Chapter 18. Lilith
"Listen, Lilith. That is the new name I have chosen for you. Let go of your old name and embrace Lilith as your new identity," Grey declared as Lilith took a break from their usual evening training—a day that turned out to be Lilith's final day training with the old woman.
"Lilith? Not a bad name... I thought the old lady like you would give me a terrible and tacky name," Lilith remarked, sipping water from the river with her palm. Grey chuckled, "Do you prefer a name like Brittany? Or perhaps Clover?"
"No, Lilith is perfect."
"..."
"...?"
Grey's sudden change in demeanor, from laughter to a somber expression, caught Lilith's attention, sparking curiosity and a hint of concern in her eyes. Before Lilith could inquire further, Grey continued, "You know, as individuals with special abilities like ours, we naturally possess a more accurate instinct and the ability to see things as they truly are. This strength is vital to our survival. Remember, do not act recklessly and carefully reconsider before placing your trust in someone. If you are unsure, listen to the depths of your heart, Lilith."
Lilith fell into silence, absorbing and contemplating Grey's words in her heart and mind. She attempted to decipher each word of the sentence before Grey walked away, leaving her behind.
Before she could delve deeper into the meaning of the old woman's vexing words, the following morning revealed the old woman peacefully asleep forever in her bed.
"That old woman truly is vexing," Lilith thought, recalling Grey's image in her mind.
She attempted to bury the deep-seated ache in her heart.
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The old woman's words abruptly resurfaced as she locked eyes with that child. In the child's bright green eyes, clean blonde hair, and healthy white skin, there lay a calm gaze that seemed impenetrable to Lilith's powers, no matter how formidable they may be.
Although her curiosity led her to question her underlings' perception of the child as a dirty and pitiful urchin, her own observation contrasted sharply with their view. This incongruity stirred suspicion in her heart. Consequently, Lilith feigned acquiescence to the child's proposal—a decision that ultimately proved to be highly advantageous.
'How could that child— I can't quite fathom it— have the power to alter people's perceptions of him? What is this? What peculiar power is this?'
Lilith pondered every time she encountered the child. The child appeared like any ordinary child when surrounded by her subordinates. However, the aura around him changed when only Lilith was alone with him. It was as if the child was not the same person and was simply playing the role of a child. For the first time, Lilith questioned her own intuition after relying on it for so long. Although the child sometimes displayed a menacing visage or emitted an aura that terrified some of Lilith's subordinates, there were moments when Lilith could observe the child being silent and indifferent when someone mocked his appearance.
Did the child possess special abilities like hers, allowing her to perceive what the child truly aimed to conceal?
At last, Lilith's curiosity reached its peak, compelling her to discreetly tail the child on her own. Even though the child asserted his nobility, Lilith was convinced that he did not belong to the Duke's family or any ordinary noble lineage.
Her suspicions were confirmed this time. Peering from behind a tree, she witnessed the child effortlessly leaping over the palace gate, a feat that seemed impossible without the strength of a hundred soldiers stacked upon each other to match the child's composure.
Blonde hair, around nine years old? To Lilith's recognition, only one individual fitted the given description, and that was—
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"Prince Lysander, why are you involving yourself in the affairs of the Night Flare Gang?"
Prince Lysander flashed a wide grin and twirled his fingers. "I aim to lead your gang under my command. I require your gang."
Lilith's brows furrowed instantly, her face contorting into an ugly expression as her voice remained calm yet icy, "What? What did you just say? You cursed demon child, how dare you speak like that in front of me? Just because we have an agreement, do you think I won't simply end your life right now? I could easily wipe out your entire family and you where you stand."
"Oh, that would be far too troublesome, my dear. It's best to avoid shedding the blood of others as this matter is between us. Despite my mention of control, I simply desire one thing..." Prince Lysander replied cheerfully, rising from his bed and leisurely advancing towards Lilith.
Lilith stayed silent, her gaze fixed on Prince Lysander's approaching figure.
Lilith wrestled with the impulse to strike down the small child before her, yet something restrained her from succumbing to such a cowardly act.
Although the child seemed menacing, he was unarmed unlike her.
What's more, the child was her student.
What had possessed Lilith's mind to readily agree to the young child's plea to learn all her combat techniques from the teachings of Grey? Was it due to her slight intoxication at the time? Or was it the child's influence?
"No, I haven't taken any action."
Prince Lysander's sudden outburst disrupted Lilith's thoughts, almost as if he could read her mind. Now, Prince Lysander stood mere inches away from her. Despite meeting Lilith's piercing gaze, he responded with a warm and sincere look. His gaze was so intense, as if he sought to touch Lilith's heart.
"What are you going to do?" Unconsciously, Lilith's voice sounded slightly trembling.
"Please, if your gang is planning to steal from noble families again and break into their homes, please refrain from harming anyone. Simply take all of their wealth. That is my final request to you."
"Huh?"
'What did he just say?'
"That... was that your way of trying to control me and my gang? AHAHAHA!ㅡ"
"Shhhh, don't laugh so loudly, Lilith. My servants might hear your boisterous laughter!" Prince Lysander whispered, quickly covering Lilith's mouth before moving back, wincing as she was suddenly bitten by him.
"Hey!" Prince Lysander hissed as he rubbed his slightly bleeding hand, while Lilith grinned, her fangs taking in the taste of blood from him.
"Alright, I will consider it," Lilith replied.
"Huh?" Now it was Prince Lysander who fell silent.
'What did she just say?'
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To Be Continue ?