How to Survive in a Good Small Guild - Chapter 75

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How to Survive in a Small Guild
Chapter 75
“Eric, I need your help.”
“Ah, yes. It’s about that guild again, isn’t it?”
“Your attitude seems rather disloyal.”
“A misunderstanding, sir.”
Sedrian ignored Eric’s response and released a heavy sigh—a transparent invitation for the man to ask what was troubling him.
When Eric said nothing, Sedrian began speaking of his own accord.
“It’s occurred to me that the Capital lacks sufficient entertainment options.”
“Entertainment options…?”
“Beyond restaurants and cafés, there’s nothing to do.”
“Why do you speak as though you’ve exhausted every date imaginable over the past two years and are desperately searching for new diversions?”
“Ah, there are parks, of course. But parks offer nothing but a walk—what’s the point?”
“What about visiting an exhibition?”
“An exhibition?”
It was a reasonable suggestion. At restaurants, cafés, and parks, conversation inevitably drifted toward work matters or personal affairs—territory where Sedrian found himself at a disadvantage.
“Is there a worthwhile exhibition?”
“The Royal Art Museum has just undergone renovation, hasn’t it? It’s become quite popular, with many refined souvenirs on offer.”
“An excellent thought. Even if I have no particular interest in art, I could propose a visit based on the souvenirs alone.”
With that, Sedrian began browsing through pamphlets about the Royal Art Museum.
Watching him, Eric noted that Sedrian seemed more comfortable executing tasks himself than delegating them—though since this worked to his own advantage, Eric kept the observation to himself.
“Ah, this work is quite good. I have memories of learning about it from my art teacher as a child. But I mustn’t be too obvious about it—I’ll weave it in naturally…”
“Are you researching the artworks in advance, sir?”
“Of course. How else am I to discuss the necessary context naturally?”
☑ Staring at the mirror for extended periods
☑ Worrying over how to approach her naturally
☑ Agonizing over date conversation topics
☑ Spouting embarrassingly romantic lines about plucking stars
☑ Researching thoroughly, then feigning ignorance
Eric dutifully checked off items from the Emperor’s list when something occurred to him.
“But Your Highness, weren’t you supposed to be posing as an ordinary young professional? Displaying too much knowledge of art might be suspicious.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be careful with how I present it. …Wait. It seems Odret is beginning to take an interest in my past. What company should I claim to have worked for?”
“Sir?”
“Eric, this is a command. Find a suitable company I might plausibly have worked for and fabricate records.”
“…What sort of company, sir?”
“One with strict hierarchy, emphasis on propriety, and a family-like atmosphere.”
***
“It’s nice to see you on the weekend, Sedrick!”
This wasn’t an act—it was genuine. I had no friends to speak of, so weekends meant either digging into the Temple’s secrets with Sedrian or, when boredom overwhelmed me, coming to work alone at the Guild.
Sedrick, who always wore business attire to the office, had dressed casually today. Given the sweltering summer heat, his arms were visible beneath the short sleeves of his shirt. I wondered absently: did he exercise regularly?
“…The outfit suits you very well.”
“Oh, thank you.”
I’d put on a flowing dress I never wore to the office in months—a lovely thing that lifted my spirits simply by wearing it.
“Shall we head to that restaurant we discussed?”
“Of course.”
I’d probe his past gradually over food and coffee. Nothing too rushed.
We dined at a reasonably priced restaurant and talked as we ate. Wanting to ease the atmosphere, I brought up light topics about the Guild.
“Let me get the bill…”
“What are you talking about? I’m your superior.”
I paid quickly, leaving Sedrick looking deflated.
“But when dining with a woman, surely the man should—”
Hmm, that might feel natural in a purely personal context, but we worked together, after all.
“So, where should we go next? Would a café be nice?”
The moment I spoke, Sedrick seized his opening.
“What about visiting the Royal Art Museum? It’s not far from here…”
“Oh, the newly renovated one that’s being promoted? That sounds wonderful—I was hoping to go!”
“Were you?”
His face brightened, evidently pleased that she shared his interest in the museum.
“Do you have a particular interest in art, Sedrick?”
“I have some interest in it.”
Well, when I think of Sedrick’s remarkable art skill, it’s hardly surprising.
“Um, outside the Guild, you can just call me by my name.”
“Is that so? All right then, Sedrick. I don’t need you to call me Guild Master either.”
“Then… I’ll call you Odret.”
I was about to ask if he was being too formal, but when I saw how pleased Sedrick looked saying it that way, I decided to let it be. Maybe he found a thrill in calling his superior by her name.
Last time, Susanna told me that the newly renovated Royal Art Museum had become a hot spot for young people.
“Oh my, Guild Master. You’re behind on the trends! The souvenirs they sell there are completely popular! There are so many cute things!”
“Is it more popular than any essay?”
Even Morian knew the museum was popular.
“The admission is free. The air conditioning is excellent, so if it’s hot, you can just sit inside for free.”
“Ah, yes…”
In any case, I wanted to go too, and it seemed Sedrick felt the same way.
“Wow.”
As we entered the art museum free of charge, we were greeted by a dazzling marble building and gleaming chandeliers. The interior was grand and elegant overall.
“It’s so vast, I don’t know where to start!”
“From what I’ve heard, the second floor, gallery two is the most popular, and the second floor, gallery twelve is less crowded but has wonderful artworks.”
“Oh, shall we go there first then?”
Because Sedrick guided us smoothly, we were able to find our way even in the sprawling museum.
When we first entered the second floor, gallery two, there were indeed quite a few visitors as Sedrick had said.
“This still life is pretty.”
“I rather like this camel.”
“You know, the animals are quite cute.”
Making light observations as we walked along the path, we arrived at a large painting hanging in the center.
It was an oil painting titled “Man at the Window,” depicting a man gazing out through a window. Beyond lay a bright cityscape, but the man’s face was not visible.
“The fact that we can’t see the man’s face must be intentional, right?”
When I asked that, Sedrick spoke as if he’d been waiting for the question.
“I think so too. Looking at the artist’s name, it’s a work from a painter of the transitional period between Late Enlightenment and Early Romanticism. A composition where the figure doesn’t face forward is characteristic, and I understand that at the time it was interpreted as a declaration not to externalize an individual’s inner self.”
What, he’d have been disappointed if I hadn’t asked.
“The light clearly enters from outside, yet the figure’s face remains hidden throughout. That’s why this painting is commonly seen as symbolizing an individual isolated from the world, or a human being who refuses to stand at the center of history. What’s interesting is that this painter’s other portraits from the same period all depict the subject’s eyes with remarkable obsession. Yet in this work alone, the gaze has been deliberately erased.”
“Is that person a curator?”
“Sounds like a docent!”
“…Sedrick, you really know art history well.”
“Um, I’m just… somewhat interested in it.”
“Well, that would explain why you did such a good job on the Guild Master’s son’s art homework.”
I was dizzy from Sedrick’s vast background knowledge.
“So what’s the conclusion?”
“Um, from what I understand, there’s an interpretation that this is a person who saw something they didn’t want to see.”
“Something they didn’t want to see…”
I looked at the work carefully again. With such a strong artistic personality, the painting drew the eye even without Sedrick’s explanation. But this…
“Could it be that the redevelopment didn’t happen?”
“Pardon?”
“Look. All the buildings the man is looking at in that city outside look new. But the house where the man is standing has shabby walls. Could it be that he’s facing a failed redevelopment?”
“Oh.”
Sedrick’s eyes widened.
“That’s a truly original and fresh interpretation.”
“I was joking… I don’t lack that much artistic appreciation.”
Now I couldn’t tell if Sedrick was flattering me or being sincere. Looking back, his Stockholm Syndrome had been quite severe.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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