Inescapable Bond

Kusare'en (腐れ縁)

Arte struggles with hunger due to Leo's unusual meal practices. One of Leo's least favorite customers, Ubertino, commissions a painting, but the colors he wants are so expensive, Leo risks losing money and must negotiate. Arte offers to go in his place, but her first attempt fails, so she asks Veronica to teach her conversational skills. She visits Ubertino again and, knowing he is a wool merchant, shows that she can also design lace patterns. Ubertino agrees to pay more despite having no personal interest in paintings. When she asks why Ubertino commissions Leo so often, he angrily reveals it is due to their "inescapable bond". 

Arte asks Leo about his youth and he reveals he had to beg for an apprenticeship as he was a homeless beggar, and only his master gave him a chance. Ubertino is pleased with the painting but berates Leo for spending all his money on quality painting supplies instead of a decent meal. Ubertino's flashback shows he promised Leo's master on his deathbed he would look after Leo. Arte realizes Leo and Ubertino do care about each other in a dysfunctional manner and hopes to become that close to Leo.