Chapter 345

That night.

Kawenna returned to her home in the suburbs, and having just tossed her wide-brimmed hat with floral decorations to the steward, she rushed into the study without stopping, excitedly recounting what she had seen and heard today to her father.

"... Saint Xisi above, you cannot imagine how handsome and gentlemanly that gentleman was! He himself was far more moving than the portrait in the newspaper... I might not be able to sleep tonight!"

Looking at his lovesick daughter, Baron Ralph Devoir was unimpressed, merely snorting through his nose.

"Looking at you, I would have thought he shook your hand."

"Father! How could a noble person like Prince Kelin notice a baron's daughter? Can you please wake up!" Kawenna gave her father a look of disdain, her resentful eyes seeming to complain: Why can't you, old thing, try a little harder?

Ralph looked at her in surprise, not expecting his daughter to be so clear-headed, and a hint of comfort suddenly appeared in his heart.

Most of the suffering in this world is not because of how the underworld is, but because one cannot recognize one's position in the environment at one's feet—clearly being a baron but having ambitions that even a count wouldn't dare to have.

He was very pleased that she understood this truth at such a young age; he himself wasn't always that clear-headed.

"And then? You just went to join the fun?" He lit a cigar and said, puffing out smoke.

"Of course not, I found a new direction in life!" Kawenna looked at her father with eager eyes, surprisingly not complaining about the foul smell of smoke this time.

Ralph, with the cigar in his mouth, felt alert, looking at his daughter with suspicion, suddenly remembering that she seemed to have tagged along with a close friend to get the qualification to attend lectures at the Imperial Royal Academy.

Honestly, he didn't have a good impression of his daughter's friend who studied dance. That girl had come to the house last time, met him once, and then secretly wrote him a letter... What normal person would be interested in a friend's father?

Although he wasn't exactly a man of high moral character, he did have some bottom lines—at least it couldn't be his daughter's friend—so that matter went nowhere.

"What did that friend of yours say to you again? Take your father's advice: that girl doesn't look like a decent person to me, you'd better be careful of her—"

"I won't allow you to say that about her! And it's not what she said, it's what the respected Prince Kelin said! He said—the future of Shengcheng art lies in abstraction, and the artists of the Shengcheng need spiritual liberation! Our brushes should not only be used to outline nature, but should express ourselves more!"

"Don't you think he's right? If we're talking about reflecting reality, magic photographs reflect reality far better than oil paintings! Since that's the case, why should we be obsessed with realistic representation instead of pouring more ink into the catharsis of our inner world?"

"No... uh, Kelin? Is that what he said?" Ralph always felt that this statement was full of logical traps, but thinking that the other party was a Prince, and a Prince who held the governing power of a continent, he immediately felt guilty and didn't dare to think too deeply.

Kawenna nodded excitedly.

"Of course! He said it himself in class... maybe not his exact words, but I heard everyone saying so!"

Ralph almost choked on his own saliva.

It would be one thing if others hadn't gone to class and were just spreading rumors, but you, you unlucky child, went to the lecture and still had to parrot others—don't you have a brain of your own?

However—

Seeing her excited appearance, Ralph didn't want to spoil her fun.

What did it matter anyway?

He didn't actually know anything about art; although he collected many famous paintings at home, it was just to hedge against the devaluation of gold coins.

The prosperity of the Shengcheng's art world was half due to the Church's cost-no-object investment in art, and the remaining reason was the continuous decline in the purity of imperial gold coins, to the point that the empire's old money had to actively look for those "anchors" that could preserve their assets.

"I'm glad you found something you're interested in; anyway, as long as you're happy... I don't have any requirements for you anyway."

"Dad... you're so good!" A blush of emotion appeared on Kawenna's face, and her sparkling eyes were filled with moisture.

Ralph smiled with relief, but instantly became alert. Because according to his past experience, whenever his daughter was suddenly polite to him, it meant—

"Since even Prince Kelin thinks so highly of abstract art, would you be willing to sponsor a young girl's dream?" Kawenna clasped her hands in front of her chest, radiating a light like the Virgin Mary.

Ralph pondered for a long time, sighed, and finally reached out to pull open the drawer.

"Speak, how much money."

Kawenna leaned forward a bit, her eyes shining.

"1000 gold coins will do!"

"1000 gold coins will do?! Why don't you go rob someone?" Ralph's eyes widened into circles.

Kawenna, however, didn't feel there was anything wrong with her proposal at all, and instead expressed helplessness at her father's "making a fuss."

This old man didn't understand what fashion and trends were at all; if he did, he would know that this amount of money was nothing for true art.

The painting Baron Mi Ya painted for Prince Kelin was said to be valued at ten thousand gold coins already!

As long as she could cultivate one true master of abstraction, she could earn this money back in minutes.

Of course, she wasn't actually interested in making money; she had never worried about money in her life.

"I plan to hold an art salon, gather some artists who truly understand abstraction, and then hold an art exhibition themed around abstract art... Believe me, this trend will soon sweep through the entire Shengcheng! The moment for the Devoir family to bring honor to their ancestors is right here!"

The cadence of her voice sounded like it was being sung; Ralph stared blankly at his daughter, finally sighed, and tossed the money bag containing gold coins onto the table.

"Take it, I only have one requirement: don't let the Devoir surname appear at your art exhibition... Also, don't ruin my and your brother's reputation outside."

These days he had been running around the Bai Lu District to stake out land, and it had taken him a great deal of effort to save up 800 gold coins, yet they were all swindled away by a single sentence from Prince Kelin in the lecture hall.

Kawenna was overjoyed at the sight, but as soon as she picked up the money bag and weighed it, she knew it definitely wasn't a thousand, and her pretty little face immediately fell.

"Why is there only this much? My brother told me, hasn't the family been making a lot of money recently?"

"Don't listen to that spendthrift's nonsense; there isn't much truth in his mouth."

Ralph paused for a moment and continued in a softer tone.

"Our family's money is currently all in land, and the funds I can use aren't much either; save a little for me when you spend it... Once you achieve some results and need me to invest again, I will naturally pay up."

He certainly couldn't give her all 1000 gold coins; this money would only harm her.

But Kawenna clearly didn't understand her father's good intentions, only feeling that he was reluctant to part with the money.

She clutched the money in her hand and vowed solemnly.

"Just wait and see! I will definitely make a name for myself! By then I won't need your money; Kawenna Devoir will become the most famous new-generation collector in the Upper City! I will be the future of the abstract world!" Ralph was almost laughed to anger, but since it was his daughter, he just hummed.

"I hope that when you spend all the money, you can be as tough as you are now. Also, don't expect me to buy any of your trash; I'm not yet so old and senile that I can't tell good from bad."

"Just wait and see!"

Kawenna stomped her feet in anger, rushed out the door in a flurry, and slammed the study door shut.

At the Sage's Court Manor, a gorgeously decorated carriage stopped downstairs.

Two attendants in formal wear stepped forward quickly; one of them pulled open the carriage door with light movements, while the other thoughtfully placed a footstool under the door.

Sarah, wearing a cloak, was the first to leap from the carriage, replacing the human servant who was waiting attentively at the carriage door, and extended her gloved hand, respectfully guiding her Demon King Majesty down from the carriage.

These filthy humans had already pestered her Majesty long enough today; don't even think about touching him again!

Watching Prince Kelin step down from the carriage, an old steward dressed exquisitely, with white hair at his temples but meticulous in every detail, stepped forward steadily, a considerate and humble smile on his face.

"Your Highness, you've worked hard today. May I ask if your lecture today went smoothly?"

Hearing this, Luo Yan's expression was slightly strange, but he still said politely and courteously.

"Thanks to Count Xierfen's care, I had a very 'fulfilling' day today."

That was no ordinary fulfilling.

The enthusiastic students of the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts almost didn't let him leave the classroom.

One enthusiastic lady was even bolder, taking advantage of the chaos to stuff a personal item into his pocket, and Sarah, who was watching from the side, almost bristled... In any case, he had already heard the hissing sound.

There was no help for it.

Luo Kexi Kelin was just that kind of persona; he couldn't exactly chant a spell to blast away those "believers" who were chasing after him.

Sensing the subtext in Prince Kelin's words, Stein gave a wry smile, showing an apologetic expression.

"I am truly sorry that such a thing happened... but please believe me, Count Xierfen absolutely had no malicious intent; that gentleman truly appreciates your understanding of art. Of course... it cannot be denied that he did indeed hope to create some opportunities for you to interact with your peers. The students of the Royal Academy are all very good people, impeccable in both family background and character."

Luo Yan coughed lightly and said.

"Please don't misunderstand, I don't mean to blame Count Xierfen; I am very grateful to him for providing me with the opportunity to interact and communicate with the young people of the empire. It's just... if there are any unplanned arrangements next time, please tell me in advance, at least let me have some mental preparation."

"I will certainly convey your meaning to him," Stein bowed respectfully, then continued. "In addition, the Count specifically instructed me that what you need most tonight is a cup of hot tea and plenty of rest. I have already arranged for a servant to send the tea to your room, and I hope you have a pleasant evening."

Luo Yan nodded, followed the steward with Sarah behind him, passed through the main entrance and corridor of the main building, and returned to the bedroom on the second floor.

Hearing the sound of the door closing behind him and the retreating footsteps, the expression on Luo Yan's face finally relaxed a little.

Sitting on the chair by the window, he smelled the refreshing tea fragrance, feeling the day's fatigue being relieved.

There was more socializing today than he had imagined.

Especially Miss Orphia Castillon; that lady's persistence toward him exceeded his expectations... to the point where it was becoming somewhat troublesome.

He didn't know if it was Duke Andrei's instigation behind the scenes, or if the girls in the Shengcheng were just more avant-garde.

To be honest, the Demon Capital shouldn't be this open... uh, probably?

Mi Ya's face appeared in his mind involuntarily, and Luo Yan suddenly felt uncertain again.

However, he didn't want to compare Miss Partridge with others; after all, when they met, he didn't have this halo, and the compatibility between humans and succubi was also a factor that had to be considered...

In his impression, from the first day they met, she liked to find fault with him for no reason.

"You're finally back, *hic*!" A long, satisfied burp interrupted Luo Yan's thoughts; Tafu, who had finally slept enough, stretched her little wings and woke up, looking bleary-eyed.

In the last month, she had done nothing but eat and sleep, and was almost turning into a little pig.

Although she argued that someone had drugged her, Luo Yan said with a clear conscience that since coming to the Shengcheng, he hadn't used "Black Magic" even once.

He hadn't even taken out a single potion concocted from hellish recipes.

"What did you eat today?" Luo Yan asked casually, as a "good morning" for the day.

"Roast goose! Two big roast geese! And a big pig's trotter! And the roast potatoes underneath!" Tafu said excitedly, "There is just too much good food here! It's not a bit worse than your kitchen! Saint Xisi above, if I had known the natives under His command knew how to enjoy life so well, why would I have gone to such great lengths back then? Wouldn't it have been better to just help Him win?"

As long as hell was completely wiped out, presumably this brat called the Demon King wouldn't have been born!

She thought maliciously in her heart; anyway, fantasies wouldn't cost her a piece of meat.

Looking at this good-for-nothing Dragon God, Luo Yan smiled and teased.

"You didn't know back then, it wasn't that you didn't have that thing, but that your brain wasn't normal."

"Didn't have that thing?" Tafu was stunned for a moment, not understanding what this meant.

Luo Yan didn't explain, because if he did, she would definitely get anxious again.

He could even imagine this guy arguing with a red face: "The Zeta Empire's technology is number one in the universe!", "Mere natives of a primitive civilization are worthy of discussing civilized people!", "Hormones only affect work and thinking, and have no benefit to people or society!", "We produce children faster than you can jerk off, filling a planet only takes two months!", blah blah blah.

Actually, arguing about this was meaningless.

Just as Tafu still didn't fully understand what a soul was even now, he certainly couldn't understand why the Zeta civilization, which he had never seen, had embarked on the unique path of ascension as "all eunuchs."

"I'm already very tired today, I really don't have the mood to tease you; you should play with Sarah... Sarah, I'll leave it to you." Luo Yan yawned, didn't touch the tea on the table, and untied his clothes to throw them on the hanger.

There was another funeral to attend tomorrow; this was the last thing he planned to do on this trip to the Shengcheng.

"Yes, Demon King Lord."

Stealing a glance at that tall, straight back, Sarah nodded with a blushing face, and then, regardless of Tafu's baring teeth and protests, hugged the noisy little thing and went to the next room.

(End of chapter)