Chapter21-Master and Disciple Reversed

Grand Scholar Roland stood frozen, gazing at Elena's painting. The vivid imagery, lifelike detail, and sheer presence of it left him utterly speechless.

At last, he understood.

The peak of artistic mastery he had spent a lifetime chasing—compared to the work of Elena's father—was like a flickering candle daring to compete with the brilliance of a full moon.

All he could feel now was reverence… and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Elena noticed Roland spacing out, so she struck a serious pose, reached up, and gave his tall leg a firm pat.

"Mmm… that's about right. Looks like you finally figured it out!"

She said it with all the dignity of a seasoned mentor giving affirmation to a slow-learning student.

But instead of being offended by the gesture or tone, Roland's eyes twinkled. An idea sparked in his mind.