Chapter 19: Aileen de Donatien(1)
"How can a life be so unhelpful."
A monologue-like soliloquy.
This was my evaluation of the path "Yulian" had trodden so far.
This damn slit-eyed villain had not only opposed the protagonist "Hayden Reich" but also attempted to kill his master and was too foolish to save properly.
"There's no fool like this fool. Wouldn't it be wiser to save money for emergencies rather than collecting artworks when considering his situation?"
Of course, lamenting wouldn't change anything.
I immediately picked up a few crafts from the mansion and headed toward the promised jewelry store.
Works by artists renowned in the Empire, and across the continent.
I wondered if I could use them when exchanging for 'Moonstone'.
Such thoughts occurred to me.vvs
― Well... Sir Yulian, I'm sorry, but we don't conduct transactions through bartering."
It was a naive thought.
The jewelry store owner revealed the "Color of Fear" above his head but still clearly expressed his refusal.
A merchant never engages in a losing business deal. They don't just buy art pieces simply because they're labeled as such.
As art is only valuable to someone who recognizes its worth.
However, there is always a place to sell such items in any world.
The art gallery.
"Pleased to meet you, Sir Yulian. I'm Pierce, an appraiser from the art gallery 'Id Cosmo'."
"Yes, pleased to meet you."
Upon entering 'Id Cosmo', one of the art galleries in the capital, I was introduced to an appraiser by the staff.
Under normal circumstances, it would take weeks to commission such an appraisal, but "Yulian" made it possible to schedule within a day.
"Then, may I see the items you wish to have appraised?"
In response to the appraiser's request to see the items, I took out a painting hanging at the entrance of the mansion.
An oil painting portrait.
A painting reflecting the artist's unique realm of imagination with the creamy texture characteristic of oil paintings.
"Ooh..."
A sigh escaped from the appraiser's lips.
It was evident at a glance that this was no ordinary item.
It seemed he perceived the artwork to be one that would make enthusiasts drool in admiration.
The appraiser couldn't hide his smile as he began examining the painting. Tilting it slightly to various angles, he then pulled out a magnifying glass for a closer inspection.
A few minutes later, the appraiser gave an awkward smile.
"It's a forgery."
"... A forgery, you say?"
"Yes."
The appraiser nodded at my question.
"The original of this work belongs to an artist named 'Corosius Vincent'. Emulating his unique technique was once a trend in the art world..."
In essence, he was saying it was a fake that imitated a famous artist's style.
So, it's worthless then.
Should I have brought something else?
I thought it was a decent piece of art, given it was prominently displayed at the mansion's entrance, but apparently, it wasn't.
"Still, I've never seen a reproduction this similar. I'd like to purchase it. Would 1,000 nar suffice?"
Perhaps it was a small blessing that the appraiser expressed a willingness to purchase it. Fortunately, the price was reasonable.
I nodded.
Needing the Moonstone immediately to complete the unfinished 〈Moonlit Sword〉, rejecting an offer of 1,000 nar in this financially tight situation was not an option.
"Then, Sir Yulian, may I bring the contract?"
"Yes."
With a nod, the appraiser requested a moment of understanding before heading into the depths of the art gallery.
Left alone in the gallery, I looked around.
"The place is quite bustling."
The art gallery was full of visitors besides me. Everyone was engrossed in viewing the artworks.
The notably peculiar thing was that most of the artworks here employed the impressionist technique.
Considering that the world of 〈From Now On, let's Kill the Demon King〉 lay somewhere between the medieval and modern ages, it struck me as quite progressive.
With those thoughts in mind, I admired the most striking painting.
Hmm.
As expected, I couldn't understand it.
They say that knowledge and appreciation are different, yet to me, it was just a well-painted picture.
"Viewing art—quite the sophisticated hobby for someone like you."
Someone spoke to me as I struggled to comprehend the profound world of art.
Judging by the casual way they addressed me, it suggested familiarity.
I turned my head to see who would dare converse with the infamous Yulian so easily.
Dark navy hair.
And an appearance that would capture anyone's attention.
Aileen de Donatien.
From the first meeting, she was a character whose thoughts were unreadable.
I felt as if I might get lost in her scarlet irises as she looked at me.
"Are you here for the artwork as well, miss Aileen?"
I replied nonchalantly.
I could have ignored her, but given her unpredictable nature, it was necessary to gather information whenever possible.
Fortunately, there was no sign of the 〈Color of Negativity〉 hovering above her head.
"Of course."
Aileen shrugged her shoulders.
Indeed, aside from viewing art, what other reason could there be to visit an art gallery? Selling artworks for money, as I was doing, was a unique case.
"A relative has displayed their work here at 'Id Cosmo'."
Aileen pointed to the painting in front of me.
The painting titled 'Outing' bore the name 'Phaelon de Donatien.'
It seemed to refer to the piece before me as her relative's work just mentioned.
"Did you know?"
As Aileen admired the painting, she suddenly spoke.
"Know what?"
"That the Elder Council has been watching you recently."
This woman casually dropped a bombshell.
Still feigning indifference, Aileen continued admiring the painting as she spoke.
"Though, we had a sense of what the Elder Council was thinking when you became the instructor for the 'Blind Eyes' induction test before, right?"
"..."
"That's why the test was conducted in such a manner. Because you accurately grasped the Elder Council's intent."
Hmm, I nodded.
I was pretending to be nonchalant, but inside, I wasn't calm at all.
What Aileen said just now was a fact I wasn't aware of.
Had I known, I would have refused the role of test instructor somehow.
"Although your stratagems didn't succeed, they have been grinding their teeth against you recently, because of the proposal you submitted to the Secretariat. They see it as a challenge to their authority."
The proposal I submitted regarding the issues with the previous 'Blind Eyes' induction test.
They saw that as a challenge to their authority?
"I see."
"Pretending it's nothing. Anyway, be careful. It's inevitable that they'll try something."
"Thank you, miss Aileen. But are you alright with this?"
Aileen narrowed her eyes and stared at me.
"With what, exactly?"
"As a noble, you'd need the Elder Council's support, wouldn't you? Is it alright to reveal internal matters like this?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm a mage of the Magic Tower, besides being a noble. And..."
She trailed off for a moment.
Her eyes wavered briefly as she looked at me, but soon a strong resolve settled in them.
"You helped me in the Julin Special District, Sir Yulian. I never leave debts unpaid, whether they are..."
Good or bad.
Aileen added as such.
She was saying that she would repay kindness and vengeance alike.
"It's a good habit."
I replied with a brief smile.
"Sir Yulian! I brought the contract."
The appraiser, who had gone to fetch the contract, hurriedly ran over.
He meticulously arranged the documents he brought on the table. I pulled a pen from my pocket.
"What are you doing right now?"
Aileen, who was watching from the side, asked.
I gave a brief explanation.
That I was both viewing art and here to sell a painting.
"That painting?"
"Yes, miss Aileen."
Upon the appraiser's answer, Aileen slowly approached the framed picture on the table.
As she examined the painting, her expression turned rather serious.
"Is it alright to display this work so carelessly?"
"Miss Aileen also recognized it as a piece by Corosius Vincent, I see. However, it's a forgery..."
"But it's genuine, isn't it? I don't think any artist in the Empire could handle oil painting at this level. Moreover, the signature in the corner matches that of Corosius."
"... What?"
The appraiser began re-examining the painting.
It was the area Aileen had pointed out earlier.
Soon after, the appraiser's face started to turn pale.
"This cannot be... It was genuine? It's such a rare piece that I must have made a mistake."
"This quality can never be a forgery."
A genuine article?
As the appraiser murmured, my gaze turned to the painting on the table.
"So, does the appraisal value change?"
Honestly, I didn't care whether it was genuine or fake.
What mattered was whether it could be priced a bit higher. Typically, a genuine piece would fetch a higher price.
"I, I'm sorry, Sir Yulian... If this work is genuine, purchasing it is impossible with our current gallery's funds."
Impossible to purchase?
Then how much is this painting actually worth?
"I asked how the appraisal value changes."
So, how much is this painting worth?
The appraiser, now pale, was unable to speak.
His pupils trembled constantly, and the "Color of Fear" above his head surged fiercely.
"Y-Yulian! An appraisal mistake can happen! It's natural for people to err!"
"I'm sorry, Sir Yulian...!"
I belatedly realized how the two of them perceived me.
The "Smiling Executioner" about to judge the appraiser for his mistake on the spot.
Even the infamous "Yulian" wouldn't take it this far.
... Probably not.
"I don't intend to hold anyone accountable for a mistake. As Miss Aileen said, people err."
I spoke in a manner suggesting there was nothing to worry about, yet Aileen didn't believe it at all.
"Still, this is troubling. How should I dispose of this painting...?"
The delay in purchasing the Moonstone was becoming problematic.
I had to complete the 〈Moonlit Sword〉 as soon as possible to ensure even a bit of safety for myself──.
"... Then, should I introduce you?"
While I was contemplating, Aileen suddenly spoke.
"I know someone who will buy any Corosius painting no matter what."
"Really?"
I reflexively questioned this unexpected piece of good news.
Was such a helping hand appearing so timely?
Coming from the enigmatic Aileen, I couldn't help but feel suspicious.
"In return, help me with a task."
As expected.
She was reminding me that nothing is free in this world.
Clacky's Corner:
Aileen is getting more likeable.