However, the owner firmly shook his head.
“True, I knew from the moment you first came in that the young Lady was of high ranking. However, the reason the price was set higher for these paintings is that the feeling absorbed in the paintings has changed.”
“Feeling, you say?”
“Our gallery is pursuing art pieces with a warmer and happier vibe. The painting that the Miss brought me the other day felt more delicate, but it could not help but give off a lonely and isolated vibe. However, the currently presented paintings are filled with happiness and warmth. Milady’s skills have improved, and I exalt the sentimental value they hold. That is why I have set this price.”
“Ah…”
At the owner’s explanation, Irene’s lips remained shut. Her face was slightly hot.
I may be obsessed with the idea of being an aristocrat.
Noel looked down at the sight of her wiggling fingers in embarrassment for being overly sensitive about it. He then grabbed her hand. As Irene looked up at his touch, Noel smiled and parted his lips.
“It’s okay.”
At his soothing look, Irene nodded slightly and reached out to receive the pocket the owner had given her. The weight was so heavy that it was difficult to lift it with one hand. Irene was nervous for no reason.
“Since you are here today, how about choosing a picture you like?”
At Noel’s sudden suggestion, Irene looked up at him with eyes full of surprise.
“My favourite painting?”
“Yes.”
Irene was occupied with a strange feeling.
It’s my first time buying a painting I like.
Until now, Irene was only used to appreciating paintings through magazines or at exhibitions. She had never had the desire to possess a painting. She thought it was more than enough just to be able to admire it.
But now, I have money...
Even though it was only about buying pictures, Irene nodded before she could change her mind. It may seem like nothing to others, but it was a great deal for Irene, who had never once got what she wanted in her life.
“Then I will take you inside. But before that….”
“...?”
When the owner paused and put forward the paintings Irene had just sold, she was bewildered.
“If it’s okay with you, could you leave your pseudonym or watermark on these artworks?”
“M-my pseudonym?”
Irene, startled by the unexpected proposal, asked again. The owner nodded in confirmation.
“Yes. The customer who bought your previous painting asked for it?”
“My pseudonym is still…Can I think about it and send it to you by telegram later?”
“Of course. I will be waiting, Ma’am*.”
(*The original term is 선생 – means teacher; master. In the field of arts, it’s honorary.)
“…Yes.”
Madam…
It was the first time she had been addressed this way, so Irene found it a bit awkward. When the business consultation was finished, the owner led Irene inside. True to the name of the gallery, there was a large exhibition hall inside.
“Please take your time to look around as long as you please.”
Nodding at the owner’s words, Irene toured the exhibition with Noel. Colourful paintings were on display, hung on all four walls of the room. There were many paintings of unknown new talents. So it was refreshing and certainly eye-catching.
“Ah, this picture.”
When she spotted a picture of a familiar landscape, Irene stopped.
“This one, it is the same scenery we saw in the restaurant where we had dinner.”
It was a painting depicting the night view from the restaurant where Irene and Noel dined together.
“It seems so,” Noel agreed.
“Wow, I didn’t know the exact scenery I once saw could be captured through a painting.”
“It’s like the view was captured from our perspective.”
“Our perspective...”
At Noel’s words, Irene’s expression became strange. And after a long while admiring the painting, Irene said to the owner resolutely.
“I will go with this picture. May I know the name of the work?”
The owner replied with a smile to Irene’s question.
“This piece is called <Night in a Dream>.”
Irene’s face brightened at his words; the work’s title was really to her liking.
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