Could it be that u already fell for me?
"...What?"
Lucifer's crimson eyes widened dramatically. It was as though the world had momentarily ceased to spin. Well, she in fact makes everything he knows is wrong, giving unique answers to his questions, making him wonder who is weird here.
Astrid's heart raced as she shut her eyes, feeling her words escape her lips with an uncontainable fervor. There was no going back now, and she couldn't help but notice the abrupt change in Lucifer's demeanor. She had successfully ignited his interest, and she couldn't afford to let that flame fizzle.
Well, her words aren't entirely a lie. Didn't he like her smile yesterday ?
"Hmm... Such an unexpected twist," he mused, his voice tinged with intrigue along a serious face, showing how much he is into in this discussion.
"Looks like I've made a strong first impression, witnessing how worried you are about me, but let me warn you, The closer you get, the more danger it is for you. You should be running, little Red, but instead, you're drawn to the flames."
His blood-red eyes remained firmly locked onto her, and she realized she hadn't been breathing for what felt like an eternity. The intensity of his gaze was both exhilarating and intimidating, like being caught in a mesmerizing spell.
Seeing how he is trying to provoke her, she couldn't help but for once let her heart speak instead, " Then I shall rise from the ashes, embracing the inferno, Duke. " Her voice is brimming with confidence, seeing how he is trying to scare her.
It's now not just his playground, but hers too, the game where two players try to outwin each other with words.
Though he didn't expect to see her confident side, he is Liking this side of her too. Afterall, he just doesn't want a damsel in distress, which would get boring later. He need someone who could keep up with his bearings accordingly and she is just starting to get the hang of it.
" Then I should look forward to the near future, " he smirked, thinking about the dynamic play that could happen revolving around her.
In near future? What does he mean?
However, Astrid didn't dare to question him, as she nodded like a person possessed, shocked that he let her off the hook easily. This is unlike their previous encounters. She thought there will be more into it, but that is it? She couldn't admit it, but it is a little disappointing, as she is in her full swing after a while now.
"You can get back to your seat now, " he plainly commanded her.
With a grateful heart, she hopped back to her seat in the carriage. Her pulse was still racing from their exchange. Everything she had done seemed to have earned a bemused smile from Lucifer.
He was sure, after what happened yesterday, she would do anything but to cross paths with him, so he didn't even bother himself to ask her. Unexpected to him, she herself chose to tag along with him.
He couldn't deny that she was unlike any other girl he had encountered, and that piqued his curiosity, also wanting to know why she decided to follow him, despite all the dangers.
As the carriage drew nearer to its destination, Lucifer couldn't help but remember something important.
"Do you desire a word of advice?" he asked, his tone inviting, though somewhat foreboding.
At the mere mention of advice, Astrid's ears perked up with keen interest. This was an unfamiliar world to her, and knowledge was her most valuable asset. Lucifer was undoubtedly the best source of information among the people she had encountered thus far. She nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Lucifer: Don't cause any trouble in the mansion,
Lucifer leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto hers with a hint of seriousness. "Do not stir up trouble within the mansion, that is if you want to live a few more days, " he cautioned cryptically.
"....."
Astrid's heart constricted with a sense of dread. She had already understood that she couldn't afford to let her guard down in this enigmatic mansion, but Lucifer's words had ominous undertones.
However, she isn't a child who causes trouble unknowingly, and such family drama is not something new to her, making her stand strong.
"What do you mean by a few days? Hmph~~ I plan to live my whole life, " her eyes scowled those words at him, which didn't reach his ears.
She didn't know what to say anymore.
The atmosphere in the carriage grew heavy with silence as they continued their journey.
As the carriage approached the towering gates of the mansion, the iron bars seemed to recognize the emblem emblazoned on the side of the carriage. Without hesitation, the massive gates began to slowly swing open, revealing the opulent gardens and the grand estate that lay beyond.
The carriage continued its stately procession, the rhythmic cadence of the horses' hooves resonating through the estate as it passed by rows of neatly trimmed hedges and blooming flower beds. Lucifer's countenance remained regal, as if such grand entrances were an everyday occurrence for him.
Finally, the carriage came to a halt in front of the mansion's imposing entrance. Lucifer gracefully descended from the carriage, extending a hand to Astrid. She accepted his hand and, disembarked from the carriage, drawing the attention of the maids and male workers who had gathered at the door to greet the Duke.
Whispers rippled through the assembled staff as they observed the master of the house treating a lady with such chivalry. Some couldn't believe their eyes, while others questioned the identity of the golden-haired girl who had descended from the carriage. Her presence alone raised suspicions and curiosity.
Getting a glare from the head maid, all the whispers went down, and everyone bent their heads, continuing the greetings.
Lucifer, however, remained unperturbed by the attention. He stood there, his gaze sweeping over the gathered staff, before nodding in acknowledgment of their greetings.
Turning to Victor, who had accompanied them, he issued a command, "Assist Astrid in preparing the bath."
With his instructions given, Lucifer strode towards the entrance, leaving the rest of the staff to continue their duties.
The maids and servants heaved collective sigh of relief as they watched Lucifer walk away. It seemed that they had narrowly avoided any consequences for their unprofessional behavior. They had half-expected retribution when Lucifer turned to speak with Victor, but to their surprise, nothing punitive had occurred, however, they all still can't escape a good hearing from the head maid.
Astrid, feeling a mix of gratitude and relief, followed Victor's lead. She couldn't help but marvel at how different her experience had been so far. Lucifer was nothing like the heartless character she had read about in the novel.
The novel mentioned about his emotionless behaviour and his strict nature when dealing with anyone, however, she always believed that's not his true nature because of his small acts of kindness, which is almost unnoticeable if not concentrated well.
As Lucifer entered the mansion, he was greeted by the sight of his cousin, William Rosenthal, lounging indolently on a couch. William appeared to be utterly unconcerned with the outside world.
Their eyes met, but William merely rolled his eyes, seemingly uninterested in acknowledging Lucifer's presence. It was a deliberate provocation, intended to bait a reaction from his cousin.
"Did you leave your manners and brain at the Marquess's estate?" Lucifer inquired, studying William's demeanor.
"Why? Are you volunteering to retrieve them for me?" William retorted flippantly, attempting to further irritate Lucifer.
Lucifer merely rolled his eyes, then sighed in mock contemplation. "You know what? It probably wouldn't make much of a difference anyway."
William ain't a kid, he can understand every ounce of sarcasm Lucifer put in those words, which spiked his anger.
Not one to back down easily, William responded with a sneer, "No wonder the last two days have been remarkably peaceful without you around. You have an uncanny talent for carrying your foul mood wherever you go."
Their exchange was characterized by an underlying tension, but it was a dynamic they had grown accustomed to over the years.
Their positions in the family had been established long before they were born, and they were constantly vying for power and influence. This struggle seemed endless and might only conclude with the birth of an official heir. Although it would reduce William chances of being the next in line of heir, Lucifer, however, had never considered that an option, as it had little bearing on his goals.
And so, they engaged in light banter every time, a familiar dance that reflected their complicated relationship. Well, that's how they communicate with each other, which seems normal to them, and which might never change anywhere in the near future too.
"So, you did notice my arrival," Lucifer inquired further, his tone casual.
William was far from naive, and he understood the underlying message in Lucifer's words. Still, he tried to evade any direct confrontation, as his mother had urged him to avoid provoking Lucifer until they had a solid plan in place to unseat him, as Lucifer is the one, who is now standing above all in the empire.
"Come now, our young Duke," William replied, artfully avoiding Lucifer's insinuations. "You're hardly a guest to perform such perfunctory tasks."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised by this unexpected admission. He nodded as if he had come to a sudden revelation. "You're absolutely right. I am the master of this household, and I shouldn't burden our guests with rigid protocols and palace etiquette."
While Lucifer's statement was undoubtedly true, it served to rile William further. "You Bastar—"
Before William could launch into a tirade, a voice rang out from across the room hurriedly, interrupting their exchange.