That brightness made him involuntarily think of another pair of very similar eyes.

"Shall we start the interview?"

After shaking hands with Ethan, Morgan seemed a bit impatient.

Ethan nodded and pressed a bell on the side to signal for tea.

"Okay, the first question. Is it true that your piece 'The Orphans of Saint Kuanti' has a real-life prototype?"

"Aren't you interested in asking about my 'Eternal Memory'?"

Ethan countered.

"Oh, well, I... I wanted to start from the very beginning because I come from the Royal Capital, and the first time I knew you was through that painting, so..."

Morgan seemed flustered for a moment, then forcibly calmed himself.

"Alright, let's talk about that painting first. Indeed..."

They talked for an hour like this.

From 'The Orphans of Saint Kuanti' to discussing the orphanage, and the reconstruction of Saint Kuanti, as well as Ethan's work reflecting compassion for the people at the bottom.

They never talked about 'Eternal Memory.'

By the end, Ethan lifted his cup of tea and smiled, "Mr. Morgan, you don't actually understand art, do you?"

"Uh..." Morgan, who had also lifted his tea, seemed stunned for a moment, hurriedly drinking his tea as if to hide his expression and seemingly strategizing.

Then Ethan said something else: "You're not actually Morgan."

This statement made Morgan spew out his tea.

"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Ethan, I... I..." he fumbled to wipe off the tea, simultaneously appearing to want to argue while apologizing.

Eventually, he seemed a bit defeated: "I'm sorry, Mr. Ethan, I... I'm indeed not Morgan, but I am an independent journalist. My name is Herlosh, from the Royal Capital. I don't understand art. I usually report on people's livelihoods, focusing on the underprivileged. I stumbled upon your 'Orphans of Saint Kuanti' and thought it was wonderful. I believe you must be a great person too. Happened that your 'Eternal Memory' became quite popular, so I used some means... sorry... I..."

Ethan actually saw through him from the beginning. Although this guy seemed calm when he came in, he exposed himself the moment he spoke.

But Ethan didn't immediately expose him, because his pair of eyes was intriguing.

"Forget it, but don't do such things next time. Do you need a change of clothes?" Ethan shook his head, indicating he wouldn't pursue it.

Herlosh sighed in relief, promptly expressing that he didn't need it and immediately set to leave.

Ethan didn't stop him, merely watched as he left.

A short while later, Anya walked in and said, "Do you want to investigate this person?"

"Yes, find out where he's staying now and what's his situation in the Royal Capital. I want all his information."

Ethan rubbed his chin.

A few days ago, Ned had been saying to him that they couldn't use their own people, they had to use outsiders, even preparing to restart the Gathering of True-Nameers.

Ethan really didn't have a good candidate.

But today, this person named Herlosh had caught his attention.

A foreigner, an independent journalist.

Most importantly, his eyes.

Ethan put down the teacup, returned to the office, and found a copy of The Truth Newspaper in the bottom drawer, then looked at the eye on the newspaper.

The eye also gazed at him, emitting a light that was excessively bright.

No doubt about it.

That person is most likely a True-Nameer of the Real Eye.

After Herlosh left, Ethan met with a local newspaper reporter.

This time it was genuine; they talked in detail about the creative journey behind 'Eternal Memory', and finally, Ethan didn't forget to openly and secretly mention he might host an art exhibition.

Ethan had already figured it out these past days, he temporarily couldn't hold an independent art exhibition. That would be too blatant, as the Kingdom Statistical Bureau was already watching him.

Even though nothing incriminating had been found in the Evans Clan industries these days, holding an independent art exhibition at this critical juncture would obviously be money laundering.

The target was too big.

So he changed his stance and said he would present a painting at the Winster University centennial celebration to celebrate.

At the same time, he would showcase some of his personal works.

On the occasion, there would also be a small auction.

Of course, the proceeds from the auction would be donated to his alma mater.

Now, the acting president of Winster University, El, was also his man, making it much easier to handle the funds.

Ethan had already discussed this matter with El.

El was a clever man; he understood Ethan's intentions immediately, initially appearing hesitant.

But ultimately, he understood how he came to be in his current position, so he gritted his teeth and decided to proceed.

After sending off the local reporter, Virel arrived.

"Vito's people are gearing up to start work."

He brought the latest information regarding Vito.

Since the arrival of Joseph, Ethan's pressure had doubled, leaving him unable to keep an eye on Vito constantly.

Vito had gathered his people.

Their numbers seemed not too large at the moment, and according to Virel's observation, most of them were ordinary people.

This means that the dock ambush on that night did cause some muscle injury to Vito.

But after Vito's people arrived, there was no other movement, seemingly really here just to work on the project.

Like Virel said, they were preparing to start, which meant the sewer project was underway.

As for the land reclamation plan, City Hall was indeed pushing forward.

Ethan didn't express resistance in terms of investment; he couldn't put himself in the spotlight.

The real target was still Vito.

If the land reclamation project couldn't be executed in the end, Vito wouldn't be able to establish a foothold in Winster.

Vice versa.

"Recently, Vito has absorbed quite a few of Sandro's old followers, those who are dissatisfied with us. However, not all of Sandro's people want to follow him. Many instead resent him because they're going to demolish Sandro's castle."

Virel continued.

Sandro's castle was the first step in the land reclamation, and it must be demolished.

Sandro had stood in the Winster underground for decades, even though he was dead now, his remaining influence was still present.

Many still viewed him as an idol, a spiritual belief.

Now, someone dares to demolish their idol's home, which is difficult to accept under any circumstances.

Such a thing is something even Ethan, who personally was the culprit that killed Sandro, hadn't done.

"So, I picked some of these people to blend into Vito's crew as insiders. I reckon they'll be useful when the time comes."

Ethan nodded.

It's now March, but Winster already has a certain oppressive feeling as if a torrential downpour is imminent despite the summer heat.

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