Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 207 [The Fake Artist]

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is located in the northwest corner of the capital, adjacent to the Bis Mountains.

In autumn, the falling leaves on the mountain are a beautiful sight in the capital and a source of inspiration for many artists.

There are more than a dozen famous paintings depicting this scenery, as well as numerous musical works.

When Ethan arrived with his group the next day, it wasn't as dramatic as it had been at the dock the day before, with a whole bunch of people waiting for him.

After all, the Royal Capital Academy of Fine Arts is a prestigious school in the capital, and it ranks among the top in the entire kingdom.

So there was only one school staff member waiting at the school gate.

This was only because Ethan had contacted Hughes in advance.

Of course, he inevitably got another scolding from Hughes.

"...You only came to me because you needed something. Why didn't you come to me when you were famous? Have you forgotten who your teachers were? Have you forgotten where your alma mater is?"

Despite saying that, Hughes still agreed to the exchange program with Winston University.

"Ethan, long time no see."

The person who came to greet Ethan was actually an acquaintance.

Of course, this acquaintance is relative to Ethan's predecessor.

This person is Ethan's senior, also a student of Hughes, and a very talented artist.

"Marcel, long time no see! You stayed on at the university?"

Theoretically speaking, Marcel should have graduated last year.

“Yes, the capital is not an easy place to live, and the art world there is even more so, so it’s better to stay in school for now.” Marcel said, looking at Ethan with a hint of envy. “I wish I could become famous at a young age like you.”

"I've seen your paintings, they're really excellent. I especially love your 'The Last Justice,' it's so brilliant. I can feel the spirit in that rebellion against power and aristocracy..."

"Thank you." Ethan listened to Marcel's words and vaguely sensed that the guy seemed a little too excited; it seemed that he liked more than just the painting.

Ethan suddenly remembered that when his predecessor was still in school, he often heard that this senior Marcel was always involved in some radical activities in private, and seemed to have joined some secret group.

However, he didn't mention it much, and just exchanged pleasantries.

After walking around the school for a while, Ethan noticed that it seemed a bit deserted.

This is a bit strange, because the atmosphere at the Wang Guo Academy of Fine Arts is very relaxed, and many people like to wander around the campus in search of inspiration.

"Is today a holiday?" Ethan couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, no, actually someone else is visiting the teacher today."

"Oh? Who is it that has attracted so much attention?"

The Academy of Fine Arts is full of future artists, so everyone is very arrogant. Generally speaking, it is difficult to attract many people to watch a particular artist.

"Our teacher's nemesis, that old man."

Marcel said something that was both helpless and indignant.

Ethan's memories returned, and he realized who Marcel was talking about.

The great painter Ecke Rubens.

This guy debuted around the same time as Ethan's teacher, Hughes. They were both skilled in classical painting, specializing in oil painting and portraiture.

In the art world, the two are often mentioned together, referred to as the twin pillars of classical art. Hughes disagreed, because he felt that Rubens was too arrogant and that his paintings lacked true soul; he looked down on Rubens.

Rubens, on the other hand, looked down on Hughes, and even made attacks on him because Hughes was highly regarded in the art world for several years.

They could be described as arch-enemies, or even sworn enemies.

"What is he here for?"

Although Ethan asked the question, he already had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on.

This guy is probably here to cause trouble.

“That old guy recently painted a picture that has received widespread acclaim in the art world, saying it far surpasses other works of the same type…” Marcel said with a hint of disdain, but also a sense of helplessness.

"What painting?"

"It's that painting, 'The Fairy of Spring'."

Spring Fairy?
Marcel probably thought that Ethan had also been paying attention to things in the art world, so he kept it very simple.

Ethan had no idea what "The Fairy of Spring" was, but something new quickly came to mind—

Hughes also painted "The Spring Fairy," which is one of his most famous works.

No wonder Rubens came looking for trouble.

Does this mean he thinks he's capable again?
As they spoke, Ethan followed Marcel to the outside of a large auditorium, where faint sounds could be heard, as if someone was speaking passionately through a loudspeaker.

The voice became clearer once Ethan and his companions entered the auditorium.

"...So, art has different levels. Admittedly, you were forward-thinking back then and created 'The Fairy of Spring.' You were definitely an art pioneer back then, and I admire you for that. But in recent years, you have been immersed in worldly affairs. How long has it been since you painted properly? That's why I have surpassed you, and that's why everyone thinks my 'The Fairy of Spring' is a true work of art."

Inside the auditorium, on the stage, an old man was giving a passionate speech, exuding an air of profound wisdom and authority.

Opposite him sat another little old man in a chair, saying nothing.

That little old man was Ethan's mentor, Hughes.

His expression was not good at the moment, and the audience was completely silent.

After all, this is the Kingdom Academy of Fine Arts, their home turf, yet an outsider is acting so arrogantly here.

Unfortunately, they couldn't say anything.

Because the old man on stage has works and talent, no one can refute what he says.

"Oh, right, and your student, Ethan, right? He just scribbled a few pieces, got some art dealers to hype them up, and now he's being called a next-generation master. It's an insult to art. Does he even know what art is? In my opinion, he's just a fame-seeker. And you, as his teacher, are partly to blame for his current situation."

Ethan hadn't expected that he would have something to do with him so soon after he stood still.

"Dear students of the Wang Guo Academy of Fine Arts, you must take this as a warning. Be clear about what you want. On the path of pursuing art, do not lose your true self. Walk towards true art and do not become a pseudo-artist."

The old man was still giving a passionate speech, acting like a life mentor.

Ethan, having already consulted Marcel, found a new megaphone. Then, as he finished speaking, he suddenly turned on the megaphone and shouted, "I object!"

The sudden, piercing sound nearly knocked Rubens to the ground. He quickly regained his balance and looked around.

"Who, who objects? Step forward!"

(End of this chapter)