The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 328: Court of Sages

Just as Baron Titch Cosia was strolling towards the Imperial Royal Hotel along the road that "Prince Colin" had passed, His Royal Highness the Prince from the Janna Continent finally moved into the "palace" where he was staying in the Holy City.

The name of this manor is "Garden of Sages". It is located on Sage Street No. 1, which is the most artistic and academic street in the suburbs of the holy city.

Unlike No. 11 Zhongcheng Street where Dantes' family lived, there was neither the smell of vegetable washing water nor the clanging of shoe menders. The water in the fountain was crystal clear, and the air was filled with the fragrance of paper and ink... Everything was beautiful, like the world in an oil painting.

This neighborhood is famous in the empire for gathering many artists, scholars and cultural elites. Along the street is the empire's most prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts, as well as many private art academies and art salons, which has attracted many freelance painters and academic teachers and students to settle here.

Young and beautiful men and women are walking on the red brick streets. Some of them are students from art colleges, and some are teachers and scholars giving lectures.

One end of the broad avenue connected to the square in front of St. Clement's Cathedral, and the other end was opposite the manor of the Hilfen family.

It is for this reason that there has been a saying circulating in the art world of the Holy City and even the Empire that is unknown to outsiders - the reason why the Dream Avenue of Imperial artists is named "Sage" is not because of the Imperial Royal Academy of Art located in the center of this street, but because of the "Sage's Court" of the Hilfen family.

The decoration of the entire manor is luxurious yet elegant. The neatly trimmed green lawn sets off the white and gold walls. The intricate reliefs and carved columns are like a living epic, and every feather contains a history that cannot be told in one night.

The central vaulted gallery and the portraits of celebrities, heroes, and legendary figures hanging in the gallery are the common desires of thousands of artists and poets on this planet.

The value of those paintings can no longer be measured in gold coins.

Compared to this place, even the most prominent and cultured Andean family in Thunder City looked like illiterate upstarts.

The carriage stopped in front of the door. The guard standing on duty at the door took two steps forward, respectfully opened the door for the two and placed the footstool in place.

Count Cassiter Hilfen accompanied Prince Colin out of the carriage and sent him to the door, speaking in a humble tone.

"It's so hard to leave the time I spent with you. Although I really hope to keep chatting with you, I think you must need a rest after traveling so long."

"During your stay in the Holy City, please treat this place as your home. If you need anything, please inform the butler of the manor and Mr. Stein will make arrangements for you. As for me, I will not bother you any more."

Standing behind Count Cassiter, a slender middle-aged gentleman bowed respectfully. He had a pair of monocles on his nose, a string tied to his ironed collar, and his beard was trimmed as neatly as the green plants in the front yard of the manor.

It can be seen that Mr. Stein is a meticulous person.

"Your Highness, if there is anything that is not good enough in our hospitality, please do not hesitate to tell me."

"I will, Mr. Stein."

Luo Yan smiled and nodded, then looked at Count Cassiter and continued, "Thank you for the trouble along the way, sir. Just send me here."

Taffy, who was lying on his shoulder, had already dozed off, with her tail hanging around his neck. Her defenseless look showed that she was really tired.

Not far away, Sarah, wearing a cloak, nodded slightly to him, and behind her were wagons full of goods.

At this moment, the servants of the manor were busy unloading the goods from the truck in cooperation with the dock workers.

Most of these goods are daily necessities for Prince Colin, ranging from mattresses, chairs and other bedding to teapots and cups for drinking tea.

Just like his character in Thunder City, "Prince Colin" is an aristocrat with extremely high pursuits and tastes in life. He is by no means comparable to the nouveau riche and groundhogs who have dug up gold in the New World.

Looking at Prince Colin who expressed his gratitude, Cassidy smiled gently and continued.

"Of course not. It is an honor for the Hilfen family to host Your Highness. In addition, the welcome banquet hosted by the respected Regent Prince will be held at the Valencia family's manor tomorrow night. My servants will come here to greet you then."

The Valencia family is the leader of the empire's elder faction and has had three regents over the past hundred years. Luo Yan had heard Teach mention this on the boat.

This includes the fact that behind the Hilfen family is "Gregory IX" and the Vatican faction, and behind the Royal Knights loyal to the Emperor is Marshal Laco Aberg and the influential officer faction in the army... Luo Yan was also clear about these things.

Although Tichi Cosia's family had never eaten at the main table, they were still part of the "Holy Light Nobility" circle after all. Their level was much higher than those leeks who were always detached from specific people and interest disputes and made suggestions for the empire and hell.

According to the Baron's humble opinion, on the surface, only the Hilfen family came to the port to greet them this time, but behind that "surface reserve", the three major factions actually cast irresistible glances at him.

As for what they couldn't hold back, it was a bit beyond the scope for Teach, who had never been to the table, and His Royal Highness "Prince Colin" had to observe it personally.

After explaining the schedule for the next few days, Cassiter paused for a moment, smiled embarrassedly as if he remembered something, and continued in a relaxed tone.

"Oh, yes, there is also a personal request of mine... It is the thing we talked about earlier in the carriage. Baron Harvey Medea, who will paint for you, has arrived at the manor and will be staying in the manor's annex during this period. He is very interested in you and is always free. As long as you have time, you can summon him to your side at any time."

After hearing this, Luo Yan thought for a moment and then responded with a smile.

"It is better to do it today than to wait for a better day. Since Baron Medea is already here, why not schedule it today?"

Cassidy was slightly surprised, then smiled and said.

"Then... later today. When you have rested, just tell Mr. Stein and he will bring Baron Medea over."

Luo Yan smiled and nodded, indicating that he understood.

Cassite bowed slightly to Luo Yan, then turned around and boarded the carriage, slowly driving away from the "Garden of Sages".

After the distinguished guests were sent to their destination, the Royal Knights, led by the Knight Commander, headed back home towards the Imperial Palace in the center of the Holy City.

As for whether the role played by the Knight Commander was the Emperor's spy or the Marshal's spy, it is unknown.

All three major factions have extended olive branches to him, and 80% of them include the pawns buried by Hell in the Holy City. Not surprisingly, Mr. Calamos's eyes are also focused on the stage under his feet, and he may even have met him face to face.

As he watched the carriage carved with golden roses and scriptures and the knights holding lances go away, a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of Luo Yan's mouth.

Things are starting to get interesting.

I don’t know if Teach and Lumir are doing well. Their mission is also an indispensable part of his huge plan.

Taking his eyes off the street, Luo Yan looked at the housekeeper waiting at the door, cleared his throat and said.

"Mr. Stein, I would like to take a rest first. I would like to arrange the meeting with Baron Harvey Medea after three o'clock in the afternoon, preferably in the evening. We can meet directly in his studio at that time. I hope he can prepare the painting tools in advance."

Stein nodded respectfully, hanging on every word he said.

"Yes, sir."

……

It was soon dusk.

Since they had agreed to meet in the studio, Luo Yan did not greet Harvey in the manor. Instead, after leaving the sleeping Taf to Sarah, he got directly into the carriage prepared by Mr. Stein and went to Harvey Mitia's private studio.

It is worth mentioning that this studio is not far from the "Garden of Sages", and is even closer than the distance from the annex to the main building of the manor. It is a three-story Western-style house next to the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts on Sage Street No. 1.

The exterior walls of this exquisite little villa are covered with verdant vines, which are exquisite and quiet. There are several wisterias in full bloom planted in the yard, and the air is filled with a faint floral fragrance, showing the owner's taste.

Letting the coachman wait at the door, Luo Yan walked through the courtyard alone, went up and knocked on the door. A young girl opened the door.

She had a pretty face, shy and clear eyes, and chestnut wavy hair half tied behind her head, with a few strands of hair casually hanging down around her ears. She looked like a student from the art academy next door, and most likely the assistant of Baron Medea.

The lady seemed not good at speaking and was particularly shy. Her voice was as thin as a mosquito: "Excuse me, are you... His Royal Highness Prince Colin?"

Luo Yan nodded to her gently: "That's right."

The girl quickly stepped aside to make way, bowed slightly, and said softly, "Baron Medea is already waiting for you in the studio upstairs... Please follow me."

Her eyes never met Luo Yan's from beginning to end, so much so that Luo Yan couldn't help but wonder whether she had confirmed his face.

On the other hand, through the assistant's reserved and obstructive personality, he also had a preliminary impression of Baron Medea.

If it weren't for his personal preference, this gentleman would be a person with a rather weak character.

Somehow, he accidentally thought of Yiger again.

To be honest, I didn't have the time to say goodbye to him when I left Janna Continent, so I don't know how this guy has been doing recently.

Arriving at the third floor, the girl stopped in front of a door and knocked gently.

"Your Excellency the Baron, His Royal Highness the Prince has arrived."

A slightly low male voice was soon heard from inside the room.

"Please come in."

The girl lowered her head, pushed open the door, and respectfully gestured for Luo Yan to come in.

"Your Highness, please."

Luo Yan nodded to her and walked into the studio in front of him. The fragrance of turpentine and ink hit him in the face.

The dim setting sun shines through the glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the wooden floor. Several unfinished paintings and drafts are hung on the walls.

I saw a thin man standing in front of the canvas, arranging the easel and palette. He seemed to be so busy that he had no time to spare.

It was a face that had not seen the sun for a long time, pale like a vampire, only the eye bags were black. The blue-gray pupils were like chicory falling into a deep well, the silver-gray hair was casually tied behind the head, gentle and elegant with a hint of melancholy.

As Luo Yan expected, he was a person with a weak aura, a bit like the middle-aged decadent version of Ig who was abused by General Hammerton. Seeing the respected Prince Colin, Harvey stood up in a hurry and almost knocked over the paint bucket. Fortunately, his assistant was quick-witted and stepped forward to hold it up, so no disaster happened.

"Sorry, ahem! I meant to welcome... welcome Your Highness to my private studio. I didn't expect you to have time to visit me so soon. I spent the whole afternoon cleaning, but it was still a bit rushed. I hope I didn't disappoint you too much."

Looking at Harvey who was flustered about saluting, Luo Yan smiled politely and returned the salute calmly.

"Don't be so polite. I am sorry to bother you... You must be Baron Harvey Medea, right? I heard Mr. Cassiter mention your deeds. He told me that you are a rare painter in the Holy City who even surprised His Holiness the Pope. Especially your control of colors. All the professors of the Royal Academy of Arts combined are not even half as good as you."

Harvey smiled bitterly when he heard that, scratched his hair shyly, and said with an evasive look.

"Mr. Cassiter flatters me... He always speaks in such exaggerated terms."

"Really? I don't think so."

Luo Yan casually pulled out a chair from the side, sat opposite the canvas, and said with a smile.

"let us start."

……

If you want to perfectly integrate into the circle of the Holy City nobles without revealing any flaws, you must be in sync with them in the smallest details.

Teach's opinion alone is not enough for this. Not to mention that this guy has been a pirate for ten years. He was not a big name before he became a pirate. He could fool General Hamelton, but it is impossible for him to perform a five hundred years of experience.

Fortunately, the Colin family has been away from the country for five hundred years, and the nobles of the Holy City have low expectations of Prince Colin. As long as Luo Yan does not behave too strangely, he will not arouse their suspicion.

However, to be on the safe side, Luo Yan still planned to rehearse before the welcome dinner prepared for him by the Regent.

And Baron Xavier Medea is a good rehearsal subject.

It is impossible for ordinary people to carefully study every detail of themselves, but it is different for painters. In order to make the general more like a general and the noble more like a noble, he must put forward his own opinions from the perspective of a professional - and this is exactly what Luo Yan needs.

In the process of completing the painting of "His Royal Highness", he would carefully observe his own shortcomings in appearance and temperament, and correct them with the eyes of a professional.

Although the title of Baron was not considered very high in the Holy City, he was at least one vast ocean ahead of Titch in terms of personal taste and the distance between him and the upper class of the Holy City.

Harvey quickly got into the state after picking up the paintbrush. He seemed like a different person, even his facial features changed. His sharp eyes were like a carving knife in the hands of a craftsman. There was no longer any trace of gloom, only a meticulous edge.

This was also the first time that he looked Prince Colin in the eye without dodging.

Just as he was carefully observing Prince Colin, Luo Yan, who was wearing Prince Colin's mask, was also carefully observing the changes in his expression.

As time passed, the light of the setting sun became darker and darker, until it sank under the eaves.

The assistant brought a candlestick and lit candles in the room, using candlelight to replace the sunset outside the window.

At first Harvey did offer many helpful suggestions, but as time went on, he had less and less to offer and spent more time painting rather than observing.

Luo Yan has a high level of comprehension and has received professional training. Often a single sentence is enough for him to draw inferences about many other situations.

"...Do I need to keep one pose?" He said casually while looking at Harvey who was concentrating on the canvas.

"No, that's not necessary. I'd rather like to talk to you...it will help me make the character more three-dimensional." Harvey spoke hurriedly, but his eyes never left the canvas.

Seeing that he seemed to no longer need to look at him intently, Luo Yan relaxed his tense shoulders and began to look along the walls of the studio.

As expected of a painter highly respected by the president of the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Harvey's painting skills are truly extraordinary. He can make traditional oil paintings appear as lifelike as magic photos simply by using colors.

If painting also has a classification of supernatural powers, he would probably be at the demigod level.

Luo Yan couldn't help but think vulgarly in his heart that a few centuries later, a painting here might be sold for a sum of money that Mr. Harvey could never earn in his lifetime.

At this moment, his eyes suddenly fell on a unique painting, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

Unlike those lifelike portraits, this painting uses colors and lines in a bold and unrestrained manner, even seemingly messy, just like a child's doodle.

"Incredible... this is abstract art?"

Harvey paused his hand movements, then shifted his eyes slightly to the side, following Luo Yan's gaze to glance at his own "randomly scribbled" clumsy work.

At this moment, his expression gradually turned into surprise, followed by sudden enlightenment and shock.

When he looked at Luo Yan again, his expression had completely turned into one of disbelief, and the fanaticism in his eyes even scared Luo Yan.

He just said it casually -

Why are you serious, bro?

"Abstract? Your Highness, can you tell me more about it?"

Looking at Harvey who had completely stopped painting, Luo Yan didn't expect that he would be so excited, so he spoke casually based on his few remaining memories and his ability to make up stories.

“Abstract art…is an artistic style that is free from representation. It does not attempt to depict objective things in the outside world, but rather expresses the inner world in a free and subjective way. Through the combination of color, line and structure, the viewer can directly feel the author’s emotions, thoughts and even subconsciousness.”

“To put it simply, ordinary paintings depict the objective world through the hands of the painter, but this kind of art genre uses the images of the objective world to depict the artist’s inner world.”

Looking at the silent Harvey, Luo Yan couldn't help wondering if he was showing off his skills too much, so he coughed lightly and said.

"These are just my humble opinions as an amateur. I am just repeating what others have said. Mr. Harvey need not take it seriously."

"No, Your Highness, your description is simply...it makes me suddenly enlightened! This is exactly the answer that I have been pondering for all these years without getting! Abstract art uses objective things to depict the painter's inner thoughts, rather than simply imitating natural things. So this is the explanation..." Harvey muttered to himself, his fanatical expression was like he was crazy, so much so that Luo Yan couldn't help but worry about his mental state.

"Are you... okay?" Luo Yan asked cautiously.

Saint Sith, he never thought of leading the art world of the empire astray. Those decadent nobles were his targets for corruption.

He never thought of corrupting this guy!
However, Harvey seemed to be trapped, unable to extricate himself from the deconstruction of the spiritual world and the exploration of art theory.

Just when Luo Yan was wondering whether he should do something, Harvey suddenly took a deep breath and calmed down.

"Me? I'm fine! I'm fine!"

Luo Yan was slightly stunned, and then he suddenly picked up the paintbrush and quickly completed the unfinished part of the canvas.

Are oil paintings generally completed so quickly?
Just when Luo Yan was confused, Harvey turned the canvas over and showed Luo Yan the results of his painting - sitting in the frame was a gentle yet majestic prince, and the aura he exuded was indeed worthy of the more than 7 million square kilometers he dominated.

This is undoubtedly a masterpiece!
however--

That's all.

Even though it is lifelike, it is just one of thousands of paintings, a feather adorning the wings of the Hilfen family, not enough to leave a separate page in the epic.

Obviously, this is not what Baron Medea is looking for!

Harvey looked up at Luo Yan with a sincere, even pleading look.

"Your Highness, the work that Count Cassit Hilfen commissioned me to create has been completed, but I want to... create another work for you! I will use the abstract art concept you mentioned as a gift to you!"

Worried that Luo Yan would refuse, he quickly added another sentence.

"Don't worry, this won't take you long. I've already imprinted your portrait in my mind. You just need to answer a few questions."

Luo Yan raised his eyebrows slightly, and couldn't help but become interested, with a hint of curiosity in his expression.

"please say."

Seeing that Luo Yan agreed to him, Harvey was surprised and took a deep breath again. He put away his surprised expression and looked at him seriously, staring at those deep purple pupils.

"First, Your Highness, please tell me your favorite color, which will determine the color tone of the entire painting!"

Favorite color?
Luo Yan had never thought of such a strange question, but he found it unexpectedly interesting, so he did not answer it immediately, but thought about it seriously for a while.

Suddenly, his heart moved slightly, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"flame."

Harvey was stunned.

He had expected the answer to be purple or black, the colors he saw in his shadow, but he hadn't expected it to be fire.

"flame?"

Luo Yan nodded happily.

"Yes, that's the magic I'm best at."

“I like the color.”

(End of this chapter)