Chapter 19
‘I got it all wrong from the start. I shouldn’t have left the princess’s estate so soon.
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‘Back then, I was too emotional to think clearly. But why didn’t Luciana stop me? She knew I wouldn’t survive outside, yet not only did she not hold me back, she even made me sign an IOU.
‘Yeah, I still owed Luciana money. Edmund sat up from the bed, thinking about how to regain some dignity–at least survive first, then find a way to get close to Juliette.
But who could he turn to for help?
In his previous life, by Luciana’s side, he lived humbly, feeling like everyone looked down on him. He didn’t want to interact with anyone, so
he had no friends in the end.
Who could he ask for help? Edmund racked his brain and finally remembered someone–Mr. Drake Morrisey.
This was the painting teacher Luciana had found for him. She’d hired many tutors, but they all looked down on him, calling him stupid. Back then, his self–esteem was trampled by every single one of them.
Drake was arrogant too, but he’d occasionally praise Edmund and never said anything too harsh.
Later, he even said Edmund had talent and wanted to take him as a disciple.
But Edmund refused. He thought Drake was hired by Luciana, and if he became his student, everyone would assume it was because of her- that she’d pulled strings for him.
Actually, he wasn’t wrong.
It was arranged by Luciana and Drake. The compliments about his talent, the restraint from scolding him–all of it was Luciana’s doing.
Edmund refused to learn anything, even painting. The other tutors had tempers and weren’t willing to baby him like Luciana wanted.
Only Drake was easygoing. After days of negotiation–and Luciana promising to recommend his son to the Lexicon Guild–he finally agreed to
take Edmund as a disciple.
But Edmund, ungrateful, turned him down.
He never knew any of this, thinking his talent alone had impressed Drake.
In his previous life, he refused to become Drake’s disciple because of Luciana’s involvement. This time, he’d seek Drake out himself—no
connection to her. This apprenticeship would be legitimate.
Plus, he had an advantage: back then, he couldn’t even paint properly when they first met.
Now, he returned with excellent painting, making it even easier to impress Drake.
Drake had a solid reputation in Elarion. Becoming his disciple would grant Edmund status, prestige, and financial stability.
And honestly, Drake wouldn’t lose out either. Once the Faulkner family was vindicated, Edmund’s status would rise. Having such a disciple
would be an honor.
After days of confusion, Edmund finally saw a way out.
He quickly got up and asked the servant to fetch water so he could freshen up.
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Chapter 19
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That day at the princess‘ estate, Luciana had clearly been mocking him. But he wouldn’t let her win. Even without her help, he’d thrive on his
own.
After tidying up, he headed to Drake’s residence.
Drake had just returned from the princess‘ estate. He’d promised Luciana to visit every other day to tutor that gentleman in painting.
“Lord Morrisey!” Edmund rushed forward excitedly.
Drake stopped in his tracks and gave a slight nod, thinking it was someone asking him to teach painting again.
“Lord Morrisey, I want to be your student.” Edmund got straight to the point.
Right now, he and Drake weren’t acquainted, so there wasn’t much to chat about.
Drake was taken aback but still replied politely, “I have no plans to take on a disciple at the moment.”
“Lord Morrisey, I can show you my painting. I’m sure I’m the one who best fits your standards,” Edmund answered with full confidence.
Drake shook his head. “No need. I’m not taking any students.”
“Just take a look at my painting first. I’ve been imitating your style–just see for yourself.” Flustered, Edmund stepped forward and tugged at Drake’s sleeve.
Drake found it odd, but hearing that this guy had been copying his painting piqued his curiosity. “Fine, come inside. But I’m not taking any disciples.”
Edmund brushed off the refusal, convinced that as long as he got the chance to paint, he could make it happen.
Before stepping in, he was brimming with confidence. But when he saw the paper and brush on the table, that confidence started to fade.
Familiar memories flooded back–practicing painting here under Drake’s strict supervision. Drake was harsh, pointing out every tiny mistake
immediately.
But back then, Edmund barely knew how to paint, so he often made the same errors over and over.
Unlike others who might scold him, Drake would just give him a disappointed, disdainful look. If he messed up too much, Drake would even lose patience.
Honestly, daily painting practice was the thing he dreaded most.
Now, that same nervousness returned. His hands began trembling uncontrollably, and his arm felt unnaturally heavy, as if he couldn’t lift it.
How long had it been since he last practiced calligraphy? Probably since he refused to become a disciple years ago.
“Hmm?” Drake looked up, urging him to start with his gaze.
That look alone made Edmund feel the pressure again. Gritting his teeth, he picked up the brush and began scribbling.
Even though he was out of practice and not in top form, impressing Drake shouldn’t be too hard.
From the first stroke, Drake’s eyes were fixed on his hand–and it was painful to watch.
“Your arm is too stiff, and your fingers are shaking. Did you even practice as a kid? And these strokes… not great. Weak and flimsy. They look decent at a glance, but none hold up under scrutiny.”
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Chapter 19
Anyone else might’ve praised his painting–at first glance, it was neat and gave a good impression.
This was exactly the effect Luciana wanted–just enough to bluff his way through.
But in front of Drake, all his flaws were laid bare. With no solid foundation, he just looked like a show–off.
“You’re trying to copy my painting, but honestly…” Drake shook his head and grabbed another sheet of paper from elsewhere. “This was one of my students‘ works. He’s only seven years old. Take a look.”
Edmund’s face turned pale as he stared in disbelief.
‘Seven years old? Is this an insult? Drake hadn’t said this in the previous life,’ he thought to himself.
When the two sheets were placed side by side, Edmund blurted out, “Isn’t mine better?”
His painting did look neater than the other one.
“Look closer. Drawing is not a mere replication of real life. My student’s strokes are clean and precise–there’s already some spirit in them.
“Now look at yours–stiff, lifeless. And see this transition here? The lines are bold and powerful. Your whole piece is cramped and shaky. And here…”
Drake, feeling good after being favored by the princess today, went on a bit longer than usual.
At first, it was just explanations, but soon he got carried away, slipping into his usual scolding–student mode, tearing Edmund apart.
Edmund was stunned. Drake had never yelled at him before–what was going on?
He had no idea that in his previous life, Luciana had put in countless good words for him just to keep Drake around.
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