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Chapter 7

After the events of that night, the atmosphere around the palace changed, especially in King Domiano's treatment of me. He became more attentive, more... indulgent, if you will. I don't know if this change was sincere or just part of his plan. Considering I'm not the real Dean, it's hard for me to understand his father's true character. There's an awkwardness here, I feel like an outsider, yet they continue to treat me as if I'm their prince.

Whenever I tried to contemplate alone, the royal servants were quick to make sure I was comfortable. They gave me everything I wanted, from delicious food to luxurious clothes. Every day felt like a celebration made just for me.

They even took me on picnics, something that seemed odd in this world of intrigue. To be honest, I wasn't that keen on all the luxuries King Domiano was providing. The silk clothes, the fancy jewellery, it all seemed irrelevant in this situation. I wasn't Dean. I'm not a prince who deserves all this.

Although my life in the human world that I lived in before made me live a life of struggle and had to earn everything by my own efforts but at least it made more sense than suddenly becoming a prince which was not my true identity.

I don't know, maybe God wanted me to enjoy a little comfort with a full stomach without having to think about what to do tomorrow so that I can get food again tomorrow.

However, there was one thing that managed to steal my attention and that was the paintings of the royal artists. They filled the room with unimaginable beauty. Every brushstroke, every gradation of colour, they spoke to my heart. They reminded me of home, of my life before I was trapped in Dean's body. It was as if a part of me was still alive through those artworks, reconnecting me with the world I left behind.

I missed that original side of me, remembering that I used to be very fond of art and always took the time to see art shows, especially paintings.

Looking at the paintings, I found myself even more fascinated. Perhaps, if I could create something of my own, I could feel more like myself again-Jou, the art connoisseur that I once took for granted because it was my daily routine, but now felt so far away.

One evening, after finishing a delicious dinner, I ventured to ask King Domiano for something. "Can I get a painting tool?" I asked, trying to hide my nervousness. Ever since that night of debate, every interaction with him had made me uncomfortable, even though he had never shown any threatening behaviour. Quite the contrary, he seemed so kind.

King Domiano smiled, something I had rarely seen before. "Of course, Dean... or, Jou. Whatever you want, I'll fulfil it."

I was a little surprised to hear him call me by my real name. It makes me wonder, how much does he really know about who I really am? But, I didn't want to think about it too much. I just nodded and let my feelings drown in gratitude that he granted my request.

A few days later, a large box contained various painting tools. Canvases, brushes made of soft bristles, and oil paints in various colours-were delivered to my room. It was like getting a Christmas present in the midst of all this confusion. As the servants arranged them by the large window of my room, I couldn't wait to start painting. At least through painting, I could feel myself again, even if only for a short while.

The days passed, and I found myself spending more and more time inside my room, painting of course. I didn't want to deal with anyone, neither Junigo nor Jade. The tension between them was still on my mind, and I wasn't ready to face them again. The only thing that made me feel at peace was when the brush touched the canvas, creating an image that came from my memories.

One painting that often haunts my mind is something I saw at an art exhibition before all this happened. The image was so powerful, it seemed to be embedded in my mind. Slowly, I recreated the scene-a scene filled with the beauty of heaven and the darkness of hell. On the left, I painted a man with white wings, his face soft, almost like a living marble statue. He stood under the dazzling rays of light, symbolising purity and hope. On the other side, I painted a figure with pitch-black wings, full of mystery and a sensual yet terrifying appeal. His eyes are beautiful and piercing, radiating an inexplicable temptation. They face each other and Dean is at the centre, standing between two opposing worlds.

I drew their faces based on someone I knew, who else but Jade and Junigo. For some reason, their faces matched those two beings. One represents perfect purity, while the other represents the dark, seductive side.

I was so immersed in this painting that I didn't realise that someone had entered my room. It was only when I finished the final touches on Junigo's black wings that I felt the presence of someone behind me.

"Why did you have to include that demon in your beautiful painting?" A soft voice sounded from behind me. I turned around and found Jade, sitting on a chair by the door. His gaze was fixed on the painting I had just finished. "Your face is too beautiful to be painted together with that dirty demon's face."

I was a little surprised, but tried to hide my feelings. Jade, although he always seemed calm and graceful, often made me feel wary. There was something about him that I couldn't really trust, even though he claimed to only want to protect me. But this time, the tone of his voice sounded different, like there was genuine concern.

I turned back to the painting, looking at the work I had just finished. "But my painting is good, isn't it?" I tried to smile, trying to change the subject. "I've seen this somewhere... I don't know, maybe it was a dream. But you should appreciate my painting."

Jade shook his head softly, still staring at the painting with a look that was hard to interpret. "Are you happy to have me in your painting, Jade?" I asked, trying to probe.

He stared at me for a moment, as if searching for something in my eyes. "I'm happy to be in your paintings, Dean. But I can't understand why you chose to paint the two of us... together."

I was silent for a moment, trying to understand what he meant. "Maybe," I began quietly, "because in my eyes, you two complement each other. Like day and night, light and darkness. Each has its own beauty."

Jade didn't answer right away, his bright eyes seeming to trace every detail of the painting. "You're too kind to Junigo," he said finally, his voice sounding softer than usual. "He doesn't deserve your kindness."

I frowned, not understanding why Jade hated Junigo so much. To Jade, Junigo might just be a dirty, evil demon, but to me, there was something deeper than just that. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but I felt it was unfair to only see it from one side.

"I don't know," I answered finally, trying to be honest with myself. "I'm just painting what I feel. Maybe... it's just a way to understand you two."

Jade gave me an unpredictable look. Then, he got up from his chair, approaching me. "You're too soft, Dean," he said softly. "It's a good trait, but it's also dangerous in this world. Especially in front of that demon."

I swallowed, feeling awkward in his presence. Jade always had an aura that was both calming and frightening. He approached, and for a moment I thought he was going to do something drastic. However, he just reached out his hand and touched the painting gently, his fingers touching the part where his face was.

"May," he said softly, "this painting be a memory of the kindness you had, Dean."

I didn't answer, just looked at him in confusion as he turned and left the room. I stood there alone, looking at my painting once more. In my confusion, I began to wonder what was really going on between the three of us. Did the two of them really care about me, or was this just part of their game? And more importantly, what did I really feel towards them?

It's true that they share the same features as the two people I love from my world but is it appropriate that I lump the four of them together? I don't know, this world is too strange to look at for too long.

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