Miss Appraiser And Satan's Gallery
Chapter Three of Season 2: False Angels
Two days later, a thin cloud spread across the sky like a veil covering a girl's face.
John visits the mansion before noon and, as promised, negotiates with Virma and takes permission for Riz to come out. Although he was bad at speaking, when the time came, he was strong at negotiations. Riz wondered what the secret was.
That afternoon, he hurriedly left the mansion with John before Virma changed her mind. That said, only John was running around to prepare their luggage.
For Riz, she is quickly assigned to "be good and drink tea" by John and is evicted from her room without being given time to refuse.
Riz's older sister, Grace, appears while Riz is drinking tea in the lounge and contemplates her loneliness. Grace quickly tells the story of how a woman should not travel for a week and what she would do if she was attacked by thieves, but what happens is her opposite sister seems worried about Riz's health.
When Riz points this out, and thanks Grace, she is yelled at. Her sister's mood was extreme.
The one who came after Grace was her oldest brother with a wanderlust, Daniel.
It was said that he suddenly returned to the mansion. Since Riz took breakfast in her room, she did not notice her brother's arrival.
Daniel, when he saw Riz, shone and smiled. Riz thinks of himself as a sunflower.
“Ooh, who is this beautiful woman !? Is this woman my future wife?… Ah, wait, this is my little sister Riz! ”
"Yes. It's been a long time, brother. "
She stood up from her chair and pinched her dress to greet him before both of her hands were grasped by her brother.
"Why? Why you should be born as my real sister. If only we had no blood relation then you would be my soul mate! Very regrettable! "
"Yes you're right."
Since Riz heard this every time he returned to the mansion, he had long since gotten used to it.
The reason she continues to be single is because Riz, who is supposed to be her soulmate, is her younger sibling.
Riz likes this sister.
If seen from her facial features alone, she might be prettier than Riz or Virma.
However, he is a very big man. His silk shirt looked like it was about to explode and the buttons of his jacket looked tight. Riz remembered his average figure until the beginning of his teenage years. His personality is bright and he is intelligent. He was the Milton family's star of hope, to the point that his body and mind were praised as pure as an angel, but one day a misfortune could never be restored.
Two men and a woman pulled out a knife and debated her brother.
One of them was a noblewoman with a husband. His son stormed into their mansion with a shout of how Daniel seduced his mother, but he was instead mesmerized by Riz's sister with a single glance. Then a situation develops where the mother and child hate each other and finally the child chooses to commit suicide. When this happens, Riz lives in his grandparents' house, so he doesn't see the real disagreement.
It is said that Daniel's odyssey began from then on, and his weight increased before their eyes.
When Riz returned to the royal capital, his brother was already like this.
However, no matter what size, her soft brown eyes remained the same.
“Grace is in a fuss because of this and that, but I heard you spent seven days away from home with a young man…? You haven't even traveled with me, brother. ”
“Uncle Hine's art gallery was entrusted to me instead, so I will study in another studio to try and be useful as much as possible. The one who accompanied me was John Smith, art gallery manager. He also holds a license as an appraiser and I plan on asking him to teach me as well. Naturally, his background was confirmed. "
Daniel nodded many times, shaking his chin flesh, as he spoke of the arrangements he had decided with John earlier.
“John Smith, accepted as the adopted son of the former bishop, Petron, of the Seventh Church, and an appraiser of fine arts. His reputation as an appraiser was excellent, but no one had any special relationship with him. Also, no one knew about her life before she became an adopted child, and there were no records. "
Riz did not answer and just smiled.
His brother is smart and capable. By the time he came here, he would have already noticed everyone involved with the Milton family.
“Hearing that my cute Riz had a fiancee named Emil Carotion, I hurriedly returned to this country only for that person to suddenly die. The one who appeared next was this suspicious young appraiser. I can't stand this. First of all, I saw this John Smith man in the hallway earlier and didn't he seem to have a cold-blooded atmosphere? "
He is a calm and calm person.
He looked like a stiff person and could not understand jokes.
"He's very bad at talking, no, I mean he's giving a new expression."
Like the head of a sheep that has just been cut. Or like a mole.
He was clearly an incompetent person.
“She is a de—. Since he was an appraiser, he was rich with knowledge of art. ”
“No matter how smart he is, he is an ugly man.”
“The physical appearance is very neat. His attitude is graceful too. "
“A man is not just his face and head!”
"He was more devoted to taking care of me than the servants."
"I doubt about the weak who only serve others!"
“He's strong until we don't need a guard. He also protected me from danger before. "
“I'm sure he's free around women!”
“He doesn't seem to be messing with women.”
“... What is the weakness of the man !?”
“He was very bad at painting.”
“Hahaha, I won. I'm good at it, you know !? A man who is bad at drawing is unworthy and, as your brother, I would not approve of it! ”
“My brother, even if you ignore it from him, I am sure John is more than capable enough and he is a reliable person.”
“Riz, which side are you on between me and him?”
"Of course it's yours, brother, but I won't lie about John."
Daniel covered his face with both hands for a moment, wailing.
“... Riz.”
"What's that?"
“Until I agree to it, you must not kiss the man. Promise me. "
"Kiss? We don't have that kind of relationship. "
Daniel lowered his hands and shook his head with a dark expression like the night sky with the moon hidden.
“If this promise is broken then I, your brother, will challenge him to a duel.”
“Please don't. You will be defeated immediately. ”
“Riz, my heart has been stabbed repeatedly. Please don't add another attack on me. "
Daniel looked like he was about to cry and then reached into his breast pocket and took out a rolled-up parchment.
He held it out to Riz.
"What's this?"
A protective charm.
"This camel? Is this some kind of certificate? ”
“You're going to church in Kiwee district, right? I have some acquaintances there. Bishop Mile, James. ah, this is nostalgia. If you've ever been in trouble, show me this parchment. ”
Oh, he understands now. His brother knows a lot of people. He probably gave her a letter with a single sentence, 'Take my little sister'. If this was the case then it seemed like he could sneak into the studio without needing to ask for a bribe from Virma.
"Thank you brother."
"No, thank you is necessary though, if you want, how about we get married?"
"I can't marry my blood-related brother."
“There is next life. I am very patient and I can wait that long! "
“Until next life..”.
As long as he enjoyed a harmless conversation with Daniel, it seemed like John had also finished their preparations. He showed his face in the waiting room.
“... So it's the demon guy who pollutes my Riz...!”
Against Daniel's eyes, which were burned with jealousy, John gave a look that said "What's wrong with this man?".
Still, her brother's intuition was good. John is not a demon, he is a real demon.
“Be careful Riz. If that person tries something that breaks etiquette, you can stab him or her. "
I know, brother.
Leaving Daniel, who was burning with hostility towards John, he rushed to the entrance. There, Riz and John leave the house while being chased away by a teary-eyed Virma.
"Every member of my female family is noisy."
John murmured this with exhaustion in the carriage.
“John, what exactly did you say to convince my mother?”
Being able to stay outside for seven days was equivalent to a miracle. But when he asked out of curiosity, he did not immediately reply. Fixing her glasses, she looked away and Riz pushed her with one more word “Tell me”.
I'll tell you someday.
"Now."
"Not now."
"Why?"
"If I say no now then that means not now."
John smiled as he said this in a seductive tone.
It happened again, Riz thought with a frown.
His chest twitched whenever a smile was directed at him. And then a drop of brightness fell into his heart.
It takes about three hours by train to reach Kiwee district. The royal capital of Sprarugle covered a large area. Therefore, it takes time to travel even out of town.
St Church. Walham is a beautiful building with twelve towers.
It was built to be self-sufficient. It had a vast field and there was a forest nearby, which was managed by the Third Church, and therefore it was impossible for them to get into food trouble even during the winter.
The name of the church was taken from a beekeeper, Bille Walham. When this man moved to church, he donated all his bee gardens. Then, one day, when a group of ferrets came to his house, Kiwee district, and tried to damage the fields. It is said that at that time a golden bee flew out and drove away the ferret.
It is also said that the honey collected by the bees has saved people suffering from the disease.
From this story, honey became a typical food in the Kiwee district, even today.
After they arrived at the carriage stop, which was located on the left side of the church, John and the coachman divided the task of bringing the luggage down between them.
"One day, I spoke to Madam Virma and requested that a letter be sent to the trade association and I obtained permission to check the studio, but ..."
He muttered this doubtfully as he looked around.
Riz was confused because there was no greeting.
He would not stay outside and planned to borrow a room in the church.
Most churches are equipped with accommodation. Instead of being used for pilgrims, it was used to guard or hide nobles with special circumstances.
Therefore, accommodation for the purposes of the nobility is neat and clean. Depending on the situation, one can even hire a chef from a nearby town. He believes John also knows this, which is why he didn't take away to the inn in town.
In any case, should we go and greet the head priest here?
Come onl.
The suitcases and carriages will be supervised by the coachman, so Riz and John approach the front door of the church.
History of the Church St. Walham was young and the building was new.
That said, it has been 400 years since it was built. The church's magnificent white walls, along with the needle-like towers, darkened due to years of wind and rain. In the front living room, an angel with a raised staff of bishops greeted the visitors and three doors led to the center.
Sometimes, Riz thought that the sincerity, beauty, and divinity of the church were not only created through human knowledge and techniques. At that time, God must have been beside the craftsmen and there were incredible blessings and miracles.
The candles that adorned the walls of the alley shook. It was almost night and, even inside the church, his breath was white as he exhaled. It might snow soon.
They arrested a priest who walked through an alley and asked him to take them to the chief priest. But now he is praying. From the corridor, they moved to the top of another tower and ended up waiting for a while in the living room.
It was about 30 minutes before the old priestess, with a friendly face, appeared.
He welcomes Riz and John, but he also acts strange. Due to her poor health for several days, she asks a priest named Mile to guide Riz and John.
The chief priest called Mile here and told him to guide Riz and John to their inn.
The tall mile pretended to be sincere in front of the head priest, but he showed his true character only to Riz and John as they exited the corridor. He obviously found them troublesome.
“To come this far to our church, you nobles are eccentric. If you're here for religious painting, doesn't the Seventh Church have more? "
“I heard this church painting is also amazing.”
“Nona Riz from Milton house, I don't know if you will be satisfied..”.
As he listens to the sarcasm that comes out of his mouth, he knows that it is not only him personally that he rejects but also Milton's home. This was a land under the protection of the Third Church, so it was unnatural to be wary of Milton's house that favored the Seventh Church. Speaking of that, Riz recalled and took out his brother's letter from his breast pocket. She was sure her brother mentioned Mile's name.
When he handed the letter over with, "Sorry, here", it was more effective than he had imagined.
“What !? This is ******** that, Daniel's… !? So that man is part of Milton's house !! ”
Mile paled before Riz's eyes and then started treating him with respect. She was a little curious as to what her brother was like, but decided to act as if he had seen nothing.
After their luggage was taken to their accommodation, he wanted to head immediately to the painting studio but was stopped by John.
“You boarded the carriage for three hours. You need to rest for today. ”
For sure, he felt fatigue overloading his entire body. He may feel more tired from the cold as well. After thinking about their plans starting tomorrow, Riz obediently complied.
John was naturally in another room but late at night, when he was sleeping, he felt his head was caressed by her. Maybe it was a dream.
If that wasn't the case, maybe it was his wish.
Riz went to the painting studio the next day after lunch.
It looks like it snows for a few minutes in the morning and the air is cold and humid.
Thanks to that, John's overprotective increases.
“How about we break for another day?”
"I'm fine."
“This must be too cold. Miss, your hair and skin are pale and it looks like you are going to disappear with the snow. "
“John, I'm fine.”
"Please dress warmly."
A robe, with enough fur to make his shoulders feel heavy, covered his body. His ears are also covered in hats. Riz wondered if perhaps most of their luggage was the clothes he used to endure the cold? He's feeling a little dizzy.
A painting studio was set up somewhere away from the church. It was a brick building with a domed roof and an official sign hung on the top of the wall. The large and round stained glass windows are very beautiful.
He didn't realize it yesterday, but he could see a small town on the plateau on the west side. There were houses with triangular roofs, chicken farms, tailors, dining rooms, and tall red buildings.Even he, who knew nothing about the world, knew what it was. It was a brothel. He was a little surprised to see this large brothel that did not match the size of his city, but, a moment later, he understood it to the nobleman who visited the disguise.
On the north side of the church are two layers of sturdy stone gates towering high that surround the royal capital. The outer gate is white, while the inner gate is blue. This corresponds to the color of the coat of arms of the country.
There are similar brick buildings built around the painting studio. There seemed to be warehouses, additional workshops, and resting places for the workers. There was a large waterwheel with a roof, waterways, and a dining room also built. It seemed like there was a cook stationed there as well so no one had to go to the dining hall in the plateau.
However, his studio was also not far from a highland city.
It was a distance that women and children could reach without any problems. In fact, the townspeople used winding roads to visit the church.
When Riz peered into the painting studio whose door was open, a man about fifty years old and who looked like the head of the hangar turned to face the large canvas.
He walked over, clad in a dirty apron from a painting tool. Riz pinched her dress and bowed respectfully.
"I'm sorry for interrupting when you're in the middle of your work."
“Ah, no,” the man shook his head in displeasure, but then his eyes suddenly widened and he stared intently at Riz.
"Are you Miss of Milton's house?"
"Yes. I'll take care of you for a few days. ”
“Then I apologize. I'll welcome you, but I'm becoming engrossed in my work. "
The man scratched his chin, on top of his beard, and smiled.
“I heard about you from Father. That you seem to be the owner of the gallery, miss. My name is Knox, and I am the supervisor of the painting studio under the Church of St. Walham. ”
“My name is Riz Milton and this is my maid, John Smith. I was planning a competition next year in my gallery with the motif of the Goddess of Spring and, hearing rumors about promising artists in this church, I rushed hoping to see their work. I was sure it wouldn't get in the way, so I wondered if I could see the artist's work and work environment? ”
He hid the main reason for their visit and made a corresponding lie.
“For someone as beautiful as you who came so far makes us shy.”
Her tone was friendly, but her eyes clearly conveyed "This little girl is the owner of the gallery?". Seeing no fear before Riz who looks like a noble, suggests that Knox himself may have a high status. Or is vanity possessed by an artist?
“The church door is always open, and our studio is almost the same. Please, don't hesitate to look around as you please. However, I was worried that I had plans to leave for the neighboring city in the afternoon. I'll ask Navi, my student, to be your guide. "
"Thank you for your consideration."
That was the answer, but in Riz's heart was shocked. As he peered towards John beside him, his brows were also slightly interested.
Knox says that its own business is prioritized as if it were natural. He underestimated them. Riz thought of revealing his strongest weapon, Daniel's letter, here as well, but decided against it in the end.
“Navi! Coming!"
Knox called out to an early tens-year-old boy who was cleaning in a corner of the room.
The boy, with spots scattered on his nose, closed the lid of a medium-sized copper can that seemed to store art supplies and came up with nimble movements.
He made people think of a horse that was rich in curiosity. Her eyes are big and her hair is chestnut colored.
“Show both around studio.”
Yes, director.
The boy nodded obediently and turned his gaze to them. He looked surprised and then timidly lowered his head.
"Alright, please take your time."
Knox says this, without hiding how he looks like he is freed from the hassle, and rushes away. Riz was confused by his exaggerated attitude, but he immediately looked into the studio.
It seemed like this studio was divided into two rooms by a wall, as if it was a hard round bun.
It was possible that the room behind the wall was divided even more.
There were many paintings arranged side by side on the wall opposite the entrance. There's a door at the end and it might go on to another room.
This side is a room to see guests and several chairs and supports are placed here. Maybe because of the time, but there was no one else in the room. Looks like the workers are crammed in the dining hall.
Riz tilted his head. Judging from how the works here were open to the public, he knew that this place was frequented by art dealers. If an artist could attract the attention of a noble then most likely their future would be open.
It was for this reason that the churches also had studios, but Knox took a careless attitude as if it were not strange if he brought their discontent.
Although Riz was female, this attitude was somewhat unusual. Did he act like it knowing that Milton's house supported the Seventh Church?
“Um... Miss, er, Mistress, do you want to see the painting?”
Navi shouted while agitated. For a moment, he was stunned. The madam?
"Ah, Master, you too, please."
Navi turned to John, as if she had just remembered him.
It turns out that the simple boy is in love with Riz's physical appearance. If she was a young girl, then no doubt her consciousness would be snatched away by John. Still, trying to correct Riz's address for "Mrs" and calling John "Mister" meant — they were mistaken for a married couple.
“Can we approach the wall?”
John asked Navi. Navi nodded a lot.
“Riz, let's see the painting.”
Riz is shocked when his name is called by John without warning.
Come on now, he seemed to be saying it by extending his hand to her. He put his hand in his hand, pulled, and led to put his hand on the curve of his elbow. No way, John was escorting her like a normal man.
“John.... when did you grow up?”
“Read the atmosphere, Mistress.”
Riz subconsciously lowered his head as he whispered it into his ear. He can't hold back. Oh, my God, what's going on here. Did John's voice render him useless?
“How many artists does this studio have?”
Navi turned to answer John's question.
"Eight people, sir."
And are all the paintings of the eight people here?
"Of course, sir."
Every time he was called "Master" John held back a laugh.
“Come, Riz, look at the painting too. Let me know if you find a piece you like. ”
Although his voice was soft, his eyes were sparkling for a reason. He told her to make sure if there were any suspicious paintings or not. Riz turned his eyes to the wall. The wall that separates this room from the other side, has a total of 38 paintings, including one that looks like a study.
Their size is everywhere. From watercolors to oil paintings, the pigments used are everywhere. There is also a painting that adorns the wall where the entrance is located. Looks like the main painting is on the wall that separates this room. The product is clearly different.
He closed his eyes and looked at the painting.
Are there traces of demons everywhere..is there any distorted paintings mixed in?
“…?”
—This is weird. There aren't.
He didn't feel anything strange. Each of them is good — in its own way.
Just in case, he also checked the work displayed on the entrance wall. This seems to be the work of an apprentice craftsman. The majority of them have flaws that stand out from a technical perspective.
“How are you, Riz?”
“Ya, this is a good work.”
His gentle response seemed to convey his point.
"I saw. You enjoy yourself at that moment. By the way Navi, is there an artist by the name of JL? ”
"Yes! You mean Mr Julius Lampson, right? There!"
The boy pointed to the top of the wall. It was a picture of a praying believer.
It was good but, like other works, he had no further impression.
In this case, Riz felt the rough sketches he saw in his own art gallery more attracted his attention. He was unable to find the finished work from the rough sketch.
He would ask if it was displayed or not when John opened his mouth first.
Navi, is there a painting of a flock of geese here?
"Why?"
"really. A swan flew over the flower girl who was walking up the hill. An acquaintance of ours showed us this rough sketch and so we came here, interested in other works of hers as well. ”
“Ooh, yes! I'm sure the painting is. "
That exist?
"I'm sure the painting you're talking about, sir, is a painting decorated in a church."
The boy was excited and immediately replied.
“Church... Are there other works on display there as well?”
"There's a lot!"
Navi leaned forward and declared this.
“It looks like Mr. Julius is an accomplished painter, huh!”
Expert painters?
Riz and John were asking this at the same time.
“Because God is in Lord Julius' painting!”
Navi puffed out her chest and declared this proudly. Green eyes sparkling.
Riz exchanged glances with John under Navi's notice. He did not think this cheerful boy was lying or trying to deceive them but— the things he said were very suspicious.
“What do you mean specifically when you say God is in His work?”
John asked this while staring at the painting on the wall. Riz followed his line of sight and looked at them as well.
The value of a painting changes greatly depending on the appraiser or its time period. There are cases where the painting will be evaluated as trash for one person and a work for another. Riz thought of this; a painting where God exists. Maybe it didn't appear in his eyes, but maybe the figure of God appeared in the eyes of innocent boy—?
“Is the painting talking or something?”
Lord, God does not need words.
The boy accepted John's sarcasm with a smile.
Riz looked at the boy who suddenly looked grown up. The candle on the workbench swayed and he felt like a dim shadow on the boy's leg was swaying in the same way.
“You will understand if you see the painting. Because your heart will tremble. "
Navi clenched her hands together like a prayer and said this to them in a confident voice.
It seems to be called the eight holy painting.
Formerly a treasurer, the room now called “This Damai” Room is decorated with 16 paintings drawn by eight artists from the church's painting studio. It is said that each work was completed on a theme recorded by the 16 biblical apostles. Two works per person.
Riz looked at the painting clockwise. Some of them are continuous paintings.
The reeds swayed under the winter sky, a man and a woman stood under an apple tree, a girl played a harp, an apostle in conversation under a tent, a worker carrying a heavy load, a, people suffering from the plague, angels of blessing descend to the window sill at night, animals gather in the blue springs, a saint and an old woman stand by the pear tree, horses were running on the plains, monks lighting up the dark night, ashes were falling on the ruins, the city with its doors closed and fear of disaster, foreign merchants were selling salt, and farmers were planting seeds in the fields.
Their purpose, paintings of swans and red-haired flower girls walking on the slopes were also there beside paintings of workers. It was the full version of the rough sketch Riz saw in his art gallery.
This room, built at the opposite end of the confessional, is octagonal. There were four paintings on the whitewashed walls right in front of him, and the remaining six sides each had two paintings. The only side that has doors is not decorated with paintings.
There was a semicircular pillar at each corner of its side and an angel statue was placed there. There is no window.
What was surprising was that in this narrow Chamber of Peace there were many people pushing in.
They stared at the paintings and prayed as if they were staring at a saint.
At this spectacle Riz felt a hint of fear before there was a feeling of shock. He saw something no different than idolatry. Did the priests not notice this dangerous possibility?
In the Quito Ezira Empire it was strictly forbidden to make works of art as objects of worship. Artistic movements that live and worship idols have very different meanings.
One can feel the existence of God through art, but putting something created on the same level as God is unclean and blasphemous.
Navi, who led them here, looked at the people who were concentrating on praying and smiling.
"People come here to worship without missing a day."
"Every day? The priests didn't stop them? "
Perhaps John had the same concerns as Riz for asking this in a stiff tone.
"No way! They could not do something cold like driving away the people who came here to seek safety! "
The pure boy looked at John with flared cheeks as if he was telling John not to say such damned things.
“Everyone is really religious and a good person.”
"… Good."
Riz and John, who were standing near the entrance, looked at the worshippers with doubtful eyes and then went inside.
Even so, Riz was reluctant to put them aside because they were seriously praying to examine the painting. Maybe after night, the line of worship will end. He could have checked the painting slowly.
He wanted to ask about the artist who first used this free time.
Are they aware of the fact that their work is an object of idolatry? What would they do if this frightening situation was known to the seven great churches? St Church. Walham will be misunderstood for spreading heresy and investigation will take place. Once that happens, there will be no way to be saved.
“John, come here again later.”
He told John this and left the Room of Peace. Navi also followed them cheerfully.
Just in case, he looked around the inside of the church. While examining wall murals, ceiling murals, and sculptures, he came across several works of art that had symbols of blasphemy. However, unfortunately, it did not seem to be related to their current problem.
"You don't have to worry about this job."
John says this in a soft voice so that Navi, who is walking behind them, does not hear.
"Why?" Riz asked while lowering his voice.
"They were deliberately placed."
“This is different from distorted painting?”
“The artists made those blasphemous signs, knowing what they were. They protect the demons that are allowed to visit the church and their arrangement is also considered a path. They are always made to face the holy statue. The devil cannot live in it. "
Now that it was mentioned, there was an angel statue placed on the opposite side of the Seventh Church's saint beast. He understood now; was it to guard the demons?
As they walked through the corridor, they saw the cloaked priests and some men talking.
Those people were wearing linen apron with paint on it. This is an artist.
“Ah, Mr Julius!”
Navi said with bright eyes. It seemed like the voice reached them as they all turned around at the same time.
Riz noticed that among the priests there was Mile who drove them to the inn yesterday. His expression vanished upon seeing Riz and John and hurriedly ran away without greeting them.
It was not that I was afraid of Riz and John because of his brother's letter. He was curious about what kind of relationship he had with his brother, but it was probably better that he didn't know.
The priests and other artists left there looked at him with curious gazes.
Navi approached one of the artists with light steps.
That guy was probably Julius. Riz was secretly watching him. His facial features are different and he has a masculine face. Long black hair tied up behind his head.
The painting of a swan herd had a calm style, so he expected an old painter but it turned out that he was still young. Maybe around the mid-twenties? He seems to be the youngest member of his group. The others looked to be between thirty to forty years old.
It seemed like the artists noticed that they were not worshippers of their appearance and they looked at them with curious gazes.
Julius put a hand on Navi's shoulder and walked over here with her. Riz and John approached her.
“Are you two probably from the capital?”
Julius asked this with a gentle tone that could not be imagined from her extremely beautiful appearance.
Riz gave his name as he did with Knox, the director, and bowed respectfully.
There were various reactions from the artists after learning that he was the owner of an art gallery. There were those whose eyes glittered with hope, some were wary, some looked as if expecting someone to come to hunt them down, and some were uninterested.
Julius smiled helplessly.
From this expression alone, he did not look like a greedy person.
“It looks like Madam came here because of your job!”
Julius tilted his head at Navi's excited voice.
"Mine?"
He said it was a swan painting in the Peace Room!
“So... Is that true? If so, it's an honor. "
Julius turned to them and smiled shyly. Riz is more interested in the reactions of other artists than he is. There was envy born within them, but more than that their faces turned pale.
He met the eyes of one of them. They try to be natural and take their eyes off.
“Each work is interesting.”
John says this and takes a step towards Julius.
“Everyone's work seems to have gathered the faith of the worshippers. As if it was idolatry. "
John's words were too direct.
Julius' smile froze. Tension runs through other people as well.
“Does everyone feel more valued than the teachings of the priests? The donation must be amazing too. I have seen the studio outside and the equipment is no less than the one in the capital. If there is this benefit then you cannot stop displaying those paintings, right? ”
"Stop, John."
The devil has too much freedom.
However, this surprise attack seemed to have its own effectiveness. Two people looked shaken. There are also pure angry. The artist Riz saw earlier was one of the first.
Julius slightly furrowed his brows in displeasure. He wondered which of these two reactions. Was he angry that their guess was correct, or did he want to deny that it was for the sake of fame and donation?
“How can you say such bad things, Sir!
In the tense air, Navi was the first to raise an objection.
“Do you suspect these teachers are gathering believers for money? You're wrong! This master painting was truly beautiful, so everyone came to pray after being touched by his heart! ”
Navi clenched her fists and insisted.
Because their paintings are moving!
"Moved?"
As Riz asked this, Julius pulled Navi's arm in a panic. He might want to silence her.
But he wanted to hear more details. Riz was already squatting in front of the boy. Everyone looks shocked. Navi's reaction was even greater; her face flushed red and she became confused.
“M-Mrs! Please stand. ”
"Navi, is Mr Julius' painting really moving?"
“Y-yes, um..”
Not something like a holy mother crying or something?
“E-erm, uh..”
Navi peeked at the expressions of Julius and the other artists many times before looking down with a troubled face. He seemed to regret saying too much.
Riz, praying in his heart that it was time for his facial muscles to work, looked at Julius.
“Of course, I came to Church St. Walham to appreciate the works are notoriously beautiful, but.the first reason is because I want to deepen my knowledge of the teachings of God.”.
"Mrs…"
Navi's eyes widened as if this was a realization. The artists were also stirred with a quiet "Ohh. Only John's eyes showed a look of despair.
“I want to see God's work by all means. Please, won't you show me the way to this lost and miserable sheep? Yes, your words are light, your eyes are hope, and your forgiveness brings salvation to the earth. ”
There was no doubt that if Greco heard this, he would laugh out loud at this moment. That's the exact word of the Bible.
But these people are simple. Especially Navi who clapped in joy.
“So Madam came here to pray too! If Madam lives here, you can definitely see the appearance of God as well. Because these 16 master paintings are 'magic paintings'. ”
Miracle.
“The first to bring 'miracle' was Mr. Julius's painting of a swan herd. The direction of the swan's flight changed. The next day, a fire broke out in that direction. "
Julius probably thought he couldn't stop Navi's enthusiasm because he showed a resigned expression.
“Next is reed painting. One of the fathers saw it, but it sounded like reeds swaying in the wind. People began to whisper that this could mean God was near and was showing that a storm was coming to this place. So everyone's planning a storm. "
"And the storm came as expected?"
"Yes! Those who believed in the painting and were preparing to be saved, and those who thought it was foolish were wounded and suffered. "
"Is there another 'miracle?"
"There! The angel depicted in the painting who spoke of the horrors of the plague pointed to the well. Thanks to that, we learned that decay in well water can spread outbreaks. "
Navi explained the contents of the miracle with a proud face.
"Then everyone believed this sacred painting of the abode of God's will and came to worship?"
Right, Madam!
The artists glared at Navi with grim expressions. Julius's face was more grim than anyone.
“Mrs Riz, indeed the church has received donations and many say they want to see the sacred painting, but we artists have not received money or goods. We also use our income from the monthly bazaar to support the poor and orphans. ”
Julius firmly said this.
“Moreover I personally do not seek fame. If there is only one person who sees my painting and feels comfortable then that is more than enough. "
It seems like the others are not so unselfish. But Riz swallowed back those words. He wondered what John was feeling after hearing this. Thinking that, he turned to look at her reaction.
John watched the artists with cold eyes.
When the worshippers who came down to the church finally came home, the darkness had already begun to dim the air.
Riz and John return to the Room of Peace and quickly start checking “magic painting”.
Everything is oil painting.
John held the lamp and roughly looked at the painting displayed on the wall. During this time Riz put the candlestick he carried on a small table. Therefore, this was actually prepared by John.
One lamp is unreliable in this darkness. Moving the fire to the portable candle holder Riz also moved to his side. The breath he breathed was white. Cold air crept from his feet and made his body shiver.
"John, about the miracle we heard from Navi, do you think it could be" God's message "made man who uses darkness?"
Riz shook his candlestick left and right and tested his personal theory.
"Like this, when I shake the light in the dark, it seems like the painting is moving."
You mean psychological illusions?
John looked at her as if he was interested.
"There's no window here so it's dark in the daytime too, right?"
What I think about is an optical illusion.
"Sight illusion?"
“Eye-misleading painting, such as a straight line that looks crooked, a line that is the same length but looks shorter, or a size that looks different.”
“There is such a strange painting?”
“I've seen them abroad. However, the one here is different from the designed painting ... "
John said this in a tone as if he was talking to himself and raised the lights at eye level.
Although a demon, he was perfectly suited to the atmosphere of the church. The sight of him raising the lamp in front of the painting gave a serious impression.
“Another thought I have is to use this enclosed space and deliberately make the space drunk.”
What he looks at sharply is Julius's painting of a swan herd.
Riz did not open his mouth and waited for his next words. The calm light of the lamp dyed his cheeks in orange. His black iron eyes were like tears that fell in the darkness.
“No windows built in Peace Room. Under these circumstances, if believers gathered, breathing would be difficult and this would happen especially in the summer where the air is heated. I guess there were some who even fainted. "
So their dazed consciousness would be misinterpreted as intoxication or glorification?
"really. We saw on that day many people were earnestly praying. At that stage, hadn't they already entered a state of hypnosis? People want to see what is comfortable for them. As they prayed with the desire to be saved, they lost consciousness, their ears began to ring, and they saw hallucinations. They hear things like God's message or the voice of an angel. No, they sure heard it. "
“And if the people around them belong in the same condition..”
“From the group experience, this subjective impression is suddenly colored persuasively. The miracle of God is now complete. "
His back became cold in another sense. Riz took a deep breath and calmed his emotions.
Not only was the slight scent of winter in this sealed space, but also the various scents that were mixed into one. It was stained by the smell of pigments and sweat of the worshippers; an odor that could not be removed even if wiped with alcohol. Prayers and lamentations were also sucked into the walls.
“Mistress, are you okay?”
Because Riz was silent, John moved the lights towards him.
The space with only the two of them was completely cold in every corner and corner.
“Let's go back to our room.”
"I'm doing fine. I want to examine this painting carefully. "
John furrowed his brows but he did not mind.
“If it hurts, immediately say.”
"I know."
Smiling at his protective demon, Riz concentrated on the painting.
As soon as he entered this room, he got a premonition.
—That distorted painting must be mixed with these 16 paintings.
As when he saw the rough sketch, something pierced his consciousness.
First, he examined the swan paintings that were the reason they chose this church. It was several times larger than his rough sketch. If he had to say something then his brush technique was rough. It seems Julius wasn't aiming for that texture. Unlike the brushstrokes of those who learned this technique, he could see that it was the awkwardness of personal style.
The thing that instantly caught his attention was still the swan herd in the sky. They flew in a drawn form like an arrowhead. Could this be an important symbol?
"Land means 'revelation' ..."
John immediately replied with "No" to Riz's murmur.
“Indeed, there are times when the arrow itself means revelation under certain conditions, but this swan shape is not a symbol of distorted painting. That's too obvious. "
"Then, red roses."
“Rose is also an easy-to-understand motif, but it doesn't make sense in this painting, does it?”
He was cruelly cut. Riz looked at the painting, furrowing his brows with concentration. Isn't that somewhere? The hidden blasphemous sign. A sign of evil that is marked unnoticed by the artist himself.
What about the hair flow of the girl climbing the slope? Is there something hidden on this hill?
“John, the road is winding. Is it a symbol of a snake? ”
"Too easy."
It was also rejected outright.
“Not that, Mistress. Take, for example, an image of overlapping branches and shadows created on the knot of a tree trunk. Focus your attention. "
“But the swan herd really looked down on that flower-seller girl.”
Then, can you see the hidden symbol there?
“-“
He can't answer.
There's stagnation. It was not night; there was a dense darkness settling in this space. He knows it, but he can't see it. Riz clenched his fists without thinking.
He had to capture this demon no matter what.