MPO

CHAPTER Xll

Though he had saved her because he was fond of her, Lucas was subtly probing, concerned about revealing his identity and facing unwelcome advances.

“……Yes, that’s correct.”

Leila readily agreed. She took a trembling breath and… removed her robe’s hood.

Since he had already revealed his identity, she could no longer ignore him, and needing his assistance without knowing her location, she complied.

Her hair, as jet black as the starless night, cascaded down. She lifted her head, which had been bowed toward the direction of his voice.

Instead of the usual blurry glow, a bright light poured into her vision.

Not only people but all living beings generally appeared as lights to her. These lights varied in intensity and color.

Staring blankly at the brightest and most beautifully colored light she had ever seen, she continued,

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Leila of the Este Countdom.”

“Ah…”

Hearing her name, Lucas was genuinely taken aback.

Not just by her identity but also by the myriad of colors in Leila’s eyes that matched the diversity of her music.

There were rumors of individuals with jewel-like eyes. Although he had never encountered such eyes in his status as a duke, he understood why people sought after those with jewel-like eyes. Or rather, for the first time, he could somewhat empathize with why people couldn’t take their eyes off him.

Witnessing beauty was akin to encountering a miraculous piece of art.

“Thank you for your offer of sponsorship. But you need not trouble yourself for me. Just listening to my performance is more than I can ask for.”

“……You really do surprise me in many ways.”

He couldn’t take his eyes off her hair that seemed to swallow even the light, murmuring to himself.

At his words, Leila put on the hood of her robe that she had briefly removed, as he seemed surprised by her appearance.

After losing her sight, she became acutely aware of how she looked because of Timo and Amelie, who periodically barged into her room with their friends.

Everyone who saw her for the first time invariably sighed with pity.

The mere thought that she couldn’t see them, yet they could see her, filled her with shame.

She disliked how her head would automatically hang down, even though she had done nothing wrong.

Moreover, it was difficult being in the presence of the man rumored to be the most beautiful in the Camorr Empire.

“I’m sorry, but could you tell me where I am? My maid must be looking for me by now.”

The unfamiliar person and setting, coupled with the near encounter with Timo, made her heart race anxiously.

Lucas, noticing her uneasy expression, nodded and replied.

“……Ah, right.”

His attention, initially captured by her unique black hair and jewel-like eyes, was drawn to her somewhat hazy eyes, reminding him of the rumors about her.

This lady of the Empire was the only hyper-dominant omega, yet she was marred by a defect that prevented her from making her debut in high society, let alone having a debutante ball.

Recalling the rumors of her blindness, he felt strangely enveloped in a peculiar sentiment.

It seemed like she was looking at him, yet she wasn’t…

In her was the absence of those evaluative glances that always seemed to pin him down. He inadvertently relaxed his shoulders.

He was momentarily lost in thought. This woman, who sees no need for sponsorship, could just come and play in a pub whenever she felt like it. Wouldn’t that make his effort to find her all for naught?

Engrossed in serious contemplation, on one hand, he also felt an irresistible thrill.

He was so used to people always approaching him, to them trying somehow to connect with him. And so, the sight of someone rejecting his offer sparked his curiosity immensely.

Mixed feelings of pity for her blindness and yet a sense of liberation from it engulfed him.

Noticing Leila’s anxiety, he extended his offer once again.

“Rather than some grand sponsorship, would you also refuse an offer to provide a place where you can comfortably play your music?”