- damn this is heavy. Is it rude if I turn down a gift from a Duke?

Besides, Vincent already had me covered with the audience with the first princess. I don't need money- "Urk!"

I lied, actually sure I have some gold left in me but I know I need money for my funds at making a shampoo but- I don't know why my Asian core values are still with me.

I just can't accept more payment- It feels too much! I've already troubled Vincent on getting an audience with the princess! "Um. Vincent already paid me with a favor I owed him."

The Duke shakes his head, "We won't leave you unpaid. You've done well indeed, small talented artists like you will have a hard time climbing up the ladder with no support. As my son's friend, I should help you with all I can."

Vincent, your dad is a saint!

Artistry is really considered a huge thing here. Nobles collect art, offer it the goddess of light, art is the symbol of creation and hope in [Puronia]. Meaning with my training and advantage of art lessons back of earth. I have an unfair advantage. "However... I don't think being an artist is the right career choice for me."

"Pardon?" (Duke Tristan)

My thoughts drifted me elsewhere and I actually muttered something I shouldn't have. Well shit, I quickly recovered from it and yelled, "What I mean is! Thank you so much, Lord Wolford!" as I gave him my Asian thank you bow.

I looked at the coin purse again and well, it was definitely full of gold. Vincent sighs as he accompanies me back to my current guest room. I said my farewell to the Duke and Duchess as I flopped back into my bed, "I'm going to miss this place for now. Your parents are good people."

Vincent crossed his arms as he leaned at the wall and replied seriously, "I have been looking at one of our properties that we don't use. I can give them to you if you'd like." (Lord Vincent)

I almost choked on my own saliva again and forgot how fucking rich nobles are to be even casually be giving out properties left and right- I sighed, moving to a sitting position hugging my knees. "Vincent! Thank you but that's overkill! Do you offer houses that easily to people?"

"Only to people who matter to me." (Vincent) answered seriously, giving me a worried look.

I was touched, but still I shouldn't trouble others with my own problems I want to resolve or else I'll become dependent on them. That's the last thing I would want. "I know you're worried about me coming back home."

"I don't even think that place is a home for you, Lady Kein. I haven't forgotten if I weren't there, Lucas would've done more damage to you and Lenard would be... devastated to see you in that state." (Vincent) looks away from my gaze as he mentions Lenard.

It's been a while I never got to ask if something has happened between them while I was gone.

Also the last time I tried to bring this up- we ended up talking about what kind of sexualities there are in the world and I think this has gone on long enough. "Did you two fight?"

Vincent groans, "Yes, we did."

He makes a mad expression I've never seen. He ruffles his hair in frustration as he continued, "He's being too... irrational."

"Uh-huh irrational about what?" I asked curiously now he's really looking like he got dumped.

"Firstly, he won't agree to let you move out. Second, he thinks he should be there to protect you always and Third, he thinks you're incapable of standing up on your own. While I suggested that you should use one of the properties as a temporary home- he refused."

(Vincent)

Wait a damn minute. So you guys fought over me?! Also it was about my wellbeing and where I should reside?! "That's sweet and all but why did you guys even talk about it- I thought you would keep the thing with Lucas a secret."

"Lenard already knows by now for I have reported Lucas's wrong doings to their father." (Lord Vincent)

"Oh yeah. You did. With all this painting business I've forgotten about it." I guess with the week away from that house my mind has definitely been a lot more carefree and unguarded and hey! At least I swear less now. "But don't the two of you think I get a say in this? Where do I

want to live?"

Vincent opens his mouth to answer but immediately shakes his head, "I... must've overlooked that. I apologize. We never actually even bothered to ask if you wanted to leave or to stay."

One thing is for sure. I'm definitely leaving that god forsaken house. However, the only problem is... will Lenard be alright on his own in that hell hole? "I know I would want to leave but the only problem is..."

"Lenard." (Vincent) continued for me as I sighed, hugging my knees again. I have bonded so much with Lenard that I worry about him.

"We're cousins. Ever since I've been in that house, the only time I ever see him smile is when he was with me. He doesn't smile with his brother, mother, heck I haven't even seen his father at all."

The thought of it makes me sick. Aunt Haren, prioritizes Lucas over Lenard leaving that little bitch spoiled like fuck. Now he thinks he can get away with whatever he wants.

That means including harassment and violence against me.

I wonder what the real Kein felt while dealing with all of this.

She must've been so scared, alone, and afraid.

The real Kein only had her diary and that little closet that she can't even fit on.

"Viscount Lenois their father, a man of mystery indeed still I know that he is not a kind man." (Lord Vincent)

"I really feel like Lenard is the only light in that place. Now I feel more horrible thinking that I want to leave but it's just so suffocating living there."

"My advice, Lady Kein. Do what you want. Lenard will soon understand your reasoning of wanting to leave. Do not fret. If you ever need help I am here to extend a hand." (Vincent)

I felt blessed that Vincent was willing to do this all for me. Although I feel horrible to have caused trouble this far, I'll try not to do that again. "I'm glad to have you guys by my side honestly. Even if you fought over me like a weird married couple."

"I wasn't aware that we were like that." (Lord Vincent) awkwardly scratches his chin and sighs. "I suppose, you'll also leave tomorrow then." his gaze looks fallen.

Even Vincent and I bonded together through my time here. I helped all that I can about his problems in expressing himself, to show that he's also normal and gaining his confidence of wanting the clothes that he wants.

I get up from my bed, walking towards him, patting his shoulders. I had to lean up a little because of our height difference but still, "Yeah I'll be leaving but it doesn't mean I won't see you again. It was fun playing chess with you and hanging around with Nigel."

I really meant it. This was one of the most relaxing times I've had ever since I came here. "If it's okay. I might visit you from time to time if I'm permitted."

"You will always be welcome here, Lady Kein." (Vincent)

With that said. I packed all that I needed, I asked Vincent if I can have the leftover paint and stuff, he said yes so I'm taking that too. Vincent surprisingly also handed me a lot of his second hand clothes. "Whoah this is super fancy. Vincent, are you sure I can take this with me? You already gave me some a while back."

"As I've said before. It's better than being stuck in my room not being used. So you're really doing me a favor by giving me more space, Lady Kein." (Vincent) laid down the clothes on my bed as it was already neatly folded. "I have noticed your shoes are also worn out. It's turning into a puppet soon."

I looked down on my worn out shoes. Oh I knew it was worn out, but I mean. It's not that bad? "I'll just buy a new pair of shoes later in the city. Thanks for being concerned about me as always boss."

I laughed as I placed the clothes on my [Storage Ring]. Vincent didn't like my boss nickname and I won't stop using it for a while. Vincent, disappointment with me just sighed and left the room.

I'll be leaving bright and early tomorrow to get back into that hell hole.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"Miss Kein, I will miss you immensely." (Nigel) says as he hands me over a pretty cardboard box with a ribbon wrapped on top. "It's for my apologies when the first princess visited. Sweets, for your journey."

I held down my tears. As slowly unwrapped the box that was before and realized- "Its... cake- Nigel you remembered! I thought you were kidding about it-"

"I was supposed to send it into your room, however lord Vincent told me to wrap it instead for you to enjoy on the road." (Nigel)

I look at Vincent who hides his blush, and he's embarrassed. He coughs, trying to look serious when he turns his gaze to me. "Lady Kein, if you're ready you can depart now."

I'm actually getting emotional over a cake. I love cakes. Also because I remembered, I'm going back to that hell hole where I'll know I'll be fed shitty crumbs. My food ration is coming to a close.

Thanks to the Duke's hospitality of giving me gold, I should definitely buy a new pair of shoes in the city and food that will last me a while.

I hugged Nigel first and then lastly Vincent. "Thank you." I muttered, feeling Vincent's soft, caring hands pat my head slowly.

"No, thank you. I had a wonderful time with you while you were here. Without you, I wouldn't have realized something but I'm still trying to learn more about it." (Vincent)

"Learn more about what?"

"When we talked about what kind of people we liked and I found that I don't mind being with a man or a woman. I also know now, you're a part of the... um... LG..." (Vincent)

"LGBTQA+ community." I finished his sentence for him as he laughs faintly.

"Yes, it's a bit too long to remember but I will try." (Vincent)

With that, with everything I needed stored into my ring. I left Vincent's home and was not that much excited going back to Aunt Haren's mansion. I looked outside the carriage, feeling far off.

I'm a little lonely now that Vincent is not coming with me.

I took out my sketchpad and decided to try drawing Rose for a while.

I wonder how she's been.