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Don't confiscate my identity as a human race-Chapter 1286 - 819 Hugh Bali’an Stabs Lanci
This was a dreary, rainy afternoon in Brilda, with fine rain falling like silver needles, enveloping the Kalchi Art Gallery at No. 84 Charing Cross Street in a hazy mist.
Despite the gloomy sky, the entrance was bustling with traffic and a constant stream of people.
This three-story building, built in the sixteenth century of the Solar Calendar, was quaint and elegant. Time had left indelible marks on it, with its ivory-white walls adorned with reliefs and its brick-red roof partially concealed by climbing ivy. Copper wind chimes hanging under the eaves swayed gently in the breeze, tinkling softly.
The doors of the gallery were firmly closed, and a "temporarily closed" sign swayed under the dim streetlights, emitting a cold light, as if silently refusing the pedestrians to stop.
Occasionally, a few passersby hurried past, their black umbrellas blending into blurred silhouettes in the rain curtain.
The private art gallery, founded by professor Harrison Kalchi from the Cret Empire Royal Academy of Arts, had a history of nearly a hundred years. Although it had changed hands several times, the gallery business had always been maintained.
However, today, the Kalchi Art Gallery still had shop staff waiting for several reserved patrons to arrive.
"..."
The receptionist at the front desk idly flipped through a magazine in her hands, occasionally looking up towards the door, waiting for the moment when the thick oak door would be pushed open.
Finally, at exactly two o'clock in the afternoon, accompanied by the chatting voices of young women, the heavy oak gallery door with a brass handle creaked open, and a wave of moist air surged into the room.
"It was just cloudy in the morning, and it started drizzling in the afternoon; it wouldn't be surprising if it rains harder later."
The leading woman looked around, her tone carrying a hint of fatigue.
"It's always damp and cold, feels like my heart is going to rust."
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"Unknowingly, it's already November 12th."
Another woman's voice agreed,
"The day after tomorrow is the Moon Goddess Festival; we might be able to visit the Saint Kray Monastery and see the festival."
It wasn't Antanas who liked to join the crowd.
Although such an additional trip might bring unnecessary danger, praying to the divine always seemed necessary to some extent, potentially bringing good luck and protection.
After all, since their arrival in Brilda, they really hadn't received any specific missions.
The only exception was today, when they received a message for a meeting from Miss Unity, the Allied Forces' spy liaison, at noon.
"Teacher, do you think we can go?"
Hugh looked at the Snow Witch beside him and asked her.
The Snow Witch, Artemis, was actually the real person in charge; Antanas and Sinola were almost purely muscle, while Pranay mostly kept quiet, didn't offer opinions, and was just responsible for ensuring the safety around the residence.
"I have no problem."
The Snow Witch Artemis, although a priest of the Church of the Goddess of Destiny, also held a sincere reverence for the Moon Goddess.
Legend has it that the Moon Goddess, together with the Silver Moon Goddess during the full moon, grants grace to living beings, soothing past misfortunes and pains.
The Moon Goddess also has many hymns and legendary tales.
"Then we'll see how it goes at the time."
Dressed in a navy blue double-breasted tweed coat and carrying a Birkin bag, Hugh led the way into the Kalchi Art Gallery.
She removed her sunglasses, revealing a pair of amber eyes full of aristocratic air.
The droplets on her coat twinkled in the dim light, with Antanas and the others following closely behind; despite being a bit wet, their demeanor showed an air of ease.
They walked straight to the counter.
"Hello, are you Miss Milian who has an appointment to see the paintings?"
The young clerk, dressed in a black uniform and sporting a name badge, lifted his head from behind the counter, his attitude affable yet polite.
"Yes, I've heard you have new works by Vice Marlette, I had an appointment to come and see them."
Hugh spoke indifferently, as if just an art aficionado drawn by fame.
"Please follow me."
The clerk immediately stood up and led the group through the exhibition hall towards the stairs leading to the second floor.
The gallery was permeated with faint scents of vetiver and cedarwood.
Coming towards them was a fountain sculpture styled in the Elseya Holy Domain, its clear water flowing in the tranquil space, moving through the entrance hall towards the spacious exhibition hall of about five hundred square meters.
The group climbed the stairs, which were carpeted with deep red wool, and the wooden steps creaked slightly under their feet.The brown walls, several copper wall lamps shedding a dim glow, and beside the lamps on the wall hung landscape paintings, seemingly depicting the lakes and mountains outside Brilda.
The clerk led them through winding corridors, stopping at an inconspicuous wooden door at the end.
"Miss Unity is inside, thank you for coming."
He took a finely made brass key from his pocket, inserted it into the lock, and gently twisted; with a crisp click, the heavy wooden door slowly opened, revealing the office behind it and he made an inviting gesture.
"This place is secured with a Prohibited Zone; you can speak freely here."
The clerk respectfully retreated, closing the door, leaving Hugh and the others inside.
The secret room's walls were decorated with marble carvings, the curtains pulled tightly shut, isolating the outside light and noise.
"I'm sorry for calling you here in such a hurry today."
Miss Unity rose from the sofa by the coffee table in the middle of the room and bowed to the group.
"Not at all, we are here to help you, just waiting for your message."