When we reached the Sky Castle, we were brought to a particularly upscale room.
One I have never been in before.
The room feels particularly personalized.
Paintings cover the walls, hand-sized sculptures line the shelves.
The pieces here looks exceptional even compared to all the others on display in the Sky Castle.
All the works on display in the hallway looks [expensive], but the ones here all look [exquisitely crafted] or [particularly tasteful.]
In other words, money can't buy taste.
"This place is amazing."
"Oh, is this Shisho's first time here?"
I start murmuring to myself without realizing it. Unexpectedly Zanoba replies.
"Yeah, I'm usually at the guest room or courtyards..."
"Only those recognized by Perugius-sama are allowed here."
Sylvaril speaks sternly, standing by the entryway.
Hidden in her tones is [And you're not.]
Recently I've started to think that she really hates me.
Or more precisely, hates the one behind me, Orsted.
"Sylvaril-dono, can you not speak as if my Shisho somehow is beneath me?"
Without turning around, Zanoba raises his objection.
Hey, at least look at people when you speak to them.
"But, the only one Perugius-sama recognizes and granted permission to enter is Zanoba-sama. I don't know why you're so insistent about bringing both over..."
Listening to Sylvaril's calm reply, Zanoba turns around like he saw a ghost.
"Indeed, Shisho rarely has a chance to make dolls during Perugius-sama's presence, so I can understand why he may not yet to be recognized. But, Shisho's work has a depth far beyond my own understandings. They're truly excellent."
"But Perugius-sama..."
"Rudeus Greyrat is my Shishou. Indeed, he may be less informed than Perugius-sama and yours truly. But without Shisho's guidance, the Zanoba Shirone who has been recognized by Perugius-sama himself may not exist!"
"..."
Sylvaril falls silent.
She seems disinterested.
Well, I can't tell behind that mask.
Even though I'm used to Zanoba's flattery by now, I still feel rather moved this time.
I have a little know-how about figures from the other world, it's not that big of a deal.
"Understood, please accept my apology, Zanoba-sama."
"It's fine, Sylvaril-dono."
Sylvaril bows her head, and candidly Zanoba pardons her.
Honestly, I don't really care how she treats me.
"Zanoba, you're back."
Just now, the door to the interior opens.
It's Perugius.
Maybe reading the mood, he glanced back and forth at Sylvaril and Zanoba.
"... What is it, has Sylvaril been negligent in some way."
"No, Shisho has never been in this room before, and we're talking about that."
Zanoba happily replies.
He did not complain to the master. He's a good man.
"Rudeus... Indeed, he never had a chance to come here. What do you think of this room, my pride and joy?"
"It's truly impressive. Even more than those in the hallway, they truly capture the essence of good taste."
"Oh--?"
Not knowing what to say in details, I gave some ambiguous praises, but that seems to put Perugius in a good mood.
"If those on the hallway outside are what's considered first rate, then these here are the premium goods that Perugius-sama loves. Aren't they?"
"Exactly."
Perugius smiles with a smirk on his face and sits down.
I muddled through this time.
Maybe my appraisal ability hasn't completely been forgotten.
Even Sylvaril looks shocked... I think.
Even though I can't see under that mask.
Regardless, Zanoba and I rushed to sit down after Perugius's invitation.
It becomes an interview between us three.
"Well then, what shall it be today? Have you found another interesting doll somewhere?"
Perugius asks merrily.
Zanoba happily replies.