"I'm not that foolish! I didn't ask for help from just any painter. I know well that the person I'm asking for help is Mr. Gaucho, a former military unit leader in the shogunate."
Ha! You mentioned the shogunate! I realized that this senile painter is no ordinary person, given the swords he has in that painting room of his... Wow! A military unit leader in the shogunate; I want to face him in battle. That would be amazing!
Surprised by her knowledge, he said, "Ah, that was years ago... Your talkative father couldn't keep the secret, could he?"
"I heard you were chosen because of your formidable combat skills! I also heard that when you wield your sword, no one can stand against you—not even my father himself! Please, Mr. Gaucho... for my father, draw your sword!"
What are you so excited about? You've pierced my eardrum with your shouting!
"My dear Eva, this isn't the life I wanted to live for the rest of my days. I found my soul in something new; my inspiration regarding the sword has begun to fade... My motivation has been limited to collecting fine European porcelain and Gothic sculpture."
The path to acquiring those things in this city is impossible. If anyone tries to collect such items... the government will pounce on them within minutes!
You could bribe the sailors on the trading ships and persuade them to smuggle one of the porcelain pieces or the sculptures carved in the Gothic style and deliver it to you, but it's only a matter of time before you get caught...
So in a reality like this, what should this poor artist do to get what he loves...!!! The easiest and most effective way for an art lover like me to obtain these forbidden items in my country is to join the government. I was fortunate; my sword skills allowed me to acquire those art pieces.
"You mean you...?"
"Yes, you're right... I gave up my position as a captain to take on the role of inspector...
I was constantly sharpening my sword, gathering a wealth of secret information about those who were acquiring art pieces illegally. I killed many violators and opponents of the shogun's law on orders from the council of lords. From them, I obtained the art pieces—some I confiscated for the government and some I kept for myself for a time..."
"I have betrayed many artists, my peers, and even my friends... I have rolled my sword in filthy mud, staining it with shame...
The least I could do for them was to destroy and break those art pieces. Their value to me would have been great had I obtained them without such a disgraceful method.
I... I cannot force myself to use a treacherous and shameful sword like mine in revenge for my dearest friend..."
Ha ha ha ha ha! Oh man, I couldn't hold myself together; I was moved and watered the grass with my sweet tears. Thank you for the dramatic plot that made my flesh ache. You know, you're a naturally creative person, my friend... Don't you agree?!
I stopped rolling in the grass... That was the end of the story, wasn't it, painter?... The writing appeared on my screen, and I fear there might be more to this story...
With strange looks, he stared at me and then said, "And why the sarcasm?!"
I stood up on my feet because it was time to get serious... Eva, your friend here is the missing piece you need. I don't care about what he mentioned regarding his betrayal of his friends or everything else...
So, Mr. Gaucho, answer me... Do you intend to use those filthy hands to help your close friend's daughter... or will you simply abandon a little girl who sees you as her only chance for revenge and send her to her death?
"You choose! Which is more shameful?! Hah!
Everyone fell silent; Eva merely stared at me, fearful of ruining things for herself, while the painter crossed his arms, waiting for more from me...
Let's be honest, my friend! You really aren't generous unless it involves acquiring carved statues and art pieces, but when it comes to a girl whose life is threatened with loss and danger, and there's no profit to be made... then suddenly it becomes a lot of trouble...
All that talk about friendship and honor is just nonsense you've filled my ears with...
Damn it... you just don't want to admit that all you care about is yourself! Isn't that right?
I opened my arms, pointing my sword at his face as I continued my speech...
What am I mocking? I'm mocking your filthy, narcissistic personality to the utmost... You use these flimsy excuses as justifications for your unwillingness to wield a sword, while all you can do is chatter, isn't that right? Tell me yes, you little dwarf, Eva!
"In fact, that's quite a biting perspective, reckless traveler, I won't deny that!" he said, mocking the blouse I was wearing before slowly pushing my sword away from his face.
"I'm not ready to die yet; I have tons of Mobanga art that I can profit from to live with my daughter Rafaela... and I'm not ashamed of being just a painter."
Don't talk to me with such nonsense—artist, art... I lowered my sword and walked away from the lodge!
Try to get a clear answer... I'm leaving now to find a place to spend the night; I won't wait for you to grant me a place here...
"Ah! Wait, Brando, come back here. Don't forget that you're my personal guard!"
That little brat still calls me her personal guard... As I was leaving, I slammed the iron gate shut, expressing my disgust!
"Eva..! It will be dark soon; it's better for you to spend the night here with my daughter Rafaela."
"But, Mr. Gaucho... I—"
"Don't worry, he's not the type to leave you behind and walk away—just a hunch..."
A person entered the lodge, heading toward Gaucho. "Good day, Mr. Gaucho, about that wooden piece of mine..."
"Hello, customer! Regarding your piece... I may need a few more days to finish it. Other customers came before you and are waiting as well..."
...
...
I walk alone beside the lodge; the place seems almost empty of residents. I don't know where everyone is...
Loud voices are coming from nearby, growing louder as I walk forward...
Ah! A tavern! Well, it wouldn't hurt to spend some time in the tavern, even though I have no money to buy a drink... I'll just settle for watching the drunks...
As usual, everyone was staring at me because of my yellow blouse. The place was cramped, and the tables were worn out, packed with people... I spotted a table where someone was sitting with his forehead on the table, looking like he had overindulged in drink. I decided to share the table with him... He didn't even notice my presence. I smoked the Kiseru for a while and then left the place...
Alright, now I need to find a place to spend the night. After some thought... I decided to spend the night in that strange tree that piqued my curiosity... Yes, the one overlooking the lodge. I would use one of its branches as a bed, and from there, I could be close to Eva...
A scream from one of the lodge's rooms jolted me from my slumber...
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