Fifteen minutes later.

Angelia opened her eyes with a shocked face.

"Haaa… What happened?" Angelia gasped while looking around the room. It appeared she had been transported to a mysterious land upon staring at the painting.

Angelia found Clovis discussing business with Hana in the corner of the room.

"Captain…" Angelia walked carefully toward Clovis.

"Oh. You're back." Clovis waved his hand with a smile.

"What exactly is going on?"

"You entered the world of painting. Check your techniques right now, especially the ones related to the painting."

"Hmmm?" Angelia was confused, but she tried to release her technique that she believed was related to the painting.

In that instant, she realized what was happening. "This… The painting has helped me in mastering my technique?!"

Clovis nodded. "Indeed. You can stay a bit longer if you want. There are plenty of paintings here."

"All these paintings have that kind of function?"

"Yes. Though, it will only work for those who have met the requirements."

Angelia was taken aback. "And you're planning to auction them off?"

"Only five of them. I have to be fair to my allies." Clovis waved his hand.

Angelia never thought that her assessment about Clovis was actually not accurate enough.

Clovis was still hiding so many secrets. She joined Clovis because she wanted to side with the victor, but it looked like this victory was not a small one, it was an overwhelming victory.

It was no wonder the Libation Fiesta could grow so much in such a short period. Clovis' unique ability was the most versatile and stronger than any unique abilities she had heard or seen before.

As long as she could keep up with Clovis's schedule, she could grow even stronger. The pseudo Tier 9 goal might not be just a dream.

Angelia took a deep breath. Although she wanted to stay a bit longer to see if there were any paintings that would help her again, she shouldn't make Clovis wait for too long.

So, Angelia said, "Can I just enter this place later? I should familiarize myself with this place and the group first."

"Sure." Clovis nodded. "Let's go then."

Clovis continued with the tour. The main attractions were definitely the furniture and the paintings, so Angelia didn't get too shocked with the rest of the mansion.

Unfortunately, the Libation Fiesta was out of commission, as most of them were just too tired and chose to sleep.

Once they finished the tour, Angelia first returned to her room to unload her luggage.

Even if she planned to enter the gallery one more time, she would ask someone to accompany her.

Angelia was not a fool. If she entered alone, there was a chance that she would steal the painting.

She wouldn't do it, but just dealing with the accusation alone would be a headache.

So, before she managed to gain the complete trust of the entire group, she planned to work with at least one person all the time.

On the other hand, Clovis and Hana retreated to Clovis's room.

"So…" Hana glanced to the side, looking at Clovis, who was resting his head on her shoulder.

"I have picked five paintings. They will have the effect of 'Mobility', 'Strength', 'Flexibility', 'Control', and 'Defense.' I believe you understand my reasons."

"Yes. Rather than bringing a single type, you show that you have many types. In addition, this will make it easier to put people in a trance. However, I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Are you sure about this arrangement? While it's good to show many types, it will make people think there are more paintings in your mansion. They might not do anything while you're here, but they might do something while you are on a mission."

"That's the plan. The next time I go on a mission, I will put them back into my inventory. So, if there are thieves that manage to enter the vault, what will they think after finding an empty vault?"

"Ah?!" Hana nodded in understanding. "They will think another thief has broken in. And they're the ones stealing all your paintings.

"And because this is a huge matter for the Libation Fiesta and probably a big shame, there is no way you can admit a thief has broken into your house.

"As a result, rumors about you getting raided by people will spread all around the world, and people will be looking for the first thief.

"They won't realize that there's no thief. They end up chasing someone that doesn't exist, and you can simply sit back and relax while watching them running around like fools.

"Besides, if necessary, you will end up admitting that a thief has broken into your home. It may bring you a bit of shame, but because you are supposed to be away at that time, no one can really say much about you. On the other hand, people will believe harder that the thief exists.

"It will make people look down on you. Once they underestimate you and choose to use it against you, you can simply show that you have fooled all of them by showing all your paintings. But that's only after you are strong enough to fight the entire world."

"See? I don't have to tell you anything," Clovis chuckled. "Not bad of a plan, right?"

"Indeed." Hana chuckled. "I can't help but imagine the people's expressions when they realize you have tricked the whole world."

"Well, it doesn't matter. That's how much impact my mall will bring to this world. Besides, the painting will be the perfect first item to be revealed due to its convenience." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"I understand the convenience of the paintings. So, are you going to leave anytime soon?"

"No, I'm planning to reach Tier 7 first. There are also several people who are close to Tier 8, such as Christina, Rin, and Aileen. Unfortunately, there are still some gaps to reach Tier 8.

"My plan for now is to stay for a month or two and let the information about the paintings die down first. During that time, people should have enough time to come up with a plan to ransack this mansion, so it's a perfect time to pull the stunt."

"I see. That means we have plenty of time." Hana licked her lips before pushing Clovis down on the couch.

"Hey? What are you doing? I may not be as tired as others, but I'm also dead tired."

Hana just smiled playfully. "It will be pretty stressful soon, so… nope!"