Chapter 9

"Huh?! What did you say??"

For the first time, Nyxon's looked away from making eye contact. But the moment he looked away, there's Calamir who made a scowling face while crossing his arms, glaring at him.

"... What do you mean by she'll be coming back in a week? Did you do something to her, Nyxon?" Asks Calamir, while his left hand was pulling Eclara's arm. Since she's almost sounded like a barking wolf when knowing her owner disappeared.

"Well, I didn't do anything to her. Maybe I made a mistake while not realizing..." He sat on the couch, staring at the empty ceiling. "She confessed her feelings to me."

"She what?!!" Calamir slammed the table while Eclara froze as if she turned into a statue. "It is your fault for seducing her, flirting with her like you actually mean to marry her!"

"What? But I only-"

"Shut up, you bastard! How dare you seduced her!" Eclara then stomped her leg on the table, grabbing Nyxon by his cravat.

"Hey, won't you let me expla-"

"There's nothing to explain. You, to think you would make Claire cried! She's my maid, you know?" Calamir pinched his glabella, while shaking his head several times.

Nyxon just stared at them, a give up expression was shown on his face.

"I didn't get to reject her since she said that she won't be needing my answer." He glanced at the chocolate shortcake on the table, thinking if Claire was here, all the chocolate flavours is hers!

"What? You planned to reject her??" The grabbed on his cravat was tightened, Eclara was ready to throw hands.

"If you're planning to reject her, why bother to keep flirting with her?" Calamir sighed, looking at his friend. Nyxon was silent by those two scolding, he didn't even know how to handle women but when it comes to Claire, he didn't even want to scratch her heart by rejecting or whatsoever. But to think Claire was too fast to cover his mouth, avoiding from getting an answer.

"And now I have to wait for her for another week..." Says Eclara, leaning her body against Calamir.

She gasped as the door was opened, softly pulled me for a hug while Halcyne invited Lefka and Atharis in the house.

"I get that you're staying only for one night, but I didn't expect that you'd disappear without telling me first. Halcyne was sad that he didn't get to see you go, thinking that we won't meet again." Says Meldia, her warm hands were holding onto mine.

"I'm sorry for leaving like that..." If I hadn't met with Nyxon last time, I would have gone back here.

"Let me make some tea! I picked them while strolling in the town, they're known for helping to reduce fatigue." She then rushed to the kitchen and started brewing.

"Sister, do you know? That girl who used to pick on me, she won't admit her fault. And she's telling her parent to come meet mother! But mother doesn't know about this, so can I ask you to stand in mother's stead?" His puppy eyes were shining the whole while talking to me. To think that girl still stuck in her princess delusion...

"Sure, I'll go. Tomorrow, right?" Seeing Halcyne nodded as he sat on my lap, I played with hair and looked at Atharis. "Athar, can you help me tomorrow too?"

"No, uncle can't go." Says Halcyne.

Huh? Uncle?

Atharis... AH?!

As the Duke of Axteg strode into the room, his dark grey hair cascaded over his shoulders, lending him an air of authority and sophistication. His eyes, a mesmerizing blend of purple and teal, seemed to pierce through the crowd, commanding attention with their intensity. The atmosphere instantly shifted as his cold presence filled the room, silencing even the slightest whispers, as if the mere gaze of his eagle-like eyes held the power to quell any noise or dissent.

Each step he took resonated with a quiet power, his demeanor exuding a sense of control and dominance. His entrance was not just a physical arrival but a declaration of his influence, casting a palpable aura that demanded respect and obedience from all those present. As the Duke of Axteg surveyed the room with a calculating gaze, it was clear that his presence alone was enough to shape the course of events to come. The name of his, Atharis Hellian Vla Cavierelle.

Shoot... Atharis... Calamir's uncle... He's the youngest of Charles' siblings, and both of them didn't come from the same mother. Shortly speaking, Atharis' mother was a concubine.

How could I forget about that...? But even though he's a duke, he's still not married since he's not in his thirty yet.

"Oh, right. Athar, you shouldn't go. I will somehow handle it by myself." I was sweated enough to get nervous after ordering a duke around.

"Still, if you want some assistant, I can give you my personal knight. His name is Sirius." Atharis patted my head, looking at how I lowered my head.

Sirius... Ah, he's the guy who died along with Damien in the fire. Atharis did not have any feelings for any of his family like Calamir or Eclara. But he cared about her so he sent Sirius to save Eclara while Damien died in there because he was stuck under the collapsed ceilings. Thinking of saving him, Sirius told his underlings to take Eclara while he went back to Damien. But unfortunately, only a bad news was brought to Atharis about Sirius' death, and the duke was mentally shocked and fell ill for almost a month.

"Please give him to me, Athar." I said while Lefka came from the kitchen, after helping out Meldia made some tea.

"Halcyne. How about we take a bath together?" He pulled Halcyne's arm. He agreed to Lefka and they rushed to upstairs.

"Athar. Do you often come here? Meldia is your sister-in-law after all."

"Not really. Lefka told me not to get attached to anyone. That's why I avoid people even from my family."

Hm, his loyalty towards Lefka was unmeasurable.

"Sorry, did you wait long?" Meldia finally came out from the kitchen while her hands were carrying a tray of teapot and the cups. She put them on the table in front of us. "So, did you get into a fight your lover?" She poured the tea in each cup.

"Huh? Lover??" I glanced at Atharis who's shrugging. "Where did you hear that, Meldia?"

"My, Lefka told me that you told him. He said you're crying that he had to bring you to his house, since he's living with Atharis, thinking that an adult could take care of an adult woman." She giggled as she covered her lips.

"No-... No, please don't listen to that kid. Gosh... Not a fight with lover, but a friend. It's not entirely a fight, to be precise. It's a one sided conversation." I took one of the cup, and sipped the hot tea. It tasted peppermint.

"Oh, a friend. I can lend my ears if you wanted to." It's her turn to drink, while I gave one of the cups to Atharis. And he took it. "Anyway, there's something I would like to tell you, Lysa."

Lysa, huh? I forgot that's my name now, to think I've gotten used to how Calamir and Nyxon called me by my real name.

"I think it's strange, that you don't recognize me for who I was." The deep blue eyes of hers as if pierced through me when she started to make a serious conversation. "Even if you're not someone from Queen Meldia era, you will eventually learn about history of us the ruler of the country."

"I get what you're trying to say. But what do you expect me to do if I discovered your real identity? Spreading the news? The truth behind your disappearance? Those won't do me benefits, my queen."

My words left her mouth opened, as well as Atharis' who stopped drinking tea.

"The main issue here is not the benefits for me. It's about what should I do if I met the former queen? You're not thinking of getting back your position, yet you asked me that." I lowered my back, sitting awkwardly after feeling a bit guilty talking to a former queen in such manner.

It took a few seconds for Meldia to shake her head. "I don't mean that. It's just strange that you're not telling people about my existence. It's as if you want something from me."

"Ah, I see. But I don't have anything to wish from you..." Then my gaze was shifted to Lefka and Halcyne came downstairs while laughing at their unknown conversation. "I will only wish that you can find your happiness, with the youngest prince."

She stared at me before smiling, as she put down the cup, "Atharis. It's been so long since I met a person with such a sincere wish towards me. After your sister Freya died, people only wish for me to die too until you came to me. Only then you made me escaped from that hell, and I ended up meeting with a beautiful lady like Lysandra after years."

I stole a glimpse of Atharis, not much of reaction was there. Only a cold expression with a small emotion was displayed in his eyes that turned teal colour.

Now I realized that his eye colour changed based on emotions. As of now, teal meant sadness or sorrow. Maybe the purple one showed meaning of excitement or satisfaction. I should ask Lefka later about those eyes.

"I appreciate of how you're not taking advantage of my identity. Thank you, Lysa."

The both of us changed the topic, we laughed together until it's past midnight. And I talked with Halcyne while Atharis and were chatting with each other outside to enjoy some night breeze. Meldia was fast asleep since it's her habit to sleep early when the night turned cold.

"Sister, do you think her parent will let us off?"

I turned to Halcyne, his fingers were twiddling and his feet were swinging back and forth repeatedly.

"What do you think?"

"Her family is a pretty high rank noble! What is it again, a count?"

Hm... A count, huh? At this rate, Halcyne's future will stuck like the recent past. But of course I won't let that happen, that's why I hope that Sirius could be a big help.

"Halcyne. Can you promise me one thing?" I lowered my gaze as I twirled his hair.

He looked at me nervously. "What is it? You're going to disappear again?"

"No. Halcyne, promise me that you will always take care of your mother and yourself."

His blue eyes were glazing as he heard my advice. But he didn't hide his feelings, instead he hugged me strongly. Even though he's a kid, his strength couldn't be compared to mine which was weak!

"I will protect mother. Myself too... And I will protect you too, sister."

Strange... The feelings of having a younger brother wasn't that bad. I patted his head, and hugged him back. "Thanks. Halcyne."

*

He hit the back of my head, that's how I was reminded of Nyxon.

"What's that for???" I glared at Lefka who had a serious expression on his face. I can't get used to his adult form, he's like a handsome teen. He came to me as soon as I told that I was enjoying the view of the yellow roses.

"Don't think of risking your life or anything, dummy. I know just by the way you're talking with Halcyne yesterday."

"... It's not your concern, Lefka."

"Why? If you die for taking the blame for that child, who will be the one to solve your mission? Are you giving up?"

I stared at his jade eyes, a bit frustrated by my action. I can see his worry for me even though we're not friends. "My life is worth as it is, otherwise, who else would take the risk to let Halcyne live a peaceful life?"

"That child is not going to understand what you're about to risk."

"That child you're talking about is the younger brother I wish to have, Lefka."

He stopped talking when he heard that, his eyes were staring at me with a shock in them. "You're getting attached to a character that only appears in the novel..."

"Is it wrong? The character itself is endearing, pulling a reader like me to love it more. I think you should know when you have Athar as your most beloved. You should at least try to understand the sibling-like relationship between me and Halcyne."

He was speechless while listening to me rambling.

"Sister. Please don't do anything reckless. If anything happens to you... I swear to kill all the humans." Then suddenly Lefka hugged me while rubbing his head on my shoulder.

"Why would you-"

"My beloved list has no limit, and you're included in that list. So bear with me." He continued to look into my eyes that I could feel such a strong feelings that flowing into my body. "I will tell you another way to face the count family, so don't do anything risky."

Huh?

"What? Another way? You did not say anything about another way yesterday, you stupid dragon!!" I smacked his head, if only I could give him a knee strike.

"Excuse me, My Lady."

Both of us turned our heads towards such low tone voice, yet so attractive to be heard.

A tall man witha long black hair that styled in pony tail and a pair of ruby eyes were strongly striking into mine, he's that Sirius. A guy who recklessly sacrificed himself for the man who's not even in his mission list.

"Sirius, right? Did Atha- the duke send you here?" I gently pushed Lefka to my right as I saw Sirius walked closer to me before he bowed.

"Yes. But..." His eyes glanced at Lefka who's staring at him, he looked so irritated by Sirius. "His Grace didn't mention that Lefka would be here too."

"Ah, Lefka? He decided to follow me, a bit last minute but he will get upset if I don't bring him."

"I see, my apologize for being nosy." He once again bowed to me.

"N-No... Don't do that next time, I'm not your master." I straightened his body, glancing around if there's anyone looking. "By the way, why do you look so annoyed with Sirius, Lefka? Did he by any chance offend you?"

Lefka rolled eyes at me, then sighed. "You're too young, sister. I bet you wouldn't understand-"

I used my fist to hit Lefka before he gets to finish what he said. "So, you got any plan? Who's the count anyway? Could you at least tell me his name?"

"His name is Devan Allustor. He's not that famous, but he became one of the famous noble after his first daughter has chosen as Prince Siegfried's fiancée. Her name is Caroline." He glanced at me and briefly looked at Sirius too. "People would normally avoid from offending them because Devan is one of the noble that King Charles trusts."

"So, what is the plan??" Felt a bit tired after standing for so long, I was crouching while playing with the fallen leaves of roses.

"Devan has three daughters and only one son. He dotes on Caroline and the youngest named Carlisa the most since they're the first and the last child of him. While the two middle siblings tries to work hard in order to gain the father's favors, but Devan and his wife ignore the two siblings. That's when the two of them started to hate on the parent."

"So you want me to convince the two of them into our alliance?" I asked, slightly one of my eyebrows was raised.

"What do you mean convince? They're just waiting for someone who they truly can trust to put the whole family into a mess. This way, you can avoid your worthless life from getting risk, dummy!" He poked my forehead before sighing and looking at Sirius. "And you, make sure to protect this annoyingly unpredictable woman."

"I don't need you tell me that. His Grace has ordered me what I need to do." His eyes didn't even batted from Lefka's powerful eyes.

But after Sirius mentioned Atharis, Lefka snapped. And he stomped his legs as he left.

"Erh... Why is he acting like that?" I can't help but frowning at Lefka's aggressiveness.

"He's always like that, whenever I speak of my master. It shows that he's jealous of my bond with the duke even though His Grace will only stay with him. Even a dragon can be insecure." Says Sirius. "Seems like he won't be following us. Let's just go by ourselves. Lefka is always like that when he's jealous."

I nodded, then I took a step first while Sirius was following me from behind. His walk was like a gentleman who's ready to protect his master.

If we're going to make the middle children of Allustor family into our allies, it's going to take some time.

*

She didn't even look at him who's now drinking the tea in front of him.

"Eclara, are you mad at me?" Joshue tried to touch Eclara's hand, but she's much quicker to avoid it.

"Mind your manner, how dare you say my name?" While scowling at him, her aqua eyes were ready to swallow him.

"What is wrong with you? You can't just be mad at me because I danced with Tiara."

"Mad? I'm not mad, though?"

"Then, explain to me why don't you look at me?"

"So what am I supposed to do?! Hold onto your leg while begging you not to leave me for that girl? Or do you want me to apologize to you for not being jealous over your dance with her? Or should I cry so that you would love me back?"

Joshue didn't even expect that Eclara would snap.

"Even though I obeyed every of your command, you didn't even think of treating me nice. Only then, this girl just realized how fool she was to be in love with a man who's not worth her time at all."

He was left speechless, the first time he saw Eclara being like that, he couldn't stop his heart from racing. It's undeniable but he was confused by his own feelings, coincidentally, King Charles and Claudia were passing by.

And Joshue took the chance to kiss Eclara, while she's too shocked for her brain to keep processing.

'This jackass...!' She couldn't do anything because of King Charles and Claudia were watching them. But then she let her inner thoughts win over her heart. She bit Joshue's lips.

"Wha-"

"Scumbag, how dare you kissed me with those dirty lips." Her glare pierced through him, but not enough of the short kiss, he was blinded by lust for her lips and pushed her to the wall by force even though the king and the concubine were no longer in sight.

"Shit..! You-"

He as if gobbled down her cherry lips that attractive enough to seduce him.

By then, Calamir and Nyxon walked by and witnessed it. While Nyxon did nothing, Calamir rushed towards them and separated them apart. Glaring at Joshue who's still surrounded by a lusty aura, Calamir wrapped his blue cape on Eclara.

"What do you think you're doing? It's clearly that you're forcing on her." He's ready to throw a hand, but he's sane enough to control his emotions.

"Well, the king ignored us when he saw us. And what could a prince like you do to me?" Joshue wiped the blood on his lips.

"I don't care, but if you lay your hand again on her, I'll handle you by myself." He gently lifted up Eclara's who's on the corner while being covered with the cape, leaving Joshue alone.

And there was Nyxon. "If you're thinking of getting her to be obedient like she used to, don't. Take your time by enjoying your youth with your lady. The princess is not your puppet anymore." After dropping some of cool lines, Nyxon left with a proud face.

"Gah! His blood tastes horrible!" She rinsed her mouth repeatedly without looking at Calamir who's being splashed with the water from the basin Kayla brought to her.

"It's normal for bloods to taste like that. What is your blood taste like?" He gave the towel to her.

"My blood? At least my blood tastes iron. But his blood didn't, it's more like I ate an animal corpse." She once again throwed up, this time in the basin with clean water in it.

"You're overreacting everything. Mostly towards Claire."

Calamir and Eclara both looked at Nyxon who just entered the room. He shut the door after Kayla stepped out from it.

"Hm~ Someone who rejected Claire is mentioning her name..." Says Eclara, leaning her head on Calamir's waist, since he was standing up next to her who's sitting on the couch.

"Yeah, what a shameless to our palace." Calamir agreed and nodded to her words.

While Nyxon only could suppressed his anger in since it's the truth. "It's been two days now."

"Oh~ Someone is counting days..." She giggled, nudging Calamir with her elbow.

"Nyxon, you're not even hiding that you're actually shameless. More than I expected." Calamir tapped on Nyxon's shoulder, but he brushed off his hand knowing that Calamir only annoyed him. "Anyway, why did that guy kiss you? Ronea?" Calamir turned to Eclara.

"How would I know? That lunatic, after I snapped at him, the way he looks at me changed quickly. As if he's showing a sign that he should mark his territory before it's running away. Which is me." She took off her flat shoes and laid on the couch.

Calamir just nodded to the assumption, and he sat on the couch arm.

Clack!

"My lady, Your Highness, His Highness Prince Siegfried is looking for you." Says Kayla after opened the door.

"What does he want?" Asks Eclara.

"I don't know, but he seems so restless." She answered before flinching as the door was kicked opened wide.

"Siegfried, mind your manner." Nyxon touched the sword on his waist.

"What do you want, bastard?" Eclara didn't miss the chace to glare at him every time they meet.

"Where's Lysandra? She's nowhere to be seen!" Siegfried then looked at Calamir. "Did you throw her away?"

"She's not someone you should concern about, Prince Siegfried."

As he got the cold response from Calamir, he grabbed him by the collar. There's Nyxon who unsheathed his sword but Calamir stopped him from taking an unnecessary action.

"You should know who's more worth of her, me as his brother, or you as only her master." His glowing purple eyes that were pouncing on him reminded him of Lysandra.

Eclara pulled Calamir onto the couch while she roughly pushed Siegfried against the wall, pinning him hardly with her arm on his neck, let him feels the suffocation.

"If you know the word 'worth', you should use it properly. At least not from a brother who raped his own little sister and left her body almost turned into skeleton."

The moment he heard the secret he hid all to himself coming out from Eclara's mouth, the princess of Axteg, he's trembling while widened his eyes even his eyes were shaking out of fear as if being threatened for his life.

"A garbage like you, is not different from what they call animals. Even animals have feelings!" She shoved him on the floor, glaring down at him as she held herself from punching him.

"Drag him out, guards." Orders Calamir, his eyes were also watching on the pathetic guy who's thinking that his life was totally over. And the guards dragged him out.

Calamir and Nyxon looked at Eclara who's barely calm. They know how much she's being holding in her feelings, not to harm anyone under Claire's advice.