Chapter Thirty-Six: Enrollment

Ethan’s mentor, Hughes, who resided far away in the capital, had replied to his letter.

Although the irritable old man couldn't resist giving Ethan a sound dressing-down over the telegram, he ultimately relented, begrudgingly agreeing to Ethan’s request with a sense of exasperation for his wasted potential.

"…Although it is a foolish decision to cut yourself off from the path of art for the sake of your damned family, things have reached this point, so I can only wish you luck. If one day you regret this, come find me in the capital. I will always be waiting for you at the gates of art."

Truth be told, had Ethan been his original self, he might have been moved to tears. The old man was truly a good soul.

In short, his academic records had been transferred to Winster. Hughes had even written an extra letter of recommendation, ensuring that Ethan’s admission to Winster University would be seamless. However, Ethan had still made some additional preparations.

"Has that donation been sent over yet?"

"It was wired two days ago."

"Very good."

After receiving the reply from Hughes, he had instructed Anya to make a donation to Winster University. While the amount wasn't astronomical, it was enough to ensure he would be treated with courtesy.

Sitting in the Klaus long-gun car as it cut through the cold rain, Ethan watched the water streaking against the window and contemplated another matter.

"Any news on the Prohibition agents?"

The bootlegging business was running smoothly, and John Holt hadn't sent word of any Prohibition agents arriving. Yet, Ethan felt a lingering sense of unease; he couldn't shake the feeling that this was the calm before the storm. He knew too well the Kingdom's resolve regarding prohibition, just as he understood the exorbitant profits involved in bootlegging. Seeing the day's accounts only confirmed his suspicions further.

"Our people haven't detected any movement so far. They might not have reached Winster yet, and there’s been no word from the constabulary either."

Ethan fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

"Regardless, tell Velen to heighten security, especially for those transporting the illicit liquor. Have them all equipped with Winster Typewriters as soon as possible."

Anya drove at a high speed, and before long, they reached the city. However, their destination today was not in the city, but on the West Coast.

Winster University was founded over a century ago; if one were to count, it could be considered the political achievement of a certain former magistrate. Initially, it was merely a marine college, primarily teaching fishing and navigation, with many of its instructors serving as priests for the Sea God. Consequently, the university maintained deep, inextricable ties with the Church of the Sea God.

Later, through years of development, the university added many other departments, such as law, finance, and art. The law department was particularly famous; not only were many local judges alumni of Winster University, but many graduates also held positions in neighboring cities. As for the art department, it was a barely functional entity. Over the years, it hadn't produced any particularly famous artists; the only thing it was somewhat known for was promoting a maritime style of painting.

In truth, Ethan didn't care if the art department at Winster University was prestigious or not; he was simply there to obtain a diploma. And, if possible, to make some useful connections. As for art… he hadn’t possessed an artistic bone in his body in his previous life.

It took some time to travel from the city to the West Coast. Winster University was built on a sea cliff, making access somewhat inconvenient. It was flanked by a sheer cliff on one side and a small hill on the other, requiring a winding drive up the mountain, giving it an isolated, otherworldly atmosphere. Fortunately, Anya was a skilled driver, and even as they navigated the mountain road, her speed never faltered, and they finally reached the gates of Winster University by noon.

As he stepped out of the car, Ethan saw someone waiting under an umbrella at the foot of the steps leading to the university gates. The man was wearing a brown striped suit and appeared to be in his forties, with the scholarly air of a professor or someone of similar standing.

Under the protection of Anya’s umbrella, Ethan approached the man. Before he could even speak, the man addressed him: "This must be Mr. Ethan, I presume?"

"I am Ethan Poletta. May I ask who you are?"

"I am El Kahn, Dean of the Art Department at Winster University. I am very pleased to welcome you, Mr. Ethan."

The man extended his hand, greeting Ethan.

"Ah, Dean Kahn, a pleasure. With such heavy rain, I am truly honored that you would wait outside for me," Ethan said, feigning a look of pleasant surprise.

"I have already received Professor Hughes's letter. He praised you as a rare artistic genius who might one day rewrite the history of art. How could I not come to welcome such an important figure personally?" Dean Kahn did not skimp on the praise—most of which, of course, had come from Hughes.

Ethan chuckled inwardly. Most of this was likely due to the donation, and Dean Kahn had surely investigated his background, knowing he was the head of the Poletta family. The art department needed a benefactor like him.

"It’s pouring out here. Please, come inside," Dean Kahn said, turning to lead the way.

Winster University was not small, though it lacked fame. It occupied a vast area, and seen through the veil of rain, it resembled a massive castle. Ethan followed the Dean into a parlor. After Dean Kahn poured him a cup of hot tea, he began to discuss the formalities of his enrollment.

There wasn't anything particularly complex—it was mostly about tuition and credit hours. Having already donated, Ethan naturally didn't care about the tuition. As for the credit hours, whether it was due to Dean Kahn’s special favor or otherwise, he only needed to attend classes two days a week, with no requirement to be on campus otherwise.

"Additionally, our university offers many other excellent courses. If you have the time, Ethan, you are welcome to audit them."

"I’ll consider it," Ethan replied with a polite smile.

He didn't have that much time. Between running his factory and attending endless meetings, he was already exhausted; being able to attend classes just two days a week was more than enough.

Since it was lunchtime, Dean Kahn enthusiastically invited Ethan to dine with him. Ethan did not want to be rude, so he accepted.

The two walked toward the interior of the university. As they passed a domed building, the door suddenly swung open, and a rather disheveled man was pushed out. The man lost his footing and fell to the ground, a stack of papers in his arms scattering everywhere, some landing in the rain and becoming soaked.

"I’ve told you how many times now? No one wants to take your course! You won't be getting a subsidy this month, so stop bothering me with your stack of nonsense! I can't read a word of it!"

The person inside the room roared impatiently before slamming the door shut.

The disheveled man paid him no mind, instead scrambling to pick up the papers, wiping away the rainwater with an expression of profound distress. Ethan glanced casually at the papers in the man's hands, and his eyes narrowed slightly.