Chapter 57. I Can't Flirt

Lucilline couldn't help but double down in laughter.

He still remembered the Crown Prince's jarringly embarrassed look. His fair skin had glowed candlelight red, as if someone had set aflame to his face. Lucilline felt like it suited him well. After all, it was a new sight to the Crown Prince—contrasting his usual gentle and indifferent demeanour.

They had left the Royal Palace, leaving the Crown Prince to mourn over his misunderstanding alone.

"According to my sister, she killed November." Lucilline recapped, "Out of the three demons you saw when waking up, there should be two remaining: Miss A. and Nineteen. We don't know the whereabouts of these two demons."

Outside the Royal Palace, Lucilline explained to Farrah the encounters he's had with those demons.

The Demon Princess thinned her eyes while listening. The fights that Lucilline had gone through sound tough... She noticed a hint of fatigue apparent beneath the black-haired nobleman's eyes.

"We can visit the Royal Library. Despite being named "Royal", not only royalties can enter. Mostly adept and well-known nobles can enter." Lucilline explained. He planned on researching more about the three demons. November, Miss A., and Nineteen... just what are the origins of these three... Did they somehow manage to get rid of Farrah's memories?

If so, how? When? Just what does Farrah mean to them?

All of a sudden, a cold touch interrupted Lucilline's thought process. Farrah unmoved demeanour had softened, her hand patting the black-haired nobleman's head.

Her disguised brown eyes curved in rare softness, "You've worked hard." She appeared like a mother praising her son for his achievements—gently giving compliments, as warm-hearting as a cozy embrace. For some odd reason, Lucilline found some attributes of his own mother; Duchess Rubius, in Farrah.

Lucilline, "..." Wait... is the Demon Princess thanking me?

He stopped in his tracks. Despite the hand being cold, his heart felt warm.

"Well," Lucilline turned away, "It's not a big deal."

They continued going for the Royal Library. As the third son of a Grand Duke, Lucilline had no problem with bringing a few friends over to study.

The Royal Library was expansive, ranging from three floors of bookshelves to a 2-metre long hanging chandelier. Barely any noblemen were inside, permeating the entire large building into an oracle of silence. Only the sound of quiet pages flipping had occasionally voiced itself.

Lucilline and his group took a seat at an empty table.

He flipped open a scroll, revealing the page to be... at least an arms-length!

"This is a map of our world." Lucilline softly explained to Farrah. The Demon Princess learned intently, her brown eyes scanning the wickedly old paper.

Lydia Kingdom used to be a small kingdom. However, it allied itself with many supernatural creatures, allowing the immigration of them. Due to this, the small kingdom gradually expanded. After the war between it and the demons, none of the creatures dared to enter Lydia again.

Only the mages remained, becoming the only race apart from humans.

"Outside of Lydia Kingdom, there are several kingdoms too." Lucilline pointed his slender finger, traversing across the map. "For example, the Cave of Dwarves, the Volcano of Dragons, and more..."

He hummed to himself. "The kingdom of demons was known as Ubel Kingdom—the nation of war, demons, slavery, bloodshed, and evil."

Lucilline eyed the Demon Princess, but noticed that she had no mild reactions.

He continued, "After being defeated in the war against Lydia Kingdom, Ubel Kingdom had been trashed into a deserted ruin." The black-haired nobleman took a small breath, "This is merely a theory, but I have a proposition... perhaps the deserted ruin you woke up in was Ubel Kingdom?"

Farrah paused. She had nothing to say.

"That is a fair theory," Willow piped in from the side, "Ubel Kingdom has been destroyed through and through. It should also be full of skeletons from the war, just as Fa— I mean, Nineteen had described. Now that I think about it... this proposition makes a lot of sense!"

The maidservant felt that she'd walked a step closer to learning the truth behind her Young Master's role as the villain.

Augustine too felt the thrill of uncovering the truth.

Meanwhile, Farrah was silent. It had been less than a month since she knew she was the Fourth Princess Demon—last survivor of the Royal demons. Now she had to process more information that... the place she woke up was her Kingdom in ruins... and she had no idea...

No matter what, I must uncover my memories. She gritted her teeth.

Those three: November, Miss A., and Nineteen...

She thought that they were friends—allies. However, they only proved themselves to be more suspicious the more clues she find. They must be the source behind her amnesia. How dare my own kin try to trick me; their most beloved Demon Princess!

"I believe that we can find the Book of Memories through more investigation of the recent demonic activities." Lucilline hummed.

"The demons that are searching for you..." Lucilline turned to look at the Demon Princess. "Do you think that they are ordered by November, Miss A., and Nineteen?"

Farrah bowed her head.

If so, then that made sense. After she fled from Ubel Kingdom in search of Lucilline, those three demons must have been trying to get ahold of her. She was their prey, and they couldn't have her running around.

"Hmm?" All of a sudden, a new and yet familiar voice sounded behind them. "Isn't this Lucilline Rubius?"

Lucilline heard his name being called. He turned around, and his golden eyes widened. "P-Percival!"

Dazzling long chestnut brown hair fell down the young nobleman's back. Percival grew taller as well, his limbs lean and yet long. He was dressed in a white and black suit, while a white vintage coat loosely laid upon his arms. His entire figure was imbued in elegance and refinery, as if carved from pure jade porcelain.

"You grew your hair out," Willow babbled on the side. Am I the only one whose hair has gotten shorter after the last three years?

Percival gave a weak smile, "Well, I did."

His eyes fell onto the black-haired nobleman.

"It's been a long time," Percival smiled. His aura permeated a tint of maturity, as if the young nobleman had grown to a real adult.

This made Lucilline shy away from him. Percival has really changed... huh.

"What are you doing in the Royal Library?" The brown-haired nobleman took a seat next to Lucilline, his posture free-spirited and yet graceful. "I didn't take you to be the type to lack information." An eyebrow arched upwards, while his brown eyes shone in amusement.

Lucilline shyly laughed. "Well, it's nothing much."

His curtain of eyelashes quivered. A bead of sweat slid down his back. Why is it so difficult to lie to my friends?

Percival noticed the emotions running behind Lucilline's expression. He hummed monotonously, multiple thoughts racing in his mind.

"Actually," a hand poked at the black-haired nobleman's slender fingers, resembling the shine of morning dew. Percival couldn't control the little smile dancing on his lips, his face sprinkling with a tint... of shyness? "I actually came here to find you. There is something I must give you."

His hands twisted, shuffling around—then an envelope sealed by a red stamp had slipped out.

Lucilline was stunned.

His pair of golden eyes followed around the envelope, clearly curious about the contents inside. Meanwhile, Farrah expressed some confusion. She clearly noticed the way Percival behaves around Lucilline. She could tell that there was more than just... friendship in those eyes.

Is this another... love interest? The Demon Princess hurriedly shook her head, silencing her thoughts and trying to focus on the content before her.

"...this letter... what's in it?" Lucilline questioned.

Percival just laughed heartily, "It's an invitation to Grand Duke Delta's 40th birthday."

Lucilline was surprised. Grand Duke Delta was the father of Percival. He rarely ever held celebrations, much less than his own birthday.

"...this..." Lucilline couldn't help but shrink, "...what is the meaning of this?"

Percival merely shrugged. "There is no other meaning. My father has learned throughout these few years that it's important to connect to the outside world."

His eyes then landed on the map laid out on the table.

He gently smiled, "I didn't know Lucilline was interested in geography outside Lydia."

"Ahh... this is," Lucilline inwardly sweated. "I am just curious about the other kingdoms. After all, my brother is the heir, and I would like to study the interests of Lydia in terms of trading with foreigners." His lie came out without flaws, as his face remained still and unmoved.

Percival then laid back on the chair, "I can help you."

He remembered just last night when he was discussing some... private measures with his father...

*****

Percival had received news that a certain black-haired nobleman returned in the Capital City. He paced nervously in his bed chamber, his hands subconsciously fiddling with one another.

In fact, he remember catching a sight of that certain nobleman—

His heart couldn't help but beat harder.

"What are you doing." A low voice deadpanned by his side. In an instant, Percival's heart stopped.

Grand Duke Delta was approaching his older years, nearing his 40th birthday. Despite that, he still appeared quite young, other than the wrinkles dotting his forehead and a stubble at his chin. His chestnut brown hair resembled his only son's, though a few grey strands could be spotted.

The Grand Duke was dressed in a white suit, his demeanour honourable yet strict. His brown eyes were harsh; the strongest glacier there is, able to cut through all empathy.

"...Don't mind me, father." Percival immediately stood still, bowing carefully. "It is nothing to worry about."

Grand Duke Delta's eyes had only thinned.

He deadpanned, his cold expression clearly unmoved. "Nothing to worry about?" It sounded more like a scoff than a question, "You are my heir—the future to the position of Grand Duke. I worry the most about you; how you will handle the future affairs of Delta House, how you will participate in future meetings, how you will handle the reputation—"

Percival blanked out, his brain automatically tuned out his father.

It was the same thing always. If it was not about Delta House, then it was about his own skills.

"Spit it out." Grand Duke Delta did not allow any space for his son to intervene. Percival felt an invisible layer press down his chest—oppression.

Without any choice, he quietly spoke, "...I realized that I like someone."

Silence permeated in the room.

Percival awaited for anger, madness, or perhaps a scolding. He expected his father to lash out and yell, 'how could you fall in love at this moment! What about my position that you're going to inherit!'

Instead, a hand gently patted his shoulders.

Grand Duke Delta coughed, averting his eyes, "I see. So you're at that age."

Percival: (；'Д｀) ???

Grand Duke Delta did not notice his son's exasperation. Instead, he continued to add, "Since you like them, then as a man, you must chase them!"

"...chase them?" Percival was puzzled. A strand of chestnut brown hair draped over his eyes.

Grand Duke Delta shrugged nonchalantly. His entire composure changed, as if his old strict self had melted into a stranger.

His wrinkles seemed to smooth out, as he rambled on, "Pursue! If you're a man, you must declare your love to the woman you love! Flirt; as in give flowers, invite her to dinner, decorate her in jewelry and golden coins, and give her all the love you have!"

Percival could not comprehend any of this. Was this man truly his father?

He didn't bother to correct the Grand Duke on 'woman'.

The brown-haired nobleman shyly coughed, "...but they don't know I like them..."

"Flirt!" His father slapped his back harshly, "Here, your old man will teach you some tricks from when he chased your mom!"

*****

"For example," Percival returned to the present, "There is Miriam Kingdom. It is the closest kingdom to Lydia, and has been a great ally in terms of trades and relations. That kingdom is known for their cruel swordplay and swords, having no mages or magic at all."

Lucilline nodded understandingly.

"It seems that Miriam Kingdom has a more humane civilization than ours." He hummed. While Lydia has mages, Miriam doesn't have any supernatural creatures.

Without knowing, Percival had neared closer to the black-haired nobleman.

His thin nose was merely an inch near Lucilline's cheek—the future Delta House heir was not aware of it at all. His handsome face gently bloomed in a smile, as he continued exploring the map and pointing out details of different nations.

"This is a fallen kingdom." Percival pointed at a snowy hill. "It is named Isdis Kingdom. They used to be made of only creatures known as ice people, who can live even in the coldest temperatures. Unfortunately, they were conquered by Ubel Kingdom, by the demons. Since then, the ice people have perished."

Farrah was immersed in the information. It turned out that this was a kingdom that her own people had conquered.

"...w-what about Ubel Kingdom?" Farrah couldn't help but ask. "What do you know about the demons?"

Percival glanced at her.

He explained, "They are also a fallen kingdom. Ubel Kingdom have conquered many kingdoms in the past, killing all of the civilians in them. It was rare of them to show mercy to their prey. However, centuries ago, they had come to an alliance with Lydia."

"Naturally, this alliance lasted for a long time... then was undone after the demons unceremoniously launched an attack at the Royal Palace." Percival listed out the history. "Ubel Kingdom was burned to ashes by the King of Lydia. Almost all the demons were wiped. The demons who survived had never dared to step in Lydia Kingdom ever again... until three years ago."

Farrah couldn't help but avert her gaze. Her disguised brown eyes had shakily wandered across the map, landing on the broken ruins of Ubel's castle. I see.

She couldn't help but feel disheartened after learning of her people's losses.

"Thank you for the information, Percival." Lucilline couldn't help but lean back—

In an instant, he stiffened. A soft touch pressed gently on his earlobe. He wondered what it was-only to realize that Percival had also stiffened.

"I-I'm sorry!" The brown-haired nobleman lurched up from his chair.

He brushed his lips, trying to urgently wipe off the traces.

Earlier, they were sitting so close to one another... he basically kissed Lucilline's ear! Percival blushed fervently, his entire face burning brighter than the sun.

"No... it's fine," Lucilline was at a loss for words. His slender hand reached back to touch his ear, feeling a lingering warmth... His pearly white ear had suddenly burned red too.

The black-haired nobleman awkwardly looked back, turning to see Percival—

"W-What happened?" Lucilline stammered.

Percival had taken out his handkerchief, pinching his nose with it. The fabric was soon dyed in a bloody red colour. "...it's nothing... just a nosebleed." He inwardly sweated. "May I excuse myself..."

He quickly scrambled away, faster than a rat. I'm so sorry father! I can't flirt!

Lucilline was exasperated. "This..."

Augustine's face was as dark as a black pot.

Meanwhile, Farrah covered her mouth. Lucilline... you really attracted so many love interests! First Azalea... then Augustine... then Dimitri... and now Percival!

Author's Note:

HOLY CRAP! IT'S BEEN OVER A WEEK!