Lucas thought if he used the shortcut he knew, then somebody would find out. It is still daylight, so there were many people around. But now, he regretted using the normal passages. Not too far from him was a man with short black hair and ruby-colored eyes. It was the first son of the Ageha family, a ruthless man.

Ever since he decided several centuries ago that he would go into hiding, Lucas hated confrontations. But he knew he couldn't escape this time around.

"Are you off to see my sister?"

Lucas nodded. "Yes."

"It seems odd to me that a magician like you hangs around my sister and plays the servant game. After all, with your strength, you can do so much more."

So much more, huh? Actually, he tried to escape her side before. He tried repeatedly at the beginning, but she somehow always found out. She never reprimanded him, but she always told him the same thing.

I haven't achieved my goal yet, but if you leave, it will be a problem. Why don't we do this? Before you leave, can you kill me first? Pierce your blade into my heart-

Lucas sighed at the memory. That crazy woman, how could he do that after she said it so easily?

Before he could say, anything sees a familiar-looking maid rushes over. "Sir Lucas! You have to come quickly. Miss Lilian is---"

His eyes widened as he smelled blood in the air. He had been walking for a long time and hasn't realized that he was near the room.

Lucas immediately rushed into the room, and he felt the blood from his face drain when he saw the sight before him.

Lilian was on the floor. A puddle of blood surrounded her. He gritted his teeth and rushed over.

"Sir Lucas."

"Explain what happened now."

"I only left for a moment, and when I came back-"The maid looked like she would fall apart, so he angrily turned around to the silent therapist.

"I didn't know her hallucinations would be this bad."

"What kind of session did you do? I told you repeatedly to be careful." He wanted to scream, but he knew better than to do that.

Lucas brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and caressed her cheek. Her skin felt like ice, and she was losing blood rather quickly. It was only a small hand-wound-- Lucas looked at Lilian carefully and noticed something else. It looked like the blood came mainly from the right side.

Did she get hurt somewhere else too? Why didn't he notice it sooner- no, that isn't a surprise already. When he said Lilian is stronger than him, he was not joking about that.

"What is all the fuss about?" A familiar voice said.

It belonged to the man who he just left moments ago. Damn, Lucas thought Eric would go already. He tried to cover Lillian's wounds, but the man had already seen it.

"I see; please call for a medic and bring my sister to the sapphire room."

"She doesn't need one. I can heal her."

Besides, if they make a fuss, other people will find out. That is the last thing Lillian would want. He knew how hard she worked to maintain her image.

"Then, at the very least, bring her to the Sapphire room; there is more light there."

..

Lucas was very reluctant, but he had no choice. In the end, he is still an employee of the Ageha family. While he had a say on which orders he could follow, certain people could not cross.

Besides, there is something about Eric and the family head. He does not feel threatened about the others in this ruthless family other than those two and Lillian. They are the only ones with abnormal mana levels. His gaze fell on the surrounding area, and Eric was making himself useful by keeping the killer Lillies from Lilian.

"A power like this that feeds on its master is dangerous."

"It feeds on fear and weakness." Lucas corrected. "Or if the person is vulnerable." That was why Lucas made sure he was always with her. He cannot leave her side for long. But that also meant people knew he was her weakness, and they knew they would stand a chance to harm her if he isn't there.

"You came back rather quickly on that job father sent you on."

"Of course."

"It seems you are quite smitten with her."

Lucas wanted to laugh, and he knew what they were trying to do. If he got into a relationship with Lilian, then they could control him.

"Is the master in such a rush to get her kicked out?"

Marrying somebody else from a well-respected family means they cannot take over as head of the household. No matter how talented Lilian is, she cannot take over her family household because she is a woman, even though they call her the heir that is only in name.

"Not at all, but there have been many spouse candidates."

He frowned at those words. Lilian is a beautiful girl, so he could see why she would have many suitors, and yet normally, nobody is brave enough to go through with it. He wonders what this father and son pair have been up to. No more importantly, why do they keep bothering her?

His thoughts broke off when he heard a voice in his head.

Send him away.

Lucas looked at Lilian and sighed. What is she doing using their telepathic connection when she is weak like this? His thoughts broke off when he saw the servant whisper something in Eric's ear, and the man seemed disturbed.

"It seems I have to take my leave. Please inform me when my sister wakes up."

He didn't have to do anything, thankfully. Lucas felt that the guy would see through her lie. The moment Eric left the doors. Lilian opened her eyes.

"You're crazy." Lucas commented. She is insane; after that situation happened just a few minutes ago, why is she putting even more strain on her health?

"Were you worried about me?"

Lucas sighed deeply. "If anything happens to you, it will be my head they will have for their next meal."

Lilian laughed. "That's true."

"Why?"

"I suppose I was hallucinating. I kept hearing voices."

The voices she hears from her nightmares? How is that possible? If that is the case, then this situation will become more problematic. He has to keep a better eye out on her.

"What happened to Naomi?"

"I sent that useless woman away. I told her so many times before not to stimulate or say anything that would trigger you."

Lilian shook her head. "I was the one who asked her."

His gaze darkened when he heard those words. "Are you crazy, Lilian? You of all people should know what that could do to you."

"But even if I lose control, Lucas, you can stop me, right?"

This girl is way too confident in his abilities. "I'm indeed strong, but-" Lucas paused.

Sometimes he felt that Lilian is stronger than him. Or maybe it was because this girl felt like she had nothing to lose. Protecting somebody can be a sign of weakness. But Lilian doesn't have anybody important to her, and she remains detached to continue being strong.

A long time ago, he was the same way. The reason he could hurt others was because he knew he had nothing to lose.

"What if I left?"

"I know you won't. Besides, would you have a place to go?"

She knows what to say to make him feel pain. But, at the same time, it didn't bother him. She is only making such remarks to hide her own pain.

"Lilian, you don't have to continue defending me."

"You even heard about that, huh?"

"Of course I did."

"Besides, it wasn't just for you. I just dislike those kinds of people. I don't want to restrict myself from saying what I want and let people get away with things that go against my values. I don't want to live like a doll."

Despite her weak state, he sensed the strength behind her words.

"Are you even listening?" Lilian sits up, and he grabbed hold of her wrist.

"If you want to achieve your goal, you should treat me like a normal servant."

"I can't do that, and we are partners, right? Allies always take each other's sides."

How can she call him her partner so easily?

"Besides, this isn't just one-sided. When I am in a pinch or struggling, you have to help me too."

"..."

"I already abuse and boss you around, asking you to do unreasonable things. Even though I can do those things, I make you do them."

'Brat.' If this wasn't a serious situation, he would have bickered with her by now.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Don't go anywhere, and you have to stay by my side forever."

His eyes widened when he heard her say those words. Is it just because she is weak right now? But her saying such things, he is starting to have odd thoughts. It is almost like she is saying she likes having him around.

No, it's like she is proposing. What is with that forever part?

"What if I cross the line?"