However, a painting suddenly caught Rita's eye. It was a masterpiece of artistic perfection, one that would leave most people stunned at first glance.
Though... to those who knew nothing about art, it would merely look beautiful. But once it gained a little fame, some people who knew nothing about art would stand there marveling, sighing, and even... putting on a show of astonishment.
And that was indeed the case. Quite a few people had gathered in front of the painting. Compared to the total number of visitors in the exhibition hall, it was not much, but it was certainly not a small crowd either.
They stood before the painting, occasionally gasping in admiration and quoting things they had seen somewhere online, explaining to those around them just how perfect the work was.
But to real artists, their words would have been laughable.
Moving as gently as a slow-flowing stream, Rita gradually approached the painting. She had dabbled a little in traditional art, but that did not mean she liked it. What had drawn her here was... the name the painter had left on the work.
Mashiro Shiina...
"Mashiro... you're amazing! Right?"
Rita turned to look at Mashiro Shiina beside her. Even Rita herself did not know why she had brought Mashiro here. But when she learned that this exhibition featured Mashiro's work, she had brought her along.
"No, Rita is amazing."
Rather than being happy over Rita's praise, she earnestly praised Rita in return. In Mashiro Shiina's eyes, Rita was good at everything. Other than painting, she herself was completely blank.
"..."
Rita smiled at Mashiro Shiina's words... She placed one hand on Mashiro's head and stroked her silky hair as though petting a cat.
"A lot of people like your paintings. Look... they're all shocked by your work,