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Chapter 581: Hiberlian's Answer
Chapter 581: Hiberlian's Answer
Cardinal Lanchi remained casually leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the brilliant light and shadow that sporadically burst, faded, and then burst once more from the high platform of the Nicaris Royal Palace.
In the blink of an eye, the entire palace was abuzz with excitement, and the anxious hearts of the high-ranking demons finally found relief.
Their voices rang out in victory, revival, and hope.
This gamble, which had almost ended in defeat, had been turned around spectacularly, and their elated hearts were filled with excitement.
The great demons were grateful that the Demon Realm truly had an Epic Painter who could rival the Tenth Progenitor of the Blood Clan.
Unbeknownst to them, the demon's trump card painting would prove to be even more exceptional!
"Oh?"
The normally calm gaze of the Tenth Progenitor, Ulysses, was momentarily drawn to this particular painting.
He didn't feel much disappointment or frustration; instead, a spark of interest ignited within him.
Following the demons' line of sight, he noticed the Epic Painter—a being with emerald eyes and an aura patterned like sparkling fireworks.
"My Lord Ulysses, that demon simply had the advantage of being on his home turf," Giovanni, the Blood Viscount who accompanied him, scoffed disdainfully.
As an Epic creation, even if the Tenth Progenitor Ulysses' painting was superior, the princess would inevitably choose the demons' painting over theirs.
Furthermore, if their Blood Clan hadn't wasted so much time on the road and had proper painting conditions, the Tenth Progenitor Ulysses would have undoubtedly finished his work much faster.
Given the same quality of artwork, it could only mean that Ulysses himself possessed greater skill.
Moreover, Marquis Ulysses hadn't even exerted his full strength; to him, the intended opponent had only been the True Night Lord, and this whole affair was little more than a game.
"What do you make of this painting?" The Fourth Progenitor, Duke Eduardo, inquired in a low voice.
He wouldn't blame Ulysses, for whether it was magic or a magical product, an Epic creation was virtually the pinnacle of achievement.
"Not bad," Ulysses replied, tilting his head slightly as he addressed the Fourth Progenitor, Duke Eduardo, seated behind him. "Quite impressive, in fact, among mortals."
"Is that so?" Duke Eduardo coldly huffed, propping his chin on his hand and choosing to remain silent thereafter.
However, his gaze remained unchanged, as did the outcome of today's events.
"Phew..."
Seated on the left side of the court members' section in the Regency Hall, Lisandra let out a long sigh of relief, her hand resting on her chest.
Even until the moment when the Falling Lord unsealed the paintings, she hadn't dared hope that a demon painter capable of creating an Epic work would suddenly appear.
And that demon turned out to be her neighbor, Maccassi.
At this moment, she fully understood why Her Highness the Princess had chosen a painting contest amid countless other possibilities—
The princess knew better than anyone that no matter the obstacles, as long as she conveyed that signal to Maccassi, he would win this contest for her without fail.
Time seemed to pass both quickly and slowly, and the exclamations of the demon aristocrats, like a long-awaited rain in a drought, were filled with endless passion and liberation, as if they were releasing all the emotions that had been suppressed just moments ago.
However, Lisandra had no heart to admire Mr. Maccassi's masterpiece, for the girl shining in the sunset within the painting was the most genuine and beautiful version of the princess that she had ever seen.
In the instant the demons exclaimed in awe, she had already spotted Maccassi. He sat on the stepped seating area, his approving gaze fixed on the princess.
It was as if he were asking her: "Did I do well?"
Lisandra couldn't discern any arrogance in his eyes; instead, the more the demon aristocrats cheered, the calmer he seemed.
The princess herself was calmer than Lisandra had imagined.
If she had to describe her expression at that moment, it resembled the girl in the painting.
It was the kind of look one gave when gazing upon a beloved man.
However, without a mirror, she couldn't see the expression in her own eyes at that moment.
After a long moment of locking eyes with Lanchi, Hiberlian suddenly seemed to be snapped back to awareness by the commotion in the throne room, and she averted her gaze as if waking from a dream.
As Hiberlian gazed at the painting once more and glanced at Lanchi, her heart raced uncontrollably.
Hiberlian bowed her head in a fluster, trying to regulate her breathing, but she felt utterly breathless, as if she had forgotten how to exhale.
"Your Highness, which painting do you choose?"
Fall Lord Caliella looked at the princess, her cheeks flushed, and a smile of amusement played on her lips.
While all the demons had panicked, she remained calm, maintaining the princess's dignified demeanor.
Now that all the demons were celebrating, the princess was the one who faltered, no longer resembling a proud daughter of the demon race.
Although Caliella knew the princess's decision, it was necessary to complete the formalities.
More crucially, she was intrigued to hear the princess muster the courage to declare her choice publicly.
"This one."
Hiberlian's voice was barely audible as she raised her slender arm and pointed to the painting.
"I can't hear you."
Lord Caliella placed her hand to her ear and tilted her head slightly, as if the noise in the hall was too loud for her to discern the princess's words.
As Caliella's hand rose, the din in the hall gradually subsided, and the demons sitting in the seats slowly quieted down, once again focusing their attention on the high platform at the end of the throne room. They returned to their seats with the poise expected of the noble and prestigious demon race.
"Alright, Your Highness, please tell me seriously, which artist do you wish to become your husband?"
Lord Caliella inquired with utmost seriousness and solemnity.
The silent air only heightened Hiberlian's awareness of the gravity of the moment, and she instinctively dug her feet into the ground as if preparing to flee.
But the Fall Lord was right beside her.
There was no escape from this powerful ninth-rank demon.
In her extreme embarrassment, Hiberlian felt lightheaded.
She knew Lanchi was watching her, awaiting her response.
Even though she understood that this might all be an act, she couldn't discern how much of it was real and how much was pretend.
They had always been there for each other since they first met. They were classmates, companions, and dearest friends, sharing a pure friendship that she treasured above all else.
She feared that once she gave her answer, everything would change.
Having brought nothing but misfortune to those around her since childhood, she knew better than to be greedy or to overstep her bounds. She didn't dare to ask for more from Lanchi.
However, now that she had a glimpse of his true feelings, she wanted nothing more than to impulsively accept him.
She kept reminding herself that it was a simple matter, but when the moment came, the words stuck in her throat. She felt she would burst with embarrassment, as she had never had to express her "like" for someone in words before.
The next second, she would say it.
Hiberlian clenched her fists, urging herself to hurry.
Time ticked by, and Lord Caliella's expectant gaze made Hiberlian feel like she couldn't hold out any longer.
The waiting demons in the hall grew increasingly restless, and the slight clinks and clatters became more frequent.
"Your Highness..."
Lord Caliella's voice carried a hint of disappointment.
Her patience seemed to be wearing thin.
"If the princess doesn't give me her answer soon, I'll have to choose one for her."
"This one!!!"
Hiberlian lifted her head, her eyes shining with determination, though they were brimming with tears of embarrassment.
"I'll marry him!" Hiberlian exclaimed, pointing to [Portrait - Her Golden Moment], as if mustering all the strength in her being.
In that instant, the entire Regency Hall erupted in cheers as the demons jumped to their feet, bowing and pumping their fists in celebration.
(End of Chapter)
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