Damn, I Have to Marry the Strongest Antagonist at the Start?-Chapter 569 - 19-My Father Is the Best Painter!

After the morning court session concluded, Empress Yevna, concerned about Elena's growth and education, immediately sent messengers to summon the most renowned and erudite scholar in the empire—Grand Scholar Roland—to Eternal Hall, where Elena resided.

As Elena's adoptive mother, Yevna was full of anticipation.

Not only did she hope to use this opportunity to forge a better relationship with the mysterious father behind Elena, but from the bottom of her heart, she also genuinely liked this clever, mischievous little girl who reminded her so much of her own younger self.

In just a few days of interaction, Yevna had already come to regard Elena as her own daughter.

This affection came naturally and ran deep.

After consulting with Eldritch and other senior officials of the empire, Yevna had also drawn up a detailed education plan for Elena's future.

She knew well that raising a daughter meant more than just helping her cultivate magical power—it also required nurturing her cultural refinement.

And Grand Scholar Roland was the ideal candidate for this task. Born into a prestigious academic family, not only had he achieved the high rankmage level in magic, but he was also widely known across the empire for his vast knowledge and artistic accomplishments.

In the entire Glacier Empire, no one could match his scholarly wisdom and artistic skill. Without a doubt, he was the perfect choice to teach Elena.

At the entrance of Eternal Hall, Grand Scholar Roland stood tall in his gray robes, his face solemn and composed.

The scene of Elena demonstrating her magical talent yesterday was still vivid in his mind.

The Eternal Princess—a child blessed with top-tier magical talent—her future was boundless.

If he could become her first formal teacher, his standing in the empire's academic circles would rise to unprecedented heights!

Thinking of this, Grand Scholar Roland adjusted his collar, took a deep breath, and stepped confidently into the palace.

"Your Highness! I come at the command of Her Majesty the Empress, to assist you in your cultural education!"

Standing outside Elena's bedroom, Grand Scholar Roland's voice was steady and commanding.

"Please rise quickly, Your Highness. Morning is when the mind is at its sharpest—do not waste these precious hours, or Her Majesty will surely be concerned!"

Inside, Elena rubbed her sleepy eyes and mumbled, "Ugh, I was exhausted yesterday. I thought I could finally sleep in now that Father isn't here to nag me... but now Mother sent another old man to wake me up!"

She puffed her cheeks, grumbling, "Once I introduce Mother to Father, I'll have him give her a proper 'lesson'!"

Though she complained aloud, Elena never forgot her father's teachings: Respect your teachers. So, she quickly rolled out of bed.

"Your Highness, allow us to dress you," came the gentle chorus of maids entering the room in neat rows, respectfully standing by the bed.

Elena, however, wasn't used to being waited on. Politely declining their help, she popped out from under the covers, got herself dressed in a flash, and slung her beloved pouch of trinkets onto her back.

In the study...

"Good morning, Grandpa Scholar!" Elena greeted cheerfully, her smile bright and charming.

What a pure and bright child!

Grand Scholar Roland looked at the polite and spirited girl before him, and his impression of her improved instantly.

Compared to the arrogant and unruly noble children he often dealt with, Elena was like a breath of fresh air.

"Heh heh, Your Highness, I am Roland, the court's chief scholar. In the entire Glacier Empire, there is none more learned than I."

Roland gave a small nod as he introduced himself with pride. "From today onward, I will be your teacher. I vow to teach you everything I know, and help you become the next great empress."

Elena blinked, curiosity written all over her face. With a small sigh, she asked, "So, Teacher, what are we learning today?"

The moment the topic of teaching came up, Roland's expression turned serious. His eyes shone with confidence.

"Today, we shall begin with painting."

"Painting?" Elena tilted her head.

"Indeed. You may not know, Your Highness, but my magical power has reached the level of high rankmage, and I am considered a formidable figure in the empire."

"In terms of cultural arts, painting is my greatest strength."

"Do not think of painting as something soft or powerless. At my level, the magic infused in a painting can manifest in the physical world."

"If it were a duel, I may not defeat a grand archmage, but when it comes to painting, there is no one on this continent who could rival me."

"I hope Your Highness will study earnestly, and one day inherit my legacy."

Hearing this, Elena puffed her cheeks and made a funny face with her fingers on her cheek, thinking to herself: This old man is full of himself!

Unfortunately for her, Grand Scholar Roland had sharp eyes and caught her mischievous expression. He frowned slightly and asked with a hint of displeasure,

"Your Highness, do you have doubts about what I said?"

Startled, Elena hadn't expected her little joke to be noticed. She quickly waved her hands in denial.

"No, no! Elena would never disrespect you, sir. It's just... I think your claim of being the best painter might be wrong."

Roland raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh?"

Elena stood with her hands on her hips, voice firm.

"My father once said that his mastery of the arts is unmatched. So if you say you're number one... well, I've never seen anyone so shameless!"

Grand Scholar Roland didn't get angry. To him, what could an eight-year-old possibly understand?

Even with a rare gift for magic, that didn't mean she had any real cultural education or artistic training.

She had probably read a few picture books at most.

He, on the other hand, had come from generations of scholars and spent decades immersed in the world of art and academia.

Few could match his accomplishments.

That thought brought a sense of superiority swelling within him.

"Oh? Your father knows how to paint?" he asked, trying not to sound too condescending.

"Of course!" Elena said proudly. "My father is amazing—painting, poetry, sculpture—he's a master of them all. And he's the best in every one of them!"

She raised her chin and puffed her chest in pride.

Roland paused for a moment, then chuckled lightly. In his eyes, this was just a little girl's blind admiration for her father.

"He certainly sounds well-versed," Roland said, tone indulgent.

"Naturally!" Elena nodded quickly. "Father always says, when traveling the continent, every extra skill you learn is another layer of protection!"

"I've learned a lot from him already! I've inherited all his secrets!"

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

She nodded seriously, as if she were revealing a great truth.

Roland couldn't help but laugh aloud. Such a child!

Clearly, if he didn't show her what true skill looked like, this little girl would never be convinced.

As for her father—how good could he really be at painting?

"Hahaha! Your Highness, knowing a lot doesn't mean you're skilled."

"Since you say your father is the best, and you've inherited his abilities, why don't we—just for fun—have a painting contest?"

"A contest?"

"Yes. You and I, a friendly match. If you win, I'll stop calling myself number one. But if I win..." Roland smiled faintly, confidence exuding from every pore, "Then you must admit I am truly the greatest in this land when it comes to painting."

Elena's eyes lit up, and without hesitation she shouted, "Deal! But if you lose, you're not allowed to say you're number one ever again! My father is!"

Roland waved his hand nonchalantly, lips curling into a confident grin. "Lose? Impossible."

"If I lose in painting to the princess, I'll ride a broomstick upside down through the palace square in front of everyone!"