Art Institute of Selenium

*Chapter 47*

"I can't breathe properly!" I whined when they tightened the strings of my corset.

"Just a moment, my muse," they said and held my waist properly while I was supporting myself by holding onto the wall.

I groaned and closed my eyes. Damn it... "I want to be a man in my next life..." I complained. "Or at least, women must cease practicing having a corset already..." I gritted my teeth in annoyance as I couldn't breathe properly.

They all chuckled at my complaint. I just rolled my eyes as I groaned one more time before Adrian said that they were done.

"Finally!" I exclaimed, facing the mirror. Frowning, my breasts were pressed so much. "Let's get to finish this, boys."

"Yes, my muse," they said in unison.

"My goddess, I prepared your clothes for today with the help of Sir Holland."

I turned to Frederick who was holding a navy blue tailcoat, white polo shirt, and white pants settled in their hangers. I nodded my head in approval as they helped me get dressed up. They even pulled my hair into a tight ponytail before Holland put some light cosmetics on my face and a pink beige lip rouge on my lips.

"My muse, here is your Venetian mask."

I smiled upon seeing the Venetian mask I haven't worn for a long time. "Bestow Frederick his mask, too," I said and took it to wear it. It was a full face mask that hid my full face. I smiled under the mask. I only used this when I had to pay the Art Institute of Selenium a visit.

I brought my three male servants to serve me, Basil to manage the carriage, and Frederick to guard me. We arrived here in Argenta last night and I was here to visit the art gallery to represent myself.

Starting tomorrow, they would be displaying the artworks in their art gallery for an art exhibition before by the end of the week, they would be holding the masquerade ball party for an art auction.

"We must go now," I announced before Arthur bestowed me my cane.

This was pretty normal, especially for those nobles who have the highest status in the noble and aristocratic society. If they wanted to show their power, they could show it by having a special cane with them.

In my case, I was doing the same thing. I wanted to show my power as the anonymous sponsor in the Art Institute of Selenium.

Since no one, even my father, knew that Novalie Argerich was sponsoring this notorious art gallery and was making artworks to be displayed there.

We rode in the carriage prepared by Basil by renting a fancy one after Frederick and I exited the hotel we were staying at. I also informed my three servants that they could take this as a chance to stroll around in the town square of Argenta. I even bestowed them a budget they would spend on which they gladly accepted.

I removed my mask and sighed, reclining in my seat. I even yawned as I was starting to contemplate what I must do while I was away from the Mooneve. I already threatened Reginald that if he did something to any of my properties, I am not going to spare him anymore.

"My goddess, what are you thinking right now?"

From glancing up at the ceiling, I turned to Frederick who looked so beguiling and attractive in his knight uniform and even in his mask which covered his upper face.

I clicked my tongue before I averted my gaze to the outside. "I am wondering if Reginald will defy me and wreak havoc in the pack. I am thinking that I will kill him as soon as that happens." There was a devilish smile stretched out on my lips.

He chuckled. "You are really evil, my goddess. I like it. I am willing to be with you through ups and downs."

I rolled my eyes. "You and your flowery words again." I shook my head which earned him a grin.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at the front of the art gallery. I put on my Venetian mask before Frederick opened the door for me and helped me to get down.

I inhaled and exhaled, feeling merry that I had arrived here now at the Onyx Manor located at the Argenta. It has been a while since I came here. I am thrilled to see more of the paintings displayed here.

"Let's go," I said as I smiled under my mask.

Before we entered, we were greeted by a man who was wearing a chestnut long sleeve polo, a ruby red suit vest, black trousers, and brown leather shoes. It was Sir Johnny Rollins. He bowed before me as soon as he saw the Venetian mask I was wearing.

"Greetings, Madam Noblete. It is my pleasure to see you again this year," he greeted politely.

I only nodded my head. There was no way I was going to speak so I needed to nod. Also, there was no way he would dare to address me on my name in public.

He looked beside me seeing Frederick. "Your escort, madam?"

Frederick stepped forward. "I am," he said.

Rollins nodded. "This way. Sir Charles has been expecting your arrival, Madam Noblete." He gestured his hand to follow him as he started sauntering to a different direction which was not the direction to where the paintings were displayed.

We followed him towards another chamber and were greeted by a bunch of more paintings inside. There were even more rooms as well which were study rooms which they accepted students who have an interest to hone their painting skills. I even saw some students busy painting on their canvas while the subject was a man and woman who were naked.

The blue carpeted floor had white intricate designs that added a pleasing look. Even the ceiling had some paintings as well. But I smiled seeing the depiction of the Moon Goddess.

We halted as soon as we were in front of a door that Rollins knocked on before he opened. "Sir Charles, Madam Noblete has arrived."

"Come on in."

Rollins gestured his hand so we could come in. We were greeted by a good smell of peppermint tea and a study room that consists of filing cabinets in each corner and a few bookshelves. I sat on the couch as soon as Mr. Newman stood up and greeted him to handshake him.

"I'll prepare some fresh tea and snacks," Rollins said as he took the teapot and stormed out of the room.

Mr. Newman looked at me with a smile. "It has been a while, Lady Novalie."

I smiled and removed my mask. "It has been a while. Mr. Newman," I said as I chuckled.

"How's your journey here to Argenta? Do you have trouble coming here?"

"Aside from snow on the way, I don't have any particularly difficult experience when arriving here," I replied.

Rollins entered holding a tray of teacups, teapot, and some snacks. Then he placed them on the coffee table and served me some tea.

"Rollins, did my knight escort you properly when you visited the manor?" I asked and took a sip of my tea.

He glanced at Frederick who was standing behind me before he nodded. "Indeed, my lady. Sir Frederick is very accommodating on your behalf."

"That's good to hear." I nodded in approval. I turned to Mr. Newman. "I am looking forward to the art auction by the end of this art exhibit, Mr. Newman," I said, smiling a bit.

He nodded and smiled. "There are elites who are expecting your new artworks, Lady Novalie. I am certain that all of the artworks you bestowed us to be put up for an auction will get sold," he stated. "Also, they are looking forward to your appearance as Noblete. Would you like to grant their request in the auction, my lady?"

I scoffed. "No. Never will I ever give them satisfaction on who I really am." I shrugged my shoulders.

Mr. Newman chuckled. "As expected. Does this mean you will only watch?"

"Indeed. I also would like to take a stroll to inspect the paintings." I giggled. "Also, if my paintings are sold out, I am planning to donate all of them to the Art Institute of Selenium. No need to take part of your commission."

His jaw dropped. I was fascinated that they would have that kind of expression. Mr. Newman placed his hand on top of his left chest and bowed his head a little. "As expected from Lady Novalie. We are grateful that you are one of our sponsors."

Sighing, I reclined in my seat. "My only goal is to help more painters like me to hone their skills. I am hoping that you will put them to good use, Mr. Newman. I have a high expectation of you as to how you allocate the donations the Art Institute of Selenium is receiving."

"You can trust me, Lady Novalie. I shall not put your donations in shame." I nodded at his response.

I spent more than thirty minutes with them before I told them that I would like to take a stroll having Frederick around. I put my mask back again before I bid my farewell.

"We shall see you in the auction, Madam Noblete," Mr. Newman said when Frederick opened the door. He couldn't be careless to utter my real name as I didn't want others to know that Novalie Argerich and Noblete are one person.

"I will certainly attend, Mr. Newman."

We were at the art exhibit where they displayed more of the paintings when Frederick settled beside me.

"My goddess, since when did you discover that you can paint?" Frederick asked while we stopped by one of the big paintings painted by my fellow artist.

I stroked my chin. "Hmm... Probably when I was ten?" I said, unsure.

He turned at me, wide-eyed. "Does this mean that you still have your paintings when you first painted?" he asked in enthusiasm.

"I think they are still displayed in my chamber back in Father's manor. However, I am not certain if Father removed them already." I shrugged. "He never paid attention to my achievements before so I wouldn't be surprised if he disliked my paintings."

"But he praised you for your tea. I am certain that your father wouldn't just toss them away."

I stiffened when he reminded me about that time I was crying in happiness after I told him my father praised me for the very first time. I suddenly felt humiliated because I acted like that. I thought I would feel uncomfortable after that and Frederick would start acting weird but our relationship as master and slave didn't change.

However, my heart and my wolf were already reacting to whatever his movements were. My attention was starting to focus on Frederick which I found unhealthy for my whole being.

It was really frightening but whenever I set my eyes on him, I suddenly felt at ease.

I was already expecting that Frederick would demand that we accept our mate bond already but he didn't insist on it.

"That is a different case, darling," I said as I finally snapped back from contemplating.

"It is the same to me." He shrugged. "Perhaps, Lord Jonathan is right. You two really have a miscommunication as father and daughter."

I rolled my eyes and didn't comment anything about it. "We must go now. We will take a stroll in the town square," I said as I decided to leave the art gallery.

"Am I not going to hold your hand while walking?" Frederick asked when he ran to follow me after I took quick strides away from him.

I arched my eyebrow. "Why would I allow you to hold my hand?" This man... He was becoming demanding every time he had a chance.

His lips turned into a frown. "But we are always holding each other's hands, my goddess." He sounded like a kid about to throw a tantrum.

"No. Cease from being a nagging one, darling. Just follow me." He huffed and nodded. I could already tell that he wasn't happy with my response. "Fix yourself or I shall have you sleep outside the hotel." He gasped and suddenly fixed his posture.

"How about our masks, my goddess?"

"Let it be. It is pretty normal here in Argenta that a person who has a high social status can wear a mask even in the daytime," I explained. Then we entered a certain restaurant after walking for a few minutes.

The receptionist greeted us with a bow. I told them that I would like to rent one of their exclusive rooms here which they immediately granted.

"Pick anything you want to eat today, darling," I said as I urged him to pick what he wanted.

"Yes, my goddess." He nodded. "Gammon and ham, peach pie, and hazelnut beverage," he uttered.

"Is that all, my lord?"

"Yes."

I arched my eyebrow, looking at Frederick as soon as the servant left. Frederick bounced at his seat when he saw me looking at him with a suspicious glance.

"Y-Yes, my goddess?" he asked nervously.

"You stated your order without looking at the menu," I said. "That's interesting. What do you think?"

His eyes widened a little before he chuckled nervously. "Um... I-I happened to hear it when one of their c-customers is... o-ordering their food, m-my goddess," he uttered, stammering.

"Hmm?" I placed my elbow on the table and rested my chin on my palm. "Why do you look like you're sweating then?" He gasped softly. "I am just asking, darling. Why do you look so alarmed?" I rolled my eyes.

"I-Is it?" He chuckled one more time before he exhaled sharply. I nodded as a response. "I-I see, my goddess..." I grinned and decided to stand up so I could straddle him. His eyes suddenly looked alarmed. "M-My goddess, w-what if someone barges in?"

I caressed his cheek while he was still wearing his mask and I was still wearing mine. I leaned forward. "Why do you look so alarmed, darling? Didn't you wish us to do this? I am just fulfilling my slave's wish who is an exhibitionist," I said in a sultry pitch. I caressed his shoulder. "Also, renting an exclusive room means you will do something nasty here, darling." I removed my mask and let it fall to the floor. I gently nibbled his earlobe which made his breath get heavier.

"My goddess..." His hot breath fanned in my neck as his hands gripped my frail, little waist.

"I am also an exhibitionist, darling. If you wish, we can have a few people here watching us having our playtime..." I started grinding myself on his bulging pants. I felt how hard he was already.

Frederick licked the slender of my neck. "How about your face, my goddess? They would see your face..." he said in his husky voice.

I didn't respond as I was enjoying myself grinding on his lap. But Frederick distanced himself a little before he removed the mask he was wearing.

"Please wear this, my goddess. I do not wish for you to expose your face if you do not want to," he said and offered me his black half mask with gold intricate designs in them.

I grinned. "Very well. You are really considerate, darling."

He helped me put the mask to mine before he suddenly captured my lips without waiting for my signal. In a blink of an eye, I found myself lying down at the table while Frederick settled in between my thighs, having an enticing smile on his lips.

I bit my lower lip seeing him. "Bring it on, darling. Please me," I urged him.

There was an enigmatic smile drawn out on his lips before he towered me and took my hands to either side of me. "As you wish, my goddess. I shall fulfill my duty to please you," he said in his hoarse voice before he hungrily captured my lips again.

I smirked as our lips attached.

That's my boy.