Chapter 68.1

Northern Art (1)

Today was the only day off during the company’s one-week break.

In Korea, a six-day workweek is seen as the mark of a “black company,” but in this other world, a six-day workweek is hailed as the sign of a “white company.”

Running a business in a world where people praise a six-day workweek, after coming from a world where people were pushing for a four-day workweek, felt strangely ironic.

‘Not that it matters to a workaholic like me whether it’s six days or four days.’

The day off was ultimately for the benefit of the employees.

As the boss, I still went to the company on my days off to work on research and development or handle pending approval documents I hadn’t had time to review.

This was the same at both Jin Industries back on Earth and Arad Company here.

Once you run your own business, you realize it. The feeling that even if you’re resting at home, you’re not truly at rest. Even on vacation, you can never fully enjoy it.

That being said, I couldn’t impose this way of thinking on my employees. Nor should I.

‘That’s the difference between working for yourself and getting paid to do someone else’s work.’

There’s no statement more ridiculous than telling employees to “act like owners.”

“Mary, take tomorrow off as well.”

That’s why I told Mary to take an additional day off.

“Suddenly, sir?”

Mary, who was riding next to me on horseback as we headed to the inner castle, frowned.

For the record, the horses we were riding were premium-grade warhorses.

Carpe had gifted them to me as part of the medical expenses for his subordinates — stolen right from the Empire’s stables.

“It’s because today’s work will probably prevent you from resting properly.”

I made the suggestion with her well-being in mind, but in a way, it could also be seen as a result of her being dragged into the boss’s hobby.

“So that’s what you meant? Understood. I will gratefully take that rest.”

Mary nodded in agreement, apparently understanding my explanation.

“……”

It was definitely my suggestion, and I had hoped she would accept it.

But now that she had so readily agreed, I felt a bit strange.

‘She’s changed.’

She was different from when she first joined.

Back then, Mary wasn’t happy even when given a day off. She had shown so much passion, insisting on handling both her secretary duties and her academy work simultaneously.

That passionate employee is gone now.

‘Well, it’s a natural development, I suppose.’

I nodded with a bitter smile and asked her a question.

“So, what do you plan to do on your day off?”

“I’ll probably just rest at home.”

“I see.”

It seemed like Mary’s MBTI likely started with an “I” (for introvert).

As we exchanged our dull conversation, we arrived at the Glory Palace within the inner castle.

From there, we used a “high-pass” route straight to the office of Arina Rune Renslet, the Grand Duchess of the North.

“It’s bright and warm here.”

“The witches have improved their skills considerably.”

The Grand Duchess’s office was warm and bright. It wasn’t just her office — the entire inner castle was like this.

This was thanks to the magical heating artifacts that the witches had been crafting little by little.

“Count Jin, does this arrangement for space work for you?”

When I stepped inside, the chamberlains who had been on standby asked me this.

“Yes, it’s perfect. Let’s proceed as it is.”

Thanks to prior arrangements, everything from the interior design to the props had been prepared to perfection.

“Then I will inform Her Highness, the Grand Duchess.”

“Please do.”

I gave a nod, and not long after, Arina appeared with her handmaidens.

“The ruler of the North, Grand Duchess Arina Rune Renslet, has arrived.”

“It’s been a while, Sir Arad.”

“I will do my utmost to capture Your Highness’s likeness.”

“I look forward to it.”

After the formal greetings, Arina and I quickly took our seats.

‘Both Mary and Arina are quieter than usual. Well, I suppose it makes sense for them to feel awkward.’

Seeing Arina and Mary look stiffer than usual lit a fire in me to draw them even more diligently.

“We’ll be working with two themes. For the first, Your Highness will wear armor and wield a sword. Lady Mary, please change into adventurer attire and stand over there.”

Since it wasn’t every day one could seize such an opportunity, I moved swiftly with my sketch.

With my MAX-level manual dexterity stat and drawing skills, sketching and arranging the composition took less than 15 minutes.

I paid extra attention to the faces of the two. I made them so detailed that all that was left was to apply color.

I also jotted down notes on the sketch, detailing which colors and shades would go where, as well as the light and shadow contrasts. With that, the first theme was complete.

“It’s done. I’ll now begin the sketch for the second theme. Please change into the outfits I mentioned beforehand.”

The moment I finished speaking, both of them moved to another room to change.

It took more time for them to change clothes than it did for me to sketch.

‘But what’s that old lady, Isabelle, doing over there?’

During the short break, I looked around and spotted Isabelle, the Grand Witch of Spring, in the corner.

She was acting strangely. Unlike usual, she had a serious expression and was muttering something continuously.

Curious, I started walking toward her, but someone suddenly blocked my path.

“How’s the drawing coming along, Count Jin?”

“Sir Arad, will you be adding color later?”

It was Balzac and Sun.

“Even with just the sketch, it’s incredible. Would it be alright if I asked you to draw me later?”

“Hmph! If you have time, I’d also like to make a request.”

“Of course. Once I finish this project, why don’t you both visit the company sometime?”

Unlike Arina, the Grand Duchess of the North, I didn’t need to visit them personally.

After all, I wasn’t just a count with an inherited title. I was also the leader of Arad Company.

“Much appreciated. I’ll visit after the Grand Duchess’s portrait is finished. By the way, is there anything you need?”

“I’ll visit too. If you need anything, just say so.”

“Thank you for the offer. But for now, there’s nothing I urgently need.”

“Is that so? Well, if anything comes to mind, tell us anytime.”

“Yeah, whether it’s rare minerals or monster by-products, we’ll get them for you.”

“Thank you.”

After expressing my gratitude, I glanced at Balzac and Sun.

Since the topic had come up, I started thinking about what kind of portrait I could create with the two of them as the main subjects.

‘Wait a second…!’

And before long, inspiration struck me like lightning.

‘A battlefield scene set on a snowy plain, with Balzac swinging a frost-swept sword while Sun blocks an enemy attack with a sturdy shield…’

Considering how close those two seemed to be, I thought about portraying them together, just as I had done with Arina and Mary.