Summary

This section concerns pages 298-404 of the novel. Without waiting for a full response from the artist, Menshiki begins to make arrangements for him to paint Mariye Akikawa. The artist agrees to the arrangements, on the condition that he can control the painting process. Menshiki also continues to research Tomohiko, who was the sole survivor of the Austrian group who had tried to assassinate an official; parallels become apparent with the assassination shown in the painting "Killing Commendatore."

Mariye and her aunt Shoko visit the artist, and he takes initial sketches of Mariye for the painting (316). Whilst at Tomohiko's house, Mariye views "Killing Commendatore," which the artist has accidentally left in view. As he draws her, he finds she is becoming intertwined in his mind with his dead sister, Komichi (331). A week passes, and Mariye returns to model for the artist, but this time...