478 Lily's Demand
It was easy to appear genial and an amicable person but to have internal selfish motivations, that was how the world worked… but in that particular moment, Benjamin was struck with Lord Asher.
When Baron Hugh stepped back into the training ground to spar with Count Inanis once more, the young lord cleared his throat and approached Lucius.
“Lord Asher, I did not… I do not know how to express my gratitude to you for speaking with my father, I’m not exactly sure how I will repay you for this.” Benjamin said.
Lucius chuckled. “It’s a simple matter really, Lord Benjamin. Just do your best and it will be a lot already.”
“Haha, you make me feel unconfident about it, Lord Asher.”
“Do not worry about it. If there is anything that you feel nervous about then you can consult me, but by far, I think you have more experience than me.”
“You think I do?”
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“I suppose so.”
“Big Brother!”
Lily wore a pout on her face as she walked down the barracks area of the Inanis Mansion. She had tried her best to read the book that Lord Asher recommended her, but it was rather exhausting.
Her mind became fatigued and it only cemented the idea that Lord Asher was an incredible and amazing man that was someone she could admire.
When Lily got up to find Lord Asher again with her brother after an hour of reading, she belatedly realized that they had gone missing.
Lily only decided to stay put but became anxious and searched for them. It made her rather put out that she could get so stuck in reading a book that she’d end up not noticing when the two left.
“Ah, Lily.” Benjamin bit back a grimace at the sight of his sister’s face. To some people, they would find it endearing and lovable, but to him, it was just that of his ordinary bratty sister that tried her best to appear like the angel between the two of them.
“Miss Lily, you’ve arrived. How was the book?” Lucius immediately graced the young woman with a charming bright smile.
Lily’s pouting face immediately faltered at the sight of the dazzling face of the handsome lord and she blushed instead.
‘A-ah, did I appear too upset? I hope he doesn’t see it that way. I’m just upset that Benjamin didn’t even say a word before he left so I could tag along. It made me feel silly that I read while the two went off on their own… I’m not that bad of a company, am I?’ Lily thought.
“I-it was a difficult read, Lord Asher! I’m rather abashed that this was what you recommended to me, but I have tried my best and actually think I have a few ideas to discuss with you.” Lily said and placed her hands across her hips.
It was a little unlady-like, but without Lily’s mother around and Baron Hugh preoccupied with his spar with Count Inanis, nobody else would have an effect.
‘Ah, I was hoping that she remained the demure lady that she presented herself to be, but it seems like she’s far more engaging than she lets herself be known by others.’ Lucius thought.
It was enough to spark a bit of interest in her, but only in ways that Lily might be useful to him.
‘The idea of being with someone who offers no substantial gain is a losing thing. However, if I were to manipulate her… no, it would be too troublesome to deal with her suitors if there were brazen ones and Baron Hugh will insist on tying down knots between the Inanis Family and theirs. Overall, it is a time waster. If she had something else, then it would be good, but really… what is her Gift anyway?’
“Is that so? Ah, perhaps we could discuss it at another time. Your brother and I currently have something to talk about that is of important and urgent interest.” Lucius said.
Lily’s expression froze a little and her arms drooped a little and fell to her sides. Her already blushing cheeks became inflamed to a bright red, and she nodded slowly.
“O-of course, it must be really important, Lord Asher.” Lily said, throwing a glance in Benjamin’s way.
‘Aw man, what does she want me to do? I’m actually surprised that Lord Asher is helping me in so many ways already that it is actually not a good thing to push things with Lily. Father will most likely do something in the future if the working relationship continues to be good…’
“I’m working for Lord Asher and staying here in Inanis City.” Benjamin blurted.
Lucius’s expression didn’t so much as twitch at the sudden declaration, and some disappointment did occur, but only because he already had a feeling of what was going to happen next.
“Y-you’re staying here?” Lily’s eyes widened and she stared at Benjamin in shock. Even the disappointment she felt with Lord Asher’s rejection was overcome.
“Yes, and father is actually giving me an allowance.” Benjamin said in a rush. He was happy about it, and it was a little childish, but the urge to share it with his sister was something instinctive, even though they don’t always get along.
“That’s…” Lily’s emotions flooded in her chest. Envy at the opportunity, missing her brother, though she’d never admit that aloud to herself. Instead, her gaze flickered back up to Lord Asher and his handsome visage.
‘It is not like most relationships blossom at an instance… but if I were to stay here in proximity with Lord Asher, then maybe… just maybe.’ Lily’s own heart was fanned a little.
Benjamin noticed the dreamy look on his sister’s face and finally realized the horror of his declaration. And yet it was already too late to take back what he said or pretend that it didn’t happen.
“I want to stay here too.” Lily pouted.