Prologue/Story

# Chapter 1

**Translated by:Ara (murakitty)**

Incredible! So this is the Palette Museum's parade… Everyone looks so happy, and it feels like the streets are overflowing with hope and wonder!
Art really does have the power to move people’s hearts!
This isn’t just any parade. It’s a special art festival put together by all of our artists.

My life up until now has felt so dull, and grey. But thanks to this parade, suddenly it’s full of all of these gorgeous, vibrant colors.

To think I’d felt so empty up until now. How did this happen? It all started when I was finally given the chance to pursue something meaningful - becoming a curator of art.

Palette City, the City of Art, is home to a host of strange and eccentric artists. This is their story!

Today is finally the day! E-Everyone, i-it’s s-showtime!
T-There’s no need to be nervous! Just relax - let me see those smiles!

Gogh, I think you should listen to your own advice.

You look as stiff as a marble sculpture! Why don’t we all just take a deep breath?
Breathe in...and in...and in...HuuUUU...kyugh...kyugh-!

Don’t hurt yourself, Rembrandt...You need water. Can anyone give him some water?

Water, huh? Wait right here, I’ll go get some-

Ahh, Hokusai - it’s best if you didn’t. You’ll just end up getting lost and won’t be able to find your way back.

It’s so crowded… Things like this are exactly the reason I hate leaving my room.

These guys are all as quirky as ever. But it’s because of who they are that they managed to come this far.
I firmly believe that their art has the power to fill peoples’ hearts with joy.

Alright. Everyone, the stage is yours!

Our curator by proxy has spoken. We’ll definitely make this parade a success.

Let’s show everyone how truly wonderful art can be!
Well then, everyone! Let’s go make sure everyone’s smiles are as bright as sunflowers!

All: **Yeah! Palette Parade starts here!**

# Chapter 2: Aim For Glory!

**Translated by:Ara (murakitty)**

There’s not much time left before Palette’s grand exhibition. Guys? I hope everything’s going well.

Of course it is! As long as we all join forces and work together, everything should be just---

*There is the sound of a loud crash.*

Ow---!

Rembrandt!? What happened to you?

Ahaha~ This hunk of marble just landed on my head, that’s all~! Must have fallen off the desk, haha~!

Huh? That’s funny. Why am I seeing red…?

*Rembrandt collapses.*

Not again… Here, use this bandage.

Courbet, did you bring your first-aid kit to the atelier?

Yup. Rembrandt manages to injure himself just by walking around.

Which is why I carry a first-aid kit around with me. It’s the most practical solution. It just makes sense to approach things pragmatically.

I-I was gonna use that marble, but now thanks to that idiot Rembrandt it’s ruined…

Oh my. Looks as if it’s split perfectly in half.

...Oh well. Now you have two chunks of marble to work with, so you can make two sculptures. Aren’t you lucky?

I wouldn’t call this lucky at all! You are seriously way too laid back!

There is no need to get angry. Renoir’s laid back attitude, and even this broken marble, all deserve to be loved equally by everyone.

How the heck do you expect me to love things like that? Ugh...I knew I should never have left my room.

…

S-So, like I was saying! As long as we all join forces and work together, everything should be just---

(Yawns) It sure has gotten noisy in here. And I was having such a nice nap too.

Oh, look who’s awake. Or rather, I should be asking why you were sleeping here of all places to begin with.

It’s ‘cause my room’s a total mess, again. Got nowhere to sleep.

(Yawns) Speaking of sleep, I think I’m gonna---

Now that you mention it, it was about time for my nap too. Zzz…

**Da Vinci and Hokusai:** Zzz...Zzz…

Both of you, don’t you dare fall asleep here! For goodness sake…Hm?

Mmmk---! Mmmmmmk---!

Oi, there’s no need to wrap that bandage around your whole head! You won’t be able to breathe!

Rembrandt really is a handful. After all, the only time you should be gasping for breath is after you’ve just made passionate love.

Let’s love Rembrandt for all of his faults. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s part of what helps us grow as people.

You were saying, Gogh?

E-Everything should be just fine... I think.

(Is everything really going to be okay? Are these guys really going to be able to make this parade a success?)

Anyway, all we can do is our best! And our passion for art is the real deal!

Not to mention, now that you’ve decided to become our curator, you promised to help us get Palette Museum back on its feet.

(No matter how bleak the situation looks, his smile is as vibrant as ever… But I really want to believe in him.)

(The whole reason I came to work at the Palette Museum is all because I believed in that boy’s smile.)

(It all started several months ago…)

*Flashback*

The Palette Museum… I haven’t been back here since I was a kid. I can’t believe I’m back here for work-related reasons.

The building looks as majestic as ever… Huh?

…

(There’s a boy painting a picture by the entrance. I wonder if he’s one of Palette’s artists? Hmm…)

# Chapter 3: The Palette Museum of Art

**Translated by:Ara (murakitty)**

(Judging by this boy’s painting, I wouldn’t exactly say his skill level is top-class.)

Hmm… This painting’s missing something, but I just can’t think what it might be...

The way you’re using colors is a little dull. Why don’t you try studying your subject more closely, and seeing just how many colors it’s made up of? Then try mixing all of those colors together.

Mixing a bunch of colors together? How so?

First layer all of the colors on top of each other, then use your palette knife to scrape details into your painting.

I see, I see! … W-Wait a sec, how long have you been standing there for!?

Ah, sorry for butting in all of a sudden. When I saw you painting I couldn’t help myself.

Don’t worry about! Thanks for the advice! It was really helpful!

*Courbet appears.*

Oi, Gogh. Have I caught you painting out here again?

Oh, Courbet! School finished for the day? Welcome home!

Hmph… Hurry up and bring all these art supplies back into the atelier.

If anyone sees an amateur like you trying to paint out here this art museum’s reputation is only going to get worse.

It’ll be fine! I swear I’m gonna get better!

… There’s nothing fine about this. At the rate you’re going, this art museum’s gonna be out of business before you’ve made any improvement at all.

… And you are? What business do you have here?

Ah, I’m just a visitor! I came here to see this art museum---

This art museum doesn’t get visitors. Ever. You’re suspicious. Very suspicious…

She is!?

No, I’m not! I’m a curator, and I was asked to come here on business by this museum’s director!

A cure-ator?

A curator is someone employed by a museum or gallery to manage a collection of artworks or artefacts, as well as take care of other jobs behind the scenes.

Oh, wow. That must be why you were able to give me exactly the advice I needed!

This is no time to be flattering her. And if you’re serious about being a professional artist, you could at least learn what a curator is.

A professional artist? Does that mean both of you guys are professional artists?

Yeah! I’m Gogh. This guy is Courbet.

Both of us are artists for the Palette Museum of Art.

(Based on what he was painting just now, I wouldn’t exactly think of him as good enough to be a professional artist…)

So, you came here to see our Director? I think he’s in the exhibition room. I’ll take you to him!

*Gogh, Courbet, and Aoi walk through the art museum.*

(This place is huge! The interior design is just gorgeous... This really is a spectacular building. And yet…)

There’s not a single visitor.

Ahaha… Yeah, it’s been like this for a while now.

Palette City’s Palette Museum of Art should be one of the most distinguished and prominent art museums in the country.

This city may have once been called ‘The City of Art’, but that’s all in the past now.

This art museum used to draw thousands of visitors thanks to its legendary parade.

But several years ago business dipped drastically, and this place ended up being shut down and abandoned. That’s why our current Director decided to buy it.

But we still don’t really get any visitors. It’s all because we’re not good enough yet…

(I see. So business is rough. That’s why I was called here.)

Hello, Director---?

*A tall man with long blonde hair appears.*

Oh my, now this is an unusual sight. To see you two of all people accompanying a lady!

Ugh, not this guy…

It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. My name is Renoir, and I am but a humble artiste.

It truly is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Would you mind terribly if I were to kiss your lovely hand?

Uh---Umm---S-Sorry, I’m in the middle of a job right now…

Which is exactly the reason why I offer. For a hard-working lady such as yourself, a little TLC is the least I can offer.

(I thought I could turn him down politely, but he’s not taking the hint at all!)

Don’t bother being so polite. Just tell him to leave you alone.

Hey, Renoir. Have you seen the Director anywhere?

Hm? If it’s the Director you’re after, he was just in here a few minutes ago.

*A middle-aged man appears.*

Oh? What is it, you lot? What’s brought you all together in here---Oh?

If I’m not mistaken, you must be the curator.

That’s me. Thank you for contacting me about discussing this museum’s situation.

I see, I see. I was waiting for you. I’m the Director of the Palette Museum of Art, Dominique.

As you can see, we have absolutely no visitors.

And none of our artists can seem to produce anything decent. Financially, we’re in big trouble.

...Ouch!

(We’re talking business, so he can’t exactly sugar coat things, but that was a pretty harsh thing to say in front of everyone. This guy’s pretty blunt…)

Tell me, what would you say about just shutting this place down? Might not be a bad idea.

What!?

Well, if things continue like they are, you’ll only bury yourself in even more debt.

You’ve got a good point---Alright, I’ve made my decision. It’s time to shut down Palette once and for all!

W-What---!?

# Chapter 4: The End of The Palette Museum!?

**Translated by:Ara (murakitty)**

Director! Did you really just say that you’re going to shut down Palette!?

I believe I did. If we can’t attract any visitors, we can’t possibly improve business.

… Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m not naive enough to assume that things could continue as they are forever.

Exactly. Incidentally, this also means all of your contracts will be coming to an end.

W-Wait a second! You guys keep hopping from one thing to the next, I’ve barely got time for everything to sink in---

Hey, Miss Curator! Is there really no hope for this place?

I’d like to be able to help, but you’ve had zero visitors for a while now.

Gogh, can’t you see you’re upsetting the lady? There’s no need to put so much pressure on her.

Why is this happening? … I thought all of you loved art! That’s why you do the jobs you do, isn’t it!?

I certainly used to love art. But when you turn what you’re passionate about into a job, well…

… As time goes on, you begin to question whether you’re doing it because you truly love it, or just because it’s your job. It’s really hard to know.

I don’t believe this…!

(... That was painful to hear. Back when I was a kid, I truly did love art…)

(But nowadays, I wonder if I can really say that I’m truly passionate about it?)

Anyway, I’d like to sell most of our collection to clear off this museum’s debts as much as possible.

Can I leave the evaluation of our artworks and calculating how much we owe up to you?

… Yes, sir. I’ll get started right away.

*Aoi begins her evaluation of the pieces alone.*

Alright, I think I’ve managed to estimate how much money is owed.

Next up is evaluating this museum’s collection. The first piece of art is---

*Aoi stops in front of one of Corbet’s paintings.*

(... Oh wow, this one is incredible! The subject and scene is drawn so realistically!)

Oi. Why’d you go silent? Something odd about my painting?

Courbet? Ah, so this is one of your paintings.

And?

And, nothing. I just think you have some incredible talent. What are you planning to do after Palette is shut down?

… I plan to give up art for good. It was only ever a way to pass the time between my studies.

Your studies? You mean you’re not studying art itself?

Nope. In the future, I plan to become a lawyer.

An artist is too unstable a career. Realistically speaking, it’s far too risky.

… This museum shutting down might actually be a blessing in disguise for me.

…

*Aoi enters the atelier.*

The next painting is… Hm?

You never learn, do you? I believe the Director told you to give up on that sculpture, did he not?

It’s none of your business, Da Vinci. … This sculpture is important to me.

(That sculpture is incredible… The angels are carved so dynamically, and yet delicately at the same time…)

You really are morbid, Michelangelo. Carving away a tombstone in the corner of the room.

(... Did he just say tombstone!?)

I’ve got to get it finished so I can deliver it to the old man I promised. It seems like he’ll be needing it pretty soon.

… Do you really think he’s going to be happy about you giving him a tombstone? … Ah, Rembrandt!

*There is a loud crash.*

Oh no, I broke another display vase!

Here comes Shiva, The Destroyer. What do you want? I’m busy sculpting, so don’t you dare come near me.

Huh? I heard the museum is shutting down, so I rushed over here.

Hey, you! Are you the curator that the Director hired?

Ah---yes. That’s me. Nice to meet you.

What do you mean shutting down? That’s the first I’ve heard about it.

That’s because you stay holed up in your room the whole time. Even hermit crabs are more sociable than you, Michelangelo.

*Thud.*

Woah!

Oh, oops. You okay? Sorry ‘bout that; wasn’t looking where I was going.

Oh, Hokusai~! What brings you to the atelier?

The atelier? That’s funny, I was heading for the entrance…

Don’t tell me you’ve gotten lost again? You really should at least learn your way around this museum, Hokusai.

Not much point of him learning the way around this museum now if it’s just going to be shut down…

Shut down? Yeah, I remember hearing something about that.

Guess this pic’s gonna be my last. After all the work I put into it… Oh well.

(He made this ukiyo-e woodblock print? He has a really distinctive way of using colors, and this composition is pretty unique… This guy is pretty talented…)

(Just like Michelangelo and Courbet…)

(It feels like such a waste. If these guys were to put all of their talent into their art, this museum might be able to flourish.)

(But it’s not like an outsider like me should get a say in how this business is run.)

# Chapter 5: Believe In His Smile

**Translated by:Ara (murakitty)**

(Two days have passed since it was decided that Palette Museum of Art would shut down for good.)

I finished my evaluation of the entire collection, and even though I know it’s part of my job, I feel pretty drained…)

(I have my estimation ready to hand over to the Director. I wonder if this is the last time I’ll step foot into this place?)

…

Oh, Gogh! Hi!

Miss Curator… Are you working today too?

You look exhausted. Are you still working on the same painting as before?

Yeah… Do you think you could have a look at it? This is how it turned out so far.

This is the same painting as before!?

… Does it still look strange? I listened to your advice, and tried my best to fix it.

No, no! It’s… better than I could have imagined! I’d almost offer to buy it myself!

I’m so happy to hear that! Ever since you gave me that advice yesterday, I’ve kept on painting.

Yesterday? Wait a sec, but I gave you that advice two days ago?

Oh, so two days have passed? I didn’t even notice, ahaha!

(Gogh’s hands and clothes are stained with paint… And there’s a ton of unfinished canvases lying around.)

(I can’t believe it, but he’s been painting for two days straight. He’s got an incredible ability to concentrate… But why?)

Gogh, why is it that you want to become an artist so badly?

Why? Do you really need a reason to do what you love?

All I want is for everyone to see my art and smile as brightly as sunflowers!

(His smile is incredible… I wonder if I’m able to smile as sincerely as he is right now?)

(Gogh still has the potential to grow as an artist. So do the others…)

Oh, if it isn’t my curator. Did you bring the estimation of the collection?

Director… And you’ve brought along the other artists with you too.

…

Well, yes. After you hand over the estimation, it’ll be time for me to officially end all of their contracts.

Director, could I ask you one question? Are you serious about art?

Am I serious? Of course I am. I’m serious about treating it like a business.

… Director, your eyes don’t light up when you talk about art.

Art isn’t something to be emotionless about. Art should bring out smiles as bright as sunflowers; that’s what I believe.

*Aoi rips up her estimation.*

What---!?

H-Hold on a moment! What did you do that for!?

Evaluating the collection was my job, but I couldn’t help but admire all of your works of art for how wonderful they truly are.

If these guys were to truly put all of their skills into their art, this museum would have a chance!

Hmm. What exactly do you mean by ‘have a chance’? Do you have a concrete plan?

I do. I’ll take over the business side of things and formulate an action plan, as curator.

For the time being we’ll focus on revamping how we produce pieces, and we should gradually have a few offers come in from outside…

And I want the artists of this here Palette Museum of Art to become the MVPs at the next Royal Parade!

The Royal Parade!? … What’s that again?

Haha, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? The Royal Parade is the biggest and most extravagant parade in the country, organized by the nobles themselves.

Most art museums hold parades in order to promote their artists and their collections.

Only the best museums out of all of them---

---can participate in the biggest annual parade in the country, the Royal Parade.

I do believe that there was a Royal Parade fairly recently.

So that means the next one isn’t going to be held for a year~

If we want to participate in the Royal Parade, we’re going to have to go up against artists from all over the country.

Just getting a spot in the parade alone is really difficult. There’s no way we could aim for the MVP…

But we’ve got to try! Otherwise there’s no hope of saving Palette!

We’ll make Palette just as great as it was in the past! No, even better!

You’ve certainly got some lofty goals… Still, before you can think about the Royal Parade, you’ve got to consider Palette’s own parade.

That is, the Palette Parade. It all starts from that.

Yes. We’ll definitely turn things around, and clear up all of this museum’s debts!

I’m not sure I think what you’re aiming for is entirely realistic.

Still, I’d be pleasantly amused if you were to make it a reality. Business-wise it sounds like quite an attractive prospect.

T-Then it’s decided!

Alright! Starting today, I hereby appoint you as this Palette Museum of Art’s Director by proxy!

And I ask that you, along with all of our artists, ensure our parade’s success.

I think you already know, but it’s not going to be easy… Are you sure this is what you want to do?

… Yes, sir!

Yeah! Now I can keep painting!

(... His smile really is something special. I’ll do everything I can to make sure these guys can keep smiling---)

(And I just know that everyone who sees the works of art they have to offer will smile too.)

(This is all I can do to give back to the world of art, after all it has done for me. I know we’ve got a tough road ahead, but we’ve just got to work hard and do our best!)