Charlot had not yet returned to 58 Elysée Avenue, so he temporarily replaced Mrs. Nancy with a warrior from the Redback Bear Tribe. However, the bear warrior's driving skills were average. To add a touch of romance, Charlot had the bear warrior, who was temporarily acting as a coachman, drive the Dark Luxury carriage at a slower pace.
Charlot pulled out a pair of pistols, known as "Masterpieces," and handed them to Annie Bretagne, saying, “I acquired these as spoils of war.”
“They are not ordinary weapons. If you use one of them to shoot someone, they will remain unaware. But if you then use the other pistol to shoot at a wall or a canvas, a lifelike, interactive portrait of that person will appear. The portrait can sing, dance, smile, or express anger.”
“These pistols can only create five magical portraits. Once the sixth is made, the first will disappear, maintaining a limit of five at all times.”
“I thought that, as my first battlefield trophy, I should give it to the girl I like the most.”
Although the "Masterpieces" originally belonged to Baron Feller, they had been taken by Lady Nancella and then reclaimed by Charlot. Even if the original owner wanted them back, Charlot could, according to imperial law, demand a ransom for them.
Moreover, Baron Feller no longer had legitimate heirs—only an illegitimate daughter, Anastasia, who had no legal claim to inheritance. Thus, Charlot felt no hesitation in gifting the pistols.
Annie was both surprised and delighted. The delight stemmed from the fact that Charlot had finally given her a gift, and the surprise came from the unique nature of the pistols. The gears in her mind began to turn. “This is the perfect gift,” she thought.
“I was just wondering how to find an excuse…”
Charlot, unaware of Annie’s thoughts, spent a calm afternoon enjoying tea with her. As evening fell, he escorted Annie back to Gorgias University. After watching her board her family’s carriage, he returned to 58 Elysée Avenue.
...
Charlot’s return delighted both Mrs. Nancy and Madam Umeboshi, while the three Clever Cat kittens circled their master, vying for his attention.
Charlot picked up one of the kittens, stroking its soft fur. Feeling a sense of peace, he said, “Prepare something light for dinner. I’ll be going to bed early since I have matters to attend to tomorrow. Skip the tea and coffee tonight.”
Madam Umeboshi prepared a meal for Charlot. After eating, he practiced his skills briefly in his room and then fell asleep, cozily nestled with the three kittens.
...
The next morning, Charlot woke up, rubbed his eyes, and debated whether to visit Annie or seek out High Priest Auguslatin. Before he could decide, noises came from downstairs.
He got out of bed and went to investigate, only to find two enormous oil paintings being delivered. The paintings were tightly wrapped in burlap. Confused, he asked, “I didn’t order any paintings. Are you sure you’ve got the right address?”
Before the workers could reply, Grandma Saint Karen walked into 58 Elysée Avenue with a cheerful expression. She explained, “They’re not a mistake. Annie asked me to order five of the largest frames available. These are two of them.”
“I suggest hanging one in the first-floor study and another in the third-floor bedroom,” she added with a knowing smile.
Still groggy from sleep, Charlot asked absentmindedly, “Why?”
Grandma Saint Karen chuckled. “What do you think? The other three frames have already been delivered—one to your estate outside the city and two to your house in the Val-de-Vas District.”
Charlot, now fully awake, remembered the empress’s reward, which had included two additional residences. Realizing the significance of the frames, he asked in shock, “Are they all portraits of Annie?”
Instead of answering directly, Grandma Saint Karen asked in return, “Where do you think they’d look best?”
Charlot thought to himself, “That goes without saying.”
He instructed the workers to hang one portrait in the study and another in the third-floor resting area. Grandma Saint Karen left soon after, still smiling knowingly. Her gaze lingered on Charlot with an air of cryptic amusement.
After she departed, Charlot removed the burlap covering from the study portrait. The frame was of the largest size, suitable for life-sized portraits. As the cloth fell away, it revealed Annie’s image, dressed in formal attire. Her face radiated happiness, and the painting even extended an inviting hand, as if beckoning Charlot to dance.
Charlot extended his hand in response, “dancing” through the air with the portrait for half a song.
...
Reminded of his obligations for the day, Charlot decided not to view the upstairs portrait just yet. He called for Mrs. Nancy and left the house promptly.
The previous day, Charlot had used the Dark Luxury carriage to impress Annie. However, Annie hadn’t even noticed his new ride. Today, he reverted to his old second-hand carriage, understanding the importance of discretion.
Since he had official business to handle, using an extravagant, extraordinary carriage might attract unnecessary attention. This was especially critical given his collaboration with High Priest Auguslatin on a diplomatic mission to the Ingrima Empire. Any envy or gossip could jeopardize their plans.
Charlot resolved to wait until his status improved before indulging in a more opulent lifestyle.
His long-term plan was to establish several trading companies after returning from the Ingrima Empire, embarking on a path to personal wealth. While his fortune from Silver Dove Castle had been substantial, such windfalls were unreliable.
...
First, Charlot visited the Temple of the Radiant Lord to inquire about High Priest Auguslatin’s whereabouts. Then, he stopped by the Savings Union to withdraw some cash before heading to the Foreign Minister’s mansion.
The position of Foreign Minister was one of the empire’s highest, usually held by the hereditary Count of D’Artagnan. The mansion stood at No. 5 Central Boulevard, in the Val-de-Vas District. For context, the emperor’s palace was at No. 1 Central Boulevard.
The Central Government Office was not located on Central Boulevard. Instead, the street was reserved for imperial residences and the homes of influential nobles and officials.
Patrolled by the Royal Knight Order, the boulevard was off-limits to commoners.
With a document from the Central Government Office’s Military Knights Division, Charlot was granted access to the street. Feeling both excited and nervous, he headed straight to the Foreign Minister’s mansion. Upon arrival, he was stopped by guards. After stating his purpose of meeting High Priest Auguslatin, Charlot was led into a waiting room.
The room was filled with officials of varying ranks, all waiting to be received. Even though they were relatively privileged, those of lesser status were barred from entering the mansion and had to wait outside, exposed to the elements—a stark reminder of the world’s social disparities.