CHAPTER 160: ELYRIA...

Inside the room, Lucien’s arms were still wrapped around Rin’s waist. Rin’s head was pressed against his chest. Rin didn’t know his lips had curled into a smile as he inhaled Lucien’s Pheromones. It was more comfortable than being locked up in his room.

The hug had lasted longer than it should have. Lucien’s hand lingered at the back of Rin’s neck, warm and steady. Rin’s cheek flushed red as he felt Lucien’s hand rubbing his body. He felt his body getting warmer as he felt the small bulge forming inside Lucien’s robe. Rin finally pulled away, face slightly red.

Cough. Cough.

"It’s been two minutes already," Rin muttered, with his hand covering his mouth.

"Oh has it been?" Lucien smiled faintly, brushing a thumb over Rin’s cheek. "I didn’t count."

"Liar." Rin looked away, but there was a faint smile on his lips.

"You could spend more time in my arms," Lucien said, spreading his hand wider.

"You know that’s not possible. Have you forgotten my Aunt’s rules? I came with Sasha because he was ordered to guard me but who knows? She must have planted Sasha by my side to keep an eye on us,"

"I see..." Lucien tilted his head. "So... what brings you here? Don’t tell me you came all the way to sneak around."

Rin’s eyes flicked toward the window, trying to see if Sasha was around but there was no sign of him.

"Maybe."

Lucien’s laughter was low and rich. "Or is it because you missed me?"

Rin’s lips curved into a reluctant grin. "Who knows? Maybe a little."

"Just a little?" Lucien teased.

"Fine. A lot," Rin admitted with a small sigh. "But I was also bored. Everyone’s panicking back there at the brothel. The whole city’s talking about the tragic ball. So I thought... I’ll come here."

Lucien’s gaze softened. "You should’ve come earlier."

Rin shrugged. "I didn’t want to get caught sneaking in. Lirien would probably lock me in the cellar for a week."

Lucien chuckled and reached for the bell on the table. "Then I’ll make it worth the risk."

A maid entered almost instantly. "Yes, young master?"

"Bring us some food. And something sweet."

"Yes, young master." She bowed and left.

As soon as the door closed, Rin wandered around the room, touching random things as if it were his first time seeing them. Lucien leaned against the table, watching him with quiet amusement.

"You always act like you’ve never been here before," Lucien said.

"I like the view," Rin replied, peeking through the curtains.

"The view, huh?" Lucien walked closer, his robe slipping slightly off his shoulder. "Or maybe it’s just me?"

Rin turned, pretending to frown. "You’re too confident."

"I learned from you."

Rin tried not to smile, but failed. Lucien’s confidence always made him laugh even when he didn’t want to.

After a moment of silence, Rin’s eyes dropped to the faint glow under Lucien’s robe... the orb embedded in his chest. He stepped closer, hand lifting to touch it gently.

Lucien didn’t move.

"I’m sorry," Rin said softly. "For... this."

Lucien caught his hand before he could pull away. "You don’t need to say sorry. You didn’t put it there."

"But it’s still related to me," Rin murmured. "Everything that happened is because I..."

He wanted to speak but paused. He couldn’t say any more words. He wasn’t ready to reveal his true identity to Lucien. Not now.

Lucien noticed as he smiled and ruffled his hair. "Then tell me when you’re ready. Until then, don’t apologise."

Rin nodded quietly.

Moments later, a knock came and the maid returned with a tray full of dishes... soup, roasted meat, fruits, and sweet pastries. Rin’s eyes widened a little.

"I already ate breakfast," he said.

"Then eat again," Lucien replied with a grin.

Rin sighed but sat down anyway. "Are you trying to fatten me up?"

Lucien leaned on his elbow, watching as Rin took the first bite. "That’s the plan."

They spent the next hour talking... about nothing serious. The war, the weather, the taste of the food, and Lucien’s tiredness after the ball. For a brief while, the tension that haunted both of them faded. Rin laughed freely, and Lucien looked more alive than he had in days. Maybe because of the one-day break he gave himself, or because Rin was there with him.

.

.

Meanwhile, back at the brothel, steam filled Lirien’s private bath chamber. She sat comfortably in the tub, a thin pipe between her fingers, eyes half-closed as she exhaled white smoke into the air. The smell of jasmine oil lingered around her.

The door creaked open.

"Madam?" one of her assistants said softly, bowing her head. "Forgive me, but you have a guest."

Lirien raised an eyebrow, setting her pipe aside. "A guest? I wasn’t expecting anyone."

"The guest says it’s important."

Lirien’s voice dropped. "Tell them to leave. I don’t take guests during bath hours. You know that and you came here to tell me,"

"I apologise, Madam," The assistant hesitated. "But... she said to tell you her name."

Lirien sighed impatiently. "And what name is that?"

The girl’s voice trembled slightly, hoping she wouldn’t get fired, but she couldn’t stay back after seeing the condition of the woman. She was holding a child and a dog and she looked so familiar to the golden goose.

"She said her name is... Elyria."

The pipe slipped from Lirien’s fingers and clattered against the floor. Her eyes widened slightly... a rare break in her usual composure.

"What... did you say?" Lirien’s voice trembled as she heard that. It sounded like a name she had never heard for more than ten years.

"Elyria, Madam. Should I still send her...?" The girl repeated innocently.

In the blink of an eye, Lirien was gone. The water rippled from where she’d been sitting, steam still rising as if her body had simply dissolved into thin air.

The assistant blinked at the empty space, mouth hanging open. She knew she had seen her Madam there about half a second ago, but now, she was gone.

"Huh? Where... did she go?"