Miss Appraiser And Satan's Gallery
Chapter Three: Forest Color

A few days passed without anything special happening.

At that time Riz developed a fever, got restless, got a visit from Hine, and another minor incident occurred; however, he no longer dreamed about John. When she asked Hine, she told him that John worked diligently in the art gallery. That's a bit anticlimactic.

Riz returned to his normal life after his body recovered.

One day, while he was reading an instruction book for women, given by Virma, in the study on the first floor, the entrance hall suddenly became noisy.

Raising his head from his book, he looked towards that presence.

It seems like people are arguing.

Those voices are Virma and Hine?

Riz stood up from his chair and walked out of the study room.

Perhaps it was because Hine's calm personality and the agile Virma contrasted with each other that they got along well, and they interacted with each other more often than their other relatives. It was unusual for them to argue seriously.

Through the corridor decorated with houseplants, Riz headed towards the front hall.

There are portraits of family members on the walls of the corridor and lavender leaves are used as air fresheners.

The workspace was built on the left wing of the mansion, with a sitting room on this side as well.

When he arrives at the entrance, Virma and Hine are there as he expected.

He thought of greeting Hine, but even outsiders could tell there was a stormy atmosphere between the two.

Even the waiters and servants waiting on the wall stared at them with a nervous look.

When Virma noticed Riz standing there, the corner of her eyes stiffened.

“Riz, back to your room!”

Virma can't fight at times like this.

Riz nodded and immediately complied.

He returned to his room and sat on the sofa by the window.

Regarding the reason for the quarrel, he would ask Hine himself later. Virma is generally the cause.

He asked a servant to bring him a book to read.

Riz concentrated on reading for a while before someone opened the door.

A servant will never open his door without permission.

Looking up, the one who appeared was her second older sister, Grace. She's a year older than Riz.

Inwardly, Riz was confused.

He did not have much relationship with his two older sisters.

And since Riz's fiancee was decided, Grace's mood has been bad.

He himself also had a knight fiancee. Since he had been ordered to look after the prince who was studying abroad in another country, he had to return to the country two years later. The marriage was postponed until then.

As a result, Riz gets married first and seems angry about it.

Grace approached Riz and stopped with her hands placed on her hips.

She was wearing a beautiful red dress. The rendition is conservative, but instead there is a lot of use of embroidery on her skirt.

Riz has a cream colored shirt. Since she hated moving, she chose the one whose volume of skirts was rather small.

Grace has a very similar figure to Riz, but their hair color is exactly the opposite. Grace has black hair like the night sky. Riz thought it was a beautiful color, but Grace looked unhappy and envious of Riz's silver hair.

Among her three daughters, only Grace did not inherit Virma's beauty.

The expression had more cute features applied to it. Maybe that was also the reason that made Grace deliberately stay away from Riz. However, he was close to their eldest sister.

Considering that, it seems like this is not just a matter of appearance. At the end of the day, she definitely doesn't like Riz's personality.

You know nothing, yet you are so carefree.

The first thing Grace opened was criticizing Riz.

"You handed everything over to someone else and then just dumped the cream on it?"

"What are you talking about, sister?"

Riz tries to stand up but she is stopped by Grace's intimidating look. His only option was to sit down again.

Art gallery.

Grace turned to the side and said it in a strong tone.

Riz really likes this profile of his sister. Her long curly hair was also beautiful and it made her think of the girls depicted in the fantastic paintings. Even his expression was full of life.

It was much more attractive than his dead eyes.

Uncle said he left the art gallery for you.

"I'm sorry?"

“Why does our uncle always spoil you alone?”

Enraptured by Grace's profile, Riz is unable to keep up with the conversation.

Grace returned her face to Riz, who was shocked, and clicked her tongue.

“Stupid child. I mean, our uncle thinks it's sad that you're locked up here, so he says he's gonna make you an art gallery owner. And then mom exploded. "

“... That's what happened.”

“Is it because this favoritism is natural that you are unhappy? After all, you've been spoiled by our uncle for a long time. "

Grace lifted her chin and sneered.

“However, you think it's because our older sister and I bullied you, right?”

"No."

That's how Riz answered but that's probably half right.

Due to her brother's strong desire, Riz was decided to stay at her grandparents' house when she was a child.

Her brothers were terrified when they saw Riz talking to things that no one saw. And then Virma becomes concerned with Riz being ostracized. This made her sister push her even more. It is a vicious circle.

Now, he could understand his sister's feelings. Riz has been an obstacle that monopolizes Virma.

It was their father who finally decided to restore Riz at their grandparents' house.

Not because she was unloved, but as the head of the Milton family certainly prioritized the calmness of healthy older daughters over sickly ones.

"What is an art gallery in the Houro district?"

Riz returned the conversation to the original topic. His sister's abuse would continue if he was left alone.

"Yes. Where else besides that? What my uncle did too. "

No way, was Hine seriously doing something because of her previous request?

He wanted her to give up on that ominous building. Even now he thought so, but there was a problem from the dream. It seemed, as she was at a loss as to what to do, Hine moved first.

Will I be an art gallery owner?

“Do not be arrogant. It's not permanent. That's only as long as our uncle goes abroad. "

“Uncle go abroad again?”

From time to time Hine crossed the ocean and went around looking for art. There were cases where he would return in about a week, but also other cases where they would not hear from him for half a year.

Riz can read the situation now.

As she was about to get married, the art gallery could not give up completely to her, but at least her wish could be granted for a few months. Isn't that Hine's plan?

“If you are surprised then be surprised, if you are happy then be happy. Hey, why don't you react just a little? You are not attractive at all. ”

Grace frowned.

"I'm surprised."

"Where? That's the part about you that I hate. You always don't care, like we've never seen you. "

"But I didn't mean that."

“Unaware make it worse.”

"I saw."

If he spoke back then he would only be more bullied. Riz surrendered.

When she was a child she often hid herself and cried, for being painfully ostracized by her sister.

However, now he could clearly distinguish how there were things in this world where nothing could be done. Human relations is a prime example of that.

Rather than trying to be liked by someone who hates him, he wants to appreciate people who accept him more.

Frankly, Riz considers it foolish to take time out for people who have stormy relationships with him. He would choose to live comfortably, whether it would narrow his horizons or limit his friendships.

He has a life where he doesn't know when he's going to die so he wants to have meaningful days.

Although, as this thought became the basis of everything, she considered her own marriage a burden.

“You really aren't sweet.”

It seemed like Grace's expectation was dashed because Riz showed absolutely no hurt expression.

Grace sighed.

"I can't calm down when you're in this big house. Our sister is also married. "

"If possible, I'd like to go back to our grandparents' house."

Lt's true.

"A idiot girl."

Grace spoke coldly.

You just want to come back because you don't want to get married.

"Yes." Yeah."

"Isn't that wasting a man on you?"

I'm not good with a charming guy.

Riz looked annoyed.

“Do something about that personality. You can only utilize the so-called beautiful in the present. After you get married, his eyes will be drawn to many things. "

For a moment, Riz thought it would be fine.

He did not know if he could love a man who was too dazzling.

"Well, still, no matter how great your husband is, there's a bit of a problem with his house."

Grace's expression changed and she smiled meaningfully. Looks like he wants Riz to bite.

"What's the problem?"

"Think normally, it is first impossible for a man with a promising future like Sir Emil to want to marry you when you will not inherit Milton's house."

"Good."

“But the other party is very excited. Isn't this weird? "

Who made him angry? Grace spoke in a sharp voice.

“Mistress of Carotion's house is his second wife; she is also a stage actress who climbs. Even though he had no experience, he tried his business and it seemed like he had quite a large debt. ”

"Once, so they're after our assets."

"Persian. You are just a source of money. ”

Riz doesn't know the amount of his debt, but it's definitely an allowance for Milton's — house otherwise Virma wouldn't have chosen Emil.

Grace herself may have been aware of their mother's thoughts.

Did he come to reveal the true circumstances that made Riz anxious?

"If you look at it in the long run, it's Sir Emil who will lose, sister."

"Why?"

"Because I can't imagine myself five years later."

Grace had a puzzled expression that said she did not understand the meaning.

After they looked at each other, it seemed like he could understand. Grace looked down, clasped her hands, and pressed her lips into a fine line. It was an expression that held back anger.

But Grace did not say.

“... By the way, now it's about the art gallery issue. Mother was very against it. "

Riz was relieved as the topic changed.

“Mother won't approve of that, right.”

"That's fine. A child like you, who knows nothing about the world, will not be able to manage it. ”

That's the same reason Riz thought. Virma is overprotective.

“But I don't want you here.”

Grace spoke quickly.

“So, for this time only, I will help uncle.”

"Help?"

“Do not misunderstand, because I am not on your side.”

I hate you so much, I don't even want to see your face — that's what Riz thinks he wants to say, but this conversation betrayed Riz's expectations.

I don't understand what you're saying.

"guess. I'm telling you to get out of the shade a little bit and work hard under the sun. "

“Eh, I don't like sun.”

I told you to go to the art gallery!

I didn't think you would force me out of the mansion.

“What will you say !?”

“That was a joke... Brother, besides it is difficult to understand your insults are cruel, but can you be gentle with me, now?”

"Are you not sane!? Are you listening to me? ”

Grace's face was contorted with disgust.

But the corner of his eyes was red.

“Get out and go back to being human! Don't just be cooped up in the mansion staring at those pathetic paintings! ”

“I am basically a human being. After all, I think there are only paintings in art galleries. ”

“Do not reply to talk!”

"Good."

Riz was surprised, more than when he heard about the art gallery.

“What's up, sister?”

"What!"

“Good brother is scary. Are you a fraud? ”

"I told you that I hate the way you say things with a blank look!"

“For a kind-hearted person to treat you well is a common thing and therefore will be accepted calmly, but when a bad person suddenly becomes good, the, the difference from their normal attitude really gets you into the heart. I feel that. "

Although Riz praised her, Grace growled softly like a wild beast. He glared at Riz as hard as he could and then left the room with rough footsteps.

Riz stared blankly at the direction Grace left, feeling like a storm had passed.

Even though she felt that she had been harassed, wasn't Grace trying to say that she would lend a helping hand to Riz?

Especially when entering the room, he did not make Riz stand. Grace always stopped him. Riz thinks this is so Grace can underestimate him, but maybe that's not the case and he notices Riz's body.

—Man cannot change immediately.

In the end, Riz wants to cherish his loved ones more than break his heart for those who don't like him.

But it might be good to try to work hard for about thirty minutes a day.

That's what Riz thought.

It is unclear what method Grace used, but she seems to have managed to calm down Virma who was arguing with Hine in the front hall.

Virma appears in Riz's room with a sour expression after an hour since Grace left.

“Riz, I need to talk to you.”

Okay, mum.

Riz sat next to Virma on the sofa; her mother placed a warm hand on her knee.

Surprisingly, when he was beside Virma even the cold room became softer, as if the lights were turned on.

Riz stared at the beauty once hailed as the flower of high society. Virma's hair was the same color as Riz's, but her eyes were as bright blue as the summer sky.

“It's not wrong this is your plan.. No, I mean just now, you saw that Hine came, huh? He's still downstairs, too. I'd like to know if you've heard of it from Hine. The problem with art gallery owners. "

"Art gallery? What are you talking about?"

However, Riz tried to pretend not to know.

Virma's expression became more resolute, but Riz ignored her.

`` You know, this is a sudden story but the boy said that he would go to the country of Soarer for several months. That there was a massive art-related auction market held there. "

“Oh, how beautiful.”

“During his absence, he said he wanted to entrust his art gallery to someone he could trust. Since it was the building he had just bought, it seemed like he did not want to immediately let go. However, if no one was placed there then someone would probably enter, right? "

"Yes that's right."

“So, Riz, I want you to refuse by all means, but Hine said she wants you to receive art gallery briefly.”

"God. An inexperienced person like me who runs an art gallery? I'll do it."

To be safe, Riz put both hands in his mouth and posed like a woman, but it was a waste.

“Show a little more doubt!”

His cheeks were pinched by an angry Virma with both hands.

“You are a child I cannot let go of. Who exactly are you taking, I wonder! "

After Riz tries to point at Virma in silence, she is pinched tighter and almost feels her cheek will bend in the other direction. Mother's strong.

“First of all, when did you get Grace on your side?”

“No, I'm also confused about that. He suddenly became gentle with me. "

Virma furrowed her brows deeply and pressed her hand against her forehead.

“Why my daughter are all children who have one or two oddities.Maybe Grace, in her own way, regrets how she could have bullied you.”.

He removed his hand from his forehead and stabbed Riz with his blue eyes.

“Riz, asking you to understand the girl's feelings will be too insensitive. However, if there are ten people then there are ten hearts. Even in a family, you cannot understand a person from one to a hundred. "

"Yes mother."

“The girl's feelings are more immature than yours. I'm really grateful for how you let the humiliation go, even when you hit him, but I'm sorry too. "

Its alright.

"I understand that you are not unharmed by it."

"If you warn my sister, mother, then she will hate me even more, so you're just watching us, right?"

“No, Riz. That girl doesn't hate you. Honestly."

Riz wondered about that.

There were times when Grace cared, but Grace hated her for longer. Isn't that the problem?

“Isn't my sister nervous after I return to this mansion? About how I could steal my sister's place again. "

Virma looked sad.

"You're right. Yeah, maybe that's the problem. But, Riz, that's not all. ”

Virma holds Riz's hand.

“It was I, your mother, who called you back to the capital because I wanted to find you a good partner. However, Grace also wants to meet you. "

When Riz reflexively says "No way", Virma bows her head.

“The boy was also confused because, with your marriage being finalized, he was sure he was running out of time to fill the gap between the two of you.”

Virma's fingers pressed harder around Riz's hand.

“Grace is the most opposite person in the Milton family. She doesn't envy you, but your fiancee. "

“Are you not wrong..”

“When he was a kid he seriously pushed you. But now the boy prides himself on everyone. "

My sister did?

“I believe it was an event that happened half a year ago, before you came back here. Grace's friend was invited to a tea party. At that moment, the women saw your portrait adorning the corridor and they compared your and Grace's appearance without any ill intentions. "

Riz felt like there was sand coming into his mouth.

Grace hates her own looks and especially she hates being compared to Riz.

“If you are a young woman around that age then everyone will care, even a little, about their personal appearance, so that is why I think that topic needs to be handled with care. But talking about it lightly, other than comparing, is an action that can only be said to have a lot of bad intentions. I think it's best to keep those worthless people away from my older sister. "

“Riz, don't be angry without expression. Quiet." Calm."

Virma showed a gentle look.

Don't worry, the boy wasn't hurt.

“Didn't he just act like he wasn't hurt?”

"I also thought so and was about to jump out of the shadow of the door, but ..."

“Shadow door? Mother, could it be that mother peeked at my sister and her friends from a room? "

"of course. No, however, leaving your mother aside, Grace replied 'The real thing is more beautiful than this picture!' With ease. He also said you were the smartest and prettiest of the Milton family. ”

Riz took a breath. His sister said that?

Is Emil's information being told to him not because of harassment but as a warning?

The kindness of his sister was too twisted.

"Grace to the contrary, you are a bunch of problems pretending to be quiet, my oldest girl extravagant, and my son has wanderlust, but you are all my treasure."

Mom, I don't feel praised.

“It shouldn't be a compliment. But I still love you all. ”

Virma confirmed this.

“I understand, mom. In short, the story you have told me with a neat expression is also told to you by Grace, where everything is collected as she pleases. I've been bullied Riz for a long time but I'm very sorry, so before she gets married please give her freedom. Please give the helpless and innocent Riz his selfish desires. After that, you noticed my sister's scheme, regretted it, and came to me, waking up to trap me. Does everything fit? ”

“My dear child, is this the first thing you said after listening to your mother's words just now? It was a waste because it was so touched. "

Riz's cheeks were pinched again. Even more painful than before.

As Virma stood up like that, Riz also got up, losing to the pain.

“Listen carefully, Riz. I'm not going to allow you to stay in an art gallery all day. You will stay in this big house and you will also eat here. "

"Well…"

“In the morning, as we have done, you will be trained to marry me. Don't turn. If you feel a little strange, come back soon. Also, you will bring the waiter with you, no exception. ”

"Mother, there's also a manager at the art gallery so I'll be fine."

Virma ignored.

“Now, Hine is waiting for you under.”

Virma kept muttering grievances until they reached the entrance, like how crazy it was to have an art gallery in such a dangerous place or how she might have to burn it.

Riz thought, no longer wrong their mother became the cause of the strangeness of the three girls and the eldest son.

Riz immediately left the house with his uncle, Hine, who was waiting at the entrance.

The two maids remained close under Virma's instructions, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

"Although you are called the owner, John is responsible for all management, acceptance, and organization, so you don't have to do anything, Riz."

Hine said this mischievously as they boarded the waiting carriage. The two servants were in the carriage behind them.

“You understand me well, uncle.”

When Riz thanked him, he laughed out loud.

“Yes, as long as you allow, you can lock yourself in the warehouse and stare at the painting as much as you want. The place doubles as an art studio, so you can put some effort into your studies. ”

“Uncle, thank you.”

Although he was still at a loss as to how he would separate his uncle from the art gallery surrounded by that suspicious mist, he was honestly grateful for this result.

He hoped he could eliminate the cause of the evil presence before Hine returned home.

“No, Riz, you don't have to be so meek. You may have heard this from my sister, but it is true that the auction market will open in the country of Soarer. "

"I saw."

“But John told me that.”

“... John did it?”

Riz.

“He also knows very well about foreign countries and has an interest in finding buried talent. That's a young man who's reliable. "

"… Yeah."

Riz was deep in thought while making a fuss as Hine spoke happily.

Is this time a coincidence?

After the day Riz experienced his inexplicable dream, his health slightly declined.

Just yesterday he was able to wake up.

As time passed, he began to think that it was just a dream, but he had yet to find his fish painting.

The servants had been asked to search the entire mansion.

If he met John in person, would the truth be explained?

The one they were riding right now was not the carriage used by the mansion. When he asked Hine why, he told her that the old carriage had been bought so they would not bother replacing it.

Knowing that this was also a suggestion from John made Riz strengthen his suspicions.

After a while, the train arrived at the art gallery.

There was an abnormal fog that filled the area, but Hine and the servants seemed to be unaware of it.

A single man stood in front of an art gallery.

That was John.

“Did you come to welcome us?”

Hine approached him while smiling and speaking.

Yes, Mr. Hine.

John smiled and replied. He was also dressed all in black today, but the shape of his collar and tie was slightly different. All three pocket watches have no change from before.

Riz was a little annoyed at him when he did not look even once.

John and Hine walked towards the entrance of the art gallery next to each other. Riz and the others followed them.

When they entered the lobby, John suddenly turned around.

The eyes behind the glasses were facing the servants standing behind Riz.

After that, Riz turned around and saw his maid seem a bit strange. Hine also seemed to notice that and was surprised.

"What's wrong? Are you two sick from the carriage? ”

"No, not at all. My head suddenly hurts. "

John spoke softly to the embarrassed servants.

“Isn't it better to go back to the mansion and rest? Looks like an art gallery air ... I'm sure the pigment smell doesn't fit their constitution. "

“Aah, so. Sometimes there are people who are nauseous because of the smell of paint, yes. ”

Hine nodded with understanding.

“But this is unsettling; I can't let these women come back alone. Riz, you should also return to mansion— “

"Please trust the woman's care to me."

Today, John is having a lavish smile party.

Hine blinked as if she was enchanted. The servants, who were holding their foreheads, were also staring blankly at John. There is no life in their eyes.

“This woman seems to really like art galleries. Don't you think it would be pitiful for him to return to the mansion after having just arrived? ”

"But…"

John brought his face closer to the hesitant Hine.

"For my miss to arrive here means her troubles as an owner are allowed, right?"

“Aah, yes, that's true. My sister, Virma, I don't think this girl's mom would approve. "

“Then I am sure it would be better for my Princess to familiarize herself with art galleries as soon as possible. Of course, I will shoulder the responsibility and escort him home when the time comes. "

Hine stroked and exclaimed, conflicted, and John showed a wider smile.

“Please relax. My mistress will never be in danger, because I am here. "

Hine's expression softened at the words that had no guarantee anywhere.

"-You're right. Safe if you're here. "

"Mr. Hine, you can escort the servants. ”

I'm gonna do it. Riz, I'll see you later. ”

Riz, who was dumbfounded by their conversation, returned to his senses.

"Uncle, wait."

“Riz, don't worry. You can trust him."

It's strange no matter how he thinks about it.

He obeys everything obediently. She has a gentle personality, but she is not naive enough to trust others so far.

It was also unnatural for the health of the servants to suddenly collapse.

Riz's room also smelled of pigment, but the waitress was okay. He couldn't be sure that they couldn't stand it now.

Could they be placed under advice?

He glared at John.

However, he ignored Riz's eyes perfectly.

Perhaps in order for him not to have any unnecessary questions, he immediately placed Hine and the servants on the carriage and returned them to the mansion. That's an amazing skill.

Riz saw them off and then stared intently at John again.

"What did you do that made the servants suddenly feel nauseous?"

"I'm curious."

“Don't dodge that question. My uncle was pretty cool too. Handing over the management of the art gallery entirely to you, making me the owner, all of it is your work, right? Are you controlling my uncle's mind? "

“Oh, what, it's just a light suggestion. Be assured there are no side effects. "

He replied with a calm expression. He's not ashamed of that at all.

“The issue is not about whether there are side effects or not. Don't manipulate people's minds. "

"If you really feel unhappy with my actions, shouldn't you complain before I put him on the train?"

Riz gritted his teeth against.

The reason he saw them leave while suspecting that it was John's work was because he wanted to talk alone with him, about his dreams and his fish paintings. It would be better if he imagined everything. If it was nothing more than a dream, John was a normal human being, and his painting simply disappeared because of his negligence—

He had slim hopes, but now he was convinced.

John is the devil.

Also, what happened was not a dream and it happened in reality.

Looking back at the carriage that Hine and the others were riding in, Riz noticed something. It was the same carriage he had driven in his dream. Hine says that John was the one who suggested buying the old carriage.

“A obnoxious man. It is exhausting to display that public face for just about any trivial setting. "

John was upset.

“Alright, Mistress, let's go find a distorted painting.”

As if she was changing her mood, she spoke in a pleased voice and fixed the position of her glasses by hand. Then he turned around to walk into the hallway.

Riz did not move and continued to stand still in his place. John noticed that he was not following and returned with a puzzled look.

"What are you doing?"

“……”

“You can't possibly want me to pick you up?”

"No."

They stared at each other for a short time.

“... Then you want me to apologize for the suggestion earlier? I refuse."

In fact, he had thought about it a little, but it was an absurd story to ask the demons to respect human common sense.

Riz reached out a hand to hide how he was holding back the sigh.

John looked at her with suspicious eyes.

"Hand."

“It was just a hand.”

What exactly is this? What expression does he have.

“John — you are a demon?”

“It's too late to ask that. Are you still half asleep, Madam? I am clearly a demon. "

There is no doubt. It made him seem like a fool for doubting.

"You made a contract with me."

"And what about that?"

"Give me your hand then."

“Are you going to cut it?”

"No."

What did he say with a straight face?

"If you're mine, I want you to act that way."

More like that?

A man will drive her.

Maybe in his own way he did his best, but his actions and words were strange here and there.

Her broad-minded uncle, Hine, seems to ignore things to some extent, but if her overprotective mother, Virma, sees this then she can be barred from coming and going to art galleries.

"I'm the daughter of an earl so, when I'm outside, I want you to treat me like that."

"Oh, so the waiter is continuous."

She doesn't have to be a waitress, she just wants her to act like a normal guy.

Since it seemed like his mood was not disturbed, he decided to let this misunderstanding slip.

John knelt on the spot, grabbed Riz's hand, and gave a light kiss.

There was no change in his expression, but he felt a presence as if he was saying "How is that?".

He didn't need to kneel down and he just wanted him to hold his hand and walk, but showing his guilt to be exhausting. Basically, he was too lazy.

After all, as a gift she clawed him under the chin.

Riz is reminded of a hunting dog that was raised in the home of his grandparents. He is smart and very attached to Riz.

John got up, fixed his collar with his fingertips, then started walking.

It seemed like the thought of clasping his hands did not cross his mind.

It was fine for him to train her in time. Riz made that thought.

This time he followed John into the hallway.

However, he wanted to solve the problem first instead of looking for a distorted painting.

“John, I want to go to the warehouse first. And I want to talk about the future. "

John, who was walking in front of him, turned around and stopped. He crossed his arms as if he was thinking. It looks very good with art galleries.

"Very good. For now, my lady is the owner of this art gallery. Well, most of the work I'll do. "

He said one word too much.

But can the devil manage an art gallery?

“John, will you be okay? My uncle, Hine, won't be back for a few months. If you do not sell a single painting within that time, you will definitely be considered suspicious. "

“There will be no problem. I'll just advise one of those nobles and have them buy— "

"Stop."

“I don't think there is much difference between suggestion and using the art of deceiving? Both of them generate sales of goods at high prices. "

Don't call it deceptive.

"Why?"

Suggestions, in a sense, are like encouragement; others have no choice but to accept. But in the case of being good at talking, you don't take over a person's consciousness. You just make good use of words, put them in a pleasant mood, and casually fan their desire to buy. The responsibility is ultimately on the person himself. "

“Do you mean legitimate scams that are as close to illegal as possible? That full responsibility is on the other person, no matter what. "

I told you please stop calling it a scam.

They entered the warehouse set up in the middle of the hallway while having this conversation.

It was a room larger than he had imagined. There are dark brown shelves on the wall on the left and right with canvas and other materials stored on it.

There are large cabinets on the back wall and there are different types of pigments and brushes lined up.

In the center was a large work desk, a round bench, and horses for indoor use. Various documents and equipment stacked on the workbench.

A panel painting was placed on top of the horses and Riz peeked out of curiosity, but an incomprehensible abstract painting was drawn. No matter how advantageous from the point of view he saw it, it was terrifying. Not chasing any further, Riz sat on the bench.

John came next to her and leaned against the desk.

“Customers do not pass here. Your uncle basically used this just as a warehouse. He also did not stay long in the art gallery except when a patron came. ”

“Then, originally, you did most of the work, John?”

"Yes. The person who previously worked was a hindrance, so I told him to stop. "

So, as he thought, that's a true story.

“Can't you kill them?”

Can you stop talking about me as if I were a murderer?

He had an unhappy expression. Even though he's a demon.

“I am not an animal so I will not kill people indiscriminately. Furthermore, I am currently hiding in the human world as an appraiser. Why should I take real action? ”

“Do you give advice on your predecessors, as on my uncle and others?”

"Fright."

It was more than just an inhumane act.

“Do not advise good people.”

“……”

John's.

“Do you tell me to beat them until they listen?”

"No. Do something with words. ”

"Well, cheat then."

"Stop with the scam."

He wanted to tell her, but the demon seemed to have learned from their previous conversation and quickly changed the topic.

“I don't like to manage art galleries. I'm sure I can operate it better than you, so you can entrust this to me. "

To be honest, John was a smart and polite young man just from his looks, but his manner of speaking was outrageous.

My woman's job is to find distorted paintings for me.

"I know."

Riz nodded reluctantly.

“John, do you know why the air around the art gallery does not move?”

“I'm the cause. How about that? ”

Riz was stunned to hear that unexpected answer.

“You're the cause?”

"I buried blasphemous accessories in the surrounding yard."

Riz wanted to scream as he was calmly explained.

What use has he been in trouble until now !?

"… Why do you want to do that?"

“It should be clear; it is to collect more distorted painting. If Mr. Hine is exposed to this poison, he will more easily find a distorted painting— I understand, I will dispose of that accessory today. ”

John says it helplessly after seeing Riz's face. He is a very outrageous demon.

He adjusted the way he sat and then realized he had forgotten to confirm the important thing. It was because he kept being dragged in John's speed.

“Do you know about my painting? The fish I held when I met you. "

It's already mine.

"You?"

"I consider it a replacement for our contract."

That painting is proof of our contract?

Isn't that?

Don't just answer.

I said so, isn't that enough?

“It's not because you just want it?”

"You're persistent, Madam."

Cold words were spoken to him. Totally suspicious.

He said he was involved with the painting for revenge, but didn't this demon also have the qualities of a collector? He was excited when he talked about painting.

Are all demons lovers of painting? Or is he influenced by others?

“What kind of person was your previous contractor, John?”

“Useless parents.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Perhaps thinking he didn't hear it, John repeats "useless old man" once again.

“The outside appearance is very good. His speech and attitude were also polite and he was praised by everyone as a sincere person, but he was outrageous. Personally, he had a dirty, cunning, and incredulous mouth. However, his knowledge of fine art was numerous and his interest was real as well. ”

“I understand many things now.”

It was similar to John's characteristics. His appearance was outstanding and he usually spoke politely, but he suddenly became careless. He said a lot of absurd things, but he was fluent in painting. No doubt he was heavily influenced by the previous contractors.

“This can also be said about my miss but, for whatever reason, the humans who want to contract the demon are not normal. That in itself was something like a 'distorted painting'. "

Words thrown with unexpected indifference gouged out in Riz's heart.

Maybe that's the problem.

Regardless of whether they cherish their lives, or do it for a loved one, a good person will not take the hands of the devil.

"There's another question?"

Covering his dark emotions, he looked at John.

“Will my uncle and the servants who had the advice of giving it away really be okay? One of the servants was especially serious and very religious. Will the suggestion have any effect on his consciousness? "

“Nothing. I guarantee this. The previous advice was nothing more than a temporary distraction. "

John directed his gaze into the air as if he was choosing his words.

"What you are most concerned about is the point 'Is being placed under suggestion by the devil itself a considerable betrayal of God?'. This is troublesome to explain, so I will tell you the conclusion only. First, there is no problem there. But if, for example, their purity is invoked then God's forgiveness will be granted. ”

It felt strange to be told of the way of God's love by the devil, but for the time being he nodded. Just in case, he would sprinkle holy water on it later and tell them to go to church.

The issue of fog floating around the art gallery was also resolved.

Although it still seems to be at the level of verbal promise but, for now, she is bound in a contractual relationship with John. He also did not have to worry about Hine going crazy due to the fog.

The last remaining problem was about himself.

Riz applied for a contract because he did not want to die, but he was someone who would marry someday. Is it okay for him to make an oath of love to God when possessed by the devil? Wouldn't this also make her fiance uncomfortable?

It wasn't the engagement she wanted, but her mother, Virma, was expecting it. It would be hard to resist without a very good reason.

Riz doesn't trust this demon. His interests happen to be in agreement.

It must be the same for him.

She had to break off her relationship with this demon somehow before her wedding day.

“So, John, I want to confirm some things about the contract with you. Can we change the contract? "

"Change?"

“I told you to support me until I die, but I want to take it back. Can you have a contract period until you find the Devil you want revenge for? I want a contract with you, John, to protect my own life. As compensation, I will help the search for the demons hiding in the distorted painting. Okay?"

It hinted at being in the same position until the end.

A cruel color appeared in his eyes behind his glasses.

“Remove those overly optimistic thoughts. Have you forgotten my warning? You've been involved with me and the contract has been made. If you try to twist it then you will not stay safe. "

“Mapan... Just by handing over the fish painting?”

Rather than handing over, it was more like it had become hers at some point in time. He didn't think it involved a contract; only John wanted to add it to his collection.

"You misunderstood. I carved my lamp in your ear. Don't you even remember that? "

Riz involuntarily pressed on his left ear.

He had pulled his earlobe in a dream. Just then, he felt a sharp pain and then heat.

That contract?

“Then, John, what will you do after you find the devil you want to revenge?”

What he was looking for on Riz was his eyes that could see demons hiding in the distorted painting. They become unnecessary when the goal is achieved.

John looks angry.

“I will obviously continue to collect distorted paintings.”

"Why?"

“Why, you ask... Then why do humans eat?”

“... John, are you saying that, for you, collecting distorted paintings is as important as eating?”

Riz felt he would be overwhelmed for the rest of his life.

Can he get married without any problems?

“This is not just because you want to collect the painting you like for revenge, is not it?”

“Who said you can't combine hobbies with profits?”

John says this coldly then grabs Riz's arm and pulls him off the bench.

“Now, Princess, move. We'll check out the paintings in this art gallery. "

"Wait a minute. Let me rest again. ”

Maybe it was because he was nervous until he came here that his chest hurt a little.

However, John pulls Riz's hand and comes out of the warehouse room.

This demon is a slave driver.

“Currently, there are two hundred and thirty-eight paintings on display in this art gallery.”

That many?

“Rugged keys have also been included. Oil painting accounted for the majority while there were less than twenty watercolor paintings. Since one artist submitted many works, the number was incredible. Mr. Hine said that more than half were works by up-and-coming artists, but there were many masterpieces of painters who were featured as centerpieces. ”

“No masterpiece means no publicity.”

"Yes. Mr. Hine looked boring, but to his surprise he seemed capable. Perhaps, on the contrary, is well viewed as harmless? He might be a con man. "

If only he had not spoken these last words.

Riz quietly furrowed his brows.

“In the meantime, we still haven't concluded our assessment of 'The Late Hours of Silence'. We were bullied by a low-class demon in the middle. Should we start by verifying it? ”

"Good."

He gave up on the break.

Riz walked beside her towards where “The Late Hours of Silence” adorned.

“What happened to 'The Moment of Liberation' after all that?”

“I have held him back so that no other demon will hide themselves there. I told the painter that I wanted the painting immediately and got permission to cancel the exhibition. "

… In that case, he could only turn a blind eye to the advice given to the painter. The truth cannot be told to them and cannot continue to be shown.

“It just so happens, Madam, why don't you get the title of appraiser with this opportunity?”

"I?"

“The title of painting restorer is limited to men, but exams for appraisers can be taken even as women. Of course, it will be a challenge, but with my guidance— “

"Mr John, I'm putting myself in your care!"

"You jumped to the right, I understand."

To acquire the technique, there was no other choice but to take up a religious job or an internship in a studio somewhere. Initially, any degree was things only the monks obtained.

But the world changed. At the end of the many sacrifices brought about by the war, the art world flourished. Even women began to learn painting techniques, although they were not allowed to do religious paintings or portrait paintings.

But for Riz, who would get sick in bed after pushing himself too hard, going into the studio or training in the church would be difficult. His dream, which he had been forced to throw away, had returned to his hands.

His heart was beating hard enough to feel the pain.

“Even if you see me with feverish eyes— Mistress?”

John, I'm so glad my vision's spinning.

Riz felt dizzy and fainted.

Riz had a happy dream.

It was a dream where he wholeheartedly painted a mural.

Not obsessed with the technique, Riz moved his hand boldly.

Red tree, blue tree, white tree.

The leaves are as colorful as a rainbow.

A young girl plays a harp in this colorful forest. Such a composition.

Riz was called by someone and he turned around.

Then he gave a sincere smile, with his dream, to that person.