Once the meal time was over, Lucius found himself now being accompanied by both Benjamin and Lily.
While this was not actually in his immediate plans for that particular day, Lucius did not really mind.
"I must admit that when your father sent us the letter and confirmed about your arrival, I have found myself wondering what activities we will do." Lucius confessed in what was an acceptable way for a young man.
While Lucius could have remained simply as himself, and it had worked, it was also much better to at least shift his personality a little for the intended audience who was going to receive his message.
It made them much more receptive to such things, though Lucius had already formulated his own schedule for the possible duration of the Baron Hugh and his family's stay.
"Well… I'm fine with anything, Lord Asher." Benjamin said, then looked over at Lily.
The younger woman remained by her brother's side, looking shy and demure, and didn't even say a word.
"And the same goes with my sister. We're fine doing whatever it is that you like, Lord Asher. You know the city better than us."
"Hmm, well, the trip in the city is something that I've planned to do when everyone is more relaxed after their exhausting trip." Lucius confided. "So, instead, I am wondering of the possible things that we can do. There is the Guards Barracks…"
"Guards Barracks?"
"Yes, Captain Donald, is willing to let many people participate or at least watch whenever he is training his guards. It is quite a sight. In fact, if Viscountess Blackshield does not find herself accompanying your mother, Baroness Hugh, and my mother, well it wouldn't be strange to see her there too."
"Oh."
"Huh."
Both of the siblings made different reactions this time. Benjamin looked like he was quite uninterested in seeing the Guard Barracks, meanwhile, for some reason, Lily actually looked a bit interested.
'Hmmm, I suppose simply labeling her as demure and being done with it is rather too fast of an assessment, but I expect it to be around mild curiosity as the environment she grew up in has sheltered her.' Lucius thought.
"Does it not seem like a good place?" Lucius asked. "I myself have participated in spars with the guards. It's an exhilarating activity if one participates in it, I recommend it to you, Lord Benjamin."
"Perhaps we could uh, watch? I do not wish to participate haha." Benjamin admitted with a nervous laugh. "I have been trained when I was younger, my father would never let me read books if I didn't pick up a sword at least a couple times in my lifetime, but it's not my way, really."
"Then that is fine. We can also do something else entirely. I have thought about showing the personal library here in the Inanis Mansion. Are you interested in that, Lord Benjamin and to you too, Miss Lily?"
At this statement, both of the two siblings made their reaction. Upon being called by Young Lord Asher by name, Lily immediately felt a flutter in her heart.
Lily was no reader like her brother, but if that was where Young Lord Asher wanted to be then she was more than happy to go.
'… It would have been nice to see um, maybe, Young Lord Asher participating in the battle and witnessing it with my own eyes. They say that his valor in Gisir War was incredible… but if he prefers books now, then that is fine too.'
'Ah, Lord Asher actually remembered that I liked books. Is that why he is recommending it or is it because he likes books as well? Either way, I'm glad that we'd go check out the books instead of the barracks.' Benjamin thought.
"We did discuss sharing books when you were in Etara's Cross, Lord Asher. I would be more than happy to have it continued." Benjamin said with a smile.
"S-same here, Lord Asher. I haven't been able to read much like my brother here, but if you have any recommendations?"
"You don't read the books I recommend you, Lily." Benjamin muttered underneath his breath.
Lily's smile on her face was immaculate, disarming even, as she glanced at her brother and spoke honestly.
"I… I did not find them interesting, that's why, Benjamin."
Young Lord Asher let out a small amused chuckle. He glanced towards Lily and his eyes were lit up.
"You do me a great disservice, Miss Lily."
"P-pardon?" Lily blinked and became both nervous and flustered. She had never expected Young Lord Asher to give her any particular attention even though she tried her best to speak up.
"Based on the interaction between the two of you, it seems like I will be hard-pressed to provide you with a particular book that you will like." The Young Lord said with a teasing tone but his eyes twinkled once more. "But that will be a challenge that I'll take you up on, Miss Lily."
Lily might have staggered already in that particular moment, whereas Benjamin's own eyes bulged a little at the sudden change of demeanor of Young Lord Asher.
'S-should this be something I'm worried about? How can he be good at being so formal and well-liked by adults and then suddenly turn up his own charm and act this way around my sister… it's impressive. I'm actually more jealous of it than anything.' Benjamin thought. 'Father already told me to try and learn the ropes from Lord Asher… will this be something I can learn from observing him as well?'
"I-it'll be a bit of a challenge indeed, Lord Asher. I have particular tastes." Lily said and puffed up a little and now showed a more playful but still innocent smile, revealing a bit more personality in that moment.
"Of course, Miss Lily." Lucius nodded as he led the two siblings to the library.
'She's saying that, but the truth of the matter is that once I give her a book, she'd try hard to read it in order to have something to talk about with me, and so it will actually give me enough time to speak with Benjamin.'
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