I Will Die for You, My Darling! - Chapter 49

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Chapter 49

Originally, Gamon, attached to Isaac’s right arm like a loyal hound, was responsible for inspecting these goods. His absence prompted the question.

It was simple curiosity, yet Marquis Tygra’s brow twitched. General Soluten instinctively sensed something amiss. Isaac’s approaching gaze was cold. He responded leisurely, as if Soluten were a subordinate overstepping his bounds.

“Since when did this become something you need to be informed about? You’re acting like the master here.”

General Soluten flinched. “No, of course not.” The exchange firmly established the power dynamic for Benjamin. Isaac was above; the Remains Investigation Team, below. It was a far more blatant display than anything Benjamin had vaguely imagined in the Sky City.

Having left Gamon at the glass dome mansion, Isaac inspected every traded item himself. He was demanding, inquisitive, and sharp-eyed. The hall was already noisy with partygoers. From Benjamin’s perspective, Isaac’s men, the ‘Black Tiger’s Dogs,’ were irredeemably vulgar, yet the other members of the Remains Investigation Team seemed to have adapted.

“So, as I was saying…”

“This wine is good, isn’t it?”

Though mutual disdain and animosity were palpable, a superficial air of camaraderie persisted.

‘How strange,’ Benjamin thought, accustomed to a strict division between ‘above’ and ‘below.’ He remained aloof, not touching the food or drink of the debauched party, maintaining an air of elegance.

“It’s Master Leonhilt’s new piece.”

“Hmm.”

Benjamin’s favorite artist had been mentioned. He turned to see Isaac, lounging like a lord on a couch, observing a painting. It depicted a lyrical early summer scene of a canal. Sunlight shimmered on the turquoise water. A woman sat at the edge of the scene, her face obscured by the wide brim of her hat. Leonhilt often featured women of such mysterious allure in his work.

There was a fundamental dissonance between the refined painting and Isaac. His rough, calloused hands gripping the frame, his well-developed arms and shoulders… Following that silhouette upward led to a jaw and mouth seemingly more suited to tearing flesh than critiquing art. His golden eyes didn’t seem to grasp the painting’s value.

Benjamin, however, instantly understood the landscape’s worth and felt a pang of regret. This painting didn’t belong in this filthy, vulgar Downstream. It should be owned by a nobleman of high society.

“Do you appreciate the value of this painting?” Benjamin asked, stepping closer before he could stop himself. Isaac turned his head to look at Benjamin. He held his gaze for a moment, then, completely ignoring him, returned his attention to the painting.

He possessed neither the sensitivity nor the aesthetic eye to understand the artwork. Not being one to pursue refinement, he didn’t seem to care that he couldn’t grasp such higher values. Arietta, however, possessed such an eye. She was a natural dilettante.

Despite being born in the Downstream, she had an instinctive sense for evaluating beauty. Her earthly origins made her appreciation even more remarkable.

‘She would have shone even brighter had she been raised above.’

But Isaac had no intention of sending Arietta up. She was his prized possession.

“Do you?” Benjamin pressed, as Isaac remained lost in thought, his words a tightrope walk.

“No. I don’t,” Isaac replied, tilting his head to the side. His demeanor was relaxed, devoid of shame. Benjamin’s pride stung.

“You seem proud of your ignorance.”

That crossed the line of what was acceptable to say to Isaac Tygra, even in the Downstream. It was blatant mockery. The atmosphere instantly chilled. Isaac’s guard, as well as the Remains Investigation Team, glared at Benjamin.

The young man’s words were a fatal mistake. Isaac, who had maintained a relaxed composure despite Benjamin’s hostility, wiped the smile from his face. From this point on, amusement would be foolish. “You sound like you have a complaint.” His low voice was cold and domineering. “Is this painting so important? More so than my mood?” Isaac challenged.