"What was my favorite part?"
Of course he had to answer, but Shade had already made up his mind that when this adventure was over and he told Miss Galina, who was waiting at home, about it, he would definitely leave this part out.
"My favorite was the ship's wheel."
He pursed his lips, hoping his explanation sounded normal enough:
"That wheel was very small, yet very powerful. No matter which way the ship needed to turn, a slight twist could easily change its direction. Most people can only observe the part above the water, but in my view, the wheel that usually can't be seen is actually the best part."
The blue-eyed girl laughed again, her snow-white feet gently swaying, making her look like a Mermaid on a bed:
"I didn't expect you to say that, but I appreciate your honesty. How about it? Should I change positions so you can take a closer look at my... yes, the ship's wheel?"
"Oh, no, no need. This is just fine. I'll be done painting soon!"
Shade hurriedly replied, making the girl laugh again. But after that, she really did stop teasing him. She merely propped up her face with one hand, lay on her side, and watched him. She truly watched him the entire time, never once looking away.
He really did finish the oil painting quickly. Once the final stroke was complete, Shade looked with satisfaction at the "beautiful scene" his own hand had depicted on the canvas. The girl on the bed could tell that the painting was finally done, and eagerly climbed out of bed completely naked:
"Finished? Let me see. Oh, now it's your turn to be the model."
"What?"
Shade was startled, but then another voice behind him suddenly said:
"Fine."
Shade immediately turned to