Epic Of The Demonic Sage



'What a majority of people desire in this world is a connection. I've observed that for so long, that even those who try their best to fit in with their environment also find it slipping.' Lucius thought.

Some were able to maintain their control like Viscount Felldan, who controlled the center stage by using his Gift and then there were others like Baron Hugh who were good at keeping it together with outside people but were more expressive with his family.

'These people tend to think they'll end up being an exception to the rule if you show them even a little bit of love.' Lucius thought as he glanced at Lily's face.

Lily was blushing hard and her heart pounded at the silence Lucius was giving. She couldn't wait to hear from him.

"L-Lord Asher?" Lily tried hard to maintain her composure, but she was quaking a little on the inside. Only the teachings of her mother allowed her to maintain some fashion of dignity.

'I… I've never really opened my heart this much. It's scary. Why won't you say anything, Lord Asher? Has somebody else caught your eye?' Lily thought with some panic.

"Lord Asher, have I spoken too much?" Lily asked again. "This… this isn't really ladylike of me, is it?"

Lucius couldn't help but remember Mira, who believed that Lucius was capable of loving someone.

"You are fine as you are, Miss Lily." Lucius smiled kindly at her. "As nobles, we are expected to act in certain ways that are befitting that of our family and society. We wear masks and do our best to fit in, understand how social circles work and such things… so it is actually quite admirable that you are able to become honest. I do not think I'm deserving of such things…"

"B-but you are incredible, Lord Asher!" Lily readily replied. "You have done so much for your family and even for my brother… I hope that you would at least let me try to stay by your side. I know that I am being too forward right now..."

"You have no reason to be ashamed of how you act. Just know who to trust, alright Miss Lily?" Lucius chuckled. "And I am not preventing you from staying here."

A look of relief crossed over Lily's face and her shoulders sagged slightly. 

'I… I didn't think that Lord Asher would like me. But he accepts me for who I am. Benjamin says that he's helping me, but I really thought that he was sabotaging my attempts. I did the right and proper thing by approaching Lord Asher.' Lily thought as her cheeks tinged pink.

"T-thank you so much, Lord Asher." Lily added. "I should probably leave before my father gets a heart attack. Well, I think my father likes you very much already so it should not be that bad, but, ah. I need to excuse myself."

'I… I said too much. If anybody in my family knew how forward I was with Lord Asher, they'd never let me live with it. How shameful.' Lily thought.

"I am looking forward to your stay here, Miss Lily." Lucius chuckled and bowed his head regally. "I know that we will not often cross paths…"

"I-I will visit you… my brother too, I mean." Lily blushed harder and then shook her head. She needed to be more truthful with the person she wanted to marry. "I know that you are a very busy person, Lord Asher and it seems like I won't be able to help you right away, but I'll prove that I am quite capable while working in Dionysia's Brewery."

"I have my confidence in you, Miss Lily. Let us see what will happen." Lucius smiled. "For now, I shall meet with you and your family. I've asked Kiana to assist with the last night of your stay here and I believe there shall be a banquet."

"L-last night?" Lily's eyes widened, but then she remembered that was true. "O-oh yes, my family was only here to check up on how Inanis City is and determine whether it is good to accept the services of the Masked Legion."

"Mhmm." Lucius nodded. He gave her a charming smile. "I know that this is not the final night as you've made your choice to stay here in Inanis City, so let us celebrate that, shall we?"

"Y-yes!" Lily agreed with a blush. "Shall we go together to the dining hall, Lord Asher?"

Lucius chuckled and offered her his arm. "Do you think your father will be surprised by this…?"

Lily stared at Lord Asher's offered arm and tried not to gulp. 

He had a beautiful body that was toned and pleasing to the eyes and she wanted to quickly reach out and touch it.

It made Lily very jealous when she heard about how Viscountess Blackshield was around and was able to witness Lord Asher's training and not to mention the woman that was always at his side as well.

'I… I need to hold myself back. I've already did so much by speaking so honestly around him that if I were to take his arm now, then I'll be looking like an extremely easy woman.' Lily thought. 

"Well, Miss Lily?" Lucius prompted with a kind smile. "You do not have to take my arm if you are uncomfortable. Please let me know right away if it is too much."

'I do not know when Lord Asher will ever offer something like this again. I might miss my chance if I don't take this now.' Lily thought and quickly bit down on her lip. 'My family will be very happy with the outcome. Yes, they will be pleased with this development, even though the truth is that I have to work harder to actually gain Lord Asher's affections. Is this a sign that he likes me? He's not saying anything outright. This is difficult.'

"Miss Lily, do you trust me?" Lucius asked once more and extended his hand instead. "I mean no harm to you."

Lily gingerly reached out to touch his hand. "I-I do."