The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 343: The Demon King Teaching the Flowers of the Empire
While the barons of the White Dew district were busy racing and grabbing land, the mansion of the Dantes family was quiet.

In the study, the wall clock ticked steadily and rhythmically, but Edmund, full of confusion and anxiety, could not calm down.

"Baron Cosia, I really don't understand..." Edmund, who had been pacing in front of the desk for several times, finally stopped and cast his gaze at Teach who was standing by the window. Finally, he couldn't help but ask about the confusion in his heart.

"Since we want to acquire the land in Bailu District, why do we have to make such a big fuss?"

At first he thought that His Highness Colin had a backup plan, but after waiting for a long time he didn't see where the backup plan was. Instead, he watched helplessly as the land price in Bailu District doubled!
not only that--

Even now, the loan issue has not been settled. Although President Harker patted his chest and assured him that it would be possible and comforted him to wait, he could see from the anxiety in his eyes that this matter might not be as simple as he thought.

Teach was standing in front of the window, holding a half-full red wine glass in his hand. The sunlight shone through the orange-red wine glass, shining on the unhurried face.

Just when Edmund was about to lose his temper, he turned around and said with his usual calm smile.

"Didn't Lumire tell you a long time ago? You won't achieve anything great if you keep it secret."

Edmund was stunned, his eyes becoming more confused, and he frowned.

"But the price we are paying for the land is twice as high as before! I heard that some city residents are now asking about real estate in Bailu District. If we wait a few more days, the price may be more than doubled! Giving money to the country bumpkins in the suburbs... Is this also part of your plan?"

Teach picked up the wine glass, took a sip with a smile, but did not answer.

Just as Edmund was about to ask further questions, a familiar and steady voice came from the door of the study.

"Of course, this is part of our plan."

Lumir walked into the study with steady steps and closed the door gently.

His expression remained calm as always, as if he had anticipated Edmund's confusion, and he looked at the latter before continuing.

"But I have to correct you. We are not the ones who are giving money to the suburban rubes... We haven't paid a penny so far, so why are you so anxious?"

Dantès opened his mouth, and came back to himself.

It seems so—

Apart from publishing an insignificant piece of news in the newspaper that the country nobles bought every day, it seemed that they had spent no money at all.

The reason why he was anxious was probably because of his subconscious concern for his reputation... He was worried that this matter would fail and that he would disappoint the expectations of all the people who were counting on the Dantes family.

"...The project in Bailu District is just a cover? Could it be that... Your Highness has no intention of opening a factory there at all?" He thought for a long time and carefully asked out the confusion in his heart.

However, after hearing his words, Teach, who was standing by the window, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"How is that possible? If His Highness has no such intention, why are we spending so much effort? To amuse the people in the suburbs?"

"Then why-"

"Thinking about why is the homework Baron Cosia gave you. Now, I need you to carry out the second task His Highness has given you."

Interrupting Edmund's question, Lumire paused for a moment and continued in a slow voice.

"I have made an appointment for you with the president of the Imperial Royal Bank. You will meet at the place I arranged tomorrow afternoon. This matter must be kept secret and no third person must know about it. I am sure that this gentleman is having a headache right now. After all, 100 million gold coins is not a small amount...even for someone like him."

After all, Prince Colin had no assets in the Holy City that could be mortgaged, and the one who applied for the loan was the Dantes Group, a small company that had just been established for less than a month.

If the bank president approves the loan, it means that he will bear extremely serious responsibility if the deal goes wrong.

After all, the total assets of the entire group that can be executed only include the property worth 5000 gold coins under their feet.

But if you don't approve...

He also had to worry that his caution would be seen as an "offense" by the Colin family.

It was in this dilemma that when Lumière handed the business card to his desk, he almost immediately accepted the invitation to have a face-to-face chat with Sir Dantes.

However, unlike the head office president who was eager to talk to him, Edmund showed some nervousness on his face.

"You want me to convince the president to approve the loan? Isn't the Colin family's reputation enough?"

If the name Colin couldn't get the president to nod his head, Edmund felt that it would be a wasted trip even if he went, and it would make the other party feel that he was not confident enough.

and……

He felt in his heart that the person the other party really wanted to see was not him, but Prince Colin.

Seeing through Edmund's thoughts at a glance, Lumire just smiled and said with a mysterious look in his eyes.

"Quite the opposite."

“What you need to do is not to convince the president, but to appease him and let him stick to his principles.”

"To put it bluntly, you have to make sure that this loan is not approved first."

……

There are no impervious walls in the world.

Not to mention that some people with ulterior motives are trying their best to fan the flames.

Although Baron Devol and his neighbors were careful not to let the news leak out, the country people living in the Bailu area were not really stupid after all.

They just have blocked access to information, but they don't cover their ears.

As more and more citizens from the urban area went to the suburbs to "look at houses", they more or less smelled the wind, and the housing prices in Bailu District began to soar out of control.

early morning.

As the rising sun rose above the horizon, the market in Bailu Town was already crowded with people and bustling with activity.

The small stall, which usually had only a few villagers patronizing it, is now crowded with unfamiliar faces from the city.

The citizens, dressed in clean and tidy woolen coats and leather boots, walked back and forth in the muddy and watery streets without caring about their decency.

The old man selling apples stood in front of the stall. As he put the apples into paper bags and handed them to the strangers in front of him, he couldn't help but complain to the stall owner next to him in slang.

"I've seen a demon! More carriages passed by my stall today than I saw in the whole of last year!"

"These guys are crazy! Do you remember my house with a leaky roof? I was planning to turn it into a pigsty! But guess what? Suddenly a guy in a top hat came and stuffed a bag of money into my hand, and told me to get out of his house...Haha! I've never seen such a straightforward person! That house can actually be sold for 10 gold coins!"

The proprietress of the grocery store was leaning against the counter and interrupted happily, "That's right, my old house was just sold yesterday for 20 gold coins! My husband thought he was dreaming, and today he went straight to the city to help the children find a school!"

The neighbors around were envious when they heard this.

Although they also have a house, it is only one after all. If they are asked to sell it, they are still reluctant... unless they pay more money.

"That's not a lot," the young farmer from the next stall came over and whispered mysteriously, "Those abandoned farms at the east end of town are really outrageous. I heard someone spent more than a hundred gold coins to buy one yesterday! In my opinion... these city people are just here to gamble on the appreciation of land prices! Isn't it said that a prince is going to build a factory here? I wouldn't be surprised if the price doubles by next month!"

The lady boss of the grocery store was smiling just now, but her face suddenly fell when she heard these words.

That shabby farm can be sold for a hundred gold coins?
She suddenly felt that she had made a loss.

On the street not far away, a fierce quarrel was breaking out in front of a dilapidated house that had been neglected for many years.

A well-dressed fat businessman was waving his pipe impatiently and shouting at an old woman with a frightened face.

"Thirty gold coins?! Why don't you just go and rob?! With your shabby house, I'll be thankful if I can make half a gold coin from renting it out for a year! If you're really sincere, I'll give you twenty gold coins and this place will be mine!"

The house was indeed shabby, and he even suspected that if he argued any louder, the shaky roof might be blown down.

The old woman tightly grasped the hem of her apron. Although she was not confident, her face was still flushed and she refused to give in.

"Twenty gold coins?! Don't even think about it! I won't sell it for less than thirty gold coins! Three generations of my family have lived here! I... I have feelings for this land!"

As soon as she finished her words, a loud voice interrupted her, and an old gentleman holding a cane rushed over with a servant.

"Thirty gold coins! I'll pay! Madam, let's go to the church now and let the priest testify to our deal! Saint Sis, you can't go back on your word!"

Seeing that the cooked duck was about to fly away, the fat businessman's face turned green. He no longer cared about his decency and shouted loudly.

"Thirty-five gold coins! Sell it to me! I was here first—"

"Forty pieces." The old gentleman holding the cane raised his chin slightly, with a condescending smile with a hint of sarcasm, "You came first? I didn't see it... I only saw a scum who was full of lies and tried to use deception to facilitate the transaction. Saint Sith, you should be ashamed of your behavior."

Fat businessman: "%￥#@!"

The sound of the two people's quarrel attracted countless onlookers, and soon someone called out a higher price. This time even the well-dressed old gentleman couldn't help but panic, and hurriedly urged the old woman to complete the transaction as soon as possible for Saint Sis's sake.

The old woman opened her mouth wide, obviously stunned by the soaring prices. She was speechless for a moment and almost fainted.

Fortunately, her son heard the noise and rushed out of the house. He excitedly shook the hand of the old gentleman who offered the highest bid and hurriedly took him to the church. The farce finally came to an end.

A pub not far away.

The townspeople, who had already had their morning drink, toasted each other excitedly, and even the tips for the waiters changed from copper coins to silver coins.

The old blacksmith was so drunk that his face flushed with excitement. He kept slapping his hands on the table: "Praise the emperor! Praise the prince! Just the day before yesterday, my blacksmith shop and the yard behind it were sold for fifty gold coins! I have never seen so much money in my life!"

He worked hard for a whole year and could not even save two gold coins. With this money in his pocket, he could just retire and enjoy a peaceful life!

certainly--

The way he drinks, he won't be able to enjoy himself for long before he has to go to the dock to help move boxes.

The woodcutter next to him chuckled, obviously looking down on his neighbor's short-sightedness, and said calmly.

"Why rush? With so many people rushing to buy, the price will definitely go up."

"Wait a little longer? I think you are gambling!" The baker in the town shook his head and advised, "I don't think this is right. Look at those people who bought houses. How many of them really want to live here? What if the price drops one day?"

The old blacksmith was delighted when he heard this and laughed.

"That's fine, it's good if it falls down! If it really falls down, I will buy the shop back."

Everyone started laughing when they heard this and started scolding with laughter.

"Haha! You old man are so smart. You get all the bargains!"

"That's right! If you leave, don't come back!"

Laughter and the sound of clinking glasses echoed in the pub. The splashing beer foam and people's saliva mixed in the air, making it look very lively.

For the entire day, almost every resident of Bailu Town silently cheered the same name in their hearts.

The name is neither Saint-Six.

Not an emperor either.

It was His Royal Highness Colin who made them rich...

……

【

Godhead: Luo Yan Legendary Factors: The Demon King of Thunder County, the Flame King in the south of the Wanren Mountains, the generous, wealthy and kind Prince Colin, the civilian councillor born in the Demon God Temple...

Influence share: 0.03% (↑0.01%)

Overdraft limit: 0%
Control efficiency: 100%
】

……

The ancient and magnificent lecture hall of the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts was packed with people.

The soft sunlight shines through the towering stained-glass windows onto the attentive young students, while pairs of passionate and curious eyes are focused on the tall figure behind the podium.

That gentleman was none other than the "Prince Colin" who has been very popular in the Holy City recently.

He was wearing a well-tailored black suit with an amethyst brooch on his chest. The breathtaking light under the sunlight was just like his deep purple eyes.

Several young ladies sitting in the front row secretly looked at those eyes, their gazes were eager and shy, afraid to meet his gaze, but also worried that he didn't notice them at all.

It is not easy to get a front seat at this lecture. It is not something you can "get" by simply putting a piece of paper on your desk the night before.

The front seats had already been arranged, and some of the seats, although not fixed, also required the girls to show off their family backgrounds.

Students who can study at the Imperial Royal Academy are not ordinary people in the empire. They are either the top geniuses or have top backgrounds.

For example, Miss Ophelia Castellón, who was looking at the podium with her hands on her chin and thinking about something... If it weren't for His Highness Colin, her classmates would almost have forgotten that there was such a person in their class.

The university education environment in the empire was very relaxed, especially for noble people.

Some girls sitting in the back seemed to be concentrating on taking notes, but in fact they couldn't help but secretly raise their eyes and carefully look at the figure on the stage through their long eyelashes. Some of them bit the tip of their pens unconsciously, with many misleading fantasies on their faces.

As for what His Royal Highness Colin said...

It is not really important for most students who come here because of its reputation. After all, such a large lecture hall cannot be filled with students from the painting department alone.

In short, when the students of the college learned that His Royal Highness Colin was invited by President Hilfen to hold a public lecture on "Avant-garde Art Movement: Abstract Painting Style" in the college's auditorium, all the students, whether they were studying painting or not, came.

To be honest, Luo Yan was actually very glad that there were not many professionals sitting here - not even one-tenth of them.

After all, he didn't know how to draw at all, and even the lesson plans for his lectures were made by sending tasks to the players through the monks of the cemetery.

not only that.

Even the abstract painting hanging on the blackboard was created by Baron Harvey Medea - the gentleman had promised to give him an oil painting, and just yesterday, the painting was finally delivered to him by Count Hilfen.

Thanks to Baron Medea's work, he was no longer a one-man show, but was able to appreciate the works of true masters together with the future artists of the empire as an art connoisseur and patron with a unique vision.

"...truly sublime art is not a simple reproduction of things in nature, but a direct confrontation with the unfathomable soul hidden in the human heart...the above is my humble opinion of this art genre."

In the corner of the lecture hall, Kawena Devol, who had come with her bestie to join in the fun, suddenly realized what was going on.

So this is abstract art?

She looked at the oil painting hanging on the blackboard again. It seemed as if Baron Medea had accidentally knocked over a bucket of paint. It didn't seem like anything special.

This... I can do it too!
In an instant, a flame of confidence ignited in her eyes, even though she had no artistic talent at all, as if she saw hope of entering the world of painting!
"Of course, this is an emerging genre after all, and its future is still waiting for young artists like you to explore."

Luo Yan picked up the water cup on the podium and took a sip to moisten his dry throat.

The more than one-hour conversation was coming to an end.

Seeing that the bell had not rung yet, he turned his gaze to the assistant beside him - that was the helper arranged for him by Count Hilfen.

"Next is the free question time. Principal Hilfen has arranged an excellent teaching assistant for me. He will call on everyone. If you have any questions, please raise your hand and speak."

As soon as Prince Colin finished speaking, there was a whisper of discussion in the spacious lecture hall, and soon pairs of eager hands were raised.

In order to make her father feel that his money was not wasted, Kawena also raised her hands high, but it was obviously not her turn.

Upon seeing this, the young teaching assistant standing on the side of the podium straightened his back immediately and glanced at the students below with excitement.

He also clearly remembered the Earl's "inadvertent" hint to him earlier - to create more opportunities for Prince Colin to interact with the "talented and beautiful young ladies" of the school.

He really understood what that gentleman meant!

In fact, the count didn't need to hint at all. As early as a week ago, several of the eldest lady's servants came to him to take care of things.

Resisting the pressure and pretending not to see Miss Castellón's raised hand, he quickly locked onto a lady sitting in the front row.

The girl had a beautiful face, elegant temperament, a pair of eyes like big almonds, and skin as white as mutton-fat jade. And most importantly... her family gave her the most, so I think she would not disappoint His Highness Colin in terms of dowry.

"This... lady in light blue, please ask your question." He coughed and said in an impartial manner.

The girl stood up gracefully, looking at Prince Colin with curiosity and a hint of imperceptible admiration in her bright eyes and said.

"Your Highness, I am very curious... What is the Janna continent where you grew up like? Is it different from the New World?"

This question is obviously far from art.

There was some suppressed laughter from the audience.

Although they didn't listen carefully, they would never ask such brainless questions.

Every pair of eyes was waiting for her to make a fool of herself. Even the teaching assistant couldn't hold back her expression. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her father. She was afraid that the money was wasted.

However, the gentleman Prince did not embarrass the lady. Instead, he was glad that the assistant arranged by Mr. Hilfen accurately found a straw bag in the crowd.

This is a good thing.

Luo Yan said with a smile.

"Well...Jana is a beautiful place with vast forests, endless grasslands, and beautiful coastlines. If I were to describe it, Saint Sith must have poured a lot of emotion into creating that land. If you have the chance, I welcome you to go and see the scenery there with your own eyes."

Looking at that handsome and charming smile, the girl's cheeks blushed. It was not until the teaching assistant winked at her that she came back to her seat.

Ophelia looked at the girl jealously, then raised her hand again unwillingly, but unfortunately was selectively ignored by Count Hilfen's confidant.

In the back row of the lecture hall, whispers spread.

The best friend sitting next to Kawena had a crazy look on her face. She looked at the figure on the podium with amorous feelings and muttered to herself.

"His Highness Colin is such a gentleman... He actually forgave his student who offended him in public."

Although the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts is not a conservative school, the academic atmosphere here is still very rigorous.

If you ask questions that are not related to your major in class, you will almost certainly be ridiculed by the professor. This is also the reason why many nobles come here just to get a diploma and not to attend classes.

This statement was recognized by a student from the Academy of Fine Arts nearby. The girl nodded in agreement and said with emotion.

"Yes... If it was Baron Medea, he would definitely scold her until she cried and then ruthlessly let her get out of the classroom."

After that, the student would probably be too embarrassed to come to class for several days.

These are all things that have happened.

"Is this true? Is Professor Medea so violent?" Kawena was surprised. She had heard of the professor's name. He was said to be a great painter and a handsome guy.

"Normally no, but in the professional field, his persistence even reaches the point of paranoia."

At this point, the girl showed a troubled expression on her face and continued.

"And I don't know if it's my illusion, but I feel like he's quite patient with boys, but a little too harsh with girls."

Upon hearing this gossip, Kawena was surprised and didn't know what to say.

At the same time, the atmosphere in the lecture hall became more and more lively.

Seeing that His Highness Colin was so easy to talk to, the originally shy students raised their hands enthusiastically.

The elegant and easy-going Prince remained as graceful as ever. No matter what questions the students asked, or whether they were related to art, he answered them with a smile.

He answered all questions that were not related to art fluently.

Especially about the continent of Janna.

At first Luo Yan didn't think there was anything wrong, but felt relieved instead.

But after this round of questioning, almost all the students who spoke up were female students, and he gradually felt that it was a bit inappropriate.

Seeing the young teaching assistant looking for girls in the crowd again, he coughed lightly and gently reminded: "Mr. Teaching Assistant, I understand your concern for the ladies, but please also give the gentlemen here a chance to speak."

The teaching assistant was looking worried, wondering why so many girls were called up to speak, but none of them interested His Highness Colin.

Just when he was worried, he suddenly heard these words and was shocked.

Could it be that the one who could make Her Highness Roxelle Colin's heart flutter...wasn't actually a girl? !

Almost subconsciously, he turned his gaze to a quiet, thin boy sitting in the corner. He spoke without caring whether the boy asked a question or not.

"You, you ask the questions!"

After confirming that the teaching assistant was looking at him, the young man stood up with a confused look on his face, wondering how he stood up for no apparent reason since he hadn't raised his hand either.

He was totally unprepared and had no idea what to ask. He kept it to himself for a long time and his cheeks turned red, like an apple hanging on a tree, which immediately caused a burst of laughter from the students around him.

Seeing that everyone who didn't raise their hands was selected, Ophelia, who still didn't get a chance to speak, became even angrier and glared at the teaching assistant with her beautiful eyes.

If looks could kill, he would have died countless times!

The teaching assistant shuddered and tried not to look in the direction of the young lady from Castellón, silently praying that she would not retaliate against him.

Just blame Count Hilfen if you want to blame anyone, it was all his orders!

"My friend, please sit down." Looking at the young man whose temperament was somewhat similar to Yiger, Luo Yan sighed and motioned for him to sit down.

At this point, even though he was slow to realize it, he had already realized what Count Hilfen was up to.

After a pause, he looked at the students in the lecture hall and said.

"This class ends here. If you have any questions, you can ask Baron Medea of ​​the Academy of Fine Arts... He is a professor here and a true expert. He is also the author of the painting behind me. Unlike a collector like me, he will be able to give you more professional advice."

"If you want to go down the abstract path."

Although he said so, he actually did not recommend these students to enter this track, and he had no intention of fooling these flowers of the empire into wasting their lives on things that they might not even understand.

However, he still underestimated the appeal of the name "Prince Colin".

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause broke out in the lecture hall, and pairs of fiery eyes shone like magic crystal lamps.

A debris flow that is about to sweep across the imperial art world is brewing silently!
As for what this trend will eventually become, I'm afraid even Saint Sis may not know...

(End of this chapter)