As I sat there chatting with Rosmiel-san, a thought suddenly struck me: she looked incredibly elegant while drinking her tea. It was like a scene straight out of a painting.
She carried herself with the poise of a high-born lady; there was an unmistakable air of refinement and grace about her.
"...U-Um, er... W-What is it? Is... something wrong?"
"Ah, no. I just thought you looked so graceful drinking your tea. You have the air of someone who is very used to it."
Judging solely by her appearance, she looked like a noblewoman brimming with confidence, which made the sudden switch to her timid personality whenever she spoke all the more striking. Perhaps it was because her voice was so much cuter than her appearance would suggest.
"T-That's true. Jutia and the others often give me tea, so I suppose I drink it quite often."
"I see. But it might also be because you have such a stylish and elegant feel to you, Rosmiel-san."
"S-Stylish and elegant? M-Me? I... I-I don't think that's the case, but..."
"I certainly think so. Come to think of it—and this is a bit late to ask—is your dress different from the one you wore at the White God Festival? It looks similar, but somehow it feels a bit different than before."
"Um, the dress itself is the same, but... I changed the color scheme of the decorative roses. M-Maybe that’s why it looks different?"
I see, so that was why she gave off a slightly different impression. Now that she mentioned it, there were indeed more roses with brighter hues than when I had seen her at the White God Festival.
"That makes sense. By the way, to change the subject significantly, you like art as well, don't you, Rosmiel-san?"
"Y-Yes. I love art. So many things can be conveyed through it, even without words..."
"I’m not very knowledgeable about art myself, but are there any tricks to appreciating works in places like the exhibition hall at the White God Festival?"
"Y-You’re right... Um, I suppose a very simple way to enjoy it is to imagine what the creator was thinking when they made the piece. I-If you can start to see that, it becomes much easier to understand the emotions they poured into it."
Perhaps because I’d had a bitter experience with art in the past, I had been somewhat inclined to avoid it. However, during the recent White God Festival, I had been able to enjoy looking at the works thanks to Rosmiel-san's commentary.
The North District of the Sinfonia Royal Capital was apparently famous for its art even on a global scale, so I felt a desire to understand it at least a little bit better.
"B-But, I think the most important thing is how you personally receive it after considering those things."
"What do you mean?"
"In the end, while we can imagine all sorts of things, I believe the only person who truly understands the emotions poured into a piece of art is the creator. Viewers might interpret it in a way completely different from the artist’s intent... but I think that flexibility is part of the charm. Trying to grasp the artist’s feelings and then receiving them in your own way—I really love that way of enjoying art."
"I see... That’s very educational."
My own bitter experience came to mind—the "failure" I had created back during the Six Kings Festival. That had been a case where my intent as the creator and the audience's interpretation were worlds apart. Yet, as Rosmiel-san suggested, that interpretation had ultimately led to a positive impact on the Gunlock Dragons. In the end, how a person chose to receive a work really was the most important thing.
"Still, you were quite eloquent when you were talking about art just now, Rosmiel-san. I suppose it’s because it’s something you truly love?"
"A-Ah, s-sorry. Did I talk a bit too enthusiastically...?"
"No, it was really educational. And I thought you looked quite cool while you were talking about it."
"Awawawa... I-If you praise me that much... it’s embarrassing."
"Haha, well, you look more cute than cool right now, though."
"G-Geez... Kaito-kun, you're a tease."
It was just a feeling, but I sensed that I was definitely becoming better friends with Rosmiel-san—even more so than at the White God Festival, or when she had first arrived today.
"I'm sorry. To return to our previous topic, I’ve heard that the art in the North District of the Sinfonia Royal Capital is quite famous..."
"Y-Yes. The Royal Art Museum is located there. It’s quite large and houses many different items, though the Kingdom of Sinfonia tends to focus more on sculptures. The Arclesia Empire has many paintings, and Hydra isn't bound by specific genres... they have many avant-garde works."
"Heh. Well, since I live here in the capital, I’d like to try going to see those places sometime."
"I-I think that's a good idea. Seeing various works broadens one's horizons. I-I-If you'd like, shall I act as your guide then?"
"Is that alright? There's still a lot I don't understand, so that would be a huge help. But... are you sure you're okay with that, Rosmiel-san?"
"...I-If it's not crowded... probably... surely..."
If we really were going to go together, I would have to thoroughly research the days and times when there were the fewest people beforehand.
Serious-senpai: "...Why are these two flirting when they aren't even a couple? I'm starting to feel nauseous and dizzy. I think I'm having tremors... Can I please go home?"
???: "Shall I call Doctor M?"
Serious-senpai: "Sorry, I lied. I'm cured."