“Although it is indeed an art piece,”
“It’s impressively only of scantily clad women with large breasts, isn’t it?”
As expected, the exhibited items were paintings and statues of nude women with large breasts. The moment Kent and Rachel saw the exhibits, they voiced these thoughts.
“Lady Josette, this painting is by that famous artist.”
“Indeed. I had only seen their landscape paintings, so I didn’t know they painted things like this as well.”
Caro and Josette’s eyes were drawn to one particular painting. The artist was someone they both knew was famous. The model, a woman, was depicted standing with her large breasts prominently displayed, and the artwork was artistically superb.
“…I know this person.”
“Ah, it’s true that for a time people eagerly bought statues by this artist as a symbol of wealth. However, they are mainly known for their pots, so it’s surprising they also made statues like this.”
Sophie and Gordon were looking at a certain statue. The artist was known for creating pots with attractive designs and was famous enough that such a pot was likely owned by a wealthy family. The statue on display was of a nude woman with large breasts, but she was not particularly slender. Her legs and arms were thick, and her stomach was soft and rounded, with three distinct rolls.
“…However, I feel a connection to their pots somehow.”
“Hmm, I don’t really understand, but is that so?”
“…Yes. I’d be hard-pressed to say which, but I knew it was their work the moment I saw it, even before confirming the name.”
Gordon replied to Sophie’s words while looking at the cracked abdomen of the statue, which was positioned beside him.
“Hasn’t everyone found a piece by an artist whose name they’ve heard of, at least a little?”
The female guide said confidently, puffing out her chest.
“Older brother, do you know them?”
“Hmm, I don’t know any of them at all. Oh?”
Kent and Rachel had no knowledge of art in this world, so they were unfamiliar with the artists and merely saw paintings and statues of naked women. However, Kent’s eyes were drawn to one particular piece.
“What’s wrong, older brother?”
“This painting, compared to the others, has a unique composition and coloring technique, don’t you think?”
“Indeed. It feels more familiar to us. While the other paintings strive for realism, aiming to be as close to the actual subject as possible, this painting is closer to an anime style.”
Most of the paintings displayed were of realistic women, but the one that caught Kent and his companions’ attention was strangely 2D. The eyes were large, the breasts were emphasized and rounded as if defying gravity. The figure was also skillfully sculpted with varying degrees of strength and weakness, making it look very beautiful.
“Um, the artist seems to be someone named Flower.”
“Flower, huh? Flower means flower. It feels somehow relatable.”
Kent and Rachel imagined what kind of person Flower, the artist of this work, might be.
“Um, excuse me.”
“Yes, what can I help you with?”
“Regarding Flower, the person who painted this work, do you know what kind of person they were?”
Kent, intrigued by Flower, decided to ask the female guide.
“Flower, you say. I’ve heard they had a short career and not many works were released to the public. When this work was commissioned, they were still very young, but accepted it, saying it was to support their poor family’s livelihood.”
“They were a devoted child to their family.”
Hearing the guide’s story, Rachel seemed moved by the diligent child whose face she couldn’t even see.
“Their unique style was very popular with a certain segment of people. They were good at drawing young men and women, and it’s said they conceptualized and painted without using models. Incidentally, although they painted works like these, they were apparently a cute girl with black hair, like a doll.”
As she listened to the explanation, an image of the artist gradually formed in Kent’s mind.
“By the way, can I see other works by the same artist?”
“I’m not sure. This is apparently the only piece remaining in public, this one displayed in our museum. There might be others hidden away in wealthy homes or possessed by merchants as merchandise, but I don’t know about anything beyond our collection.”
“I see. Thank you.”
Kent became curious about Flower and wanted to see their other works, but her answer made it seem unlikely.
“Could it be that you’re interested in that artist’s paintings, older brother?”
“Hmm, just somehow.”
Kent answered vaguely to Rachel’s question.
“Everyone, is it about time?”
After that, Kent and his companions slowly perused the exhibited artworks at their own pace for a while. Caro and Josette, in particular, seemed very interested, carefully examining each piece with serious expressions. When enough time had passed, Kent proposed they move on.
“Sure.”
“Yes, all right.”
“I don’t mind.”
“…Yes.”
“Alright.”
Everyone seemed to feel it was time, and they all agreed to Kent’s suggestion.
“What’s exhibited next?”
Kent thought it was over here, but the path led to another room. Kent asked the female guide about the next exhibit.
“This is the last one. There is one statue exhibited, but until now, they were for viewing only. However, the next exhibit allows you to actually touch it. It’s an interactive exhibit.”
“Oh, that sounds interesting.”
“Indeed, touching artworks directly might be a good experience, better than just looking.”
Rachel and Caro seemed enthusiastic after hearing the guide’s explanation.
“Everyone, please wait here for a moment.”
The female guide stopped Kent and his companions as they were about to move to the adjacent room.
“Customers are coming. Hurry and get ready!”
The female guide slightly opened the door leading next door and stuck her head in, speaking to someone inside.
*Thump thump thump*
Then, sounds of commotion could be heard from the next room. After a while, the sounds stopped.
“Preparation complete. Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, this way.”
The female guide opened the door and led Kent and his companions into the room with the next exhibit.
“There’s only one thing exhibited, isn’t there?”
Kent voiced his observation as he entered the room. Compared to the circular rooms they had been in previously, this room was smaller, but since only a statue of a young woman was displayed in the center, there was no issue with space.
“Can we really touch this? If we break it, we won’t have to pay for it, right?”
“As long as you don’t touch it too roughly, it’s fine. Please feel free to touch it with your hands.”
Rachel asked the female guide for confirmation. The guide smiled and replied that it was fine to touch.
“Still, it’s so well-made.”
“Indeed. It’s so realistic it almost looks like it could move.”
Kent said as he looked at the statue of a nude woman with large breasts, placed on a low circular pedestal. Josette was amazed at its intricate craftsmanship.
“Sniff, sniff. It’s not just the smell of paint; it’s almost like a real person… that’s strange.”
Caro twitched her nose, seemingly deep in thought.
“…It’s very well made.”
“Ah, yes. This is supposed to be just a creation, so why is my heart pounding?”
In contrast to Sophie, who was admiring it, Gordon’s demeanor was a little peculiar.
“This is just a statue. Alright, I’ll be the first to touch it.”
Gordon, shaking his head from side to side, volunteered to touch the statue first.
“Please do. If you wish, why not try touching the breasts?”
“Kk, guide! Stepping up the challenge immediately. Alright, let’s do this!”
Gordon stood before the statue, spreading his hands wide and reaching out to grab its breasts.
“Prince, you’re shaking so much, even with a statue, you’re so cute!”
“Rachel, that’s not a statue.”
“Huh?”
Rachel, barely holding back her laughter as she saw Gordon with a crimson face and trembling hands, was surprised upon hearing Caro’s words.
“Hya!”
*Munyū*
As Gordon grabbed the statue’s breasts with both hands and applied a little pressure, his palms sank into the large, yielding breasts.
“Eeeek!”
Suddenly, a suggestive voice emanated from the statue.
“Th-this thing is moving.”
“…It’s moving.”
“Perhaps it’s a real person?”
Upon hearing its voice, Josette, Sophie, and Kent cried out in surprise.
“Hey, if you don’t act more like a statue, I’ll deduct it from your pay!”
“Eh? But the one touching me is Prince Gordon. I get nervous too, and if I’m touched while nervous, I get aroused!”
“Eh? This person is Prince Gordon? I-I’ve been terribly rude!”
The female guide and the stone statue were conversing. Upon hearing that the one touching her breasts was Prince Gordon, the female guide wore a surprised expression.
“Hara-hire-horo-hare!”
Gordon realized he had been touching the breasts of a real woman, and all his strength drained away as he lost consciousness.
“O-Oh, Prince! Are you alright?”
The stone statue moved and supported Gordon as he started to fall.
“A moving statue!”
“Rachel, don’t make jokes at a time like this.”
While Rachel said this with amusement, Caro cautioned her.
“I’ll take over. You can relax now.”
“Thank you. Then, please.”
Kent carefully took Gordon from the stone statue, which was struggling to support him with its weak strength, and lifted him into a bridal carry. Then, Kent was thanked by the stone statue.