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He noticed that the portrait had been hanging in her bedroom, and in quite a prominent spot. This discovery relieved him, and he felt a long-forgotten sense of relief.
Atalante was handling the housekeeper and servant matters. Upon hearing that the boy had broken another pot, she turned to him again, “How long do you plan on keeping this troublesome little one?”
The servants at home were considerate of his feelings, even when they reported things, they did so with a rather gentle tone.
Da Vinci was still checking the food provisions for the journey when he instinctively wanted to argue upon hearing her words.
Before he could explain further, Atalante simply and rudely interrupted him, “Don’t tell me how dependent this child is on you, or about your saintly attitude.”
“Leonardo, if you like children this much, you should marry her and have a bunch of them. No one will stop you from spoiling them as much as you want, understand?”
The man seemed to recall a memory, blushing as he muttered a sound in response.
“Children are just like those stray cats and dogs, always crying and fussing,” Atalante said, helping him with the saddle in a tone of clear disdain. “Even if you want to raise one, you can pick a more obedient child—those little beggars on the street are definitely more well-behaved than that little devil.”
“When I get back…”
“Give me their address, and I’ll send him home,” Atalante waved her hand, “Good heavens, you’ve changed so much in the past year. Falling in love doesn't mean you have to get stupid, does it?”
Da Vinci clearly breathed a sigh of relief. Such a cruel task, if left to him, he could never bring himself to do it.
He could vaguely feel how the child was using him, yet he was somehow compelled, as if something deep inside him was being pulled and he couldn’t resist.
“Please,” he said in a low voice. “Thank you.”
“Be careful on the road—hurry up and bring my boss back!” Atalante slapped the horse’s hindquarters, “Remember to comfort her well!”
Every time Hedy walked into the Doge's Palace, it felt like entering the lair of a giant dragon.
From the dome to the walls, nearly every surface was gilded and magnificent. The countless oil paintings and sculptures on display were even more grand than in a museum.
She returned here at midnight, tired from travel, and after a quick wash, collapsed into a deep sleep.
When she woke up, she felt as though she had never left. The room's arrangement had not changed at all, and the books she loved were still there.
In addition, there were fresh bouquets of dew-covered irises on the nightstand and the desk, and everything had been cleaned to perfection.
It felt as though the room had been frequently tidied up since her departure. Even the cook responsible for breakfast remembered her old preferences, always getting the balance of salt and spices just right.
After finishing her grooming, Hedy went to the office as usual to hand over her work.
She noticed a long line downstairs, with people coming and going, seemingly busy moving things.
"Dechio?" She called out, trying to get his attention. "What are they doing?"
"They're moving, madam," Dechio explained, standing by the window. "Half of the Doge’s Palace has already been emptied. It’s expected that in a month or two, everything will be moved out."
"Moving?" Hedy asked, her expression confused. "Where to?"
"To the southern hills," Dechio explained. "The gatekeeper said the lord has built a new palace there using Mr. Pitti’s manuscripts. It’s already in its final stages of renovation and decoration."
Palazzo Pitti?
She paused for a moment, suddenly realizing something.
Before she left, she had casually mentioned it to Mr. Lorenzo.
Now, it had actually been completed—the renowned art sanctuary, the Palazzo Pitti?
