Chapter 32 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 32 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum

As the dizziness ends, I stagger briefly but thankfully regain my balance and close my eyes until the dizziness subsides, focusing on my hearing to understand my surroundings.

But, there's no sound around me. The silence suggests that I am probably inside a building.

When I slowly open my eyes, squinted from the lingering dizziness, I see the living room of a very luxurious mansion.

Through the large window, I see an endlessly sprawling garden, and in the distance, beautiful horses running around.

Where am I now?

The living room is so large, it must be about 50 pyeong.

In front of the window, there's a red sofa with its back to the window, facing a small chair.

The walls are adorned with many paintings, expensive-looking tea sets, and fresh flowers.

Whose house is this?

I sit in a corner of the deserted living room, lost in thought.

'Judging by the architectural style, it feels like 18th century Austria.'

How can I tell just by looking at the room?

Well, it's clear when the architectural styles are so jumbled together.

The architectural style of Ringstrae in 18th century Vienna is interesting.

The Parliament building reminds one of Greek and Roman classical retro style, the city hall of Flemish Gothic retro style, the Vienna State Opera of Renaissance retro style, and the court theatre of Baroque retro style.

So, Ringstrae is essentially a showroom of historicist architecture rarely seen anywhere else on Earth.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

This room is no different.

The fireplace, furniture, ceiling, wallpaper, and the shape of the windows are all mixed with styles from different eras.

Then, I hear footsteps from a corridor on one side of the living room.

Not knowing what to expect, I hide behind the curtain of the largest window in the living room, only my eyes peering out. And when the owner of the footsteps appears, I have to cover my mouth to stop a scream from escaping.

'Klimt!'

A gentleman in a grey suit, with a bushy beard and curly hair.

I had laughed earlier, remembering the older Klimt, but the young Klimt was quite handsome. I've seen a few of his photographs, and apart from the change from black and white to color, he looks the same.

Without a word, Klimt sits on the small chair facing the red sofa, pulls out a small notebook and pencil, and begins to sketch something that I can't see from where I am.

So, the only social activities they could engage in were social events.

That's why women of this era could only focus on adorning themselves.

Most of the women who held a place in the social circles of Klimt's time had his portraits, and it was like a trend that spread like wildfire.

Klimt smiles and, holding his pencil, looks at the lady's face with one eye closed and says,

"I can't just paint hastily and finish it as an excuse for being busy, can I?"

The lady sighs and shakes her head.

"Well, alright, Mr. Klimt. So, what shall we talk about today?"

Klimt, adjusting the angle of his pencil in the air and measuring the lady's facial angles, says,

"How about we talk about your first meeting with your husband today?"

"Ah, it's going to be idle chatter again."

"Ha-ha, if you call it idle chatter, your husband might feel hurt. Isn't he the most successful businessman in this area, a loving husband who gives you everything? And the one who has enabled you to live in such a grand mansion."

"But still."

Klimt laughs and opens his notebook.

"Many would be curious about the story of Ferdinand Bloch Bauer, who became wealthy through finance and the sugar business."

The lady sighs but soon blushes, remembering old stories about her husband.

"Alright, Klimt. Even if we only talk today, I enjoy our time together, so let's have a conversation today as well."

Klimt winks and smiles.

"Yes, thank you for today as well, Mrs. Adele Bloch Bauer."

As I listen to their conversation from behind the curtain, I lean forward with wide eyes.

The moment I hear the name of the woman sitting on the red sofa, I realize who she is and what era this is.

'The Venus of Austria, the Woman in Gold. The very moment of the birth of the 'Portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer'. Austria in 1906!'

And if my memory serves me right, the lady has a disability in her right hand.

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