Chapter 21. I shouldn't have helped!
The name of the old man smiling in front of me was 'Allom Chorny'.
He had been introduced to me by Aileen and was one of the vice-principals of Bayer Academy.
He stroked his beard, which seemed difficult to manage, with one hand while speaking.
"I never imagined I would see this work in person."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed, 'The Red Vineyard', a posthumous work of the great painter Corosius..."
Allom murmured nostalgically as he glanced over the painting brought to him.
"Beneath the dark blue storm clouds, the wheat field sways violently, and black crows fly low. Behind the wheat field, several paths lead nowhere..."
It felt as if he was seeing beyond what the painting encapsulated.
Of course, I had no clue what lay beyond.
What could that beyond be?
"The turbulent sky of the storm, Corosius, the artist who painted this, wrote to his brother, who supported him materially. In this painting, I have captured my sorrow and extreme solitude."
Allom turned his head to gaze intently at me, as if waiting for my response.
"Yes, that's correct."
I responded briefly.
My simple acknowledgment brought a slight look of disappointment to Allom's face. At the same time, a 'gray haze' appeared above his head.
〈Color of Negativity〉, meaning 'doubt'.
I vaguely realized that what Allom wanted wasn't just simple agreement, but 'empathy' for the art.
Damn it.
I desperately started to think.
To sell the painting at a high price, I needed to pay attention to the other person's cues.
'A posthumous work... a posthumous work... Ah.'
Alright, say it like this.
"Corosius, the great painter, passed away not long after leaving this masterpiece."
"Yes, indeed, in the red vineyard depicted in this painting."
Allom closed his eyes for a few seconds, meditating.
Did my response resonate with him?
The gray haze above his head had disappeared.
"I never thought you'd have such insight into art; I couldn't have imagined it."
"People's deepest aspects are often unknown until shared in conversation. It's only natural."
"Indeed."
Allom, the vice-principal, nodded cautiously.
"Then, may we discuss the price, Sir Yulian?"
I nodded willingly.
I hadn't come here to debate art in the first place.
Allom cleared his throat with a feigned cough of dignity.
"There's no need for an appraisal. It's unlikely that Sir Yulian would bring an item that's not authentic."
"I guarantee its authenticity on the honor of Blind Eyes."
I continued to speak slyly.
I hadn't known whether it was genuine or fake until Aileen told me, but that wasn't the point now.
"What about this amount then?"
Allom carefully showed me four fingers after gauging my reaction.
40,000 nar.
It was more than enough to buy moonstone and still have plenty of funds left.
'A slightly disappointing price.'
It's more than I expected, but it still feels a bit lacking.
Hoping to have more money left over, I ventured into negotiation.
"Corosius was not a painter who achieved great success during his lifetime."
"That's true, Sir Yulian."
"Ironically, the works that are now considered masterpieces only gained recognition posthumously. While alive, he lived a life of poverty like many other artists."
He nodded while stroking his beard.
The absence of the 'gray haze' above his head suggested he agreed with me.
"This is the final work left by Corosius. A piece that put a full stop to his unfortunate life."
Another glance.
Indeed, no haze was visible.
"The work that brought a golden era after his death. As a painting representing the life of such a renowned artist... isn't it treated a bit lightly?"
As mentioned several times, I know nothing of art.
'However, packaging something based merely on given information is somewhat possible.'
It's not difficult to combine reasonable facts to assert a believable value. After all, it's an evaluation based on facts.
'Still, a slip of the tongue could ruin everything...'
But I had the 〈Color of Negativity〉.
With it, I could read the opponent's mind and correct mistakes immediately. There was virtually no risk.
"Hmmm..."
He frowned intensely but didn't seem like he intended to refuse.
"Then... if I add a little more to the price..."
"Yes."
"Adding another 100,000 nar..."
Hmm.
'What?'
Adding 100,000 nar? More money than initially proposed—.
"How about 500,000 nar?"
'5... 500,000 nar?!'
Wait, didn't the initially extended finger mean 10,000 nar each?!
'Does this mean the painting is worth over 500 million?!'
I swallowed hard.
I was deeply surprised, but Yulian's unique facial muscles and smile maintained my expression.
"Finally, you acknowledge its value."
I said, acting as if it was expected from the beginning.
***
When I reported that the work was completed, the academy's officials were full of admiration.
"Finishing the tasks for the old building in just one day... truly impressive."
"Indeed, as expected from the Donatien family member, their handling of work is exceptional."
Naturally.
It was hard to predict how many days the work might take. Completing it in one day was a feat deserving admiration.
"A mere branch family..."
"He'll surely grow even more arrogant."
Of course, there were some who cast looks of contempt.
But baseless slander was just like a scared puppy barking.
Aileen openly smiled at them.
"That wretched branch family..."
"Such a lowly creature..."
After seeing their deeply wrinkled faces, Aileen left the administration office.
Recalling their disgruntled expressions, she chuckled to herself.
She knew they disliked her because she was from a 'branch family'.
Nonetheless, they couldn't openly say anything because the 'Donatien' family held a higher social status than theirs.
'A branch family must always prove themselves.'
Words her father always said.
Regardless of being a branch family, if one proves themselves nobly, they are already noble, regardless of lineage.
"... Ugh."
Yet recently, even Aileen had a moment when her heart was deeply shaken.
― Donatien's half-blood, did anyone permit you to speak?"
Yulian's remark had a significant impact.
Especially because it came from his mouth.
'It figures... he's from a branch family like me.'
For someone with a similar humble lineage to speak like that. Isn't it infuriating?
'While some of us are struggling with all our might... Instead of helping...'
He is an emotionless sword that taints not only himself but also the name of 'Cryphart' and the 'branch family'.
A person marred with all sorts of infamy.
― Regardless of being a branch or a direct line, all nobles are subjects of the empire. Can the emperor interpret what you said as a challenge against the sovereign who established the empire's order?"
But then why.
― I am also of a branch family. According to Sir Hardy, I too am among the lacking ones."
Why did he suddenly say that?
He never cares about his lineage or family name. All he desires is his own success and surpassing his master, the 'Sword Saint', with power alone.
'Now of all times?'
What can change if a sullied name suddenly changes?
Still.
She thought.
If he were to return to how he was during his student days at the academy, back to the Yulian who proved himself with overwhelming skill and dignity, regardless of those talking about lineage, what if—?
"Aileen, it's good to see you."
Caught up in her thoughts, Aileen turned to the voice that suddenly came from behind.
Allom Chorny, the vice-principal of Bayer Academy, approached, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
"Vice-Principal Allom."
As Aileen greeted him, allom gave a reluctant smile, brushing his beard once.
"It's truly stifling conversing with Sir Yulian. In my years, having met countless knights and mages, I haven't encountered anyone exuding such an assertive presence, except for the Sword Saint, Hayden Reich."
"He is impressive. So... did the conversation end well?"
Aileen had been the one to facilitate their meeting.
Feeling responsible, she inquired, and a smile spread across his face.
"I am quite pleased! Corosius's 'The Red Vineyard' is a piece I desperately wanted! Despite the painful expenditure, to have acquired it..."
"That's great to hear."
"It's all thanks to you, Aileen. Hahaha!"
Laughing heartily, allom cleared his throat to calm his excited heart.
"By the way, I heard the task in the old building is completed..."
"Yes."
"That's good to hear. Tsk... There are rumors about the Dawn Society's heretics; it was unfortunate that Aileen had to take on the task."
Dawn Society
A newly formed demon-worshipping group within the empire.
Aileen gave a bitter smile.
"Still, it's better to sort these matters, given that anything could happen."
"I'm relieved to hear you think so."
"Oh, did Sir Yulian head back?"
"After receiving a portion of the payment in cash, he hurriedly left. Perhaps he had something he wanted to buy..."
"Whatever Sir Yulian wants to buy, I'm certainly curious... Ah!"
Suddenly, as if recalling something, Aileen let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry, vice-Principal Allom. Something urgent just came to mind!"
"Is there a problem...?"
"It's about acquiring moonstone for a paper I'm submitting to the Magic Tower!"
After apologetically greeting him, Aileen quickly exited the corridor.
***
"What!? There's no moonstone left at all!?"
Arriving at the jewelry store 'Tears of Dellan' at the Benedict Crossroads, Aileen loudly questioned the store owner's statement.
"Yes, I apologize, lady Aileen."
"But I was told there was a sufficient amount prepared for me... Didn't I also inform you in advance that I wanted to make a purchase?"
"Well, the initial order of moonstones was taken by the person who ordered them first. Since they had already prior reservations, we couldn't do anything."
"This can't be..."
Aileen's shoulders slumped at the news that no moonstone remained.
Specializing in the fifth element of magic, gold, she had planned to write a paper titled 'Mana Encased in Metal'.
But without moonstone, she couldn't proceed with her work.
"Could you perhaps tell me who purchased it? Given the amount, I doubt they would entirely use it up."
"Well..."
After a moment's hesitation, the store owner replied, "It's Sir Yulian."
"What!?"
― After receiving some of the money in cash, he hurriedly left. Did he have something he wanted to purchase...?"
Who would have known?
That the reason he needed money urgently was the same reason she was after the 'moonstone'.
"He took all that amount!? What on earth does he plan to do with it?"
The amount of moonstone handled by 'Tears of Dellan' was immense.
For him to buy all of it, what was he planning to do?
"He said he intended to make a sword."
"A sword? That's..."
Using such precious material to forge a sword?
Forsaking other superior materials!?
"Moonstone is a gemstone...!"
Known for his love of extravagance, Yulian likely planned to have a jeweled sword to adorn his home.
"A gemstone... what kind of sword are you even making with that!"
It was ironic, really.
Wasn't it because she had introduced him to someone to sell his painting that she found herself in such a predicament?
'No change whatsoever, just no help at all!'
Aileen reversed her fleetingly altered perception of him, internalizing her frustration.
Clacky's Corner:
Finally, a light-hearted chapter.
It took 20 chapters. But I had a giggle. :)
Haha, the title is very apt as well.
Sidenote, I'm thought of Van Gogh when they were discussing about Corosius. Am I the only one who thought that?