It was the afternoon.
After learning about the news that Dimitri shared with their youngest brother, both Zephyratt and Scarletta had begun their preparations. Willow and Augustine were issued to continue cleaning the manor, but they decided unanimously to also join on the defensive later the night.
Lucilline strode across the streets, his dashing figure sticking out from amidst the crowd.
What was originally a pleasant walk had turned crowded—the streets were packed, as more and more people shopped on the streets.
By mere accident, Lucilline had accidentally brushed onto someone's shoulder, "Sorry." He apologized quickly. However, the moment he turned around to see the other person—they had long walked away, disappearing into the sea of people.
The black-haired nobleman was stunned.
How could someone leave so fast?
He shrugged, spinning on the spot to return walking. However, he couldn't help but feel a strange sensation dominate his chest... he felt as if something was missing.
The sound of a door opened, alerting the bell to ring.
Lucilline suddenly understood. The bell! His golden eyes fell down to take a small glance at his right wrist... only to realize that his copper bell was missing...! Panic had overtaken his heart, turmoil setting in instantly. The black-haired nobleman calmed himself, think back to when you lost it. But something told him that he didn't lose it. No.
There is no way I would lose my copper bell. Unless if...
Lucilline: (；'Д｀) ...no way, did I just get robbed?
*****
Daphnne sat crosslegged on her bed, her shoes taken off, and pondering off in her headspace. She sighed, "there's really nothing to do around here..." Although she was grateful for the extravagant hospitality, there was nothing better for her than to hang out with friends.
Speaking of friends...
"Hey!" She blurted out. Behind her were Azalea and Percival, who both were also dozing off. They were reading historical books on Lydia Kingdom, but their eyes didn't seem to be following the words on the page. "Let's play a game together, or at least talk with each other!"
The two boys ignored her.
Daphnne: .....
She huffed, feeling her blood rising to her head. Nevertheless, she still tried to come up with something to do. "Aren't you two bored? If you guys don't mind, why don't we go outside and walk around? S Academy will take a long time to be rebuilt, so staying home and studying nonsensically won't do you any good!"
Originally, they had tried to contact Lucilline.
However, Percival informed them that it was extremely difficult to contact him. After all, he was the son of a Grand Duke. His residence is located in a remote area, surrounded by lush greenery and a large gate.
Even if they try to travel to Duke Rubius' manor, it was highly likely that they wouldn't be able to enter. They also heard about the return of the two eldest Rubius siblings. Surely, Lucilline would like to spend some alone time with his siblings...
"I also miss Lucilline, but cheer up!" Daphnne tried to raise their morale. "The last time Willow visited, she told us that if Lucilline has any free time, he will visit us!"
"Really!?!" Azalea's eyes shone like the sun.
Daphnne: ...so now you respond
She coughed, "Yes. Therefore, don't be so gloomy."
Azalea: ???
He was suddenly confused, "I was never gloomy though?"
"Me neither." Percival added on the side.
Daphnne: (；･'д･') !!!
She was exasperated, "You mean, you two weren't upset because we couldn't meet Lucilline? Then why were you two dozing off on the bed?" She couldn't believe that she was concerned for her two friends, even though they weren't even upset!
Percival wore only a white shirt, outlining his lean figure and attractive collar bones. His black trousers snuggled at his slender waist nicely.
He explained, "We were originally thinking about the demon invasion at S Academy. It is truly an upsetting thing... but it isn't enough to dampen our mood. However... the situation with November..."
The image of a shy purple-haired girl flashed before his eyes.
"...we were wondering how a demon like her managed to invade in Lydia Kingdom—a nation where demons are banned and prohibited from even coming close." Percival found it to be quite the headache. There were so many contradictions, it was almost ridiculous.
Azalea sighed. "Additionally, that student who spilt tea on you during the Swordsmanship Tournament... I also couldn't figure that out."
Daphnne made some sense out of it.
She also didn't understand why she was targeted. She also didn't understand why Lucilline was purposely implicated because of her. Why was someone targeting her and Lucilline? Did they also disapprove of friendship between noblemen and commoners?
The heroine found it infuriating, gnawing her teeth angrily, "Anyways, we're all safe in the end, so it's no big deal! I do hope that the demons get exterminated quickly... I don't wish for any more fights."
She still remembered how horrible the fight was against that gigantic demon...
Daphnne did not want to go through it again. But even more, she didn't want anyone else to get hurt because of demonic activity. If it meant preventing harm to the people she loves... then perhaps fighting against a demon again is worth it.
Her iris blue eyes wandered to the window....
She rose from her seat, "I think I just saw Lucilline outside!"
Percival waved his hand, "We fell for this trick yesterday already. Why are you using the same phrase to trick us again...?"
"No!" Daphnne huffed, her chestnut brown hair glimmering in the sunlight's glow. "I'm being serious! At least look outside!"
She captured their attention this time.
Azalea flipped himself off the bed, while Percival elegantly slid down. They squeezed before the window, both trying to capture a glimpse of outside—
"You're right!" Azalea let out a sound of surprise.
His amethyst purple eyes widened, with a hint of childish joy burning bright.
Percival's eyes lingered on the black-haired nobleman's figure. He still remembered their latest interaction—when he was hiding from the Delta House servants... and just happened to be stuffed underneath Lucilline's dress...
His cheeks burned red from shameless. Snap out of it!
Daphnne noticed the two's awfully large amount of affection for the black-haired nobleman, but didn't mind it. She hurriedly added, "Let's go and greet him while we still have the chance!"
*****
Lucilline wandered down the streets, with a trace of anxiousness in his delicate golden eyes.
His hand continuously gripped the empty space on his right wrist, trying to fill in the missing puzzle piece. Where could it have possibly gone? Who could have possibly stolen a measly old copper bell from me? It costs less than a single pancake from the streets... it doesn't have any worth... so why...?
The black-haired nobleman was on the brink of tears.
All of a sudden, a cry lunged forwards, "Lucilline!"
His hands were enveloped by another warm pair. Lucilline was stunned to find a pair of dazzling amethyst purple eyes staring at him, beautiful and stirring his heart in multiple directions.
"...Azalea!" He blurted out.
The male lead smiled, "Mhm! It's me!"
Lucilline was almost blinded by the male lead's smile. His white teeth burned like a blooming lily flower, smooth like the surface of an ivory pearl. Azalea's eyes betrayed all of his child-like emotions; he was especially ecstatic to reconvene with his friend.
A person like him could not hide anything.
"What brought you over to visit?" Daphnne asked on the sidelines.
Lucilline looked over to the heroine, who was equally joyous about her friend's visit. His golden eyes fell over to glance on the side...
Percival stood there awkwardly. Once his eyes accidentally met in contact with the black-haired nobleman, he immediately looked elsewhere. A barrage of crimson red blush had crept upon his face.
Lucilline, "..." What the matter is with this guy?
He turned back to Daphnne, and described his plans for defending the Holy Church from potential demonic activity. Their job was just to maintain security, and prevent any demons from breaching.
"Of course we'll help!" Azalea confirmed.
Daphnne also agreed. If she could end conflict, then she wouldn't mind risking it all.
Percival regained his elegant posture, nodding.
They discussed about what time to meet at the Holy Church main base, and the preparations for defending the building. Lucilline reassured his three friends that he'll prepare weaponry, and bring along Willow and Augustine; his two servants.
After confirming everything, Lucilline began to depart.
"You look anxious, Lucilline." Daphnne pointed out an important point. "Does it have anything to do with tonight's mission?"
The black-haired nobleman tucked a strand of hair behind a pearly white ear, smiling gently, his face pale from stress. "It's nothing. I... may have just lost something."
Azalea's brows furrowed. "You could tell us, and we could try and find it for you."
Lucilline just smiled. "There's no need. It's not worth your time." Even though he tried to reassure them, the look in his eyes were a shade of sadness.
Percival noticed that.
He moved forwards, completely forgetting how embarrassed and ashamed he was from the dress incident. The brown-haired nobleman reached out, gently enveloped one of Lucilline's hands in his own. "It will be alright." His voice was smooth and crestfallen, bringing the black-haired nobleman back to present.
Lucilline lowered his eyes, his sight lingering on where their hands touched.
He pulled back, "Thank you, Percival. I should get going then. See you all tonight."
Daphnne enthusiastically waved goodbye. She kept waving until the black-haired nobleman's back was out of her sight. Turning back to face the inn, Daphnne met the sight of both Azalea and Percival keenly examining their own hands, their faces riddled in blush.
The heroine: ???
She sighed. If touching Lucilline's hands would help me understand what they're thinking of, I would have also sneaked a touch myself.
Meanwhile, Lucilline walked down the street, pondering on who could have possibly stolen his copper bell. His eyes fell onto an inconspicuous gentleman, dressed in a suit and top-hat, "Could it be him...?" He glanced at a maiden dressed in a spring pink dress, "Or her...?" At last, he looked at a child carried in the arms of his mother, "...or..."
He sighed, drawing a hand across his face. I'm just too tired.
The destruction of S Academy... the defense at the Holy Church main base... the dream demon that haunts his nightmares... and his father bedridden...
So many things happening at once may just turn Lucilline bald.
"Excuse me," a shadow loomed over the black-haired nobleman. Instantly, Lucilline felt a sense of oppression crawling into his chest— "Is this what you were looking for?"
His eyes met a pair of light pink eyes, which shone habitually by the sunlight's glow. Before him stood an elegantly poised young man, his hair was a colour of teal blue, as if the skies lent droplets into his long locks of hair. A portion of it was tied into a braid, and his bangs swept across his forehead, drooping slightly before his pink eyes, which thinned as if in scrutiny.
His face was handsomely cold—not like Augustine's though. If Augustine was like a blizzard, piercing several needles into your skin, then this young man was like a barrage of soft dewy snow. His cheekbones were sharp, yet attractive.
This young man donned a spruce blue suit, his slender yet lean muscles protruding from the arms. The suit was not fully buttoned up, revealing the white tunic and prominent collarbones underneath.
Lucilline pursed his lips, darkening them to a shade of cherry red.
Dangling before his eyes was a bracelet of a copper bell. It contained the same old marks and old warmth of his original one.
"Yes, this is mine. But you..." Immediately, Lucilline became suspicious.
The young man with luscious pink eyes had explained thoughtlessly, "I found this sitting on the ground over there." He pointed to the location, "Then I noticed you scrambling around, as if in search for something. I took a gamble and struck gold."
He tossed the copper bell over. Lucilline cautiously caught it, quietly examining it.
"There is no need to be so high on your guard." The young man with pink eyes had sighed. "I did not lie. Why would I feel the need to trick a young noble boy, and fabricate an accessory?"
His words sounded reasonable.
Lucilline ignored him and hung the copper bell back on his wrist. It shook, letting out its original hollow ring. He was satisfied.
"Pardon my suspicions. It's just that I harboured thoughts that someone may have stolen it when I wasn't paying attention. Seeing that you returned it back to me, I was naturally on my guard. What's your name?" He brushed a few strands of black hair aside.
Once his suspicions were dismissed, Lucilline's eyes had softened, melting like liquid gold. His pale face had gentle contours, and his lips curved upwards in joyous occasion.
The young man with pink eyes had faltered.
He coughed, raising a fist to cover his mouth, "I'm Jacques Flynn. You are?"
Lucilline introduced himself.
As Jacques listened, his expression grew colder. "I see. It is unfortunate that someone dared to steal a possession of the son of Grand Duke Rubius." His pink eyes seemed to contain a figment of regret. "Now that you've gotten back your accessory, then you can rest, Young Master Rubius."
He nodded, "I will take my leave."
Lucilline watched his back disappear from view. The copper bell on his wrist rung twice, but it didn't have the same familiar sound of the past. His delicate golden eyes darkened, and the air around him seemed to turn cold.
*****
Jacques walked steadily down the streets.
His lean figure dressed in the gentlemanly blue attire had casted a long shadow, which crawled sneakily into the cobblestone ground.
He continued walking without a care for the world. Those who passed by him had taken second peaks for his handsome face, before turning away, suspecting nothing. Jacques looked forwards, his shadow continuing to paste alongside the walls.
At last, he turned a corner, entering a small rundown building. Vines crept the ruined walls, with the bricks scratched and disturbed of dirt.
"Big brother!" A child's cry had joyously sounded in the building.
Inside was just a small room, illuminated by a single light. It was enough to light the entire room though, providing how small the entire space was.
"Hugo," Jacques sighed.
Sitting on the wooden floorboards was a small child, presuming to be only five-years-old. Hugo had dirty brown hair, and his hollow skinny cheeks made his face appear like a skeletal skull. He wore a dirtied white tunic, the threads overshadowing his figure due to his diminished weight.
The skinny-to-the-bones boy had happily rung a copper bell in his fists, "You're back, big brother! Thank you for giving me this toy!"
The copper bell looked identical to Lucilline's.
"You are very welcome." Jacques smiled, with a hint of fatigue hidden in his pink eyes.
Hugo rung the copper bell a few more times, delighted at the sound it made. "You are so amazing, big brother. Even when all the other children left, you still stayed by my side!"
Jacques' eyes darkened. They didn't leave. They were taken away.
The copper bell fell silent.
Hugo could sense the distress beneath the young man's pink eyes. He set the copper bell aside onto the wooden floorboards, looking up at Jacques. "Big brother, why can't I leave?" One day, a group of old men wearing white robes and golden crosses had entered their orphanage, examining all the children and his friends.
One by one, they all left. Only Hugo was left behind.
"The kind, sincere, and compassionate Holy Priests have decided to adopt some children that befitted their standards. We are greatly indebted to the Holy Church Organization." The original orphanage director had remarked before leaving the orphanage, leaving Jacques to take care of all the kids.
Jacques looked at the hollow look in Hugo's eyes. It made one wonder why a poor child like him must continue to live on the road of suffering.
The sound of a copper bell rung—
"May I have my possession back?" A familiar lukewarm voice entered the room. Jacques was alarmed. He spun around, almost hitting the incoming black-haired nobleman.
Lucilline was unamused. "I do not find it funny for you to trick me with a false product." He spun the copper bell he was given.
"You are mistaken," Jacques cursed. "I gave you your possession back."
Hugo was left stunned. "Big brother?"
Lucilline's eyes flickered to look at the skinny boy, who was ridden in poverty, clutching a copper bell in his boney hands. "I believe that that is mine." He trusted his intuition. When he first listened to the sound by the copper bell, he could not hear its familiar sound. He grew suspicious, deciding to follow Jacques' trail.
It seemed that his intuition was trustworthy.
Jacques realized that there was no escape. Even if he were to come up with a precise and logical argument, this nobleman could always just continue pressing the issue. After all, the rich could steal away anything at anytime from the poor.
"It's not what you think." Jacques lowered his voice. He took the copper bell out of Hugo's grasp. "This is the original bell, but the one that you have is also the original."
A silence ensued in the room.
Lucilline's eyes thinned. "What do you mean." His tone was not questioning, but rather a command.
Jacques placed the copper bell in his palm. All of a sudden, a light glow enveloped the bell, making it brighten by ten folds...! Everyone had to look away—but then, the light faded away.
Looking back into Jacques' palm, there was now two copper bells!
"I am a mage." The young man stated, his cold face added with a trace of panic. "All I wanted was to give Hugo a toy to play with. I... stole your copper bell with teleportation magic, then duplicated it. I gave Hugo the original bell... and gave you the duplicate. They are the same, so I didn't expect you to notice. I did not mean any harm from my actions."
Lucilline raised his hand.
Immediately, Jacques shielded the skinny five-year-old with his own body. He wore a cold face, delirious to the chilling frost. His pink eyes contained the flame of a determined man.
Lucilline paused. Images seemed to flash before his eyes—
His raised hand had dropped back down to his side.
"Do not worry. I won't hurt a child." He sneered. "...Thievery out in open, and also the usage of magic. I commend you for your bravery." The emotions stored inside was begging to be let out, hammering against his chest with painful knocks.
Lucilline took a deep breath. The resentment inside him had vanished, like dust blowing up into a cloud.
"Give me the original bell." He ordered.
Jacques did as he was ordered, handing over the original bell. Hugo watched the transaction play out, with a layer of mist visible in his puny eyes.
Lucilline studied the original bell. He hung it on his wrist, ringing it. The sound playing out was familiar... satisfying and soothing his ears.
He then tossed the duplicated bell onto the ground, landing just before Hugo.
The five-year-old boy was stunned.
"Take it. I have no use for a duplicate." Lucilline brushed strands of his silky black hair aside. "I am also not so cruel to crush the joy of a mere child."
He turned away, clearly intending to leave.
However, Lucilline paused. "Remember, child." He looked at the boy who weakly grabbed the duplicated copper bell, with the sounds ringing softly in the air. "Your big brother did something bad. But he is a brave person. I think you should be grateful that such a wonderful person did not leave you."
Hugo's hollow and empty eyes seemed to be filled, as the sound of the copper bell ensued.
Lucilline waved a hand nonchalantly, leaving the room. He closer shut the door, then leaned against the brick wall, feeling the cold penetrate his bones.
This seemed to happen before. He threw a hand across his face. Perhaps in my previous life, such a scenario played out too. My bell was stolen by the same mage. But I had not forgiven this man, instead, I punished him severely. His hand dropped to his side. But why is it that I am doing the exact opposite in this life?
Inside the shut room, Hugo looked intently at the shut door.
He remembered the words of the pretty nobleman. "I think you should be grateful that such a wonderful person did not leave you."
Hugo clutched the bell, then looked at Jacques. "Big brother.... thank you." For everything you've done that I was not aware of.
Jacques did not dare to look at the child.
Shadows looked over his face, making Hugo see nothing but the layer of darkness.
Jacques' blue bangs had draped across his forehead, his enchanting pink eyes washed over with a layer of light mist, making them slightly redden without force. His cheeks burned bright, and he reminisced the black-haired nobleman, who spat out ridiculing words at first, then endearing ones right after.
It is really difficult to hate him. Jacques pursed his lips.
Author's Note:
(✿◠‿◠ Happy Mother's Day!
I was a bit busy today—cleaned around the house; wiping floorboards, staircases, desks, headboards, counters, and etc. But to celebrate, I baked egg tarts! (*'∀｀)
Please take the time today to do something kind for your parents/guardians, family member, or just a friend? Anything nice is valuable, even the smallest thing.
I managed to persevere today and published a chapter! Did you enjoy it? Normally, my chapters are around 2000 words, but today, I took a new step and increased it to 3600! I need to take a rest ('-﹏-'；)