Chapter Text
The young man was gingerly washing his brushes beneath the gentle water flowing from the studio faucet. The water in the sink was tinged with many colors. Each pigment came from a far-flung corner of this world and came at no small expense. The brushes themselves were as delicate as they were exotic, made from the pale trees of the Elior Forest and white liger fur from Banan. They demanded the utmost care in their cleaning, being one of a kind, utterly irreplaceable. One would expect such a task to be tedious, but he took great pleasure in washing his brushes. It was always accompanied by a joyous smile, though he was always one to smile as it was.
He wore about as much paint on his white apron as he was washing into the sink. Without that apron, his clothes would’ve been thoroughly ruined. Considering his affinity for white clothing – his pants, shirt, and scarf were all white – it was fortunate he had remembered to actually wear one this time. His clothes were of fine make, the white of his other clothes being accented by a vest and beret that were blue like a type of wildflower found near the small town of Fleur. His attire was further accented by a golden cape, which went down to the middle of his back. One glance was enough to give away his profession.
He was a boyish young man. This impression wasn’t just born of his incessant smiling, which gave off a sense of whimsy and youthful enthusiasm. He also had a messy mop of pale blonde hair, which could easily be likened to cornsilk. He had azure eyes brimming with zeal and skin as fair as a cloud. His entire appearance really seemed to play into a sky motif, save for his belt and shoes, which were both made of light brown leather. His shoes appeared somewhat worn, like they had been walked in for many miles.
???: [Master Aurelio… ah, I see you were just wrapping up.]
A demi-human maid had just walked in. She wore an orange long-skirted maid uniform with a yellow bandana on her head. Her peach hair was styled in a fashionable bob. Her golden saffron eyes were sharp, with her rather thick eyebrows enhancing her stern appearance. She, too, had well-worn brown leather loafers on her feet, giving the impression that perhaps she had traveled often with her master. She appeared to be in a hurry, her vulpine ears twitching. Aurelio made no notice of these physical quirks, though. He had only glanced at her for but a brief moment before returning to his brushes.
Aurelio: [Your aura is rather energetic. Yellow orange… are you stressed, Bella?]
Aurelio said this rather frankly. He was always frank when assessing the aurae of others with that Divine Protection of his. Many would dislike being read like a book. Having been Aurelio’s maid for four years, and having known him for about ten years, Arabella had gotten used to it.
Arabella: [Only a little bit, master. We have an unexpected guest.]
Aurelio turned around again with a dancer’s flare, his eyes having been lit up by this news.
Aurelio: [Reaaaaally?! A guest? At this hour?]
Aurelio looked out the window of his studio for the first time all day. He could see the sunset reflecting off the canals of Priestella. He was almost absorbed by the beauty of the sight but shook his head quickly to return to Arabella’s pressing concern.
Aurelio: [Ah, perhaps they would like to dine with us?]
Arabella: [No, master. They’re here to request a commission.]
Aurelio: [… ah. Business then. Ah, well. Let’s talk to them!]
Aurelio was clearly somewhat deflated, but nonetheless chipper to still talk to someone. Descending the stairs of the inn he called home, he saw someone waiting for them in the landing. She was a maid with blonde hair as light as hay and emerald eyes. She took notice of them as they came down, smiling as she did so. Her smile revealed razor-sharp teeth that likely would be off-putting to most. If Aurelio had to describe her smile, though, he’d say it were “bright.”
Aurelio: [Well, hello there, miss…?]
Frederica: [Frederica Baumann, representing the margrave Roswaal L. Mathers. It is a sincere pleasure, Aurelio-dono.]
She curtsied as she made her introduction. Aurelio couldn’t help but admire the elegance on display.
Aurelio: [Roswaal, eh? Owowowow, Bellaaaaa…]
He could feel a tight grip on his left shoulder. He knew Arabella was perhaps a bit jealous. Not because he was talking to another girl, of course. Surely Arabella wasn’t concerned about such things. No, it was certainly his admiration of Frederica’s maidliness that got to her.
Aurelio: [I know you take such things seriously, but --]
Arabella: [Not another word, master.]
Aurelio: [Eh-heh, okay, okay! Could you please let go of my shoulder now? It’s hard to talk through the pain!]
Aurelio’s speech was somewhat labored as he said this to Arabella. It was the kind of tone one would take when desperately trying to maintain composure under duress. Arabella slowly loosened her grip on her master’s shoulder. Aurelio was one who couldn’t help but admire beauty in all forms, and Arabella was one who took her maidliness very seriously. She couldn’t help but compare herself to Frederica the second she showed up at their doorstep.
Aurelio: [No wonder you were so stressed…]
Arabella: [Did you say something, master?]
Aurelio: [N-nope, not a peep outta me!]
Frederica: [Perhaps I have arrived at a bad time…?]
Aurelio: [No no, not at all! I understand you’re here to request a commission. Am I to assume it’s for Lord Roswaal?]
Frederica: [It is not just for Lord Roswaal, Aurelio-dono. It is also a request on behalf of Lady Emilia, Sir Reinhard van Astrea, and Sir Natsuki Subaru.]
Aurelio froze as the revelation set in. Then, he erupted.
Aurelio: [Such esteemed subjects! I’ve never painted for any of them before!]
Aurelio was deeply fascinated by all four of these figures. Roswaal L. Mathers, the harlequin margrave. Lady Emilia, the silver-haired half-elf and contender for the Royal Throne. Sir Reinhard van Astrea, the Sword Saint himself. And Sir Natsuki Subaru, the bold young butler who declared himself a knight and played an instrumental role in the subjugation of the White Whale. Each of them inspired something within Aurelio. To have a request for a commission for just one of them would be temptation enough. But all four at once?
Aurelio: [How could I say no?!]
The second he said this, he abruptly ran back upstairs to his studio to begin packing supplies. Arabella and Frederica merely looked on. Frederica was stunned by his enthusiasm, while Arabella wore a neutral expression, save for a raised eyebrow. It wasn’t the first time Aurelio had taken interest in a prospective subject, but to such a degree? This was a first.
Arabella sighed.
Arabella: [He will need my help packing. Do you wish to stay the night? It is late already as it is, and travel to the Mathers Domain will take some time.]
Frederica: [If you would be so kind, it would be greatly appreciated! I shall retrieve my brother from the stables outside. I must admit, when we heard Aurelio-dono lived in an inn, we had to wonder what to expect. We did not realize he actually owned the property!]
Aurelio and Arabella lived in a Kararagi-style inn, called the Little Fusumi Inn. It had been home to Aurelio since his early adolescence when he was attending Priestella’s Academy of Artistry. When the inn was hitting a rough patch, he bought it outright and renovated it. It now appears fresh while maintaining its distinctive Kararagian aesthetic. He owns two suites for himself, one as living space for him and Arabella, and another as his studio space. The rest he converted into apartments or left as hotel suites.
Frederica: [Rather enterprising, isn’t he?]
Arabella: [Hmph! Yes, he certainly is.]
Arabella said this with a prideful air, placing her fists on her hips in a triumphant pose. Such was the pride and admiration she had for her master. With this, she turned around and ascended the stairs to help with her master’s manic packing.
Frederica, meanwhile, had gone to retrieve her brother from the stables. So far, her task was going smoothly, even more so than she had imagined it would.
Frederica: [Garf, we will be staying the night with Aurelio-dono and leaving for Costuul in the morning.]
Garfiel: [Tch, shoulda known, gettin’ in as late as we did. Guess we got no choice, not that I did in th’ first place…]
Frederica: [Garf, please…]
Garfiel: [Whatever. Les’ just get in there already.]
Garfiel stormed off ahead of Frederica, being in a foul mood. He usually was these days. In fact, “foul” had been his disposition for some time now. Frederica had hoped coming to a beauteous and awe-inspiring place like Priestella might cheer him up some, but this was not the case. Even the quaint charm of the Little Fusumi Inn wasn’t enough to assuage his ill temper. He could have gone straight to the outdoor baths or requested some Kararagi-style cuisine. Instead, he just waited in the lobby for someone to show him a room. If one thing had stuck in his time within “civilization,” it was a sense of obligation, albeit a begrudging one. He did all that he did because he realized he had no choice in the matter anyway.
Arabella: [You must be Miss Frederica’s brother. Ordinarily, one of the workers of the inn would tend to you. However, they are mostly busy helping Master Aurelio. Shall I show you to your lodging for the night?]
Garfiel: [May as well. Sis, get in ‘ere already, wouldya?]
Frederica had lagged behind, disappointed at her brother’s disposition.
Arabella: [As you wish, sir.]
Arabella didn’t even bother to ask his name. She had no patience for someone like Garfiel. In fact, she had little patience for anyone who wasn’t Aurelio. He consumed all of her reserves.
On their way to the room intended for their sudden guests, they came across Aurelio, who had finished his preparations due in large part to the inn’s staff having dropped everything they had been doing to help him. Garfiel didn’t understand why everyone helped him out so readily. What had he done to warrant such treatment?
Aurelio: [Such a sour aura… and a wild appearance! Could I sketch you sometime?]
Garfiel: [“Sketch?” Wait, “sour?!” Th’ hell ya mean by that, pal?!]
Frederica: [Garfiel, show some respect! This is Aurelio-dono. He is the portrait artist we came here to request a commission from.]
Garfiel: [I ‘member th’ reason we came out ‘ere! I jus’ wanna know what he meant!]
Aurelio: [Well, you seem bitter. That much is obvious even without my Divine Protection! This isn’t your run of the mill bitterness, though. The hue runs deep…]
An obvious look of discomfort was on Garfiel’s face the longer Aurelio spoke. Despite his sympathetic tone, he couldn’t help but come off as prying at best.
Arabella: [Master…]
Arabella was able to snap him out of his pondering and inspection. This certainly wasn’t the first time Arabella had to do this.
Aurelio: [Ah, forgive me, mister…?]
Garfiel: [… Tinsel. Garfiel Tinsel.]
Frederica was surprised he gave a response, as was Arabella. Was it the genuine interest Aurelio had taken in him that softened him up? Or was it the flattery? It was hard to say.
Garfiel: [Not gonna linger ‘ere long. We leave at dawn, got it?]
Aurelio: [Yessir!]
Aurelio’s chipper attitude bounced right off of Garfiel, though this didn’t bother Aurelio. He had anticipated such a response.
Frederica: [I’m impressed. I suppose the rumors I had heard about your Divine Protection are true? You almost saw clean through him…]
Frederica appeared worried, no doubt for her brother. Aurelio had glimpsed deep into Garfiel. It likely felt like someone was scratching at a wound that was still healing, a wound only those in the Emilia Camp would be aware of. For a stranger to come so close to glimpsing that wound in earnest…
Aurelio: [I overstepped again, didn’t I? I’m sorry…]
The Divine Protection of Aura Sense. It was a rare gift that required its user to be very mindful of what they said. The one possessing it could glean keener insights into the hearts and minds of others than most other people. If the one who wielded this Divine Protection were too careless, they’d risk unintentional harm to and isolating themselves from others. It was a pattern Aurelio was all too familiar with, as he had few close friends. His most consistent companion was Arabella, who stayed by his side despite his lack of mindfulness for reasons only they knew.
Frederica: [No, sir, it is quite alright! I saw something in my brother after you spoke to him. He seemed to soften up somewhat for the first time in a long time…]
Frederica seemed wistful as she said this. She broke eye contact with Aurelio, looking down to the floor.
Aurelio: [A bluish hue… though anyone could see that. Would a warm meal or fine drink bring you ease, Miss Frederica?]
Arabella: [Master, those are my purview.]
Aurelio: [Ah, I gotta be more mindful! Sorry, Bella. Please, tend to our guests to their heart’s content!]
Arabella: [As you wish, master.]
Frederica: [Oh, that won’t be necessary! The lodging you have so generously afforded us is enough.]
Aurelio: [In that case, payment won’t be necessary, either! please, stay the night. After all, I’ll be paid for my services later anyway. No need for anything extra!]
Arabella: [You know, she complimented you for your business savvy earlier…]
Arabella buried her face in one of her palms as she uttered this. The sentiment was obvious: damn it master, why?
* * *
The next morning was rushed, due in no small part to Garfiel’s pacing. He powered through breakfast, something Aurelio had hoped could be enjoyed between the two parties. Garfiel had caught wind of Aurelio’s insistence to not have them pay, though why this made him want to leave so quickly mystified Aurelio and Arabella. Aurelio tried to divine why Garfiel was in such a hurry, but he was unable to do so in the brief time he was at the table.
Aurelio: [I get the feeling he’s avoiding me… damn it, Aurelio, you did it again…]
He knocked his palm into his forehead as said this, leaving a red mark behind.
Frederica: [Garfiel has been on his guard since he joined the Emilia Camp. He doesn’t allow just anyone to get to know him. Even I have had trouble getting closer to him, and I’m his older sister.]
Aurelio: [I get a muddled hue from your mention of being related… was there some estrangement, perhaps?]
Arabella: [Master, please…]
Aurelio: [Ah! Damn my mouth!]
Frederica: [It’s quite alright, Aurelio-dono! Your assessment is correct. Dancing around the issue would be pointless.]
Arabella: [So tactful…]
Arabella cover her mouth in surprise at Frederica’s display of maturity. The blonde maid had intervened just before Aurelio could abuse himself again.
Frederica: [We had been together as children, but I left our village when I as a teenager to pursue work. I had hoped to make things easier for those in my village for when they themselves were able to leave…]
Aurelio: [Was your village truly so bad?]
Frederica: [It was what it was. We were prisoners of circumstance, unable to leave the place we were born in. The only reason I could leave was because I was only quarter-blooded beast.]
Aurelio: [I see… why would that stop you from leaving?]
Frederica: [A long time ago, a magical barrier had been placed around our village. Those who were half-blooded were unable to enter or leave.]
Aurelio: [Who would do such a thing? And why?]
Aurelio felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked to Arabella, who had a soft smile on her face. No doubt she could tell Aurelio empathized deeply with Frederica and her people.
Arabella: [Your kind heart is one of your finer points, master.]
Aurelio was flustered by this sudden compliment.
Aurelio: [Ahem, yes, well… given Mister Garfiel’s gusto, I s’pose we should be heading to the carriages and be hitting the road, yeah?]
Garfiel: [‘bout damn time! Les’ get a move on, already!]
Aurelio: [Gah! I thought you already went to the stables, Garfiel! How long have you been standing there?!]
Garfiel was standing in the frame of Aurelio and Arabella’s suite. He had left after scarfing down his breakfast, but…
Garfiel: [Got impatient. I said we leave at dawn, painter. Dawn! S’almost mid-mornin’ now!]
Aurelio: [Alright, alright! You’ve been heard, Mister Garfiel. Everyone, let’s go to the stables and depart for Costuul post haste!]
Arabella: [Yes, master.]
With this, they all vacated the Little Fusumi inn and boarded their respective ground dragon carriages. Their destination: Costuul, specifically Roswaal’s primary mansion in the city’s limits. Their purpose: for Aurelio to paint a portrait of four prestigious subjects. All seemed well, despite that morning’s rush. Aurelio had a good feeling about this commission.
The poor fool.