Ash’s paintings are a symbol of his caring and compassionate side, developing his character beyond the strength and power he outwardly shows as the Primal of Death. When Sera first discovers that he can paint, she reacts with surprise, as she had never considered Ash’s hobbies or what he enjoyed doing, largely because she has only ever known him during this period of turmoil. In this way, Ash’s paintings represent the idealized life they can lead in a time of peace, when they don’t have to put aside personal desires and can focus on their relationships. The portrait that Ash did of his parents reflects this symbolism, showing how intimately they reflect his private rather than his public life.

The paintings also function as a promise for the future. Although Ash promises to show them to Sera often, he is unable to do so, as the duties of the war they are fighting prevent them from taking time away. While he and Sera spend much of the novel fighting a war, there is hope at the novel’s end that they can begin to grow their relationship, start a family, and live happily together now that Kolis’s threat has been removed and the realm has begun to heal. In the final chapter, Ash finally has the time to show Sera his paintings, symbolically representing the idea that they will finally be able to settle down and enjoy life together.