The sounds of birds chirping fills Julius's ears, a pleasant melody that he didn't get to wake up to often. The sun shines brightly through the large window, fully illuminating the room. The subtle darkness of slumber washes away as his eyes flutter open, his mind still groggy. He feels warm, and very comfortable in his new bed, which has the blankets and sheets ruffled up from his sleep.
When he recovers his vision enough to see, and his body starts to wake up, he takes in the sights that lie before him. The soft breeze outside, the cool air that fills the room, the warm embrace that covered his body.
His brain is still more than half asleep, so it takes him a long time to take in his surroundings. The white blankets and pillows that he lies in, and the silky blonde contrast that covered it. Brown eyes, still as sleepy as his, that lock gazes.
In unison, their eyes widen, a gradually deepening red shade on their faces, which are mere centimeters apart. A surprised and embarrassed tone covering the both of them.
Julius and Lisa find themselves waking up at the same time, their bodies entwined. Her arms around him, his around her. Their legs wrapped up in the others, almost as close as it gets.
[Julius]: "Hn- U-um."
[Lisa]: "GAH!- nnnnmmmm."
After noticing the position they were in, Lisa quickly pushes off of him, her voice frantic and flustered.
[Lisa]: "W-were we- Was I-....I'm so sorry i don't know h-how that happened."
[Julius]: "H-hey calm down, its....It's okay Lisa, really."
She continues to try and get words out, despite her being extremely flustered, skipping over words and trying to hide her face.
[Lisa]: "B-b-b-but we w-were c-c-cuddling!"
[Julius]: "Well...Yes, we were. But that's okay, isn't it? I guess i must have gotten cold at night, and our bodies found comfort and warmth in each other."
She averts her gaze downwards towards the sheets, trying to justify why they ended up in such a position without meaning to. She eventually looks back up at Julius, the panic slowly deteriorating.
[Lisa]: "Your....Y-your sure its okay?"
[Julius]: "Mmh. Here, let me show you. Come here."
Julius nods softly with a comforting smile. He outstretches his arms, as if asking for a hug. A gesture that she thinks about reluctantly. After a while of thought, she slowly leans back into him, his arms wrapping around her comfortably.
[Lisa]: "Hn-"
[Julius]: "See? Nothing wrong with this, is there?"
She shakes her head, which he feels on his chest, where her face is buried. She returns the embrace, compressing the soft cloth of his kimono. Looking down, all Julius can see is her blonde hair, which he covers with his hand, softly petting her.
She lets out a muffled squeak at his touch, which makes Julius chuckle.
[Julius]: "Is there set times for breakfast or anything here?"
She takes her head out of his chest, looking up at him with their embrace remaining tight.
[Lisa]: "U-um. Yes, there is. Judging by how bright it is already, i would say that we will be called down soon."
[Julius]: "I see. We should probably get you back to your room then, so you can get changed. Besides, i cant imagine it would be a good look if you were in here when they came to call for me."
[Lisa]: "Mmh, your right."
She reluctantly lets go of Julius, slowly pulling away as he does the same. Flipping over the blankets, Julius gets out of bed, followed by Lisa.
He puts on some shoes that lie at the end of the bed for him, and head towards the door with Lisa.
[Lisa]: "You look good in those clothes, that other outfit you had didn't really suit you."
She giggles lightheartedly, taking in the large difference that his new outfit made.
[Julius]: "Thank you, its definitely more comfortable than my old gown."
Smiling brightly and rubbing the back of his neck, he revels in her compliment.
[Lisa]: "Come on then, no time to waste! I'm starving."
[Julius]: "I could eat too."
Lisa walks swiftly to the door, forcing Julius to up his pace to keep up with her.
[Julius]: "Hey, wait up!"
She giggles as Julius reaches her, causing him to join in with his own chuckle, opening the door while still laughing.
They freeze once they walk out of the room together, staring at the person that had been walking past when they came out.
The one who stood before them is Muriel, who is caught by surprise at the sight of Lisa and Julius leaving his room together, still in their sleeping clothes. All three of them look at each other, Lisa and Julius not expecting her to be there.
[Lisa]: "Eh."
[Julius]: "Eh."
[Muriel]: "Eh?"
They all react in unison. The look of surprise on Muriel's face is quickly replaced with a mischievous smile, squinting her eyes as she does, giggling to herself, which only causes more confusion for Julius and Lisa.
A subtle blush appears on the pairs face, as Muriel walks off, still giggling to herself. She speaks to them, still facing the opposite direction.
[Muriel]: "Lisa dear, if you wanted to spend some alone time with your 'friend' here, then you should have just asked me to put him in your room for the night, afufufu."
She laughs to herself while causing Lisa to turn a deep shade of red.
[Lisa]: "U-uwaa! Its not l-like that!"
[Julius]: "---"
Julius has no words for the comments that her mother had made, still shocked by her assumptions, but more so at how casually she accepted them.
[Muriel]: "I'm sure darling, hmhmhm."
Lisa's body language consists of a few twitches and her face flush with embarrassment.
[Julius]: "Your mother sure has some strange goals in mind."
[Lisa]: "She's always so weird with guys. Come on, lets get to my room before she says anything else."
[Julius]: "Right. O-oh!"
He remembers that he was going to talk to Muriel about the map, and if there's any explanation for him waking up here.
[Julius]: "Muriel, wait! I wan-...Oh."
Turning around to call out to her, he sees that she had already disappeared, he finds her speed rather impressive rather than being disappointed.
[Julius]: "Ill have to catch her at breakfast. Lead the way to your room, Lisa."
She nods and smiles, starting to walk him back to her room, with her arms swinging by her sides exaggeratedly.
[Lisa]: "Mmh!"
She leads him through the manor halls, finally arriving at her room, which has a larger, more fancier door than the rest.
Turning the door handle, she walks inside allowing Julius to see into it.
The interior of Lisa's room is very colorful. All the furniture is some combination of white and pink, and one whole wall is covered in bookshelves, all the way up to the ceiling. Julius takes in the view of the room, taking extra notice to the large bed that sat against one of the walls.
[Julius]: "Whoa. You have a bed like that but you wanted to sleep in mine?"
His comment caused her face to flush another subtle pink shade, flustering her.
[Lisa]: "H-hey! I wanted to sleep in y-your room because it gets lonely, r-remember."
He smiles warmly at her, his voice turns to a more reassuring tone.
[Julius]: "I know, i know. And your welcome to come stay in my room as many nights as you want."
She blushes a little harder, but choosing to smile back, a thankful look in her eyes.
[Lisa]: "Thanks, J. I'm definitely going to abuse that."
They both laugh, Julius accepting that he may find himself waking up cuddling with Lisa every morning now.
She opens the sliding door that reveals her clothes, taking out a well fitted, white kimono, with a pink obi belt.
both the sleeves of the kimono and the obi have flower patterns on them, a signature to almost all of Lisa's clothes.
[Lisa]: "U-um."
He notices her embarrassed look, understanding what she is suggesting before she says it.
[Julius]: "Oh, right, sorry. I'll be waiting just out here."
She smiles at him as he walks out, grabbing the door handle before taking one last look at her before closing it.
[Lisa]: "Mmh."
He leans up against the wall next to her door, waiting patiently for her to come out in her daily attire. While waiting, he sees a carriage drive up to the manor, stopping at the door.
Julius moves closer to the window, getting a better look. Stepping out of the carriage is a man wearing brown robes, with black accents to them.
He watches as Muriel Walks out and greets him, inviting him inside.
He had never seen the man before, and he wanders who it was. Before he can think about it any further, he hears the door handle turn, and Lisa walks out happily.
[Lisa]: "J! What do you think?"
She twirls in a circle, giving him a full look at her clothes.
She wears the kimono that she had in her hands moment prior, the outfit molded perfectly to her. His jaw almost drops in awe at her stunning outfit. He takes a small moment to admire her.
[Julius]: "You look amazing, Lisa! So cute!"
[Lisa]: "Hehehe, thank you."
She starts to walk down the hall, grabbing Julius's hand on the way, pulling him with her.
[Julius]: "Some guy in a carriage showed up while you were getting changed. Do you know him?"
She puts up her free hand to her chin, looking up in thought.
[Lisa]: "Hmm. Did he have a beard?"
[Julius]: "Mmh, yeah, he did."
Lisa takes her hand off her chin, closes her eyes and smiles, clicking her fingers together.
[Lisa]: "That's probably Miura then. He's a merchant that my mother has been working with for a few weeks now."
[Julius]: "I see."
[Lisa]: "I think he's weird. And i don't like the way he looks at Lady Lucille. I get bad feelings off of his mana."
Julius looks down at her in confusion.
[Julius]: "Off of his mana? Is this another thing about magic i don't know about?"
[Lisa]: "I suppose so. I told you yesterday that people passively emit mana, well that's a part of a system that the body uses. It draws in mana and lets it out over time. But the mana that gets released holds a part of someones emotions and feelings. Most sorcerers can sense how someone is feeling and get a slight idea of their intentions by reading that mana."
[Julius]: "O-oh. So its kind of like a subtle form of mind reading? Is that why you were so trusting of me when i woke up in the capital?"
Lisa nods her head, letting out a hum of affirmation.
[Lisa]: "Mh-hm. But sorcerers that are higher than beginner level can mask their mana pretty well, so it doesn't prove too useful all the time."
[Julius]: "Interesting. There's still so much i need to learn about magic before i leave."
[Lisa]: "Well, id be happy to inform you anytime, Hmhm."
She giggles to herself as she speaks. Julius gives a thankful nod, and squeezes her hand a tiny bit tighter, which she returns eagerly.
Arriving at the dining room door, they can hear voices from within. They walk into the large room, seeing Muriel and the man that had arrived just minutes before.
[Muriel]: "Oh Lisa dear, good timing, Lawrence was just about to come retrieve you two."
The man turns towards Julius and Lisa. He has short black hair, with bangs that cover a lot of his face, falling between his eyes. He has stubble that covers his cheeks, giving him a rough look.
He smiles at the sight of the pair, walking towards them.
[Miura]: "Agh, Its good to see you again, young Lisa. And who is this young man?"
[Lisa]: "This is Julius. He's from a place really far away, so he's staying with us until he can go home."
Julius rubs the back of his neck while he starts to speak, introducing himself.
[Julius]: "R-right. It's nice to meet you, Miura, is it?"
The man smiles widely when he hears that Julius already knows his name. Julius reaches out his hand, inviting him into a handshake, which he quickly accepts. His grip firm and strong against Julius's.
[Miura]: "Been here a whole of 10 minutes and my name has already spread so quickly. HAHAHAHA! Tell me Julius, where did you hear my name from? Merchant Tales? Legends?"
Julius is shocked by the mans sudden outburst of laughter and fiery personality. Taking a moment to recover before answering Miura, who waits with a wide smile.
[Julius]: "Um, I-....I saw you arrive through the window, and asked Lisa who you were."
There is a few seconds of silence, caused by the answer that Miura clearly hadn't expected. His face slowly shifts to one of disappointment and defeat.
[Miura]: "Aggh. I see. Too bad then."
Miura lets go of Julius's hand, walking back over to Muriel. As he does, Lawrence comes out of the kitchen, and approaches Muriel.
[Lawrence]: "Breakfast is ready, Lady Astoria."
He wears his usual butler uniform, as well as his expressionless face.
[Muriel]: "Oh lovely, thank you Lawrence dear. Lets take a seat everyone."
[Miura]: "Hey, Been a while, Lawrence! How have you been, huh? Those hedges outside look great!"
Lawrence looks at the man, his face remaining cold and neutral.
[Lawrence]: "Of course they do, Lady Astoria personally requested them."
After speaking, He turns around and walks back to the side room. Miura lets out a small chuckle before walking with Muriel and taking a seat at the table.
[Miura]: "Never changes, that guy."
Julius and Lisa take their seats, with Lisa on the chair closest to her mother, Julius seated next to her.
[Miura]: "So Julius. You said you're from far away, yeah? How far? It's not Rantari is it?"
[Julius]: "Hm? N-no, I'm not from wherever that is. I'm From America."
Thinking back to the map in Muriel's office, He remembers seeing the name Rantari. Another large city, located far east of Cataphrania.
Miura's brow furrows in confusion, he thinks hard, trying to recognize the name.
[Miura]: "America? I cant say I've ever heard of that. Must be pretty damn far then."
Julius feels a pang of disappointment, knowing that a well known merchant that works in trade routes hasn't even heard of America.
[Julius]: "Actually, that's something i wanted to talk to you about, Muriel."
[Muriel]: "Hmm?"
Her face lights up with delight as she listens to him, smiling while she does so.
[Julius]: "I need to find a way back home. But so far no one knows where it is. No one has ever even heard of it."
She brings her hand up to her chin as she thinks.
[Muriel]: "Yes, that is rather strange dear. And you really have no idea how you ended up in the capital?"
[Julius]: "Not a clue. I just woke up there. And I've never heard of this place, nor did i think magic existed back home."
[Muriel]: "Oh? You really don't have magic where your from?"
[Julius]: "Well, we have a form of it. But it mainly just consists on cheap tricks to make random stuff disappear or what not."
Miura chuckles across the table, amused by the thought of Julius's silly form of magic.
[Muriel]: "Well. I guess there is a real possibility that your just stuck here."
Julius feels his heart sink when she speaks, his emotional state worsening at the thought of really being stuck here.
[Julius]: "What, stuck here? That cant happen, I need to get back to my family, My medication!"
The table falls silent for a moment, Lisa reaches next to her and takes his hand gently, hoping that the silent form of comfort calms him down, even just a little.
[Muriel]: "I'm sorry dear, I just don't know how we can help if we don't know where your from. Listen Julius darling, Your welcome to stay here at this manor for as long as you would like. Plus. I think Lisa likes having you around."
Her subtle mischievous smile returns, but still with a face of understanding.
[Lisa]: "Yeah! You can stay here, until we get this whole thing sorted out. It will be okay J."
Julius looks down, a shade of sadness taking hold of his face, but everyone's kind words and Muriel's generosity helps bring him out of it.
[Miura]: "Kid. Sorry to butt in, but you said somethin' about medications? What kind of medications ya' need?"
Lawrence and Lucille emerge from the kitchen, each with a large platter in their hands. They approach the table while the conversation continues, placing the platters down in the center.
[Muriel]: "Thank you dears, please, take a seat. Julius, i am curious about this too."
His saddened facial expression returns, his grip on Lisa's hand tightens, which causes her to lean closer out of worry and concern.
[Julius]: "I....."
He glances over at Lisa, who smiles at him warmly, trying to comfort him further, and help him open up.
[Lisa]: "It's okay J. You can tell them, they might be able to help you."
With Lisa's words, he nods subtly, returning his gaze to Muriel and Miura.
[Julius]: "I have a form of sickness. I've been bed ridden pretty much my whole life. I need to go through procedures regularly to stop it from killing me."
The air falls thick with silence after he speaks, A look of sympathy on everyone's face.
[Muriel]: "A sickness that bad? I'm sorry to hear that dear."
[Miura]: "Mmh. That certainly is a rough hand, what kind of procedures do you need? Maybe we could do them here."
[Julius]: "Sorry, but from what I've seen, you wont be able to."
[Lisa]: "What if Lawrence looked at him? He could do something right?"
Julius looks at Lisa in confusion. Lawrence, who had just sat down across from them, raised his head, curious to hear what Lisa has to say.
[Julius]: "If he looked at me?"
[Lisa]: "Mh-hm. Lawrence can use healing magic, he might be able to help you!"
Julius's eyes light up and widen hearing that healing magic existed. He turned his gaze to Lawrence.
[Julius]: "Healing magic? Lawrence. Would you be willing to try that?"
Lawrence stares at Julius for a moment, before looking at Muriel, to which she reacts with a silent nod. He returns his sights to Julius.
[Lawrence]: "Very well. I'll see what i can do after breakfast."
Julius practically explodes with happiness.
[Julius]: "Really?! Thank you so much Lawrence!"
He averts his gaze, still showing no expression.
[Lawrence]: "It's...It's what Lady Astoria wants."
[Julius]: "Thank you. All of you, you've been so good to me."
Muriel smiles widely. Her mischievous demeanor returning.
[Muriel]: "Oh it's no problem what so ever darling. After all, I need to look out for someone who could be my dear Lisa's future husband."
Both Julius And Lisa Jump in surprise, Muriel Giggling to herself, with Miura joining in with a hearty chuckle.
[Lisa]: "G-GAHHH?!"
[Julius]: "Nngh-"
Lisa's face turns a bright red, her mouth wide open but unable to let out any words.
[Muriel]: "Oh lighten up dears, lets just enjoy ourselves over breakfast shall we."
As Lisa recovers from her mothers sudden statement, Lucille walks over to the seat next to Julius, and sitting down. She wasn't entirely fond of him, but it was better than sitting next to Miura- that's what she thought.
Miura looks over at her with a wide smile and friendly eyes.
[Miura]: "Welcome to the table, Miss Anastasia. You look so good today. How have you been lovely?"
She looks back at him with her sour stare, her face shifting into a subtle disgust.
[Lucille]: "Miura."
[Miura]: "Oh what's that look for? Cant i just happily greet my favorite maid?"
[Lucille]: "Tch."
Muriel cuts them off, trying to lighten the mood with a greeting.
[Muriel]: "Thank you all for coming to the table this morning my dears. Our lovely Lucille has prepared pancakes for us all, so please, dig in and thank her."
In the center of the table lies two large dishes of pancakes, with syrup covering the top, and running down the sides. The dish has everyone's mouth watering, especially Lisa's.
They all begin to serve themselves, each one of them thanking Lucille as they do, which causes her to shine with silent pride.
Everyone takes a bite of the pancakes in unison, which after a short pause, begin to glow at the delicious taste.
[Lisa]: "Mmmhhh. These are so good Lady Lucille! Your pancakes are the best!"
[Julius]: "Mnh. Wow, they really are. You did an outstanding job, Lucille."
[Miura]: "Hmhmhm, of course she did. It's always such a delight to see that aspect of yours go to good use. You really are the perfect maid."
Lucille chooses to ignore Miura, but at least gives a glance to Julius, her sour expression softening ever so slightly as she does.
Everyone eats their food, while Muriel starts up the conversations again.
[Muriel]: "Lisa, darling. How has your training with Lawrence been going? Made much progress?"
Lisa smiles proudly, and speaks with a mouthful of pancakes still being chewed.
[Lisa]: "Ygah! Lwots! Gl-ahh. He has been teaching me lots of new ways to use my flames, but one time i did accidentally set the garden on fire."
Lawrence shoots her a mean stare at the memory of his precious flowers being burned before he could put them out with his own magic.
[Muriel]: "Hmhmhm. I'm so happy that your making this much progress so quickly. I'm so proud of you dear."
Lisa beams happily, a bright, wide smile on her face before she takes another bite, savoring the taste of the syrup.
Conversations continue over the table as they enjoy their breakfast. Laughs are shared between Muriel And Miura, And Lisa explains some more about her training to her mother.
With the final bite of breakfast being taken, The two dishes at the center of the table lie empty.
[Julius]: "Thank you for breakfast Muriel and Lucille, Those were the best pancakes I've ever had!"
[Muriel]: "Oh its my pleasure darling. And I'm glad to hear that you have them where your from too."
Julius nods with an affirmative hum.
[Miura]: "Muriel, I really hate to just spring this on ya', but is it okay if i stay the night here? I've been gettin' word that the route back home is dangerous right now. Bunch of thieves or somethin'."
[Muriel]: "Oh dear, that doesn't sound good at all. Yes of course, you're more than welcome to stay here tonight."
Miura's eyes light up at her acceptance, He smiles widely.
[Miura]: "Thank you Muriel! I cant thank ya' enough."
She chuckles, holding her hand up to her mouth.
Lawrence and Lucille get out of their seats, starting to take the plates and dishes back into the kitchen.
When Lawrence returns from the side room, he approaches the seat that Julius is in, stopping beside it.
[Lawrence]: "Young Julius, Please accompany me to my quarters so that i may check out your sickness."
[Julius]: "O-ooh. Right."
He stands up, and Lawrence begins to lead the way.
[Lisa]: "Wait! Can i come with you? Is that okay Lawrence?"
Lawrence pauses his movements, glancing back at Lisa, giving her an affirmative nod.
[Lawrence]: "Mmh."
Her face lights up as she jumps out of her chair, waving goodbye to her mother as she joins them.
[Lisa]: "Thank you for breakfast mom! It was amazing as always."
Muriel waves back, smiling brightly with her hand to her chin. Miura watches as the three leave the room, with an expressionless face.
[Muriel]: "Bye bye darling. You three have fun now."
Lisa takes his hand as they walk, following Lawrence. Upon arriving at his quarters, he opens the door, to reveal a room full of boxes, with tools sticking out of them, with a bed and desk in the corner.
He pulls out a stool, and places it next to the desk.
[Lawrence]: "Please take a seat, young Julius."
Julius sits down on the stool, still taking in his surroundings of the dark room. Lawrence sits down at the desk, with the chair facing him while Lisa stands next to Julius, still holding his hand.
[Lawrence]: "Please sit still."
Julius watches as Lawrence holds his hands up to him, a bright but calming aura appearing around his hands as he brings them closer. Julius feels a strange intrusion in his soul, a subtle but uncomfortable feeling.
[Julius]: "Wh-...Agh."
[Lawrence]: "It wont be pleasant, but it will get better. I'm healing you after all."
Lisa continues to hold Julius's hand as Lawrence uses his magic on him.
After a short moment, Lawrence's facade slips slightly, his eyes widening.
[Lawrence]: "J-..Julius....What. What is this? It's embedded deep into your brain."
Julius averts his gaze to the ground, a growing concern falls upon both Lisa and Lawrence.
[Julius]: "Its called a tumor.... I have a brain tumor."
The room falls silent, Both Lawrence and Lisa listen to him, intent on learning more.
[Julius]: "Its been slowly killing me for the past 10 years. Ive been told I'm lucky to not have died up until now. But my time left is very limited."
For the first time since he had arrived at the manor, Julius saw emotion on Lawrence's face. A look of sympathy.
[Lawrence]: "I'm sorry, Julius...."
[Lisa]: "Julius..."
[Julius]: "Its okay...Can you, you know. Do anything?"
[Lawrence]: "I cant fully heal it. Something this delicate would require a more skilled healer than me. But i can shrink it. That way it shouldn't cause you as many problems."
Julius's throat catches in his throat, his eyes widen, learning that he could shrink the tumor.
[Julius]: "Yes! Please!"
[Lawrence]: "Mmh, okay. Please remain still."
Julius feels the intruding aura once again, this time stronger, but it comes with a strong feeling of rejuvenation. As if his body was growing stronger by the second. By the end of it, he feel as if he could run for miles and not get tired, but contained his energy.
[Lisa]: "Julius? How do you feel?"
[Julius]: "I...I feel amazing."
[Lawrence]: "If you want it to be gone fully, you will need to seek out a better healer, but for now, this will do just fine."
[Julius]: "I understand. But this still means.... So much to me Lawrence. I cant thank you enough."
Julius's eyes start to tear up, which Lawrence responds with another look of sympathy, and gratitude.
[Lawrence]: "It's...It's my pleasure, young Julius."
Lisa wipes away his tears, smiling wide as she does so, a smile that Julius returns. He places his hand on hers, leaning his cheek into her palm.
[Lisa]: "Gah-...I.. I'm happy for you, J."
Noticing her blush, he smiles even more, giggling to himself.
[Julius]: "Thanks for coming with me, Lisa."
[Lisa]: "No p-problem, J."
The three share the happy moment with each other, Julius enjoying seeing a crack break in Lawrence's facade.
[Lawrence]: "Young Lisa. It's about time to start your training for today."
Her face lights up at the mention of training with Lawrence.
[Lisa]: "Alright! I've been waiting for the next time we train, can i try that new move again today?"
Lawrence stands up, walking towards the door.
[Lawrence]: "I suppose. Just don't hit my flowers this time."
Lisa reluctantly lets go of Julius's face, walking behind Lawrence.
[Lisa]: "No promises. Hehehehe."
[Lawrence]: "Nngh."
He looks back at Julius, who rises from the stool, and doing some slight stretches, getting used to this new feeling.
[Lawrence]: "Young Julius. Could you please take these down to the kitchen for me. They are needed for tonight's dish, so please deliver them to Lucille."
He picks up a sack which appears to be filled with vegetables from the garden, and tosses it to Julius, who catches it with a loud "oof!". His noise gets a chuckle out of Lisa.
[Julius]: "Sure, I'm happy to do anything to repay you. Lucille just... Scares me, i guess."
His comment gets a small chuckle out of Lawrence, an action that catches both Julius and Lisa by surprise. She looks up at him with wide of and and open mouth, her face full of adoration and disbelief that she heard him laugh.
[Lisa]: "You....You just laughed!"
[Lawrence]: "I guess i did..... Don't get too used to it. It merely caught me off guard."
Lisa and Julius laugh, smiling widely and happily at such a rare occasion.
[Lawrence]: "Lady Lucille can be a bit.... Harsh. But she has had a rough life, so please don't hold it against her. She is very good at what she does, and she does it with pride. She has my deepest respect."
Julius listens intently, the mention of her having a rough life sends a pang of sympathy through his heart. He wants to make a good impression for her, so he is willing to do a lot just for that, because if he is going to be staying here for a long time, then he wants to be accepted as part of these people's lives. His faces shines bright with determination hope, with a new goal. Now as a new man, who doesn't have to live his life in a bed, he wants to redeem himself, and show these people just how much they mean to him.
Lawrence and Lisa walk off together, heading for the back door. Lisa turns to Julius on the way and waves to him, a big smile on her face. He returns the wave, along with the smile, the happiest he has been, for as long as he can remember.
Lawrence turns his head to look at Julius. A subtle smile tugging at his lips.
Julius approaches the dining room, and enters it. Muriel and Miura are gone, so he makes his way to the kitchen, with the sack of food in his arms.
[Julius]: "Hello? Lucille? I've got some food that Lawrence wanted me to give to you."
He enters the kitchen, and finds Lucille, who turns to face him, a somewhat surprised expression on her face.
[Lucille]: "Who said you could come back here? Agh, you know what, never mind. How the hell did you convince Lawrence of all people to do his job for him?"
Julius chuckles, continuing to approach Lucille with a smile on his face.
[Julius]: "I owe the man. He has helped me so much today, i need to start repaying him somehow."
She crosses her arms, looking at him with skeptical eyes.
[Lucille]: "I take it the healing went well then."
He nods, and hums softly.
[Julius]: "Mmh. Indeed it did. I feel brand new thanks to him."
She takes the sack out of his arms effortlessly, a sack that took a lot of strength for him to carry.
[Lucille]: "Yeah? Good for you."
Julius watches as she places the sack down, opening it and pulling out some potatoes.
[Julius]: "Your really strong, you know."
[Lucille]: "I'm aware."
He stands in the kitchen, admiring the clean and fanciness of it. Lucille glances back at him every few seconds, her gaze getting a little more frustrated each time.
[Lucille]: "If you gonna be in here, then at least help out a little."
Julius jumps at the opportunity to help out, hoping that he can make a good impression by doing so.
[Lucille]: "Don't go getting friendly on me. I'm only offering so i can keep an eye on you for Lady Astoria."
[Julius]: "Oh, right, she did ask you to do that, didn't she."
She hands him a knife and a few potatoes, forcing them into his hands.
[Lucille]: "Skin these. Then Cut them into medium sized pieces. And don't fuck it up."
Julius starts to skin the potatoes with the knife he was given. He had never done this before, so him struggling was bound to happen, he wishes he could just be naturally gifted at skinning potatoes, but that was not the case.
He missed spots, and sometimes even cut himself in places. When he looked back over at Lucille, his hope was shattered, watching as she cut up carrots in a matter of seconds, with perfect efficiency.
[Julius]: "Man, your really good at this."
He eyes don't leave the food, still cutting.
[Lucille]: "Of course."
[Julius]: "You must be really proud. Having such a good a-"
She cuts him off, her voice raised in an irritated tone.
[Lucille]: "My aspect doesn't define who i am you know!"
[Julius]: "Ah-...."
He is taken back from her sudden outburst, his eyes widen.
[Lucille]: "Don't go talking about me like I'm just some mere tool because of my aspect. I already get enough of that shit from Miura!"
His face sinks to a more empathetic shade. His voice soft and caring.
[Julius]: "Lucille. That's not what i think. I know your not just defined by your aspect. Your great at everything you do around here. And your loyalty to Muriel is unmatched. I respect you, Lucille."
She looks back at him, her face softening from its mean expression, before looking back at the food and continuing to cut them.
[Lucille]: "Whatever."
[Julius]: "I've finished cutting. Now what?"
[Lucille]: "Now that the ingredients are prepared, we can start cleaning rooms."
Julius takes a deep breath, preparing himself for a long day of chores ahead of him.
[Julius]: "So am i just a maid here now too?"
[Lucille]: "If that's what it takes to watch you, then yes."
Lucille takes Julius through the many rooms of the manor, dusting, changing sheets, and making beds, as well as laundry. The whole day is spent doing tiring labor work, all the way until the sun sets.
[Lucille]: "I'll give you this, if anything, you'd make a good housewife, Julius."
He makes an expression of disbelief, his mouth wide open.
[Julius]: "Couldn't even have called me a house HUSBAND?"
[Lucille]: "I don't respect you enough for that. Just take the compliment when its given."
Julius sighs, stretching his back, raising his arms in the air, and letting out an exhausted groan.
[Lucille]: "I'll let you rest for the day. I need to go cook dinner. You did good for you first day, I'll admit. Maybe i have a bit more respect for you than i thought. Maybe."
She chuckles while she walks off, leaving Julius to sit down and rest for a bit before dinner.
[Julius]: "Well, at least i think i made a good impression. Sort of."
He rests his legs a bit, before walking off towards the dining room. Even if the day of labor was rough, it helped him commit more of the manor to memory, as he now knows where all of the important rooms are.
Arriving at the dining room, he opens the door, to see Muriel and Lisa, talking at the front of the room.
At the sight of Julius, Lisa's face lights up, and she runs up to him, leaping into a hug.
[Julius]: "Oomf. H-hey there!"
She smiles widely, holding Julius tight. Muriel watches with a mischievous look.
[Lisa]: "Julius! I missed you!"
He returns her hug, despite being embarrassed from her mothers intense look.
[Julius]: "I was only gone for a few hours, wasn't I?"
[Lisa]: "Hmph! Still too long!"
Julius giggles to himself slightly, before loosening his embrace enough to look at her face.
[Julius]: "Alright, I'm sorry for being away for so long. How was your training, Lisa?"
Her face lights up even more at the mention of her training with Lawrence.
[Lisa]: "Oh It was amazing! I mastered a new move! It creates a bunch of fire and it goes pyohh, and then fwoooww, and buusshhhaaa!"
She laughs at her explanation, a laugh that Julius returns eagerly.
[Julius]: "That does sound really cool. You'll have to show me sometime!"
[Lisa]: "Yeah! Tomorrow? Please can you come watch us train tomorrow?"
He chuckles, wondering if Lucille will let him take some time to watch her train.
[Julius]: "Sure. I have always wanted to see what else you can do other than that one time in the capital."
Lisa beams with joy, excited for him to witness how cool she is.
[Lisa]: "YAY! It's gonna be so fun i promise. I'll put on a flashy show for you!"
I laugh with her, as Lawrence emerges from the side room to greet Julius.
Julius chuckles softly when he sees a few singed hairs on Lawrence's head.
[Julius]: "I think i can guessed what happened there."
Lawrence looks at him and Lisa with an unimpressed expression.
[Lawrence]: "I'm sure you could."
Muriel Chuckles, bringing her hand up to her mouth as she does so. Even she is surprised at how talkative Lawrence has gotten.
[Muriel]: "So Julius darling. I heard from Lawrence that the healing went well."
With Lisa still in his embrace, he looks up at Muriel, with a smile.
[Julius]: "That's right. I cannot express my gratitude enough, i really don't know what i can do."
[Muriel]: "If you really insist on repaying us. Then. How about you work here."
[Julius]: "O-..Work here? Like, the same as Lawrence and Lucille?"
Muriel Nods and hums affirmatively, a subtle giggle escaping her lips.
[Muriel]: "That's right."
He thinks about it for a moment, before making up his mind.
[Julius]: "I'll do it!"
[Muriel]: "Ahh, I'm so glad! You'll love it here dear, i know you will."
[Julius]: "I already do Muriel."
They laugh together, relishing in the moment together.
[Muriel]: "Come now. Lets all sit. You too Lawrence dear."
Lawrence visibly gains a very subtle pink shade on his cheeks.
[Lawrence]: "Yes, Lady Astoria."
They all take a seat in their usual positions. But this time, Lawrence takes the seat next to Muriel.
Lucille comes out with the dish, placing it down in the center of the table, and with Muriel's permission, she takes a seat next to Lawrence.
[Julius]: "Hey, Muriel."
[Muriel]: "Yes darling?"
[Julius]: "Where is Miura?"
Her face shifts a more softer than usual shade, her voice a little disappointed.
[Muriel]: "Ah. He said he was really tired and rushed off to his room. He can be really strange at times, but not much i can do about that, dear."
[Julius]: "Hm. I see. That's a shame, he misses out on this delicious food."
Lucille, who sits across from Julius, sits upright with a small, proud smile on her face.
[Lucille]: "Hmh!"
The dinner did not last long as the group delved into it with hungry mouths, especially Lisa, who had a large apatite from her training and excessive mana usage.
[Julius]: "Maaan, I'm so full. Thank you so much Lucille, That was amazing."
[Lisa]: "I second that , Lady Lucille. So goooood!"
Muriel giggles at the two's praise, noticing a smile appear on Lucille's face.
Lisa yawns, putting in no effort to cover her mouth, which both Julius and Muriel giggle at.
[Muriel]: "Tired dear?"
[Lisa]: "Mmh, yeah."
[Muriel]: "I think we could all use some sleep right now. Thank you for dinner, Lucille dear. You are all free to go."
Lawrence and Lucille get up first, taking plates and dishes back into the kitchen to wash up.
Both Lisa and Julius stand up, eager to get some rest.
[Julius]: " Think I'll go get some sleep now, Muriel."
[Lisa]: "So will I mom. I'm sleepy."
She says while rubbing her eye with the back of her hand.
[Muriel]: "That's quite alright dears. And before you go, Julius."
Julius looks back waiting for her to continue. Lisa also watching her mother, who has adopted a playful smirk.
[Muriel]: "You have my permission to sleep in Lisa's room tonight dear~"
The pairs eyes widen in unison, their faces flushing a deep red.
[Lisa]: "W-WAAH! MOM!"
[Julius]: "HAH-....."
Muriel bursts into laughter, clearly enjoying the flustered reactions of the two.
[Muriel]: "Don't worry, I wont ask what you two do in there. Just get some good rest, okay dears?"
[Lisa]: "Gya!"
[Julius]: "Mhm. We will get good rest. Goodnight, Muriel."
[Lisa]: "Y-yeah! Night night mom."
Muriel waves as they leave, a wide smile on her face. The two wear a bright red blush as they walk away. But before they leave the dining room, Lucille and Lawrence walk out to collect more plates from the table.
[Julius]: "O-oh. Lawrence, Lucille."
[Lawrence]: "Hm?"
The two look at Julius, awaiting his next words.
[Julius]: "Goodnight. You two."
Lucille's eyes widen a bit, turning away towards the kitchen.
[Lawrence]: "Goodnight, Young Julius. You too, Young Astoria."
Lawrence's smile shines through a tiny amount, bringing excitement to both Julius and Lisa.
Lucille looks back at the two, her gaze flickering between them and the ground in front of her, before finally sticking on them. She speaks, her voice soft, probably the softest Julius had heard it before, as it lacked her usual venom.
[Lucille]: "G-...Goodnight."
The pair smile at Lucille, before turning around, and heading towards Lisa's room. Walking through the dark halls of the manor, thinking about the day.
Lisa slowly reaches up for Julius's hand, which reaches hers half way.
[Lisa]: "Hah!-"
She looks up at him with a blush. She sees him already looking down at her, with a pink hue of his own. He smiles, which she returns, before they both look ahead again, this time with their hands intertwined.
They arrive at her room, where Julius lets go of her hand, and leans against the wall.
[Julius]: "I'll wait here for you to change."
She blushes, looking at the ground, fidgeting with her hands, before looking back up at him.
[Lisa]: "I'm not gonna make you wait out here in the dark. Come in, j-just... Look a-away."
He looks at her in surprise, reveling in the trust she is giving him, before smiling widely, and walking inside with her, the door closing behind them.
He faces the corner of the room as she changes, he listens to the ruffling of clothes, as well as the noises she makes as she puts her night clothes on.
[Lisa]: "Y-you can...Turn around n-now."
Turning around, Julius sees her in a similar outfit as his own, but with pink accents and belt. He smiles and tilts his head at her. She still fidgets with her hands, but they are quickly separated as he approaches her and takes them in his own, a shocked gasp escaping her lips as he does.
[Julius]: "Your too cute, Lisa."
[Lisa]: "Gn-...Gahhh!"
Julius continues to look at her with a smile on his face, a smile that appears on her flustered face too, replacing her embarrassment.
[Lisa]: "You get me so flustered J. It's no fair!"
[Julius]: "Hey, you can do the same to me, you know."
Lisa tries to test his theory, stepping closer to him, their faces stopping just centimeters apart. A bright blush forming on Julius's face.
[Julius]: "S-see?"
They both laugh together, before she takes his hand and drags him over to her bed.
She lets go of his hand to pull open the covers, crawling onto the bed, and getting under the white sheets. She turns back to Julius, smiling and patting the spot next to her.
He gets into bed with her, lying next to her on his back, The only light in the room is the subtle moonlight, shining the though the windows. Julius pulls up the covers, feeling the warmth and softness of the bed.
[Julius]: "This bed's way better than mine, that's what's really unfair."
She chuckles at his comment, happy that he is enjoying her bed more than his own.
[Lisa]: "I'm glad you think so, hehehe."
The two lie in the bed together, feeling the warmth radiating off of their bodies. The silence of the night, the soft glow of the moon peaking through the the windows. All humming the same silent melody that sends them further into slumber.
As it starts to take Him, Julius suddenly feels an arm wrap around him, which surprises him.
[Julius]: "Hn- Wah!"
Opening his eyes, he sees Lisa's, flush with a red color, which she is barely trying to hide anymore.
[Lisa]: "W-what? Didn't you s-say that this w-was okay? R-right?"
Julius smiles, which causes their gazes to lock with each others.
[Julius]: "Yes. This is okay. More than that."
He turns to his side, wrapping his arms around her too. She buries her head in his chest, bathing in the warmth he radiates.
[Lisa]: "Mmmmhh. So warm."
[Julius]: "I'm glad. Goodnight, Lisa."
She smiles brightly into his chest, her red face emitting more heat than anything.
[Lisa]: "Night night, J. Julius."
She nuzzles into his chest, getting impossibly closer, their legs now intertwined. With their affectionate embrace taking hold of them, their minds start to wander off, as they slowly and peacefully succumb to the sleepiness. Humming contently in each others embrace, the warm, dark blanket of slumber, finally consumes them both.
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