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The grapes had ripened earlier than usual, and the toxicity testing had been moved up by over a month.
If the rabbits in the cages remained in good condition, they might be able to leave in another three or four months.
The crowds of tourists were simply overwhelming; along the way, they had encountered four Frenchmen. Hedy observed their retreating figures, waving her hand to disperse some of the strong scent of perfume.
"Now the Doge’s Palace is nearly empty," she sighed, "The ladies and children have all moved there, but the oil paintings are still as abundant as ever."
"I heard that the new oil paintings at the Palazzo Pitti have already been hung in most of the rooms," Leonardo yawned, "We might be moving there soon. Later, Botticelli and I can take you hunting."
"Hunting foxes?" Hedy furrowed her brow, "Should we take Raphael with us when we leave?"
"Not just Raphael?" Leonardo paused, observing her expression, and after a brief hesitation, added, "Actually, Michelangelo, he also wants to come with us to Milan."
He had initially found the boy somewhat annoying, but ever since they had dissected that body together, the young fellow seemed to have become much more clingy. Not only had he gone through all the manuscript notes he’d given him, but he had also started drawing full-body anatomical diagrams.
What a talented young man.
…Take them all?
That didn't seem quite right, did it?
Hedy steadied herself, seeing that he was still watching her to see if she was angry. She held back a smile, maintaining a serious expression. "Well, that would require a much bigger yard."
"—Leave it to me!"
They finally agreed that they would leave around mid-November.
Both the ranch and the paint workshop business needed to be checked and settled, and Mr. Sforza had also written to Leonardo, urging him to return soon to help design the palace staircase.
After thinking for a moment, Hedy decided to go alone to confirm the matter with the lord in advance.
Lorenzo, by now, had become a bishop and lord with multiple prestigious titles.
The unification of religious and political power seemed to require just a single opportunity, and he had keenly seized it amid chaos and war, winning more spoils for the Medici family.
If everything continued to go smoothly, his sons would also gradually infiltrate the church, and they might even become the next pope.
Moreover, he excelled in almost every field, from politics to art, achieving perfection in ways even the most critical innkeepers wouldn’t fault him.
The only regret, perhaps, was his persistent gout.
Even after Hedy’s return, he had shown no respect for the supposed medical advice, disregarding any dietary restrictions concerning alcohol and food.
Wine and seafood, like parasites, had only added to his physical burden, and when the pain flared up, it would be as though his bones were being pierced, leaving him pale and trembling.
Cosimo had tried to advise against this, but there was little he could do beyond offering his opinion.
The attacks of pain now occurred one or two times a month, and after they happened, walking again required the aid of a cane to appear steady as before.
Hedy maintained a cautious attitude when it came to personal interactions with him, and when she went to report work, she would always bring Dechio along.
Though Dechio was also one of his people, it at least provided a sense of security.
She explained to Lady Clarice the basic principle that gout was incurable and made regular checks on the health of the children and herself.
She had done nearly everything she could, and as for the lord’s out-of-control lifestyle, there was little more she could interfere with.
When Hedy walked into the office, the man was looking toward the south, leaning on his cane.
