Who is the Villain?

Chapter-31

A week passed after that incident in the hallway. Everything went silent as though stormy clouds had moved away to make a path for the sun or they were making a path for another storm that might create more disaster.

However, Lucien had decided to ignore all her troubles and enjoy this blissful day. The day before yesterday, she was able to borrow the book from the library, it turns out, some books could be taken while some couldn't. She felt awful for judging Ivan.

As of now, the book she wanted was the history of the different Kingdoms that existed and as well as disappeared. A book created through mages that have listed all the information about it. If any kingdom disappear or was newly built, it shows through this book. It was all thanks to Ivan who guided her when he asked what she was looking for.

Lucien chooses to read the book in the garden and not in the Library. It would have been okay being alone in the library however, some of the consorts appeared as well. They were either too busy trying to get close to Ivan or either trying to get his attention. It annoys her when she could hear girls calling out to him.

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"~Sir Ivan, I couldn't reach the shelf.~"

"~Sir Ivan, I couldn't find the book I'm looking for.~"

"~Sir Ivan, I don't understand this paragraph.~"

"~Sir Ivan, is there any horror story?~"

"~Sis Ivan, I'm looking for a relationship story.~"

"~Sir Ivan....~"

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Utterly pissed, Lucien slam the book hard on the table echoing loud around the hall. All the ladies were startled including Ivan who was busy helping around.

"My apologies, I just ran into a problem." She excused herself standing up from her seat.

"Lady Lucien, may I–"

"No need," just as when Ivan spoke to help her, Lucien interrupt. "Fresh air is all I lack. Thank you." She gently smiles, excused herself, and left the library.

'Sir Ivan... Sir Ivan... Sir Ivan...I should have stuffed their mouth with those books. This is a freaking Library. Not a place to hook up with somebody. '

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Last week, Rosetta had made it clear about her empire which had fallen 12 years ago. Lucien flips through the book which might have any information about a kingdom that has disappeared.

Rosetta has left to bring her some tea along with some light snacks to go along with. Lucien has set herself comfortably in a gazebo, a garden that was away from the Scarlet palace and the Platinum palace.

Surrounded by bushes of roses and trees with a lake on the other side.

Rossaine Empire fell into crumble after a war erupted between the Flamingo brothers for the throne. The Empire was known for its peace and beauty among the people. The Emperor had 12 concubines with many sons and daughters. It was believed that he had more than he had hidden from the public.

Just as Lucien went through, she remembers Rosetta telling her that her mother was a p********e whom the Emperor took a favor.

'Rosetta did tell me that she never knew his father was the Emperor until the Royal armies began to look for the Emperor's offspring to be slaughtered. She was lucky indeed to be able to escape the m******e. '

Lucien sighs looking out through the entrance of the bushes hoping Rosetta would appear with tea and snacks. She was hungry. There was nothing written more important in the book about the Flamingo Empire or the family nor there was any portrait of them.

Her cheeks lean on her palm while her elbow rested on the smooth table. The gentle breeze across her face was enough to make her feel drowsy. She yawns as her eyelids start to close. The image around her began to look blurry.

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"I believe this is not the best place to take a nap nor does it look like the best position. "

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Lucien's eyes were wide awake by an unexpected person who was seated at the other empty chair, staring right through her.

"And it's gonna hurt your neck later. "

Her body quickly made a reflex and seats with a straight posture. 'When did he appear? Was I that sleepy?' Ajex has suddenly made his appearance.

"I–"

*~growl~*

Just as Lucien was about to respond, her stomach decided to make the first move. No words were exchanged between them for a complete minute. Lucien felt like her existence in this world only embarrassed her.

"Would you like for me to bring you something to eat? "

Lucien only wanted to crawl under the ground or maybe, sink under the table and never come out again. 'Why do embarrassing things keep on happening when he is around?' As a lady, anything embarrassing happening around her in front of her peer group could be tolerable however in front of the opposite s*x, it was like a public execution.

"M-my maid has left to bring something for me," she responded in a low mumble, her cheeks turning red hoping never to meet his gaze again.

An awkward silence fell again. Ajex didn't know how he should light up the mood. Conversing with ladies wasn't that difficult for him, however, in this atmosphere. He was clueless. Just then his eyes landed on the book that was flip opened.

"The Flamingo Empire?" He uttered with an eyebrow raised.

"You know this Empire?" Lucien quickly raised her head.

"You are interested in this fallen Empire?" Ajex sends an uninterested look.

"I am," Lucien responded with a stern look. "I am especially interested in their family."

"Well, you wouldn't find any of that in the book." He points his fingers at the book. "As a knight, I have limited knowledge when I was on my work." He has traveled far off the kingdom either to deliver a secret message or to receive any information.

"I noticed as well."

"To be precise," Ajex continued. When he was just a teen he was as well curious about this empire which was known throughout for its beauty and peace.

"None of the Flamingo lineages survived, not even those who were prostitutes. Each of his sons and daughters was slaughtered in broad daylight. The Emperor's son who made a deal with the other nation betrayed him and fell dead at their hands. Everything was burned down including the Empire, nothing was left to be saved."

'He seems pretty knowledgeable about the Rossaina's Empire but he doesn't have what I'm looking for.'  Her mind echoed, thinking of any possible method to gain from him.

"That's as far as I was told by Calix Elias," Ajex repeated whatever he had heard from the young prince.

"Calix Elias? "

"Yes, as a young prince, he was smart and maybe too brave for his age. He wasn't part of the war but, he was there to witness the fall of the Empire." Ajex responded. His gaze fell upon the book again and pulls towards him, examining the content.

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"My lady"

Rosetta finally appeared with a silver tray of tea and snacks. However, she didn't expect an unasked person to be present. Lucien understood her gaze which was complicated.

"Rosetta, could you please bring an additional cup for Sir Ajex?" Lucien gestures her hand towards Ajex who was seated at the other side of the table.

"I hope you wouldn't mind if you join me for a cup of tea, Sir Ajex." She turned towards Ajex who was merged into the book.

"It would be an honor, thank you, Lady Lucien." Ivan delightfully replies. She finally turned towards Rosetta with a nod to let her bring another cup.

Lucien was expecting Rosetta would leave the tray she had bought but instead, she took it with her. 'Rosetta, please hurry up. I'm hungry.'

"You know," Ajex continued as soon as Rosetta left. "If you are interested to know more about it, there is someone who could enlighten your mind."

"There is? "

Her eyes glowed with enthusiasm as her neck raised a few centimeters.

"Of course," Ajex smiles back. "and that person is - Oh!! "

His attention was quickly moved away to the back view of Lucien.

His face brightens up like a little kid's. "Efth... Over here. "

Lucien turns her head around to see who Ajex was waving to. Her body froze for a second the moment the person she wanted to avoid the most appeared.

"Come and join us."

If Lucien was to put a list of people she would want to murder right now on her list, she would have ranked Ajex on the top.

"Efth, over here," Ajex wouldn't stop calling out the person who was on his walk.

Efthalia didn't bother to look at the call even though his body responded. He was just about to pass through however the person wouldn't stop calling out his name. With an annoying look, he made his way toward them. Benjamin as well followed him behind.