Chapter 7: The Grand Cathedral of Freya
(Authors Note: Whew, now…. only two parts left.)
Weed did not just make Nature Sculptures while traveling around the Central Continent.
"Sculptor Weed right? Your works are superb."
"It seems my reputation precedes me. Your Majesty, I've travelled across the High Seas to come meet you."
He energetically visited the residences of the nobles.
Weed was wearing Talrok’s armor, his best equipment to raise his Charm and Dignity.
The King of Ritten sat on his throne and asked.
"Lord of the northern lands, famous adventurer, what is the reason for your visit?"
Weed spoke words of flattery respectably while in his best armor.
"As I was travelling around your kingdom, I was deeply impressed by your rule. Your majesty, I had to come visit you to pay my respects."
"Seeing you, I seem to remember all the things I've forgotten till now."
“I’d like to listen to what’s going on?”
Weed's reputation and dignity stat were really high, making it very easy to meet nobles of a kingdom and even the king.
It was even high enough to be able to receive a King's Quest!
However, when meeting nobility or royalty, he still had to adhere to proper etiquette.
"When I was young, I had a really attractive appearance. Princesses and noble ladies from all around would line up for a chance to dance with me."
However, the reality was that the King of Ritten's looks would now only appeal to female Orcs.
But in the ways of the world, silence is sometimes better than the truth.
And Weed was a person who took pride in living realistically.
"Indeed. Your Majesty has probably stolen the hearts of many young maidens. Now, the noble young ladies of the Kingdom of Ritten must be very unhappy because of you.”
"Adventurer, what do you mean they are unhappy because of me?"
Currently, there was not even one young person of nobility. There were only knights with heavy lips as well as the King and Weed himself.
"Yearning for Your Majesty, they would not be able to sleep soundly at night."
"HAHA!"
The King of Ritten Kingdom laughed out loud. His cheeks jiggled around obscenely.
Weed did not miss a beat and said.
"As expected, your smiling face would charm the people's hearts!" (TN: originally I wrote ‘As expected, your smiling face is very charming!’ but that sounds like Weed is coming on to him)
It was like praising a snake that it had beautiful skin, or telling a frog that it's legs were stunning.
He had the insight and skills to become a superb treacherous servant.
"I'd like you to erect a statue of me in my youth! I'll provide you with anything you need to create this statue."
Ding!
King's Statue
Erect a statue of the King of Ritten Kingdom in his youth, in the royal palace.
Create a statue that would satisfy the king.
Only one of the leading sculptors in the entire continent would be capable of creating a successful piece.
Necessary materials can be found in the royal palace.
Difficulty: Profession Quest
Reward: Emerald, Sapphire, a minimum of 10 or more
Quest Restrictions: Only available to Sculptors.
Thanks to flattery, a sculpture was commissioned.
Weed bowed at the waist at once.
"It would be my honor to carve the likeness of Your Majesty. I hope my work will be able to satisfy." (TN: not sure about the second sentence)
-Quest Accepted.
In the royal palace, top grade carving stone, snow white in color, was prepared!.
Weed took out Zahab's Sculpting Knife. It would make his work a lot easier.
"The sculpture shouldn't really portray the likeness of the king in his youth."
Looking at the portraits of when he was younger, the King of Ritten Kingdom definitely looked like a baby Orc.
"It is better if I make it handsome instead."
He increased the height slightly, and raised his nose.
To hide the defects he transformed the morbidly obese figure into a sturdy figure.
To harmonize the sculpture he had it wear only a piece of armour and carry a sword.
It had similar characteristics to the King of Ritten, but in truth it was a completely different person!
The difference in the sculpture was even more pronounced than pictures of celebrities. (I think its talking about touched up photos)
Although only 3-4 hours were invested into the sculpture, the result was very good.
Weed increased his sculpting skill and also his nature sculpting skill.
The gathered Nature energy clothed the sculpture. The shiny statue splendidly spun around as it was showered with the energy.
And to top it off, there was the flattery.
"My skill is insufficient, Your Majesty's glory and generous spirit I failed to fully capture. I deserve death!"
Finding defect where there was none, it captivated the heart of the King of Ritten.
"It's fine. In my mind, there is no need for self-reproach. It takes a lot of effort to make something so precious."
The sculpture was made in such haste that it was a waste of materials. In fact, the original form (of the king probably) wasn't good, so even with Weed's skills and extra time, it would have been difficult to have gotten a better result.
“Even Zahab or Daycram would have a hard time with this one.”
The artistic level of the result was not always proportional to the success of the quest.
"The road of an artist is really difficult."
So the quest was completed, but he did not come here simply for the commission.
He came to see the royal art collection on display in the castle.
Long story short, it was a house visit!
Looking at artwork was a fast way to recover Art stats.
Weed and Yurin toured around the castle shamelessly taking advantage of the art.
"Oh, what a wonderful sculpture! To think you have so many great works of art, Your Majesty. This truly symbolizes your power, strength and dignity. By the way, are there any leftovers?"
You have seen the work The Wolves at Dusk by Royal Sculptor Martino.
Art Stat increased by 2.
Sculpting skill increased by 0.1% from appreciating an excellent work of art.
You have seen the painting The Palace In Springtime, by the Royal Painter Perril.
Art stat increased by 3.
Appreciation of the exceptional painting has increased mastery of Painting skill by 3.1%.
While looking at the works he also had a meal and chatted with the knights and the aristocracy.
Users who can meet nobles or the King were few and far between.