Host of the Party

"You got it wrong, I'm not planning to court her." I scratched the back of my head. Ugh, another episode of defending myself from such accusations.

Howard's eyebrow rose. "What? Why? Do you think my daughter's not worthy? Are you looking down on her? Is that how you think of her?" He started throwing random questions again.

I shook my hands. "No, Sir. I would never look down on her. She's a good person."

I don't know why I've been put in an awkward situation like this again. I'm sitting at the same table with the father of a girl who people thought was my girlfriend. Now, he's asking me questions about Sai. Great, just great.

"Do you admire her? Howard's daughter?" Rocco asked.

Now someone is acting like Cupid!

"I admire Sai, but never in a romantic way. Having a relationship with someone is not on my list right now, Sir. I just graduated from Arts school, and I want to explore more as a painter," I explained. They seemed convinced so I stopped explaining.

"Admirable! What a fine mindset, Chavez. I like you for my daughter!" Howard laughed. "Just kidding!"

It was so awkward! If I could facepalm myself in front of them, I would have done that! The two of them started chatting about something I didn't know, so I glanced in another direction.

But on the other side, it's a good thing he only asked about that, and not about sneaking into a forbidden floor at Dreamy Studios. Phew! I thought I was in trouble for a bit.

I started looking at artists at other tables. Some looked familiar to me; either I've seen them in books or on the internet. I was literally enjoying my view of such great artists. As if I wasn't put in an awkward atmosphere a while ago! I shook my head and tried to forget what just happened during that conversation.

Meanwhile, here was an empty seat beside me, and it also had a familiar name on it.

"Dae Jin."

I glanced at the person who sat beside me. Rocco and Howard greeted him, so I slightly bowed my head with a smile on my face. I don't even remember if I knew him!

"Rocco, Howard, annyeong. Oh, who is this?" He looked at me. He had a unique accent and appearance.

"Good evening, Sir. I'm Yohan Chavez." I introduced myself.

"The one who painted my friend," Rocco added.

Wait, don't tell me he also saw my work?

"Oh, it's nice to meet you. You've got some great skills," he said, shaking my hand. "I would love to see more of your work."

I couldn't breathe again for a moment. I just want to ask Rocco how many artists saw my artwork. I get embarrassed every single time.

"Have you visited Jin's gallery too? The Korean gallery?" Howard asked. "Jin's Misulgwan?"

I remember! so I nodded my head. "Yes, I've been there. I loved your artwork, Sir."

He laughed. "Ah jinjja? Thank you for visiting, Chavez. I can't wait for you to have your own gallery here."

"Yeah, you should have your own gallery someday," Howard agreed.

I bit my inner cheeks. Why are they so kind with their words? It's so... fluttering.

"I'll consider that too, if I can create great artworks like yours," I said. Do I deserve such praises? Damn.

Time passed, and the venue became noisier as more artists entered. They were busy having conversations, and I was too shy to even approach another artist. I just sat in my seat and waited for dinner to start. I think they're still waiting for someone.

Come to think of it, I remembered Brent and Jin's galleries because of Iseul. I have a vivid memory of Iseul's portrait inside Brent's gallery. Then the sculpture associated with Iseul in Jin's misulgwan. Plus, Howard Brent also knows Iseul and has talked to her mother in the past.

I wanted to ask them about her.

I wanted to interrogate them too about the anima perduta.

However, doing that may put my life and image in danger. Every artist inside this grand restaurant knows about the ultimate rule. All of them knew that we're not allowed to create pieces at night.

I wanted to ask all of them if they broke the rules too.

Have they painted her in the past? Did they also see Iseul? If yes, who the hell took advantage of her situation? Are there people here who have tried abusing other anima perdutas?

I came here out of excitement that I had a chance to see amazing artists. However, knowing the fact that there are anima perdutas on this island... because of an unknown painter. This makes me wonder whether the suspect is here with us.

The restaurant servers were bringing food to us. The dinner is about to start, but I think we're still waiting for a certain person who invited everyone here. He just arrived from a long trip in Italy, as stated by Rocco.

A few moments later, a guy from the other table stood up and went on stage. He grabbed a microphone and caught our attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to inform you that the host of this dinner has arrived. Let us all welcome the owner of the famous La vendemmia."

The owner of La vendemmia? The one that always had countless customers and the shop that Rocco recommended I go to I remember; I just got there a few days ago.

We all looked at the big entrance, where a man in a suit was standing. I felt goosebumps. I don't know who he was, but everyone in this room stood up and clapped their hands.

Is he someone above everyone here? I can't remember seeing artwork made by him. All I know is the vintage shop that he owns.

"Damian La Vinci!"

I also clapped along with them. Damian walked towards the stage, holding a staff in his right hand. He looked like someone in his 50s, just like Howard Brent. Looks like everyone in this room respects him, all of them were so glad to see Damian.

"Sit down, everyone. No need for a grand entrance," he laughed. He's now on stage. "Thank you all for being here with me today. How are you all doing?"

And so the grand dinner begins.