Chapter 49

Toren sat at the cushioned chair in front of a canvas sheet and immediately prepared his painting materials.

Today, the colonist emperor had asked him to paint another portrait with a different position and background.

The first picture of the emperor consisted of bright and lively colors as they had decided to get the painting from outside, along with the garden.

The sunlight then was shiny and bright, almost blinding the painter's eyes.

This time, though, they decided to do the portrait inside the emperor's private room at the headquarters.

It was quite late in the afternoon, so the sunset splashed a yellow and orange blend at the emperor's side view with tints of dimmed contrast on the other half.

He sat on the floor with his legs crossed while a huge, sparkly robe covered him up. He even dressed with his favorite bright crimson robe which was embellished with diamonds and tiny golden cuffs.

The position and image he projected was ethereal and majestic.

While staying still as a statue, he went on saying how great the privilege Toren is receiving now despite being a mere citizen.

"It is a good thing that I admire your talent so much," The emperor said, taking a brief glimpse at the boy. "I knew that you were the only one capable of painting my pictures as soon as I saw that beautiful woman's portrait that was given by Captain Brochille! I fell in love with the genius behind it at once. Thanks to you, my glorious image shall be hung throughout history of politics and art!"

Toren stopped painting for a while. Realizing the emperor's sharp gaze, he began moving his hand holding the brush again.

"But you seemed quite sad right now," The emperor went on, snapping the painter to his senses. "Tell me what worries have been burdening you. The food served to you was always eaten poorly. The comfort does not seem to please you. And even painting does not seem to provide you enjoyment. Are you perhaps feeling dull? If you wish, shall I send you a woman?"

Toren politely smiled and replied, "Please do not worry about me, Your Highness. There is no need for such trouble. My only wish is to paint and let my art be shown to the world. Nothing else could make me happy other than that."

"You have that right now, but you do not seem happy at all. Tell me, though, who was that woman in your painting? The one that I first saw from the Captain."

"It is my foster mother," Toren answered. "She is said to be the most beautiful woman in the West, so I honorably painted her."

When the sunset was completely over, they halted the portrait painting and agreed to resume for another day when the emperor would become available once more.

Toren returned to his private room and the butler had served him another full course meal, which he ate poorly again.

His appetite had not returned ever since he ran away from his house.

Even when he had to stay at the captain's basement, he did not worry about deficiency of food for he was rarely hungry.

Seasons had changed, but he never did.

He sent the plate quarterly finished again, then went to bed despite being unable to sleep.