Drawn Mochi Volume 5 Chapter 15.2: To The Wide, Wide Land*2

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“Well, I didn’t know what it was that you liked about it, but I wanted to hear it, so I came here today.” (Tougo)

　When I said that, the director looked at me dumbfounded.

“I don’t want this incident to become a story of its own. I have no interest in being pitied for playing the victim. I don’t want to give you the painting if that’s how you’re going to introduce me.” (Lila)

　When Lila continued my words, it seemed easier to understand that way, and the director reacted a little.

“Hmm, I see… No, but the public is also concerned about the incident. I don’t think we can deny that we are interested because of that.” (Director)

　Yep. I think so too. It’s inevitable that they’ll be interested. Because we made it that way. If we didn’t do that, Lila might be secretly silenced, so I had no choice.

“You both had something to do with the case. I don’t think you need to worry about anything, do you?” (Director)

　…The director said that and laughed.

“Don’t worry about your popularity. The two of you will be a hot topic, and many people will sympathize with you! I’m sure they’ll make the museum a big hit!” (Director)

　Seeing the director’s cheerful smile, Lila made a face that said, “Is that alright?” I understand how she feels. I probably had this look on my face when I was talking to Mr. Argent.

　Lila was a little worried. But it was really only a little bit, and after that little bit, she had already said the words.

“…Um, well, what is it that you guys are trying to exhibit? Just our paintings? Or with the case where the dragon switched our nameplates? Or… my trial as well.” (Lila)

　When Lila asked that, the director looked a little surprised… Then he thought about it for a while and answered.

“Well, the exhibition of your paintings will inevitably remind people of the case. But… of course, this is a museum. Yes, of course. We don’t want to display the trial. What we want to exhibit is art, not gossip. I can answer this proudly.”

　Lila silently nodded to the director’s answer. Apparently, this satisfied her to some extent. Yeah.

“So, regarding Mr. Tougo Uezora…” (Director)

“…Well, what do you like about my painting?” (Tougo)

　That’s why I listen carefully. It’s the same as with Mr. Argent.

“What, you say…?” (Director)

“Um, uh, did you like it because the dragons swapped nameplates? Or because we are the plaintiff and defendant in the trial?” (Tougo)

　When I asked that, the director… seemed to know roughly what I wanted to ask. And on top of that, I began to worry.

“Well… yes, that’s right. After all… different people see art in different ways. No matter what kind of picture it is. A masterpiece for someone may be a mediocre work for someone else. That is why I would like to exhibit your paintings. The dragon could have chosen any of your paintings.” (Director)

　The director did not say what he liked about the painting. Maybe he doesn’t like the painting itself very much, I think.

“I want to see what people think when they see your paintings. That’s how I feel. I am sorry… but there is no doubt that the story of the dragon has increased the value of your paintings. But if it makes your paintings shine brighter and makes the viewer think more, I think that in itself is another art form.” (Director)

“…I see.” (Lila)

　Lila let out a sigh after listening to the director’s story.

　And said.

“Okay. I’ll accept your request.” (Lila)

“Really? Oh, good!” (Director)

“However, with one condition. This museum must not make any claim that ‘Lila Raswald is a victim.’ It must clearly state that Lila Raswald was also complicit in the aristocrats’ incident. If there is a victim, it should be Tougo Uezora. If that’s okay with you.” (Lila)

　…The doctor was a little at a loss for words regarding Lila’s conditions.

　But eventually, he nodded firmly.

“I understand. That condition is fine. However, we can’t decide what the visitors will think, is that alright?” (Director)

“Yes, that’s fine. I’d be happy to do it. I would be honored.” (Lila)

　Lila smiled brightly and shook hands with the director.

“…you okay?” (Tougo)

　While the director was so happy that he was about to jump, I asked Lila quietly, and she nodded with a slightly reluctant expression on her face.

“I think I told you the other day, but I think it’s best if I can get people to look at the paintings anyway. If I can make someone who sees my paintings think something or feel something, that’s all that matters. So… well, it’s not a complete agreement of beliefs, but for the time being, I’ve decided that our interests are aligned.” (Lila)

　I see. Lila, somehow… looks refreshed. Yep. Refreshing or refreshed? Hmm…

“Then, Mr. Tougo Uezora…” (Director)

　The director continued to look at me with a twinkle in his eyes, trying to get my approval as well.

　Um… um, well.

“I’m sorry. Let me think about it some more.” (Tougo)

“Hmm…” (Tougo)

　Sitting on the grass in the park behind the museum, I kept worrying.

　…What should I do.

“I’m not sure what I should do. It’s not like we’re talking about a contract with a commissioned artist, just one painting and leaving it at the museum.” (Lila)

“Yes, but…” (Tougo)

　I feel like it’s not fair. The museum will display my painting, but at the same time, it is also the case of the Ryuu. Maybe the viewers will see it that way. That’s why… I don’t feel happy about it.

　And I feel that only my name might be looked at. I think that it will be like my painting is displayed in ther museum, but where my nameplate is more valuable than the painting. …Well, I can’t put it into words, but…

“…Am I being selfish?” (Tougo)

　When I murmured the only thing that somehow came out in words, Lila seemed a little surprised.

“Well… I don’t know if you are being selfish. But I know how you feel, so I can’t really say anything.” (Lila)

　It’s a feeling that I can’t put into words, but it seems like Lila can somehow understand it. She looks a little depressed, a little concerned.

“…Lila, why did you accept what they said earlier?” (Tougo)

　I was a little confused, so I asked. Lila answered without any hesitation.

“It’s like I said. It’s not similar beliefs, but it is a coincidence of similar interests. As long as my paintings are seen by as many people as possible, that’s all that matters to me. Of course, I don’t like it when people display them to make a mockery of it, and I don’t like it when people put ideas in them that aren’t mine.” (Lila)

　I see. …It feels refreshing after all.

　What should I do?

　First of all, I don’t like the fact that the artist doesn’t seem to like the picture itself. …Secondly, the Ryuu incident was added to the evaluation of the painting, and I think that was the main focus of the evaluation. I also wondered if the “art” I created in this way would have value, not just in my paintings, but in my name.

　I probably don’t like that kind of thing… umm.

　…I guess it’s better to treat it like Lila. But somehow I’m stuck…

　While thinking about this, I was sitting on the lawn, staring blankly at the sky as the wind blew by.

“…Excuse me.” (Staff)

　I came back to myself when a voice called out to me.

　I was surprised to see a woman in a museum employee’s uniform beside us.

“You are Lila Raswald and Tougo Uezora, right?” (Staff)

“Oh, yes.” (Tougo)

　When I answered, the woman’s face lit up… and she quietly, hesitantly handed out a notebook to both of us.

“Um, could I have your signature?” (Staff)

…Um, a signature… ah, maybe it’s a receiving receipt from a courier…?

T/N: I don’t think they have that in that world, but what would I know.