Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 230 [I Hate You]

The biggest news in the capital's art scene: Ethan conquered everyone with a toilet.

The art debate, which lasted for more than half a month, came to an end in an almost absurd way.

Rubens was utterly defeated, defeated by a toilet.

This is absolutely astonishing.

However, after the latest issue of the Kingdom Deep Dive newspaper published this news, everyone suddenly understood the result.

Because Ethan elaborated on his point of view at the end of the report, namely that everyone is an artist, and anything, anyone, at a certain moment, has the potential to become art and complete art.

This argument clearly resonated with the public, and a new artistic trend was beginning to emerge.

As a result, Ethan faced more interview requests, newspapers from all over the capital wanted to talk to him, and he received many invitations to banquets.

Previously, he was just a newcomer in the art world, but now he is a true celebrity in the capital. Everyone wants to get to know this big star and hear him tell the story of that toilet.

Ethan readily accepted the invitation, as he was lacking a way to promote Palen, and this occasion presented a perfect opportunity.

So he accepted a lot of invitations to parties.

Of course, there will definitely be a selection process involved.

Try to choose gatherings that have an impact but few negative side effects.

For example, one should not attend the gatherings of a count who is known for his alcoholism and womanizing.

Ethan slept most of the day at home again, mainly because the exhaustion from the past two days was still too severe, especially the part where he helped Vasini kill Luca, which really took a lot of mental effort.

Using the authority and power of the King of the North Sea from a distance is still too much of a stretch.

Even today, he's still a bit shaken.

Fortunately, he doesn't need to paint recently, and the house is quiet, so he can get some rest.

The reason for the quiet was that the young lady, Sophia, hadn't been making a fuss about coming back for several days and had been staying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

But it's not that she suddenly fell in love with studying; rather, she was sulking.

She left angrily after the exhibition ended that day, without even saying goodbye to Ethan.

Ethan roughly knew the reason, but didn't say it out loud.

That's perfect for two quiet days.

Sipping coffee brewed by Anya using freshly ground coffee beans, Ethan leaned leisurely against the window, watching the rain outside and a corner of the sea in the distance.

It rained in the capital today, and the rain helped to dissipate much of the heat.

Good weather.

Anya then brought over freshly baked bread and placed it on a small table to the side.

Ethan picked up a hot slice of bread, took a bite, and drank some hot coffee.

In weather like this, you should stay home.

"Did you give that item to Carlos?"

Ethan asked a question.

"It's done."

Anya nodded.

That item refers to the True Name Relic that Luca used that day, the Twisted Shadow.

After Luca's death, the item naturally became Vasini's spoils of war.

Vasini might have wanted to study it himself, but Ethan specifically asked him to sacrifice that thing to please him.

So through some means, this item naturally ended up in Ethan's hands.

Ethan planned to give that item to Shadow.

Shadow has been diligent and conscientious for the family, but he has always remained hidden in the shadows and has not actually gained anything.

We can't really treat him unfairly.

Ethan's principle is to never mistreat anyone.

The transportation channels naturally rely on Carlos.

Carlos was trustworthy and knew how to handle such relics bearing one's true name.

What's the itinerary for today?

Ethan, too lazy to think, asked Anya instead. "There's a banquet tonight, hosted by the princess. Because of her special status, she's been seated first."

Ethan remembered this.

Many people were invited, but the one with the most special status was this princess.

Even Ethan himself hadn't expected the princess to invite him.

However, according to rumors, the princess does indeed enjoy contemporary art and has a particular fondness for Pope.

Speaking of this princess, she is the fourth daughter of the current King Lucien II, and also his youngest daughter. Therefore, she was favored by him from birth and was also the darling of the entire royal family. Her brothers also took great care of her. She was truly a favored daughter of heaven.

She is currently eighteen years old, not long after coming of age, but she is already actively involved in various kingdom affairs.

For example, she was one of the initiators of Prohibition.

She was very concerned about women's rights and was one of the first to condemn her husband's domestic violence after drinking, which is also the reason why she later supported anti-alcohol groups.

She is a woman not to be underestimated.

Einbez Nocturis.

"Have you found out the princess's preferences?"

Ethan asked again.

"She likes flowers, musicals, and art. We prepared a painting of May Flowers by Cato for her, which was Cato's work from two years ago."

Anya answered without hesitation.

In order to cope with the situation in the capital, Anya has already begun studying art-related subjects.

Ethan had heard of Cato; he was a decent contemporary artist, so there shouldn't be any problem.

He was about to take off his pajamas and change his clothes when the phone rang. It was Jackson calling.

"Ethan, how about we hold the auction in two weeks? Let things develop a bit first, since some friends will be coming from out of town."

"Of course, you can make the arrangements; you're familiar with it."

Following the solo exhibition is the auction; it's part of the whole process.
Otherwise, there would be no point in holding a solo exhibition.

"Oh, by the way, that painting, 'Girl Under the Lamp,' is not for sale."

"Huh? Why? Many people have already inquired about that painting; it would be a shame not to sell it."

Jackson was somewhat surprised.

It was clearly an exceptionally excellent work, and Ethan placed it almost as the final piece, which showed his preference for it.

"Because it already has an owner."

As Ethan said this, he looked at Anya beside him.

After hanging up the phone, Anya asked, "Was it for me?"

"Don't you want it?"

"think."

The phone rang again. Ethan thought it was Jackson who had something left unsaid, but when he answered, it was Sophia.

"what happened?"

"What's wrong? Why haven't you called me these past two days?"

Sofia started by asking questions.

"Aren't you at school?"

"But I'm angry!"

"why?"

Ethan asked a question he already knew the answer to.

"What do you think? How could you...you...I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"

Sofia angrily hung up the phone.

Ethan was somewhat helpless.

Anya, standing to the side, seemed unable to suppress the smile playing on her lips.

(End of this chapter)