(Considering everyone is anxious, I'll explain this: going to school is just a means to an end, there won't be a real academy plot here.)
Ethan has received a reply from his mentor, Professor Hughes, who is far away in the Royal Capital.
Although the short-tempered little old man once again berated Ethan harshly in the telegram, he begrudgingly and begrudgingly agreed to Ethan's request, hating the iron for not turning into steel.
"...Although severing your path in art for that damned family of yours is a very foolish decision, what's done is done, I can only wish you good luck. If one day you regret it, come to the Royal Capital to find me. I'll always be waiting for you at the gates of art."
To be honest, if Ethan were here, he would probably be moved to tears.
That little old man is truly a good person.
In any case, his academic records have already been transferred back to Winster.
Hughes even helped him by writing a letter of recommendation, ensuring that his admission to Winster University was absolutely no problem.
However, Ethan still made some additional preparations.
"Has the donation been sent over?"
"It was sent over two days ago."
"Very good."
After receiving Hughes's reply, he had Anya make a donation to Winster University.
The amount wasn't very large, but it was enough to ensure him some courtesy.
Sitting in the Klaus Long Spear as it drove into the cold rain, Ethan looked at the raindrops sliding down the car window and thought of another matter.
"Have the Prohibition Agents reported anything?"
The illegal booze business was running smoothly, and John Hott hadn't sent any updates about Prohibition Agents arriving.
Nonetheless, Ethan felt uneasy, sensing this was the calm before the storm.
He knew too well the kingdom's determination to enforce prohibition, and how extraordinarily lucrative bootlegging was.
After seeing today's accounts, he became even more certain.
"So far, our people haven't noticed any activity. Maybe they haven't reached Winster yet, and there's no news from the Security Office."
Ethan pondered upon hearing this news.
"Regardless, have Virel tighten the guards, especially those transporting the illegal booze, and switch them all over to the Winster typewriter quickly."
Anya's driving speed was fast, and soon they had already reached the town, but today's destination was outside the town, on the west coast.
Winster University was established over a hundred years ago. If you trace it back, it could be considered an achievement of a certain Governor's term.
Initially, Winster University was just a marine university, mainly teaching fisheries and navigation knowledge. In fact, many of the faculty were even priests of the Sea God, so the university had countless ties with the Sea God Church.
After many years of development, Winster University added many other departments, such as law, finance, and art.
The law department was especially renowned, not only were many of the local Winster judges alumni, but many neighboring cities too had judges from Winster University.
As for the art department, it could only be considered a barely existing department, as no particularly famous artists have emerged over the years, the only thing relatively noteworthy might be promoting the ocean-style painting.
Ethan actually didn't mind whether Winster University's art department was strong or not; he was simply there to get a diploma.
In addition, he hoped to build some connections.
As for the art…
He hadn't had any artistic talent in his previous life.
It took some time to turn from the town to the west coast.
Especially since the location of Winster University was on a seaside cliff on the west coast, transportation wasn't very convenient, being partly isolated by a lone cliff on one side and mountains on the other, requiring a winding mountain road to reach.
Fortunately, Anya was an adept driver, maintaining speed even on the winding roads, and they finally arrived at the gate of Winster University by noon.
As soon as he got out of the car, Ethan saw someone holding an umbrella waiting at the steps of the university gate.
This person was wearing a brown pinstripe suit, appeared to be in his forties, and had quite an academic demeanor, likely a professor or someone similar.
Under Anya's umbrella, Ethan approached the man.
Without waiting for Ethan to speak, the man said, "I take it this is Mr. Ethan?"
"I am Ethan Polleta, may I ask who you are?"
"I am El Kahn, the Dean of the Arts Branch at Winster University, very pleased with your arrival, Mr. Ethan."
The man proactively extended his hand, greeting Ethan.
"Ah, so it's Dean El, pleasure to meet you, no need for you to trouble yourself waiting out here in such a heavy rain," Ethan exclaimed, feigning a surprised and humbled reaction.
"I have received a letter from Professor Hughes, in which he praises you as a rare artistic genius who may rewrite art history in the future. For such an important person, how could I not personally come to receive you?" El generously praised.
Of course, much of that was said by Hughes.
However, Ethan secretly chuckled inside.
That was likely because of the donation, this Dean El must have researched his identity, realizing he was the leader of the Bolita Clan.
The Arts Branch could use a patron like him.
"It's raining hard outside, please, come inside quickly," El said while turning to lead the way.
Winster University isn't small at all, it just isn't very well-known. In reality, it covers a wide area, appearing like a massive castle in the rain.
Under El's guidance, Ethan arrived in a reception room.
After serving hot tea, El began discussing matters regarding the upcoming school term.
There wasn't anything particularly notable, just issues like tuition and class schedules.
Ethan had already made a donation, so he naturally wasn't concerned about tuition. Regarding class schedules, perhaps due to El's favor, he only needed to attend classes two days a week and didn't need to be on campus the rest of the time.
"Additionally, our university offers excellent courses in other departments as well. If you have time, Mr. Ethan, you may also take elective courses."
"Perhaps I'll take the opportunity," Ethan smiled.
He didn't have much time on his hands; running factories and attending various meetings was exhausting enough, coming to classes twice a week was decent, indeed.
During lunchtime, El extended a warm invitation for Ethan to dine with him.
Ethan didn't wish to refuse his hospitality and agreed.
The two then walked into the university campus.
While passing by a domed building, the door suddenly opened, and a rather shabby-looking man was pushed out of it.
The man stumbled, fell to the ground, and the pile of papers he was holding scattered everywhere, some falling into puddles and getting soaked.
"How many times have I told you? Nobody wants to take your class, so you get no stipend this month. Stop bothering me with your pile of junk writing, I can't understand it!"
Someone inside the door shouted impatiently before slamming it shut.
The shabby man ignored him, hurriedly turning to pick up the papers, gingerly wiping away the rain-soaked parts.
Ethan casually glanced at the papers in his hands, then narrowed his eyes slightly.