MPO

CHAPTER XXl-22

In fact, there had been a time in the past when he had desperately wanted something and failed to obtain it. It was related to his sponsorship of artists.

Lucas, being someone who seemingly had everything, was talented in swordsmanship and academia, yet oddly enough, his artistic sense was almost nonexistent. His skills in music and art were, frankly, disastrous.

However, his appreciation for visual and auditory beauty was exceptional, and since then, he couldn’t just overlook talented artists. Gradually, what started as a few sponsorships had become somewhat of a hobby. No, perhaps more akin to a mission.

There was nothing more thrilling than seeing an artist he secretly sponsored become a great maestro.

And yet…

“How dare they block my sponsorship over such a trivial matter.”

“It’s not an official sponsorship, is it?”

Leila, not expecting him to be this angry, asked half in gratitude and half in puzzlement. It was true that she had not yet received formal sponsorship.

“Well, how about we make it official from today? Do you still wish to refuse my sponsorship?”

Leila was momentarily speechless at his direct question, then quickly responded. There was no need to even consider it. It would be foolish to reject an offer from the only lifeline she had.

“No, Your Grace. I would like to receive your support very much.”

Her affirmative response seemed to relieve Lucas’s frustration. He now understood why even food hadn’t been appealing to him lately.

“Then, I would like to hear your performance right now.”

“Could you please wait a moment?”

“Will you play for me?”

“Yes, I’ll bring my violin immediately.”

“Um…”

Although he was grateful for her eager response, Lucas did not reply immediately. After a moment’s thought, he spoke a beat later.

“No, it’s fine for today.”

“Is that so?”

“I don’t want to listen here where the soundproofing of the room is inadequate. I can’t let just anyone easily listen to the music of a performer I sponsor.”

He tended to be generous and loving towards artists and supported them liberally, but that also meant his claims and sense of ownership over those artists grew stronger, especially as their talents deepened.

He definitely did not want those lingering outside the door to overhear.

While Leila was pleased with his reaction, she also felt odd and carefully spoke up.

“I don’t think my skills are quite at that level yet.”

“The artists I’ve met have always been divided into two types: those who are overflowing with confidence or those who are excessively lacking in it.”

He didn’t mind any response as long as their skill was sufficient, but he was not pleased with her appearance of lacking confidence.

Thus, he blurted out something he didn’t need to say.

“Being sponsored by me is in itself a recognition of your talent. My eyes and ears are very good, even though I may lack artistic talent myself.”

Lucas swallowed the latter part of his sentence and tried to hide an awkward expression, then remembered that she was blind. Realizing that he didn’t need to manage his expression brought a comfortable ease to his shoulders.