Chapter 344: The Demon King Who Teaches Lessons to the Flowers of the Empire

Just as the Barons of the Bai Lu District were busy running horses and circling land, the mansion of the Marguerite Tangtaisi family was quiet.

In the study, the clock on the wall walked steadily and rhythmically, but Edmond, full of confusion and anxiety, couldn't calm down at all.

"Baron Koxia, I really don't understand..." Edmond, who had paced back and forth in front of the desk several times, finally stopped, cast his gaze toward Tichi standing by the window, and finally couldn't help but ask the confusion in his heart.

"Since we want to acquire land in the Bai Lu District, why do we have to make such a big fanfare?"

At first, he thought Prince Kelin had other arrangements, but after waiting for a long time, he didn't see where the other arrangements were, instead watching the land price in the Bai Lu District double!

Not only that—

As of now, the loan matter hadn't been settled either. Although Manager Hake promised him with a pat on the chest that it would definitely work, and comforted him to wait a while, he could see the anxiety in the other party's eyes, and knew this matter was probably not as simple as he thought.

Tichi was standing by the window, holding a half-full wine glass. The sunlight passed through the orange-red wine glass, shining on that unhurried face.

Just when Edmond was about to lose his composure, he turned around, smiled from his usual composure, and said.

"Didn't Lumier tell you earlier? Hiding and tucking away won't make a big deal."

Edmond was stunned, his eyes becoming more confused, frowning and saying.

"But the price we are collecting land at now is twice as high as before! I heard that some citizens in the city are now inquiring about the real estate in the Bai Lu District, I'm afraid it will be more than double in a few days! Throwing money at the country bumpkins in the suburbs... is this also a part of your plan?"

Tichi picked up the wine glass, drank a sip of wine with a smile, but did not answer.

Just when Edmond was about to pursue the question, a steady and calm voice came from the door of the study.

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

Lumier walked into the study with steady steps, and closed the door gently by the way.

The expression on his face was always calm, as if he had expected Edmond's confusion, and continued to look at the latter.

"However, I have to correct you on one point: it is not us who are throwing money at the country bumpkins in the suburbs... Up to now, we haven't spent a cent, so what are you anxious about?"

Marguerite Tangtaisi opened his mouth, and finally came back to his senses.

It seems so—

Except for publishing an inconspicuous piece of news in the newspapers that the rural nobles would buy every day, they really didn't seem to have spent a cent.

The reason he was anxious was mostly due to subconscious vanity... worrying that if he messed this up, he would fail the expectations of all those who were counting on the Tangtaisi family.

"... Is the Bai Lu District project just a cover? Could it be... Prince Kelin didn't intend to open a factory there at all?" He thought for a long time, and asked the confusion in his heart cautiously.

However, hearing his statement, Tichi, standing by the window, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"How is that possible, if His Highness didn't have this intention, what are we doing with so much effort? Just to tease the people in the suburbs?"

"Then why—"

"Thinking about why is the homework Baron Koxia gave you. Now, I need you to execute the second task His Highness gave you."

Interrupting Edmond's question, Lumier paused for a moment, and continued in a slow and deliberate voice.

"I have arranged for you to meet the general manager of the Imperial Royal Bank tomorrow afternoon, this matter must be kept secret, and there must not be a third person who knows. I can be sure that this gentleman is having a headache right now, after all, 1 million gold coins is not a small amount... even for someone like him."

In the final analysis, Prince Kelin had no mortgageable assets in the Shengcheng, and the one applying for the loan was the Marguerite Tangtaisi Group—this small company that had been established for less than a month.

If the manager approved the loan, it meant that once there was a problem with this transaction, he would bear extremely serious responsibility.

After all, the total assets of the entire group that could be executed were only the house worth 5000 gold coins under their feet at this moment.

But if he didn't approve...

He had to worry that his caution would be regarded as "offense" by Kelin's family.

It was precisely because he was in such a dilemma that when Lumier handed the business card to his desk, he almost immediately agreed to the invitation to chat with Sir Marguerite Tangtaisi in person.

However, unlike the general manager who urgently wanted to chat with him, Edmond's face showed a bit of nervousness.

"You want me to convince the manager to approve the loan? This... isn't Kelin's family's reputation enough?"

If the name Kelin couldn't make the manager nod, Edmond felt that even if he went, it would be a wasted trip, and instead would make the other party feel that he was not confident enough.

And...

He felt from the bottom of his heart that the person the other party really wanted to see was not himself at all, but Prince Kelin.

Seeing through Edmond's thoughts at a glance, Lumier smiled slightly, his eyes mysterious and unpredictable.

"On the contrary."

"What you need to do is not to convince the manager, but to appease him, and let him stick to his principles."

"To put it bluntly, you have to let this loan 'first' not be approved."

There is no wall that doesn't leak wind in the world.

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

Although Baron Devoir and his neighbors were very careful not to let the wind leak, the country bumpkins living in the Bai Lu District were not really stupid after all.

They just had closed news channels, but didn't cover their ears.

As more and more citizens from the city went to the suburbs to "look at houses," they more or less smelled the wind, and the housing prices in the Bai Lu District also got out of hand.

Early morning.

The rising sun had just stood on the horizon, and the market in Bai Lu Town was crowded and lively.

The small stalls that only had a few villagers visiting in the past were now crowded with strange faces from the city.

Those citizens wore clean and tidy wool coats and leather boots, shuttling back and forth on the muddy streets regardless of their appearance.

The old man selling apples stood in front of the stall, while putting apples into paper bags and handing them to the strange faces in front of him, he couldn't help but complain to the stall owner next to him in slang.

"It's really seeing a demon! The carriages passing by my stall today are more than I saw in the whole of last year!"

"These guys are all crazy! Do you remember that house of mine with a leaky roof? I originally planned to change it into a pigsty! As a result, guess what? Suddenly a guy wearing a top hat came and stuffed me a bag of money, saying let me get out of his house... Hahaha! I have never seen such a straightforward person! That house could actually sell for 10 gold coins!"

The proprietress of the grocery store was leaning against the counter, happily interjecting: "Isn't it, my family's old house was sold yesterday, and it sold for a full 20 gold coins! My husband thought he was dreaming, and today he went to the city to look for schools for the children!"

The neighbors around were envious.

Although they also had houses, they only had one set, and if they were asked to sell, they were still quite reluctant... unless they added money.

"That doesn't count as much," the young farmer at the next stall also leaned over, mysteriously lowering his voice, "The few abandoned farms at the east end of the town are even more exaggerated, I heard that someone spent more than a hundred gold coins to buy one in one breath! If you ask me... these city people are just gambling on the rise of land prices! Isn't it said that a Prince is coming here to build a factory? I wouldn't be surprised if the price doubles again next month!"

The proprietress of the grocery store was still laughing, but when she heard this sentence, her face collapsed.

That broken farm could sell for a hundred gold coins?

She suddenly felt that she had sold it at a loss.

On the street not far away, in front of a dilapidated house, a fierce quarrel was breaking out.

A fat merchant dressed in decent clothes was waving his pipe impatiently, shouting at an old woman with a panicked face.

"Thirty gold coins?! Why don't you go rob?! For your broken house, I would thank God if I could rent it out for half a gold coin a year! If you are really sincere, twenty gold coins, this place belongs to me!"

That house was indeed broken enough, he even suspected—if the sound of his quarrel was a little louder, it might blow down the crumbling roof.

The old woman clutched the skirt of her apron tightly, although she had no bottom in her heart, she still flushed and refused to give in.

"Twenty gold coins?! Don't even think about it! I absolutely won't sell it for less than thirty gold coins! My ancestors have lived here for three generations! I... I have feelings for this land!"

Her voice had just faded, when a loud voice inserted, only to see an old gentleman holding a cane and a servant rushing over.

"Thirty gold coins! I'll pay it! This lady, let's go to the church now, let the priest testify for our transaction! Holy Xisi above, you can't go back on your word!"

Seeing the cooked duck was about to fly, that fat merchant turned green, and for a while, he couldn't care about his appearance, shouting loudly.

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

"Forty gold coins." That old gentleman holding a cane raised his chin slightly, the condescending smile carrying a hint of mockery, "You came first? I didn't see it... I only saw a scoundrel full of lies trying to facilitate the transaction with deception. Holy Xisi above, you should feel ashamed of your behavior."

Fat merchant: "%￥#@!"

The sound of the two quarreling attracted countless onlookers, and soon someone called a higher price, and this time even the old gentleman dressed in decent clothes couldn't help but panic, hurriedly urging the old woman to close the deal as soon as possible for the sake of Holy Xisi.

The old woman opened her mouth wide, clearly stunned by the soaring price in front of her, and for a while couldn't speak, almost fainting.

Fortunately, her son rushed out of the house when he heard the commotion, excitedly grabbed the hand of the old gentleman who offered the highest price, and dragged him to the church in a hurry, and this farce finally came to an end.

The tavern not far away.

The townspeople who had already started drinking morning wine were excitedly toasting each other, and even the tips given to the waiters changed from copper coins to silver coins.

Drunk, the old blacksmith was excited and flushed, patting the table with his hand: "Praise the Emperor! Praise the Prince! Just the day before yesterday, my blacksmith shop with the courtyard behind it actually sold for fifty gold coins! I have lived my whole life, and I have never seen so much money!"

He couldn't save two gold coins even if he worked for a year, and with this money in his pocket, he could directly retire and enjoy his old age!

Of course—

At the rate he was drinking, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to be carefree for too long before he had to go to the wharf to help people move boxes.

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

"What's the rush, so many people are fighting to buy, the price will definitely go up again."

"Wait again? I think you are the one gambling!" The bakery owner in the town shook his head, persuading, "I think this matter is not right, look at those people buying houses, how many of them really want to live here? What if the price falls one day, what should we do?"

The old blacksmith laughed when he heard this, hehe laughed.

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

Everyone laughed when they heard this, scolding.

"Hahaha! You old thing, you really know how to think, all the cheap things are picked up by you!"

"That is! Don't come back if you leave!"

Laughter and the sound of toasting rose one after another in the tavern, splashing beer foam and people's spit flying in the air, looking very lively.

For a whole day, almost every resident of Bai Lu Town was silently cheering the same name in their hearts.

This name is neither Holy Xisi.

Nor the Emperor.

But Prince Kelin, who made them make a fortune...

【

Divinity: Luo Yan Legend Factor: Demon King of Lei Ming County, Flame King of the South of the Wan Ren Mountains, Generous, Wealthy and Kind Prince Kelin, Civilian Councilor Born in the Demon God Hall...

Influence Share: 0.03% (↑0.01%)

Overdraft Limit: 0%

Domination Efficiency: 100%

】

Imperial Royal Academy of Arts, the ancient and magnificent stepped lecture hall was full.

Soft sunlight passed through the tall stained glass windows, sprinkling on the focused young students, and those hot and curious gazes gathered on the straight figure behind the podium.

That gentleman was none other than "Prince Kelin," who had been very popular in the Shengcheng recently.

He wore a tailored black tuxedo, with an amethyst brooch on his chest, emitting a soul-stirring light under the sunlight, just like those deep purple eyes.

Several young ladies in the front row secretly looked at those eyes, their gazes hot and shy, fearing that they would meet his gaze, but also worried that he didn't notice them at all.

It was not easy to get a front-row seat at this lecture, and it was not something that could be "taken down" by sticking a piece of paper on the table the night before.

The most front seats had long been arranged, and there were some seats that were not fixed, but also needed their family backgrounds to show their magical powers.

Students studying at the Imperial Royal Academy were not ordinary people of the Empire, either the top geniuses or those with top backgrounds.

For example, Ofia Castillon, who was resting her chin on her hands and thinking about things while looking at the podium... If it weren't for Prince Kelin, her classmates would have almost forgotten that there was such a person in their class.

The university education environment in the Empire was very relaxed, especially for distinguished people.

Some girls sitting in the back row, although they looked focused on taking notes, couldn't help but secretly lift their eyes, carefully sizing up the figure on the stage through their long eyelashes. Some also bit their pens unconsciously, their faces showing many reveries that were easily misunderstood.

As for what Prince Kelin said...

For most of the students who came for the name, it didn't actually matter, after all, just students from the painting department couldn't fill such a large lecture hall.

In short, when the students of this academy learned that—the distinguished Prince Kelin, at the invitation of Principal Hilfin, was going to hold a public lecture in the academy's lecture hall about "Avant-garde Art School: Abstract Painting Style," students who were studying painting or not all ran over.

Honestly, Luo Yan was actually very glad that there were not many professionals sitting here—not even one-tenth.

After all, he didn't understand painting at all, and even the lesson plan for the lecture was done by players through tasks issued by the servants of the Great Cemetery.

Not only that.

Even the abstract painting hanging on the blackboard at this moment was the work of Baron Harvey Mi Tiya—that gentleman had promised to give him an oil painting before, and yesterday, this painting was finally delivered to him by Earl Hilfin.

Thanks to Baron Mi Tiya's work, he finally didn't have to sing a one-man show, but could appreciate the works of true masters with these future artists of the Empire as an art connoisseur and sponsor with a unique eye.

"... Truly noble art is not a simple copy of things in the natural world, but a direct confrontation with the unfathomable soul hidden in the human heart... The above is my shallow opinion on this art school."

In the corner of the lecture hall, Kawena Devoir, who followed her best friend to join the fun, suddenly realized after hearing this.

So this is abstract art?

She looked at the oil painting hanging on the blackboard again, feeling as if Baron Mi Tiya had accidentally knocked over a paint bucket, and it didn't seem to be anything special.

This... I can do it too!

In an instant, she, who had no artistic bacteria, ignited a flame of confidence in her eyes, as if she saw the hope of entering the painting world!

"Of course, this is after all an emerging school, its future is waiting for you young artists to open up."

Luo Yan picked up the water glass on the podium and took a sip, moistening his somewhat dry throat.

The lecture of more than an hour was coming to an end.

Seeing that the bell hadn't rung yet, he cast his gaze toward the teaching assistant on the side—that was the helper arranged for him by Earl Hilfin.

"Next is the free question time, Principal Hilfin has arranged an excellent teaching assistant for me, who will call names for everyone. If you have any questions, you can raise your hand to speak."

As Prince Kelin's voice fell, a burst of whispering discussions sounded in the spacious lecture hall, and soon a pair of eager little hands were raised.

In order to make her father feel that she didn't spend money in vain, Kawena also raised her hand high, but clearly, it... wouldn't be her turn.

The young teaching assistant standing on the side of the podium immediately straightened his back, scanning the students under the stage with excitement.

He still clearly remembered the "inadvertent" hint the Earl gave him earlier—be sure to create more opportunities for Prince Kelin to communicate with the "young ladies who are both talented and beautiful" in this school.

He understood too well what that gentleman meant!

Actually, there was no need for the Earl to hint at all, as early as a week ago, several servants of the young ladies had come to him to handle things.

Holding back the pressure and pretending not to see the hand raised by Miss Castillon, he quickly locked onto a young lady sitting in the front row.

That girl had a beautiful appearance, a gentle temperament, a pair of eyes like large almonds, and fair skin like sheep-fat jade. And the key was... her family gave the most, presumably she wouldn't fail Prince Kelin in terms of dowry.

"This... lady in light blue clothes, please ask your question." He coughed, making an appearance of handling things impartially.

The girl stood up gracefully, curiosity and a hint of imperceptible worship in her bright eyes, looking at Prince Kelin and saying.

"Your Highness, I am very curious... What is the Star Fall Continent you grew up in like? Is it different from the New Continent?"

This question was clearly far from art.

A few suppressed snickers came from under the stage.

Although they didn't listen carefully, they wouldn't ask such a brainless question.

Pairs of eyes were waiting for her to make a fool of herself, and even the teaching assistant's expression couldn't hold up, only able to feel heartache for her father, fearing that this money was wasted.

However, the gentlemanly Prince Kelin did not make this lady embarrassed, but instead felt glad that the assistant arranged by Mr. Hilfin accurately found a straw bag from the crowd.

This is a good thing.

Luo Yan said with a smile.

"Hmm... the Star Fall Continent is a place with beautiful scenery, there are vast forests, endless grasslands, and charming coastlines. If I were to describe it, Holy Xisi must have poured special feelings when creating that piece of land. If there is a chance, I very much welcome you all to go and see the scenery there with your own eyes."

Looking at that handsome and charming smile, the girl's cheeks flushed, and she didn't return to her seat

Orphia looked at that girl with jealousy, then raised her hand again, refusing to be outdone, but unfortunately, she was selectively ignored by Count Xierfen's confidant once again.

In the back rows of the lecture hall, whispers began to spread.

The close friend sitting next to Kawenna had a lovesick expression on her face, gazing at the figure on the podium and murmuring to herself.

"Prince Kelin is truly such a gentleman... to actually forgive that student who offended him in public just like that."

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

If one asked questions unrelated to the subject during class, they would almost certainly be mocked by the professor. This was also the reason why many nobles only came here to get a diploma and didn't actually attend classes.

This remark was agreed upon by a student from the Fine Arts Department nearby; the girl nodded in deep agreement and sighed.

"Yes... if it were Baron Mi Ya, he would definitely have scolded her until she cried, then mercilessly kicked her out of the classroom."

And after that, that student probably wouldn't have the face to come to class for several days.

These were all things that had happened before.

"Really? Is Professor Mi Ya that short-tempered?" Kawenna looked surprised. She had heard the professor's name; it was said he was a remarkable painter and also a handsome man.

"Generally speaking, no, but in his professional field, his persistence reaches the point of paranoia."

Speaking of this, the girl's face showed a troubled expression as she continued.

"And I don't know if it's my imagination, but I feel like he is more patient with boys, but a bit too harsh on girls."

Hearing this gossip, Kawenna looked surprised, not knowing what to say.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the lecture hall became increasingly lively.

Seeing that Prince Kelin was so easy to talk to, the originally shy students began to raise their hands enthusiastically.

And this elegant and easygoing Prince remained as graceful as ever, smiling and answering every question the students asked, regardless of whether it was related to art or not.

For any questions that had nothing to do with art, he answered them quite fluently.

Especially those concerning the Jiana Continent.

At first, Luo Yan didn't think much of it, feeling quite relaxed instead.

But after this round of questions, almost all those who stood up to speak were female students, and he gradually began to feel that it was a bit inappropriate.

Seeing that young teaching assistant scouting for girls in the crowd again, he coughed lightly and reminded him gently: "Mr. Teaching Assistant, I understand your care for the ladies, but please give the gentlemen present a chance to speak as well."

The teaching assistant was feeling distressed about why he had called on so many girls to speak, none of whom had interested Prince Kelin.

Just as he was worrying, he suddenly heard these words and was taken aback.

Could it be that the one who could move Prince Luo Kexi Kelin's heart... actually wasn't a girl?!

Almost subconsciously, he turned his gaze toward a quiet, thin little boy sitting in the corner. Regardless of whether the child had asked a question or not, he blurted out in a panic.

"You, you ask a question!"

Confirming that the teaching assistant was looking at him, the boy stood up in a daze, wondering how he had ended up standing up so inexplicably when he hadn't even raised his hand.

Unprepared, he hadn't thought of what to ask, and after holding it in for a long time, his cheeks turned red like an apple hanging on a tree, immediately drawing a burst of snickering from the surrounding students.

Seeing that even people who hadn't raised their hands were being chosen, Orphia, who still hadn't gotten a chance to speak, became even angrier, her beautiful eyes glaring fiercely at the teaching assistant.

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

The teaching assistant felt a chill down his spine, trying his best not to look in the direction of the Castillon family's young lady, silently praying that she would never take revenge on him.

If you want to blame someone, blame Count Xierfen; it was all his order!

"My friend, you may sit down." Looking at the boy whose temperament was somewhat similar to Yige's, Luo Yan sighed and signaled for him to sit.

By now, no matter how slow he was to react, he had sensed what medicine Count Xierfen was selling in his gourd.

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

"This class ends here. If you have any further questions, you can ask Baron Mi Ya of the Fine Arts Department... He is a professor here, a true expert, and the author of the painting behind me. Unlike a collector like me, he will give you more professional opinions."

"If you wish to embark on the path of abstraction."

Although he said that, he actually didn't recommend these students enter this track, and had even less intention of fooling these flowers of the empire into wasting their lives on things that even he might not be able to figure out.

However, he had ultimately underestimated the appeal of the name "Prince Kelin."

As soon as his words fell, thunderous applause erupted in the lecture hall, and pair after pair of fiery eyes shone like magic crystal lamps.

A mudslide about to sweep through the imperial art world was brewing in silence!

As for what shape this trend would take once it flooded, I'm afraid even Saint Xisi might not know...

(End of chapter)