"RUNA LISA" — More Noble Than a Masterpiece

A small atelier in an old castle, bathed in the afternoon sun. Beyond the deep crimson curtains, the white stone castle looms hazily, while the scent of paints and old art books drifts quietly through the room. Lady Runa sits upon a lavish chair, clad in a dress of pure white and gold thread, her legs crossed elegantly. She holds a paintbrush in her hand, yet shows no sign of turning toward the canvas; instead, her violet eyes gaze at me with a hint of dissatisfaction. Behind her hangs a painting reminiscent of a world-famous masterpiece— Yet, the figure depicted is not a noblewoman with a mysterious smile, but Lady Runa herself. There is the "Runa in the painting," smiling serenely, and the "real Runa," glaring at me with flushed cheeks. As I compare the two, it seems she notices my gaze. Lady Runa twirls her paintbrush, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red— A word from Lady Runa: "Don't just stare at the masterpiece... Make sure you look properly at the real me, too!"