https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-490-Sigrid-Prepares-to-be-a-Courier/12584683/
Chapter 489: Lanchi's Painting of Sigrid
Chapter 489: Lanchi's Painting of Sigrid
In a secluded space, tall doorframes stood erect, and ancient mysteries and paintings adorned the walls, as if encapsulating timeless tales.
Only Lanchi and Sigrid occupied the spacious area spanning hundreds of square meters, creating an atmosphere of vastness.
Lanchi gazed at the sleeping Sigrid.
Behind the main seat, an array of glass bottles and jars were meticulously arranged, from amber-hued goblets to clear liquors, reflecting the midday sunlight and making the center of attention all the more dazzling.
"Hmm."
Lanchi walked over to the easel, gently shifted it, and sat down not far from Sigrid, in a corner of the gallery near the window.
These painting tools might have been in Sigrid's possession for a long time, or perhaps they were prepared in advance by her direct subordinate, Gloria.
"Meow."
The Cat Boss remained on the ground, watching Lanchi paint as it usually did when he crafted cards.
It rarely dared to get this close to Lanchi.
In its experience, paintbrushes in his hands tended to transform into heavy artillery.
Seeing Lanchi painting so quietly was rather unsettling for the Cat Boss.
Moreover, could he even paint?
Despite their long association, the Cat Boss had never witnessed him paint seriously.
Lanchi stared at the paintbrush in his hand, as if communicating silently with it.
"Who would've thought that one day I'd be using you to paint," Lanchi mused softly.
"..."
The Cat Boss wanted to say something but held back.
"Alright, here goes nothing."
Lanchi chuckled to himself, beginning to sketch and paint, his gaze towards the distant figure filled with respect and admiration.
Recalling the past two months spent with Sigrid, a myriad of smiles graced his face.
His rare seriousness shone through in every stroke, each one seemingly narrating the story of their time together.
Although he had never painted Sigrid before, he didn't need to look up at her sleeping face to capture her likeness.
On this warm spring afternoon, Sigrid slept peacefully in the main seat.
Lanchi picked up a skill he hadn't practiced in a long while, a relaxed smile playing on his lips as he wholeheartedly focused on painting Sigrid's portrait.
She looked every bit a queen, elegant and serene.
Lanchi sat across from her, quietly guarding her slumber, unwilling to disturb the rare tranquility they had found.
It felt like they were back on that endless winter snowfield, one sleeping and the other keeping watch, time flowing at an exceptionally slow pace.
It had been a journey of desperation, yet despite the uncertainty of their future, they had never faltered.
The clock ticked away.
The Cat Boss, waiting by his side, blinked in growing astonishment, its mouth agape.
As the golden afternoon sun shone through the window, casting ripples of light across the gallery, Lanchi's painting neared completion.
"Not bad."
Lanchi smiled, putting the final touches on his creation.
He held the paintbrush in mid-air, admiring his work.
Indeed, putting effort into it made all the difference; it looked much better than he expected.
"Meow?!?"
A startled whisper sounded from the Cat Boss as it stared at Lanchi in disbelief.
It didn't dare wake Sigrid, but it couldn't believe Lanchi had painted such a masterpiece!
After finishing his painting, Lanchi put down his brush and glanced at Sigrid, still asleep in the high-backed chair.
In her slumber, she seemed at peace, as if all her troubles and worries had faded away.
Lanchi bent down and carefully picked up the Cat Boss, gently maneuvering around the easel and walking past Sigrid, sparing one last glance at her.
The Cat Boss wriggled slightly in his arms.
"Alright, Cat Boss, let's go."
Lanchi petted the Cat Boss and left Sigrid's gallery with it in his arms.
...
The minute hand on the clock almost completed a full revolution, and the sound of bells seemed to ring once more in Sigrid's gallery.
Her eyelids fluttered, and she awoke from her spring afternoon nap, slowly opening her eyes.
It felt as though she had just emerged from a long and pleasant dream.
A dream that left a lingering impression.
"I slept for quite a while," Sigrid remarked as she gazed at the clock and stretched leisurely, feeling refreshed.
She rose and made her way towards the entrance.
Gloria had probably arrived with the Helrom Broadcasting Company crew. They were here to interview Sigrid and tour her collection of artwork.
Opening the door, she found Gloria standing outside with a group of people behind her.
"Your Excellency Bishop, the guests from Helrom Broadcasting Company are here," Gloria introduced them respectfully.
The leading guest was none other than the current host of the Protoss' national-level program, the 'Helrom Evening Show', Leora Franklin. It was she who had hosted the interview with Rocky McCarthy.
"Welcome, Miss Leora," Sigrid greeted her and led the crew inside.
"It's an honor to meet you, Bishop Sigrid. If possible, I'd like to invite you and Mr. Rocky McCarthy to be guests on the 'Helrom Evening Show'," Leora requested.
"Hmm, that might have to be a while. After all, he's even busier than I am," Sigrid replied with a chuckle.
As they chatted, they toured the gallery, and despite having just woken up, Sigrid exuded her usual composure.
In this space filled with art and culture, a discourse on beauty, history, and personal taste was about to unfold.
Even Leora was awestruck by the grandeur and beauty of the collection, capturing every detail within.
Led by Sigrid, they began their exploration of the gallery, wandering among the artifacts and antiques, conversing as they went, with Sigrid explaining amicably and calmly, answering Leora's questions with ease.
"Why is there an easel over there? It looks like a freshly completed painting."
Leora's attention was immediately drawn to the easel by the window as she walked through the main hall of the gallery.
"Want to take a guess who the artist is?"
Sigrid couldn't help but smile.
She had been sleeping so soundly that she had just been woken up by the doorbell and hadn't had a chance to look at the painting yet.
But the plan all along had been to let everyone see Rocky McCarthy's artwork.
"Oh? Could it be..."
Leora's curiosity was piqued, and she took a few steps forward, a mix of surprise and anticipation on her face, with the camera crew following her lead.
When they faced the easel, they all froze, unable to utter a word.
Even Leora, with her decades of hosting experience, was transfixed by the painting, unable to process what she was seeing.
After a long moment, they exclaimed in awe, their voices filled with sincere admiration.
"..."
Sigrid was perplexed by their reaction and glanced at Gloria, who was accompanying the crew. Gloria seemed just as confused, as if asking: Bishop, haven't you seen it yourself?
Sigrid quickly walked around to the other side to get a clear view of the painting.
And then she saw it.
It was as if the entire world had been illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Sigrid was utterly stupefied.
The woman on the canvas stood tall, her light-colored hair cascading down her back, her eyes like stars shining in the night sky, or like violets blooming in spring. The aura she exuded was that of the only queen in this world.
Her domineering yet peaceful gaze was like a clear and tranquil lake, within which lay a sharp sword that could pierce through an opponent's heart.
But.
There was an indescribable softness hidden within her eyes.
Without needing to ask, the people of Helrom could guess that this painting was a gift from Rocky McCarthy to Sigrid.
Because this was how Rocky saw Sigrid, and this was the side of Sigrid that only Rocky could bring out—
She was born to be the center of attention, but her heart belonged to only one.
[Portrait · Dedication to Bishop Sigrid]
Type: Artwork
Grade: Epic
Tier: 1
Any sentient being who beholds this portrait will recover a small amount of spirit and stamina, and their respect for the bishop in the painting will increase. There is a chance that their stamina attribute limit will permanently increase slightly, but only once.
...
The Helrom South Station was bustling with activity as the sun set, casting long shadows in the concourse.
The high dome supported the massive curtain wall structure, and at regular intervals along the way, crystal screens displayed programs from the Helrom Broadcasting Company.
People hurried by, some pulling suitcases, others checking their tickets, their faces a mix of haste and anticipation for their journeys.
Lanchi, accompanied by his three friends, strolled through the concourse toward the platform.
At some point, a buzz of conversation began to fill the concourse, and more and more people looked up at the screens, their expressions a mix of surprise, causing a brief commotion.
The light from the screens cast shadows of light and dark across the space, drawing the attention of passersby.
Their gazes were transfixed on the unexpected appearance of a painting on the screens.
The painting seemed to strike a chord with everyone, whether they were hurried travelers or station staff, as they were captivated by the expression in the subject's eyes.
"Wow, isn't that Miss Sigrid? Who's the artist?"
Antanas was the first to notice the commotion and dropped his suitcase to run over and look at the nearest crystal screen.
"Wait, didn't Wang just go to see Miss Sigrid..."
Sinora muttered, a look of surprise on her face.
"..."
Plana also sensed that something was amiss and stared at Lanchi.
Lanchi wore a slight smile and didn't say much.
He looked at the painting on the screen, but his gaze wasn't on the artwork; instead, it rested on the figure in the corner.
"Wow, Wang, you're quite the daredevil."
Antanas ran back, shaking Cat Boss in his arms, exclaiming in surprise.
By now, everyone in Helrom must have realized who the artist was!
"Alright, let's go, or we'll miss the mag-lev train to Liloram City."
Lanchi picked up his suitcase and started walking.
"Do you have any other works?"
Plana walked alongside Lanchi, curiosity shining in his eyes, his attention now fully on the artist.
"There's another one that I did casually, but it's not nearly as good as this one."
Lanchi thought of the one at home and shook his head with a smile.
Plana seemed to understand instantly who the subject of that painting was.
In his impression, Talia had always been a very aloof demon princess.
For some reason, when she was with Wang, she seemed to turn into a comedic character.
Oh well, it wouldn't be polite to think about it further; he would understand when he returned with Wang and saw Talia.
(End of Chapter)
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