https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-548-Sigrid-Does-Not-Dream-of-Lanchi/12584851/
Chapter 549: Lanchi Begins the Restoration of the Divine Statue
Chapter 549: Lanchi Begins the Restoration of the Divine Statue
In the independent city-state of Fort Greyrock, also known as Little Stone City, the dawn's early light cast a soft glow over the snowy northern tundra. The temple within the city had long been illuminated, its halls bustling with shadowy figures.
Though it was already eight in the morning, the sky remained darkened. In this city-state, daytime lasted only about six to seven hours.
"I heard that today's ceremony will be presided over by the Grand Lord Argome himself," whispered a voice.
"And the priests will supervise the human artisans from the Peland Empire," added another.
"It's been years since we've seen a master artisan bold enough to take on the restoration work. For an artist capable of repairing the divine statue, this compensation is negligible."
Not to mention the risks involved in traveling from the comfortable heart of the Human Empire to the Land of Eternal Night.
At the moment, most of the beastmen residents believed that this was a goodwill gesture from the Peland Royal Family, sending a noble and patriotic artisan to forge a friendship with the beastmen during these turbulent times.
Both inside and outside the temple, beastmen gathered, their voices filled with anticipation and reverence.
Their faces reflected their devout expectations.
Whether or not the outcome would satisfy them remained to be seen, depending solely on the skill and reliability of the artisan, as guaranteed by the Peland Royal Family.
Anything less would only incite their fury.
The interior of the Rock Temple was arranged with solemn dignity.
Tall stone pillars bore ancient totems of the bear-kin, and the walls were adorned with murals and carvings symbolizing the Earth God. In the flickering lamplight, the temple exuded a sacred aura.
At the edge of the main hall's altar, layer upon layer of barriers had been dispelled, revealing the divine statue.
Carved from ancient black granite imbued with magical energy, the statue stood at a height of three meters. Every detail of its maintenance reflected the reverence of the bear-kin throughout the generations.
The statue's expression was one of steadfast calm, its hands clasping a massive stone hammer, symbolizing strength and promise.
Within the hall, beastmen priests, clad in the traditional vestments of Fort Greyrock, had already begun their prayers, creating an atmosphere of tense solemnity.
The Grand Lord Argome of Little Stone City, Priestess Ilena, and several dignitaries of the city-state, eager to witness the restoration ceremony, had gathered early.
As time passed, Lanchi entered the temple, having changed into a loose work outfit.
Sigrid stood at a distance by the entrance, her presence a safeguard should Lanchi require a swift escape.
Lanchi's arrival immediately captured the attention of all the beastmen, and the temple fell silent.
"We are deeply grateful to Queen Kexia for sending her royal artisan to aid us in restoring the divine statue," Grand Lord Argome said, his voice heavy with gratitude as he clasped Lanchi's hand.
"And I thank you for your trust," Lanchi replied with a smile.
Before him stood the seven-stage Grand Lord, a formidable bear-kin warrior towering at a height of two meters. He was the protector of this beastmen city-state and one of the most amicable beastmen lords towards humans in the Land of Eternal Night.
His dense white fur and deep, dark eyes exuded a rugged yet wise aura. He had successfully governed Little Stone City, fostering its prosperity.
However, to Lanchi, this bear-kin warrior was simply adorable, his fluffy fur adding to his charm. Indeed, the beastmen of this world possessed a unique allure.
"Mr. Lochy, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Sebas. He is a fellow human from the Peland Empire and the current representative of the Shengshi Chamber of Commerce in our city," Grand Lord Argome said, proceeding to introduce Lanchi to the priests and notable figures in attendance, including humans.
"My apologies, but aside from my meetings with Her Majesty Queen Kexia and my dedication to my work, I rarely associate with unfamiliar nobles." Lanchi responded to Grand Lord Argome's probing inquiry. During his stay in Helsalem, he had indeed heard of the organization known as the "Shengshi Chamber of Commerce," which boasted of providing the utmost service even in turbulent times.
"Oh?" Grand Lord Argome turned his gaze towards Division Chief Sebas. Lanchi followed his gaze and saw that the division chief, a man in his thirties with a graceful demeanor, sharp blue eyes, and neatly combed short brown hair, had been introduced by the Grand Lord.
"No problem. Now that we've met, we'll soon be able to witness Mr. Lochy's skills for ourselves," Division Chief Sebas replied smoothly. Lanchi could tell that the two men had likely discussed him, Lochy McCassy, before he arrived, but due to their respect for Queen Kexia and Lanchi's flawless response, they couldn't voice any further doubts.
After Grand Lord Argome completed the introductory formalities, he addressed the beastmen gathered inside and outside the main temple hall. "I would like to introduce to you all a great artist. He is a court artisan favored by the Queen of Peland, and his skills are guaranteed by the Prime Minister of the Peland Empire—Mr. Lochy McCassy!" he exclaimed, introducing Lanchi to the beastmen.
This was met with a burst of enthusiastic cheers. In a corner of the temple, Sigrid felt a twinge of worry. It was normal for these beastmen, who had not heard of the Peland Empire, to not question Master Lochy McCassy, the royal artisan. However, the problem was that even she, as a citizen of the Peland Empire, had never heard of this craftsman's name.
In her opinion, Lanchi didn't seem capable enough to restore the ['Statue of the God of Rocks and Shelter'].
['Statue of the God of Rocks and Shelter']
[Type: Artwork]
[Grade: Sacred (Damaged)]
[Attribute: Earth]
[Tier: 1]
[Those who behold this statue will regain a small amount of spiritual and physical energy, and their faith in the God of Rocks and Shelter will slightly increase. Due to years of natural wear and tear, its effects have been halved.]
As a fifth-tier practitioner, Sigrid could barely discern the attributes of this ancient relic statue using her Appraisal magic. Any enhancement or further damage to this priceless work of art would surely be noticed by the beastmen priests present, and the consequences would be dire.
"Come on, step it up a bit..." Sigrid muttered to herself, "If you can't get the job done, we'll have to pack up and go home, and I won't be making much money either." According to the contract, Lanchi was expected to complete as much of the restoration work as possible, and she would only receive the full escort fee if she successfully accompanied him on his journey to the Demon Realm.
If her employer failed, it would dampen her spirits as well. However, the issue, as Sigrid understood it, was that in all of the Peland Empire, there were probably only one or two master craftsmen skilled enough to restore a Sacred-tier artifact.
Moreover, even if one had the requisite technical proficiency, a misstep could still result in failure. She could only hope that her employer had genuine talent and wasn't just a noble posing with an inflated sense of self-importance.
(End of Chapter)
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