101st Confession - Side Story Episode 7 - Girl's First Love (7)

Side Story Episode 7: Girl’s First Love (7)

‘No, seriously, is she acting like this?’

Despite clearly having an engagement partner by her side, she not only talks to her ex-lover but also openly picks a fight, from starting a conversation to outright quarreling. 

It was evident that she was aware of herself.

Daisy Chereville.

They had been dating for about four months; she confessed first, and she was the one who wanted to break up.

But if there was a slight difference with others, Lady Chereville was unusually possessive.

She couldn’t stand seeing Lucas talking to other girls. She even went so far as to visit people he met for work, telling him not to talk or even make eye contact with them.

At one point, she even caused a scene, threatening to kill a young lady, who was close to him.

So when she suggested breaking up, he accepted without looking back. Of course, he knew her words about breaking up were not sincere.

Since she always wanted to confirm his sincerity, if he had known she would hold onto him like that, he couldn’t imagine what would have happened by now. She was far more dangerous than his ex, Becky, in a different sense.

‘Even after breaking up, I suffered for almost a few months.’

The words about breaking up were, of course, a lie. If he doesn’t date her, she’ll die, and so on.

She pleaded with various threats, but he knew not to show any reaction, even if she caused a commotion in front of him.

‘In the end, not a single fingertip was hurt.

Whether his life is valuable or not, he couldn’t even get a small scratch.

Anyway, he wondered if she had given up since she disappeared at some point, but he never expected to meet her like this.

Moreover, judging by her reaction on a day like this, it seems like she still hasn’t given up.

Rather than having lingering emotions, it feels more like she wants revenge against him.

He wondered if his guess was correct, and her eyes twisted cunningly like a snake.

‘Ah, I guess I really can’t judge people.’

This is why he shouldn’t accept confessions one after another. There won’t be such a thing in the future, though.

Lucas, who had become rapidly tired, forced a smile and spoke.

“I’m not saying something untrue. Arista is valuable, so it’s true.”

The answer wasn’t what Daisy wanted, and her face turned stiff. She instantly fixed her expression and glared at Lucas.

“I appreciate your concern, but it’s my business. You don’t have to bother about it, Young lady.”

They’re not involved anymore, so she doesn’t need to interfere unnecessarily.

Daisy, sensing the hidden meaning, blushed angrily. Lucas, thinking he had conveyed the message, stood up.

Nodding apologetically to her fiance, he thought.

‘That man seems pitiful.’

Even if he didn’t know why they got engaged, he thought that if it was an engagement without love, it might break.

As he tried to distance himself from them, a sharp voice grabbed his attention.

“By the way, didn’t you break up with the lover you even considered getting engaged to?!”

When Becky was mentioned, Lucas showed signs of hesitation. As he stiffened for the first time, Daisy smiled slyly.

“Oh, really. I heard it wasn’t a pleasant breakup with the woman you thought of getting engaged to… What happened with the woman you considered getting engaged to?”

After breaking up with Becky, he knew that she had spread false rumors to protect her reputation. He had been honest only with those close to him, so he didn’t care much about what others thought…

‘Ah, this is infuriating.’

“Daisy! Why are you like this?”

Finally, when her unseen fiance spoke up, Daisy also shut her mouth as if she had come to her senses.

“I apologize, Master Agnes. My fiancee was rude.”

“……….”

Lucas remained silent, not accepting the apology, and Lucius looked embarrassed while Daisy trembled. It was somewhat surprising to see her angry instead of her usual gentle and smiling demeanor.

Phew~

Lucas let out a deep sigh.

‘How should I handle this?’

He wasn’t inclined to scold women due to his personality, but now the lid was completely off, and restraint was no longer possible. If that unseen fiance hadn’t intervened, who knows what would have happened……….…

“What’s all this commotion?”

At that moment, a clear voice resonated through the chaotic thoughts, instantly snapping everyone to attention.

Turning his head, Lucas found Arista observing him.

“L-Lady Lydia?”

As Arista appeared, surprising the troubled couple, Daisy couldn’t help but feel thoroughly confused.

Arista scanned the surprised couple before turning to Lucas.

His expression remained rigid.

Though she couldn’t hear it properly, judging by the talk about his ex and all, there seemed to be some problem with the woman over there.

‘I need to present myself properly here.’

Arista purposely approached Lucas affectionately, brushing his cheeks and hugging his arm.

“Ah, look at those blushing cheeks. You waited for a long time, right? Sorry, it took longer than I thought.”

“Huh? Uh… no, I didn’t wait long.”

“But it’s quite cold out here. Let’s go inside quickly. We might catch a cold like this.”

As Arista affectionately stroked Lucas’ cheek and even held his arm, the expressions on the couple’s faces were filled with shock.

Especially the woman’s face turned pale, almost white.

“Uh, Lady Lydia.”

“What’s going on?”

“By any chance, may I ask what relationship you have with Master Agnes?”

“Did you not read the newspaper today?”

“What? Well, then…..”

“I don’t know how the news got to the reporters, but we are officially dating now. We are in a passionate love affair.”

As Lucas drew her closer, his arm around her stiffened like a soldier doll.

“B-But just now, the young master clearly said you were nothing…………!”

Did he say that?

As Arista questioned with her eyes, Lucas silently embraced her shoulders.

“I didn’t bother explaining because it seemed like you wouldn’t believe whatever I said, but now that Arista has revealed the truth about our relationship, you should believe it.”

Daisy realized that all her efforts had been in vain and shivered, shoulders slumping.

“But is my relationship with my brother important? It seems like the young lady already has a wonderful person.”

Why bother an intense man when she already has a fiance?

“Oh, well… um…..”

“Seems like you don’t have a good eye for people. Young master, if I may give you some advice, a woman with a fiance shouldn’t approach another man.”

When Arista openly targeted Daisy, Lucius blushed.

“I-I’ll keep that in mind.”

He thought he blushed from embarrassment, but apparently, it wasn’t for that reason.

Lucius’ gaze towards Arista seemed unusual. As if he were someone in love –

Feeling uncomfortable for a moment, Lucas wrapped his arm around Arista’s waist. Then, he whispered in her ear as if making a point.

“Let’s go quickly.”

“Huh? Uh…….”

Surprised by Lucas’ sudden move, Arista blankly followed his lead.

Lucius, with a gaze that seemed like a fierce male protecting his mate, had no choice but to step back.

As Lucas, still holding Arista, walked towards the circus, he glanced back for a moment.

It seemed that Lucius had also made up his mind to leave Daisy’s side.

Daisy was not worth that man’s attention.

Without looking back, Lucas continued confidently. Holding Arista’s waist tightly, he strode forward.

Meanwhile, Arista, overwhelmed by Lucas’ unexpected boldness, was on the verge of collapsing.

“Oh, brother.”

The defiant and fierce gaze instantly softened at Arista’s words.

“……Ah! I’m sorry, Arista! I acted too arbitrarily, didn’t I?”

When Lucas apologized and cautiously removed his hand, Arista felt a bit disappointed.

“Anyway, it’s starting soon, right?”

He checked the ticket time Arista had given him. Arista, pondering how to reconnect with Lucas, widened her eyes at the hand that was suddenly held out to her.

“Let’s go in before it’s too late. They say you need to enter the circus early to get a good seat, right?”

Thanks to him effortlessly dispelling her concerns, Arista wore a happy smile.

* * *

Arista and Lucas are quietly enjoying their date. 

In the distant Lydia Duchy, far from the capital, the prominent feature of the Duchy, the enormous Lydia Castle, witnessed Lord Eugene of Lydia disembarking from a carriage with someone’s support.

“Well, I appreciate it. Without you, I might have faced a great ordeal.”

“No, I just did what needed to be done.”

Eugene, the Lord of Lydia, had faced a significant challenge while leading a knightly order in monster extermination. Unexpectedly powerful monsters appeared, swiftly killing several knights and casting their shadows of death upon Eugene. 

At the moment he thought he would perish without a move, a brilliant golden aura swiftly cut down the monster. The current owner of that golden aura personally examined Eugene, ensuring the safe return of the knights.

Eugene, with his wife Viola in his arms, turned to the messenger.

“Our Lydia family never forgets a favor. Please stay in our castle for a few days to recover.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll just go to the village inn…”

“I can’t let a benefactor stay in such a humble place. Butler, ensure our guest receives proper hospitality.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Haha… Well then, excuse me.”

“Please make yourself comfortable. Thank you for saving my husband.”

“Oh, no! Please don’t. A thank you is enough.”

With slightly tan skin, dark blonde hair, and a graceful appearance paired with humility, Eugene was famous for being meticulous and had certainly captured the messenger’s heart. Enough to be considered a potential son-in-law.

“Come to think of it, I don’t even know the name of our benefactor. What is your name?”

“Oh, my name is Dale de Leonhardt.”

“Leonhardt?”

The name struck a chord with Eugene, and both he and Viola stiffened.

“Is it by any chance that… of the kingdom?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Despite appearances, I am a prince.”

Leonhardt, a castle reserved for royalty in a kingdom on the edge of the Empire.

Though an air of nobility flows on his face, he seems like a wanderer, carrying only a simple satchel and a single sword while riding a horse with a humble demeanor. But could he possibly be a prince?

“If you’re Dale, aren’t you the fourth prince?”

“Yes, that’s correct. With so many capable elder brothers, I gave up on the throne long ago. Thanks to that, I am free to travel. Oh! Please don’t let others know I’m a prince. I dislike attracting attention as one.” 

Even with such humility, even as a prince, Leonhardt impressed Eugene.

Just when he was troubled by his daughter’s lack of interest in men lately, such a talented individual appeared at the perfect timing.

“Oh my! You’ve been waiting outside for too long! Come on, quickly come inside.”

“Well then, excuse me.”

Eugene wore a satisfied smile at Leonhardt’s confident demeanor. 

He thought of returning to his duchy as soon as possible and introducing him to his daughter.