Part 6:
As Lucian and Seraphina began living together, Lucian quickly unraveled the mystery behind her. She wasn't just the simple receptionist everyone thought she was. Seraphina, a young woman of 18 or 19, had long black hair and ocean-blue eyes that matched her striking beauty. Her true form was hidden behind appearance-shifting magic, transforming her into a non-attractive girl with a childish demeanor that fooled everyone. But beneath that facade was a calm, composed, and cunning woman. Despite her outward manipulations, her affection for Lucian was genuine, driven by feelings she had never experienced before. She did everything in her power to make him stay close to her.
Lucian learned that the story about her brother was false, fabricated as a way to connect with him. Her life, filled with power, knowledge, and wealth, had become dull and empty—until she met Lucian. Although she had immense strength and vast knowledge of magic, politics, and medicine, she chose to become a receptionist, a question that Lucian could easily answer in his mind. She came from a powerful family as the third daughter, but aside from this, she kept her personal history closely guarded. Even so, Lucian saw through her magic and cunning nature, knowing that her unassuming appearance was a calculated act that no one else had noticed.
While living under her watchful eye, Lucian's potential grew exponentially. Seraphina taught him everything she could—politics, medicine, swordsmanship, magic, and spirit arts. Her aim was to mold him into something perfect. For weeks, Lucian balanced this training with guild quests, but he knew this wouldn't be enough. His origin remained a mystery, and though Seraphina was a great tool for building his foundation, Lucian knew he had to leave her to explore the world and uncover the truth behind his existence.
One chilling winter night, as they sat quietly eating dinner, Seraphina broke the silence.
"Hey, Luc…" she said softly.
Lucian looked up from his meal. "Hmm?"
"So, what are you going to do when…," she hesitated before continuing, "when there's nothing left for me to teach you?"
Lucian didn't respond right away, listening in silence.
"I mean… We've spent more than a month together. You're growing faster than anyone I've ever seen. And I know—deep down—I know you'll leave one day. I tried to ignore it, hoping our time together would be enough," she said, her voice heavy with sadness.
Lucian observed her closely, noticing the genuine sadness in her ocean-blue eyes. She only dropped her magical disguise when they were alone, knowing Lucian could see right through it.
"I know this is selfish, but… could you stay? Could you not leave?" she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly.
Lucian stared at her for a moment, his face emotionless as always. Finally, he replied, "You know I can't do that."
Seraphina's composure crumbled, though she managed to hold back her more intense emotions. She had developed deep, possessive, and obsessive feelings for Lucian—love for the first time. She had always suppressed these emotions, knowing he had the right to live his own life and explore the world. But the thought of Lucian leaving was too much for her heart to bear. Even so, she wanted to express her love to him, regardless of his response.
Lucian remained unmoved by her confession, though he attempted to reassure her. "I'm not leaving… not yet. First, I plan to attend the academy. After that, I will go out into the world."
Seraphina, though reassured for the moment, couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. She accepted that he would leave one day but forced a smile. "I see… then I'll be cheering for you," she said, trying to hide her sorrow.
"Can't you come with me?" Lucian asked, meeting her gaze.
Seraphina's eyes lit up briefly, but then the reality set in. "I… I can't."
"Why not?" Lucian asked.
"It's a long story," she responded quietly, her voice barely a whisper.
"Please, tell me," Lucian urged.
Seraphina paused, then began telling her story. It became clear to Lucian why she couldn't leave this place, but he promised her that no matter what, he would make it happen. He felt indebted to her for everything she had done—helping him grow stronger, understand the world, and learn what he needed. He acknowledged her restraint in never letting her emotions overpower her logic and recognized that taking her along on his journey could benefit them both.
After hearing his promise, Seraphina began to cry again, this time with genuine tears. Once she regained her composure, she softly asked, "You'll come back for me?"
"Yes," Lucian replied.
"Promise?" she whispered.
"Promise," he said, unwavering.
Seraphina stood up from her chair, slowly walking toward Lucian. As she reached him, she whispered again, "Promise… forever."
"Promise forever," Lucian repeated, his tone unchanged.
She gently cupped his face with both hands, leaning in until their foreheads touched. She murmured the word "forever" before bringing her lips to his in a deep, lingering kiss. Lucian, his heart still empty of emotion, simply stayed still, allowing her to express her feelings. After what seemed like an eternity, she pulled away, licking her lips joyfully as she savored the moment.
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To be continued~
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