Chapter 116 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 116 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Bonus chapter thanks to @SomeoneRandom on Ko-fi

"It's Father Pedro."

When the lady returns after running towards the church, she surprisingly brings Father Pedro with her. Then, English words flow from the priest.

Relieved to finally understand the language, I quickly stand up and extend my hand.

"Nice to meet you, Father. I'm glad you speak English."

Father Pedro warmly smiles and shakes my hand.

"A priest's tenure is short, so I move around a lot, picking up languages here and there."

Picking up languages, as if it's that simple.

Priests undergo extensive education.

Many can speak Latin and Hebrew, so surely they would have formally studied English.

There's no way a self-taught pronunciation could be so elegant and sophisticated.

"It's a real relief to find someone else who speaks English apart from Monica."

"Monica brought an Eastern person to the village, and it turns out to be you?"Thi/s chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.co/m

Typical of a rural village.

News travels fast.

"Yes, sorry for the late introduction."

There's a church in the middle of the village, but I never thought to meet the priest. Even if I had known, I wouldn't have visited. I'm not religious. Maybe my mother would have.

But that's not the issue now.

"What exactly are these people saying?"

Father Pedro, having heard the situation from the lady, immediately starts the conversation.

"Are you the one who painted the mural at Sophia's house?"

"Oh, this is Emilia, who lives opposite the church. The lady over there is Elizabeth."

I look at Mrs. Emilia as Father Pedro quickly speaks and nod to both and then say,

"Yes, that's me."

As Father Pedro relays my words, Mrs. Emilia and Elizabeth start speaking rapidly, competing with each other. Watching Father Pedro mediate in Italian, it seems he's trying to calm them down.

Father Pedro then looks at me.

I toss the apple like a baseball, catching it and taking a bite while watching the grandmother's departing figure.

Crunch.

The flesh of the apple falls away, and the juice bursts out. It must be the tastiest apple she brought. Chewing on the apple, I grinned.

So what if I'm being taken advantage of? It's not like someone wealthy is trying to trick me.

Once in a lifetime, it's not bad to draw a picture for an apple.

That famous Van Gogh also used to paint for a piece of bread. Who am I to say any different?

"From this afternoon, I'll observe the houses, and I'll start drawing from tomorrow. Please let them know if you see them, Father. Thank you for today."

After the priest leaves, I sit alone, eating the apple and looking at the sky.

The apple tastes incredibly good today.

Is it different from Korean apples, or is it just because it's filled with someone's care?

While rolling the apple in my hand and chewing its flesh, I muttered softly.

"It's a satisfying feeling, isn't it?"

Thinking rationally, there's nothing to be proud of.

I ended up agreeing to draw three houses for free. How is that a good thing?

But strangely, I feel very happy.

Biting into the apple again, I smiled broadly.

Maybe what I really want to do is this?

Creating paintings that bring smiles and happiness to others. My paintings touching their lives and bringing joy.

Isnt this what I truly want to do?

Im not sure yet.

It doesnt seem certain.

Life is different today and tomorrow.

But occasionally doing something like this seems nice.

After finishing the apple and wiping my hands, I stood up.

Now, shall I go call my little assistant?

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