Miss Appraiser And Satan's Gallery

Chapter Five: The Voice of View

The next day a polite letter of apology came from Emil.

Riz immediately replied with the contents as follows: that he did not mind and did not need to apologize and that he wanted to go see the painting of the holy mother they were talking about earlier.

Emil does not look enthusiastic, but he feels guilty for involving Riz in his own love affairs. Then there is the answer that if he still wants it then he can come five days later.

Riz gets an appointment to meet, aware he is being arrogant.

 

And then, five days later, it was a sunny autumn day that was suitable to go out.

As promised in the letter, Riz came to Emil's house.

It was in the western part of the capital, Einora district, home to middle-class nobles, wealthy merchants, and businessmen.

No one accompanied him. The goal today is to ensure the painting is altered.

If this gets to Virma's ears, she may be barred from coming out.

Trouble at the teahouse was passed on to Virma on the same day. It was the waiter who was taken to the teahouse who told him. Because of this, Virma's assessment of Emil seems to have dropped dramatically and she has presented the remaining four paintings, excluding limes, in silence to Riz.

But Riz does not plan to repeat the election of his fiancee. She's not in love, but Emil has a lot to worry about. For some reason, he strongly thought that he should not throw her here.

It was absurd for a noble princess to visit the home of someone of the opposite sex without a servant, but this was the worst case scenario. That if Emil's work is a distorted painting and if there's a demon hiding there.

He could not carelessly invite others when thinking about this worst case.

There's anxiety. Especially since he couldn't bring John.

Emil refuses to let John come to his own house. If he forced her to agree, it felt like she would get hurt and she would hide the job.

In the art gallery, when she explained that she was going to check on the painting, she tried asking, “You have a familiar? If you do, then I would like to borrow it "but be rebuffed firmly.

There are some people who have a keen intuition. Because, if one of the people saw the familiar, Riz will be cursed to become possessed by demons.

Judging from his displeased expression, he also felt like he was just being angry. However, he seemed to have been busy these past few days. After getting the words "I'll come for you when I want it", it seems like he wasn't left out.

 

“Welcome, Miss Riz.”

Emil seemed to personally greet her as she got off the train.

Seeing his face, Riz was shocked. He looks worse than when they met a few days ago.

"This is a shameful and simple house, incomparable to the grandeur of Milton's house."

"Not everything."

For sure, it might be a bit inferior to the Milton— Riz family home refraining from giving an impression to him. At least he has a lot of wisdom.

It was a three-story brick house with towers placed on both sides. The standard middle-class noble building.

There is a garden in front and a small greenhouse on the right. On the left is the stables and the steward's cabin. It seemed like the garden was not much to take care of; the flowers in the flowerbed were left to wither.

Riz entered the entrance of the mansion while being led by Emil's hand.

The number of servants welcoming them also seemed small. For a mansion of this size, wouldn't they need a minimum of five more people?

Home management is the duty of the wife, but it is the caretaker who actually educates the servants and assigns them roles. Emil's stepmother seems to be his second wife, so she may not have gained the trust of her caretaker.

Riz peeked out from the side of Emil's face. There were dark circles under his eyes and his cheeks were also a little thin.

“You seem to be having a hard time. Are you okay?"

“Mm, I drank too much with my knight colleague last night. You're a kind woman who cares about me. "

His worries were avoided with a smile. It seemed that he had no intention of answering honestly. He felt that there was a distance between them even more than when they were in the teahouse.

His skin was bad not because he drank too much. There was no smell of alcohol from him.

Maybe there really was a demon hiding inside the painting and cursing it.

Maybe he shouldn't have planned to do it slow and he should have taken John?

Riz bit his lip as he passed through the corridor with Emil in silence.

There is also something Riz wants to know in addition to checking the painting.

The whole point of why Emil wanted to show the painting was only to her.

As long as he asked for a consultation about his painting in his private room, he acted like he was jealous of John even though he did not love him and tried to invite him to his own mansion.

However, in the teahouse, her attitude changed completely and she tried to make some distance between them. Even in his letter, he could tell his desire to show her the painting was fainter than before.

What was the reason he changed his mind?

It seemed like Emil would be on his guard if John accompanied him. To find out her motive, it was best that she met him alone. That's what Riz decided.

Is he wrong?

“That painting is in the workspace and I will take you there. Ah, my stepmother and her son are not around, so you might feel calm. ”

"Huh?"

“If my stepmother and step-sister were here, I wouldn't be able to talk to you casually.”

Riz was confused as to think they would greet his family first. He wouldn't blame her for him also coming here, keeping it a secret from Virma — but would he also target when his relatives aren't around?

Emil set this date.

A sense of unease and surprise spread in his chest like mist.

From Emil's personality, he didn't think he would try to force a relationship between a man and a woman here.

Riz doesn't understand. What's he thinking?

His gaze flowed through the corridor while he increased his vigilance.

So far he had not felt any strange air, but he had thought it was an ordinary corridor.

On the wallpaper he could see the traces of a faint sunburn. Looks like there was a painting that adorned this wall before. They must have just been removed.

"Here."

It happened just as they arrived at the door of the study in a reddish-brown color.

A mistress in a gritty satin dress appeared from the room far behind.

Emil, who was about to open the door of the study, stiffened completely and muttered "Rachel".

The madam approached Emil, looking at him.

After he came in front of them, his eyes turned green towards Riz. It was the face of a beautiful and extravagant woman in her thirties. Because Emil called her name, Riz did not immediately realize that she was his stepmother so he was late in greeting her.

Rachel snorted as if she was humbling herself and Riz returned to himself.

“I see you are a girl with no manners. Can you not say hello properly? ”

"Rachel, enough. —Do you have no plans to watch the theater in the afternoon? ”

Emil interrupted with a thorny voice.

“I'm your stepmother, so I'd like to ask you not to call me by name. Yes, I'll go to the theater from here. But…"

Rachel raised the tip of her red lips and sensually touched her earrings.

“Because you were very interested to know my schedule a few days ago, I was wondering if there was something.”

“Oh? You want to know about me? ”

"of course. Well... This girl is Riz Milton, am I right? ”

“Yes, I will introduce it officially someday, so please act as if you did not see it today.”

“But it will be boring. Don't you think so? ”

Riz was upset when Rachel asked for her consent.

She can instantly tell that Emil and Rachel's relationship is volatile.

“... Forgive my manners, Lady Rachel. As you said, I'm Riz Milton. Please forgive my sudden visit. I was so eager to meet Lord Emil that I pushed to come. "

`` The Princess of a noble family turned out to be less educated, so. Even if you are kept a secret, you should at least prepare a gift, right? "

"Rachel, what are you saying? You better stop insulting him. "

“Yeah, what is humiliation? He was the one who opposed etiquette. Besides, if she wants to be your wife then naturally she will be my daughter as well. "

Rachel's smile was clear.

Rachel's words were harsh, but what was wrong was Riz. She pinched her dress and bowed deeply.

You're right, Lady Rachel. Please anger me. "

“See, see. —Even if there are no flaws with her rank, she is a weak girl with no manners. We are the ones who suffered losses with this marriage. He should be grateful we reluctantly accepted this. "

“—Nona Riz, please enter study first.”

Emil quickly opened the door of the study and pushed Riz in. The door closed right after that. For a moment Riz heard voices talking, but finally stopped and the door opened again.

Emil entered with a tired face. Looks like he kicked Rachel out.

"I sincerely apologize for my stepmother."

"Not everything."

He doesn't feel angry. Instead, he felt sorry for Emil. It was true this was a thoughtless visit, but, if it were to be said clearly, that feeling was by his side as a higher ranked noble.

Based on Carotion's house, Emil's fiancee's visit would not be considered a problem. Rachel's attitude is impolite, even if her words are true.

After all, where is the painting that turned into a mummy?

Riz changed the subject, as family matters were also not a pleasant topic for him.

He looked around the whole workspace. Since he had focused on the corridor until Emil entered, he barely looked around the interior.

There's a big bookcase on the left wall. In the back window was a large oak table. In the center was a sofa and a long chair for one person. There's tables. The horses. Benches. At first glance, all of them had a dignified atmosphere.

“You may have noticed it, but this room only looks superficially impressive.”

Emil smiled bitterly. Riz thinks so.

Although it may have just been cleaned, there is a certain smell in the room that people rarely visit. It was a moist fungal smell. This room is not used much.

Among the nobles there were a few who lined up special books, which they had yet to read, on their bookshelves to maintain appearances. It seems that the Carotion family is like that.

There is no bookcase on the opposite wall. Decorative curtains are tied left and right with tassels and, in the middle, twelve large paintings of varying sizes adorn the walls. The paintings were simply put together by their gold-colored frames.

Riz went in that direction. Emil went with her as well and approached the painting wall.

This painting.

What Emil points to is a work that is at the center of all painting.

Riz's breathing was choked.

Indeed, it was an image of a scrawny holy mother like a mummy.

 

The conversation resumed after she sat down on the sofa and her shock passed.

“Is your body okay?”

Riz is worried by Emil who looks his condition is worse than himself.

His heart beats a little faster but it doesn't matter at this level.

Emil asked a waiter to prepare herbal tea.

Shortly after, a familiar woman carrying a silver tray with a cup on it appeared.

If she remembers correctly, it was Colette, Lola.

Maybe Loretta remembered the incident at the teahouse because it was pale when she saw Riz. He placed the cup on the table in a hurry and left the room with unsteady steps that made it look like it would fall at any moment.

Emil looked at Loretta's back with an inexplicable expression.

Riz took a sip of the herbal tea and sighed in relief.

It tasted good, but somehow it made him miss John's tea.

After he calmed down, he started the topic.

“Is this painting really one of the beautiful holy mothers at first?”

His line of sight led to a group of works on the wall. In the center was a mummy painting that resembled but did not resemble a holy mother. In addition there was an oil painting of a musician; his composition was of a man playing the violin in front of a campfire in the forest at night.

"That I can't prove this hurts, but yes, I swear to God and on my sword."

Emil said that with a serious look.

It would be impossible to be a lie if a knight swore on his sword. However, since he didn't see the circumstances at first, it was unbelievable. Even if he didn't lie, he could have been wrong.

“It's natural if you doubt me, Miss Riz. But when I was gifted this painting there was my knight colleague, Rachel. "

He recited the surnames of the people who had been there. There is the house of Gilball, the house of Aubanrain, the house of Garon.

He adjusted his view of the Carotion family, no, more like Emil.

He had social relations with the children of the house of status. It was proof that he himself was an extraordinary person.

“They also saw the painting back then. How about I introduce you to them in the near future? ”

There are no lies in Emil's expression. It was also impossible for all of them to coordinate their stories. So, seeing him speak so confidently up until now seemed to indicate that it was true without a doubt.

When exactly were you given the painting gift?

Let's see ... I'm sorry, but I don't remember the date clearly. About a month ago, maybe. ”

"When did the holy mother turn into a mummy?"

“Relative immediately.”

"soon?"

“Ya, in a few days after it on the wall.”

“Please let me know in more detail. How much longer is it? ”

Emil blinked, seemingly not understanding the meaning of the question.

“For example, does the holy mother change gradually over a few days? Or is it normal in the morning, but to be mummified after one night? ”

“Ah, that's what you mean.. It's not exact, but it's about a few hours.”.

"Hour."

"Yes. After this painting was placed in the workspace, my friends and I moved to the sitting room — room where my stepmother came out earlier. Since it was a gathering of men, well.we stopped for a while and drank alcohol. ”

“There are a lot of knights who got out of control and were captured at the bar, right. Even though they're on the enforcement side. "

“Nona Riz, I'd appreciate if you talk about it more tactfully, but, well, you're right.”

Emil smiled wryly and rubbed the back of his neck.

"The door to the waiting room opens."

"Why?"

“... For some reason I was hesitant to reach out to a woman's ear.”

"It's okay. Please tell me."

“. So, um.. ”.

"I understand. Because everyone often goes to the restroom, closing the door whenever it is annoying so that it is left open. ”

“You are very sharp.”

Riz let out a long breath.

“From the waiting room, the corridor looks full. When we were drunk, the people who walked into the study were my father, my stepmother, and my friends. Ah, Loretta too. My dad just went in to pick up the cigar and Loretta came in to clean up. My stepmother seemed to be looking for my father. My friends went in to steal my father's cigars. Of course, I told them they could do that. "

"How long is everyone in the study?"

“My dad was there for a few minutes. Loretta was there for ten minutes at most as well, because it was not a place that was completely cleaned. My friends were there for a few minutes. My stepmother, who entered last, screamed and that's when we learned that the holy mother had changed. I'm sure you'll ask this and I'll answer in advance, but no one brought anything suspicious. "

In other words, he meant that no one had secretly exchanged the painting?

It was not a size that could be hidden behind clothes.

And, since this is a panel painting, it is impossible to fold, bend, or roll.

"I saw. Can I ask you another question? ”

"Huh? Yes of course. Please leave."

I would like to meet the artist who drew this painting.

Emil crossed his legs again with a troubled look.

“... That would be difficult.”

"Why?"

“According to my friend, he's a traveling artist. After he finished the painting and received his reward, he disappeared somewhere. "

What's the artist's name?

“I heard he was a guy named Brad. I had tried searching here and there at the inn when I was off duty, but he seemed to have left the capital. "

Emil told her this with regret.

"After the painting changed, did you ask someone to judge it?"

“I intend to ask, but..my stepmother is against it.”

"Rachel Lady?"

“He was stubborn and asked what would happen if other houses knew about this unfortunate painting.”

"I saw. In that case, why was it still decorated on the wall until now? "

She smiles.

“That's for showing today. I also thought about throwing it away, but I was a religious person and it came to my mind that this might bring a warning to my home. "

Riz moistened his mouth with herbal tea. He didn't feel it was wrong, but he was a little curious. Earlier, he said he had no interest in curses.

“Can I also show this to John? He is an appraiser and I can make him swear never to reveal this. "

Emil's smile disappeared and he didn't want to.

"No. I'm sorry, but I'll reject it. "

"But…"

“What I'm showing you is my own way of solving problems. Like whether you will stay married in a house where unfortunate events happen. ”

“... To break off an engagement is not something I have to decide for myself.”

"Yes I know. However, there are other dubious rumors behind my family. "

"Is there a problem with the madam?"

Riz panicked as he unintentionally said it clearly.

However, Emil did not find fault with his impoliteness. He's laughing a little.

"Exactly. I'm sure you already know, but I had a bad relationship with my stepmother. ”

He could more than imagine that after seeing the exchange than before.

It is said that Rachel has a son who has a blood relationship with her. Emil was the son of his previous wife; moreover, he was an adult. She may not love him like her own son.

"But, Sir Emil, one day you said the transformation of the painting was a bad joke from your friend."

"Yes. That's what I think. "

Riz returned his herbal tea to the table and looked at Emil.

Emil replied without pause, as if this was a sentence he had decided on beforehand.

“I said he swapped it when he went to the restroom, behind me and my other friends. However, when I thought about it more carefully, no one who entered the study brought anything suspicious. Perhaps you are questioning if there is one more painting hidden in the room? No, when my stepmother found a painting that turned into a mummy, she searched the study while shouting that it was obviously a terrible joke from someone. "

It's not hidden anywhere, is it.

"Yes. The number of paintings that adorned the walls also did not change. We also removed the frame to check it. "

Emil put on a serious expression here.

“The friend who presented the painting also insisted that the painting was very different. He said that even though he hated me, he would not do such a disgusting joke. Therefore— I so think that it might really be a curse. "

Who's the friend who gave you the painting?

“A man named Grajas, my childhood friend. You've also seen his face in the tea shop. "

Riz was a little surprised. A lethargic man with bad skin?

The man I don't want you to see anymore.

"Why?"

“He is a brave man. And because I have selfish desires that want to limit you and your beauty somewhere. "

She smiles. It was a dazzling and shady face like the one he had seen when he first met her.

At a time like this, Riz wondered if women who were used to this tactic would enjoy this conversation?

Riz could not even show an insincere smile.

After a moment of silence, he continued his question.

“Thank you so much for talking to me honestly. Um, can I see that painting again? ”

"Yes of course."

Emil stood up first and reached out to Riz.

“In the end, I sure should not show such an unfavorable painting.”

"I'm fine."

"If the curse catches you, I won't be able to hold back. At least, if I could be the only one cursed and killed— “

“No curse. Don'worry. "

Riz grabbed his hand and approached the wall. He felt his shoulders jerk slowly.

"… What do you mean?"

Emil asked suspiciously.

After Riz saw the mummy painting, he turned to look at Emil.

He had already found the answer to why the holy mother turned into a mummy.

What he did not know was the reason for setting it as a curse.

That's Loretta's job, right?

"I'm sorry?"

“Instead, isn't that everyone's plan here—“

Suddenly the door of the workspace slammed open.

The ones who appeared were Grajas and Loretta.

About the appearance of Loretta, Riz had predicted it because the other woman had not closed the door completely when bringing herbal tea. Riz did not know if it was intentional or not because Loretta was frankly confused upon seeing Riz.

However, if it was a deliberate act then it was possible to eavesdrop. That's what Riz thought.

It was unexpected for Grajas to be there as well.

Riz meets Loretta's eyes.

There was a clear feeling of guilt in Loretta's eyes. He looked like he was going to cry.

“I'm afraid I don't know the reason. However, he would have the best position to do so. "

"I'm the one who presented the painting, so you should have suspected me, not Loretta."

Riz is glared at with sharp eyes by Grajas. They are not the eyes of a man who is jealous of his friend and presents a cursed painting.

“This is an authentic cursed painting. The greed of the Carotion family's evil woman, Rachel, pollutes the holy mother. "

"Lord Grajas, you want the setting, 'Lady Rachel's greed becomes a curse', isn't it."

For a moment Grajas fell silent as if he was overwhelmed.

“... What do you mean by setting?”

“I can see the situation somehow now. Do not marry in a cursed house..in other words, this is a trick so that my side secretly rejects marriage? If a curse is thrown then even if the engagement is cancelled, it won't hurt me— "

This isn't a trick. I mean, it's the curse of that stupid stepmother and her son! "

Emil stopped the red-faced Grajas in a low voice.

“... Grajas, enough, stop.”

"Why!? I didn't say anything wrong. Your father was deceived by the allure of the wicked woman and his treasure was sucked. You have been forced to clean everything up. Made to marry a woman you don't even love to rebuild Carotion's house! Alright!?"

Grajas laughed out loud.

“Any house is almost the same. Hey, you, Riz right? Or is that Rita? Regardless, if you don't want to be cursed then don't marry this man! "

“Grajas, I've spoken enough!”

Emil's face wrinkled and he tried to drive Grajas out of the study.

"-That's right."

Emil, who was holding Grajas, turned around to hear Riz mutter.

“There is a curse. There's no mistake. "

“Nona Riz?”

Even Grajas who was laughing from earlier looked at Riz doubtfully.

But the damned is not a painting of the holy mother.

"… what?"

The painting hanging beside him: the musician.

Riz pointed his finger at the painting plastered on the wall. Composition of a man playing a song in the night forest.

It's a distorted painting.

As soon as he announced it

Fleas. A clockwork sound was heard.

Emil and the others, whose eyes widened, froze.

It was as if time had stopped. Even the air seemed to have hardened.

Riz slowly looked around.

At the entrance of the study, a figure appeared from behind Loretta who was like a statue.

John's.

Riz quietly called his name.

"Miss, you're saying there's a distorted painting here?"

Where did he hear that? John approached her with a smile.

As usual, he was dressed all in black and had three pocket watches. One of them was open and in his hand.

“... John, did you stop the time?”

“The expression is inaccurate. It's impossible to do something like stop time all over the world. "

"But Sir Emil and the others are like statues."

I just placed this room temporarily in divine tranquility.

“Divine tranquility..”

“If I say it is a frozen room like inside a painting, will my mistress understand? A portrait depicts a living person, but the person in the painting is not alive. This is that state. "

“... In addition to small powers such as manipulating fire or giving suggestions, John, your main ability is to create space like painting and manipulating dreams. Also ... You can make that strange skeletal knight appear? Can you use as many abilities as you have on a pocket watch? ”

“Impressive for you to analyze my ability in this situation. Well, you're right. ”

He spoke as if he was irritated, but his mouth was smiling.

It's not that Riz wasn't shaken.

He was so shocked that he could not scream.

“I can only maintain this quiet space for a few minutes at most. Well, Princess, before we examine the distorted painting, I will ask you to explain the mystery of the holy mother being a mummy. In order for you to ignore me and boldly enter a man's house alone, you must have already finished it long ago, right? "

John approached the wall while saying that with piercing sarcasm.

“Are you listening to the whole conversation between me and Sir Emil?”

"Yes. It was a very interesting conversation. Looks like the painting changed in a few hours. "

Honestly, where did he hear this?

There's no way John can hide in a painting, right?

Riz scanned the mummy painting closely while thinking that.

It was a painting that was said to be originally a holy mother. But reflected in Riz's eyes is a painting of a dark-colored mummy covered in mud.

As she looked at him John whispered into her ear from behind.

“Quick, give me the reason for the transformation of the painting. If you can't finish it then I'll punish you. "

It was a voice that did not allow him to turn around and made it cold as if he was touched by the cold air.

“If I don't act like a Devil at that time then you will push your luck. Maybe I should bite this pale back? "

The middle of his back was pushed by a finger. Fear and confusion spread on his back at the same time.

Tell me the answer.

“The answer is.. Initially, I guess it was caused by the peeling of pigments, not the replaced painting.”

"Causes?"

That is the special feature of tempera painting used.

Vaguely Riz was pleased that his voice did not tremble.

The mummy painting, according to Royal Fine Arts Agency regulations, is No-sized. 30.

Like a portrait, the mummy of the former holy mother is drawn in the middle. The background is a drab red curtain.

Concave cheeks. Hair is uneven. A small gold coin was buried in the middle of a jet-black eye socket. His mouth was slightly open, as if a sigh had come out. The teeth are also black; it literally means 'rotting teeth'. Things like ants crept out of those black teeth.

“What are the characteristics of tempera painting?”

It seems like the devil likes to test people.

No, it must be because this man was happy as long as the topic was about painting.

“Tempera is a painting medium consisting of a mixture of pigment and egg yolk. It is difficult to dissolve in water and also almost does not deteriorate. Although you can repeatedly apply paint, it is difficult to create a thick coating. So, I think this painting was deliberately painted thick so that the pigment would peel off. "

Give me more details.

“If used correctly, tempera painting can last longer than oil painting. So, after the first layer is finished, the binder solution mixed with the drying oil will be painted. Then, on top of that, a second thick layer of paint will be drawn. Like this, the situation is the same as doing a watercolor painting on top of something oil-based or other paint. ”

John did not reply but he felt he gave a sign urging him to continue.

“If you give impact from behind or shave it lightly then the second layer. In this case, even if one did not have the talent to paint, it could be made easily if there were instructions. ”

In particular, this room is moldy and damp. The board will be easy to bend.

“After the painting of the holy mother adorned the walls, many people entered and exited the study room. I think someone among them saw the right time to do this. "

When everyone saw her at first, it was a beautiful colored holy mother. But suddenly, it changed completely. Even for those who know nothing, witnesses will feel that it is not profitable.

“But that's not the case?”

"Yes. There's not enough time. For those who entered the study, the longest was ten minutes at most. This painting is No. 30, so it's too much to shave. ”

"Even if the people who enter the study work together and alternate with each other?"

“Not possible, I think. If it is eroded then the pigment fragments will be scattered everywhere. "

Riz shook his head.

“Replacing the painting is also impossible. It's a panel painting so you can't roll it. If you bend it, it will make a sound. I had a problem with that, but then I understood there was a very simple way to do it. ”

That that?

John asked amusedly.

"You don't have to scrape or hit the board at all."

"Is that?"

“Simply put, you just layer the canvas on the panel painting.”

On top of that, the canvas on which the holy mother is drawn transversely. That'sthat's all.

Emil explained that they "wipe the frame to check" to guide him with the fact that it is not replaced. However, they only checked after the painting had turned into a mummy.

"After everyone saw the painting of the holy mother the person who entered the study removed the frame of the mother. Mother and returned it as a panel painting of the mummy. Canvas can be folded or rolled."

It was very likely that Loretta was the one who brought him out.

Because it says he entered the research to clean up.

Of course, he'll bring a cleaning tool. If he had taken out a large panel painting. Then someone will be noticed, but a rolled canvas can avoid the canvas.

“Someone familiar with the painting will soon realize the extent of this hoax. But…"

"The people in this mansion, or rather his friends, don't seem to be knowledgeable in fine arts."

Riz nodded. Even just from looking at the fake bookshelves, he knew that the Carotion family collected paintings and books just for show.

Canvas or panels; water or oil paint. If one were to find out the difference, this would be revealed much sooner.

“That's why 'someone' who set this up— Sir Emil and the others thought they could fool his friends. Me either. No one should have professional knowledge and can only appreciate art at its best, so after a while they will testify that there is a curse. ”

“However, it will be difficult to deceive the eyes of the appraiser. So, he denied I was accompanying you. "

"Yes." Yeah."

But the problem is why such a trick is done.

"For him to make this plan on purpose so that I can cancel his engagement."

Riz doesn't feel love for Emil, but this makes him feel complicated.

"Miss, the devil has a sensitive nose."

"What does that mean?"

“Means men and women haven't changed since long ago.”

John, speak clearly.

Riz turned his eyes to her.

“That was my intention. A man and a woman. "

John smiled wryly.

“Even in the deciphering painting, the first part that should be checked is the line of sight of a person. Well, in a place that has become as dead as this painting, should we observe the gazes of those who have turned into subjects? "

Riz looked at the faces of Emil and Grajas.

Grajas looked at Emil with a worried expression.

But Emil looked the other way.

Towards Loretta.

“She also... saw Sir Emil..?”.

“Even some fools like my lady can understand the situation, huh?”

He said one word too much. But, of course, he understood now. It is an expression of love.

"Over these few days, where miss has been worrying incessantly, I have also investigated the Carotion house."

“You're busy because of that?”

He raised an eyebrow as an affirmation.

"Sir Emil himself is an amazing person, but it is hard to say that the Carotion house is safe. Madam, as a second wife, was quite extravagant and from the beginning she was not a wealthy family. He must be panicking over the decline in wealth. "

It looks exactly like her sister Grace said.

“The lady was fooled by the sweet words of an irresponsible 'friend' and tried her hand in the shipbuilding industry, despite not having the knowledge. The sea is the equivalent of an untouched treasure house and you have to exterminate the pirates and investigate the resources of the sea before everyone realizes its value, but I believe someone as wise as you understand — he is persuaded by such feelings. "

It was a big failure, he continued.

The frivolous plan to monopolize the blessings of the sea evaporated like dew and ended up saddled with enormous debts.

"The Carotion House hides their true state by all means and accepts engagement with you."

"I think my mother knew the situation a long time ago."

“Ya, I'm sure so.”

The Milton family decided that they would not falter if the debt was that big.

More importantly, they were considering what they would gain.

The extent of Emil's personal relationship at Carotion's house.

If the other party feels guilty then Milton's house will appreciate it more. Milton's house stood on a higher position.

The Carotion family was supposed to put a necklace on their mistress. No matter how rude a woman is, Rachel, her uncontrollable way of speaking cannot match Virma.

Virma is a woman who is capable of acting like a cute "ridiculous woman.

Marriage is a game. That is not Riz's strength, but if she becomes Emil's wife then she must learn to socialize. Finally, he needed to dig the contents and list of the aristocracy into his head.

The mistress may have noticed Sir Emil's secret love. I'm sure you can imagine it, but she might be threatened with being sold somewhere if she's not married. This woman named Loretta is a former slave. The madam bought him on a whim to serve herself. "

So, Emil, Grajas, and Loretta work together to make plans for this cursed painting.

Could Katie be a collaborator too? She takes on the role of Emil's lover.

There's curses. In Emil's heart and in Rachel's.

“Well, now is the time for this calm to be broken.”

John said that and closed his pocket watch with a clack.

The air breathes back into the enclosed space.

“—When are you here?”

Emil blinked his eyes and raised his voice in surprise as he looked at John.

"I'm sure there's a point more important than my appearance."

"What's? No, wait. Where did you come from? You're not here right now, so how? ”

“After deceiving my lady, what do you mean? Please tell me. "

John looked at the confused Emil and spoke.

Emil erased his expression.

"… What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about love and curses."

John tapped the frame of the mummy painting with a finger, as if he were tapping it.

"Emil, you drink poison, don't you."

It might end up annoying, but he even started calling Emil without a title.

“What is the plot like this? A painting adorning the mansion is cursed by a greedy stepmother. In the end, the curse eats you and you're 'dead'. And then you and that woman called Loretta over there eloped together tightly. How's that?"

"What did you say?"

"truths. The man over there, who gave the painting; you've contracted syphilis. So, if you're going to die in the near future, you're going to tarnish your name to come along and help your close friend. This is what you think, huh? ”

"Huh?"

Riz turned his gaze to Grajas. Syphilis? That he seemed unwell because of that?

“You play the role of a man who is jealous of your promising friend. However, you try to bring him on how the identity of the true curse is the greed of the mistress. This is truly a human-like ideal scam. Incidentally, Emil, who prepared the poison? "

"Katie did— ah, no."

It seems like Emil spilled it accidentally and he panicked.

“You shouldn't drink anymore. A little more and it would be a lethal dose. "

"That's impossible! She helped us— “

This time Grajas spilled it. The two men looked at each other and shut their mouths tightly like scolded children.

“Stupid man. The woman loved Emil. So, she didn't want to hand it over to the woman named Loretta there no matter what, did she? As far as he was sure it would be better to kill Emil. "

John crossed his arms in despair.

“In the teahouse, when the woman pretended to demean my lady, she actually focused on the woman there. Come to think of it, Emil, your attitude is quite rigid towards missus because your cute lover is beside you, hm. ”

John, stop being sarcastic.

This is not sarcasm. I'm telling the truth. Emil's face has always had a sense of guilt and he's trying to show you that cursed painting to make you think that you're not responsible for what's going to happen. Because you're more of a serious and extraordinary woman than she thought you were. "

"Huh?"

“I mean Emil is getting saddened for using you, Madam. As a result, he became a man who did not know whether he was insincere or sincere. ”

Emil had an indescribable expression on John's words. Riz knew that he himself looked complicated. Ah right. He is this kind of demon. He spoke unconditionally in front of the people himself.

“The best actor is that woman named Katie. Despite kindly offering to cooperate, he will kill the man he loves. Maybe he wanted to laugh at the woman he was about to leave behind? No, maybe it's a grudge for not being chosen. The hatred enveloping the card was probably this. Well, it doesn't matter. ”

John's.

"This is the truth."

The heartless demon turned his gaze to the painting wall.

"If my woman is unharmed and I have obtained a painting, then I don't care if anyone else is dead or alive."

He stroked the frame of the painting, showing a much softer expression than he had for humans.

Riz remembered something important while watching the action.

John, the painting is distorted!

There was a distorted painting among the decoration paintings.

“The musician's oil painting! There were tainted church symbols, Saint Cekate, and the Demon of Foresight, Vorrga. "

That's all he learned from John. As he puffed out his chest, John's face color changed.

"Mrs, you ... If the Vorrga symbol is there, why don't you say it early!"

"I just said it."

"Too slow! There was no need to look for it, the demons would obviously be hiding there, and it was definitely that one! ”

It happened as soon as John shouted.

The canvas depicting the musician was ripped off by itself.

Loretta, who was in a daze all this time, shouted. Emil and Grajas stood in front of him to protect him while showing shocked expressions.

"Th-"

Jumping out of the painting was a lion with bright red fur.

It soared in the air and landed on the table for a moment.

There were seven eyes on the lion's face. And those seven dark and stagnant eyes turned towards Riz.

Riz can't move.

The lion roared loudly— Vorrga jumped up and tried to bite Riz. Those ferocious fangs were covered in saliva. They came right in front of him.

Riz couldn't even close his eyes. He'll be attacked. Riz accepts. But then.

“Do not put your hands on what belongs to me, low animal base.”

John grabs the lion's head casually with one hand and slams it to the floor.

He stomped on his body with one foot and then grasped his mane — superbly, his neck loosened. The lion screamed its last death, turned into black smoke, and then disappeared. It all happened in an instant.

“It is not a shame to destroy it. It was a useful demon. "

John tucked the disheveled hair behind his ears in a graceful motion.

Riz admired him despite being shaken.

Satan has supernatural powers.

“—Nona Riz, day..”.

He came back to himself because of Emil's dry voice. They all looked at John with pale faces.

After a moment of silence, Riz said that firmly.

"No problem. Don'worry. He's my demon. "

“Satan, Ms. Riz.. Are you serious? Are you possessed by a demon? "

Emil asked this in a hoarse voice while protecting Loretta and Grajas.

"Yes. John is no different than being my partner. "

Emil and the others were speechless. Riz also felt John's sharp gaze. For some reason, his cheeks became hot.

“... Mistress, should I kill them?”

John asked this seductively. Emil's face wrinkled and he placed his hand on his own chest.

“If you're going to kill someone then kill me yourself! Release both. ”

"Mr Emil, please wait! It was because I was greedy that so many people were involved and I sinned dreaming about a future with you! I have to take responsibility and die. "

Loretta shouted while trembling. As he did so, this time it was Grajas who raised his voice.

"Kill me. After all, it is my destiny to die sooner or later. Come on, demon, I'll give you this body! "

The three of them insisted on being victims.

“Then I guess I'll make you all die.”

They shut their mouths because of Riz's voice. John suddenly laughed.

It is not legal but, sometimes, fraudulent actions are required.

 

And then one month later.

Emil Carotion's health deteriorated due to the curse and he suffered a safe "unnatural death.