101st Confession - Side Story Episode 6 - Girl's First Love (6)

Side Story Episode 6: Girl’s First Love (6)

“Ah, Big Brother. I was just talking with your Mother and Father for a moment.”

Startled, Lucas belatedly recalled the morning newspaper. It seemed like they had seen it. Otherwise, there was no way they would look at him with such eyes.

“Hoho, Arista going on a date with Lucas. I can hardly believe it.”

The sharp glances directed at Lucas softened when they reached Arista.

“Still, such sensational gossip. Lucas, that guy, doesn’t misbehave outside, right, sweetheart?”

Sweetheart? Caught off guard by John’s affectionate nickname, Lucas was momentarily taken aback.

“Oh, no, he didn’t write the article himself, it’s probably because I haven’t met a man in all my life.”

“Lucas causing you trouble?”

“Trouble? Not at all. I told you.”

Arista whispered so that only the two of them could hear. Finally, looking at his parents with a deep smile, Lucas became curious about what she had said, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask.

“If you say so.”

“We are honored beyond words.”

“You’re too kind. We’ll take our leave now. We’ll see you later.”

“Sure, see you later.”

“Brother, let’s go.”

Arista approached and bumped fists with Lucas. He alternated between the delighted smile of his parents and the cheerful Arista.

He thought he would hear a word from his parents, but did Arista say something good?

Leaving the reception room, Lucas asked Arista.

“What did you talk to my parents about?”

“It seems they think the gossip in the morning paper is probably fake. So, I told them we are dating.”

“They didn’t say anything?”

“Not much. They seemed to like it.”

“They liked it?”

“Yeah! They even invited me to come over again later.”

He was still a bit dazed, but it seemed fortunate that Arista was acknowledged. It was not just anyone; it was Arista, a noble lady of the Lydia family, whom he had known for a long time.

“They thought I was really pretty!”

“Really?”

“Yes! They asked me to visit again.”

It was still surprising, but it was a relief that Arista was recognized. Why had he worried so much about Arista and the dating rumors? His past worries seemed insignificant.

With the thought that he no longer needed to hide his feelings, his steps became much lighter. As Lucas escorted Arista to the carriage, he asked.

“Ah, by the way, why did you speak so secretly?”

“Huh?”

“You whispered only to my parents.”

“Oh… um…”

Arista seemed to be contemplating something, then playfully poked Lucas’ nose, who was sitting across from her.

Lucas blushed as she grinned like a fool.

“Secret.”

“What? Where’s the secret in that?”

“It’s right here! Ask them separately later. I don’t know if they’ll answer.”

Lucas showed a slightly exaggerated, protesting expression, but soon the two locked eyes and burst into laughter without a doubt.

Soon, the carriage, filled with their joyful laughter, slowly departed from the Count’s residence.

* * *

“I never dreamed that Lucas and Arista would become a couple.”

“Compared to Arista, Lucas seems lacking.”

“Oh, what’s wrong with our son?”

Julian momentarily scoffed at John’s words but later reluctantly agreed with him. Indeed, Arista seemed more valuable than their son.

“I was surprised when I saw you spit out coffee after reading the newspaper.”

“How could I not be surprised? There’s a dating rumor about our son in the newspaper that everyone reads.”

“Plus, Arista was there, so it was an additional surprise.”

After Lucas left and John received the newspaper from Aaron, he soon found himself shocked by the gossip filling one page. When he went to confront Lucas about what happened, he was once again surprised to see Arista in the first-floor hall.

“It won’t be a casual meeting, will it?”

“Judging by Lucas’ expression, it doesn’t seem that way.”

The look in his eyes towards Arista was that of a man smitten with love. At least, Lucas was sincere about Arista.

“And Arista said she’s sincere too.”

‘I like him a lot. There’s nothing to worry about.’

With a smile of pure happiness, who could doubt her words?

Just as Lucia was happy to marry Herwin, Arista felt the same way. They wanted Lucas to find true love like Lucia had, so they were willing to help them both.

“But even if we approve, wouldn’t it be useless if the Lydias opposes it?”

Upon Julian’s words, John paused. Indeed, that aspect was a cause for concern, but…

“That’s up to Lucas. If he can’t protect his one woman, then their fate might end there.”

“Honey… don’t talk like that.”

While John was shaking a bit, Julian retorted, asking him why he was pretending to be so nonchalant.

* * *

“Circus?”

“Yeah! It’s something I always wanted to do when I got a boyfriend.”

Among the carefully crafted [Date List with Brother] she had compiled over the day, Arista had plans for several things. 

While they enjoyed a quiet meal at a good restaurant and indulged in a sweet date feeding each other cake at a dessert cafe, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly watching the circus.

Coincidentally, the largest touring circus on the continent happened to be in the city.

Lucas couldn’t help but laugh at the excited Arista, who resembled a child.

“Alright, let’s go to the circus. First, we need to buy tickets.”

In the distance, the circus tents were visible. As Lucas moved to buy tickets, Arista shook her head.

“No, Brother. I’ll get them.”

“It’s cold. I should go for you to avoid catching a cold.”

“Just stay still. Today’s date was all prepared by Arista, so Brother should just stay still. Later, I’ll ask you to plan a date for us.”

Her enthusiastic attitude suggested that she wanted to bring something she chose. Lucas, seeing a short line at the circus ticket booth, handed her the gloves he had.

Despite being somewhat loose due to the size difference, it felt incredibly warm as Lucas continued to help her put them on.

“It won’t take long, but it’s still cold. Wear these and come back quickly.”

“Yeah, I’ll be back.”

Unexpectedly, Arista gave Lucas a surprise kiss on the cheek before swiftly moving away.

Lucas chuckled as he gently touched his cheek.

“Ah, she’s driving me crazy.”

How could she be so adorable every moment? Even though they had become lovers through a non-traditional contract, he now felt that she was entirely his.

Moreover, Arista treated him not just as a simple lover but with actions that showed true love. It left his heart with no room for doubt.

“…I wish every day could be like today.”

Honestly, he felt too happy, making him uneasy. It had been just one day since they started dating, and during that short time, he experienced glances filled with jealousy and envy while walking around with her. It made him realize how noble and captivating his partner was.

Although Arista assured him that such a thing would never happen, the thought of her falling for someone else and leaving him was enough to make him feel like he would die.

“When the time comes, will I just save face, let go, and slump down, holding onto the hem of her skirt?”

Recalling his past relationships, it was an unimaginable scenario. His principle was to let go if the other person wanted to break up first. However, this time, he had a strong feeling that he wouldn’t be able to do that.

“…What should I do? I really like Arista.”

Even from a distance, Arista stood out. Many people seemed to notice her, and he wished he could make a statement to the world.

That woman is his.

“Oh my, who is it?”

Even just looking at Arista made time fly, but Lucas returned to reality when he heard someone calling him.

When he turned his head, he saw a familiar face.

“Isn’t it Young Master Agnes?”

“Lady Chereville.”

A warmly dressed man and a woman with a friendly smile exchanged fist bumps while casting a subtle gaze towards Lucas.

The woman had been his girlfriend about a year ago. The breakup wasn’t the smoothest, and Lucas usually tried to ignore her, but it seemed she had something she wanted, judging by the way she was staring at him.

Lucas let out a small sigh and greeted her with an external smile as if to say, ‘When did this happen?’

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Of course, I’ve been doing great. Oh, let me introduce. This is my fiancé, Lucius Haven.”

“Hello, I’m Lucas Agnes.”

The two of them exchanged awkward handshakes and greetings.

“What are you doing here alone?”

“I’m waiting for my companion. She’ll be here soon.”

“Is that so? Is your companion Lady Lydia by any chance?”

When Arista was mentioned, Lucas, who was wearing a mask, tensed. Seizing the opportunity, Lady Chereville slyly eyed him.

“Oh, no. I apologize. I had a mistaken impression because of the newspaper I saw this morning.”

“…What?”

“Well, it’s a ridiculous story. It’s not like it’s Lady Lydia and you having a romantic affair. Even if the young master has some connections, he wouldn’t go so far as to scheme with the Lady.”

“Daisy, why are you like this?”

Lucas and even her fiancé, Lucius, were taken aback by her provocation. However, she showed no intention of stopping and continued to play with her tongue.

“Well, it seems that the young master has a good relationship with Lady Lydia, so people might get the wrong idea. Reporters, really, how blind do they have to be to connect the young master and the Lady in a romantic affair? Oh, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I find the Lady admirable. You’re quite an impressive person too.”

Though she added her words belatedly, it was a statement meant to belittle Lucas. Rather than being angry at the blatantly obvious manipulation, Lucas felt more bewildered than anything else.

He gave a wry, disappointed smile, shooting a perplexed look at Lady Chereville.

She wore an arrogant expression as if she believed she had just executed a masterful move.