It Takes a Bit of Extra Work
“Sorry for not contacting you beforehand, shopkeeper.”
“No, more importantly, was there something you needed?”
“The thick watercolor paper I got the other day—it seems to warp when painted on. Are you sure it’s really watercolor paper?”
“Ah, you didn’t prepare it beforehand, did you?”
“Prepare it?”
“You have to stretch the paper before painting. Wet it with water first, let it stretch and dry, then use it. That way it won’t warp.”
I see… so it takes a bit of extra work. It’s not as simple as just starting to paint right away.
“Shopkeeper, is there anyone who does watercolor painting and might be able to teach children?”
“Young Master Reinhardt, you mean for yourself?”
“Not me, for some commoner children.”
“… I’m not sure if they can teach kids, but there’s a man who often comes in to buy watercolor paper. Would you like to meet him?”
“I’d be happy if you could introduce him.”
The shopkeeper said he’d speak to the man next time he came to buy paper. I also asked the shopkeeper to meet us at the Merchants' Guild if he got in touch.
Three days later, the Merchants' Guild contacted me—or rather, the vice-guildmaster showed up.
“Young Master Reinhardt, we had no prior knowledge of your discussion with the paper supplier. If you don’t inform us, there’s no way we can handle the situation,” he said, beginning with a small scolding.
Ah, I’d completely forgotten to notify the Merchants' Guild.
“I forgot to contact you, sorry. I’ll be careful next time. By the way, the person introduced by the paper shop owner has come to the guild.”
“Yes, that’s why he’s waiting in the carriage.”
“Oh, really? My apologies. But since I was planning to go out tomorrow, this actually helps.”
“I’ll bring him in, but please make sure to notify us next time.”
“Sorry, I’ll be careful from now on.”
“I’ll also attend as a witness.”
“Good idea. He’ll probably feel uneasy otherwise, so thank you.”
The man who entered the reception room looked to be in his late twenties. His appearance was neat, but he was very thin.
“Sorry about all this. Because I forgot to contact the Merchants' Guild, you were probably suspicious.”
“No, we heard it was regarding the son of the Westland family, so it’s fine.”
His name was Shawn. He was about 25, though he looked older than that.
“Do you know how much the paper shop owner explained?”
“Just that we need someone to teach the basics of watercolor painting to children.”
“Where did you learn watercolor yourself?”
“I learned from an elderly neighbor who painted as a hobby.”
“So you paint watercolor as a hobby?”
“No, I work part-time while painting watercolor.”
That must make life difficult. Many do watercolor casually as a hobby, but when people think of painters, it’s usually oil painting.
“Did you bring any of your paintings?”
“Yes, here they are.”
They were landscapes: summer wheat fields and pre-harvest wheat fields.
The leaves were green, the wheat heavy and golden, the stalks dry—same location, but a completely different atmosphere. The seasonal feeling was clear. Very well done.
“If you were to teach watercolor basics, how many days a week could you teach?”
“I work three days a week, so three days.”
If he only works three days to have time to paint, life might be tight.
“First, concentrate for three days of instruction. Then once a week for four weeks, making a month. Of course, I’ll pay a teaching fee.”
“May I ask who the students will be?”
“They’re children at the orphanage who are good at drawing. I want to try watercolor with them,” Leon said, showing his watercolor paintings.
“They did well for someone with no prior knowledge. Don’t you think?”
“Yes, very well. I see there’s a calendar underneath this painting?”
“That’s right. I want to gift these to my friends. Each set has twelve sheets, each focused on animals, flowers, plants, landscapes—seasonal themes.”
I explained that it was just an idea, and I was having the skilled children and those helping with the newsletter assist.
“May I also paint for this calendar? If you allow me, I don’t need payment. Please.” He stood and bowed deeply.
“Relax, sit down.”
I was slightly overwhelmed by Shawn’s intensity. But since I was planning to give away quite a few, relying on only Leon to paint seemed risky. Having two of them work on it might be a good solution.
What do you think about this chapter?
