HTLCCBFT Chapter 133

Has The Lord’s Career Chart Been Filled Today? – Chapter 133

Unlike those vulgar noble youths from the royal city who would practically carve their family crests on their faces for show, Arte almost never mentioned his own lineage.

Even though he knew full well that others could recognize him, he insisted on presenting himself as a free-spirited artist.

However, since arriving in Laina, he had been (forced) to take on multiple roles simultaneously—textbook editor, musical playwright, illustrator, designer, and architect—all while being exploited to the point of having almost no rest time without even realizing it.

Even worse, aside from vague rewards like “being permitted to depict the divine pillars” and “being allowed to approach Oliver,” he received no actual compensation.

As for room and board… forget that he was a noble who had voluntarily come to Laina and become a “subject.”

Even if he did nothing at all, as a noble, unless he had previously offended the Lord, he would still be entitled to stay in the castle for a short period.

Even Oliver himself, the “ruthless capitalist,” sometimes felt a bit guilty and wanted to advise him to take proper breaks.

But Arte was thoroughly enjoying himself.

Not only could he spend time with his muse and share meals, but he could also engage in the work he had always dreamed of, all while enjoying such a high degree of freedom!

Even in such a remote and impoverished place, Arte felt genuinely content.

Moreover, from rough to refined, from chopping to polishing, from unbearable to breathtakingly beautiful…

Watching things transform rapidly under his own hands was always so pleasing and captivating.

After observing for most of the winter, Oliver confirmed that Arte was truly and sincerely enjoying his work.

Having such a talent come to him voluntarily was simply too good to be true.

No matter how underestimated Arte might be by the world, after this period of interaction, Oliver genuinely believed—this versatile artist was a once-in-a-century genius.

Even with this realization, when Oliver stepped into the once-abandoned Divine Temple, he was still struck with awe.

If not for the Lord of Laina’s exceptionally good memory, allowing him to recall its former appearance and compare it with the present, he would never have believed what he was seeing.

Watching the young lord’s delighted expression, Fosse’s slightly furrowed brows finally relaxed.

He discreetly glanced at the one responsible for all this—Arte—only to be met with a prepared, smug wink from the overexcited artist.

Fosse closed his eyes briefly, slowly tightening his grip on his sword hilt.

But Arte couldn’t care less.

At that moment, he was practically overwhelmed with excitement.

Even sensing the murderous intent from this strict and fierce butler, he still believed there was no greater joy in the world than this moment—confidently and proudly bringing his beloved muse to his masterpiece to showcase his abilities, filled with a sense of accomplishment!

Right now, he certainly didn’t miss the astonishment in those sapphire-like beautiful eyes.

Oliver indeed took a long time to regain his composure, carefully admiring Arte’s proud masterpiece.

The uneven roof contours, the walls layered with varying degrees of weathering and erosion, the expensive yet sand-scoured and blurred surfaces…The unsightly stained glass windows and overgrown courtyards…

Had completely become a thing of the past.

The walls made of premium stone materials were not simply discarded. After removing surface dirt, they were either covered with high-quality wooden panels painted with murals depicting stories of devout followers of the “Great Cat God,” or—in more prominent areas—directly adorned with time-consuming stone carvings. These vivid reliefs were particularly awe-inspiring.

The stone pillars supporting the main structure of the Divine Temple were all polished and decorated in imitation of the “Pillars of God” style. They fit seamlessly within the temple and, under the designer’s proper arrangement, appeared rigorous and orderly, conforming to structural logic.

Arte, who had always held a special fondness for them, made meticulous adjustments to their overall shape and ingeniously added “lightning” exterior decorations to highlight the power of the gods.

More windows were installed than before, and Arte chose neither to reuse the old temple’s already damaged stained glass nor to commission new ones. Instead, he adopted the “window without glass” model.

Oliver couldn’t help but stare at these “windows,” marveling at Arte’s ingenuity.

With more windows came fewer walls. The surplus high-grade stone was fully utilized by Arte, who led craftsmen in creating leaf-shaped stone carvings to cover the window frames.

Where there are leaves, there must be fruit: the previously removed stained glass found its purpose here. Arte ingeniously shattered it into fine pieces, scattered among the dark-colored leaves. The result was particularly dazzling, achieving an effect similar to that of rose windows.

Within the arched window frames were coin-sized circular openings—behind these openings and in front of the outer frames lay thinly polished semi-transparent stone slabs, serving as perfect partitions to control light and air flow.

Despite being fully closed, the extreme thinness of the slabs allowed hazy light to filter through.

The soft light fell upon the reliefs, casting shadows across their contours, making the carvings appear more three-dimensional and profound, thereby highlighting the majesty of the temple.

Oliver studied them intently and couldn’t resist asking, “How long does it take to create such a stone slab, and what is the cost?”

“My esteemed Highness, it costs only one silver coin to procure from Gemstone City—this includes transportation fees. A skilled stonemason can produce five such slabs in a single day!”

Hearing how low the cost was, Oliver’s eyes lit up.

…This could be considered for the upcoming theater, marketplace, and even the residential areas for freedmen.

Completely unaware that even with a relatively sufficient budget, he was still unable to help but save money for the “stingy” lord, Arte chattered on, boasting about various cost-saving tricks he had devised.

Subconsciously, he also understood that the “Great Cat God” was an incredible existence—one filled with compassion even toward slaves, yet mysteriously never revealing its Divine Statue and refusing all offerings to this day.

For such a benevolent and compassionate deity, it seemed rather meaningless to lavish the Divine Temple with vast amounts of gold.

Of course, Arte did not skimp on necessary expenses where it mattered.

For instance, the main altar—currently vacant but intended for the Divine Statue—and especially the niche were both crafted from pure gold.

That was also the first time Oliver had formally drawn upon the private assets of the duke, which he had kept stored in a chest ever since arriving in Laina.

“It’s about time.”

Oliver glanced at the Cat God, who had been standing quietly by his side all along, appearing utterly docile without even a curious glance at this new Divine Temple that belonged to “Him.” With a gentle smile, he said, “Such a beautiful new Divine Temple, crafted by my brilliant Arte… I believe the great Cat God will be satisfied.”

Arte blinked slowly, his entire body frozen in shock.

Fosse, too, was uncharacteristically taken aback, watching his young master in silence.

After speaking, Oliver offered no further explanation.

Instead, he naturally extended his right hand, took hold of the true master of the temple, and led him toward the niche with a smile.

“Y-Your Grace?”

Finally grasping the implication behind Oliver’s words, Arte could no longer suppress the trembling that wracked his body. His originally pale face flushed crimson with excitement.

He stared intently at Oliver’s retreating figure, even swallowing nervously with a complete lack of decorum, and whispered faintly, “You mean…”

But by then, Oliver had already closed his eyes and, while holding the hand of the true deity, began to chant as the “divine messenger” with a smile.

“Oh, my dear God of Wealth, Cat God, your radiance shines especially bright against the gold, outshining even the sunlight. Under your protection, devout followers have recovered lost treasures, dispelled heavy worries, and regained their former happiness and health. The fields hold the golden treasures upon which people depend for survival; all crops will break through the soil and grow. And the hills, valleys, forests, and streams you have bestowed—all nurtured by your dazzling generosity—will sustain Laina’s…”

As his voice, more melodious than a nightingale’s and more enchanting than a harp’s, softly sang, it was enough to captivate souls and intoxicate the deity who adored him.

Watching that devoutly closed-eyed profile, so flawlessly perfect, and listening to the most sacred and beautiful hymn in the world, the expression in Arte’s eyes gradually stilled, growing increasingly entranced.

At this point, Oliver, gradually feeling he could no longer improvise, decided to solemnly conclude his nonsense.

“…We lament the absence of a perfect divine altar and the lack of the most precious jewels.”

Oliver opened his eyes, a smile in his gaze, and reverently folded his hands over his chest.

Almost simultaneously, he perfectly executed the task of retrieving the “God of Wealth” cat statue from his game backpack and instantly placing it into the niche.

With the cooperation of the true deity, the golden statue of the Cat God suddenly radiated a brilliant light, forcing everyone to instinctively close their eyes.

“Ah! I shall praise you for all eternity, sacred Lord of Wealth—my one and only, sublime Cat God of Laina! Please descend! Descend upon this Divine Temple rebuilt for You! Let all witness Your great benevolence!”

Lord Laina’s voice gradually rose.

Its flawless, beautiful, and crystalline quality—much like his appearance—was enough to make even the most stone-hearted listener smile.

Just then.

Everyone heard with utmost clarity an extremely deep, authoritative voice that pierced their ears as if directly shaking their very souls.

“As you wish. My most important—Oliver.”

Oliver froze slightly.

This line hadn’t been in the script he originally discussed with the Cat God.

But with Oliver’s adaptability, even this minor unexpected occurrence didn’t hinder him from completing the finale in the slightest.

He smiled and naturally continued: “—Thank you, thank you for Your descent!”

Bathed in the deity’s generously flowing divine power, the Divine Statue still shimmered with dazzling golden light.

And those delicate, pale cheeks, the golden hair cascading like flowing water over the lord’s shoulders and down his back…

Out of the deity’s personal whim.

It simultaneously radiated a holy, pure glow.

It’s a god.

Everyone slowly widened their eyes, dazedly thinking.

The deity… truly descended in response to the divine messenger’s prayers!

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