Epic Of The Demonic Sage

“Hmmm, what kind of book do you think suits me?” Lily glanced up at the handsome face of the Young Lord Asher.

She was rather happy and pleased with the attention that the handsome Lord was giving her.

‘Even though both my mother and father seem to approve and speak highly of him and be someone that my brother should aspire to… I think even without their own words, I would have liked him anyway.’ Lily thought, a faint blush on her cheeks.

Lucius’s expression was kind and pleasant, but on the inside, he truly did not share the same feelings as he was portraying himself.

“For someone as refined of a lady as you, Miss Lily… well, hmm. Are you perhaps fond of fairytales?” Lucius eyed the selection available before him.

In the corner of the room, Benjamin looked like he nearly wanted to gag, but chose not to say anything.

‘I don’t think I saw Lord Asher showing any preferences for the ladies during the Etara’s Cross banquet, but right now he’s showing interest in Lily. I think even our father would approve of this friendship if it happens. Father was always saying that nobody is good enough for Lily, but if it’s Lord Asher…’

Lucius eyed the array of books, and he intentionally chose to pick up the most difficult one he could have chosen while having it fit within the ‘theme’ that Lily gave.

‘She’d most likely read anything that I’d give her, but if I make it too hard, well, my intentions might also become clear. If not her, then Benjamin might be able to tell. To presume that they won’t know that I’m trying to distract Lily is too haughty of an assessment, they’re still nobles at the end of the day and are familiar with the back and forth of engagements. Even for the most ill-suited and sheltered ones.’ Lucius thought.

“Here, I have read this myself, Miss Lily. I think you might be able to enjoy it.” Lucius said with a careful placed smile.

It was Lily’s new assignment.

“I’ll have to check it out myself then,” Lily curtsied. “Thank you so much, Lord Asher. If… if I were to find myself needing more books, may I perhaps ask you for another recommendation?”

“Hmm, if you find yourself needing one, then I’ll be happy to give you one, Miss Lily.” Asher replied. 

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Lily’s maiden heart started to swoon and flutter. The imagination of romantic love letters exchanged with the aromatic candles burning through the night.

‘I’d have to sign it properly. Perfumed paper? Yes, I can maybe press some of the flowers… not like the dried tea leaves and flowers that my mother likes, but something cute and pretty? Rose petals? Ah, I have to ask him what kind of flower he likes!’

Lucius suddenly leaned towards Lily’s ears discreetly. Not close enough that it would trigger Benjamin’s elderly brother instincts, but just enough to make the young lady’s heart flutter.

“However, I must confess, it would also greatly please me if you and I could discuss the contents of that book, Miss Lily. I hope that you do not find it boring because I have enjoyed it myself,” Lucius whispered.

“I-is that so, Lord Asher?” Lily said in a hushed voice. She had forgotten about her brother’s presence completely. “I will… I will do my best to let you know about it then.”

***

With one of Baron Hugh’s offspring now preoccupied fully, the young maiden taking the time to find a seat among the library tables and checking out the book, it left Lucius with the free time to focus on the only one he had actual interest in.

“What about you, Lord Benjamin?” Lucius smiled in a genial manner. “I have some particular titles I think that might suit you, but it’s a little further from here. Will you accompany me?”

“Of course, Lord Asher. I’m interested.” Benjamin stepped forward and strode after the other lord.

‘I almost assumed that Lily would have Lord Asher’s attention all day, but luckily that isn’t the case. In fact, it’s almost like Lily is quite behaved all by herself thanks to the book that Lord Asher gave her… er, a coincidence?’ Benjamin thought. ‘I mean, Lily never reads any of the books I give her and would rather do gardening, but now her book’s all covered up in that book. It’s almost impressive.’

“Lord Benjamin?”

“P-Pardon, Lord Asher?” Benjamin blinked and realized that he might have missed some things that the other lord said.

“Ah, I was just checking. You seem concerned with your sister, it seems.” Lucius said. “I hope that my acts did not seem uncouth and untowardly towards Miss Lily.”

“Do not worry about it, Lord Asher,” Benjamin said, then caught himself. “I mean, I greatly appreciate your concern and kindness earlier, Lord Asher. Lily has been… well has experienced some unpleasant situations similar to that of yours.”

“I see, you must be speaking about the noble ladies…” Lucius muttered.

“Ah, forgive me for bringing that up.” Benjamin apologized. “I would like to talk about the topics that you wish to, Lord Asher. What kind of books did you have in mind?”

“Business books. Merchant ones. You spoke about your interest in creating a business of your own, did you not?” Lucius carefully selected some titles from the shelf. “These are some anecdotes, stories and even real advice that I’ve found most useful.”

Benjamin’s eyes widened. ‘Lord Asher remembered my pleas back then. It’s been weeks ago and I scarcely mentioned it but he remembers that detail well enough. Wait, I have to say something.’

“My father says that all of these books are nothing but fluff inside of my head unless I were to go out and put myself out there, Lord Asher.” 

“Application is indeed necessary.”

“And yet the fact remains that my father, er, Baron Hugh won’t do anything to assist me unless he sees it as feasible. It’s rather frustrating.”