The Count's eyes continued to bore into Cleff as he sat down behind his desk. Gesturing for Cleff to find somewhere to sit as well.
" Let me make it clear that I disssslike repeating myself, young artist, "
Cleff stumbled as he dragged a random plush chair from the corner of the room in front of the Count's desk.
" Oh, no sorry sir I just thought I misheard you for a moment. You did say nude portrait.... right ??? "
" Are there any problems with that ??? "
Noticing the Count's complexion starting to turn a little sour Cleff hastily attempted to change the subject of the conversation to the Count's amusement.
Fumbling through his backpack Cleff began habitually showing off his small portfolio to the Count along with mentioning a few of the paintings and sculptures that he had created in the past. Although the count had pretty much already hired him; showing off his portfolio and qualifications to any client had become a habit that was drilled into him from the several years he had apprenticed himself under a professional artist.
From oil paintings to sculptures Cleff had done a little bit of everything while he was still an apprentice artist. Although tragically in the end none of his works had ever connected with the Magica nor had they gained a spark of life he was still somewhat satisfied with a few of them.
Though his work was by no means shabby, in this world of monsters and magic regular sculptures and paintings could only get someone so far.
The only path available to an artist incapable of instilling life into their works was to become a classical painter and sculpture under a church. An idea that bored Cleff to no end as if he went down that path he would eventually end up painting the same boring figures over and over again as he was forced to travel from temple to temple making a meager salary.
In the end, anyone working for a church would make a meager salary. Something about the fact that it was wiser and more compassionate to spend money on the poor than on art or labor.
Moving on from his impromptu presentation Cleff and Count Von started to speak once more about the portrait that Cleff was to paint.
Tactfully avoiding the fact that the Count was to be painted nude Cleff began getting into the details of the commission while taking notes.
" If its alright with you sir would you mind if I ask you a few questions so I can get a grip of what I have to work with? "
The Count nodded, " Go ahead "
" Okay then, first things first. You mentioned providing a canvas and paints in your letter what will I have to work with ? "
" Veinessa will provide you with the paints. They're all blood-based of course, what do you expect from a Vampire? And as for the canvas, I do have a very large devil beast skin that has already been processed and framed. "
Cleff hurriedly scribbled down some notes.
- Lots of room to work with, canvas with potentially special effects, make sure to watch Veinessa as she delivers the red paints.
" I appreciate the generosity Count, although I do have to make it clear that a bigger canvas will take longer for me to paint, along with more effort, "
The Count chuckled,
" Time has never been a problem for me, and your remuneration will be provided based on your finished product, "
- Do a good job, no time requirement
" Okay then, is there anything, in particular, your looking for or want me to do specifically other than the fact that the subject of the painting will be your nude likeness? "
" Of course young artist. It must be a night scene with the moon and stars visible of course. I would like you to incorporate a little bit of fabric fluttering in the wind drapped upon my frame or something elegant like that as long as it doesn't cover up anything. Make me look elegant yet manly. "
- Must paint moon/stars, add in a little fabric, make sure not to cover up anything, Elegant/manly????
" Is there anywhere in specific you would like me to paint you? Or are there any real objects other than yourself that you want me to base this portrait on? "
" No not really I will allow your tiny little human imagination flutter while you work, "
- Not to many other requirements
Satisfied with his notes Cleff hurridly organized some of his papers and started shoving them back into his backpack. Thanking the count as he struggled to organize his art supplies and notes.
" Thanks for your cooperation, next I will draw up a few sketches until your satisfied before working on the painting itself, "
Somehow managing to fit his newly taken notes into his backpack Cleff turned around to find the count fully nude and posing against one of his bookshelves.
" AHHHHHHHHH "
" Stop screaming human !!!! You said you wanted to draw up a few reference sketches. "
" I wasn't aware you were willing to model for them !!!! Rich clients usually avoid such things !!!!"
" Stupid human !!! Without setting your gaze upon my perfect form how else are you supposed to capture my image? I wish for nothing else but perfection, so I will model for you throughout the entire proccess so that you will be able to completely capture my perfect form in paint !!! "
In the end, Cleff was forced by the count to make countless charcoal sketches of him for hours on end before being told to come back the next night to do so again until the count was satisfied with Cleffs ability to capture his form.
Cleff learned that it unironically sucked working for vampires....