Chapter 198 Brilliant Colors (1/2)

Rhode turned around and looked at the direction that Christie was pointing.

Both of them had walked to the middle of the market, stopping at a circular flight of stairs. This location was a designated section of the market for shop owners or customers alike to take a break. However, since it was still noon, most of the citizens were still hard at work, leaving only a few people at the resting area. A few children and elderly were sitting and chatting by the side while small street performers There were also street performers preparing for their next act.

Christie pointed to a man that was wearing a green overall with a feather on top of his hat. He was sitting on a chair and drawing on a white canvas in front of him.

”That's an artist.”

Rhode identified the man with a single glance.

”They are here to draw sceneries and human portraits. And if anyone likes their art, then they would request to purchase them. Of course, if these artists found someone intriguing to draw, then they wouldn't hesitate to take the initiative to ask…”

Rhode frowned as he explained. In fact, he had been approached by artists several times when he passed the market. And of course, Rhode didn't comply. As these people were only ordinary civilians, he didn't want to be put into a situation where he had to kill them with his sword. If it weren't for Christie being with him today, he would've just avoided this place.

”What's the matter? Are you interested?”

He knew he couldn't avoid it since Christie's eyes were already beaming with curiosity.

”Sigh… then let's go.”

Rhode sighed and held the little girl's hand before walking to the artist.

”Oh! Greetings to both of you, it's a pleasant day today.”

The artist immediately sprang up upon Rhode and Christie's arrival. He exaggeratedly but passionately bowed towards them. His unusual and overstated tone was as if he was singing, but was severely out of tune.

”May I know how I could be of help to both of you? If it's for a portrait, I guarantee to give my 200% passion, so please rest assured. I, Francisco, am a well-known professional of Deep Stone City, and I have reasonable pricing. Just five silver coins. Five silver coins is all I humbly request, and I can draw you a beautiful portrait of your esteemed self. Customer satisfaction guaranteed! If you're unhappy with the outcome, then you can refund it for free!”

”… Sir… Are all these hand-drawn?”

Christie didn't seem to have any reactions to the self-proclaimed artist's exaggerated words. Her attention was solely focused on the art pieces displayed. It was Deep Stone City's mountain scenery. Other than his bragging, the art that this artist produced was indeed something. Some of the other artists in Deep Stone City were so terrible that Rhode couldn't even make out what they were drawing. Did it resemble an alien or human? The answer was neither. Furthermore, Rhode's standard of art wasn't THAT high. As long he could understand what they were drawing, then that was good enough. Thus, for those abstract pieces, he would rather leave it to the professionals to debate.

”Of course, my lady.”

His eyes studied his potential customers, and judging from the laced cloak she wore; he concluded that this girl in front of him should be one of the daughters that belonged to a particular noble family who slipped out to play.

”All these artwork were drawn by me. If you are interested, please feel free to appreciate them.”

Christie hesitated at Francisco's warm invitation and eventually chose to stay behind Rhode's back. She held onto Rhode's hand as she curiously peeked from the sides. As she admired the landscape and humans on the canvas, she remained silent in thought. Meanwhile, Rhode kept quiet while he caressed her hair gently and waited for her next decision.

But he soon discovered that Christie was concentrating on a portrait drawing by the side. The portrait was depicted a little girl and her mother. The mother was carrying her child, and both of them revealed a warm smile. This artist's piece was indeed on point. He was able to invoke the emotions of others through his drawing. However, he wasn't sure if it was the same for Christie.

And at this moment, Christie finally spoke.

”… Sir… Can you please draw a portrait of myself?”

”That's not a problem, my lady.”

Having acquired a new customer, Francisco passionately moved up a step and quickly placed a fresh sheet of white canvas on his easel. Next, he politely gestured to Christie to come closer.

”Please stand here.”

”I… I need to stand there?”

Hearing the artist's request, Christie opened her eyes wide with surprise. She grabbed onto Rhode's clothes with uncertainty. Hearing her question, Francisco laughed as he felt this little girl was too interesting. Could it be that she doesn't know what to do?

”Yes, of course, my lady. I need to have a good look at you so I can draw you. How am I suppose to draw if you are wrapped up in your cloak? I can't possibly draw you like that.”

Francisco explained to Christie while smiling and waving his carbon pen. However, the little girl still seemed to possess some lingering hesitation and looked at the crowd with uncertainty. Rhode had already read Christie's thoughts and knew that Christie absolutely wanted a portrait, but she felt uneasy in crowded places. Now that it was bustling with noise and excitement, he could imagine the amount of attention she would receive after removing her cloak. For Christie, it was torture.

”Don't worry, Christie.”

Rhode tapped on her little shoulders lightly and consoled her.

”Go ahead. I will be by your side to protect you. Don't worry; no one will do anything to you.”