Arte (アルテ)

This is the piece I promised you in return for your help with Ubertino.

Oh, I'm so happy! I've been waiting for this for a long time.

Speaking of which, I heard the other guild members accepted you.

Yes, thanks. I was able to become friends with the other apprentices, too.

I see. I'm glad.

I'm looking forward to your future more and more, Arte.

Goodness, must you always come without warning?

"The Venetian Noble"

Impatient men without enough consideration for others will be hated.

Oh, is that right? That's not good.

Well then, I'll be careful next time so I won't be hated by the woman I love.

Oh, my.

Is this your portrait?

Yes. It's by someone I'm proud to call a friend.

She's really unusual--a female apprentice.

Thanks. Even though we just me the other day, you're teaching me how to read and write.

But that Veronica you were talking about...

Books are expensive, so for her to have so many,

just what kind of person is she?

Oh, Veronica's a high-class prostitute.

Prosti-- Pr-Pr-Prostitute?!

Hey, you!

So you're the female apprentice everyone's talking about!

I'm honored to meet you, future female painter.

Huh? U-Um...

The Falier family?

The famous noble family from Venice?

Yes, that Falier.

If you've heard of my family, then it makes my self-introduction easier.

I'm Yuri.

So, what business does a Venetian noble have with a small workshop like mine?

Business? Right, let me get straight to the point.

I want your apprentice, Arte, to come work for me in Venice.

Are you asking me to let my apprentice go to Venice by herself?

Yes. I'm saying that I'd like her to take this job as a painter in her own right.

There are two parts to this job:

First, I'd like her to work as the portrait painter for the Falier family.

Second--and this is what I really want her for-- I want her to be my niece's tutor.

Tutor?

Yes. My niece is very independent, if you're putting it nicely.

If you're not, well, she's stubborn and kind of selfish.

All the tutors she's had up until now have thrown up their hands and quit.

So, I'm looking for a tutor that will suit her.

Um, why me?

Of course, I saw your work and liked the uniquely soft touch you have.

But more importantly, the main reason I want you specifically

is because you're a woman and from a noble family.

I hope you will take this job.

You probably want time to think this over.

I'll go home for today.

I look forward to a favorable response.

Arte? Hey, Arte!

Don't stare off into space. It's time to start work.

Yes, sir! I'm sorry!

I have to work... work...

...the main reason I want you specifically

is because you're a woman and from a noble family.

It's watery. This has way too little flavor.

Or is your stomach not feeling well?

I'm sorry.

Is it about the offer from this afternoon?

U-Um, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

What should I do?

It's an offer that's for you personally. I don't have any right to say anything about it.

Besides, for a mere apprentice to suddenly get such a big job...

I've never heard of anything like this happening before.

I really shouldn't be hesitating to say yes to my good luck, huh?

Don't think about it in terms of good or bad luck.

There are many who think talent and luck are required to make a living in this profession,

but we're artisans.

I was always told that if I practiced enough,

then I would become skilled enough to make a living.

I still believe this.

If you become truly skilled, then you'll have more than one chance to get work.

No matter what you decide, I'll respect your decision.

Thanks.

Arte!

Hey, Arte!

All right, I've decided!

Huh? Darcia?

Please excuse me for coming out of the blue, Lord Yuri.

I wanted to respond to your request from the other day.

Well, let me hear it.

I've been thinking about it this whole time.

"Because I'm a woman and a noble."

Those reasons have been such huge obstacles for me up until now.

When I heard those words, I felt rebellious.

That's why it took so long for me to be able to think about it calmly.

But I've finally been able to put my thoughts in order.

Please allow me... to refuse this offer.

I still have much to learn and practice.

When I have amassed enough skill

and believe I will be able to satisfy my customers,

that's when I think I should be looking for work.

That's why I'm sorry, but I must refuse this time.

Is that right? I'm sorry to hear that.

Well then, please excuse me.

Setting aside work, I hope you'll come to me if you every need anything.

My door is always open for you.

Thank you!

Ah, I feel like a small bone that's been stuck in my throat is finally out!

My heart and body both feel light!

Um--

Excuse me, I'd like to ask for directions...

Oh! Your stomach's so big...

I've been waiting expectantly for this child to be born. I've gotten so big, my back hurts.

I've come to visit an old friend I haven't seen in ten years,

but I can't find his house.

Is it around here? If you'd like, I can help you look!

Really? That'd be great. I think he runs a small workshop...

I don't think he's very famous, but I wonder if you've heard of him.

His name's Leo, and he's a painter.

Leo?

Huh? Apprentice?

Yeah. It might be unusual to have a female apprentice, but a lot happened.

She's been with me for a while now.

You ? Have an apprentice ? And she's from a noble family?

There's so much to say, I don't know where to start.

I'm Ruthanna! He and I are old friends.

You're rushing on ahead, as usual. My apprentice is confused.

Leo had friends?

As expected of Leo's apprentice!

He doesn't seem like he'd have any friends, right?

It's true! You're not wrong!

Hey.

You've been living out in Siena, right?

What about your husband? He's not with you?

Husband? My husband didn't come.

He didn't come? Then, you came alone...?

That's right. I came alone.

Arte, I need to talk to Ruthanna alone. Will you leave us?

It's my first time seeing someone

who's not a customer talk to Leo in such a friendly and fun way...

I can't believe you have such a cute apprentice.

This guy never jokes around and is really boring, isn't he?

Hey.

See you later, Leo. I'm glad I got to see you after so long.

Ruthanna! If there's anything I can help you with, tell me!

I will. Thanks, Leo.

I've known Ruthanna for a long time.

She's the only daughter... of my master.

R-Really...?

Arte! Wait up!

All my seamstress friends have been talking about that Ruthanna!

She's originally from here, but she moved to Siena after getting married.

But recently, her husband passed away.

Huh? She didn't look like something like that had happened.

And her husband's family won't return the large dowry she had when she got married.

She's come back to negotiate the return of that money.

Isn't a dowry returned to the woman if she becomes widowed?

Well, it's supposed to be.

So, what about her?

She seems to be really close to Leo,

so I was wondering if there was anything I could do...

Please! Please return the precious dowry my father paid you.

I need money for this child in my stomach, and also so I can live.

You just won't give up, will you?

The money I returned was all of it!

I told you, didn't I? I can't give you what I don't have!

If I give you more, then we'll go bankrupt. Who do you think you are, anyway?

Um...