"Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode3

"Cocytus. A river in the underworld of Greek mythology. A frozen hell that spares no traitors."

The sound of heels echoed pleasantly in the quiet space.

This was a two-story Western-style mansion that had once been a villa for Italian nobility, now bought by a wealthy individual for retirement.

The two rooms on the second floor had been connected to create an "art museum."

The interior was steeped in deep shadows, yet the beauty of the paintings and sculptures remained undiminished. Rather, they seemed to shine all the more brightly against the darkness, like stars.

A large painting adorned the entire wall.

It depicted the Paradiso where Dante and Beatrice arrived.

A world filled with light, yet it felt shadowy.

It should have been a joyful piece, but it seemed melancholic.

Why was that?

However, although it resembled a piece that had been auctioned, it was different. Both were equally magnificent.

Shunka had come to this mansion after receiving a message from Francesca.

She had heard that a Japanese art buyer was visiting, which prompted the contact.

"My father went to war."

World War II.

Shunka felt a tightening in her throat as she looked at him.

He, now aged, gazed at the painting as if reminiscing about distant days.

"I won’t speak of what he felt there. It’s been recounted countless times in textbooks and films. But he had always suffered from one thing: 'I abandoned my friend.' And we knew that referred to the Japanese. My father had treasured a piece of fabric with a traditional Japanese pattern for a long time. He said it was an order, and everyone said it couldn’t be helped. But perhaps it couldn’t be resolved so easily."

His wrinkled finger pointed to the painting.

"Infidels cannot enter Paradiso. I knew that was the teaching. So my father painted this, look."

His finger indicated an object resembling a torii gate. Shunka’s eyes widened.

"He prayed that at least they could return to their homeland."

"…Such consideration?"

"Yes. But perhaps it didn’t serve as atonement. When I heard that a Japanese art buyer was coming, I wanted to show this to him. I thought it would be good to present my father’s painting in Japan."

Shunka took a step back to take in the whole scene.

It was majestic yet lonely, and although it should have been happy, it felt sorrowful. Yet it was filled with something that seemed to embrace everything.

Was it pity? No, it was different. This was…

"…'The road to heaven begins in hell.' My father survived, made a fortune in business, and then gave everything up to retreat here. We thought he had gone mad, but I came to understand he wanted to paint this. He was trying to escape the hell of guilt on Earth."

"…I am not a party to this. So I can never blame what happened back then. Besides, was Italy at fault? I think that’s not true."

"Is that so?"

"…Weren’t the people of that era all victims?"

"And weren’t they all perpetrators, regardless of their intentions? My father used to say that. Young lady, doesn’t Japan think poorly of Italy? Of America?"

"Well… I was born in a peaceful era. I respect the people I associate with, regardless of their nationality. My grandparents lived through the war, but I’ve never seen them blame Italy or America. They’ve passed away now, so I don’t know their true thoughts... but if your father suffered from guilt, I don’t think he would have been happy about it."

"Yes. Blaming others for sins and punishment has no meaning if it undermines the basics. It’s often said that those who accuse others are doing the very things they criticize. Even Christ said, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.'"

"Yes. And I’m sure that if my grandfather had seen this painting, he would have felt something beyond mere joy or happiness. The fact that a torii gate is depicted means…?"

"Love."

When it was clearly articulated, it made her feel shy in a Japanese sense.

"…Yes, that’s right. I feel love in it. That should be enough."

"Exactly, love encompasses everything and liberates us from guilt and suffering. There is nothing lacking there. Fame and everything else are irrelevant. Where there is love, that is the earthly Paradiso."

As expected of an Italian man. He articulated romantic words fluently, and Shunka felt her cheeks soften slightly.

Yes, it was a painting filled with love.

It was a work that sought to envelop religion, borders, and everything else in the light of love.

"It’s very beautiful."

"Indeed. 'Beauty awakens the soul and prompts action.' Young lady, this is why we men can never compete with women. How about some wine? I feel that you and Francesca have awakened my soul with your beauty."

"Eh?"

"The cost of the painting is unnecessary," he said, laughing heartily as he imagined his father would be angry.

She was "very" satisfied with the unexpected meeting.

Francesca had to go to her next job, so she was seen off to the nearby bus stop.

About twenty minutes later, the sound of an engine echoed on the road where traffic was sparse.

Shunka looked around but saw no familiar shadows.

Just as she was about to peek down another street, a shadow suddenly leaped out from the bushes along with the engine noise.

"!"

For a moment, she gasped in shock.

Recalling a past accident, her left leg lost strength, and she collapsed to her knees.

At this rate, she would be run over—just then, she felt herself being pulled and fell onto the sidewalk.

After a click of his tongue, the motorcycle sped away with a loud roar.

Shunka clung tightly to the person holding her and shut her eyes tightly.

It was hard to breathe.

"Shunka, Shunka?"

She was being called by name, but she didn’t even notice.

Finally remembering to breathe, she lifted her face.

She wasn’t sure how long it had been, but Nathan was firmly holding her shoulders and looking at her.

His amber eyes gradually widened as his pupils expanded.

"Thank goodness, I made it in time."

"…W-What happened?"

"A pickpocket. Are you hurt?"

"I don’t think so..."

But her leg felt weak. Her fingertips clutched at his clothes so tightly that they lost color, and when she tried to relax, they trembled.

"Anyway, we need to move."

The driver’s door was wide open, and the vehicle had dented against the curb.

Nathan carried her in his arms and laid her in the car.

"Nathan..."

"Yeah?"

"Um, what happened...?"

"It was a pickpocket. They were probably targeting a rare female customer. What about you? Are you really not hurt?"

"…Yeah."

"To the hospital."

"I'm fine, really."

"What about that left leg? Did you twist it?"

Shunka had been rubbing her left leg the whole time.

No, it wasn’t twisted.

"Um..."

"…Somewhere you can calm down?"

"…Yeah."

Shunka was taken to the Spiaggia del Bianchini in front of the Hotel Paradiso.

This place is fine, it's safe... She believed that.

The soft sand truly didn't hurt even without shoes.

The wind was slightly strong, and Nathan seemed to notice, sitting upwind.

"…I had an accident."

"An accident?"

"Yes. When I was 21... I fractured my left leg... and had to quit ballet. It was a motorcycle accident as well."

"…It must be tough to quit because of an accident."

"I don’t know... At that time... my head was such a mess. Part of me felt relieved somewhere..."

She no longer had to step onto the stage.

With that sense of liberation came a rush of emptiness. What was that feeling?

"…Anyway, that led to a career change. I hadn’t studied business properly, but I was lucky to be picked up. It may have been more of a general assistant and interpreter role."

She let out a sigh, but a heavy feeling lingered in her chest.

What would talking to Nathan accomplish? Yet, she felt a desire for him to know.

When she glanced over, he was looking straight at her.

His amber eyes resembled the setting sun, a light that seemed to melt away, somehow ephemeral.

"Nathan... um..."

"I've said it before, connections with people aren't just luck. They are drawn to each other, don't you think?"

"Um... I don’t know..."

"Do you trust me?"

"Eh? Yes, I do."

"Then do you trust yourself?"

"Uh..."

That one question felt like a grip on her chest.

"…When you have subordinates, do you refer to them as mere assistants? You don’t seem like that kind of person to me."

"Well, ideally, I wouldn’t call them that."

"Then calling yourself that is like insulting your superior, isn’t it?"

"…"

"If you respect her, you need to believe in yourself more; otherwise, it’s meaningless."

Nathan's voice struck her like a stone, refreshingly clear.

"Overcoming setbacks... isn’t easy, but closing yourself off now would be a waste. 'Heaven spins eternally, showing glory above your head. Yet you look down.' I’m not well-versed in Dante, but this is a good saying. Shunka, you are beautiful. I like your eyes. There is no lie in them."

"…"

Heat rose to her cheeks, and her vision blurred for some reason.

(What is this?)

If this is a dream, she wished it wouldn’t end.

"I don’t know the past you, but I’m glad to meet you now. It’s because of your past that you are who you are today."

Saying this, Nathan pointed to her collarbone.

As night fell, the scent of gardenias grew stronger.

While taking a bath, Shunka enjoyed a fluffy feeling.

At this rate, she felt she might become tipsy.

She knew that it wasn’t a confession of love, but rather a human connection.

Yet, being told there was goodwill, even as a human, made her genuinely happy.

Submerging her face in the water once more and watching her hair float, she emerged.

"What should I do? I can’t sleep tonight!"

Still giddy, Shunka remained unaware.

Why was Nathan there?

From the next day, Nathan offered to drive Shunka around.

The motorcycle driver—the pickpocket—had apparently been arrested quickly, and although he said there was no need to worry, Nathan didn’t nod in agreement.

To be honest, it felt reassuring.

There were indeed places where pickpocketing happened regularly.

More than anything, she was happy.

"Are you in love?"

Izumi asked, but Shunka couldn’t say for sure.

There felt like a significant wall between them.

Nathan’s car had already been repaired.

It was just the next day; how had that happened?

"Well, I have connections. Since I use them for work, they kindly took care of it quickly. They’re not the type of clients to be rattled by small things."

"Is that so?"

"Actually, it might become a talking point. They would find it amusing to hear about it... but yesterday's incident can’t be made into a story. He was arrested, but what about you? Have you calmed down a bit?"

"I’m fine. Thank you."

"That’s good, but don’t push yourself. By the way, be careful of thieves too. The Hotel Paradiso has solid security, but stay cautious. What about the artwork?"

"I plan to send it to Japan soon. I wanted to check the pieces before shipping, so they’re still in my room..."

"Send them as soon as possible," Nathan insisted.

"Okay."

"Your stay is..."

"Until the end of May."

"Then just a little over two weeks left..."

Two weeks.

Would that mean bidding farewell to Nathan?

Shunka felt a slight release of tension.

"Shall we go?"

She was called, and she forced a smile.

"Yes."

They spoke with artists and exchanged business cards.

Many artists had difficulty communicating. Some stuttered while explaining, their faces turning bright red, while others were curt.

They were simply unaccustomed, and there was no malice behind it.

But their works spoke volumes about their hearts.

Delicately crafted glass pieces, colorful paintings, and ceramics that made even demons look cute.

Each was captivating.

Ayaka also participated via Zoom and decided to showcase several pieces.

Unfortunately, those not selected received Ayaka’s radiant smile, saying, "There’s always the next piece."

—If you respect her, you need to believe in yourself more; otherwise, it’s meaningless.

Remembering Nathan’s words, Shunka faced them with confidence.

She was there alongside her younger self, who had trained for ballet, with them.

Even if she missed out on awards, there would be a next time. A next time... but what was that?

The judges’ eyes were strict. It felt great to be evaluated, but disheartening not to be.

But was that really what mattered?

In the evening, Nathan came to pick her up.

She didn’t know Macelte, but it suited him well. Nathan got out of the car, wearing a crisp suit. It was an unfamiliar vibe; he seemed like a different person.

He loosened his tie, placed it in the back seat, and helped Shunka into the passenger seat.

Once in Nathan’s car, she felt a deep sense of calm.

His presence made her feel as if she were being protected by something great. His voice resonated quietly, soothing her mood.

No matter how he was dressed, he was still him. She felt relieved by this realization.

"How was it?"
"Miss. Ohara... my boss. I think I understand why she’s amazing. She believes in people’s potential. She gives critical feedback, but it’s not to belittle anyone; she just points out areas for improvement. That’s why everyone feels secure in striving for the next goal."

"Ah, that’s good. People often say to show a good vision."

"A vision?"

"Ideal future goals... what to aim for. Showing that to your subordinates can significantly improve performance."

"…Is that so?"

"Isn’t it the same for you? What did you hear during practice?"

"To be aware of the performance."

"That’s it."

"But... I can’t quite put it into words; forget what I just said."

"To be able to move people?"

"…"

Shunka swallowed her words and looked at Nathan.

"Was I wrong?"

"…No."

"I was once taught by a superior as well. The reason for working is…."

Nathan paused, staring ahead. Shunka waited for him to continue, but he fell silent and scratched the back of his neck.

When he finally spoke, it felt as if he were addressing someone far away.

"He said... to know your origins. The answers are always within yourself. The same goes for clients. Their ideal should be the answer."

"…?"

"No, I’m sorry. Speaking of which, I received an invitation from a client."

"An invitation? For what?"

"A party at the hotel. It’s a networking event with acquaintances from different industries. They do it occasionally, and I’ve been invited."

"That sounds like a big party. It must be a different world."

"Are you coming too?"

"Eh?"

Shunka blinked in surprise. She was a complete stranger and hadn’t been invited.

"It’s normal to have a companion. Most attendees are married. I... don’t have anyone."

"Why don’t you?"

"I’m a complicated guy. Look, you’re dodging the question again."

"I’m not dodging."

Shunka shot him a glare, pouting slightly.

"Then give me an answer. 'Yes'? Or 'Sure'?"

"…I don’t have a dress suitable for a hotel party."

"You can borrow one."

"And heels."

"Ah."

"…Lingerie too."

For once, Nathan laughed.

"Reacting to lingerie, how naughty."

"You were the one who brought it up. Fine, I’ll prepare some lingerie."

"That’s a lie!"

"What's a lie?"

"Are you serious?"

"Why would I need to lie? If you don’t have any, you’ll need to prepare some."

"But..."

"I’m taking your time, so it’s a courtesy. I feel bad that it’s all essentials. Now, give me your answer."

Shunka bit her lower lip.

She felt a bit embarrassed.

Nathan’s eyes behind his sunglasses were focused on her, peering into her expression.

The spot on her collarbone where he had touched her yesterday throbbed.

"You know what you’re doing..."

"Come on. I’m dense. If you don’t say it, I might misunderstand, and that would be a disaster."

"…I’ll go."

As she replied, Nathan let out a satisfied breath.

"Thank you."

"The moment he said that, Shunka's chest warmed gently.

"To be continued"→"Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode 4 ※Contains sexual scenes.

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