Volume 1, Chapter 129 – The Condition of Drawing Concept

Volume 1, Chapter 129 - The Condition of Drawing Concept

Translator: Silva

“What? You want to study painting under me?” The elder got down from the stool and ran around Lily to examine her. It made Lily feel rather uncomfortable to have a short, hunchbacked old man revolving around her.

Nanako supplemented, “That’s right, grandpa Hishikawa. But you shouldn’t look down on this big-breasted woman you know? She is but a powerful samurai!”

“Samurai?” Hishikawa Moronobu sized up Lily and said somewhat displeased, “What is a woman trying to learn both swordsmanship and art for? Hmph!”

Moronobu shook his head and walked over to the tea house, completely disregarding the girl lying on the box. Lily and Nanako also helplessly followed after him. Before leaving, however, Lily gave an apologetic glance to the young girl since there was nothing she could do to help her. Besides, that young girl also didn’t want others to look at her anyway. It was already embarrassing enough to have outsiders look at her like this.

The three arrived at the tea house. When the apprentice poured tea for them, he couldn’t resist taking a few extra glances at Lily.

“Why are you still here?!” He was eventually berated by Moronobu.

The two girls felt a little ill at ease, it seemed like it wouldn’t be easy to make a deal with this elder.

Anyway, I just have to express my sincerity! Lily decided.

She solemnly took a deep bow before the elder, “Master, Lily wanted to learn painting because I wish to grasp the sword script through the understanding of Drawing Concept. I beseech the master to teach me.”

Moronobu squinted his eyes to observe Lily, then he asked, “Why does a frail-looking girl like you want to become a samurai?”

“In this dark, disorderly world, there is a promise Lily must fulfill at all costs.”

If you can’t understand that feeling, then how will you be able to understand the Drawing Concept?

Miss Kagami, if you want to learn the Drawing Concept, I suggest you visit Grandmaster Fujiwara in Heian-kyo. She is a woman as well so she can impart a concept suitable for females. My ukiyo-e, on the other hand, is not suitable for you.

And moreover, I am not too knowledgeable in the sword script. Even if we suppose Miss Kagami is a man, to master the sword script via a comprehensive study of my Drawing Concept, I doubt drawing on the back of an ordinary girl would work. At the very least, they need to be deeply involved with the swords. Blah, just forget about it, there’s no point to say that much anyway. You are a woman, it’s impossible for you to understand my Drawing Concept anywho. So, after I’ve said that much, you understand now right?”

The two girls were staring blankly at the artist, trying to digest his every single words.

“Lily has understood the master’s warning,” bowing down again, Lily continued, “However, Lily still wants to learn from the master. Although Lily is untalented, I will never disgrace the master’s Drawing Concept.”

Her tone was calm and docile, yet it flowed smoothly like the running water. For a moment, even Moronobu was somewhat moved.

“You, really want to learn from me?”

“Yes.”

“Alright then, for the sake of the Saionji house, I can teach you. However, you have to pay 200 kan in advance. This is a deposit, but it will serve as a lesson for your stubbornness when you realize that women cannot understand this old man’s Drawing Concept! Think carefully before you decide, will you take the chance?” Moronobu asked seriously.

“Master Moronobu, I am willing to become your disciple,” Lily answered without the slightest hesitation.

“Wait, I can teach you, but don’t you dare to refer yourself as my disciple. Won’t I become a laughing stock if people find out I took in a big titted girl as my disciple?!”

Nanako doubtfully looked at Lily. Though a few hundred kan meant nothing to her, but how could a woman understand the master’s Drawing Concept? She was worried that Lily would have wasted her money for nothing.