Chapter 116 Patron

“Well, let’s settle down first…”(Mitsuha)

As I attempted to put an end to their quarrel, they realized that they had shown a vulgar dispute unbefitting of an artist in front of their patron candidate, both of them became stiff .

Indeed, “Giving dreams to patron” is part of the work of the artists who received their assistance . To give such an ugly show like that, naturally they’ll losing image . Of course, they should’ve understood that themselves . That’s why they went stiff .

“… Just kidding! Hahaha, let’s stop joking and start the discussion with the Viscount properly, shall we?” (Lortor)

“T, Tha, That’s right~! Let’s stop our usual play with this much… . ” (Timid Woman)

Ah~, it’s so obvious it’s a mess…

“… and that is the case . By all means, please bestow us your patronage… “ (Lortor)

“Please bestow us your patronage…” (Timid Woman)

So, they have arrived at a common front .

Well, I have no problem with it…

They only had their works placed in the same store, so they seem to know each other and became rivals . Both of them couldn’t afford living with only sculpting and had a painful underlaying life due to side jobs .

Someday, find a patron and sell your name .

After a long time of dreaming and wishing for that day to come, one day they received the news came from the art shop owner .

[A noble woman bought everything they had in the store, she said she really liked it]

[The noble woman was that Prince Shrine Maiden of Thunder]

(Super ultra-famous person has come!!! Himemiko-sama’s Purveyor, Himemiko-sama’s Favorite, the ultimate golden attraction!!)

(Note: Idk why but author wrote this in brackets, just think of It as the artists delusions)

After that, it seems that he came here in full dash .

And somehow, while he talks about me become his patron as if it’s the most natural thing, his rival made her appearance . Far from natural, it is as if he received a fast-straight ball in the gut and become upset thinking that his patron candidate was about to get stolen from him . It seems they are usually gentle mannered . Both of them .

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Well, no matter how gentle you were, if your life is at stake, would you able to keep your temper? It’s like the slang [It’s at the level that even Gandhi would hit someone]

(Note: “Gandhi mo josou tsukete naguri kakaru reberu”, I did some searching, seems like it’s a net slang, not even a proverb lol)

But, u~n, patrons are meant to provide financial support to a specific person . Once you decide to give support, it’s considerably hard to stop . If the patron suddenly stopped helping after the artist become professional, they will not be able to maintain living . Also, if I were become their patron, the others won’t be able to become their patron anymore . It would take the form of handing out the side of the artists I handed in from the side .

And I’m not liked their work that much . I just thought that they were giving a very nice vibe as a “promising newbie’s work” .

In this situation, I’ll have to be honest…

“… I’m sorry” (Mitsuha)

“ “Whaaaat?!” “ (Lortor & Timid Woman)

The two were shocked .

No, I’m sorry .

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“Pl, please do something about it!” (Timid Woman)

“Even a little support is fine! I beg you, himemiko-sama’s support!” (Lortor)

Lortor and Tiras, the woman who came later, begged .

Un, their initial intention towards me were “One of the noble patron candidates”, but the real intention was “The value of Princess Shrine Maiden’s name” . Even if the smallest form of support from the Princess Shrine Maiden will have a great impact . And it is likely that noble and rich people will get to know them as a steppingstone to made contact with me .

… It was a great insight .

Except for one problem .

Un, that is, I hate that kind of thing .

“Rejected . If I were to give you support, it’s not just about giving you money, people who targeting me will also come after all . Also, would you really happy to sell your creations under my name, not by your own ability? Not as someone who have a hard time living, but as an artist” (Mitsuha)

“ “… . . ” “ (Lortor & Tiras)

Ah, they went silent . And their expression went dark…

How pitiful…

U~n, then…

“Ano, although I won’t giving you support, I have some request for both of you…” (Mitsuha)

“ “Eh?” “ (Lortor & Tiras)

Both of them are surprised . Well, they must’ve been wondering why I’m asking them something even though I rejected to give them my support . Well, I’m not [asking], but instead I’m giving them job request .

“Actually, I want to sell the pieces that I bought from you two in my home country . And I don’t want to get exposed that I’m involved in it, so I’ll sell it under the store name . But still the names of the original creator will be listed, so the buyers from the other side knows who made the pieces . If you can accept that kind of sales, then… . ” (Mitsuha)

It’s not like selling something made by others falsely, just think that there’s no problem if it’s sold under your own name .

“Of course, I do not mind! Please proceed that way!” (Lortor)

“M, Me too!” (Tiras)

Ah, as I thought…

In other words, their work will be distributed in other countries .

It’s the same thing as there’s no way an unknown Japanese painter to refuse a subscription offer from a foreign painting broker .

Alright, the talk is decided!

“Ah, selling your work in my home country won’t elevate your name in this country, so it won’t have effects toward your sales perspective in this country, you know?” (Mitsuha)

“ “Uh…” “ (Lortor & Tiras)

The two become sad .

But, how about this!

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“Of course, it’s perfectly fine to advertise your works saying [Viscount Yamano has been purchased several pieces of my works]” (Mitsuha)

Hearing that, their expression shining brightly .

Yeah well, even if I don’t become their patrons, that alone will have a pretty good advertising effect .

The order was reversed, but originally, I wouldn’t care if I don’t get the creator’s consent . There’s no need for the merchant to ask the creator’s consent every time they’re doing business . But if they were happy with this, it would be best .

Alright, with this, I can start selling anytime! After that I can open a small art store in the country where I got the fake identity . It’ll be a small shop that doubles as a coffee shop and sells the art pieces at a price close to the purchase price . The store maintenance costs should be enough covered by the profit from the coffee shop . And I don’t even have to pay tax because of the tax exemption I got from preferential treatment from my agreement with the country .

It is flexible because it’s a small country, it sure is convenient .

Of course, I won’t manage the shop myself . I’ll throw the responsibility to the manager I hire .

Art Gallery with attached café, what a marvelous idea . A gallery café surrounded with art works huh . I think it’s a good Idea to put various thing other than sculpture . As a girl owner there, sometimes I’ll pretend to be an ordinary customer and enjoy the art works while drinking coffee of tea .

U~n, Aren’t that nice!

In the unlikely event, I might just cut the deficit gallery and make profit as a normal café .

More than that, I can think of it as a shelter when I need to hide . Not a secret base in a remote place, but a [normal place] .

Somehow, I’m getting excited…

The two young Sculptors finally left [General Store Mitsuha] .

I couldn’t sign the patron contract for them, but their works were sold out this time, and from now onwards they’ll have a bright sales prospect . In addition, they’ll be able to use super powerful sales attraction such as [Liked by Himemiko-sama] and [They were popular in Himemiko-sama’s homeland] . Compared to yesterday, now they have bright future .

There are a number of people who believe in their talent, continue their efforts and seize opportunities despite being in poverty . However, there are hundreds or thousands times more of those who have been defeated by poverty and giving up their efforts .

The two sculptors stopped after a few steps outside the Viscount Yamano Mansion, and shook each other hands firmly, with a wide smile on their faces .