Miss Appraiser And Satan's Gallery
Chapter Four: The Sincere Purple

It's been a week since he started going to and from the art gallery.

On the first day, when Riz collapsed, John seemed to understand something and became a very chatty demon.

The broken train used to pick it up and drop it off also changed overnight. The outer appearance is still old, but the inside is still new; there are many pillows and even equipped with blankets. Tonic is also present.

John's servant's actions didn't stop with just that.

From the carriage to the mansion or a short distance to the art gallery, he was lifted and carried along the way. There was no sweet atmosphere at all; it was all done nonchalantly, as if it was obligatory.

Riz feels dying when Virma sees him like that.

Initially, Virma is upset about how the servants and Hine returned to the mansion after leaving Riz. Then Riz came home the afternoon. And he was also in John's arms at the time.

Virma, when she came out to greet them, clearly frowned.

It seems that he was worried when a young man touched his unmarried daughter. Naturally, he was wary of John but when he learned of his identity, he changed his attitude quickly.

Not because John gave me advice.

He had a reliable social status that the artistocrats could trust.

"The "useless old man" whom John had contracted earlier was the former bishop, Petron, of the Seventh Church of the Kingdom and who was hailed as a messenger of virtue.

He was someone who devoted his entire life to protecting refugees and relief efforts for the poor. He is also someone who loves art. It is said that the female appraiser became officially recognized for her work as well.

Before the bishop was summoned by heaven two years ago, he welcomed John as an adopted son. The bishop was eighty-six years old and seemed to be famous among some nobles.

It was impossible for the adopted son of a pious bishop to do anything disgusting to Riz. Virma seemed to accept it that way.

If Riz is interested in touring other art galleries, it would be nice for him to be tame next to the bishop's son. That might compromise Virma.

Now she happily sends Riz to the art gallery.

The mentality of a bishop who welcomed the devil as his adopted son is a mystery, but with this Riz can understand the reason John holds the qualifications of a painting restorer and an appraiser.

For Hine to decide on John as temporary manager of the art gallery must also be because there is no more solid identity than that.

That Hine had left for Soarer's country a few days ago. Of course, Riz splashed a lot of holy water on her and told her to go to church before she left the country.

Currently Riz is struggling with symbology in an art gallery warehouse.

The floor was covered in parchment and Riz's dress, as she sat in the middle of it all, was already covered in ink.

John returns from taking clients around through the halls of the exhibition. One hand carried a silver tray with water and a small container on it.

"Mrs, it's time to take your medicine."

"Yes I know. By the way, John, what does this symbol mean? ”

Taking the parchment in hand, he lifted it to John's face.

It is similar to a star but also looks different. The flames? ”

He placed a silver tray on the workbench and then stood right behind Riz, bowing slightly to peek at the parchment.

“It was the emblem of the saint, Cekate. It's not a star, it's a fire trident. "

“Saint Cekate? One of the fallen apostles who appeared in the Bible? "

"Yes." Yeah."

As John nodded, he quickly picked up the medicine in the container that was on the silver tray and moved it onto the paper.

“After Saint Cekate became disciples in the Holy of Holies, they were tested three times by the devil. They endured twice, but they eventually succumbed to temptation for the third time. That's why the tip of the fire-covered trident — now, your medicine. Open your mouth."

John grabbed his chin from behind and their eyes met as he looked at him with a calm expression.

I don't like bitter things.

"Please don't act like a child."

The powder was poured into his mouth and water was immediately supplied.

After he reluctantly finished the water, he let her lick the honey with his usual movements.

John began to clean up the documents scattered in the land of Riz while wriggling sweet honey.

But it'll all be over again soon. Although he thought there was no point in arranging things, John was meticulous.

Glancing at John as he stacked the bundle of documents on the workbench, Riz picked up one enormous reference book. He crawled up to the wall and sat there, using the shelf as a backrest, before browsing through the courtyard.

It was a book that explained symbols, but was written in an ancient language used only by priests so that Riz could not read them now.

“John, this is a fish symbol, right? What is the reason for drawing seven scales? "

When he pointed to the appropriate part, John, who put the brush on the shelf on the opposite side, approached him.

That's not a fish. It symbolizes the eyes of Vorrga, the demon of foresight. "

What kind of demon is that?

“Vorrga will prophesy exactly as contracted human desires six times. On the seventh time, Vorrga foretold their own wishes and there they spent the soul of their contractor— I've reminded you to make sure that you cover yourself with a blanket. Don't let your body get cold. ”

The reference book on his lap was stolen and a blanket was placed instead.

He returned the reference book to the shelf. Just then, Riz quietly took out another book and opened its page. This is also a book about symbols.

What do two hooks cross?

“It symbolizes a polluted church. —Nona, how many times do I have to tell you, quill pen is not a hair ornament. Does your head stand on a brush? "

Now that he mentioned it, his feather pen had disappeared a moment ago. He completely forgot that he had it stuck in his hair to avoid losing it.

"I don't believe this; there's ink in your hair. I cannot accept this stupidity. "

She takes the cloth from the drawer of the workbench and brushes Riz's hair.

“John, what symbol is this? The branch? ”

"A lightning— stops there. It's time for a break. ”

“A little more.”

"No. For every hour you rest fifteen minutes. You will get dizzy if you do not do it. "

“My body is in good condition today.”

"I said no. Now move onto that recliner at once. ”

Her book was stolen again and she was taken to a recliner placed beside the work desk. It was large enough for him to lie down comfortably and his upholstery and backrest were deep blue.

John prepared this a few days ago.

Leaving behind the words "Do your best not to move", he left the warehouse carrying a silver tray with medicine.

Riz sighed.

The demons are tight today too.

He got up and took out the first reference book he had taken.

Taking her back to the recliner, she hid it under her blanket.

Paintings from a great summer festival are still on display in art galleries.

To date, there have been fifty purchases. John handles all visitor correspondence and purchasing procedures.

While Riz lives in the warehouse and studies.

All the works on display have been examined. In addition to "The Moment of Liberation" and "The Late Hours of Silence", there are five other distorted paintings mixed in, but unfortunately, they are all "empty houses".

John bought the "empty house" under a pseudonym.

Therefore, there was no problem with the sale of the painting that was currently on display.

John returned to the warehouse in no time.

He held a new silver tray in one hand.

This time it's not medicine, but tea and cake.

Riz tried to get up from the recliner, but his gaze stopped.

“John, one of my mother's friends recently collected paintings with mythological motifs. If I asked my mother, I was sure I could be invited to a tea party with the woman. Why don't we go together? "

“Please consider your physical endurance. After all, you will faint before we even arrive at someone else's house. I will go to confirm the painting, so you will stay here and obey. "

“But, John, you can't find satan.”

“I can confirm if it is a distorted painting or not— It is, this is jasmine tea. Drink."

Riz received the extended cup and reluctantly sipped it.

“Ah, today is so good.”

“What now?”

John, who placed a silver tray on the workbench, looked back and the corners of his eyes softened.

From the day he fainted, John had been preparing tea every day but at first it tasted very bitter. He did not know how to brew tea properly.

Her own expression did not change when she told him honestly "It's so bad", but she must have felt humiliated. John began to research on how to brew tea.

Finally, on the seventh day, his efforts bore fruit. He also appeared to be making pastries a few days ago. The kind of cups they add as well. He seems like the meticulous type.

She tells him that she likes chocolate, which is trending overseas, so she wonders what will happen in the end.

“John, you can clean up later. Sit down next to me and continue explaining the symbols. ”

Riz took out a reference book from under his blanket.

“Cleaning should come first, because you cough when a lot of dust. After all, fifteen minutes had yet to pass. ”

It's past.

“Live two more minutes.”

John accidentally opens one of his pocket watches and checks the time.

She really feels at home by being Riz's nanny.

He was troubled by whether or not it was permissible to induce a demon like this, but John himself did not seem to show any particular displeasure.

In Riz's heart sighed in admiration.

That almost made him want to hire her as a Milton family servant.

He didn't think he'd be this competitive.

It was completely unexpected, even though he had been on guard at the unreasonable request being thrown out or the unnatural phenomenon being repeated.

Sometimes, he said rude things exactly like the devil, but his behavior was elegant and his work was quick. He may have learned manners under previous contractors.

The most pleasant thing of all was how he imparted knowledge without being humble.

Was he won by John?

Maybe this is a step before it falls into corruption?

When he looked at John with these disturbing thoughts, he also stopped working and showed a complicated expression.

John's?

“... There are many kinds of human women, not so. If anyone loses himself in me and falls into corruption, then there are also those who speak calmly with me like you, miss. ”

Not that I'm calm.

“But it is. Normally, one would not drink something that the demons offered. "

“Are you probably putting poison in this jasmine tea?”

"If I do such a stupid thing and you pass out then I will fall into my hands to take care of you."

Riz was told that in an annoyed tone.

She was surprised and wanted to ask if it was given she would take care of him, but she refrained from showing it.

And then, until nightfall, she was taught about art history, mythology, and symbology whenever John was free.

Incidentally, art gallery exhibits are basically free to see. There is a message board that tells potential customers to ring the bell prepared in the hallway.

In normal cases, careless management will not be used. It was the manager's job to keep the painting from being stolen or played around.

However, there was a demon here; he was told that the mechanism had been set up so that he would immediately know if someone touched the painting.

Therefore he also spent a long time in the warehouse. As it turns out, the next project is to display autumn-themed paintings.

These projects require consideration for the period of their creation, and contracted artists have been contacted at least a year ago.

Even if a project is cancelled, the art gallery will be in charge and collect its works.

It seems that John, for a year Riz did not come here, had gone to the contract artist and made preparations. His own works have been submitted and at present invitation letters for esteemed clients are being created.

It will be open to the public later.

Riz looked forward to the time he spent in the art gallery. Although he would be fine\-all if he stayed longer, John was firm. Today, they also ended at exactly five o'clock.

“It's time. I'll take you back. "

As usual, he returned to the mansion with a comfortable rocking carriage inside, despite his worn-out appearance.

As soon as he was ushered to his room, John would leave, but today there was an unexpected visitor.

Riz's fiancee, Emil, has arrived.

The steward, who greeted Riz at the entrance, explained “Master Emil was chatting with Madam in the sitting room”.

Delaying the change, he immediately went to the sitting room. For some reason, John followed.

The sitting room is on the first floor, near the workroom.

“Is this Sir Emil my fiancee?”

John asked this on their way through the corridor.

"Yes. He's too charming. "

Mesmerizing?

“Good looking man friendly and smiling much.”

"Oh baby. She is the antithesis of my lady who has dead eyes. "

"Component."

“Why did you choose such a man to be your fiancee?”

“It was my mother's trick and it looks like there's another potential fiancee. He probably wanted my introversion to lighten up, even just a little bit, and chose only a dazzling man. "

"I saw. The useless effort. "

“I think my mother also inwardly realized that it was in vain. But sometimes parents see their child through rose-colored glasses. "

There is also the opposite.

For, for some reason, Riz loved Virma so much that he accepted this marriage.

"I see my woman as someone who will reject a marriage that goes against her will."

"I need to get married someday, so doing it now is the same thing."

John did not reply, but he wore a difficult expression.

As Riz and John walked into the sitting room, Virma and Emil, who had been chatting merrily, turned around at the same time.

Emil immediately stood up from his chair. He was as handsome as ever and the deep blue color of his aristocratic clothes was perfect for him. He looked a little taller than John.

When the two were next to each other, it was like light and shadow.

If he remembers correctly there was a painter who had a nickname, “Sun and Moon”. He drew portraits of light and shadow that were more dazzling than anything and had high support not only from the nobles but also from the church.

Riz also has his photo book.

It felt like John and Emil were coming out of the work of that wonderful painter.

Good night, Sir Emil.

Riz held her skirt lightly and bowed respectfully.

Emil walked over and showed a sweet smile.

“Halo, Ms. Riz. I want to see your face— once I thought I came here before I realized it. "

"Walking while sleeping?"

"I'm sorry?"

“Somnambulism is a condition in which a person walks while sleeping but they themselves do not remember the action. By the way, it was not the doctor who first used the word somnambulism, but rather a monk. These symptoms occur for a long time, but no one thinks they are important. Syphilis and pandemic Black Death are considered to be more serious problems— “

“RIZ !!”

Virma who was smiling gracefully got up from the sofa with a fickle pattern and glared at Riz.

“I'm sorry, Sir Emil! This kid seems so happy to see you! "

“Ya, it looks like so.”

Emil nodded while holding back a laugh.

“Nona Riz always makes me hear interesting stories.”

John who was standing slightly behind Riz suddenly opened his mouth.

“Mistress, Black Death and syphilis have a great influence even in the art world. Many paintings compare the Black Death to the god of death. Just for information, there is also a symbol for this pandemic— “

“JOHN !!”

Virma, her skin changed again, glaring at John. And then he immediately gave a forced smile to Emil.

I sincerely apologize!

“Please, I don't mind. Coincidentally, this man is…? ”

“Yeah, I'm silly, forgot the introduction! Sir Emil, this is John Smith. He was the sworn son of the former bishop, Petron, of the Seventh Church. He was an excellent appraiser and art restorer and asked to manage my younger brother's art gallery, which had gone abroad. "

"Is that so?"

“John, this is one of the sons of the Carotion family, Sir Emil. He was the commander of the third military squadron of the Order of the Holy Lion Knight and Riz's fiancee. "

"I heard about you from miss."

John showed a smile.

Riz felt a bit uneasy with that expression.

It was the look he had when he saw the distorted painting.

“Aah, nice to meet you. It looks like there will be an opportunity for us to meet in the future as well. "

"Yes, Mr. Emil."

Although both of them had smiles, they seemed to be looking for the true intent of each other.

Emil was the first to throw his face away.

He faced Riz again and gently grabbed one hand.

“It looks like I think of you a lot, I became a person who walks in sleep.”

May I refer the hospital to you? - Riz wanted to say this, but Virma looked at him with eyes filled with murder. It seemed like those were words he should not have spoken.

Even Riz knew that he said something similar to a joke.

However, there was a chance that it could be true and, also, she felt reluctant to interact normally between the man and woman in front of John.

Riz secretly tries to remove his fingers from Emil's hand, but suddenly he realizes something. Bad skin.

"Sir Emil, are you perhaps unwell?"

"No?"

For a moment he denied it, but then he showed a restless look.

“I haven't slept much. Apart from me, I've been having a lot of nightmares lately. ”

“Do you want a bag? The aroma of bergamot and orange will make you sleep soundly. In addition, oranges are thought to represent a charm against evil spirits. "

"Oh yeah! Good, Riz, keep acting like that and a decent response— I mean, please bring it here by all means! ”

Riz was continuously pushed behind by the perfectly smiling Virma and forcefully expelled from the sitting room. John too.

"Mrs, Mrs Virma is clearly driving you out of that room so you won't throw any more defects."

“That's what I think too. I feel like he didn't really want me to meet Sir Emil until the wedding ceremony. "

Anyway, he'll bring a bag.

John followed Riz to his private room.

Perhaps it was because she was recognized by others in the mansion as Riz's nanny, but no one criticized her for being alone with him.

Or maybe John made some sort of hidden trick, but even if he asked he felt like he would pretend not to know.

"But he's an unusual man."

When Riz took the bag from his wardrobe drawer, John, looking at his actions, tilted his head and muttered this.

"Excellent?"

There was a faint poison around the man.

Riz.

"Mrs, aren't you asking about her health because you are also aware of it?"

“No, I just think he looks unwell. But when you say Poison, what do you mean technically? Is such stagnation spreading around art galleries? ”

John took off his glasses and rubbed gently between his eyebrows.

"No."

The eyes that were looking at him were calm and clear.

Even though he was a demon, he was intelligent and calm suited him.

For a moment Riz imagined what it would be like if he became his marriage partner.

Maybe not bad.

He would probably allow her to stay in a room that smelled of pigment all day. He will study the paintings and decipher the symbols. During this time, he asked to be taught and study art history. Whenever his health was good, they would go to art galleries run by other art dealers or to auction markets.

Riz brushed off his fantasy. He's becoming ridiculous.

“I can feel the thoughts of others. Negative emotions such as jealousy and anger. "

“Negative... You mean someone has bad intentions towards Sir Emil?”

“That seems to be the problem.”

He says this in a tone of interest while playing with the glasses he took off.

"Human vengeance and jealousy can be the same as the curse of the devil. He seemed to carry a lot of hatred towards himself. "

“But I can't see it happening..”.

Riz's confused.

Emil looks like a man who is good at socializing.

Even if there was someone who had ill intentions towards him, it seemed like he would win them over with a skillful conversation and turn them into his own friends. He is also good at hiding his true feelings and he can conclude that he did all this without any mistakes.

That's why Riz feels a bit uncomfortable.

Even though he knew about the shadow, he would go straight to the light of his own volition. He is capable of loving people with reason and compassion.

“Mistress, you are innocent. Such a man appeals to the opposite sex, but is deeply hated by the same sex. "

"Thank you?"

“She knows her own beauty, but is never arrogant. He knew to respect people and not to easily gossip behind their back. He has the composure to laugh at most problems. He has a job that makes others jealous. The house is good too. He has wealth, ability, and youth. Instead, miss, I would like to ask if there might be people of the same sex who would not be envious of such a blessed man? "

Riz turns Emil into a woman and thinks about it.

A woman who has beauty, intelligence, wealth, talent, and, even more, health. Also, despite having a fiancee who was closed, closed, and had dead eyes, she did not show dissatisfaction and accepted it with a broad mind.

No way, they could only feel hatred.

"Fright."

He understands now. If he changes his point of view, there is a new discovery.

He was so perfect that he became very suspicious. “To be perfect” seems to be the opposite of error.

This point may be the same as the painting. Painting that is too harmonious will not attract interest. Putting deformation on purpose and destroying "perfection" is what gives expression to a painting.

“However, no matter how much Madam Virma wishes to change your introverted personality, I believe that men are not suited to be your husband. Madam, why didn't he choose a man who was more suitable for you? "

“... There are five candidates. I drew it. "

"What do you mean?"

Riz sighed.

First, he stuffed his bag into his chest and then opened the drawer of the closet again.

He took out one card, where the picture was taken, from there. That's roughly half the size of the Book of Hours.

What card is this?

John asked this with a serious face.

“Before, my mother showed me five cards. He told me to choose the one I like about them. The pictures on the card are pears, limes, grapes, apricots, and apples. I chose the lime. "

It was the chalk card he showed John.

“I don't think this card will represent my future fiance.”

You mean, lime is the symbol of Sir Emil?

"Yes. Do you know why?"

John gently bit the smooth edge of his glasses. He immediately got the answer.

“Thin orange. If you read it in reverse it would be Emil, am I right? ”

He's not at all pleasant.

He could have been acting a little troubled.

“What's with that expression?”

"… There's nothing."

John laughed a little.

“Really, you are miss. This card wasn't chosen for a reason like you wanted to eat lime, was it? ”

“... It's just because I like limes the most from five pieces.”

You wrong. Do you not feel discomfort? "

Riz was shocked when he said that.

The reason he chose lime was simply because of the feeling of somehow being.

Is that the uncomfortable feeling John was talking about?

John flicked the painting Riz was holding as he remained silent.

He ruffled when it felt like he was about to fall.

John chuckled again, deep in his throat.

This is also a distorted painting.

"Thank you?"

“You seem to have chosen it unconsciously. Here, take a good look at this card. ”

They both stared at the painting.

Riz suddenly realized that their shoulders were almost touching.

But John probably didn't even think about it.

Riz was always aware of it.

Since the time they met.

Madam, you don't know?

“... Wait.”

Shifting his idle mind, he concentrated on chalk painting. There are two pieces. A twig. Leafage. Everything is limited with the pattern of the vine. Riz started seriously. The part that caught it was—

Shadow branch?

"Yes right. Doesn't that resemble some kind of symbol? ”

The answer came out.

"Cross-link!"

There is a thin shadow on the top of the lime. An unintentional "symbol" has been created there.

"I told you it means that."

“Polluted church..”

The coldness spread throughout his body.

A distorted painting close to him?

“My daughter must have subconsciously tried to keep this painting away from Mrs Virma. So that divine punishment will not attack the Madam. "

John, could this painting have caused Sir Emil's ill health?

"No. I said it was someone else's hatred. However, in a sense, this painting might hint at his future. "

Is he serious? Or was he just being reckless? He can't read it.

Riz stared at the card without blinking.

“Could you be afraid?”

"I also feel things like fear."

“That motion is not needed.”

“Although not required, I still feel it myself.”

“Slacky little boy. I swear to serve you as if I love you, don't I? What is there to fear? "

Riz's head lifted and he looked at John.

“People before your eyes are demons. I'll understand if you say you're afraid of me, but afraid only of distorted paintings. ”.

“John, the way you speak is very misleading.”

He felt pitiful for reacting to every word of the devil.

It happened when he breathed. A servant hesitantly opened the door of his room.

“Nona Riz, Mr. Emil has arrived.”

"Sir Emil?"

Riz returned the card to the drawer and approached the door. John also put on his glasses again and followed him.

Beside the waiter stood a smiling Emil.

Why did he come to his private room? What happened to Virma in the sitting room?

Am I interrupting?

Emil asked this with a troubled expression.

“No... Please login.”

John is here too. An umarried woman should not be pulling someone of the opposite sex carelessly into her room, but it should not matter because they are not alone.

The servant also seemed to understand and left the door open before he left.

“You seem pretty close to the guy there.”

Emil spoke with an admiring tone.

He invited her to sit on the sofa with a gesture, but she shook her head. The conversation continued as he stood beside the round table and poked the egg-shaped work there curiously.

“... Because he has a lot of knowledge related to art, John is very helpful.”

Riz answered carefully.

He did not hear the voice of jealousy or condemnation of the disloyalty in Emil's voice.

Then why did he come here?

Is she urged to try talking to him alone by Virma? It's a little hard to imagine.

“Is it possible that you have something personal to discuss with me?”

"Yes. There's something I want you to hear. ”

She doesn't think they have a relationship intimate enough to discuss the issue, but does she not care about it? - Riz held his tongue to not ask that.

—Although she is the person she will marry, she does not even know one of her hobbies. He also did not try to learn it.

He felt fed up with his innocence and, at the same time, he felt guilty.

“You know, Miss Riz, I heard that you are the owner of the art gallery and Mr. John there who manages it.”

Emil said that with an amazed expression.

“The reason why I visited here, of course, is because I wanted to see the pretty face of my fiancee.

Riz pointed at the sofa with one hand.

This time he obediently obeyed his invitation. After seeing her sit down, Riz sat down in one chair.

John did not sit and stand beside Riz.

"I saw. What do you want to discuss? ”

“I have a painting that I want you to judge by all means.”

What kind of painting is that?

Her previous petty guilt vanished and Riz leaned forward.

“This is an oil painting I received from a friend to celebrate my engagement. Somehow, after I decorated my house with the painting, a strange incident has happened.”.

Riz quickly exchanged glances with John.

Could it be a distorted painting?

“At first I thought it was just a coincidence. However, the appearance of the painting had clearly changed. "

“Change?”

"Yes. A beautiful holy mother turned into a mummy. "

And it's not a case of quick damage?

"No. It does not fade in color or change color due to the sun. This is a different person. "

“Can you show the painting?”

Riz got up from his chair and asked earnestly. Emil's eyes widened, but then he immediately smiled.

"Yes of course."

“Then, let's go immediately to your mansion, Sir Emil.”

He tries to leave the room with the force of his request, but his arm is grabbed by John. He looked at her with reprimand and then turned to Emil.

“Then, Mr. Emil, we would like to call you at a later time.”

Emil furrowed his brows slightly.

Riz felt fresh. This was the first time he had shown somewhat negative emotions.

“Will you accompany us too?”

"of course. I am a servant girl. "

He made mistakes in his various trainings. Maybe it's better he doesn't say that he's a pet dog.

"Servant? You only work in art galleries and don't serve the Milton family, do you? I don't think you should come. "

The opinion made sense, but Riz was again surprised by Emil's stubbornness.

He calmed down when introduced to John in the sitting room, so what changed his mind?

“However, Mr. Emil, I qualify as an appraiser. If it's a painting problem, then I'll help. "

“You turned out to be slow in taking it.”

“Can I ask about what?”

“Do you deliberately pretend not to know or just be honest? Which one is she, Miss Riz? ”

"... I think he's an honest man."

John's eyes behind his glasses cooled as Riz replied.

"Why did you ask my woman when I was here?"

He was nervous about whether or not he would say something rude.

Manners peeled little by little from John's attitude.

You got me.

Emil combed his hair with his hands and glared at John.

Riz has rated Emil as a friendly man whose true feelings are elusive, but perhaps he needs to see it from a new point of view.

He was clearly against John to accompany them.

“I'm sorry, but I'll ask you to hold back this time. I invited my fiancee to my house for the first time, so I didn't want another man to come with her. "

Although he was rejected in a harsh tone, John may have become stubborn as well because he did not withdraw.

“The goal is the assessment of the painting, right? You said the holy mother turned into a mummy. If you show my woman a scary masterpiece then I really should accompany her. I'm sure you know this, but my Princess is gentle. Strong shocks were also a body burden and he could faint. "

Emil put on an awkward expression as if he had been stabbed in a painful spot.

He let out a long sigh and then casually raised both of his hands.

"I'm giving up. I just want a chance to talk slowly with him. "

“In other words, the story about the painting earlier was a lie?”

“No, that's true. But, although I am religious, I am not interested in stories about curses. "

However, the painting had completely changed.

“Oh, that, obviously my friend swapped the painting behind me.”

“What is your friend's goal?”

"That's easy. Disturbances."

Emil showed a wry smile.

“Even among the Knight Order, I got an unprecedented promotion. Besides, I got such a beautiful wife. It was natural to be envious and he made an unfortunate joke under the guise of celebrating. "

"I saw. So that friend often comes to your house, Mr. Emil, and friendship and jealousy are intertwined. "

Emil faltered a bit on John's point. Riz understood his feelings, as John always spoke explicitly. He would not beat around the bush in conversation and therefore, until someone got used to it, they would be confused.

“... Yes. He hates me, but he lives around my house. Really a strange guy. "

Emil's lips were lifted with irony. He glanced at Riz.

This is why I also want to take a light revenge.

"You intend to show off my woman to your friend?"

"That's fine. So, I'll get in trouble if you come along. I don't mind if it's another waiter. "

"If you allow others, why not me?"

“Are you going to make me say this too?… I'm annoyed to admit it, but you are a man with a distinctive charm and you will steal Miss Riz's gaze. I can barely let that go, right? ”

It was a series of surprises. He was jealous of John. Does Emil have a very sneaky side?

Is this her naked self? He thought it would take him some time until he was honest, but his predictions were reversed one after another.

Even someone like John could only retreat after being told this clearly and he nodded and said "I understand".

"I didn't expect my true feelings to be revealed ... Miss Riz, don't you like cowardly men now?"

Emil suddenly switched the conversation to Riz. There was a stiff atmosphere of him investigating rather than ridiculing himself.

"No, I find that right now you have a sense of humanity."

"Oh, so?"

"Yes, a merciless attitude destroys even a friend with a sharp and cunning tongue to protect your pride is incredible."

“... Wow, I don't feel being praised.”

Emil smiled cunningly.

“Well, I guess if I get my wife's approval then that's enough. Well, Miss Riz, I'm sorry for the sudden but how does it sound four days from now? ”

Yeah, I don't mind.

After admitting it, Riz hurriedly corrected his own words.

Actually, can we change the assessment of the painting to another date?

“Do you have any settings on that day?”

“No, I thought I would definitely like to meet you four days later, but can we do something else on that day?”

“Something else?”

"Why don't we go together somewhere? It was like taking a walk around the lake. ”

Emil's eyes widened. John looked at Riz with a strange expression.

“Sir Emil, previously you said you want a chance to talk slowly together.. I also think the same.”.

"I'm surprised."

He covered his mouth with one hand and had a troubled look.

“No, I really. To think you would say something like that. "

“Is it troublesome?”

"Of course not. It's just, I don't think you're very happy with the wedding with me. "

Riz.

He himself seemed to have guessed that he had not tried to seriously look at the person called "Emil" until now.

“... I realize that I know nothing about the man who will be my husband. I am not a friendly woman nor am I an expert at being considerate. However, I'd like to understand the interests you have and the hobbies you pursue. ”

Riz looked straight at Emil.

Marriage is inevitable and she doesn't want to make time for someone she doesn't care about. But at least Emil put her in front of him. He came to this house and tried to exchange words with her.

Although it is a marriage that begins with obligations, if the time they spend together increases, love can grow out of an opportunity.

"If you don't want to follow all this, don't force yourself to accept."

"No, not at all. —I'll accompany you the streets with pleasure. ”

Emil smiled gently. As to whether he felt it was disturbing or not, he could not understand the true feeling of his expression.

I'll come for you around two o'clock.

Saying that, Emil got up.

“Ah, I just remembered, if I could I want to about the painting to be our secret. Even though I said it was harassment, he was still my friend and it would be very bad if bad rumors spread. "

"I understand."

"Thank you for the Maiden of Stars. You don't need to deliver me, I don't want to overload your delicate body. Now, until four days later. "

He made a joke and then, straightened his back, left the room.

While making sure the door was closed, Riz let out a deep sigh. He wondered if he would be praised with "You did well!" if Virma was here.

The reason, girls who do not know about this love promise to date with her fiance.

“... Anyway, I saw his shocking true nature.”

When Riz muttered this, John looked at him unhappily.

“To leave on purpose, are you sane?”

"I."

“You overestimate your own physical strength. What do you think when your breath goes up and you can't walk. "

I was thinking about marriage.

John's eyebrows are tightly clenched. He plays a pocket watch chain hanging from his vest in what looks like an unconscious act.

“I think painting is more important than marriage.”

Riz smiled hearing those special words. For some reason, his heart hurt.

“John. I'm going to marry that guy. "

He should take it immediately. Emil is a good man. He will grow up to love her.

That's what he thought unconsciously. Come to think of it, he forgot to hand over his bag.

You are attracted to a guy who is being shallow like that?

"I'm not interested in him. But the shadow is a little less. "

“For you prefer men who flatter without sincerity. No matter how you look at the man, he's not in love with you. "

His shaky consciousness was returned to John's words.

“You can be a married couple without mutual interest. Aristocrat. "

A boring world.

“Can't the devil be about pure love?”

“Why do you think so?”

John's gaze gradually grew cold.

“What do you want to do if it is time to take the medicine?”

I'll bring in the other officers.

"No one can take care of you more than me. I will accompany you on this troublesome outing four days later. "

"But Sir Emil forbid you to come with us, John."

“She forbade me to go to her house .. rate the painting, right?”

Riz was stunned when told that in a meaningful tone.

That's true, but it feels like this is no different than sophism.

He looked at John while feeling confused. Why did he come back then was an outing that had nothing to do with painting?

A soft and gentle feeling was born for a moment, but then a voice of rejection echoed in his head immediately.

He only thought that it would be annoying if he collapsed and his "Sacred Eye" became useless.

John removed the chain of his pocket watch from his fingers and then opened the drawer without permission. He took out the chalk painting and hung it to show Riz.

“I took this because this is a distorted painting. Agreed?"

"Continue."

Just as he thought he was planning on adding it to his collection, he suddenly tore the painting apart.

Riz gaped at him.

“Not thickness or hardness that can be torn. The devil is awesome. "

Is that what surprised you?

After John looked at Riz with frozen eyes, he made the ripped painting soar into the air and set it on fire. It seems like demons not only have superhuman strength, but they can also freely manipulate fire.

"Those types of men will definitely have a mistress after marriage."

John returns to the topic while he sees the ashes flying.

"Then there will be an inheritance dispute and in the end you will be blackmailed for all your assets and abandoned."

John is like a brother-in-law.

"Even if it is an obligation, it is laughable to try and stay married for life with it."

Eventually, he started calling Emil "that".

He looked hostile towards Emil, but he did not understand the reason. Previously, Emil was described as a man hated by the same sex, but does John feel the same way?

What makes the devil jealous of humans?

Their bloodline is different, but if it's the beauty of their appearance then John wins it. Maybe Emil because of his hospitality. Emil may also win in terms of his personality.

However, the science related to fine art is absolutely owned by John. And that's a pretty important point for Riz.

“Can you be satisfied with a husband who is not interested in painting?”

"Will you be my husband, John?"

He spilled it without thinking.

Riz regained his senses when he saw his wide eyes.

What he just said.

“Not possible, right? You are the devil. "

He could not see John's face.

“Because I am a noble daughter, I must marry. Another case if I become a nun, but if I remain single in the mansion then it will hurt my family name. But, as you know John, my body is not healthy so I would agree even if my husband had a mistress. "

The words came out of his mouth of his own accord.

"Are you going to give up such a restricted lifestyle?"

"Because of this limited environment I managed to live now."

If he was born as an ordinary person, he would have lost his life long ago. He did not have a body that was resistant to menial work. Raising money for medicine is also doubtful.

Abundant wealth and status where he did not have to work; it was because both of them were present so that he could safely welcome a day like today.

If he claimed it was unfair, no doubt God would feel disgusted as well.

When unhappiness is born in the heart, it is generally because a person is in a state where they cannot see themselves or what is around them.

Sillier.

John does not hide his displeasure and turns his face away from Riz.

Riz looked at his profile with a strange feeling.

If this man is really her husband — she might expect to wake up every day.

His imagination moved his heart.

Four days later, a Riz decorated abundantly and enthusiastically by Virma's hands arrives at a teahouse used by the artistocrat along with Emil.

This tea house was once used as a small theater. It was a building marked by a steep white roof. Red glass windows mounted on oval-shaped cement walls. It is said that two hundred years have passed since its construction, but it does not feel old.

In the main hall, immediately after entering, there was a round table arranged periodically.

The base is a stand-up buffet. People do not sit on chairs and enjoy tea while standing. If someone is tired, they can use the lounge upstairs. The main attraction is not eating and drinking, but the paintings on display on the walls. People appreciate it while drinking tea.

This place was once used as a salon where anyone who was in the upper class could participate.

Riz heard the exhibition items changed every two weeks. Today it seems to be displaying a landscape painting.

“You're not tired, are you?”

Emil asked this with a worried expression.

Surprisingly, Riz and Emil were dressed in deep purple. If a stranger sees them, they may look like an intimate married couple.

"I'm fine."

Riz glanced back as he replied.

Both of their servants stood behind them. Riz has one maid and John.

Emil also has one man and one woman of the same age; a young man who has an aura as a bodyguard and a woman with red-brown hair.

He returned his eyes to Emil. He looked troubled as he looked at her intently.

Inwardly Riz tilted his head and pondered how he was a strange man.

In the mansion, he came to her without hesitation as if he was used to it, yet he currently had the aura of a sheltered boy who did not know about the relationship with the opposite sex. He accompanied her but strangely looked stiff.

There are other strange things too. Although John was casually accompanying them, he did not seem to reprimand her specifically.

“Nona Riz? Is there a problem?"

“Are you not going to praise me today?”

"I'm sorry? You mean what?"

“I'm dressing up because this is my first outing with you, Sir Emil. And I learned from my mom 'Elegant Responses Every Time A Man Praises You' for three rigorous hours. "

Emil's mouth gaped then he snorted. He hid it with a cough.

"Erm, it makes me wonder what training is like."

“Try praise me.”

Riz placed the herbal tea cup he was holding on a round table nearby.

“Then. Yourself is like a jewel. "

“Unfortunately, the response compared to gems can only be used when our intimacy is slightly higher. Therefore, I will use a response that accommodates any compliment. 'God! Ohohoho´s. If you see me as beautiful as that then it must be because the flower of love has bloomed in the heart of the man in front of me! 'is that acceptable? "

Riz even tries to put both hands on her cheeks, looking up, which is a running mode among women in love, and increases the number of blinks. However, he does not see the results that Virma thinks will happen.

Emil looked to the side, trying to hold back his laughter, and the officers, excluding John, looked at Riz as if doubting his sanity. John's eyes were colder than ever.

I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.

“No, I'm sorry. You have a sense of humor, don't you. "

Emil said that with a face filled with traces of laughter. He thought he had removed a bit of tension, but a shadow suddenly fell on those eyes.

"A woman like you is useless to a man like me."

"Why?"

“... Because I am an insincere person and cannot be saved.”

He turned to the painting on the wall like he was avoiding Riz's gaze.

I'm sure I'll make you unhappy. I just pray that it will be the minimum of unhappiness. "

His voice was full of trouble. Riz thought for a while and asked a question.

“Do you have an illegitimate child?”

"No."

“Do you only love men?”

"No."

“Do you have a lover?”

"No."

Emil's voice stiffened only at this last reply.

Silence flows. The elegant voices of men and women who enjoyed the appreciation of painting and conversation suddenly jumped into his ears.

He turned to Riz after a while. His eyes looked like he had decided something.

“What if I have to say that I am an unrelenting woman and do not intend to quit even after marriage? Moreover, my stepmother and her son were extravagant and, on top of that, selfish people. They anticipate your dowry and, despite failing once, they will try to start a new business. My father had left that wife and was surrounded by new deposits. "

Emil's bodyguards nervously looked at Riz because of that shocking statement.

It seems like the truth was included in this story just now. It could be all the truth.

He had been prepared but, to be honest, any noble had problems to that extent.

"I don't mind."

“... Really? Even if I start living with you, I can bring the lover home to the mansion. Even if I say that? "

"Yes." Yeah."

It seemed that he did not expect Riz to accept that. Emil lost his words.

“If you talk about insincerity then I am the same. I never had the real feeling that I was going to marry you. Even now."

"It's mutually beneficial, isn't it?"

"No. You are looking for a conversation with me, yet I am not trying to get close at all. If we can still do it then I want to spend some time together. If you have a lover then I will try to accept it as well. ”

"Why did you do that?"

There is no single reason. There is also a feeling of wanting to convince Virma. Though love does not grow, he does not hate Emil. Besides, there is selfishness. Also the resignation. And hope. Insecurity.

“If love will sprout someday.”

Emil's breathing was stifled as he said that with a feeling of wanting.

He meets Riz's eyes and his face twists in pain.

At that moment, "Geez, Sir Emil!", a bright voice echoed like breaking the air tension. The man near her looked back.

A young woman appeared from behind them. Flower patterned dresses are perfect for her and she is a beautiful woman with a cheerful air. Like Riz's sister, Grace, she has shiny black hair.

“How cruel! Rejecting your promise with me to have a secret meeting with your 'engagement? ”

He placed his hand on Emil's shoulder, who was shocked, with a smile. For a moment there was danger in those eyes that caught Riz. The suspicion that he had been listening to their conversation, hidden under the shadows of the men earlier, flashed through Riz's mind.

"Katie, why are you here?"

“I asked the servants in your mansion. Not that I came alone, look, Grajas is here too. "

A beautiful woman called Emil Katie waving her fingers wrapped in lace gloves, like butterflies.

As he looked in the direction indicated by those fingers, there was a red-haired man in orange aristocratic attire coming in a listless gait.

He was a young man of the same age as Emil with a haughty and lazy attitude like a noble. His skin is very bad. It also tends to be found in young aristocrats, but may be drug-addicted.

“Grajas, even you.”

Emil put on a bitter expression.

“What's with that attitude. You're not fun. You won't even introduce your fiancee to us. "

Grajas looked at Riz and the others while laughing recklessly. When he found Emil's servant, who looked exhausted, he snorted in disgust. And then, as if thinking of something, she wrapped her arms around the female attendant's shoulder and pulled him inside her. The woman was shocked and then became stiff.

"Hey, don't you think, Colette?"

“Grajas, there are many people around. Stop the. Besides, that girl isn't Colette, she's Loretta. "

Emil's face turned increasingly unpleasant.

"Ah, right, right, Lola."

I don't think he remembers it at all.

“So, that silver-haired lady over there is your fiancee, huh. What's up again? Linda's? ”

"No. I told you before, this is Miss Riz. "

“Aah, then Rina.”

Emil sighed heavily then looked at Riz.

“I'm sorry, Miss Riz. It was Grajas Byuman. He is usually irresponsible like this ... Grajas, don't bother my servant. Untie her. "

Grajas removed his hand from Loretta, looking like he was being forced.

“Here is Katie Clarke. They are both my friends. ”

Katie pinches her dress and bows at Riz.

Grajas also placed a hand on his chest and bowed excessively.

"Like the rumor going around, you're as pretty as a doll."

Katie smiled broadly.

That's not a compliment. Before leaving, Virma had taught him this. If she was told that she was like a puppet of someone who was not close then it was the same as being insulted with 'You are only beautiful on the outside but you have nothing on the inside!' And he has to be careful. It seemed like Virma had been told that from someone of the same sex before. There was a deep grudge in his tone as he explained.

"For someone as beautiful as you, is there no one better than Sir Emil?"

There aren't.

“You really intend to marry Sir Emil?”

"Yes." Yeah."

That's trouble.

Here he glared at Emil lightly. It was not an actual glare and had a timid atmosphere.

"I'm in a relationship with Sir Emil."

Katie!

“Because of you, I was told that we had to split up. However, unlike you with ‘One day love will grow’, I even love her now. Do you understand?"

Enough, Katie.

Emil spoke in a rough voice and stood in front of Katie.

Riz's confused. Is this a drama?

Before he knew it, the men and women around them watched them from a distance.

The quarrel between a man and a woman was one of entertainment for nobles. It must be an interesting show.

“Emil, don't you hate boring girls who are only interested in polishing their beauty like this?”

You wrong. Miss Riz is not that kind of woman. "

“... You defended her?”

“I don't.. no, I. He's an amazing man. "

Katie releases her grip onto Emil, who appears distressed.

“You've changed your mind !? Which part of this girl is good !? She was a weak and boring girl who did not show the slightest hint of jealousy even when I appeared! "

Riz's arm was suddenly gripped. When he looked over his shoulder, it was John, who was looking calmly, who was gripping his wrist.

“I'll ask you to correct yourself. My woman is not a doll; she is a Star Girl. "

John, that correction isn't necessary now.

She was viewed as unhappy, but then her gaze immediately returned to Katie.

"W-What's wrong with you. Are you a waiter? ... In this case, be quiet. "

"Why should I listen to your order?"

“O-order...?”

Katie loses her nerve over John's cold rebuttal. It seemed like he was confused by such a brash officer.

“Evaluation you are wrong. There was not a single speck that polished her beauty on my woman's head. "

“How small exactly is it?”

Riz's voice ignored. John looked at Katie and continued talking.

“He is more passionate than you expect, just expressionless. I'm not denying your point about his weakness, but he's not selling his weakness. Rather than remain depressed, she chose what she could do and what she could not do. Overall, it means she is a woman who has flaws but can also turn them into charms. He's not just a beautiful work. "

Riz did feel treated like a painting, but for a moment he was dizzy.

He may be much praised.

“... Is that murderous woman Miss Rina's lover?”

Grajas, who had been watching, interrupted.

“Not Rina, Riz. You're a man with no brains and I'm gonna ask you not to open your mouth. "

"John, stop."

Riz hurriedly reprimanded him. John's disguise is getting torn apart.

“Mr Emil, do not involve the Madam in trivial disputes. —We beg you here for today. The health of the lady does not seem good. "

He coldly threw those words at Emil and firmly pulled Riz's arm.

We're back home.

"I don't feel too bad—"

You are not healthy.

It was a tone that did not cause any arguments. He began to walk with Riz's hand still gripping and his assistant rushed to follow. After they left Emil and the others at the place and came out of the teahouse, they boarded a train. The waiter was riding in a separate carriage.

Until they arrived at the familiar area, John, who was sitting next to him, did not open his mouth.

Riz can't stand being still.

"John, it's like you said."

“—What was it?”

As soon as he spoke, the sound of a horseshoe hit the tiled stones and the sound from outside became far away at once. He could not even feel the vibration of the chair. A comfortable and quiet space was created inside the carriage. Riz wondered if John was using some kind of power. It was at times like these that he was jealous of the devil's abilities.

“You said Sir Emil is a man who will have savings after marriage, right?”

She ended up having a drama before getting married. He doesn't see Emil as the insincere man he says he is, but it may be different when it comes to men and women.

“Nona, Your viewing angle is not bad but do not let the answer in front of your eyes warp like a refraction of light.”

He took off his glasses and it was clear that there was a stiffness that had slipped from his body. Riz also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Knowing that she's useless, do you still intend to get married?"

Riz held the tremors in his heart over his question and nodded.

"No. Hand over the guy. "

"I can't do that."

“Mistress, know your own value correctly. If you were a woman with no charm other than those Sacred Eyes, I would have killed you long ago. "

For a moment he was stunned to hear those unexpected words. It felt like he was too hopeful for something.

No, it was impossible for him, the devil, to be seriously interested in her. But.

"I knew. Prioritize me every time..It's because we have this contract so you say good things, don't you, John? ”

It's better than being rejected. As he said this to himself in his mind, his expression became severe.

"Now I want to kill you."

"Why?"

John stared at Riz with sharp eyes for a while, but finally a sigh came out.

“To be honest, annoying humans..”.

John's?

"I'm tired. Wake me up when we get here. "

He utters words that make Riz question who among them is his master, drops his glasses in his hand, and rests on his shoulder. He wondered why he didn't push her even though she was heavy.

The answer cannot be found.