Chapter 240

Chapter 241

Seere and Nahun decided to explore the 9th floor as promised for their date. The two first stopped by a clothing store to quickly change outfits.

Their original clothes were too eye-catching for a date in the streets, and they wanted to avoid letting anyone know that Seere was staying on the 9th floor. After all, a spy from another layer might see them.

“Teacher!”

Nahun saw Seere coming out of the changing room. She had taken off the black uniform she was originally wearing and came out beautifully dressed in a dress predominantly in blue hues.

The light sky-blue dress matched her fair skin perfectly. Perhaps because it was a bright color, it gave off a pure and fresh atmosphere, making Nahun think that it suited her age wonderfully.

“You look pretty.”

Maybe that’s why, even though Seere didn’t specifically ask for compliments, Nahun’s praise came out instinctively. Realizing this was a genuine sentiment and not just for the sake of it, Seere blushed slightly and asked back.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Nahun smiled, not a fabricated smile but one that came genuinely from his heart, something he could only show in front of her.

“Ah…”

Thus, Seere could feel it. The fact that Nahun showed this smile only to her. Realizing this, her face turned bright red.

“……That’s unfair.”

“Huh?”

Seere, her heart pounding and not knowing what to do, bit her lip and moved slightly closer to Nahun, grabbing his hand tightly.

“Don’t smile like that at other people.”

With an indescribable request, Seere slightly leaned against Nahun.

“Let’s go.”

“…Alright then.”

Nahun felt a little puzzled, but nevertheless, they began their date. He pointed towards the street continuing from the blood-red lanterns.

“That over there is the artist’s street.”

“Did you know?”

“No, I just asked the shop owner a moment ago.”

“Oh.”

As Seere made a surprised expression, Nahun smiled at her.

“You sometimes think I know everything.”

“That’s not exactly….”

Seere tried to make excuses, but Nahun’s words hit a bit too close to home. Unable to lie, she stumbled over her words before finally nodding her head.

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. It’s just….”

Nahun spoke honestly.

“Even if I don’t know something, I hope you won’t be too disappointed.”

“Why would I be disappointed in you, Teacher? That would never happen!”

“Really? It’s a bit concerning if the teacher doesn’t know something that the student is asking about.”

“Not at all!!!”

With Seere’s strong rebuttal, Nahun nodded slightly, a bit flustered. He thought again that she was a good girl and decided to end the conversation there.

“So.”

Quietly walking through the streets for a while, they enjoyed the sights. Upon reaching the artist’s street, both were a bit curious about the surroundings.

It was clear why it was called the artist’s street as there were plenty of people. There were those painting landscapes, sculpting, playing musical instruments, performers that appeared to be from theater troupes, and even street performers, wall mural artists, and those engaging in performance arts.

It was a mysterious sight. Nahun knew that various forms of art existed, but seeing it unfold in the midst of the Demon World felt magical.

Both the artists performing and the spectators enjoying seemed to be having a great time. Watching them, Nahun thought. Although he didn’t know about everything, he felt he understood how the Demon King Phynox governed the layers.

‘Impressive.’

At that moment, Seere, who had been silent yet holding onto his hand, initiated the conversation again.

“Teacher, what are they doing over there?”

Seere pointed to someone painting in one corner. In front of the painter stood a person who remained still in the same pose.

“They’re painting a portrait.”

Nahun said this while feeling somewhat puzzled. It occurred to him that Demon Kings didn’t seem to keep portraits of themselves in the Demon King Castle.

Typically, rulers of a nation hang their portraits as it ingrains their identity and helps the people know their sovereign’s face.

“Seere, speaking of which, why don’t you have a portrait painted?”

When he asked why she didn’t have her royal portrait done, Seere tilted her head.

“Should I?”

“Huh? …No, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to….”

It seemed that Demon Kings generally didn’t do such things. There wasn’t specifically a detriment in doing so; in fact, it could be beneficial. So what was the reason?

Nahun decided to set that question aside for now and said.

“Why not try having one painted?”

“Pardon?”

“I think it would look beautiful.”

Upon Nahun’s words, Seere raised her head slightly to look at him.

“…Do you want it?”

“Huh? …Yeah, I suppose that could be part of it.”

“Alright.”

Seere happily agreed, then led Nahun towards the painter. They waited a while behind the customer who was being painted, and once the portrait was completed, they stepped forward.

“Could I be painted as well?”

“Of course, dear customer. If you sit in the desired pose, I’ll have it ready quickly.”

“Teacher, what pose should I take?”

“Since it’s a portrait, wouldn’t it be best to just sit normally?”

“Hmm….”

However, Seere seemed to frown slightly, as if finding it lacking in character. After pondering, she seemed to have thought of something, sat down, and crossed her legs while looking straight ahead. This resulted in a slightly precarious scene.

“S-Seere?”

“Yes?”

“It seems like… it might be visible…?”

“Ah… don’t worry, it won’t be visible.”

Seere, seemingly aware of Nahun’s concern, gestured her reassurance, finalizing her pose by placing her hands folded atop her knees. She also added a slightly confident smile.

Seeing her like that, the painter chuckled and said.

“Haha, that’s a very confident pose. Excellent. Such positive emotion tends to inspire the artistic spirit. I’ll begin painting now, so please try to remain as still as possible.”

Seere responded with a little nod. The painter started drawing, and Nahun moved behind the artist to observe the process.

‘…They are skilled.’

Initially, the painter was roughly sketching the form, but as they repeatedly sketched the same areas with the pencil, the shape gradually came together. From the face to the shoulders, then to the waist and hips, and finally to the legs, the painter began adding in the finer details.

“Wow….”

Nahun couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

The elongated and slender figure of Seere, with her legs crossed, was well represented, and her uniquely confident smile was also vividly captured.

Though it was a black-and-white portrait, it was filled with vibrancy, leading Nahun to think it was an exceptionally well-done piece. It certainly matched the caliber of art that suited the layer.

Since it was a black and white drawing done solely with pencils, it didn’t take long for the artwork to be finished. Of course, this could have simply felt quicker as Nahun was just watching.

“It’s done, dear customer. Take a look.”

“Finally….”

It appeared that Seere had found it somewhat tiring. She lightly touched her cheeks, which had been grinning continuously.

“Phew, I can’t do this twice.”

“You did a great job. It came out really beautifully.”

“Really?”

Seere quickly came over to Nahun to look at the painter’s work. Instantly, the look of fatigue that had been on her face transformed into a radiant expression.

“It really is amazing!”

“I’m glad you like it, dear customer.”

“Yep, I love it. How much do I owe you?”

The cost wasn’t too steep. When Seere tried to pay, Nahun said.

“I’ll pay….”

“No! I’m paying for this. After all, it’s a gift for you, Teacher, right?”

“…Huh?”

Thinking about it, that was indeed the case. Since Seere had painted it because Nahun wanted it, it was essentially close to a gift. Seere finished the payment and handed over the painting to Nahun.

“Here you go!”

“Uh… thanks.”

Nahun took the portrait and stared at it blankly for a moment. It looked a bit too large to carry around. It seemed he would need to store it in a pocket dimension. Another thought that crossed his mind was where to keep it. Hanging it in the office would also feel a bit odd.

‘…I should probably keep it in my room.’

That seemed to be the only option. While Nahun was gazing at the painting, Seere smiled happily.

“Hey, Teacher.”

“Yeah?”

“It seems you really liked it.”

“Yeah, it turned out beautifully.”

Nahun had complimented Seere on how pretty she looked much more than usual today. Feeling happy because of that, she laughed broadly.

“Hehe….”

“Is there anywhere else you want to go?”

“I’m a bit hungry… should we eat first and then see a play?”

It seemed Seere was interested in the play. Nahun nodded readily and together they headed to a restaurant first.

#

After finishing their meal at the restaurant, the two made their way to the nearest theater. There, troupe members were holding signs to attract people.

“There are five seats left! If you come now, you can enjoy an interesting play and the wonderful performances of excellent actors! Enjoy both fun and emotion at the theater!”

“By any chance, how are the seats left? I’d like two seats together.”

“Are you asking about two seats? Ah, well, only the first-class seats are left that are next to each other, but they are a bit pricier. Is that alright?”

Nahun nodded in response to the troupe member’s question.

“That’s fine.”

“Great, I will guide you to the ticket purchase!”

The troupe member kindly led them to the ticket booth.

“Two customers here wish for two first-class seats.”

“Here are your tickets.”

The staff member presented two tickets.

“One gold coin, please.”

“Two tickets for one coin?”

“Yes. The regular price for first-class tickets is 50 silver coins. It says so right here.”

It was true. While handing over the gold coin, Nahun felt slightly put off internally.

‘Enjoying art truly belongs to the realm of luxury.’

He had expected the price to be somewhat high, but he didn’t expect it to be a price that could buy a slave and still have change left over. Considering that even rare human slaves typically start at that price at auctions, it was a significant amount.

“The first-class seats will have a staff member guiding you. Enjoy the show.”

“Right.”

After receiving the tickets, indeed a staff member attached to guide them to their seats. Climbing the stairs, it appeared that the second-level balcony inside the theater was the first-class seating area.

Once they sat down in the balcony, they could clearly see the theater stage. The balcony height wasn’t excessively tall, and it wasn’t too close in proximity to the stage, making it suitable for viewing the play.

“Since it’s pricey, the seats are nice.”

“It was a bit expensive, though.”

“Indeed.”

As Seere agreed, Nahun nodded vigorously in agreement. Seere looked around and said.

“However, if we are up here… it seems we won’t know what anyone is doing. The lights will go out too.”

“Hmm, that’s true. It’s no wonder such places are traditionally used for secret meetings.”

“Is that so?”

Seere surveyed the area with curiosity for a moment. Then she seemed to have spotted something and widened her eyes.

“Teacher.”

“Yeah?”

“Over there….”

Seere pointed to a certain place. It was one of the balconies directly across from where Nahun and Seere were. Upon seeing that, Nahun was slightly taken aback.

“…Why are those two sitting together?”

There were two Demon Kings there. None other than Nabelus, the Demon King affiliated with the Flebs party, and….

“…Astharoth von Hoda?”

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