Read Novel Full Chapter 1502: Meeting Lady Annette
Chapter 1502: Meeting Lady Annette
After leaving the hotel, Fallon led everyone to Lady Annette’s store. She had already been informed that they would be coming today, so she had prepared to welcome them.
Along the way, they heard whispers of a young swordsman disrespecting the son of a certain demigod. Because of that, the demigod had sent people to look for and capture him.
Kent, who knew he was the one they were looking for, merely smiled. Lene held the same expression since she was there when Kent disciplined the bastard.
In truth, she knew Kent could have killed the brat if he had wanted to.
The reason had to do with two things.
First is the fact that he had already reached a level of understanding that sword kings, regardless of how long they had lived, would not be able to achieve. In his memories of Jest, he had already lived to the point where he reached the peak of the Sword Legend stage.
That knowledge, combined with the fact that he had met the Sword Dao and even inherited a part of its legacy, raised his understanding to a level no simple swordsman could attain.
That Sword Divine stood no chance.
Maybe if it had been a martial contest of cultivation, he would have won. But with how robust Kent’s sword energy had become, his defeat was justified.
After walking for a few minutes, they arrived at the store. It was crowded as ever. However, they aren’t about to join any queue.
"Ah, Lady Fallon, welcome back. My Lady is expecting you."
Unlike before, when she had to walk to the main gate, they were led to a side door and taken straight to a meeting room prepared for this meeting.
The moment they entered, Kent’s eyes landed on Lady Annette, causing him to furrow his brow. ’So harmless, yet mysterious.’
While she did not have much knowledge when it came to martial cultivation, Kent could tell there was something about her that made him feel like she was dangerous.
"Welcome, honoured guest. I am Lady Annette, the owner of the Blue Haven Antique Shop," Lady Annette said with a polite smile. "I have worked with Fallon a few times, and judging by how excellent her service is, I have a feeling she would not recommend you if she did not believe in your art."
Her words were directed at Kent, making him realize she was aware he was the one Fallon had talked about.
Kent smiled. "Looks like you do not only have eyes for antiques, you have eyes for people, too."
"Not as detailed and clever as Fallon, but I get by,"
"Well, you would not be disappointed with what I have to show today. But before that, I want to know how you run your business. Depending on the outcome of today’s discussion, there is a chance of having more dealings in the future."
"Very confident of you to say that. Though I must ask, how sure are you that today’s dealings will go anywhere? In case you are getting the wrong idea, know that I only granted this meeting because Fallon asked me to.
You may not think much of me, considering I was eager to meet you. However, when it comes to dealing in antiques and rare treasures, I am among the top three on the entire Ice Continent and within the top 20 in the entire world.
So, to answer your question, I am not someone too eager to acquire rare art. While I would love to have it, I have seen many paintings that I am sure yours cannot—"
Lady Annette’s words caught in her throat when three paintings appeared from thin air. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, Kent saw she was lost for what to even think.
’Not the first sight I have seen, and it most certainly would not be the last,’ Kent said inwardly.
Standing on a mountain 20,000 km from Lady Annette’s store, Inaya and Ainna also widened their eyes.
"S-Spirit Paintings," Ainna muttered, her shocked look saying a lot more than she would have loved to, considering how much she hates Kent.
"Died a swordsman and came back a Spirit Painter," Inaya muttered. "Just what have you become, Jest?"
Inside the meeting room, Kent smiled:
"What do you think, good enough to make the top three antique dealers in the Ice Continent take me up on my offer?"
Lady Annette nodded like a kid being presented with candy. Seeing this, Fallon and the others smiled. They knew Kent had nothing to fear since his paintings were just out of this world.
"These three paintings are just too much for even me." She turned her gaze toward Kent and asked, "How did you come up with these concepts? No, a better question: how were you able to create something this profound?"
"An artist never reveals his secrets. That said, these are just a sneak peek into what I am capable of. If you want more, you must first listen to my terms."
"I am all ears,"
"My offer is simple. Aside from the Demon Heart Gaze, you can pick one of the two remaining and keep it. The other one, alongside the Demon Heart Gaze, will be auctioned.
Of course, we both know such a painting will earn you more than you will be spending. This is why the second thing I want from you is to use your Teleportation Gate to travel to the Elven Continent.
We will pay for the Spirit Crystals involved. If these conditions are met, I will provide three more paintings, which you can either put on display or auction. In the future, if I have more paintings, I will remember you."
"I accept."
"That was fast."
"If you had any idea how rare Spirit Paintings are these days, you would not have given me one for free. That said, since you have given it to me, you cannot take it back."
Kent smiled. "I am not petty, Lady Annette. But the same applies to you; since we have come to an agreement, you cannot go back on your word."
"Don’t worry. You can use my teleportation gate whenever you want."
What Kent did not know was that, after the Era of the Divine Beast Tamer, the world of Spirit Painters continued to grow for a few more eras before, out of nowhere, the Soul Temple struck, and over 95% of them were either captured or killed.
The few that remained went into hiding, some even dropping their brush and promising to never touch them again. Just as Immortal Crystals have become rare, Spirit Paintings are the same, even rarer.
Kent, of course, did not know that. But even if he did, he isn’t afraid of the soul temple, not when he planned to destroy them. He could easily paint more because he had the means.
"Take this. It is a VIP pass for the auction happening in a week’s time. Fallon knows the auction house, so do well to come."
Kent received the token and stored it in his space ring.
"By the way, what name should I tell the auctioneer?"
"My name is Jaqen, but when it comes to my painter name, tell them these paintings came from the Nine Stars Chaos Brush."
He thought long and hard about the name he would be using, and this felt better. In the past, he was called the Nine Destiny Divine Brush.