They returned to the mansion with Ionia in tow, the five of them.
They took their seats at the dining table, and Jill and Maureen prepared tea for everyone.
“I didn’t expect you to come back so soon. It’s only been about two months, hasn’t it?”
“I was painting the northern mountains, but after living in the mountains for so long, I became quite tired. I’m now renting a place in the city. While it’s a joy to be in harmony with nature, blending into the crowd is another joy.”
“You’re such a hassle with your phrasing. Did your time in the mountains bear fruit?”
It seemed that Garda was already acquainted with Ionia.
This was Matthew and Maureen’s first meeting.
“Garda, you knew him?”
Garda nodded in response to Matthew’s question.
“This guy was even in Shelland during the winter. He was out and about, looking for subjects for his paintings or something like that.”
“I was indebted to you at that time. Thank you. I must also thank Miss Jill again.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Jill responded somewhat curtly.
Though grateful to Ionia, Jill was also exasperated by Ionia’s nonchalance.
“Since there are some people meeting for the first time, let me introduce you. This is Matthew, a merchant I am indebted to. And this is Maureen, the maid of this mansion.”
“Nice to meet you, I am the painter Ionia. Please take care of me.”
Maureen gave a slight bow at Ionia’s greeting, and Matthew shook hands with a smile.
“I’m Matthew. I never expected to meet such a renowned painter as yourself.”
“Oh, you know me? That’s very flattering.”
“I have acquaintances in the art business. Anyone involved with art knows your name.”
“I’m still an inexperienced person, but my patron is renowned. However, do you often visit the capital, Sir Matthew?”
“Yes, I often go to the capital and the port areas. I’m still inexperienced and don’t even have a shop.”
“A shop isn’t the only way to live. At least I feel more affinity for a merchant who walks with their own feet rather than one who meets only their clients in a shop. A person with the nose to find better things is essential for someone like me to survive.”
Ionia praised Matthew casually. Even the usually assertive Matthew found himself unusually responding to the praise. Moreover, Ionia smoothly addressed even specialized business topics. Even from the sidelines, there was a certain allure that drew one in.
Recalling it, Jill thought that the conversation during their journey from the capital to Shelland had been strangely lively.
He thought Ionia might be a sort of charmer.
“But why did you come to such a place?”
Jill asked Ionia.
“Rather, I’d like to ask you why you are here.”
“This was simply my destination.”
“I see. As for me, I had been painting in the mountains for a while, but I started to miss human settlements and came to Shelland. There, I heard a strange rumor.”
“A strange rumor?”
“I heard that a rare hat was in fashion. Not woolen or leather, but just a straw hat. I was surprised when I saw the real thing. I had never seen such an elegant straw hat before.”
“Seeing it in person means…”
Right now, the only person wearing one of Jill’s straw hats is Lady Emily, the lord’s granddaughter.
“Just recently, Lord Scott bought a painting from me. At that time, Lady Emily was also present, and I got to see the hat.”
“Ah… so you really are a remarkable painter. But did you come all this way just to confirm that?”
“I heard that other items like dresses and horse tack with unusual designs have been gradually increasing. It sounded quite interesting. As a painter, I couldn’t ignore it. And after hearing about it, I suspected something was amiss here. It seems I was right.”
“Well… it has been the talk of the town. That hat was made by me.”
“I’m honestly relieved.”
“Relieved?”
“I was worried you might throw yourself off somewhere.”
Jill’s face turned red with embarrassment.
She realized she had been seen through.
“…Was inviting me to become a painter your reason for this?”
“There are people who paint to utilize their talents for success. But on the other hand, there are paths for those who want to abandon the secular world. I thought you had the aptitude to live away from worldly affairs. Of course, I also suspected you had artistic talent.”
“Thank you for that.”
Even as Jill said this, she didn’t look particularly grateful.
She even thought that if it had been communicated more directly, she might have found it easier to express her gratitude.
“Really, it was a mistake. I should have been more forceful in encouraging you to become a painter. With your ability to make such hats, you would have likely succeeded as a painter too.”
“It’s nothing special. I just read about such things in a book long ago.”
In reality, Jill’s motivation to make that hat was precisely because of the ‘book.’
She was well aware that it was not her original invention.
“Even so, it requires a shift in perspective to actually make it. One has to remove the mental constraints of ‘it’s okay to make something like this.’ The same goes for painting. Innovative art isn’t just about being original or unique. It’s often about ‘using an existing technique in a way no one had thought of before.’”
“I-I see.”
When told this, Jill couldn’t find a retort.
Although it seemed like an overestimation, Garda had praised Jill in a similar manner, making it difficult for Jill to outright deny it.
“If you don’t mind, may I see some of your works?”
◆
“Hmm…!”
Upon moving to the cloakroom, Ionia murmured in admiration.
What was displayed wasn’t everything. Items that Matthew and Jill had decided were “too early to be shown to the public” were locked away. However, it seemed that what was on display was enough to captivate Ionia.
“Wonderful colors. The fabric’s dyeing is excellent. Oh, it looks like there are various things besides clothing… Is this leatherwork by Garda?”
“There are some pieces I made and had stamped, and others that Miss Jill made from scratch.”
“Magnificent… This is done with magic, right? Did you carve the iron with magic… no, perhaps it was directly heated with magical fire?”
“Why do you ask that?”
Ionia looked surprised when Jill asked, as if she hadn’t expected the question.
“You started a campfire, didn’t you? It’s not particularly surprising if you consider how you used magic then.”
“Oh!”
Jill had previously demonstrated her magic to Ionia.
She had started a fire, created water, and cooked food.
Those who observed closely might have been able to discern Jill’s magical traits.
“Moreover, creating such detailed stamps with engraving would be quite difficult. Even if you could make them, they would wear out quickly.”
“You’re quite knowledgeable.”
“I’ve studied sculpture and printmaking, so I have a rough idea. However… this is definitely worth discussing.”
“Discussing?”
Jill thought Ionia might have brought troublesome matters.
But since it was a matter of fate, she decided to at least listen to what Ionia had to say.
At that moment, Matthew interjected.
“It’s not admirable to bring up strange requests. If it’s something dangerous, we’ll take it to the proper authorities.”
“To the proper authorities?”
“Jill is closely connected with the Silver Scale Order’s commander and his wife… as well as the lord’s granddaughter.”
This was only half true.
Jill herself had no connections with the knights of this town. The connections were with Matthew and Garda. However, since the knights had been helped by Garda’s armor for horses, there was indeed a sense of “debt to Jill,” making this a delicate bluff mixing truth and falsehood.
“Haha, don’t misunderstand. I’m not making any dangerous requests. I just want you to tailor some clothes. That’s all.”
In response, Ionia shrugged and smiled wryly.
“I understand the suspicion. A painter can’t exist without patrons. Many are skilled in ingratiating themselves with those in power. It’s regrettable, but some painters are more skilled in rhetoric than in painting.”
“You’re quite the opposite. I had heard your name, but seeing your paintings in person confirmed it. They are truly magnificent.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s memorable in the capital as well. There was someone from the royal family who was very fond of your work. I finally remembered… yes, Princess Erinna, the niece and direct disciple of Queen Bazarde.”
At Matthew’s words, everyone fell silent.
Everyone except Jill looked at Ionia with wary eyes.
Erinna, the niece of Bazarde.
She was the person who had jumped to the first place in the line of succession in Jill’s stead.
Matthew and the others had been wary of such a situation arising.
The arrival of someone seeking to use Jill.
Or someone opposing Jill or connected to her enemies.
Even though Ionia’s ultimate goal was unclear, it was enough to justify suspicion.
An artist favored by Erinna.
One could even say it was odd not to be suspicious.
A tense, charged atmosphere enveloped the room.
Maureen was ready to pounce and restrain Ionia at the slightest hint of suspicious behavior.
Garda had steeled himself to physically prevent Jill from being abducted.
Matthew exchanged eye contact with Jill, signaling her to protect herself from potential threats.
But it was Jill herself who broke the tense atmosphere.
“Erinna…? Oh, um… If she’s mother’s niece, then… is she older sister Erinna? Ah, I remember now! Is she still doing well?”
Jill, without any particular seriousness, scratched her head, and once she matched the name with the face, she clapped her hands in recognition.
