n

n

nJust like me, Lukas was also taken aback by what I said just now and scowled in my direction.

n

"That fvcking anima of yours…

" He muttered through gritted teeth. He then laid completely on the sofa, fully ignoring my hints,

" Well, I don't. I burned it down when I left,

" he added.

nBurned it down…

n…

n

"What's wrong with you?

"

nLukas shrugged his shoulders,

"It was an accident. Nox lost his damn mind.

"

n

"Then find another room.

" I won't just let him do as he likes now, would I?

n

"I told you I am now on guard duty for 24 hours,

" he repeated, giving me a somewhat annoyed expression.

nExcuse me, I should be the one who's annoyed here. Not you, sir.

n

"... What do you mean? Aren't you technically already guarding me for 24 hours?

" I mocked.

nHe was the first to say that. What? Did he forget it somehow?

n

"It's official now. That old man asked me to.

"

n

"Old man? You mean the emperor?

" In the entire Rosenthal empire, he is the only person who has the guts to call the emperor names. I can't believe his mouth sometimes…

n

"He's not even that old…

" I commented.

n

"Right. So be quiet and go to sleep now, little cat.

" He suddenly changed his tune.

n

"No. Get out of my room.

"

nHe wants me to sleep but he stubbornly remains here. I sometimes want to know what is going inside that head of his.

nYou know what? I wonder if his brain got fried or toasted from his own body heat. That is why he can't understand things all the time. I am pretty sure that's the case, I am convinced of it.

n

"...

"

nLukas did not budge and had made himself comfortable instead, despite my countless pleas. He stared at me as if he was challenging me to do something about it, with an unshakeable resolve that is as strong as Mount Tai.

nThe situation turned stagnant because none of us wanted to yield. He is seriously adamant to stay in my room!

nI could already tell how exhausted I am because of the journey and my body is screaming for rest now. But even if I want to, Lukas is as immovable as a brick wall!

nHeaving a deep deep breath to calm myself down, I looked at his figure on the sofa and smiled, the corners of my mouth twitching.

n

"If you want to guard me, sleep in the next room. This is inappropriate.

"

nWhat would happen if someone came in and saw him? My reputation…

n

"But I don't want to,

" Lukas hummed.

n

"Are you a child?

" I was growing more frustrated as you can see.

nLukas ignored my remark and closed his eyes.

n

"I'm tired so be quiet already and let me rest.

"

n

"I can't sleep if you're here.

"

nHe looked at me again with a confused expression.

n

"Why?

"

nIs he serious? He really doesn't get it?

n

"I just can't, okay? I'm not used to it.

"

nHow can I sleep with another person— note, a man— in my room? And have I already said that it is inappropriate?

n

"Then get used to it.

" He deadpanned.

n

"You damn…

"

nI let out a harsh sigh. Fvck it. This is going nowhere. He can go and sleep and choke as well, I don't care anymore. I can't persuade him anyway so whatever— Let him be. I am too tired to deal with this.

nTurning around, I finally made up my mind to ignore his existence and act like he's not there and he's just air and climbed up the bed.

n

"Night.

" I heard him behind me, sounding triumphant for some reason.

n

"Shut up,

" I hissed and buried myself under the covers.

nI hope he gets nightmares and gets a terrible sleep.

nA few minutes passed, the room was completely silent, and I was irritatingly opening my eyes again because I couldn't sleep. So I peeked at Lukas on the couch and saw him lying down, and because he's too tall, his legs are sticking out of the armrest.

nHe had his eyes closed as well and in my eyes, he seemed to be sleeping. I then thought of giving him a blanket since I have two. The days are getting cold now but then he never feels cold anyway so I thought it would be useless. But he looked so pitiful there.

nHe does not fit in the sofa but he still insisted on staying on it. If he tried to move, I bet he would fall on the carpet.

nWhatever— That's what he wants… It's not my problem if he gets bitten by mosquitoes.

n…

nClicking my tongue, I sat up and grabbed one of the pillows and the thin blanket, and went to his side. As I reached him he had already opened his eyes to look at me curiously.

nI then threw the blanket and the pillow on his face. Not so gently if I may add. To at least retaliate against him.

nLukas got the things off his face and looked at me annoyed,

"What?

"

n

"Shut up and take it.

"

nI am trying to be a good person here.

n

"That's weird,

" he scoffed.

n

"I said shut up,

" and got back to my very comfortable bed.

nI only gave him those things because I pity him for not having to sleep on such a soft mattress. After all, it's a noble's obligation to help those in need and underprivileged. Fufufufufu~

nNow I can sleep in peace.

nI dreamt of Nathan that night.

nIn my dream, he was a little child crying pitifully because he bumped his head accidentally on the table. His pen had rolled down underneath so when he crouched to retrieve it and after he tried to get up, he miscalculated and ended up with an aching head.

n

"You're such an idiot, brother.

" A little girl with slightly curly short hair sighed.

n

"Wuuu, it stings~

" Nathan cooed, big crystal teardrops rolling down his flushed cheeks.

nThe little girl, Nadia, put down the book she was holding and patted Nathan's back to appease him.

n

"Alright, stop crying already. You're a big boy now why are you still crying?

"

n

"But it hurts…

" The little Nathan sniffed.

nNadia sighed,

"Okay, come here,

" she then rubbed the part of his head where it was hurting,

"There, there, I will kiss it so it won't hurt anymore.

"

nNadia secretly glanced at George at the corner, adjusted her position, and then secretly used her magic when Nathan wasn't aware.

n

"Does it still hurt?

" She then asked.

nNathan had stopped crying at that point and shook his head.

n

"No…

"

n

"Then stop crying,

" she reprimanded.

" If prince Ezekiel saw you he would tease you because you're a crybaby.

"

nNathan bit his lip, showing that he was unwilling.

nSo Nadia added,

"And father would scold you again.

"

nNathan sniffed and wiped his cheeks to dry them while Nadia helped him. George, who had seen everything, watched silently in the corner and did not disturb their little moment.

nThe two had resumed their tasks when Helen came to the study with a tray of snacks.

nShe saw Nadia sitting beside Nathan, holding a book, and smiled.

n

"Are you bothering your brother again?

"

nNadia blinked her wide jewel-like eyes innocently, looking incredibly adorable.

n

"I'm behaving. Right? Brother?

"

n

"Yes, Nadia is not bothering me, mother.

" Nathan vouched.

n

"Very good, then. Come and take a break first, I baked cookies.

"

n

"Cookies!

"

nAs they ate, Helen noticed Nathan's flushed face.

n

"Why are your eyes red?

"

nNathan froze and lowered his head.

n

"I…

"

n

"Brother bumped his head and cried.

" In the end, Nadia sold him out.

n

"...

"

n

"Does it still hurt?

" Helen asked Nathan in a soft tone while brushing the hair on top of his head.

n

"No, Nadia kissed it and it doesn't hurt anymore,

" Nathan professed.

n

"Ohh?

" Helen caught on and realized something. She then cast a look at Nadia who guiltily averted her gaze somewhere.

n

"Finish your food,

" she said and fell into her thoughts.

nAfter their little break, Helen looked at Nadia.

n

"Nadia, come with me. Let's not disturb your brother.

"

nNadia seemed to get the message and dejectedly left the table.

n

"...Okay…

"

nThe two left the study and came to a secluded corner. Helen looked at Nadia.

n

"What did I tell you?

"

nHer sharp voice made Nadia flinch.

n

"Mommy…

"

n

"I told you to not use your magic,

" she scolded.

n

"But he was crying and said it hurt… I didn't let anyone see!

"

nHelen sighed deeply.

n

"We can't guarantee the next time.

"

n

"But—

"

n

"Listen, Nadia,

" she squatted to make their level even and held Nadia on her shoulders,

"Promise me to not use your magic openly again.

"

nNadia paused for a moment, seemingly unwilling. But Helen was staring at her sternly that she could not refute.

n

"... I promise.

"

n

"My good child…

" Helen hugged the aggrieved little girl in her arms,

"You will be able to understand it in the future,

" she whispered in the air,

"This world is not a safe place for us.

"

n