Chapter 56. It's Not Like That

Lucilline's sleep was suffocating.

An invisible layer pressed against his chest, pinning his breath and forcing it to crawl back down his throat. The slender figure rolled around, his limbs angled and twisted in tension. The thick blanket made it difficult for him to breathe, thinning down the air.

Unbearable heat stuck to his back, as droplets of sweat slid down. The nobleman could not handle the humidity, as frequent puffs panted out from his mouth.

His chest heaved, and his hands scrambled at his night gown... the knuckles snowing white in cold sweat. The black-haired nobleman tugged at his collar, revealing a load of white skin beneath—

"...what..." His eyes fluttered open, beads of sweat hanging upon his web of eyelashes.

His bed chamber shone in sunlight, daytime having replaced the night. The curtains were blown by a gentle breeze, flying elegantly to flow in the air. A glaring shine poured inside the bed chamber, stinging Lucilline's pair of golden eyes, which squinted in crescent curves.

"Sister... brother..." A weak voice squeezed out of his throat.

Beside him on his king-sized bed were the two elder Rubius siblings. They laid on the bed, both having intense stares burning through one another.

Mahogany red hair splayed across the soft surface, drowning the bed in a sea of red. It was difficult to tell apart whose hair belonged to who. Zephyratt was dressed in a black suit, while Scarletta in a black dress. Their silver grey eyes gleamed in fervour.

"Ah," Zephyratt was stunned. "You're awake."

Scarletta awkwardly smiled, "...it's... it's not what it looks like, Lucy..."

The black-haired nobleman blinked. His surroundings became increasingly clearer, as his limbs were captured in a trap.

His elder sister had stuck herself onto Lucilline's left side, while his brother hugged the right side. They were tugging at the delicate and lean limbs, pulling and striving for their younger siblings' attention. The pain became noticeable, as his pale skin rubbed pink red.

"Nh... hurts.." Lucilline did not even resist against the tug-of-war.

"Ah!" Scarletta gasped. She quickly released his arm, then hugged his entire torso, "Big sister is so sorry for hurting you! Is Lucy hurt? Next time, tell big sis if she accidentally hurts you. Sometimes, big sis can not control her strength..."

"Shut up, you stinky rat!" Zephyratt snapped back, tugging his younger brother out of her reach. "I saw you sneaking inside Lucy's room... wanting to taint his precious bed chamber... his precious room!"

Scarletta snorted, "That's none of your business. You entered in too, didn't you?"

Zephyratt arched an eyebrow, hugging his younger brother's arm to his chest, "...but I only entered his room after seeing YOU intrude!"

The two siblings began arguing again, pulling their younger sibling back and forth.

Lucilline felt dizzy again, his surroundings beginning to blur. No wonder I could barely breathe earlier... they were clinging onto me the entire night...

"...Sister... brother..." The black-haired nobleman weakly protested.

In an instant, the tug-of-war separated. Scarletta and Zephyratt both released their younger brother's arm, hurriedly retracting their hands. Apologies spluttered out of their mouth, as they fanned gently at the rubbed red arms.

"...I need a... coffee..." Lucilline still felt dizzy from the earlier fight.

"Understood!" Scarletta quickly jumped up from the bed. "Big sister will make you a cup right now!" She raced out of the bed chamber, her slender figure speeding like light.

"Wait-" Zephyratt was exasperated, his eyebrows furrowing, "No way, Lucy will drink the cup that I make!" He jumped down the bed, scrambling after to catch up to the eldest sibling.

Lucilline drowsily sat up from the bed, leaning against the headrest. He silently fixed his collar, which his two elder siblings had tugged out of proportion. The red marks rubbed on his arms had faded away, regaining its original pale colour.

He had a cute appearance of bed hair, the strands tangled and curved in wavy lengths.

Lucilline gradually wiped his hair aside. Today is an important day. I am going to visit the Crown Prince and find clues regarding Farrah's amnesia...

His head drooped. But why am I so tired...

"Lucilline." All of a sudden, the doors slammed open! A naked figure walked inside, their long chestnut brown hair swaying behind. Farrah did not care to wear any clothes, her skin and flesh exposed in the air. She walked forward while holding a dress purchased from yesterday, "How do I wear this."

"What—" Lucilline hurriedly covered his eyes. He almost jumped out of bed, greatly traumatized. "Why are you walking around the house without clothes?" His voice didn't sound panicked— instead, it sounded like a genuine and concerning question.

The black-haired nobleman's voice was laced with sorrow.

Farrah frowned, "What difference is there with or without clothes?"

Lucilline softly groaned in disappointment. He didn't think that without her memories, the Demon Princess would forget even the most simplest manners.

"...everyone wears clothes as a sign of politeness..." Lucilline tried to explain, while keeping his eyes shut tight, while his hands clasped over them.

Farrah did not seem to care, "I do not intend being polite, so why would I need to wear clothes?"

"..this..." Lucilline's voice drawled to a close. "...because nobody else wants to see you naked?"

"Hmph," Farrah huffed. That might be true. "It is an honour for anyone to see a Princess Demon naked before them." She proudly exclaimed before shrugging, "That is not the point. How do I wear this dress?" The ribbons were difficult to assort, and the fabric itched her skin.

Lucilline covered his eyes tighter.

He scrambled back on the bed, "...you could have Willow help you with that..."

"The maid is drinking hangover soup." Farrah described monotonously. "I decided to be kind and bestow my benevolence to her by not disturbing her."

Lucilline: ...did you really be kind and bestow your benevolence?

"...but I am a man... and you're a woman." The black-haired nobleman turned away, "It's best if you find someone else. Maybe go find my sister. She's a woman and is an expert in dressing up..."

"Oh." Farrah blinked. "Then I will go find her-"

"WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!" A scream tore through the Rubius manor. Scarletta found her jaw dropping to the floor, as her knees had grown the weakest they'd ever been. The cup of coffee in her hands almost slipped out. Thankfully, Zephyratt made sure to not drop the cup.

The scream alerted both the two servants in the house.

Willow and Augustine raced before Lucilline's bed chamber.

"What happened to Young Master!? What... gurg..." Willow tried to cover herself from vomiting. Meanwhile, Augustine took a peek inside the bed chamber...

"...this can't be..." Zephyratt was on the verge of tears. "...did my Lucy... find a fiancée?"

Farrah was indifferent to the mess. Despite being naked, the Demon Princess was the most unperturbed at the moment. She flicked a strand of chestnut brown hair over her shoulder, unmoved at the shocked expressions of everyone else.

"...don't think ahead of yourself!" Scarletta scolded Zephyratt, who weakly nodded, shaking on the spot.

"You're right..." Zephyratt's voice shook, "There's no way that Lucy would find a fiancée without telling his dear older brother..."

Lucilline: ???

Willow had vomited in the corner, struggling to stand firm on her feet.

Meanwhile, Augustine bore a dark and... unknown expression. A threatening storm brewed in those silver eyes, as if willing to cut all obstacles before its path.

"...can someone help me wear this?" Farrah tilted her head while holding onto the dress.

*****

"Thank goodness it was all just a misunderstanding!" Willow gasped in relief. She pressed her chest, flattening the skirt of her dress. "Miss Nineteen, next time you need help in wearing a dress, just come to me! Young Master is helpful and all, but he can't help a woman in the aspect of dressing up."

Lucilline, Willow, Augustine, and Farrah had dressed up, then left the Rubius manor. They were heading towards the Royal Palace, planning to meet with the Crown Prince.

"Yes," Augustine nodded firmly. If it wasn't a misunderstanding... I might just lose it.

Farrah noticed the expression of unease flickering before the butler's face. The Demon Princess found it interesting. Ah. I think I understand his relationship with Lucilline. It's one-sided... isn't it?

The stroll down the mountain's traps went peaceful. Willow and Augustine, who both memorized the path, had lead the walk.

"Why aren't there any guards?" Farrah indifferently asked.

Augustine's ear perked up. He had always wondered this same question, but never dared to ask.

"Hmm?" Lucilline answered. "Father fired them all aside from Willow. I believe that he became paranoid after an incident occurred. Duchess Rubius passed away from this incident, so... Father did not trust anyone after that."

"But Duke Rubius trusts me, so I was allowed to stay." Willow chirped in.

"Ahh... I see..." Farrah hummed. She found human behaviour to be quite eccentric. That Duke lost his wife, so in grief, he cut himself off from all other humans. Weak.

They arrived at the bottom of the mountain. Willow unlocked the front gate, allowing everyone to pass through, then closed and locked it back with a key.

It did not take long to arrive before the Royal Palace. The palace was as grandiose as the last time Lucilline had seen it. A ray of sunlight shone from the tip of its majestic peak, splitting off like a rainbow to envelop the cerulean blue skies. There was gold all around, reminding one of the pure spectacle standing before them.

"Ah, it's Third Lord Rubius." A guard standing by had greeted him. "Please wait. I will send a few attendants to alert His Royal Highness of your arrival."

He'd ran off to inside the Royal Palace.

Farrah gave a suspicious eye to the black-haired nobleman. "...are they prepared for us?"

"Mhm," Lucilline admitted, "I have written to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince last night, and had the letter sent by Augustine. We will probably be ignored if we had not written of our arrival. After all, this is the Royal Palace. Even nobility are nothing compared to royalty."

The Princess Demon fell into a trance. Ohh... so this is the hierarchy system.

"Third Lord Rubius, you may enter." The guard had returned, his metallic armour clicking against the cobblestone ground. "His Royal Highness is waiting inside for you."

The front gate croaked open, its golden hue resembling the sunlight's glow.

When Lucilline, Farrah, Augustine, and Willow entered... they were greeted by a familiar hallway, with a tall staircase winding upwards.

"You're here." A low baritone voice thundered in the hallway. Locks of blonde hair shone in the bright hallway, as if those strands of hair were sewn of pure gold ore. The young man had soft yet strenuous skin, his handsome face shining like an angel's halo. His princely attire had snuggled tightly, fitting the tough muscles in his robust arms.

The Crown Prince shone like the snowing blizzard, leaving only a blank canvas and ruined eyesight. He smiled gently, "If I had known so many of you would come, I would have prepared a few snacks."

"There's no need." Lucilline refused his offer. "Should we go somewhere more private to talk?"

Dimitri understood. He led the way to a more remote area, a living room for guests. The maidservant and butlers who were cleaning had been dismissed, leaving for their guests to talk.

Lucilline sat neatly on the couch, while Farrah was ushered to sit next to him. Dimitri sat across them on another couch, his majestical figure appearing prominent like a deity. In between the two couches was a wooden table, with a few pots and cups of tea placed upon.

Augustine and Willow stood behind their Young Master.

"It has been a long time since we've seen one another— much less talk." Dimitri smiled, his hands crossed over a knee. "What is it you'd like to discuss about?"

Lucilline began to explain the situation.

"My companion here is named Nineteen. She has lost her memories and has requested my help for getting them back." He gestured, "However, I was wondering if there would be a way to... restore them..."

Lucilline inwardly sweated. There is practically no way for me to lie my way out of this without warranting suspicion...

Dimitri leaned back on the couch.

His gentlemanly facade had faded away, revealing his pair of unmoved hazel brown eyes. "Normally, amnesia occurs because of either an accident to the head, or because of a traumatic incident. In this case, which of the two did your..." His eyes thinned, "companion experience?"

Farrah fiddled with her hands.

She could feel this human exude a strong aura... enough to rival against a strong demon. However, she could also feel that this human was restraining himself from scaring them off. This human is stronger than the others. She could tell this at first glance.

"Ahh, I'm not sure." Lucilline waved, "When I first found her, Nineteen had already lost her memories—"

"When I woke up, I was outside of Lydia Kingdom and stuck in a sort of natural disaster." Farrah naturally lied as she breathed. The first half was the truth, but the second half was false.

Dimitri's smile had grown wider, as if interested.

"Lucilline," he turned to look at the black-haired nobleman, "I am wondering why you're coming to me for this problem...?" How special is this woman for you to come to me? What does this woman mean to you? Is her amnesia really so important? How are you related to her?

Lucilline did not falter. Rather, he did not appear fazed at all.

He returned a smile, "I was merely asking Your Royal Highness for some help, since you seem to have a higher expertise on this subject than me."

Dimitri frowned.

It was true. Since his childhood, he was forced to learn every subject taught in the books. From the analytics of human body to all ancient magical artifacts... Dimitri knew everything.

His frown faded into a small smile, his lips curving upwards. "If you wish to restore Miss Nineteen's memories, then there is a way to do so... supernaturally."

Dimitri crossed a leg on top of his other leg, his ankle resting on the knee. His collar was tugged open, revealing his sultry smooth collarbones. A strand of golden hair had wandered down his neck, having grown longer since the last three years.

An amused smile fell on his lips. Despite being reluctant to share this information, Dimitri still did so. Since it's Lucilline, how else could I resist.

"You should know of the Book of Revelation." Dimitri explained.

Farrah did not know. She tilted her head, confused.

"Ahem," Lucilline coughed. "The Book of Revelation is an ancient artifact that House Delta keeps secure. It can answer any question the user asks, however, it will take away something the user finds significant." He explained while gesturing.

The Demon Princess began to process the information.

"So how does this relate with the Book of Revelation?" Lucilline asked, his confused face entrancing the Crown Prince.

Dimitri's eyes lingered on the black-haired nobleman, the latter's golden eyes shining a brilliant gaze, more valuable than even ancient treasures.

"...Your Royal Highness...?" Lucilline's voice fell short.

The Crown Prince snapped out of it. He laughed sillily, "It's fine."

His hands subconsciously tugged at his white gloves, tearing wrinkles through the thin yet protective fabric. The Crown Prince had never felt his heart twitch in pain more than now.

A part of him wished to separate Lucilline and that woman from one another. Dimitri wished to demand answers. What does that woman mean to you? She is just a mere companion... right? But then... Why are you willing to go so far for her lost memories? Even asking me... for help... I'm a Crown Prince. I have unlimited power...

"Ah," Dimitri caught his own thoughts. "The Book of Revelation is an artifact that actually... comes in a pair." He claps his hands together.

His earlier thoughts dissipated. A fun smile stretched on his lips.

"The other book is called the 'Book of Memories'. After all, how is one supposed to answer any question in the world without having unlimited knowledge?" This information had stumped all the guests in the Royal Palace. Dimitri kept going, "If the Book of Revelation glows like the sun, then the Book of Memories has a dark cover akin to the night sky... like ash almost."

Silence sundered in the Royal Palace, enough for the sound of a needle dropping to become audible.

"...the Book of Memories can allow you to see the memories of any person—dead or alive, amnesiac or normal." Dimitri continued.

All of a sudden, Lucilline slammed both his palms against the wooden table! The black-haired nobleman stood up, his black and white suit showing off his slender and lean figure, alongside with the vigour hidden beneath his smooth and unblemished skin.

"Do you know where I can find this book?" Lucilline asked.

Dimitri was taken by surprise.

He'd never seen the black-haired nobleman appear in such a frenzy... as if starving to know where the Book of Memories was.

As expected. Dimitri couldn't resist the sick feeling creeping up his stomach. That woman named Nineteen... To Lucilline, she is...

Out of nowhere, Dimitri began to bellow out a laugh. His chest heaved, "The Book of Memories isn't in Lydia Kingdom."

He explained the history.

The Book of Revelation and the Book of Memories came as a pair. To honour the alliance between Lydia Kingdom and the Demons, the two kingdoms split the two ancient artifacts—one for each kingdom. Lydia obtained the Book of Revelation, while the Royal Demons took the Book of Memories.

But ever since the war centuries ago between the two, the Book of Memories went missing.

It was speculated to have died alongside the Royal Demons.

"Ahh..." Lucilline bit his mouth. Could it be that the book Farrah's seen before... the same book that Miss A. and November were trying to burn... IS THE BOOK OF MEMORIES!?!

If so, then there was still a chance.

"However, ancient artifacts cannot be destroyed." Dimitri hummed to himself, ruffling his golden strands of hair. "It is most likely in hiding outside of Lydia Kingdom."

Contemplation surfaced in the living room.

"Apart from this information, I know nothing else about the Book of Memories' whereabouts." The Crown Prince off-handedly remarked, a sly smile playing on his handsome face.

All of a sudden, his white-gloved hands were clasped in a strong grasp. Ah... Dimitri pursed his lips. You've grown stronger the past three years.

Lucilline grabbed his hands, shaking them while pleased. "Thank you so so much for the information, Dimitri! You've really saved me!"

Contrary to the black-haired nobleman's relief, Dimitri just felt his heart drop.

Having gotten the information he needed, Lucilline prepared to leave. Farrah, him, and his two servants had gone up from the couch.

The Crown Prince decided to send them off.

"Ah wait for a second, Lucilline." Dimitri waved, his gloved hand pure white like the petals of a lily, "I need to congratulate you."

Lucilline: ???

The black-haired nobleman turned around, his face riddled in confusion. "...what congratulations?"

"You know," Dimitri awkwardly coughed. "On your... relationship with Nineteen." He fiddled with his white gloves, "I can tell that she is very special to you."

Farrah whipped her head back. Again?

"It's not like that." She spat. "We're not engaged."

Lucilline: ???

Dimitri: !!!