Chapter 215 Heading to the Efistes Viscounty?
(POV: Lumiere)
Nighttime,
The moon hung high in the velvety night sky.
The living room was hushed, the discussions had already come to a close regarding my imminent journey to the Efistes Viscounty. The purpose of this expedition extended beyond seeing Lucretia—though, it was an important matter in itself. I wanted to study the geography of the Efistes Viscounty, to immerse myself in the structure and construction style that influenced their prosperity. Who knew, if I could integrate their remarkable layout into the Delia Viscounty, a smooth transformation was sure.
Most of my companions were already asleep.
My weary head found solace in Serena's comforting lap, her soft fingers gently caressing my long locks of hair. In this intimate moment, she delicately fed me succulent grapes.
"So, this Lucretia girl... you said she's an Integrator, right?"
I nodded, enjoying the taste of the fruit she offered and replied, "It's likely. Just like me, she's making things that shouldn't be existing in this current age— which honestly, I should've focused more on."
Instead, I poured all my knowledge into developing the Silva Citadel.
Now almost anything I tried to make would look like a cheap copy of what Lucretia already did.
Serena smiled as she fed me another grape, her touch imbued with tenderness. "I can see the anticipation in your eyes," she murmured playfully. "Reuniting with your first love must be quite exhilarating."
Her words momentarily caught me off guard.
It caused some awkwardness to dance between us.
With a soft sigh, I gently grasped her hand. "Serena, you don't need to worry about that. Just because Lucretia was my first love doesn't make me love you any less," I reassured her.
A solemn expression settled upon her delicate features as she absorbed my words. "I understand, I shouldn't have said that either," she whispered softly. With gentle motions, she used her free hand to tenderly comb through my hair.
"Yeah," I chuckled a bit. "It almost sounded like you were jealous."
Serena kept smiling, "I suppose you're right... but I don't want to get too overpossessive with you."
"Nah, I'm fine with that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, when you show your emotions more... it makes me happier..."
Serena's eyes flickered for a moment. That was something that rarely happened— in almost every situation, she was the picture of elegance and calmness, so seeing her eyes lose composure made my heart flutter a bit.
"I'll try to do that, Lord Lu... Lumiere."
Even now, she still hadn't gotten used to calling me by name.
Well, these things took time.
Progressively, my eyes grew heavy. "That tea," I mumbled, but it was evident was trying to point that it was a good sleep inducer. Naturally, it wouldn't have worked on me, but leaving my skills deactivated gave me better chances of a good night rest in my goddess' thighs.
"Go to sleep," her soft voice said. "My love."
Darkness.
...
The following morning,
The golden rays of the sun piercing through the crevices of the curtains, found us well-organized and prepared for our departure. Stellaria, Umbra, Lucilia, and I stood at the threshold of our manor, bidding farewell to my committed subordinates.
They waved us off.
Stellaria,, however, always had one way to make things off. She leaned in towards me, wrapping her slender arms around my sturdy frame. With a devious shine in her eyes, she pressed her tongue against my cheek, the sensation leaving behind a damp, sticky residue. A soft chuckle escaped her parted lips as she flippantly remarked to Serena, "It looks like I'll be the one having fun with Lumiere this time."
Observing Serena's cheeks gradually flush with crimson, I released a sigh.
Gosh, these women.
"Stellaria, try not to make matters worse," I implored with a calm yet firm tone.
Stellaria pouted in mock innocence, her lips pursing in a playful manner.
"But my love, what's the harm in having a little fun with my husband?" she teasingly retorted, not deterred in the slightest by my request.
She once again planted a gentle kiss upon my cheek, her lips lingering for a moment.
The way Serena gritted her teeth made me scared.
I honestly wasn't ready for another cat fight this morning.
Please... just shrug it off this time...
Serena, her countenance a delicate blend of concern and yearning, found the courage to interject.
"Are you sure you won't need me to accompany you on this journey, Lord Lumiere?"
I stood still for a moment, considering her request.
"Well, it'd be better if you stayed here and lent a hand to the others," I replied, hoping to assuage her worries.
Serena nodded, partly disappointed, as she graciously accepted my decision.
"If you ever do need my assistance, please summon me.."
Stellaria smiled and gently pat her crotch. "Oh don't worry, I'll give him all the assistance he'll ever need."
There was visible steam leaving Serena's head. She was smiling gently, and yet seemed so menacing.
"Wait, summon...?" said Lucilia, confused.
My gaze met hers, "Nice weather we're having huh."
"I... I guess...?"
Saved it.
"Really?" Stellaria looked at me, "That's the best you can do?"
"I'd like to see you do better," I told her.
She gently shrugged. "Don't get all butt hurt, I was just talking."
Naturally, Stellaria had made me exhale my 10th exasperated sigh of the day.
"Sure, whatever," I replied.
Umbra faced me. "Master, I've already packed all your belongings, as well as Lady Lucilia's," he announced.
I offered him a nod in approval. "Well done, Umbra. It seems we're ready to head out now," I commended him, impressed by his efficiency.
As I prepared to leave, Lirien and Fasit approached me with concerned expressions.
"Uh, is anything wrong?"
Lirien, expressionless as always, murmured "Isa..."
I frowned, urging her to explain further. "What's wrong with Isadora?"
Honestly, I wasn't ready for another game of— "Guess what Lirien?s trying to say".
"She's not well..."
"Eh, I know she's not well... but what's wrong with her specifically..."
"A lot of things..."
My palm heavily struck my face, "Like?" I managed to ask.
It was at this moment that Fasit wisely intervened, sensing my impatience. "Lady Isadora simply wants you to return on time and safely," she explained.
I let out a heavy sigh. "I haven't spoken to her in quite some time," I confessed. "Maybe I should hold off on travels a—"
"We'll take care of things here, don't worry," Fasit calmly interjected.
I nodded slowly, "And how's my baby doing?"
"Okay, you'll get to see them in a few days."
Rubbing my chin in contemplation, I resolved to return before that precious moment arrived.
"I'll make sure I come back in time," I assured them.
A thought suddenly struck me, causing me to furrow my brow.
"I should buy some baby food, or perhaps even make a special formula for our little one," I mused aloud, considering the best options for our child's well-being.
As the idea took shape in my mind, I realized there were other preparations to make as well.
"I should also plan on buying clothes for Melchior," I declared, a sense of excitement tugging at my heartstrings.
Fasit raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar name. "Melchior?"
"It's the baby's name."
A quizzical look crossed Fasit?s face. "That's a unique name, my lord," she commented cautiously.
I grinned and playfully retorted, "Indeed, Fasit. We can't go around giving a boy a girl's name, can we?"
Or he'd end up like me. Sigh...
Amidst the laughter that ensued, Stellaria, who was clinging to me, piped up with an incredulous tone. "Welp, you're fucked," she blurted.
"Huh?" I said.
Lucilia and Serena, seemingly in unison, flashed gentle yet dangerously devious smiles in my direction.
"D... Did I do anything wrong?" I stammered.
Taking a step closer, Lucilia tilted her head and calmly spoke, "Lumiere, it seems you have forgotten the most basic detail."
"Is it safe for me to ask... what it is?" I gulped.
"Of course," Serena's lips curved upwards more. "Ask."
I nodded with a radiant smile, bullets of sweat running down my forehead like I was in a desert.
"Psst. Stellaria," I whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Open a portal for us, real quick."
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