101st Confession - Side Story Episode 9 - Girl's First Love (9)

Side Story Episode 9: Girl’s First Love (9)

“Mother, do you have a moment?”

Lucas went to find Julian at a late hour. 

Julian, who was preparing to go to bed, graciously opened the door when she saw Lucas.

“What brings you here at this late hour?”

“Well… there’s something I’d like to ask you, Mother.”

As Lucas hesitated to speak more easily than usual, Julian patiently waited for him.

“…………Could you possibly give me your ring, Mother?”

“A ring? Why a ring all of a sudden?”

“I heard about it from Father a long time ago. Grandmother passed down the family ring to you.”

What Lucas spoke of was an old and sturdy gold ring. It was a ring passed down through generations of the Agnes family, and Julian received it from John only after their marriage. 

Typically, it was customary to propose with that ring, but at the time, Julian and John were in a secret engagement, so he didn’t propose with it. It was only after John realized his feelings that he gave her the ring, and only then did Julian hear the story behind the ring from John’s mother.

“Well, it doesn’t matter, but… Are you going to propose to Arista?!”

Only belatedly understanding Lucas’ words, Julian asked in surprise, and Lucas nodded with a blush.

“Goodness! You haven’t been dating for that long, have you?”

“Yes, that’s true. But… I can’t control my feelings for Arista. My life without her is hard to imagine.”

“Oh my, oh my. Congratulations, our son. Truly.”

“I haven’t even proposed yet. And Arista might not accept, and…”

As Lucas looked dejected, Julian grabbed his cheeks.

“Son, everything will be fine. Surely Arista feels the same way as you?”

“Do you think so?”

“Well, of course.”

Julian carefully took out the Agnes family ring from the jewelry box and handed it to Lucas. Holding his hand and smiling softly, she reassured him.

“Believe in your mother’s words. Our son will propose splendidly.”

The thought of proposing made his heart flutter and anxious, but thanks to Julian’s encouragement, the tremor subsided.

Lucas looked at the ring in his hand and gathered his determination.

“Yes, I will succeed. Please cheer for me.”

* * *

“Arista, it seems the prince wants to explore the city. Can you guide him? And while you’re at it, run a few errands.”

“If it’s for such a thing, our daughter is perfect for the job. Arista, will you go with the prince?”

“Two of them coming together. They’ve become quite close. Arista, what do you think of the prince from your perspective?”

It had been a week since Eugene returned to the capital. Arista was frequently summoned by her father to spend time with Dale in what felt like forced encounters. 

Initially, she had graciously accepted her father’s request as a favor, but as the days went by, Arista became more annoyed with her father’s blatant summons. Especially when she and Dale were together, she couldn’t stand his smiling face that seemed pleased with the situation. 

Arista eventually sought refuge from Eugene and escaped to Ares’ study.

Sitting next to Lucas, she leaned on his shoulder, wearing a displeased expression.

“I have no idea what Father is thinking! Why is he doing this to me? Is this some kind of new form of harassment?”

“He does seem to call only you.”

“I know! And do you realize how often it’s just the prince alone when I’m summoned?”

Frustrated, Arista sighed rather than lamented.

“Could it be that he’s trying to connect you and the prince?”

Lucas paused, and Arista was horrified.

“It’s absurd! Absolutely not!”

“Think about it, I think it’s a possibility. He’s a prince, he’s about our age, he’s good-looking and good-natured, and he’s your father’s benefactor. I think he’s trying to set you up.”

“No, what… When did I express a desire to meet the prince? Why is he doing whatever he wants without asking for my opinion?!”

As Arista’s voice tone rose, Ares calmed her down.

“Why are you angry with us? You should be angry with Father.”

“Ugh! It’s so frustrating!”

Genuinely angry, Arista screamed and thrashed around before tightly hugging Lucas.

“Why do I have to endure this when I have such a wonderful, handsome, and fine boyfriend?”

“…Arista.”

“Aren’t you upset, big brother? Father is choosing my fiancé as he pleases.”

“I’m not particularly happy about it either. But we haven’t honestly talked to the Duke about it.”

“Oh……”

Realizing it, the Lydia siblings looked at each other. They had never discussed Lucas with their father even once.

“I completely forgot about this.”

“I assumed Father would know.”

“If Father knew, wouldn’t he have immediately severed ties with Lucas?”

“Whom would he sever ties with? I won’t let anyone be harmed.”

Arista, who was full of spirit, clenched her fist for a moment as if contemplating something. Soon, she shifted her gaze to Lucas.

“I’ll talk to Father and come back. I have no intention of getting along with the prince. I’m seriously dating my brother.”

“Arista.”

“Don’t worry, big brother, just trust me! I’ll take care of everything…”

“Let’s do it together.”

“Huh?”

Arista, who had a pounding heart, playfully tilted her head as Lucas carefully took her hand.

“It’s our affair. I want to formally greet the Duke as well.”

With a genuine fondness for Arista, Ares smiled deeply.

“If Father opposes, let me know. I’ll fully support you.”

“I’ll do my best to avoid needing your help.”

Lucas gently stroked Arista’s head as she held onto him tightly. The ring in his pocket suddenly felt heavy. It was a ring he had been carrying around, waiting for the right moment. Given the current situation, it seemed he needed to propose to her as soon as possible.

Knock, knock—

“Lady Arista, the Duke is calling for you.”

Coincidentally, a servant came to find Arista. 

Arista and Lucas looked at each other, nodded in agreement, and tightened their joined hands with determination.

* * *

“Haha… Once again, it’s happening.”

Meanwhile, left alone in the indoor garden, Dale burst into a chuckle. 

Despite Eugene calling for him, he hadn’t shown up. However, he had some anticipation for what might happen next.

“The lady is coming.”

He seemed to want to connect himself with his daughter.

The blatant attempts to keep them close had been going on for about a week. If one didn’t notice, it was as good as being oblivious.

“Hmm, what should I do about this…”

Dale tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair.

“…Ha, really playing with fire.”

At that moment, a mocking voice filled the air. Turning his head, Dale saw the lady looking at him with a displeased expression.

How could a father not understand his daughter’s feelings?

“So, we meet again like this, Lady. Is this Young Master Agnes next to you?”

Dale, smiling, greeted her while looking at Lucas beside her.

His gaze momentarily focused on the tightly clasped hands.

“Is this the seat prepared by the Prince?”

“I doubt it. I came because the Duke had something to say, but he didn’t show up. And with the Lady appearing like this…”

It seemed obvious to the high society.

Arista frowned.

Although she knew there was nothing wrong with Dale, she found his smiling face unpleasant.

When Arista couldn’t control her expression, Lucas grabbed her hand again to get her attention.

Only then did Arista smooth out her expression.

“Well then, I suppose I should speak to the Prince.”

“You seem to have something you want to say.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but I have no intention of getting along well with the Prince.”

“Oh, dear.”

“I already have a wonderful lover. So, Prince, I hope you don’t play with my father’s jokes. Can’t you do at least that much?”

Although it could be a potentially uncomfortable statement, Dale just kept smiling. His intentions were utterly unclear.

“Say something at least.”

When Arista, unable to endure, asked again, Dale seemed to realize and raised his hand.

“I apologize for that. I unintentionally ignored the Lady’s words while holding back my laughter.”

Wait, that was holding back laughter?

Both Lucas and Arista looked at him with awkward expressions.

“If it’s a wonderful lover, are you referring to the one you’re holding hands with right now?”

“Yes. He’s my one and only lover.”

The corners of Lucas’ mouth twitched as he realized how adorable it was to hear Arista say “my lover” so confidently.

Dale, who was watching him, grinned deeply.

“What a splendid lover. Please cherish your beautiful love.”

“Thank you… what?”

Arista, who reflexively answered, stared at Dale with surprised eyes. Lucas had a similar expression.

Shouldn’t he be saying something like, ‘I can’t accept that’ or ‘What do I do? I have no intention of giving up?’

“It’s reassuring that the Lady mentioned it beforehand. Honestly, I don’t find this situation particularly pleasant either.”

“Are you saying…”

“Yes. I have no intention of getting along well with the Lady or getting married. I’m traveling to avoid conflicts over the throne and imagine marrying a lady from the imperial family. Our gentlemen would immediately send assassins to kill me.”

‘I want to live a long life without wars,’ Dale muttered.

Lucas sighed unknowingly. He never dreamed that the prince would have the same thoughts as Arista.

“If the Lady had proposed marriage to me, I would have been in a difficult position.”

“I’ve never entertained such thoughts.”

“Oh. Even though I’m quite popular among the ladies.”

Judging by his relaxed attitude and casual demeanor, he might have made quite a few ladies cry. 

However, Arista wasn’t among them.