Chapter 280: A Date? (Celestine’s Arc) ④
The mansion in the Royal Capital, once owned by Sanada Shoko, contained only landscape paintings that seemed to depict scenes from Japan, likely created during her lifetime.
“It appears that the only artworks in this room are paintings of some town,” Celestine remarked.
“Seems that way… By the way, do you think these paintings hold any value?” Rodel inquired.
“They’re beautifully rendered, and there are certainly people who would desire these fantastical depictions of an unknown town… I never expected the Queen Dowager to possess such artistic talent,” Celestine replied, her gaze distant as she admired the softly painted landscapes.
“To me, the Queen Dowager was an enigmatic and fearsome figure. I could never tell what she was thinking. Being scrutinized as if I were constantly being evaluated was truly unsettling…”
“Is that so?”
It was hard for Rest to believe that the Queen Dowager was indeed such a person, especially after meeting Shoko in his mindscape. She seemed to be a different person, consumed by resentment.
“What will happen to this mansion? Will it become mine as well?” Rest asked.
“No. This is not Prince Rodel’s inheritance, so it has no connection to you, Rest. Since there are no owners or heirs, it will be considered state property,” Celestine explained.
“I see… If the mansion is to be demolished, would it be possible for me to purchase at least the paintings?”
It was a bit sad to think that Shoko’s legacy might be discarded so cruelly. Even for Rest, who felt little nostalgia for his homeland, the loss of paintings depicting Japanese scenery was regrettable.
“I understand. The final decision rests with the Royal Family, so I can’t guarantee it, but I will do my best to facilitate that,” Celestine assured him.
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
After thoroughly exploring the mansion, Rest and Celestine were about to leave when, just before stepping through the front door, Celestine suddenly halted.
“Oh…”
“What is it?” Rest asked.
“No, it’s just that I felt something odd about that wall over there…”
Celestine pointed to the wall beside the entrance. At first glance, there seemed to be nothing amiss, but upon closer inspection, Rest noticed a line etched into a section of the wall. The aged, yellowed wallpaper bore a rectangular outline about the size of a palm.
“Indeed, it looks like there might be something here. I don’t sense any magical power, though…?” Rest mused.
“The Duke’s mansion has something similar. Of course, they hide it much better,” Celestine replied, reaching out to touch the rectangular outline on the wall.
“It’s a mechanism that doesn’t use magical power. It’s a hidden door that a magician wouldn’t be able to detect,” she explained.
When she pressed the rectangle, a section of the wall opened, resembling a rotating door from a ninja house. If it had been a magical mechanism, Rest would have been able to discern it. The fact that it relied on no magical power made it a complete blind spot.
“Beyond this hidden door… is a staircase leading down,” Rest noted.
Using the Life Search spell, he scanned the area but detected no particularly ominous presence. Glancing at Celestine, he saw her give a small nod.
“If it’s alright with you, Rest, I would like to investigate further. Would that be acceptable?” she asked.
“Honestly, I’d be more curious if you suggested we just go home after coming this far. Let’s go down,” Rest replied.
He ignited a light with magic and began to descend the dark staircase.