Chapter 103
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Calliope Family Epilogue (4)
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When I saw Reika, who'd put in so much effort, I figured she was still a step below Lucia.
But that was a massive mistake.
Sorry, Reika, but...
They're on a whole different level.
It was a clichéd, tired phrase, but no other words would do.
While living together in Carnea, I'd always thought Lucia was beautiful even without makeup.
But that didn't mean dolling up wouldn't change anything.
—Clack
The Lucia standing before me right now felt utterly unreal.
It was just like the first time I'd laid eyes on her during the entrance ceremony.
No—even more intense.
Back then, she'd been confined within the frame of her uniform, after all.
Sapphire-blue eyes and a dress. Lush silver hair cascading to her waist. Snow-white skin and crimson lips.
Lucia's full, unreserved beauty was enough to steal even my soul.
—Clack
'Western Light'—symbol of her family.
'Carnea's Top Scholar'—symbol of her talent.
'The Fairest Scale'—symbol of her character.
There were countless other titles for Lucia, but in that instant, I understood why the most famous one—'Empire's Moon,' symbol of her beauty—held such renown.
Even the unflappable Erden was completely entranced.
"...'"
"...'"
Seeing Erden so spellbound by Lucia, I spoke up out of pure, unadulterated concern for him—no hidden motives whatsoever.
"...Rose is going to feel slighted, brother."
Erden snapped out of it and turned toward me after I broke the silence.
"...That obvious, huh?"
"You being entranced by Lucia? Or the thing with Rose?"
"...Both."
"Yeah, plain as day."
"First time I'm hearing that from you."
Hardly anyone was unaware that Rose Amelia, the eldest daughter of the Amelia family, harbored feelings for my brother Erden.
But I was the only one who knew Erden felt the same about Rose.
"If it's alright, could this little brother offer some sudden advice?"
Erden nodded.
"A man's seriousness has its charm, sure. But sometimes, you've got to express it. Rose might be pursuing you ardently now, but don't assume it'll last forever. Flowers wilt without water, and women fade without attention."
"...."
Erden started to reply, then swallowed his words.
Yeah, I knew.
I knew the normally aloof Erden turned even icier around Rose Amelia not because he disliked her, but simply because he got nervous.
'...How's she supposed to know when he clams up behind that stoic face?'
Who'd believe the Erden who seemed fearless on the battlefield turned into a tongue-tied blockhead around the woman he loved?
"Doesn't have to be words. Send flowers with a letter."
"...Sometimes, it feels like you can read my mind."
"Isn't that a little brother's job?"
"...Thanks."
This had erased the tragic love story brimming with regrets and despair—the one where Erden missed his chance and Rose gave up in exhaustion.
But honestly... that didn't sound half bad either.
—Clack
Lucia had approached Edad before I knew it. She lightly lifted her skirt with her fingertips and curtsied.
"Lucia Ursula, next head of Ursula, greets the head of House Calliope."
The moment Lucia spoke, time resumed its flow.
"Ah... orchestra! Who told you to stop playing?!"
"Sorry!"
"...The food here's run out."
"Right away!"
One by one, the people who'd been staring dazedly at Lucia came to their senses and returned to their duties.
"...You've traveled far. Well done."
Any man standing before Lucia might tense up a bit, but Edad betrayed no such nerves.
As expected of House Calliope's former head.
"But the head of House Calliope is no longer me. It's the new head over there—Erden Calliope."
"...My apologies. Please forgive my rudeness."
"No need. It was this old man's abrupt decision, so it's only natural you wouldn't know. Go greet the new head."
Lucia nodded and walked our way—toward me and Erden.
"Lucia Ursula greets the new head of House Calliope."
"...It's an honor for the jewel of House Ursula to grace us. In the name of Calliope, I welcome you sincerely. Please enjoy the banquet."
"Thank you."
After greeting Erden, Lucia headed straight for the center of the hall instead of greeting me.
"...'"
It was the natural course.
In this banquet hall, the only ones Lucia absolutely had to greet were Edad and Erden.
Since I was here as House Calliope's third son—not her master—she had no reason to address me first.
'...This banquet's already crawling with prying eyes.'
One slip in behavior, and rumors would spread like wildfire.
So I felt zero—not a speck—of disappointment over Lucia's actions.
"...."
I truly wasn't bothered at all, but simple curiosity drew my gaze to see who Lucia was approaching next.
Surprisingly, it was Garcia and Reika.
'Wait, or maybe not?'
Having greeted Calliope's former and current heads, her next stop would naturally be the would-be lady of the house.
...Yet somehow, my gut told me it wasn't that straightforward.
"Garcia. Reika. Long time no see."
Just that greeting alone sent sparks flying from Garcia and Reika's eyes as they stared at Lucia.
"..Yes, long time no see. Lucia."
Lucia beamed at Garcia's reply and spoke.
"Hehe, you never seem to age a day, Garcia."
Lucia's words carried a subtle barb, making one of Garcia's eyebrows twitch.
"...You only grow more beautiful with time, Lucia."
"Not quite like you, Garcia. Ah, of course, Reika's lovely too."
"...Me?"
"Yes—you've inherited Garcia's refined features so perfectly, and that neat figure of yours? I'm green with envy. ...These are just heavy and annoying to carry around, honestly."
Lucia propped up her abundantly maternal breasts with her arms and let out a sigh.
"...Th-thank you. Lucia."
"No trouble at all. Ah! Just remembered some urgent business. Excuse me."
"...Yes. Of course."
Reika's smile quivered, but Lucia turned away without a second glance.
As she did, the corner of Lucia's mouth curved upward ever so slightly.
The smile of a woman utterly assured of her triumph.
"...'"
"...'"
That's when our eyes met.
No clue why, but I looked away on reflex.
Lucia hurried over and offered her hand.
"...Eugene, care to dance?"
With those words, a torrent of jealous glares from countless men rained down on me.
"...."
From the instant she'd extended her hand, it was a lose-lose: accept and stand out, refuse and still stand out.
"...The honor's mine, Lucia."
I took her hand with an inward sigh, and Lucia lit up with a radiant smile.
I'd worried about keeping pace with Lucia, who'd no doubt dominated balls since childhood—unlike me.
But amazingly, she led me with effortless familiarity, without me even needing to invoke Prince on the Bed.
"...Hehe."
From the moment our hands met, Lucia smiled like a thousand flower buds blooming at once.
Lost in that smile as we danced, I realized we'd drifted to the banquet hall's corner.
"...Hng.."
Suddenly, Lucia lost her balance and stumbled.
"...!"
My body moved before my brain caught up.
Thanks to that, I just managed to catch her.
"Lucia! Are you alright?"
"...Haa.. haa... It's... after that long carriage ride... feeling dizzy..."
Feeling her feverish breath after so long set my heart racing.
"...Eugene. Could we... find somewhere quiet for a bit?"
"..Alright, I'll take you to the garden."
Deep down, I wanted to whisk her to a room for a proper talk—but her dance invitation had already drawn eyes.
Getting spotted entering a room together? Rumors would explode.
"Let me help..."
"It's fine."
"..Y-yes.. sure.."
A well-meaning gentleman tried to intervene as I supported her, but I refused with a gentle smile.
We made our way through the garden to a secluded spot devoid of any presence when Lucia suddenly flung herself into my arms.
"Haha...! Ma... Master...! So... wet... ha...! Haaa...! Hng... Master's... scent... haan."
She clung to me tight, inhaling my scent with all her might.
"...Lucia, what's going on? Why come all the way to Calliope without a word..."
"...I... hng..! I... tried... to hold back... ng... haa... but after so long... feeling Master's warmth..!"
Lucia collapsed to the ground right there.
Her actions felt eerily familiar from some hazy memory, so I asked—just in case.
"...Lucia... don't tell me..."
"...Haa... haa... Sor-sorry... Ma... Master... I... can't... anymore..!"
Tears welled in her eyes as she hiked up her dress, revealing black lace panties with a blatant hole.
"Hng...! Ma... Master's... eyes...! On Lucia's... slutty... pu... pussy... hng..!"
Just exposing it sent her into a light climax—her body shuddered, and something trickled from her folds.
Bzzz... bzzz..
The one item I'd grown oddly attached to.
...The Vibrating Stone.