Chapter 49: Conquering the Chief Judge

Kaios's seemingly sincere "praise" was very pleasing to Pande, scratching just the right itch.

He stood before Kaios's painting with his hands clasped behind his back, continuing his assessment. "Your *Red Paintings* are best appreciated in the sunlight on a sunny afternoon between one and three. This piece, *Reverse Slash*, however, isn't suited for indoor viewing. To truly experience its mood, you need autumn, dusk, an overcast sky, and a force four to five westerly wind."

To Kaios, it sounded as ceremonial as having to bathe, change clothes, burn incense, and fast before one could drink tea. He didn't fully understand, but he was impressed.

However, he also knew that this Chief Judge Pande wasn't just posturing. The man genuinely knew his stuff.

"My Lord, do you see any areas where this painting could be improved?" Kaios asked.