Chapter 328 The Court of the Sages
Just as Baron Tich Kosia was walking along the road that "Prince Colin" had passed, towards the Imperial Royal Hotel, His Royal Highness the Prince from the continent of Janna finally settled in the "palace" where he stayed in the Holy City.
This manor is called "Sage's Courtyard" and is located on Sage Street 1, the most artistic and academic area on the outskirts of the Holy City.
Different from No. 11, Zhongcheng Street, where the Dantès family lives, there is neither the smell of vegetable washing water nor the tinkling of cobblers. The water in the fountain is crystal clear, and the air is filled with the fragrance of paper and ink... Everything is as beautiful as the world in an oil painting.
This neighborhood was renowned throughout the empire for its gathering of many artists, scholars, and cultural elites. The most prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts in the empire, as well as a number of private painting schools and art salons, were lined along the streets, thus attracting many freelance painters and academic teachers and students to settle here.
The streets paved with red bricks are filled with young and beautiful young men and women. Some of them are students from art colleges, and some are teachers and scholars giving lectures.
One end of Nakanzhuang Avenue connects to the square in front of St. Clement's Cathedral, and the other end faces the manor of the Hilfin family.
It is precisely because of this that there has been a saying unknown to outsiders in the art circles of the Holy City and even the Empire - the reason why the dream avenue of the Imperial artists is named "Sage" is not because of the Royal Academy of Art located in the center of this street, but because of the "Court of Sage" of the Sylfen family.
The decoration of the entire manor is luxurious yet sophisticated. The neatly manicured green lawns set off the white and gold courtyard walls. The complex reliefs and carved columns are like a living epic. Every feather hides a history that cannot be finished in one night.
The core vaulted gallery and the portraits of celebrities, heroes, and legendary people hanging in the gallery are the common desire of thousands of artists and poets on this planet.
The value of those paintings can no longer be measured in gold coins.
Comparing this place, even the most prominent and cultured Andean family in Thunder City look like an illiterate nouveau riche.
The carriage stopped in front of the door. The guard on duty at the door took two steps forward, respectfully opened the door for the two of them and put down the footrest.
Count Cassit Hilfin accompanied Prince Colin out of the carriage and sent him to the door, speaking in a humble tone.
"The time spent with you is so unbearable. Although I hope to keep chatting with you, I think you must be more in need of rest now that you are so tired from traveling."
"During your stay in the Holy City, please treat this place as your own home. If you need anything, please inform the steward of the manor, and Mr. Stein will definitely make arrangements for you. As for me, I will not disturb you much."
Standing behind Earl Cassit, a slender middle-aged gentleman nodded respectfully. There is a pair of monocles on the bridge of his nose, a rope connected to his ironed collar, and his beard is trimmed as neatly as the green plants in the front yard of the manor.
It can be seen that Mr. Stein is a meticulous person.
"Your Highness, if there is any place where the hospitality is not good, please don't tell me politely."
"I will, Mr. Stein."
Luo Yan nodded with a smile, and then looked at Earl Cassit continued, "If you have troubled me on this journey, please send me here."
Tuff, who was lying on his shoulder, had already dozed off, with her tail hanging around his neck. It was obvious from her unprepared look that she was really tired.
Not far away, Sarah in a cloak nodded slightly and saluted him, and behind her were caravans filled with goods.
At this moment, the servants in the manor were busy unloading the goods from the car in cooperation with the dock workers who were transporting the goods.
Most of these goods are Prince Colin's daily necessities, ranging from mattresses, chairs and other bedding to teapots and cups for drinking tea.
Like the character in Thunder City, "Prince Colin" is a nobleman with extremely high pursuit and taste in life. He is definitely not comparable to the group of upstarts in the New World and the prairie dogs who dug up gold.
Looking at Prince Colin who expressed his gratitude, Kassite smiled gently and continued.
"Where are you talking? It is the honor of the Hilfin family to entertain His Highness. In addition, the welcome banquet hosted by His Royal Highness the Regent tomorrow night will be held at the Valencia family's manor, and my servants will come here to greet you."
The Valencia family is the leader of the empire's elders. There have been three regents in the past century. Luo Yan heard Teach mention this on the ship.
Including "Gregory IX" and the Holy See Faction behind the Sylfen family, and Marshal Rako Eberg and the influential Officer Faction in the army behind the Royal Knights loyal to the emperor... Luo Yan also knew these things.
Although Tichkosia's family has never been to the main table, they are still members of the "Holy Light Nobles" circle. Their level is higher than those who are divorced from specific people and interests all day long and make suggestions for the empire and hell.
According to the humble opinion of Mr. Baron, on the surface it was only the Sylfen family who came to greet them at the port this time, but behind the "surface reserve", all three major factions actually cast unbearable glances at him.
As for what they couldn't control, it was a bit too much for Teach, who had never been on the table before, and had to be personally observed by His Highness "Prince Colin".
After explaining the schedule for the past few days, Cassit paused for a moment, smiled sheepishly as if he had remembered something, and continued in a relaxed tone.
"Oh, by the way, there is also a personal invitation about me... It's what we talked about on the carriage before. Baron Harvey Medea, who painted for you, has arrived at the manor and will live in the manor's villa during this period. He is very interested in you and is available at any time. As long as you have time, you can summon him to you at any time."
Luo Yan thought for a moment after hearing this, and then responded with a smile.
"It's better to choose a day than to hit the sun. Since Baron Medea has already arrived, we might as well arrange it today."
Kassite was slightly surprised, and then said with a smile.
「那就……今天的晚些时候吧，您休息好了和斯坦因先生说一声便是，他会将米蒂亚男爵带来。」
罗炎微笑着点头，表示自己明白了。
Kassite bowed slightly to Luo Yan, then turned around and boarded the previous carriage, slowly driving away from the "Garden of Sages".
The distinguished guests were delivered to their destination, and the Royal Knights also headed back home under the leadership of the Knight Commander, heading back to the Royal Palace in the center of the Holy City.
As to whether the knight commander plays the role of the emperor's spy or the marshal's spy, it is unknown.
The three major factions have all offered themselves olive branches, and 80% of them include the chess pieces of Hell buried in the Holy City. Not surprisingly, Mr. Karamos has also focused his eyes on the stage under his feet, and he may have even met him face to face.
Watching the carriage carved with golden roses and scrolls and the knights holding lances go away, Luo Yan's lips curled up with an imperceptible smile.
Things are starting to get interesting.
I don’t know if Teach and Lumil are still going well. Their mission is also an indispensable part of his huge plan.
Withdrawing his gaze from the street, Luo Yan looked at the housekeeper waiting in front of the door, cleared his throat and said.
"Mr. Stein, I want to take a break first. I hope to arrange the meeting with Baron Harvey Medea after three o'clock in the afternoon, preferably at dusk. We can meet directly in his studio then. I hope he has prepared the painting tools in advance."
Stein nodded respectfully and remembered every word he said.
「是，老爷。」
……
时间很快到了黄昏。
Since they agreed to meet in the studio, Luo Yan did not greet Harvey in the manor. Instead, after entrusting the sleeping Taff to Sarah, he directly got into the carriage prepared by Mr. Stein and went to Harvey Media's private studio.
It is worth mentioning that this studio is not far from the "Sage's Garden", even a little closer than the distance from the annex to the main building of the manor. It is a three-story bungalow next to the Imperial Academy of Art on Sage Street 1.
This exquisite little villa has an exterior wall covered with green vines, which is exquisite and quiet. There are several blooming wisterias planted in the yard, and the air is filled with a light floral fragrance, demonstrating the owner's taste.
Let the coachman wait at the door. Luo Yan walked through the small courtyard alone, walked up and knocked on the door. The person who opened the door was a young girl.
She has a delicate face, shy and clear eyes, her chestnut wavy hair is half tied behind her head, and a few strands of broken hair fall casually around her ears. She looks like a student from the art academy next door, and most likely the assistant of Baron Media.
This lady seemed to be poor at speaking, and was especially afraid of strangers. Her voice was as thin as a gnat: "Are you...His Royal Highness Prince Colin?"
Luo Yan nodded to her gently: "Exactly."
The girl quickly stepped aside to make way, bowed slightly, and whispered: "Baron Medea is already waiting for you in the studio upstairs... Please follow me."
Her eyes never met Luo Yan's, so Luo Yan couldn't help but wonder if she had confirmed her face.
But on the other hand, through the assistant's restrained and obstructive character, he generally had a preliminary impression of Baron Media -
If it were not for personal preference, this gentleman should be a person with a rather weak personality.
For some reason, he accidentally thought of Ige.
Speaking of it, I didn’t even have time to say goodbye to him when I left Janna continent, and I don’t know how this guy has been doing recently.
Arrived on the third floor, the girl stopped in front of a door and knocked lightly.
"Your Excellency, the Baron, His Royal Highness has arrived."
A slightly deep male voice soon came from the room.
please come in.」
The girl lowered her head and pushed open the door, and respectfully motioned for Luo Yan to enter.
"Your Highness, please."
Luo Yan nodded to her and walked into the studio in front of him. The fragrance of turpentine and ink hit his face.
The dim sunset shines through the glass windows, casting mottled light and shadow on the wooden floor. Several unfinished paintings and drafts hang on the walls.
I saw a thin man standing in front of the canvas, arranging the easel and palette. He seemed to be too busy to spare any time.
It was a face that had not seen the sun for a long time. It was as pale as a vampire, except for the bags under the eyes. Those blue-gray pupils were like chicory dropped in a deep well, and her silver-gray hair was tied back casually, with a hint of melancholy in her gentleness.
As Luo Yan expected, he is a person with a very weak aura, a bit like the middle-aged and decadent version of Igor who was tortured by General Hamelton until he lost all hope.
Seeing the respected Prince Colin, Harvey stood up in a hurry and almost knocked over the paint bucket. Fortunately, his assistant had quick eyesight and quick hands, and she stepped forward to help him, so it didn't cause a big disaster.
"Sorry, cough! I meant to welcome... Your Highness to my private studio. I didn't expect you to have time to come to my place so soon. I've been tidying up all afternoon, but I'm still in a bit of a hurry. I hope you're not too disappointed here."
Looking at Harvey who was busy saluting, Luo Yan smiled politely and returned the salute calmly.
"You don't need to be so polite, but I'm disturbing you... You are Baron Harvey Media, I heard Mr. Cassit mention your deeds. He told me that you are one of the few painters in the Holy City who even surprised His Majesty the Pope. Especially your control of color, the professors at the Royal Academy of Art combined are not half as good as you."
"Mr. Cassit praises me too much... He always speaks so exaggeratedly."
"Really? I don't think so."
Luo Yan randomly pulled a chair from the side and sat on the opposite side of the canvas, smiling.
“Let’s get started.”
…
If you want to perfectly integrate into the circle of the nobles of the Holy City without revealing any flaws, you must be on the same page as them in the smallest details.
On this point, Teach's opinion alone is not enough. Not to mention that this guy has been a pirate for ten years. Before he became a pirate, he was not a high-ranking character. It is okay to fool General Hamelton, but there is absolutely no chance of performing a five-hundred-year-old background.
Fortunately, it has been five hundred years since the Colin family left the country, and the nobles of the Holy City have kept their expectations of Prince Colin low enough. As long as Luo Yan does not behave too bizarrely, it will not arouse their suspicion.
However, to be on the safe side, Luo Yan still planned to rehearse before the welcome dinner that the Prince Regent prepared for him.
And Baron Harvey Medea is a good rehearsal partner.
Most people cannot pay close attention to every detail of themselves, but painters are different. In order to make generals more like generals and nobles more like nobles, he must put forward his own opinions from the perspective of a professional - and this is exactly what Luo Yan needs.
In the process of completing the painting "His Royal Highness", he will observe the shortcomings in his appearance and temperament in detail, and correct them with a professional's vision.
Although the title of baron is not very high in the Holy City, he is at least one vast ocean ahead of Teach in terms of personal taste and distance from the upper class of the Holy City.
Havi picked up the brush and quickly entered the state, as if he had changed. Even his appearance had changed. His sharp eyes were like the carving knife in the hand of a craftsman. There was no trace of gloominess anymore, only a meticulous edge.
This was also the first time that he looked into Prince Colin's eyes without evading them.
While he was carefully observing Prince Colin, Luo Yan, who was wearing the mask of Prince Colin, was also carefully observing the changes in his expression.
As time passed, the light of the setting sun became deeper and deeper, until it sank under the eaves.
The assistant lady brought the candlestick and lit candles in the room, replacing the setting sun outside the window with candlelight.
Harry did make a lot of useful suggestions at the beginning, but as time went by, the suggestions he could make became less and less, and more time was spent on painting rather than observing.
Luo Yan has a high level of understanding and has received professional training. One sentence is often enough for him to draw inferences.
“…Do I need to keep the same posture?” He said casually, looking at Harvey who was concentrating on the canvas.
"No, it's not necessary. It's better to say that I want to chat with you... This will help me create a more three-dimensional character." Harvey spoke quickly, without taking his eyes off the canvas.
Seeing that he no longer seemed to need to focus on him, Luo Yan relaxed his tense shoulders and his eyes began to wander along the walls of the studio.
As expected of a painter highly praised by the principals of the Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Harvey's painting skills are indeed extraordinary. He can actually make traditional oil paintings appear as lifelike as a magic photo just by using colors.
If painting could also be divided into extraordinary powers, he would probably be at the semi-god level.
Luo Yan couldn't help but think vulgarly. In a few centuries, a painting here might be able to sell for money that Mr. Harvey would never be able to earn in his lifetime.
At this moment, his eyes suddenly fell on a unique painting, and a trace of surprise appeared on his face.
Different from those lifelike portraits, this painting is very liberal in the use of colors and lines, and even looks messy, just like the graffiti drawn by a child.
"Incredible...Is this abstraction?"
Havi's hand movements paused, and then his eyes moved slightly to the side, following Luo Yan's gaze at his "randomly painted" work.
At this moment, his expression gradually turned into surprise, followed by sudden enlightenment and shock.
When he looked at Luo Yan again, his expression turned completely incredulous, and the fanaticism in his eyes even startled Luo Yan.
He just said it casually——
Why are you serious, bro?
"Abstract school? Your Highness, can you tell me in detail!"
Looking at Harvey who stopped painting completely, Luo Yan didn't expect him to be so arrogant, so he said casually based on his few remaining impressions and nonsense skills.
"The so-called abstraction... is an artistic style that escapes from concrete depiction. It does not try to depict objective things in the outside world, but expresses the inner world in a free and subjective way. Through the combination of colors, lines and structures, the viewer can directly feel the author's emotions, thoughts and even subconsciousness. "
"To put it simply, most paintings depict the objective world through the artist's hand. Only this type of art uses images from the objective world to depict the author's inner world."
Looking at Harvey who was silent, Luo Yan couldn't help but wonder if he had gone too far, so he coughed lightly and said.
"These are just my amateur's humble opinions. I am just picking up other people's wisdom. Mr. Harvey does not need to care about it——"
"No, Your Highness, your statement simply... made me suddenly enlightened! This is exactly what I have been thinking about for these years. The answer you can't get through meditation! Abstraction uses objective things to depict the artist's inner world, rather than simply imitating natural things. It turns out that this is such an explanation..." Harvey muttered, with a crazy expression on his face, so much so that Luo Yan couldn't help but worry about his mental state.
"Are you... okay?" Luo Yan asked cautiously.
Happy Saint Sis, he has never wanted to corrupt the art world of the empire. Those sluggish nobles are the targets of his corruption.
He never thought of corrupting this guy!
However, Harvey seems to be trapped in the deconstruction of the spiritual world and the exploration of art theory, unable to extricate himself.
Just when Luo Yan was wondering if he should do something, Harvey suddenly took a deep breath and calmed down.
"Me? I'm fine! I'm very good!"
Luo Yan was stunned for a moment, watching as he suddenly picked up the brush and quickly finished the unfinished part of the canvas.
Generally speaking, can oil paintings be completed so quickly?
Just when Luo Yan was confused, Harvey turned the canvas over and showed Luo Yan the result of his painting - sitting in the frame was a gentle yet majestic prince. The aura he exuded was indeed worthy of the more than seven million square kilometers he dominated.
There is no doubt that this is a masterpiece!
However——
That’s all.
Even if it is lifelike, it is just one scroll among thousands of scrolls, a feather that embellishes the wings of the Sylfen family, and is not enough to leave a single page in the epic.
Obviously, this is not Baron Medea’s pursuit!
Harvey looked up at Luo Yan, his eyes filled with sincerity, even pleading.
"Your Highness, the work commissioned by Count Cassit Hilfen has been completed, but I want to... create another work for you! I will use the abstraction concept you mentioned as a gift to you!"
He was worried that Luo Yan would refuse, so he quickly added.
"Don't worry, this won't take up a long time of your time. I've already imprinted your portrait deeply in my mind. You just need to answer a few questions."
Luo Yan raised his eyebrows slightly, and couldn't help but become interested, with a hint of curiosity in his expression.
"Please speak."
Seeing Luo Yan agree to him, Harvey was pleasantly surprised and took another deep breath. He put away his expression of surprise and looked at him seriously, staring at those dark purple pupils.
"First of all, please tell me your favorite color, Your Highness, it will determine the color tone of the whole painting!"
Favorite color?
Luo Yan had never thought about such a strange question, but he found it unexpectedly interesting, so he did not answer it immediately, but thought about it seriously for a while.
Suddenly, his heart moved slightly, and the corner of his mouth turned up into a playful smile.
Havi "Fire."
Harvey was stunned for a moment.
He originally thought the answer would be purple or black, which was the color he saw in his shadow, but he didn't expect it to be fire.
"Fire...flame?"
Luo Yan nodded happily.
"Yes, that is the magic I am best at."
“I like its color.”