Chapter : 99
The Bachelor Holds a Photo Exhibition
Katarina grabbed Laura’s hand and briskly walked away.
“That one is always in such a hurry,” I muttered.
Even though we had taken the trouble to come to the solo exhibition, couldn’t she calm down a little?
No matter when I saw her, Katarina always seemed to be rushing.
“Yo, Zilch. Looks like you’re up to something interesting,” a familiar voice called out.
Turning around, I saw Greas and Leonard.
Greas was wearing a semi-formal outfit, but Leonard stood out in a flashy yellow suit. His presence was as overwhelming as ever.
“Killing time?”
“Yeah, it’s a good way to clear my head!”
“I thought it was going to be a magical artifact exhibition, but a photo exhibition? That’s interesting. I just had to come check it out.”
It seemed the two mischievous friends had come to alleviate their boredom.
“I don’t know the exact principles, but it’s more realistic than paintings.”
“I’m impressed at how they’re using photography like this.”
“This is the proper use of cameras. The way they were used last time was rare.”
“Oh, really?”
Even as I said that, it didn’t seem to register with Leonard, who was only interested in fashion.
This is the correct way to use a camera.
“Still, Zilch holding an exhibition… huh.”
“Yeah, it’s rare for someone like Zilch to do something like this.”
Indeed, it was obviously unnatural for me to suddenly hold an exhibition.
I dislike dealing with bothersome events like this.
I explained to Leonard and Greas the background that led to the photo exhibition.
“I see, so that’s why Narcissus was helping.”
“You never know what’s going to happen in this world.”
“Exactly.”
A hobby meant for personal enjoyment had escalated to this scale.
“With this turnout, the budget must have already been covered, and it’s probably making a profit. There were a lot of people even outside waiting.”
“A new side business for Zilch, huh.”
“If you can’t make a living as a magical tool craftsman, becoming a photographer isn’t bad. But the durability of the magical tool is still unknown, so it lacks stability. Doing it as a hobby from time to time is just right.”
I didn’t know how long I could keep taking photos with this magical tool.
Relying solely on it would be too risky.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t become a solid side business for the future.
“I can’t even imagine a future where Zilch can’t make a living. Well then, I’ll go look around a bit more.”
“Yeah.”
Greas gave a wry smile and started walking on his own.
I thought Leonard would follow, but he stayed nearby, not really looking at the photos.
“Don’t stare at me like that. It’s unpleasant.”
“Sorry, but you’re just too good-looking.”
Even as I warned him, sensing a natural instinct for danger, Leonard didn’t seem in the least embarrassed.
“So, do you need something from me?”
“Good, you read me well,” Leonard said.
From his reaction, it was clear he had some purpose, so we stepped outside the venue.
“So?”
“You’re making wedding rings, right? Those really wonderful ones.”
“And what about them?”
“I want to collaborate with our wedding dress shop to make them trendy.”
“I see.”
Currently, they were gradually spreading among acquaintances of Eight, Mariella, and adventurers, but teaming up with Leonard, who had a huge influence in the fashion industry, would greatly expand their reach.
Wedding rings might even become standard at weddings.
It seemed Leonard wanted to create a business synergy between wedding rings and wedding dresses.
Whether it would succeed was uncertain, but his quick action demonstrated business acumen.
“Even though I hold the rights, most of the work is done by Ilia and Fiebel. If I decide alone, it could cause problems later.”
If I decided everything myself, Ilia and Alto would probably complain.
“Then, would it be fine if your family approved it?”
“If they readily agree, I personally have no objection. Though I don’t intend to get actively involved.”
I had only made the wedding rings for Eight and Mariella and never intended to commercialize them.
Being uninterested in marriage, making a magical tool symbolizing it felt awkward. I didn’t really want to make them.
“Just hearing that is enough for me. I’ll go visit your parents next. Oh, it feels like we’re a couple about to get married.”
“Leonard, let’s just pretend this conversation never happened.”
“Ahh! Suddenly a broken engagement! Hey, I’m not joking. Don’t give me that cold look—it gives me chills!”
Even if it was for work, the thought of introducing someone like him to my family gave me a headache.
●
Dealing with Leonard was exhausting.
Having understood the atmosphere of the exhibition, I decided to leave.
Still, it would be rude to go straight home, so I looked for Fotner, who was managing things behind the scenes, and called out.
“Viscount Fotner.”
“Lord Zilch. How was the exhibition?”
“I can’t judge good or bad, but it felt very pleasant and easy to view.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Is it possible to make the photos a bit larger?”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t have that function.”
“I see… I thought making them bigger would make them easier to see.”
It’s hard for a large crowd to appreciate small photos.
Because they are small, people have to get close, which naturally causes congestion.
With so many photos on display, it somehow works, but it must have been a headache for the setup team.
“Sorry for the impossible request.”
“No, don’t worry about it.”
“Currently, we are restricting entry, and it will likely be crowded tomorrow and the day after. At this pace, costs should be recovered, and significant profits can be expected.”
“I see. That’s good to hear.”
“After this exhibition, we should hold one in an even larger venue.”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself. Well, we can consider that later.”
The exhibition was scheduled to run for about a week.
The first day had good attendance, but there was no guarantee for the following days.
Even though it started well, it wasn’t something to decide immediately.
“Yes, I’ll leave it to you then.”
Fotner didn’t take offense at my reply and smiled warmly as he nodded.
As Fotner returned to his work, I left the venue.
“Maybe I’ll stop by a café for a bit.”
I planned to return to the workshop, but I wasn’t motivated when mentally and physically tired.
Since the café wasn’t far, I went straight to Rondel’s café.
“Welcome. Please take any seat you like,” Rita’s voice rang out as I entered.
I nodded silently and sat at the counter.
“I saw the flyer. You’re holding a solo exhibition, right?”
Rondel then took out the flyer and spoke.
“Oh! I saw it bustling on the way back from the academy! So you started a solo exhibition, Zilch.”
“It just happened that way.”
“I haven’t been yet, but what’s a photo exhibition like?”
“…It’s faster to just see it than explain.”
I wanted to explain politely, but I was already tired from explaining to Greas, Leonard, and Laura.
“True. It seemed quite crowded, but will it be easy to enter?”
“If the attendance is like today, there may be entry restrictions.”
“Ah, that’s true. Then I probably can’t go before work tomorrow.”
It seemed Rita would work at the café tomorrow as well.
For her, working long hours after school would be tough.
“You can be a little late, you know? Or even take the day off—”
“I just started working here, so I don’t want to do that.”
Rita firmly refused Rondel’s offer.
Though she just started working, she couldn’t accept taking a day off for personal reasons.
She was diligent—a remarkably responsible girl for her age.
Rondel looked troubled. As her uncle, he probably wanted her to enjoy her free time.
“In that case, take this with you.”
“An invitation ticket. Showing this will let you enter without waiting in line.”
He took out three invitation tickets given by Narcissus.
There were seven left, but I had no intention of inviting friends.
I had considered giving one to Katarina, who had received a concert invitation, but she had already come today, so there was no use.
“Wow! But is it okay for me to have this?”
“They’re just extra and useless otherwise. Use them as you like.”
“Thank you! This way I can see it without being late for work!”
Rita held the tickets carefully and thanked me.
“Hey, Uncle. Can I give Zilch something as thanks?”
“Sure.”
Rondel nodded, and Rita went into the kitchen.
It seemed she wanted to give something as thanks for the tickets.
“Sorry to trouble you…”
“Don’t worry. Rondel has always helped us.”
Rondel looked apologetic, but he had helped with the coffee mill many times. Compared to that, this was nothing.
Soon, Rita returned with a tray, and Rondel placed iced coffee on it.
“This is thanks for the invitation tickets.”
She presented a fruit tart.
The tart had glossy fruits arranged beautifully on top.
“Did you buy this somewhere?”
“No, I made it myself.”
“Impressive. You can make desserts?”
“It’s still at a home level, though.”
Rita smiled shyly. The tart looked surprisingly good.
“The center is higher to create this shape.”
“Exactly. The custard underneath is thicker in the center to form a nice peak. By the way, Zilch, do you cook?”
“I don’t make desserts much, but I do cook.”
Making desserts alone consumes a lot of ingredients and calories.
So, I usually buy them rather than make them at home.
Putting that aside, I focused on the tart.
I cut it carefully into bite-sized pieces and ate it.
“…Delicious.”
“Really!?”
The crust was fragrant and crispy, with great texture.
If not baked properly, this texture wouldn’t be possible.
The dough was well-made, with no powdery taste.
Strawberries, melon, and blueberries made it visually appealing.
The cream melted softly in my mouth, and it paired perfectly with fresh fruit.
“It seems to surpass home-level both in taste and appearance.”
“Because!”
“If you say so, it should be fine to serve in the café.”
“Really? Add it to the menu?”
“Yes. The café has light meals but few desserts. Customers would like to enjoy coffee with desserts!”
Rita spoke passionately, clenching her fist.
It seemed she just wanted to add something she liked, but coffee and desserts pair well.
Not only women, but men would enjoy it too.
“Adding variety to desserts is good.”
She likely wanted to contribute in her own way.
Her straightforward enthusiasm was very likable.
It had been a while since I had something sweet.
Having sweets when a bit tired was a nice break.
I slowly enjoyed the fruit tart with my coffee.
