The sun sank into the mountains, but before it completely darkened, Winters and Anna arrived at the mansion.
Seeing the white eagle coat of arms painted on the carriage, the guard opened the door to let him through.
In the northern part of Steel Castle, the most valuable thing is land. After entering the gate of Este Mansion, you have to pass through a garden to reach the main building.
"Is this a mansion?" Winters glanced at the carefully tended low conifer bushes on both sides of the corridor and raised his eyebrows slightly: "Isn't it a palace?"
Mr. Ed explained unsurprisingly: "The Flora people control Steel Castle's business in Veneta, and the White Eagle family dominates Flora. But after all, they are not Steel Castle people and are not qualified to be elected to the executive committee, so It’s not difficult to understand that this is a way to demonstrate one’s status… Considering the increase in value of the land over the past twenty years, the sale is actually profitable.”
"What about Hailan?" Winters asked.
"In the iron product trade, Navarre Trading Company and other sea blue people are small players, not worth mentioning." The wrinkles at the corners of Mr. Ed's eyes became deeper: "What's more, only Flora people are obsessed with outbreaks. The pomp of the household.”
As soon as these words came out, Anna also covered her lips and chuckled - it seems that no matter when and where, jokes about regional discrimination always have the magical power to make the listener smile.
No wonder the Venetians made such harsh comments: Whenever the Seablue people gather to chat, they always spend one-third of their time insulting the Flora people, and then spend one-third of their time insulting the Flower City people. Then spend another third of the time humiliating the other allied city-states one by one, and then use the little time left to talk about serious matters.
However, it took Winters, who had studied in the United Provinces for many years, some time to figure out the point of the joke.
The carriage stopped outside the foyer. Mr. Ed nodded and got out of the car first.
Only the "Baron and his wife" were left in the car. Anna, who was sitting next to Winters, suddenly hesitated and showed a rare trace of panic.
Winters took Anna's hand, squeezed it, and said nothing.
If a human lives in the open wilderness for too long, he will feel inexplicable fear and discomfort when he returns to the city.
It is a feeling of being disconnected from the world, which can also be said to be the impact of "stepping from one world to another".
Winters understands this very well. Every time he returns to "civilized society", he has to adapt silently for a long time.
Anna looked at Winters. The two didn't need to speak, just their eyes met, and what Winters wanted to say had already been poured out to Anna.
Anna smiled and nodded, so Winters gently shook Anna's hand again and took the first step out of the car.
Anna, who stayed in the carriage, took a deep breath, then smiled appropriately and stepped out of the carriage, taking the hand offered by Winters.
The exterior of the main building of the Este Mansion is decorated with stone columns, arches and reliefs. It is solemn and very different from the Monta style of "narrow windows and thick walls". On the contrary, it is no different from the wealthy manors in the suburbs of Hailan City that Winters has seen.
It was as if a god had exerted mighty power to forcibly move a building from Veneta to the Steel Castle.
Looking at the brightly lit Esther Mansion, Winters actually had the illusion that he was in the blue sea.
However, high-door corridors are popular in Veneta houses for ventilation and heat dissipation, while Monta people's houses use thick-walled windows to avoid cold and heat.
Carman, riding alone in the second carriage, appeared behind Winters. Seeing Winters standing still, Carman frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's okay." Winters shook his head and reached out to Anna.
Anna held Winters' arm, and the two smiled at each other and walked into the main door.
Once inside the building, Winters discovered that his thoughts were completely unnecessary: not only was it not cold inside, it was actually comfortable and warm, completely different from the outside.
Winters instinctively scanned the terrain and discovered that although the Este mansion adhered to the Veneta style on the outside, it had been extensively modified internally to adapt to the climate of the mountain country.
For example, there are no air leakage gaps visible to the naked eye in the walls of doors, windows, and walls. Any possible gaps were carefully sealed with felt strips, and even the edges of the door frame and door were nailed with thick wool.
The large windows facing the garden are made of one-foot-square transparent glass, making the banquet hall visually more spacious and transparent, similar to the window structure of Navarre Manor.
But the difference from Navarre Manor - Winters only discovered it after entering the door - is that Manor d'Este has ingeniously built a two-story exterior wall.
The two-story exterior walls are exactly the same, with glass windows that not only ensure lighting, but also protect against cold and heat. Between the walls is a corridor that can accommodate three people walking side by side, covered with dark red carpet.
Winters couldn't help but laugh to himself.
Anna asked with her eyes.
Winters turned his head slightly and whispered to Anna: "Isn't it interesting to use your cleverness to question the mason's ability to make a living?"
Anna asked thoughtfully: "This house?"
Winters nodded.
In fact, Winters has not yet discovered the truly brilliant design of the Este House.
Hidden away from Winters' view, inside the thick stone walls, the master masons who built the house laid circulation pipes using culvert techniques.
As long as the fire in the water tower burned brightly, hot water flowed like blood through the entire building, driving the chill out of the halls and bedrooms.
It is precisely because of those walls that radiate heat that House d'Este can maintain a comfortable temperature like a summer evening despite the howling cold wind.
"But the windows are too big and too many, which is not conducive to defense." Winters thought: "The shrubs in the garden will also become bunkers for attackers. If I were to guard this place, the first thing I would do would be to dig out those trees that are an eyesore. This A stone house itself is strong enough, well... digging a trench, setting up a few cannons, and leveling the land should be enough.”
"What are you thinking about?" Carman asked nonchalantly, and he spoke particularly forcefully: "My lord, Baron."
"I also thought of some happy things." Winters replied with a smile.
Amid the attendant's announcement, Winters walked through the second door with Anna on his arm and entered the hall.
It must be that the guests haven't arrived yet, so the hall decorated with brocades and sculptures seems a little empty.
A dark-haired man who looked to be in his early thirties got up from the soft couch, left the small chat circle next to the fireplace, and walked towards Winters and Anna.
The dark-haired man wore an embroidered jacket and tight stockings. His upper lip and chin were cleanly shaved, and his hair was meticulously combed. He wasn't fat, but he couldn't be called strong, and his steps were a little sloppy when he walked - probably because he was drunk and drunk too much.
His face showed a pampered "paleness", which is characteristic of skin that has not been exposed to the scorching sun or scraped by the cold wind.
Although his temperament is slightly weak and slender, the black-haired man has a calm and confident smile on his face.
If nothing else, he should be the owner of this mansion - the famous "White Eagle".
The black-haired man walked directly in front of Winters and Anna, observing Anna unabashedly.
It is undoubtedly offensive to "look" at a "married" woman for an extended period of time, especially when her "husband" is standing nearby.
However, the black-haired man looked at Anna up and down unscrupulously, as if Winters didn't exist at all.
After a moment, the black-haired man withdrew his aggressive gaze, but he still looked at Anna intently.
He spoke in a lazy and soft Flora accent and first greeted Anna: "Dear lady, even in Flora on the shore of the inland sea and the steel castle thousands of miles away, your bravery, wisdom and beauty... I also have Everything I heard.”
Before Winters could react, Carman, who was accompanying him, had already frowned.
The other party's greeting seems to be just a polite word, but to those who know the inside story, "brave", "wisdom" and "beautiful" all contain hidden insinuations.
Kaman stared at Winters' back worriedly, holding the Holy Emblem secretly, his fingertips trembling slightly.
Anna was calm and asked with a smile: "So my wisdom and beauty can only be ranked after courage? Mr. Esther?"
Bai Ying was startled, then showed a real smile.
"No, no, no, respectable lady, your wisdom is far greater than your courage." Bai Ying picked up Anna's hand with his unique affectionate and unrestrained movements, lowered his head and kissed it softly: "Your beauty is even greater than your wisdom. "
"Thank you." Anna raised her skirt and returned the gift sweetly.
At this time, other guests arrived. Bai Ying politely exchanged greetings with Winters and set off to greet the new guests.
Kaman let out a long breath, and Winters looked back at Kaman strangely.
"Let's go." Anna gently pulled Winters' arm, with a lively smile on her lips: "Let's go and appreciate the collection of the Flora Man."
With that said, Anna led Winters to the edge of the hall and inspected the oil paintings hung by White Eagle one by one.
…
For some reason, it seems that the cleaner the wall, the more decoration it needs. It seems that humans feel uncomfortable when they see a bare wall.
In the choice of decorations, the imperial nobles preferred weapons, armor and trophies, while the Venetians and the United Provinces mostly used paintings.
Valley paintings can be further subdivided. Most of the people from the United Provinces who converted to Protestantism loved still life paintings. Flowers, apples and even bread baskets could be put into the picture frame; or they could record moments in life: the maid pouring milk, the housewife returning from the market...
In contrast, Venetta, who is predominantly Catholic, prefers religious themes, using his brushes to reproduce stories in scriptures; and historical themes, such as the process of welcoming back the remains of St. Mark.
The reasons for different preferences for paintings are closely related to social trends.
The Veneta people despised the dull subject matter and boring content of still life paintings; the United Provinces people also had no chance of hanging the ancient goddesses with bare breasts and half-clothed clothes on their walls.
Just as the Venetians hate the conservative and stubborn people of the United Provinces, the United Provinces despise the extravagance and lewdness of the Venetians.
Of course, neither still life paintings nor religious paintings are truly mainstream subjects.
The truly dominant painting is hanging on the wall of the hall of Esther's house, staring directly at Winters and Anna. They are the portraits.
…
When seeing the ninth portrait - or maybe the tenth one - of an unknown "White Eagle", Anna commented: "Hmm... very 'Floral' style.
In the context of Aquamarine Dwellers, and similar connotations of vulgarity, low style, and nouveau riche.
There is a long history of dissatisfaction between the Seablue people and the Flora people. The most direct reason is of course the trade disputes in the city-state era. But if you study carefully, it can even be traced back to several wars in ancient times.
However, as a veteran victim of regional discrimination, Winters has no particular animosity toward the Flora people. Because when he was studying in Guitu City, people from the United Provinces usually put all the Veneta people into one basket and labeled them as having a dissolute life and extravagant style.
Winters decided to be fair: "Just a few portraits."
"They are not just a few portraits, my lord." Anna corrected with a smile: "From a technical point of view, it is difficult to tell that the previous paintings are paintings of people. They are at least two hundred years old...probably from a certain The hand of a slave painter."
"so?"
“What could a paint that has barely faded apart from gathering dust for two hundred years be?”
Winters suddenly felt uneasy in his heart. Ms. Navarre doesn't ask off-topic questions casually, and if she does, it's proof that Winters knows the answer...or should remember it.
Winters searched his mind and finally found the answer in the corner of his memory: "Lapis Lazuli."
"Yes, isn't it Flora enough to let a clumsy painter use precious lapis lazuli to paint?" Anna smiled and praised: "I only told you once, but you still remember it."
Winters coughed lightly: "Twice. One was in Hailan, after the celebration parade, when I bought a painting for you; the other was at Mitchell Manor in Wolf Town."
Anna didn't speak any more, but just held Winters' arm tighter.
Behind the two of them, Kaman had a dark face and asked in a rough voice: "Can I go get something to drink? Lord Baron?"
"Can monks also drink alcohol?" Winters asked deliberately.
"Of course." Kaman said expressionlessly, "But now I just want to drink ice water."
After saying that, Kaman bowed and saluted, striding towards the other end of the hall.
After Carman left, Anna took Winters to look at a few more paintings. She felt a little bored: "They are all portraits of 'D'Este', so I won't read them anymore."
Winters scanned the hall and joked: "With so many portraits, did White Eagle move all of them here?"
"Because paint is very expensive." Anna said matter-of-factly: "The painter does not paint for himself, but for his employer, so naturally there are many portraits. Behind a complete painted work, there may be dozens of sketches, and those that are not painted The paint sketch is the work that truly belongs to the artist."
Thinking of the uncolored line drawings in Anna's portfolio, Winters woke up from a dream. He blamed himself and wanted to say something, but in the end he swallowed his apology.
"I can also draw a portrait for you." Anna whispered, "It's free."
Winters, who was feeling annoyed just now, was suddenly reminded of some terrible memories. He shook his head vigorously: "No, no, no, no, no, we will talk about it when we have time, and we will talk about it later..."
"Humph." Anna's tone was full of disappointment, and she reminded in a long voice: "We will have plenty of time in the future."
"Yes, why rush?" Winters immediately agreed.
Anna squeezed Winters' arm hard, sighed suddenly, and said with a smile: "Okay! It's time for me to hand you over!"
"Hand it over?" Winters was puzzled: "What do you mean?"
"You have a circle of gentlemen, I have a circle of ladies, it's time to hand you over to someone else."
Winters understood what Anna meant, but he still wanted to stay with Anna for a while: "I just want to be with you."
Anna's cheeks turned red: "In this situation, if I keep pestering you, I will be said to be jealous, and you will be regarded as henpecked. So, go talk to other gentlemen and chase other ladies. "
Leaning close to Winters' ear, Anna added kindly: "Just try it if you dare."
"I don't know why." This time it was Winters' turn to blush: "The way you look now makes me feel cute. I even want to deliberately court other ladies to make you angry."
Ana was anxious and angry, and blurted out in her native language: "I'm leaving!"
Anna turned around and left Winters. She passed through the men who were getting out of the way, walked slowly to the sofa next to the silver samovar, and quickly merged into the ladies' conversation.
I was alone - Winters soon realized this.
To be fair, although Borsoda d'Este owned an extraordinary mansion, he was not a competent owner, especially when comparing him with Madame Navarre.
Mrs. Navarre can make every guest feel like a spring breeze, make every chatter in the most appropriate circle, and make everyone not feel left out.
Borso couldn't do it, or he couldn't be bothered to do it.
Therefore, he did not introduce "Baron Granach" to others, nor did he take the trouble to put Mr. Baron in the right position. Taking the initiative to stand up to greet someone and say a few polite words is already his greatest respect.
Not counting the internal banquets during the military academy, Winters made only a handful of public social appearances. When a new guest encounters an irresponsible host, the consequences can be imagined.
As a result, Winters found himself hanging out.
Carol Ed was chatting with a few other old men; Anna was among the ladies in the steel castle, and it was almost impossible to tell that she was from Veneta; even Carman was chatting with someone at the long table at the end of the hall. Very happy.
Winters assessed the situation. He could either go to Kaman for a drink, or blend into a small group chatting as if nothing had happened, or stay where he was and continue to admire the majesty of the White Eagles.
While he was still considering which path was less painful, a servant of the Este family came up to him and said politely: "Your Excellency, please follow me. There is a gentleman who wants to see you."
"Who wants to see me?" Winters asked.
The servant blinked in confusion and said again: "Sir, please follow me. There is a gentleman who wants to see you."
Winters laughed dumbly and took out a gold coin: "Answer my question, and it will be yours."
The servant looked at the gold coins, then at Winters, and repeated a third time as clearly as possible: "Your Excellency, please follow me. There is a gentleman who wants to see you."
Winters thought for a moment, tapped the gold coin in his hand, and nodded.
The servant led the way, Winters followed cautiously, and the two left the hall one after the other.
At the end of the corridor between the two outer walls, Winters finally saw the true face of the inviter - a tall, thin, middle-aged man with tired eyes.
There was a wine bottle, a wine glass and a bucket of ice on the window sill in front of the middle-aged man.
There is also a wine glass in the hand of a middle-aged man. There is not much light golden liquid left in the glass.
The middle-aged man refilled half of his glass of wine, poured half of the empty glass into his empty glass, and motioned for Winters to take it away.
Winters made no move.
The middle-aged man smiled, took a sip of the liquid in the wine glass in his hand, and then handed the wine glass to Winters.
Even so, Winters just took the wine glass with his left hand - the gold coin was still tapping into the palm of his right hand.
The middle-aged man picked up the idle wine glass, took a sip, looked at the garden outside the window, and asked casually: "What issue are you from?"
"What?"
"Don't pretend to be stupid." The middle-aged man glanced at Winters, took off a ring and put it on the window sill, showing a mocking smile: "Which phase of the Army Academy are you in?"
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