101st Confession - Side Story Episode 8 - Girl's First Love (8)

Side Story Episode 8: Girl’s First Love (8)

It had been well over a month since Lucas and Arista started dating.

The social circles were still buzzing with news of their romance, and everyone they encountered had to ask if they were a couple.

The two of them, more than anyone else, displayed the happy appearance of lovers, dispelling people’s suspicions.

At first, even holding hands was embarrassing, but now being together had become incredibly familiar.

Thanks to that, Ares, who worked in the same space, suffered days of torment.

“Brother, is it tough? Should I help?”

“No, I should handle this much. You should take a break. You stayed up late yesterday.”

“I can’t sleep thinking about Brother.”

“From today, make sure to sleep early. I’ll visit you in your dreams.”

“Really? Then I’ll have to work hard to visit you in my dreams too.”

“Do your best.”

Ares clicked his tongue, threatening to shorten it. 

Lucas and Arista looked at Ares with amusement, then ignored him and immersed themselves in their world.

When hearts fluttered so much that it filled the office, Ares finally exploded.

“What are you doing during sacred working hours!”

“Why are you so angry? Arista was surprised.”

“I’m fine. Is he like this for a day or two?”

“Oh! My blood pressure!”

Even when Ares grabbed his throat and collapsed, neither of them paid him any attention.

“Could you guys calm down a bit? Before I have to separate you.”

With sincere concern, the two of them eventually had to sit apart.

Even though they were just temporarily separated, they looked at each other tenderly as if they were parting forever.

“Arista, you should finish this quickly.”

“There’s still time left.”

“It just got shorter.”

“Where did it get shorter?”

“Right here. Watching you, it seems like there’s time to spare. Go and do some work.”

“Fine, got it.”

Arista grumbled but accepted the work Ares handed over without much fuss. Just before closing the door, Arista looked at Lucas with a poignant expression and left the office.

Even after the door closed, the smile didn’t leave Lucas’ face.

“Oh well, is it that good?”

“Yeah, it’s so good. How can she be so pretty and lovely?”

Ares smirked at Lucas, who couldn’t stop praising Arista, even in front of him.

While Ares knew that Lucas treated his significant other well, this time it seemed a bit different. Previously, it felt formal, but now it seemed more intense as if it could break or fly away at any moment. It was clear that he had fallen in love. No brother would dislike it when his younger sibling is loved.

“Still, keep it in check. People are getting annoyed just by watching you.”

“I’m trying, but I can’t help it. If I don’t see her, I miss her, and even if I see her, I want to see her again. I feel like my heart is going to tremble and stop if I continue like this.”

“Is it that serious?”

“Yeah. When you used to sing ‘Princess, Princess’ so much, I wondered why you were like that. Now I understand your feelings a hundred times more.”

Using his love for the princess as an example made Ares empathize with Lucas’ feelings. This time, Ares patted Lucas’ shoulder without saying a word.

“So, are you going to marry Arista?”

“Wh- marriage?”

Lucas’ face turned red in an instant. His emotions were so transparent that it made Ares burst into laughter.

“I haven’t thought about marriage yet, but… when Arista wears a wedding dress and walks down the aisle holding my hand, it would be wonderful.”

Before, he had thought about marrying a good woman, having children, and living a simple life. But now, he didn’t want to marry anyone other than Arista.

When did she become so influential in his life? It’s not a bad feeling.

Seeing Lucas lost in his own world, Ares chuckled.

“Kid, if you want to marry Arista, you’ll have to move mountains.”

His parents still didn’t know that Lucas and Arista were dating. Ares had even instructed the servants and subordinates not to contact the duke’s residence separately. If his parents found out, they would have sent a letter already, or maybe they were already on their way.

Still, they couldn’t hide the truth forever. Someday, they would have to reveal it. His mother would probably be pleased to know that Lucas liked Arista, but he had no clue how his father would react. It seemed like he might approve, yet not at the same time.

‘If he opposes, I’ll figure out a way to help.’

To help them, who are so entangled in their love, and make it to marriage, would it not be necessary to assist them? 

Ding-dong –

“Young master, excuse me.”

At that moment, the butler entered. He, who always maintained a smiling face, seemed somehow uneasy.

“What’s wrong? Is something happening?”

“Well… Master and Madam have returned.”

“…What?!”

Upon hearing the news that Eugene and Viola had arrived, both Ares and Lucas, of course, stood up from their seats. They exchanged surprised glances.

“Weren’t there any announcements about their arrival?”

“Uh, there was no specific notice? What’s going on? Did news about you and Arista reach their ears by any chance?”

As the words finished, the faces of the two instantly turned pale. After a while, they hurriedly went downstairs with the butler.

“Brother!”

Arista, who must have heard the news, came rushing down. Seeing Lucas’ anxious face, Arista tightly held his hand.

“Don’t worry. No matter what Father says, we’ll never part.”

With Arista’s reassuring words, Lucas, who had been uneasy, seemed to relax and gave a faint smile. The two let go of each other’s hands and headed towards the main gate.

Just then, the carriage carrying the Duke and Duchess arrived.

“Mother, Father.”

Ares took the lead to greet them, and they also embraced their children.

“How have you been? It’s chilly weather; have you caught a cold?”

“We’re always sturdy. But Father, what brings you here without notice?”

“It’s not like you’re displeased with me coming to my own house, is it?”

“It’s just that it’s sudden.”

“The lad is quite something. Did I only come when there’s something to see? I might want to come even when there’s no particular reason.”

Turning the conversation while leaving a vague feeling of suspicion.

Nevertheless, it was fortunate that they didn’t come up to hear about Arista. Ares and Arista let out a sigh of relief without their parents knowing.

At that moment, Arista noticed someone behind Viola in the carriage.

“Who is that…?”

“Oh, greet him. He is His Highness, the Fourth Prince of the Kingdom, Dale de Leonhardt.”

Everyone was startled by the sudden appearance of royalty and quickly greeted with respect.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness.”

“Yes, nice to meet you all. Please, raise your heads.”

True to the people of the Southern Kingdom, Dale’s skin had a warm glow, and he was the possessor of a dazzling appearance.

“About a month ago, while subduing monsters, I received significant help from Prince Dale. Since I’m traveling through the empire, I decided to offer my assistance. Please keep that in mind.”

“Excuse us for a moment.”

Eugene proceeded to introduce his family to Dale one by one. Lucas found Eugene’s friendly demeanor towards someone remarkable.

“Oh, Lucas is here too. Your Highness, this is Lucas Agnes, my son’s aide. He’s the heir to the House of Agnes”

“I see. Nice to meet you, Lucas.”

“I’m truly pleased to meet you, Your Highness. I look forward to working with you.”

It was a very modest and unassuming demeanor, devoid of the typical arrogance often associated with royalty.

“If you’re not too tired, may I guide you to the mansion?”

“Of course, I’d rather ask you for a favor. Such a splendid mansion. I received a lot of help at the Duke’s castle, and now, staying comfortably here… I wonder if it’s appropriate.”

“Of course. You’re my lifesaver, Prince. Arista, will you guide Prince Dale to the mansion?”

“Yes, Father.”

“If you don’t mind, I can accompany you…”

“No! Arista, you guide him alone!”

Interrupting Ares, Eugene firmly took Arista by the arm. Arista was initially bewildered, but since it wasn’t a difficult task, she willingly accepted.

“Please come this way, Your Highness.”

“Please take care of him.”

Eugene watched the two of them move away with a satisfied smile. Meanwhile, Ares, who had received detailed information from Viola, sighed with relief.

“If it weren’t for the prince, it could have been a big problem.”

“Yeah, that’s true. So, treat the prince with respect, and make sure not to be rude.”

“Of course.”

For some reason, Eugene’s oddly content expression bothered Lucas. Treating a lifesaver well was the right thing to do, but why did it feel so uncomfortable?

Unable to solve the mystery, Lucas eventually returned to his office.