Chapter 530: Gourmet
Lucavion exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he cast a glance at the menu laid out before them. The small diner was a far cry from the luxurious inn where he had once dined with Elara, but the scent of fresh spices and grilled meats was undeniably inviting.
Still, there was a problem.
He had no idea what half these dishes were.
Eastern cuisine was a complex thing. Different regions had different traditions, different flavors, and while he had eaten fine meals before, he wasn't exactly well-versed in the intricacies of these particular dishes. Some were seafood-based, others rich in stews, and a few carried an aroma of unfamiliar spices that hinted at heat.
His fingers tapped lazily against the table as he considered his options. And then—he smirked.
Aeliana would enjoy this.
With an air of exaggerated nonchalance, he leaned back in his chair, glancing at her. "Well then, Little Ember," he mused, his tone light, playful, "since you've already taken the liberty of dictating my wardrobe, why not extend your tyranny to my dinner as well?"
Aeliana, who had been glancing at the menu, arched a brow at him. "Oh? You're admitting defeat so easily?"
Lucavion smirked. "Hardly. I'm merely granting you the privilege of choosing my meal."
Aeliana hummed, her amber eyes flickering with amusement. "That so? And here I thought you had refined tastes."
"I do," he replied smoothly, propping an elbow on the table. "But I'm also a man of culture. I like to experience new things—when someone competent is doing the choosing."
Aeliana let out a soft scoff, shaking her head. "Flattery won't get you out of this, Lucavion."
"Ah, but was I trying to get out of it?" His smirk widened. "Perhaps I'm simply indulging in the rare pleasure of seeing you make a decision without overanalyzing it."
Lucavion sighed, stretching his arms out with an easy, languid motion. "Besides," he continued, tilting his head slightly, "who better to judge than someone who has been at the mercy of a self-proclaimed gourmet?" His smirk curled at the edges. "One who dictates, critiques, and—if memory serves correctly—scoffs at every meal prepared in her presence."
Aeliana's fingers twitched slightly against the table. Her expression remained composed, unreadable, but for a moment—just a flicker—something in her gaze shifted.
She remembered.
The time they spent together after being caught in the vortex. Stranded, half-dead, forced to rely on each other in ways neither of them had ever anticipated. It had been… messy. Chaotic. But amidst the constant struggle for survival, there had been moments—small ones—where things had settled into something quieter.
And back then—
Aeliana scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please." She leaned forward slightly, her smirk laced with sharp amusement. "I had standards. Unlike you, who seemed perfectly content with consuming mediocrity."
Lucavion raised a brow. "Mediocrity?"
Aeliana nodded, her tone dripping with faux sympathy. "If not for me, you would have lived in absolute, uninspired blandness." She tapped a finger against the table, her smirk growing. "You should be grateful someone like me was there to elevate your palate."
Lucavion let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Ah, yes, how could I forget? A self-proclaimed gourmet, stranded in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but dried rations and desperation."
Aeliana crossed her arms. "And yet, even then, I refused to settle for something as dull as whatever you tried to pass off as food."
'Seven years ago. Seven years… it's been that long, hasn't it?'
The thought was intrusive, unwelcome.
She had changed from then….from the time she was a child gourmet…
But even now, sitting across from him in a market diner, their words laced with teasing and challenge—some things still felt the same.
Lucavion smirked, as if he had caught the exact moment she let her thoughts drift. "You never did explain where that 'refined' taste of yours came from," he mused, resting his chin against his palm. "Were you always so impossible, or was it something you cultivated out of sheer determination to make my life harder?"
Aeliana clicked her tongue. "Oh, wouldn't you like to know?"
Lucavion exhaled, feigning exhaustion. "So mysterious. So dramatic." His smirk curled. "Just admit it. You enjoyed critiquing me. It gave you power."
Aeliana smirked right back. "And what if it did?"
Lucavion leaned forward slightly, his smirk never fading. "Well, if you enjoyed it that much, then by all means…" His voice was smooth, laced with something dangerously close to sincerity. "I don't mind."
Aeliana blinked. "What?"
Lucavion tilted his head, studying her with lazy amusement. "If nitpicking my food choices makes you happy, then go ahead. Rarely did I see you look so…" His gaze flickered over her expression, reading something unspoken. "At ease."
Aeliana felt it instantly—the heat creeping up the back of her neck, the sudden, uncharacteristic prick of embarrassment.
'What is wrong with him? Saying something like that with no hesitation—'
She narrowed her eyes, searching for the tell, the usual playful deceit woven into his words. But—
Nothing.
No teasing glint. No mockery.
Just a simple statement, spoken with ease, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
It had only been two days since they left that realm. Two days since their time together had ended like that. And yet, the way he spoke—casual, effortless, as if those moments between them weren't just remnants of survival but something else—
Aeliana clicked her tongue, shaking off the ridiculous thought. "Hmph." She crossed her arms, forcing herself to exude nothing but practiced confidence. "I'm just making sure you don't embarrass yourself in public with your tragic taste."
Lucavion chuckled, the sound rich and unhurried. "Ah, of course. The noble act of charity."
Aeliana exhaled sharply, ignoring the way her heart stupidly skipped a beat at his tone.
Before she could retaliate, a shadow loomed over their table.
The waiter had arrived.
A slightly bulky man, built in the way so many Stormhaven locals were—broad shoulders, a weathered look, the kind of presence forged by years of labor rather than idleness. He held a small notepad in one hand, but his gaze lingered for a fraction of a second too long on Aeliana.
Not in the way most men looked at a noblewoman.
It was more careful. Hesitant. As if the weight of recognition had struck him before he forced himself to look away, quickly fixing his focus on Lucavion instead.
Lucavion caught it instantly, of course.
His smirk didn't fade, but there was something almost imperceptible in the way his posture shifted—casual yet subtly watchful. He leaned back slightly, letting the moment pass without remark.
The waiter cleared his throat. "Ready to order?"
Aeliana didn't acknowledge the brief moment of recognition. She had spent years perfecting the art of ignoring such things.
Instead, she nodded, smoothly listing off the choices she had made for them both.
Aeliana's voice was smooth, unbothered, as she listed the selections with an ease that suggested she had made up her mind long before the waiter even approached.
"We'll have the smoked river trout with saffron glaze, the spiced crab stew, and a side of rice wrapped in lotus leaves." Her tone was firm, decisive. "And bring a serving of pickled greens to balance the flavors."
The waiter nodded, scribbling the order down. "Any drinks?"
Aeliana tilted her head slightly. "Warm citrus tea for me."
Lucavion exhaled, smirking. "And I'll take the same."
The waiter gave a curt nod, his gaze flickering toward Aeliana once more—brief, measured—before he turned on his heel and strode away.
Lucavion watched him go, his fingers tapping lazily against the edge of the table. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he leaned forward, resting his chin against his palm. "You know," he mused, his smirk deepening, "I'm starting to think you enjoy making decisions for me."
Aeliana scoffed. "Someone has to."
Lucavion chuckled. "Fair enough." His gaze flickered with interest. "So then, smoked river trout, crab stew, and… lotus-wrapped rice?" He arched a brow. "I'll admit, I was expecting something heavier. This sounds—dare I say—refined."
Aeliana hummed. "Of course it's refined. I wasn't about to let you order something tragic."
Lucavion smirked, tilting his head. "And tell me, Little Ember, what exactly should I be expecting?"
Aeliana's expression remained unreadable. Then—just the slightest curl of her lips.
"You'll see."
Lucavion exhaled, shaking his head in mock surrender. "Ah, the suspense."
Aeliana smirked. "Consider it part of the experience."
Lucavion leaned back, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Fine. I'll play along."
And just like that, the anticipation settled between them, quiet yet tangible, as they waited for their meal.
Chapter 531: Gourmet (2)
"Wow… This taste…"
Lucavion set his utensils down for a brief moment, exhaling as the lingering flavors settled on his tongue. The smoky richness of the trout was cut by the saffron glaze, striking a perfect balance between deep, earthy warmth and subtle floral sweetness. The spiced crab stew was robust, layered, each spoonful carrying a complexity of flavors that hinted at the region's long history of culinary mastery. Even the lotus-wrapped rice was something else entirely—delicate, fragrant, infused with the gentle essence of the leaves that encased it.
He exhaled again, shaking his head in amusement. "I have to admit it—this is beyond what I expected." He glanced up at Aeliana, his smirk curving into something softer. "Your taste is impeccable."
Aeliana smirked, dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "Of course it is." She leaned slightly against the table, her amber eyes glinting with satisfaction. "I told you, didn't I? This is my home turf. If I didn't know the food of this region better than you, I would be ashamed."
Lucavion chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I know when to admit defeat." He lifted his hands in mock surrender. "In the matter of fine taste, I will never compare to you."
Aeliana hummed, pleased. "At least you're learning."
As they continued their meal, Vitaliara perched on the windowsill, elegantly nibbling at her own selection—a fish she had personally chosen after disappearing into the kitchen with her usual confidence. Her golden eyes flickered between them as she ate, her tail swishing idly as if silently judging the entire exchange.
Lucavion took another bite of the trout before glancing at Aeliana again. "So," he mused, "what inspired this?"
Aeliana blinked. "This?"
Lucavion gestured vaguely toward the meal. "Your refined palate. Was it just a hobby? Or were you always fated to be a ruthless critic of mediocre food?" His tone was light, teasing, but beneath it was genuine curiosity.
And then—
Silence.
Aeliana's hand, which had been about to reach for her tea, stilled.
"…"
Lucavion immediately noticed the shift.
His smirk faded just slightly, his usual instinct for reading the atmosphere kicking in. He straightened a little, debating whether to push or withdraw, but in the end, he chose the latter. With an easy, practiced air, he reached for his cup and let out a smooth chuckle. "Ah, forget I asked. Not every question needs an answer." He flashed her a casual grin. "I'd rather enjoy my meal before you decide to criticize my eating technique next."
Aeliana, however, saw right through it.
"…It's fine."
Lucavion paused, meeting her gaze.
Aeliana's expression remained controlled, but there was something in her eyes—something quieter. Not anger, not discomfort. Just… thoughtfulness.
She placed her tea down gently. "It's not an off-limits topic." Her voice was smooth, even. "It just caught me off guard."
Lucavion studied her for a moment before exhaling lightly, offering a small, knowing smile. "Then, by all means… Take your time."
Aeliana glanced at him, searching his expression, before she finally picked up her cup and took a slow sip.
"Haaah…"
Then she let the warmth of the tea settle against her lips before she finally spoke.
"…It was my mother."
Lucavion raised a brow slightly but remained silent, letting her continue at her own pace.
"She's the reason I became a gourmet," Aeliana said, her voice softer now, not hesitant but distant, as if recalling something from a world long past. "She was… free-spirited. Always wandering, always trying something new. She never liked staying in one place for too long—said it made people dull." A faint, almost wistful smile flickered across her lips. "And when it came to food, she believed it was the best way to understand the world. That you couldn't claim to know a place until you'd tasted its meals, learned its flavors."
Lucavion hummed, taking in her words. There was something oddly fitting about that image.
Aeliana exhaled softly, her gaze momentarily drifting toward the window, where the golden glow of lanterns shimmered against the darkening streets. "She wasn't like most noblewomen. You know how it is—the expectations, the rules."
Lucavion nodded. He knew exactly what she meant. Nobility had its own rigid structure, one that dictated everything—from how one spoke to how one walked, to the very ambitions one was allowed to entertain. Women, in particular, were expected to adhere to their roles with unwavering precision.
But Aeliana's mother, it seemed, had been different.
"She was a fighter," Aeliana continued. "A swordsman."
Lucavion arched a brow at that, intrigue flickering in his eyes.
Aeliana smirked slightly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Surprised?"
"Not quite," Lucavion murmured, tilting his head. "It explains a lot, actually."
Aeliana scoffed lightly. "Hmph. She would have liked you."
Lucavion chuckled. "High praise. I assume she wasn't the easiest to impress?"
Aeliana's expression softened just slightly. "…No. She wasn't."
Lucavion studied her for a moment, his smirk settling into something quieter. There was something unspoken lingering in her words, something just beneath the surface.
But he didn't pry.
Instead, he took another sip of his tea, his voice effortlessly smooth as he mused, "Well, I'll consider myself fortunate, then. Seems I have good taste in more than just food."
Aeliana blinked before exhaling a small, amused breath, shaking her head. "Hah. You really don't stop, do you?"
Lucavion smirked. "Wouldn't be me if I did."
Aeliana hummed, taking another slow sip of her tea.
Aeliana set her tea down carefully, her fingers resting lightly against the porcelain. The golden lantern light reflected in her amber eyes, distant, thoughtful.
"My mother… she believed in surprises," she said at last, a small, almost private smile tugging at her lips. "Especially when it came to my father."
Lucavion raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh?"
Aeliana exhaled, leaning back slightly. "Anthony Thaddeus. You probably have already understood my father after that meeting."
Lucavion smirked. "Hard not to. The Duke of Stormhaven. A man known for his discipline, his strategy—his ability to command both a battlefield and a court with equal precision." He tilted his head. "I'd imagine 'surprises' weren't exactly something he appreciated."
Aeliana chuckled softly. "Not at all."
Her father was a man of structure, a figure of absolute discipline. He wasn't cruel—at least, not in the way some noblemen were—but he was unyielding. His world was built on principles, on expectations. Everything had to be accounted for, controlled.
And her mother… was the opposite.
"She liked to keep him on his toes," Aeliana continued, her voice light with nostalgia. "When they were younger, she'd challenge him in unexpected ways. A duel at dawn when he least expected it. A sudden journey into the city without guards, just to see if he could keep up. And, sometimes… through food."
Lucavion hummed. "Food?"
Aeliana nodded. "She had this idea—this ridiculous idea—that she could shock him by turning me into a gourmet."
Lucavion's smirk deepened. "Now that, I did not expect."
Aeliana rolled her eyes. "Neither did my father. He thought she was teaching me swordsmanship behind his back. He never would have guessed that instead of training my form, she was sneaking me into Stormhaven's markets to taste street food."
Lucavion chuckled. "That's certainly one way to go about it."
Aeliana's smile was sharper now, tinged with fond mischief. "She wanted to prove something. That I could be more than what was expected of me. That I could develop a skill, a passion, completely separate from the rigid path set for me." She shrugged. "And she knew that if I suddenly displayed an understanding of fine cuisine, my father wouldn't know what to do with himself."
Lucavion exhaled in amusement, shaking his head. "So, let me get this straight. Your mother—the free-spirited swordswoman—took you, her noble-born daughter, and decided that the best way to throw your father off-balance was by turning you into a food connoisseur?"
Aeliana smirked. "Precisely."
Lucavion chuckled, leaning against the table. "That is truly something."
Aeliana tapped a finger against her cup. "It was fun, you know. We'd slip away from the estate and visit small diners, bakeries, stalls. She made me describe flavors, compare techniques. She'd take me to noble feasts, and I'd have to analyze every dish. She called it my 'secret training.'"
Lucavion hummed. "And did your father ever find out?"
Aeliana exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "Not until it was too late."
Chapter 532: Gourmet (3)
"Not until it was too late."
Lucavion arched a brow.
Aeliana leaned forward slightly, smirking. "There was a banquet. A major diplomatic gathering. I was twelve."
Lucavion's smirk widened. "Oh, this is going to be good."
Aeliana ignored him, continuing, "My father had me seated next to some high-ranking officials. The food was extravagant, of course, carefully prepared by the best chefs in the region. But then—one of the foreign ambassadors praised a particular dish, calling it a specialty of his homeland."
Lucavion tilted his head. "And?"
Aeliana's smirk turned positively devilish. "And I, without thinking, corrected him."
Lucavion blinked. Then—he laughed. A real, warm chuckle that slipped out before he could stop it. "You corrected an ambassador? At twelve?"
Aeliana shrugged, entirely unapologetic. "I told him that the dish was an imitation. That the seasoning was off, and that the cooking technique didn't match the region's traditional methods." She took a slow sip of her tea. "I also might have suggested that the chef had either mislearned the recipe… or deliberately altered it for a noble palate."
Lucavion stared at her, then shook his head, grinning. "I can only imagine your father's face."
Aeliana chuckled. "He was… stunned. Silent. He just sat there as the ambassador looked at me, then at the food, then back at me."
Lucavion leaned forward slightly, his voice filled with amusement. "And the verdict?"
Aeliana smirked. "The ambassador tasted the dish again and agreed with me."
Lucavion exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "Seven hells."
Aeliana hummed. "That was the moment my father realized my mother had been doing something behind his back. He didn't know whether to be furious or impressed."
Lucavion shook his head, chuckling. "And your mother?"
"She was delighted," Aeliana said, smirking. "She leaned over and whispered, 'Surprise.'"
Lucavion couldn't help but laugh. "She sounds… incredible."
Aeliana's smirk softened slightly. "She was."
For a moment, there was nothing but the quiet clinking of dishes, the distant murmur of the market outside, the warm glow of lanterns casting soft shadows on their table.
Lucavion watched her, his usual teasing smirk tempered by something more knowing. "She must have been proud of you."
Aeliana exhaled, her gaze lowering slightly. "I'd like to think so."
Lucavion studied her for a moment before leaning back, smirking again—but this time, his voice was smoother, lighter. "Well, I suppose I should be grateful. Thanks to her, I'm enjoying the best meal I've had in weeks."
Aeliana scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Obviously."
Lucavion chuckled. "And here I thought I was supposed to be the arrogant one."
Aeliana smirked. "You are. But I know when I'm right."
Lucavion exhaled, shaking his head. "Terrifying."
Aeliana took another sip of her tea, her smirk lingering. "You're learning."
Lucavion tilted his cup toward her in a small, amused gesture of acknowledgment.
For a while, Aeliana remained silent, letting the warmth of her tea settle in her hands. But then—
She noticed it.
The faintest movement of his lips, forming words without sound.
Must have been nice…
Aeliana's fingers stilled against her cup. If not for her skill in reading lips—a necessary talent honed from years of courtly observation—she wouldn't have caught it at all.
Her gaze flickered up, sharp, assessing.
"What must have been nice?"
Lucavion froze for a fraction of a second.
His eyes, which had been lazily focused on the lantern's glow against his cup, snapped to hers. A brief hesitation—barely noticeable, just a flicker—but Aeliana caught it.
He hadn't meant to be heard.
Aeliana tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes unwavering. "You said something just now."
Lucavion blinked once. Twice. Then—he exhaled, tilting his head with his usual smirk. "Did I?" His voice was smooth, easy. "Strange, I don't recall."
Aeliana wasn't fooled.
She leaned forward slightly, her expression unreadable. "You did."
Lucavion's fingers drummed lightly against the table. A beat of silence stretched between them.
Then, he clicked his tongue lightly, as if caught in a harmless lie, shaking his head. "You're relentless, aren't you?"
Aeliana didn't smile.
She just held his gaze.
Lucavion's smirk wavered for half a second. Not in defeat, but in realization.
Realization of the fact that Aeliana was not the type to drop these topics.
He exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "It's nothing, really. Just a passing thought."
Aeliana didn't look away. "Try me."
Lucavion hesitated. Not in fear, not in reluctance, but in that rare moment of calculation—deciding whether or not to let her see just a little further past his usual mask.
His smirk returned, lighter this time, but there was something behind it. Something quieter.
"…Your mother," he murmured, swirling his tea absentmindedly. "The way you spoke about her." His voice was smooth, unhurried. "The way she taught you things, took you places. The way she challenged your father—not out of defiance, but because she wanted to show him new things." His smirk softened, but his eyes…
There was something melancholy there.
Lucavion exhaled, tilting his head as he lifted his cup. "Must have been nice."
Aeliana's fingers curled slightly against the table.
She understood the weight of those words now.
This wasn't just a passing comment.
It was something else.
Something that made her want to press on.
'Lucavion doesn't let things slip.'
That was something Aeliana had learned quickly. He spoke in layers, wrapped his words in mischief, controlled the conversation with ease. He could turn the sharpest questions into harmless banter, shift the weight of any topic before it became too real.
So then—
'Why does it feel like he didn't mean to say that at all?'
Aeliana had seen many versions of Lucavion. The arrogant wanderer. The playful strategist. The man who teased, who provoked, who always seemed to hold the upper hand in every exchange.
But this—this was something else.
A glimpse beneath the mask.
And she wasn't about to let it disappear.
She exhaled softly, watching him. His smirk was still there, perfectly in place, but his eyes hadn't caught up to the performance yet.
"Why?" she asked.
Lucavion glanced at her, raising a brow. "Hmm?"
Aeliana tilted her head, her voice measured, smooth. "Why with that face?"
Lucavion blinked.
For a brief second—just a second—his expression faltered.
It was subtle. A flicker in his gaze, a pause in the way he held his cup. Not shock, not even discomfort.
Just pause.
Aeliana didn't miss it.
'There it is.'
She leaned in slightly, her amber eyes never leaving his. "You always have a smirk, don't you?" she murmured. "Always so quick with words, so effortless in how you dodge things."
Lucavion exhaled, his smirk curling back into place as if resetting. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Little Ember."
Aeliana ignored him.
"But just now," she continued, her voice quieter, "you weren't teasing. You weren't making light of it." She studied him carefully. "So why? Why did you say that like that?"
Lucavion clicked his tongue lightly, tilting his head. "Aren't you overthinking this?"
'And there it is. The attempt to shift.'
Aeliana exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. "I don't drop things easily. You should know that by now."
Lucavion chuckled, but it was softer this time. "Yes, I've suffered greatly because of it."
Aeliana smirked, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Then answer me."
Lucavion met her gaze. And for the first time in a long while—
He didn't have an immediate response.
He just looked at her.
And Aeliana realized something in that moment.
'I want to know.'
It wasn't just curiosity. Not the simple urge to uncover a secret, to get the last word in a battle of wits.
She wanted to know more about him.
The parts he didn't talk about. The things that made him slip, even for a second.
She wanted to understand.
Chapter 533: Gourmet (4)
Aeliana narrowed her eyes. "Answer."
Lucavion's gaze lingered on her for a moment, unreadable, before he exhaled softly. A small smile touched his lips—not his usual smirk, not something crafted for amusement or show. It was quieter. Melancholy.
Then, finally—he spoke.
"Not everyone has that privilege."
Aeliana's fingers curled slightly against the table.
"Privilege of what?"
Lucavion tilted his head slightly, the dim glow of the lanterns casting shifting shadows across his face. His voice remained smooth, effortless—yet there was something distant in it. "That," he murmured, "is for you to figure out."
Aeliana's eye twitched.
'This bastard—'
He was dodging again. Giving her just enough to keep her chasing, but never enough to actually answer.
She wasn't even sure why it frustrated her so much. Maybe it was because she had caught the slip—seen the weight behind his words—only for him to once again pull away.
'Is it really this hard to make him speak? To just—say it?'
Something flared hot in her chest.
With absolutely no hesitation, she shifted under the table and kicked him.
Lucavion flinched, blinking as he glanced down at his leg, then back up at her with mild amusement. "Oh? Violence, now?"
Aeliana scoffed, crossing her arms. "Bastard. You make everything difficult."
Lucavion chuckled, shaking his head. "So I've been told."
Aeliana huffed, her jaw tightening. "Maybe—"
She stopped herself.
Her words had nearly slipped, too.
She wasn't even sure what she had been about to say.
Maybe this is why you're so insufferable.
Maybe this is why you're impossible to understand.
Maybe you make it hard for people to know you.
Aeliana looked at Lucavion, still scowling, but for some reason—some instinct—she held her tongue.
Something about saying those words aloud felt… wrong.
Not because they weren't true. Not because she didn't want to say them.
But because—
'If I did… the result wouldn't be good.'
She wasn't sure why she thought that. But the feeling settled deep, firm, unshakable.
So instead, she huffed sharply, shaking her head, arms still crossed.
Lucavion, of course, only smirked.
Before she could snap at him again, the waiter returned, stepping up to their table with practiced ease.
"The next course will be dessert," he announced, bowing slightly before setting down two plates. "Along with our finest local tea."
A small dish of glazed pastries was placed before them—lightly crisped, golden, with a delicate drizzle of spiced syrup glistening in the lantern light. Beside them, a pot of tea steamed softly, its scent warm and herbal, laced with the subtle citrus notes that were common in Stormhaven's regional brews.
Aeliana inhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus on the meal rather than the man sitting across from her.
But Lucavion, ever the opportunist, had already taken notice of her irritation.
And if there was one thing he enjoyed—it was teasing her.
He leaned forward slightly, his smirk curling. "You know, Little Ember…"
Aeliana exhaled through her nose. "What?"
Lucavion hummed, his gaze flickering to the side before returning to her. "The way people keep looking at you," he mused, amusement laced in his tone. "Was it always like this?"
Aeliana blinked, caught slightly off guard. "…Like what?"
Lucavion propped his elbow against the table, resting his chin against his hand. "You know." His smirk widened. "The stares. The intrigue. The quiet adoration."
Aeliana scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please."
Lucavion chuckled. "No, really. It makes me wonder." He swirled his tea absentmindedly. "Considering how ridiculously beautiful you are—"
Aeliana nearly choked on her tea. "What?"
Lucavion continued smoothly, entirely unbothered. "—your mother must have been a beauty too."
Aeliana frowned slightly, her irritation momentarily replaced with curiosity. "…She was."
Lucavion nodded, as if that confirmed something for him. "Then how exactly did the two of you just wander around by yourselves?" He tilted his head, his smirk half amusement, half genuine intrigue. "Wouldn't your faces have attracted a lot of unwanted attention?"
Aeliana blinked.
Lucavion leaned back, tilting his head with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "I mean, imagine it," he mused, his voice slipping into something dramatically low and rough. "Two stunning women—one a fearless swordswoman, the other a sharp-tongued little noble—wandering into a city like this, just asking for trouble."
Aeliana narrowed her eyes. "Are you—"
Before she could finish, Lucavion straightened his posture and suddenly changed his entire demeanor.
He slouched just slightly, his usual confidence replaced with an exaggerated, thuggish swagger. He narrowed his eyes, cracking his knuckles, lowering his voice into something raspy and unpolished.
"Well, well, well," he drawled, slipping perfectly into the role of an alleyway brute. "What do we have here, lads? A couple of delicate little flowers wandering into our streets?"
Aeliana blinked.
Lucavion wasn't done.
He leaned in further, furrowing his brows, his lips twisting into a lopsided, half-missing-tooth sneer. "Oi, what's a lady like you doin' out here without a chaperone? Mighty dangerous for a pretty thing to be all alone."
Aeliana let out a sharp breath.
'No. No way.'
Lucavion deepened his voice, mimicking another exaggerated thug. He even adjusted his posture, puffing out his chest like some overly confident, underpaid mercenary.
"Maybe she's lookin' for some company," he rumbled, crossing his arms and nodding sagely to himself. "Ain't that right, boys? Nobles like her always act all high and mighty, but deep down—" He grinned, teeth bared. "They like a bit of excitement."
That was it.
Aeliana burst out laughing.
She clamped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late—the laughter bubbled up, light and sudden, slipping past her defenses before she could stop it.
Lucavion, delighted by the reaction, pressed on. He cleared his throat, adjusting his imaginary coat, and spoke in an even sleazier tone.
"Oh no, lads, she's laughin'. Means she likes us." He gave an exaggerated wink. "We got ourselves a feisty one."
Aeliana snorted.
The sound startled her.
Her laughter only doubled.
She hadn't meant to react like this, hadn't meant to let him win so easily—but gods, the absolute absurdity of his performance—
She could barely breathe.
Lucavion, thoroughly pleased with himself, smirked. "What's wrong, Little Ember? Am I too accurate?"
Aeliana shook her head, still laughing, wiping the corner of her eye. "That was—gods—that was horrible."
Lucavion smirked wider, taking a slow sip of his tea. "I do try."
Aeliana exhaled, shaking her head. "You are unbelievable."
Lucavion chuckled, setting his cup down. "And yet, I made you laugh."
Aeliana scoffed, still catching her breath. "Against my will."
Lucavion leaned forward, smirking. "A victory is a victory."
Aeliana rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
Lucavion rested his chin on his hand, his smirk lazy, but his gaze sharp with curiosity. "Alright, then," he mused. "How did she convince you?"
Aeliana tilted her head. "Convince me?"
"Yeah." He gestured vaguely with his cup. "From the way you've spoken about her, she doesn't seem like the type to force you into anything. She must have had a way to get you to come along willingly." His smirk curled slightly. "What was it? Did she bribe you with candy?"
Aeliana let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.
Lucavion's brows lifted slightly. "Oh? That actually worked?"
"No," Aeliana smirked, sipping her tea. "It was a jewel."
At that, Lucavion's eyes perked up a little.
Chapter 534: Gourmet (5)
Aeliana smirked, lifting her chin slightly, pride flickering in her amber eyes. "I wasn't just some ordinary child, Lucavion," she declared. "A mere candy bribe wouldn't have worked on me."
Lucavion exhaled in amusement. "Ah, of course. Too refined even as a child, were you?"
"Obviously." Aeliana set her teacup down with a graceful clink. "My mother knew exactly how to get my attention. She promised me a jewel—something worthy of my presence."
Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "And that worked?"
Aeliana exhaled, leaning back slightly. "You have to understand—I was attending banquets at a young age. Surrounded by noble families, daughters flaunting their expensive accessories—rings, necklaces, even hairpins adorned with the finest gemstones."
Lucavion hummed, swirling his tea. "And you had your own collection, I assume?"
Aeliana smirked. "Of course. My father never spared expense when it came to our image. As the Duke of Stormhaven, he ensured that I always looked the part—dressed in fine silks, adorned with elegant jewelry."
Lucavion studied her carefully. "But?"
Aeliana's lips curled slightly. "But he was strict. Even though he allowed me to wear them, I wasn't freely allowed to indulge. I couldn't just buy whatever I wanted. Excessive spending? Wasteful indulgence? That was not the image of House Thaddeus."
Lucavion smirked. "So, let me guess. Your mother—being the woman she was—saw an opportunity."
Aeliana exhaled, shaking her head with fond amusement. "She did. She bribed me with accessories—small, carefully chosen pieces. A sapphire ring. A pair of earrings with opal inlays. Every time she wanted to take me somewhere, she'd promise me something new."
Lucavion let out a short chuckle. "So, your grand introduction to the world beyond your estate was entirely built on bribery?"
Aeliana scoffed, lifting her chin. "I prefer to call it strategic persuasion."
Lucavion laughed. "Oh, that is rich."
Aeliana smirked. "It worked, didn't it?"
Lucavion chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, thanks to them, maybe those bribes actually worked out in your favor."
Aeliana smirked, about to fire back a remark—when something in her expression shifted.
A pause. A flicker of something quieter.
She lowered her gaze slightly, fingers tracing the rim of her teacup.
"…I lost the most important one," she murmured.
Lucavion's smirk barely wavered—but his sharp eyes caught the movement of her lips.
He heard it.
Unlike Aeliana, his hearing wasn't that of an ordinary human. He was Awakened. His senses were sharper, attuned to even the faintest of whispers. And right now—
He had heard exactly what she said.
Lucavion tilted his head, his voice smooth, casual. "Lost what?"
Aeliana blinked, as if realizing she had spoken aloud. She quickly waved a hand, shaking her head. "Nothing. It's not important."
Lucavion exhaled lightly. "Mmm. No, I think it is."
Aeliana clicked her tongue, avoiding his gaze. "Drop it, Lucavion."
Lucavion's smirk widened slightly. "You do realize you're just making me more curious, right?"
"So what?"
"…What have you lost?"
Aeliana huffed, folding her arms. Then, after a beat, she lifted her gaze—sharp, knowing. And with a smirk of her own, she threw his own words back at him.
"That," she said smoothly, "is for you to figure out."
Lucavion blinked.
For a long moment, he just stared at her.
Then—
A laugh.
A real, hearty laugh.
Not a chuckle. Not his usual amused exhale.
An actual laugh.
It rumbled from deep in his chest, rich, unrestrained, the kind that slipped out before he could even stop it.
Aeliana narrowed her eyes, watching him with suspicion. "What?"
Lucavion shook his head, still grinning. "I can't believe it." He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin against his hand. "You really just threw that back at me."
Lucavion was still laughing, the sound rich and easy, when suddenly—
Grrr!
A sharp growl cut through the air.
Lucavion's laughter halted immediately. His smirk faded as his sharp gaze flicked toward the source—
Vitaliara.
The white-furred familiar had leaped down from the windowsill, her golden eyes narrowed, her body tensed, ears pricked forward.
Then, without warning—
She bolted.
"What?" Aeliana reacted instantly, her head snapping toward the direction Vitaliara had dashed off to.
Lucavion, however, had already shifted, his body on instinctive high alert.
"Vitaliara?" His voice was low, serious, the teasing edge completely gone. "What is going on?"
The familiar didn't answer.
Aeliana turned toward Lucavion, brows furrowed. "What?"
Lucavion didn't respond right away. His focus was razor-sharp, his eyes locked onto Vitaliara's disappearing form.
Then—
He stood up.
Abruptly, smoothly, with a suddenness that made Aeliana blink.
"Hey—what is going on?" she demanded, standing as well.
Lucavion barely glanced at her. His voice was quiet but firm. "I'll be back. Wait here."
Aeliana's brows snapped together. "Excuse me—"
But before she could finish—
Lucavion moved.
With an effortless motion, he pivoted, stepping toward the open window—
And then, in one fluid motion—
He jumped.
Aeliana barely caught the flicker of his coat vanishing into the night before he disappeared.
Silence.
She stood there, blinking, staring at the empty space where he had just been.
Then—
"…What the hell?"
Her voice was flat.
Because what the hell?
Aeliana stood there, staring at the open window, her mind scrambling to make sense of what had just happened.
Lucavion had jumped—without hesitation, without explanation—leaving her alone in the middle of a diner.
She exhaled sharply, crossing her arms.
'What the hell is even happening?'
Did something happen to the cat?
She glanced toward the direction Vitaliara had rushed off in, her sharp mind already cycling through possibilities. Maybe the familiar had seen something. Heard something. She had heard stories before—of animals sensing danger before humans did, reacting to things unseen.
'But what could have made her react like that?'
Aeliana pressed her lips together.
Then—
She sighed.
Because she felt it.
The attention.
The weight of people staring.
Whispers drifted through the air, murmurs between the other diners who had definitely noticed a fully grown man leap out of a window in the middle of a meal.
"…Did you see that?"
"What in the—?"
"Was that planned?"
"Is she just… standing there?"
Aeliana clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to rub her temples.
'Damn it, Lucavion.'
Her first instinct was to do something. To explain. To fix the situation. But then—
She exhaled again, letting her shoulders relax.
No.
She wasn't going to make a scene.
Lucavion had told her to wait. And as much as it irritated her, as much as her pride wanted to storm out after him and demand answers—
She would trust his words.
For now.
So, with practiced ease, she schooled her expression into one of complete composure, ignoring the lingering stares, and returned to her seat.
She lifted her tea, took a slow sip, and waited.
Aeliana had just taken another slow sip of her tea, regaining some semblance of composure, when the waiter hesitantly approached.
He cleared his throat. "My lady… is everything alright?"
Aeliana glanced up, her expression smooth, unreadable. "Yes. Everything is fine."
The waiter hesitated—his eyes flickering briefly toward the open window, then back to her. But when Aeliana didn't offer any further explanation, he simply nodded. "Very well. Please let us know if you need anything."
With that, he excused himself, leaving her alone once more.
Aeliana exhaled softly, setting her teacup down.
And so, she waited.
The next ten minutes passed in a strange, quiet stretch of time.
The stares eventually faded. People returned to their meals, the murmurs died down, and the air of the diner slowly returned to its usual warmth and ease. Aeliana, despite herself, found a certain amusement in how quickly people moved on.
She took another sip of her tea, idly picking at the dessert that had been left untouched.
Then—
Footsteps.
A faint rustle of fabric. A shadow moving back toward her table.
And then, finally—
Lucavion returned.
He moved with his usual effortless grace, stepping back inside as if he hadn't just vanished out of a window ten minutes ago.
Aeliana didn't say anything. Not right away.
Lucavion glanced at her, then—
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright," he muttered. "I'll say it."
He met her gaze, his smirk a little weaker than usual.
"My bad. That was not how I intended to leave the table."
Aeliana narrowed her eyes.
Lucavion exhaled. "So… yeah." He gave her an easy, half-smirk.
"Apologies."
Chapter 535: Gift
Aeliana fixed him with a sharp glare, arms crossed, fingers tapping against her sleeve. "That was weird, Lucavion."
Lucavion sighed dramatically, slipping back into his seat with practiced ease. "I know, I know—"
"But," Aeliana cut in, her eyes narrowing further, "I also know this is about that cat."
Lucavion smirked slightly at that, amused despite himself. "Vitaliara," he corrected smoothly.
Aeliana rolled her eyes. "Whatever. What happened? Is she alright?"
At that, Lucavion's expression softened—just slightly. A faint smile tugged at his lips, different from his usual teasing smirks. "She's sensitive," he explained. "She must have sensed something and acted on instinct."
Aeliana frowned. "And? Did you catch her?"
Lucavion exhaled, tilting his head. "Well…"
A pause.
Aeliana's eye twitched.
"…She'll come back on her own," Lucavion finished smoothly, offering a relaxed shrug.
Aeliana stared at him.
For a long second, she said nothing, just studying him like he was some peculiar creature she had yet to classify. Then—
She scoffed, shaking her head. "You're careless."
Lucavion blinked, then chuckled. "Ah, come now, Little Ember—"
"What if something happens to her?" Aeliana shot back. "You just let her run off?"
Lucavion leaned back, resting his arm against the table. "You may not know, since you don't have a familiar," he mused, "but once you form a bond with one, you can sense their location—and whether they're in danger or not."
Aeliana arched a brow. "And?"
Lucavion smirked, tapping a finger against his temple. "I know she's fine."
Aeliana exhaled sharply, studying him.
"…I see," she murmured.
She wasn't entirely convinced. But—he did seem at ease. And despite his absurdity, Lucavion was not the type to be careless with things that mattered.
Still—
Aeliana picked up her teacup again, huffing. "Hmph. Ridiculous."
Lucavion chuckled, watching her with lazy amusement. "You worry more than you let on."
Aeliana scowled. "I do not."
Lucavion just smiled, sipping his tea. "Mmm. If you say so."
Aeliana narrowed her eyes.
No.
She refused to let him off the hook that easily.
This man had leapt out of a window, left her alone in the middle of a diner with people staring at her, and now he was just sitting there—smirking, sipping his tea, acting like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Unacceptable.
She set her teacup down with a deliberate clink, folding her arms. "You owe me an explanation."
Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk never faltering. "Didn't I just give you one?"
Aeliana scoffed. "Not good enough."
Lucavion exhaled, feigning exhaustion. "Hah… Demanding, aren't you?"
Aeliana leaned forward slightly, her amber eyes gleaming with something sharp. "Oh, I have to be, after what you just did."
Lucavion chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, so this is about your wounded pride, then?"
Aeliana clicked her tongue. "Excuse me?"
Lucavion leaned forward, resting his chin lazily against his palm. "Come now, Little Ember," he mused. "You were embarrassed, weren't you?"
Aeliana froze.
Lucavion smirked wider.
"Ah," he hummed, his voice smooth with amusement. "So I was right."
Aeliana's jaw tightened.
'This bastard—'
Lucavion exhaled dramatically, shaking his head. "I see, I see. Even the mighty Aeliana Thaddeus is not immune to public humiliation." He smirked. "What a rare sight."
Aeliana inhaled sharply through her nose. "Lucavion."
He blinked innocently. "Yes?"
Aeliana's fingers twitched against the table.
She had two options here.
One: She could let this infuriating man keep teasing her and pretend it didn't bother her.
Or—
Two: She could make him pay for it.
She chose the latter.
With a deceptively calm expression, she picked up one of the remaining pastries from the dessert plate.
Lucavion raised a brow. "Oh? Giving up already?"
Aeliana smiled sweetly. "Of course not."
Then, with a perfectly calculated flick of her wrist—
She launched the pastry at his face.
Thud.
Lucavion blinked, utterly stunned as the pastry hit him square on the cheek, the syrup lightly smearing against his skin.
Silence.
Aeliana sat back, sipping her tea as if nothing had happened. "Hmph."
Lucavion reached up, touching his cheek where the dessert had landed. He stared at the pastry that had now fallen onto the table.
Then—
He laughed.
A warm, deep chuckle that rumbled in his chest, shaking his shoulders as he leaned back.
Aeliana arched a brow. "…What's so funny?"
Lucavion wiped the syrup off his cheek, grinning. "Oh, nothing." He picked up the pastry, examining it like it was some sort of artifact. Then, with an easy smirk, he said, "I just didn't realize you were this childish."
Aeliana scoffed. "Oh, please. You deserved that."
Lucavion chuckled again. "Perhaps." He smirked. "But you do realize this means war, don't you?"
Aeliana smirked back. "Try me."
Lucavion held her gaze for a long moment, smirk lingering—but then, to Aeliana's mild surprise, he let out a quiet chuckle and raised his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright," he murmured, his voice rich with amusement. "I admit defeat."
Aeliana arched a brow, skeptical. "Oh? Just like that?"
Lucavion exhaled, leaning back slightly, the playful glint in his eyes softening just a fraction. "I did leave you alone with an entire audience watching. So…" He gave a slow, exaggerated nod. "My sincerest apologies, my lady."
Aeliana huffed, arms still crossed. "Hmph. You should be sorry."
Lucavion smirked but said nothing.
Then—
He blinked, his eyes catching something in her hair.
Aeliana frowned. "What?"
Lucavion tilted his head. "Hmm… There's something there."
Aeliana's brows furrowed. "Something where?"
Lucavion chuckled. "Your hair." He leaned forward slightly, amusement curling at his lips. "Haha… The pastry must've flown farther than I thought."
Aeliana's expression froze.
"…What?"
Lucavion gestured toward her hair. "There's a little—" He smirked. "Well, let's just say you've gained an unexpected decoration."
Aeliana's eyes widened slightly, and she immediately reached up, fingers fumbling through her locks. "Where? Here?"
Lucavion watched in clear amusement as she attempted to locate the offending bit of pastry.
"A little to the left."
Aeliana huffed, adjusting her search. "Here?"
Lucavion shook his head. "No… a bit higher."
Aeliana paused, her patience wearing thin.
"…You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Lucavion chuckled. "Would I ever?"
Aeliana gave him a look.
Lucavion sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright." He leaned forward, resting his chin in his palm. "Just let me."
Aeliana hesitated for a fraction of a second before she exhaled, lowering her hand. "…Fine."
Lucavion reached forward, his fingers moving carefully to sift through her hair.
And then—
Aeliana twitched.
The instant his fingertips brushed against her strands, a strange shiver ran down her spine, unbidden, instinctive.
Lucavion paused.
Aeliana definitely paused.
For a brief second, neither of them spoke.
Then—
CLICK!
Aeliana felt it.
A small, almost imperceptible shift near the spot Lucavion had touched. A faint weight—a presence that wasn't there before.
Her brows furrowed. "What?"
Lucavion, already leaning back into his seat, exhaled lazily, smirking as if nothing had happened.
Aeliana narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"
Lucavion shrugged. "Why don't you check for yourself?"
Aeliana immediately reached up, fingers brushing against her hair—
And the moment she felt it, her breath hitched.
Her fingers closed around something small, cool to the touch.
A delicate shape.
And as she looked at her reflection on the window, her eyes stood still.
"Ah…"
Chapter 536: Gift (2)
Aeliana's breath stilled.
Her gaze flickered toward the window beside them, and in the dim reflection, she saw it.
A hairpin.
Not just any hairpin—that hairpin.
Delicate gold, shaped into a blooming flower, with each petal intricately crafted, radiating outward in a regal, elegant design. At the very center, a deep red gemstone gleamed, striking against the soft golden metal. Tiny, dangling embellishments cascaded gently from one side, swaying slightly with her movements—giving the piece an ethereal, almost otherworldly grace.
She knew this hairpin.
Because she had seen it earlier.
When they had wandered through the marketplace after forcing Lucavion into proper clothing, she had noticed it—on display at one of the vendors' stalls. ((N1))
And for just a moment, it had reminded her of her mother.
She had buried that thought quickly, brushed it aside.
She hadn't brought any money with her at the time, so she told herself she would buy it later.
But now—
Now it was in her hair.
She lifted her fingers, brushing over the delicate metal, feeling the cool surface against her skin, the unmistakable weight of it securing itself against her strands.
Her amber eyes widened.
"You…" Her voice was quiet, slow, laced with something unreadable. "Did you…?"
Lucavion merely smiled.
Calm. Casual. Infuriatingly unreadable.
Aeliana turned toward him fully, her expression caught between disbelief and something else—something she hadn't quite put words to yet.
Lucavion exhaled, resting his chin lazily in his palm. "What?" he mused. "Don't tell me you dislike it."
Aeliana stared at him.
He had gotten it for her.
While she had been sitting here, waiting, confused, irritated at his disappearance—he had gone back and bought the damn hairpin.
She inhaled, steadying herself. "You—"
Aeliana stared at him.
He had gotten it for her.
Lucavion smirked slightly, watching her reaction with quiet amusement. "What? Surprised?"
Aeliana's fingers twitched against her lap.
Surprised?
That wasn't exactly the right word for what she was feeling.
Her mind ran through a thousand possibilities—why? Why had he done this? Did he just happen to remember her glancing at it? Had he planned this?
Had he—
Aeliana's amber eyes flickered between Lucavion and the reflection of the hairpin in the window.
Her mind was still catching up, still trying to understand.
And then—
A thought struck her.
Her fingers tightened slightly against the hem of her sleeve as she met Lucavion's gaze again.
"…Did the cat?"
Lucavion raised a brow, clearly amused. "The cat?"
Aeliana's voice was measured, careful. "Did you make her do that?"
Lucavion blinked once, then smirked. "Do what?"
Aeliana narrowed her eyes, searching his expression.
The way Vitaliara had suddenly run off. The way he had immediately followed without hesitation. The way he had left her sitting here only to come back with this.
She knew Lucavion—he never did anything without a reason.
"That," she said, her voice quieter.
Lucavion exhaled, shaking his head. "I don't get what you mean," he said smoothly, his tone light. "She has her own free will, you know."
Aeliana clenched her hands on the hem of her shirt.
She wasn't sure if she believed that.
She turned her head slightly, looking at her reflection once more. The golden pin sat neatly in her hair, catching the lantern light with a soft, elegant glow.
'It suits you.'
She blinked.
Lucavion had said it so simply, so easily, as if it was a statement of fact rather than something meant to mean anything.
Her lips parted slightly. "…Why?"
Lucavion tilted his head.
Aeliana turned toward him fully, her voice firmer this time. "Why did you get it?"
Lucavion regarded her for a moment, as if deciding something.
Then—
He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearm against the table, his smirk shifting into something quieter.
"You said," he murmured, "that your mother used to bribe you with these."
Aeliana inhaled sharply.
Lucavion shrugged, leaning back in his chair as if the weight of the conversation wasn't settling between them. His smirk softened—not quite teasing, not quite serious. Something in between.
"I'm not trying to replace your mother, Aeliana," he said smoothly, his tone lighter than his words. "I don't have that kind of arrogance."
Aeliana's fingers twitched slightly, still resting against her lap.
Lucavion glanced toward the window, where the reflection of the hairpin still gleamed softly in her dark hair. Then he exhaled, shifting his gaze back to her. "I just figured… if you were going to look at something and remember the past, maybe it'd be better if it was something else."
Aeliana blinked.
Lucavion's smirk curled slightly. "Something that doesn't make you bury the thought the moment it comes."
Aeliana froze.
Because—he wasn't wrong.
She had buried it.
Back then, when she had first seen the hairpin on display, the memory had surfaced so suddenly—of her mother, of the jewels she used to offer, of those small, stolen moments of warmth.
And she had immediately pushed it down, ignored it, told herself she'd come back later.
But now—
Now it was here.
Now she had to look at it.
Lucavion rolled his shoulders, voice as easy as ever. "I'm leaving for the Academy soon," he reminded her. "So I thought, maybe…" His gaze flickered toward her, unreadable for a brief second. "I'd leave you with something that reminds you of a happy memory."
Aeliana's breath caught.
'What is this man doing?'
Her heart twisted—just slightly, just enough to be annoying.
Her fingers curled around the hem of her sleeve as she lowered her gaze, staring at the hairpin in her reflection once more.
Lucavion exhaled softly, his smirk fading into something lighter—something real.
"Someone left me with a gift like that once," he murmured. "And I know—even if it's something small, something simple—" His gaze flickered toward her, warm, knowing. "It can have more of an effect than you think."
Aeliana swallowed.
"This one is for you," Lucavion continued. "So that when you feel like you're down, when things feel too heavy…" His voice remained casual, yet there was an unmistakable weight beneath it. "You can take a look at it and remember all the things you've overcome."
And then—
He smiled.
A genuine, childish smile, bright and unguarded, his teeth showing slightly, his eyes glinting with something untouched by arrogance or calculation.
"Hehehe…"
Aeliana's world tilted.
THUMP. THUMP.
Her heart pounded so loudly she thought the entire diner could hear it.
What is this?
She clenched her hands against her lap, desperately trying to steady herself, but—
She couldn't.
She just couldn't.
This man…
After everything.
After all these little moments. After all this time—how was she supposed to stop this?
How was she supposed to not love him?
Because she did.
She did.
And it wasn't sudden. It wasn't some overwhelming revelation—it was something that had been building, something that had already rooted itself deep within her before she even had the sense to name it.
Her father's words came rushing back—
"I saw your gaze…"
"…Don't take too long figuring it out."
Right.
She was dragging this out for no reason at all.
Because Lucavion had already become an irreplaceable part of her life.
And she—
She could not let him go.
Chapter 537: Pushing limits
Aeliana couldn't stop herself.
She just looked at him.
Elbows resting on the table, hands cupping her face, eyes locked onto his with a warmth she wasn't even trying to hide anymore.
Soft. Unrestrained. Unmistakable.
Lucavion blinked.
His smirk wavered—just slightly—as if something in him had not expected this.
Aeliana, for once, didn't smirk, didn't throw a sharp remark to cover up what she was feeling.
Because right now—
She didn't want to.
Lucavion had given her a gift. A reminder of the past, yes—but also of now. Of him. Of the fact that, whether she liked it or not, he had carved his place in her life so deeply that she couldn't imagine it without him.
And she was done pretending otherwise.
Her fingers brushed against the hairpin in her hair.
She exhaled softly, a faint smile curling on her lips.
"Lucavion."
Her voice was smooth, quiet.
Lucavion, still watching her carefully, lifted a brow. "Hmm?"
Aeliana tilted her head slightly, golden eyes gleaming with something new.
Something certain.
"...Nothing," she murmured.
But her smile said everything.
Aeliana didn't move.
Didn't shift her gaze. Didn't hide behind her usual wit or deflections.
She just looked at him.
Chin resting on her hands, elbows propped against the table, golden eyes tracing every feature of his face as if she was committing it to memory.
And maybe—just maybe—she was.
Lucavion's smirk had long since faded into something quieter, something unreadable. His dark eyes studied her, unreadable yet watchful, as if he, too, was noticing the way she was not looking away.
And right now, she didn't care about saving face.
Didn't care about anything except making sure she had every part of him etched into her mind.
Because for some reason—
His face looked… handsome.
Aeliana blinked slowly.
'Weird.'
Her gaze traveled over him with a new kind of awareness.
The sharp angles of his jaw, defined but not harsh. The faint scar over his right cheek—a thin, pale line just under his eye—which, instead of making him look dangerous, gave him an oddly endearing charm.
His black eyes—deep, dark, holding that perpetual glint of mischief, yet softened in this moment, watching her with something else entirely.
And his hair—longer than it should be for someone who fights so often, thick and wavy, falling just past his shoulders, always looking like he had just run a hand through it carelessly.
He was…
Aeliana exhaled.
'Really weird.'
Her fingers brushed against her cheek absentmindedly.
Why had she never noticed before? Had he always looked like this?
Or had she just been refusing to see it?
Her heart gave another thump.
But she didn't look away.
Lucavion's brow lifted slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "…You're…"
Aeliana saw it.
That flicker of hesitation in his expression.
Lucavion never hesitated when he was the one teasing. He was quick, sharp-tongued, always in control of the conversation. But the moment she turned it around—
The moment she became the one leaning in, watching him with that unwavering gaze—
He always faltered first.
'Hehe…'
She couldn't help it.
It was cute.
Lucavion's smirk wavered just slightly before he cleared his throat. "You're…"
Aeliana tilted her head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'm what?"
Lucavion blinked.
And then—
He exhaled, feigning nonchalance as he leaned back against his chair. "Ahem… You're staring a bit too hard, don't you think?"
Aeliana grinned.
"Am I?" she mused, resting her chin more comfortably against her hands. "I don't think so."
Lucavion narrowed his eyes slightly. "Oh?"
Aeliana hummed. "Maybe you're just too aware of it."
Lucavion narrowed his eyes at her, though the amused glint never left his gaze. "And what exactly do you mean by too aware of it?"
Aeliana smirked. "I'm just staring at you. That's all."
Lucavion scoffed. "So?"
Aeliana tilted her head, her amber eyes positively glowing with mischief. "So what? Does it bother you?"
Lucavion hesitated for half a second. "…No."
Aeliana hummed. "Shouldn't you feel grateful, then?"
Lucavion blinked. "Grateful?"
Aeliana leaned forward slightly, her smirk widening. "That a beautiful girl like me is looking at you?"
Lucavion opened his mouth—then closed it. His smirk twitched. "That's—"
Aeliana didn't let him finish.
She placed one hand on her chest in a dramatic imitation of his usual bravado and dropped her voice into an overly smooth, terribly exaggerated version of his.
"I can't refuse a woman, blah blah blah…" She waved a hand vaguely, mimicking his careless charm. "What can I say? It is a sin to deny them my presence…"
Lucavion froze.
Aeliana's smirk turned wicked.
"Wasn't this you?" she asked, eyes glinting. "Just today?"
Lucavion blinked again. Then—
"…Ahaha… what?"
Aeliana shrugged, entirely unbothered. "Anyway." She propped her chin back onto her hands, still looking at him. "I will keep staring at you. Any problem?"
Lucavion opened his mouth—
Paused.
Slowly shut it.
Aeliana's smirk grew.
"See?" she mused. "You can't say anything."
Lucavion sighed, shaking his head. "Hey, you really…"
"I really?" Aeliana prompted, her smirk never fading. "I'm pushing hard?"
Lucavion exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Aren't you?"
Aeliana just leaned in slightly, unwavering. "So what?"
Lucavion chuckled, watching her with a mix of amusement and something else.
Aeliana smirked. "I do what I want."
Lucavion's smirk wavered, curiosity flickering behind his dark eyes. "Is this what you want, then?"
Aeliana lifted her head slightly, meeting his gaze without a shred of hesitation.
"That's right." Her voice was smooth, steady. "This is what I want."
Lucavion's lips parted slightly, watching her carefully. "Really? Why?"
Aeliana tilted her head, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "You already know why."
Lucavion let out a light chuckle. "You like winning."
Aeliana smiled. "That's right. I like winning."
And then—
Without breaking eye contact, her hand moved.
Slowly, deliberately.
Her fingers slid over his where they rested on the table—warm, steady—before interlocking with his.
Lucavion froze.
His entire body went rigid, his eyes widening slightly as he stared at their joined hands.
"Heh??"
It wasn't often that Lucavion genuinely looked caught off guard.
But right now—
Right now, he was.
Aeliana smirked. "And most importantly…" Her fingers curled tighter around his. "I need to claim something that's mine."
Lucavion blinked.
"…Haha… w-what are you talking about?" His voice came out slightly less composed than usual, his usual easy charm fraying at the edges.
Aeliana's gaze didn't waver. "You know what I'm talking about."
Lucavion exhaled sharply, attempting to pull his hand back—
But Aeliana tightened her grip.
Firm. Unyielding.
Lucavion paused.
And then—
Aeliana leaned in slightly, her voice low, smooth.
"I still have yet to forgive you," she murmured.
Lucavion stiffened.
His breath hitched—just slightly.
And Aeliana felt it.
The shift. The weight of the moment settling between them like an unspoken truth neither of them could ignore any longer.
Lucavion didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Didn't even breathe for a moment.
Aeliana could feel it—the way he was processing, the way his mind was scrambling for a way out, for some witty retort to regain control of the conversation.
But she wasn't giving him the chance.
She had him.
And she knew it.
Her fingers remained interlocked with his, firm and unwavering.
Then—
She smirked.
Her voice was smooth, teasing, but laced with something deeper. Something unchangeable.
"For me to forgive you…" She tilted her head slightly, golden eyes gleaming.
"…You'll have to stay by my side."
Lucavion blinked.
Her smirk widened.
"Until you die."
Lucavion stared.
Just stared.
His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something—anything—
But no words came out.
Aeliana saw it.
The way his fingers instinctively twitched against hers. The way something unreadable flickered in his dark eyes. The way his breath came just a fraction slower than before.
And then—
"…Haha."
Lucavion let out a low, breathless laugh.
It wasn't his usual smirk.
It wasn't his usual arrogance.
It was something else entirely.
"…You really don't do things halfway, do you?" he murmured, his voice quiet—almost disbelieving.
Aeliana squeezed his hand just slightly, her smirk never fading.
"No," she murmured back.
"I don't."