This is the piece I promised you in return for your help with Ubertino.
Oh, I'm so happy! I've been waiting for this for a long time.
Speaking of which, I heard the other guild members accepted you.
Yes, thanks. I was able to become friends with the other apprentices, too.
I see. I'm glad.
I'm looking forward to your future more and more, Arte.
Goodness, must you always come without warning?
"The Venetian Noble"
Impatient men without enough consideration for others will be hated.
Oh, is that right? That's not good.
Well then, I'll be careful next time so I won't be hated by the woman I love.
Oh, my.
Is this your portrait?
Yes. It's by someone I'm proud to call a friend.
She's really unusual--a female apprentice.
Thanks. Even though we just me the other day, you're teaching me how to read and write.
But that Veronica you were talking about...
Books are expensive, so for her to have so many,
just what kind of person is she?
Oh, Veronica's a high-class prostitute.
Prosti-- Pr-Pr-Prostitute?!
Hey, you!
So you're the female apprentice everyone's talking about!
I'm honored to meet you, future female painter.
Huh? U-Um...
The Falier family?
The famous noble family from Venice?
Yes, that Falier.
If you've heard of my family, then it makes my self-introduction easier.
I'm Yuri.
So, what business does a Venetian noble have with a small workshop like mine?
Business? Right, let me get straight to the point.
I want your apprentice, Arte, to come work for me in Venice.
Are you asking me to let my apprentice go to Venice by herself?
Yes. I'm saying that I'd like her to take this job as a painter in her own right.
There are two parts to this job:
First, I'd like her to work as the portrait painter for the Falier family.
Second--and this is what I really want her for-- I want her to be my niece's tutor.
Tutor?
Yes. My niece is very independent, if you're putting it nicely.
If you're not, well, she's stubborn and kind of selfish.
All the tutors she's had up until now have thrown up their hands and quit.
So, I'm looking for a tutor that will suit her.
Um, why me?
Of course, I saw your work and liked the uniquely soft touch you have.
But more importantly, the main reason I want you specifically
is because you're a woman and from a noble family.
I hope you will take this job.
You probably want time to think this over.
I'll go home for today.
I look forward to a favorable response.
Arte? Hey, Arte!
Don't stare off into space. It's time to start work.
Yes, sir! I'm sorry!
I have to work... work...
...the main reason I want you specifically
is because you're a woman and from a noble family.
It's watery. This has way too little flavor.
Or is your stomach not feeling well?
I'm sorry.
Is it about the offer from this afternoon?
U-Um, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
What should I do?
It's an offer that's for you personally. I don't have any right to say anything about it.
Besides, for a mere apprentice to suddenly get such a big job...
I've never heard of anything like this happening before.
I really shouldn't be hesitating to say yes to my good luck, huh?
Don't think about it in terms of good or bad luck.
There are many who think talent and luck are required to make a living in this profession,
but we're artisans.
I was always told that if I practiced enough,
then I would become skilled enough to make a living.
I still believe this.
If you become truly skilled, then you'll have more than one chance to get work.
No matter what you decide, I'll respect your decision.
Thanks.
Arte!
Hey, Arte!
All right, I've decided!
Huh? Darcia?
Please excuse me for coming out of the blue, Lord Yuri.
I wanted to respond to your request from the other day.
Well, let me hear it.
I've been thinking about it this whole time.
"Because I'm a woman and a noble."
Those reasons have been such huge obstacles for me up until now.
When I heard those words, I felt rebellious.
That's why it took so long for me to be able to think about it calmly.
But I've finally been able to put my thoughts in order.
Please allow me... to refuse this offer.
I still have much to learn and practice.
When I have amassed enough skill
and believe I will be able to satisfy my customers,
that's when I think I should be looking for work.
That's why I'm sorry, but I must refuse this time.
Is that right? I'm sorry to hear that.
Well then, please excuse me.
Setting aside work, I hope you'll come to me if you every need anything.
My door is always open for you.
Thank you!
Ah, I feel like a small bone that's been stuck in my throat is finally out!
My heart and body both feel light!
Um--
Excuse me, I'd like to ask for directions...
Oh! Your stomach's so big...
I've been waiting expectantly for this child to be born. I've gotten so big, my back hurts.
I've come to visit an old friend I haven't seen in ten years,
but I can't find his house.
Is it around here? If you'd like, I can help you look!
Really? That'd be great. I think he runs a small workshop...
I don't think he's very famous, but I wonder if you've heard of him.
His name's Leo, and he's a painter.
Leo?
Huh? Apprentice?
Yeah. It might be unusual to have a female apprentice, but a lot happened.
She's been with me for a while now.
You ? Have an apprentice ? And she's from a noble family?
There's so much to say, I don't know where to start.
I'm Ruthanna! He and I are old friends.
You're rushing on ahead, as usual. My apprentice is confused.
Leo had friends?
As expected of Leo's apprentice!
He doesn't seem like he'd have any friends, right?
It's true! You're not wrong!
Hey.
You've been living out in Siena, right?
What about your husband? He's not with you?
Husband? My husband didn't come.
He didn't come? Then, you came alone...?
That's right. I came alone.
Arte, I need to talk to Ruthanna alone. Will you leave us?
It's my first time seeing someone
who's not a customer talk to Leo in such a friendly and fun way...
I can't believe you have such a cute apprentice.
This guy never jokes around and is really boring, isn't he?
Hey.
See you later, Leo. I'm glad I got to see you after so long.
Ruthanna! If there's anything I can help you with, tell me!
I will. Thanks, Leo.
I've known Ruthanna for a long time.
She's the only daughter... of my master.
R-Really...?
Arte! Wait up!
All my seamstress friends have been talking about that Ruthanna!
She's originally from here, but she moved to Siena after getting married.
But recently, her husband passed away.
Huh? She didn't look like something like that had happened.
And her husband's family won't return the large dowry she had when she got married.
She's come back to negotiate the return of that money.
Isn't a dowry returned to the woman if she becomes widowed?
Well, it's supposed to be.
So, what about her?
She seems to be really close to Leo,
so I was wondering if there was anything I could do...
Please! Please return the precious dowry my father paid you.
I need money for this child in my stomach, and also so I can live.
You just won't give up, will you?
The money I returned was all of it!
I told you, didn't I? I can't give you what I don't have!
If I give you more, then we'll go bankrupt. Who do you think you are, anyway?
Um...
Are you all right?
You...
Ruthanna!
Thank you. I feel better now.
I'm glad.
You know, before he died, we were happy.
I was uneasy, being married off to someone I didn't know,
but somehow, we were a good match.
In Siena, we lived happily, the two of us.
But then, right after I got pregnant, he got sick in the epidemic and died.
I want to live with this child in the town we lived in together.
Ruthanna...
But anyway, I was really surprised!
I couldn't believe Leo was working with someone.
Huh?
Leo was always by himself.
Always covered in scrapes, like he'd been fighting with the other apprentices,
he never opened up his heart to anyone.
He probably only talked to me because I was his master's daughter.
And now, I can't believe he's got such a lovely young lady working for him.
Seeing someone like you working next to him gives me peace of mind.
Coming back to Florence, I thought it'd be only unpleasant things,
but there were good things like this waiting, too, huh?
Has that Ruthanna left yet?
To cause such a ruckus is disgraceful! The neighbors are going to talk.
We took her even though she was just an artisan's daughter because of her large dowry,
but now my son is dead,
and she's insisting on her rights. All she cares about is money!
You don't have to be so wary of me.
What are you doing here?
There's no reason for you to keep coming back to a small workshop like mine.
I'll gladly welcome any work you have for me, though.
Unfortunately, there's a workshop we already have a relationship with in Venice,
so I'm not here to commission you.
Oh, but... if you say you'll let me have your apprentice in exchange for a commission,
then it'd be a different story.
Is it really okay to just crush her chance at being an artisan?
If it's about that, you should have already heard directly from my apprentice.
It's what she decided. It isn't something for me to interfere with.
I see, it's true... She's the one who should decide.
But you know, don't you?
How much artisans in the world suffer in order to get jobs.
Polishing their conversation skills, which have nothing to do with their craft,
countless artisans flatter the rich and are humiliated for their trouble.
If you think about that, wasting a chance like this is unthinkable.
Leo, is there a possibility that you gave her half-hearted advice
because you didn't want to lose her?
Me?
Put your hand on your heart and think carefully.
Thanks. It was delicious.
The fortress wasn't very strong. In fact, it seemed pretty weak.
Let's see... Where should I attack from?
Leo, I just got back.
Leo?
Oh, you're back?
You're late. What happened?
I... I had some personal business...
I see. Be more careful next time.
Huh?
Those cups--was someone here?
No, no one. Don't worry about it.
Right...
To call this delicious is just flattery.
It's not like I'd have any problems if she weren't here...
We took her even though she was just an artisan's daughter because of her large dowry,
but now my son is dead,
and she's insisting on her rights. All she cares about is money!
Please!
I need money for this child in my stomach, and also so I can live.
Unfortunately, it's pretty common for widows to get into disputes about money.
There's nothing women with no status or authority can do.
Does Ruthanna have any relatives she can turn to?
Her father's already passed away... So, no...
I see... I could pull some strings behind the scenes...
Huh?!
...but to use my customers like that for a stranger...
Th-Th-Th-There's no way I would ask that of you!
Th-That's not why I came to you for advice!
Oh, really?
But is there anyone you know with status and authority who could act as a proxy?
Status and authority...?
Oh, there is!
Huh?
There's someone who has both status and authority!
Someone who happens to be nearby!
I understand what you're saying.
I didn't think she'd ended up in such a bad situation...
I've already made the decision in my heart. But there's one thing I'm worried about...
I wanted to ask you about it.
Something you're worried about?
If I leave now, will you let me be your apprentice again when I return?
Why are you going to such lengths for Ruthanna's sake? Even if I ask that,
it's you we're talking about, and you won't change your mind, right?
I-I'm sorr--
Under one condition.
Take this job not as an independent artisan but as a member of this workshop.
I'll be waiting here... as your master.
Thank you very much!
Th-Then, I'll go tell him now!
Arte!
Thanks for what you're doing for Ruthanna.
Sure!
I was just about to start putting my own schemes into place...
I never thought you'd come to me on your own...
Huh?
It's nothing. Just talking to myself.
Well? Since you're here, it must mean you've had a change of heart, right?
Yes. But I have a favor to ask of you.
Oh? In other words, you'd like me to give that widow my support?
If that'll get you to come to Venice, then it's a bargain.
We have a deal, then.
Actually, there's one more thing...
I'd like to limit my time in Venice to three months.
Are you underestimating me?
Huh? No, I'm not!
I-I'm being serious!
Once I finish my work in Venice, I'd like to return here to Florence.
I see. But I was hoping you'd stay for at least a year...
Th-Then, what about six months for now?
Six months, huh? Depending on how you work, it might need to be extended...
That's fine!
Really? Then, we have a deal.
It was decided, and so quickly.
U-Um, why did it have to be me?
Aren't there other people who would make good tutors?
Hmm, let's see... Why you?
My niece and I have similar personalities and sensibilities.
For the most part, if I think something's fun, she also thinks it's fun,
and things that I like, she likes, as well.
In other words...
It's because I like you.
All of our important business partners have said they'll stop doing business with us...
Us, too. What's happened all of a sudden?
"Gloom"
What are you boys talking about?
I don't get it, either!
Nice to meet you.
Are you in need of assistance?
Thanks to you, I got my dowry back.
Thank you so much.
It was nothing!
Please give birth to a healthy baby!
Thanks.
Leo, I'm really glad I got to see you again after so long.
Take care of yourself.
Be well, Ruthanna.
I will. You, too, Leo.
Arte.
Take care of Leo for me.
Huh?
Me... take care of Leo...?
Hey, we're going back.
Oh, okay!
"Preview"
We won't be able to see each other for a while, but keep doing your best to study, Darcia!
Arte, do your best at work, too!
There are things I'm worried about, too, but I won't lose!
"A New Chapter"
Next time, "A New Chapter."
I wonder what'll be waiting for me!