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He waited silently for a while, then stood up to leave.
Just as he turned around, the machine suddenly started clicking, much like a hen about to lay an egg.
Had Hedy sent back a message?
He immediately sat back down, guiding the paper strip to slowly slide out.
Leonardo had originally intended to write something serious in the code, but for some reason, he ended up making a double entendre.
Only she could understand the other meaning behind that string of characters.
Ink spots began to fall evenly onto the paper, and he pulled it out bit by bit.
--.--....---.../-...------.---..
In the conventional code used at home, it meant the queen has been informed.
But in their secret language, the meaning of the code was... forever.
The man placed the paper on his chest, lingering for a long time before rising.
He missed her and the children; these days had been filled with anxiety.
Time spent with science was indeed swift and enjoyable, but there was always a sense of emptiness in his heart, as if something were missing.
He closed his eyes, and her face appeared once again in his mind.
His Hedy.
Gentle, elegant, insightful, perceptive lover.
Leonardo's throat moved slightly as he realized he should do something.
"Leonardo—wait, have you already assembled the machine?!"
"Yes," he turned to look at the professor, smiling elegantly, "Wecan return earlier than planned."
It would take about sixteen days to travel from Rome to Florence, and he could sketch along the way.
A bold idea began to form in his mind, as if a flame had rekindled in his chest.
When The Last Supper was completed, Hedy had specially set aside her duties to come and see it.
The painting was a collaboration between Leonardo and his students.
Her lover had designed the composition and the initial sketches, while some of the finer details were completed by Raphael and Michelangelo together.
Raphael was meticulous and vivid when shaping the figures, with an exceptional grasp of texture.
Michelangelo, on the other hand, was obviously a genius when it came to coloring, and his work on the atmosphere was nothing short of masterful.
Even though their teacher was far away, it felt as though they were in constant spiritual communication, making the final painting harmonious and unified.
One was a boy, the other a youth, yet they had already displayed an extraordinary talent at such a young age, leaving all of Italy in awe.
It was said that during the creation of the painting, Niccolo had also tried to get involved.
The young finance minister attempted to help by adding a few strokes of color or at least drawing a wine glass.
