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Fourth of Seven Mysteries (3): Where is the Painting?

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The day after we discovered the academy’s newspaper files.

Today was the first holiday after summer vacation, and we had an important plan, so our investigation into the Seven Mysteries is temporarily on hold.

When everyone gathered, we headed towards the Western-style mansion.

Yes, today we’re bringing souvenirs to Rinkart-san from our summer vacation. Just before the end of the summer vacation, I went to the mansion alone to set up an appointment.

When we arrive at the mansion, Rinkart-san welcomed us warmly. Perhaps because there was so much greenery, the garden of the mansion felt cool and comfortable, even though it was on the same premises. As usual, we helped Rinkart-san prepare drinks at the garden table, and finally, we sat down.

“Well then, I’m so happy when everyone comes to visit. It makes everything feel more lively.”  (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san said with a gentle smile, and we all melt at her warmth.

Each of us, in turn, gave Rinkart-san our souvenirs and shares stories about our experiences during the summer vacation. She listened attentively to each story, occasionally chiming in with an “Oh my!” or “Well, well,” while we recount our summer vacation. It was a rather eventful break that we were attacked by bandits on the way, and at the villa, some of those bandits who had escaped holed up. Because of these tales, Rinerart-san listened wide-eyed with surprise.

She also murmured, “I see, Rita went with you”.

“Rinkart-san, do you know Rita-san?” (Lux)

I asked.

“Yes, of course. Rita is quite famous, and we have a personal acquaintance as well.” (Rinkert)

She replied, revealing an unexpected connection.

Well, considering that Rinkert-san is also associated with the academy which mean she’s linked to the military, it might not be that surprising after all.

As the conversation continued, the fun time passed quickly.

Then, suddenly, Rinkaet-san remembered something and asked.

“Speaking of which, you mentioned you were investigating the Seven Mysteries. How’s that going? Did you see the Motionless Statue?” (Rinkert)

We began telling her about the Motionless Statue, the artificial lake, and finally about the Dancing Painting that we still hadn’t found. Rinkart-san seemed to enjoy hearing about the statue and the lake, but when we mentioned the Dancing Painting, her expression became a bit more complex. After hearing everything, she took a sip of her tea and sighed softly.

“What’s wrong?”

Rick-san asked, concerned. Rinkart-san thought for a moment and then looked at us.

“I’m sorry, I was just a bit surprised. I see, so that painting was counted among the Seven Mysteries.” (Rinkert)

She said.

“What? Do you know about the Dancing Painting?” (??)

It was our turn to be surprised, and someone among us blurted out the question.

“Yes, I know it very well… The painting is currently here, in this mansion.” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san revealed.

With that, she began to slowly recount how the painting ended up in the mansion.

 

—

 

The painting you all call the “Dancing Painting” is actually known as “The Portrait of Leia.”

Leia was the daughter of Count Lengrad, who once had a mansion here. Yes, she was frail and passed away young, as I mentioned before.

Many of Count Lengrad’s artworks were sold or given away, but this particular painting was difficult to relocate. It was the portrait of his beloved daughter, after all. You can understand why he cherished it so much. However, leaving it in storage wasn’t an option either. So, to ensure it wasn’t lonely, it was displayed in the landing area of the old school building.

When the new school building was constructed, there were concerns about the painting deteriorating. More importantly, the painting’s true charm couldn’t be appreciated, so it was decided to move it to this mansion.

 

—

 

“True charm of the painting?” (Frank)

Frank asked, tilting his head in confusion, trying to understand what she meant.

“…It would be quicker to see it in person. Yes, could someone help me?” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san said as she stood up.

Everyone volunteered, and the result of the fair draw was that it was me and Heinz. We followed Rinkert-san into the mansion. The inside of the mansion was just as I imagined. It was small but very beautiful and elegant. While Maria’s family mansion, the Bell Household, was large and impressive, this one wasn’t lacking in overflowing elegance.

The first thing that caught the eye was the large staircase in the center. At the top of the stairs was the painting that I could hold with both hands. Rinkert-san pointed at the painting and said,

“That is the Portrait of Leia. Could you two remove it gently? Be careful.” (Rinkert)

We answered “Yes” and carefully removed the painting, transporting it with the caution of carrying a cake. The painting depicted a girl with one foot raised and her hands extended. When we carefully carried it to the courtyard, everyone eagerly rushed over.

“Now then, Lux, Heinz, face the sun and move slowly.” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san instructed.

“Everyone else, stand with your backs to the sun and watch.” (Rinkert)

Following the instructions, after a while…

“Impossible…” (??)

“Amazing…” (??)

“This is…” (??)

And so on, everyone was exclaiming in awe. Unable to contain his curiosity, Heinz asked.

“Wait, what’s happening!?” (Heinz)

“Oh, sorry, sorry. I’ll take over now. Ratt-kun or Frank, could you help hold the painting?” (Lux)

Rick-san and Ratt-kun, then, took over holding the painting.

Just like we did, moving towards the sun…

The girl with outstretched arms under the sunlight clasped her hands to her chest at a certain angle. It was a breathtaking sight. “Amazing…” was the only thing that came to mind.

After everyone confirmed it, Rinkert-san, who had been watching from a distance, began to explain.

“This painting has special paint and a unique technique applied. When the sunlight reaches a certain angle, Leia can dance. When it was displayed in the old school building, it was arranged to catch the morning sun.” (Rinkert)

“In other words, Leia dances only when bathed in the morning sun…” (Maria)

Maria said with a slightly trembling voice. It wasn’t fear, but rather emotion.

After that, we continued to admire the Portrait of Leia for a while. Thus, the fourth of the Seven Mysteries was resolved here with great satisfaction.

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