CHAPTER 20: PARTNERS

This Sunday, a large-scale art exhibition was held at the art gallery. Both works by classical artists and young talents gaining popularity were presented.

People from different generations and walks of life came to see it. And not just to see it. Some even held lessons here. A young woman in an elegant burgundy dress gave a tour to her only student. The woman’s knowledge of art was no worse than that of the best guide.

Well, at least I retained some useful knowledge. Duke Weinstein gave his daughters the best education. For several years, Grace was taught by the best foreign tutors.

The titles and descriptions of the paintings came to mind.

"A Walk by the Lake," I declared, pointing to another masterpiece. "Painted by William Bryans in 1621 to mark the anniversary of the reign of the then emperor..."

Roger followed me everywhere and listened attentively. Sometimes he asked leading questions, but mostly I was the only one talking.

Our tour lasted a couple of hours, and during that time I managed to give the guy a brief description of all the paintings in the gallery. It was quite enough for an introductory lesson for our classes.

Finally, Roger and I came to the last painting. The canvas was huge and covered the entire wall. The idea behind the work seemed very mundane to me: an ugly, horned creature, resembling a demon, was devouring a human being. The painting was both frightening and exciting at the same time. I noticed that Roger soon turned away from it.

"Don’t you like it?" I asked.

"It’s... quite unusual," the guy replied uncertainly.

"Really?" I said, looking at the painting. "I don’t think there’s anything special about this idea."

Roger looked at me in surprise.

"But I’ve never seen anything like this before."

"Do you often go to exhibitions in your free time?" I asked in return.

He looked embarrassed.

"Not really..."

I sighed.

"Vices consume people. It happens quite often. You don’t even have to look at the painting."

"... Sir Roger, do you understand what the artist meant?"

"...I think you’ve already said everything."

"Not at all," I smiled, "I just gave you a hint."

He froze.

"Then... I don’t know."

"Think about it."

The guy paused for a moment.

"Is it possible..." he began uncertainly, "that by allowing our desires to take control of us, we ourselves eventually become like demons?"

I smiled.

"That’s a good guess," I remarked. "Then let me ask you something. What do you desire, Sir Roger?"

"Huh?" He stared at me in surprise.

I smiled.

"I’m curious to know what a man who has everything wants."

Obviously, this unexpected question on my part stumped him.

"Lady, I think you’re exaggerating..." Roger tried to object.

"Not at all," I said. "You are the only son of Duke Dickens, the emperor’s right-hand man. Many people can only dream of being in your position."

"I... I’ve never thought about it that way."

"Indeed. People rarely appreciate what they already have. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and never thought about how ordinary people live."

Roger was indignant. A hint of resentment crept into his voice.

"Lady, do you think I’m that kind of person? That money and status are the most important things to me?"

I deliberately pressed Roger’s sore spot to make him show his emotions. In fact, I didn’t think so.

In the game, the guy was quite a noble person. He voluntarily gave up his status to join the imperial army and protect people. For several years, he lived in the barracks alongside the other commoners who had enlisted. Not every aristocrat would be capable of such a feat.

And yet, right now, I couldn’t care less how worthy a person he was. When I entered this world, I initially forgot one important thing. Only the main character could easily receive all the sincerity and love here. And me... Why did I even think that the attitude towards me would be the same? To achieve something, I would have to make certain efforts. And it didn’t matter what it would be, my sincere intentions or blackmail. I decided long ago: if Roger isn’t on my side, then I don’t need him.

"Sir Roger, you’re exaggerating," I smiled softly. "Of course, I don’t think that about you."

The guy looked away.

"However, today I want to clarify one thing with you."

"What is it?"

I put my hands behind my back and began to pace in front of the painting.

"We can continue to pretend that nothing is happening. But today I am offering you a choice. Our future relationship depends on it."

Roger frowned, not understanding what I was getting at.

"What do you mean?" he asked directly.

"The duke ordered you to watch me, right?"

The guy flinched. His pupils dilated.

"I-I..."

"It’s okay. I’m not going to accuse you. What’s more, we can continue playing this game."

The guy swallowed.

"I can tell you how many people are in our organization. It’s not such a big secret. Will my answer satisfy the duke?"

I deliberately used such phrases. Roger didn’t like my mocking tone.

"Stop it..." I could see in his eyes that he was feeling more and more guilty towards me. That was what I wanted.

"Sir Roger, you are a smart man. You should be able to distinguish between black and white. What is profitable and what is not.

Your father ordered you to watch over me, and you didn’t refuse. But have you ever thought that you have another option?"

Roger looked at me in surprise.

"Another...?"

"You are going to join the imperial army. The duke will definitely not support you, but I will."

We stood facing each other. I felt that this was the most fateful moment in our relationship.

I said that I would support Roger in his desire to become a knight. I knew that nothing like that ever happened in the game. Having renounced his title as heir, Roger received no approval from either society or his family members. The guy was completely alone in this field. Even his father turned away from him.

Meanwhile, at this stage, support for Roger was extremely important. He was just a sixteen-year-old boy who was about to embark on a path unknown to him. And I made it clear that I was on his side.

"Don’t you... don’t you think that’s strange?"

"Not at all. You’re following your dream, what’s wrong with that?"

The boy was taken aback. He must have been waiting for at least one adult to say those words to him.

"Right now, we’re both in a difficult situation. So it would be right to support each other."

"What do you mean...?"

"I suggest we work together," I said, "and that your father has nothing to do with it."

Roger blinked in surprise.

"Sir Roger, let’s be partners."