Harem System In A fantasy World - Chapter 254: No Way In hell

Chapter 254: No Way In hell

“We trust your time at the academy has been fruitful; however, there are matters within the court that require your attention.”

Celeste’s sharp gaze flicked toward the elder who had spoken, though she was not hostile about it.

“Of course there are,” she said plainly, and though her tone was neutral, there was a faint undertone that suggested she had expected as much the moment she set foot here.

“The situation with the southern territories has grown unstable, and there are factions within the noble houses that are beginning to test the boundaries of their loyalty,” he said, choosing his words carefully.

Lucius’s expression darkened slightly.

“She has just arrived,” he said calmly, though there was a subtle edge to his voice now, “and yet you are already speaking of responsibilities and unrest.”

The elders did not respond immediately, but their silence was telling enough.

“Forgive our forwardness, but.” One of them began as the other continued for him.

“Our liege is already aware of our troubles, and we had hoped that upon your return, you would begin to take a more active role in such matters, so that the transition in the future may be… smoother.”

Morgana chimed in, “The time is approaching when you will need to take on more responsibility, and while I would prefer to let you enjoy your time a little longer, circumstances may not allow it.”

“You will hold your tongues,” Lucius said sharply, his voice cutting through the air like a blade as he looked at the elders, and the authority behind it made even the atmosphere feel heavier.

The elders stiffened.

“I don’t know why I have to even say this to you, but your method of approach is very inappropriate. My daughter has just returned,” he continued, his tone low but carrying unmistakable irritation, “You speak as though she has not earned even a moment of reprieve.”

One of the elders stepped forward slightly, his expression respectful but firm.

“Your Majesty, we only meant—”

“I know exactly what you meant,” Lucius interrupted, his gaze hardening as he did not allow the man to finish, “and I also know that there will be a time for such matters, but that time is not now.”

There was a brief back and forth, as the elders attempted to justify themselves while Lucius shut down every attempt with increasing impatience, and it became clear very quickly that he was not willing to entertain this discussion any further.

“That will be all,” Lucius said, waving a hand dismissively, his tone brooking no argument, “you may leave.”

The elders exchanged glances, but none of them dared to push further, and one by one, they bowed slightly before taking to the air and departing, their figures disappearing into the dark sky as they left the courtyard behind.

Morgana was the last to leave, as the highest-ranking elder present, she had hoped to at least join in on whatever discussion the two would have with the princess, but the look she got from Lucius told her all she needed to know.

She left as well.

With them gone, the tension eased.

Lucius exhaled quietly, and without another word, he turned and began walking toward the towering black doors of Dreadmoor Castle, expecting Celeste and Lilith to follow, which they did without hesitation.

The three of them entered together. Two guards were stationed at the entrance. They opened the massive doors and closed them afterwards with a deep, echoing thud.

For a while, they walked in silence through the long, immaculate corridors of the castle, where polished black stone reflected faint glimmers of red light from the flame torches and the air carried a cool, still calmness, but it did not take long for Lucius to break that silence.

“So,” he began, his tone shifting again, the sternness fading as he glanced at Celeste, “how have you been?”

This time, he did not need to hold back.

The concern in his voice was no longer hidden behind formality, and the shift was so abrupt that it almost felt like two different people were speaking.

Lilith let out a soft laugh at the sight, unable to help herself as she watched the interaction unfold, especially because she could clearly see how annoyed Celeste was becoming despite her attempt to remain composed.

“…I already said I am well,” she replied, though there was a faint edge of irritation in her tone.

Lucius frowned slightly, clearly not satisfied with such a simple answer.

“That is not what I asked,” he said, his voice softer now but persistent, “I want to know how you truly are.”

Celeste sighed inwardly. ’Why is he so pushy. Argh, so irritating…’

She looked ahead, avoiding his gaze for a moment, and though she answered him, her response was brief.

“I am fine.”

And just like that, Lucius began bugging his daughter with numerous questions about her studies, how she spent her days and leisure time, and so on.

He did it so thoroughly that you would think he had not asked the same questions every time she returned home. At this point, Celeste had no choice but to answer his questions with haste; maybe that way, he might finally stop asking any more.

Lilith watched them quietly, her amusement fading slightly as her attention shifted more fully onto her daughter, because something felt… off.

She didn’t know if she was imagining things or not, but he daughter looked… Different.

She gazed at Celeste more closely, her eyes moving over her from head to toe, taking in every detail, every subtle change, every nuance in her posture and expression, and yet, no matter how closely she looked, she could not pinpoint anything specific.

’She looks the same…’

And yet—

’No…’

’There’s something that has changed about her.’

She just didn’t know what it was. A faint frown formed on Lilith’s face as her instincts screamed at her that something was amiss.

’What is this feeling…’ She gave it a long thought, but nothing came to mind. She shook her head slightly, almost reprimanding herself.

’Of course, she seems different, Lilith…’

’She is growing older.’

’And she is maturing.’

That had to be it. It made her feel proud as a mother. And yet, a part of her did not fully agree with her conclusion.

She pushed the thought aside for now.

The three of them continued walking through the long corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone, until they eventually arrived at a large leisure room, one furnished with deep black couches that looked impossibly comfortable.

There were also low tables arranged neatly around them, and footrests placed with deliberate care, creating a space that was both luxurious and very comfy looking.

Servants immediately followed them in, moving efficiently as they began to set out refreshments, trays of steaming tea, and an assortment of snacks placed carefully before them.

The snacks were… unusual to say the least.

There were dishes that resembled glossy black centipedes, their bodies segmented and gleaming as though carved from polished gemstone, though it was unclear whether they were truly crafted or the actual thing, and beside them were beetle-like delicacies arranged with similar care, their shells reflecting faint light.

Of course, there were also more familiar options.

Biscuits, cookies, muffins, and the like.

Though even those carried the same theme, each one was either colored in deep reds or blacks, fitting the aesthetic of the whole setting perfectly.

Celeste sat down gracefully, crossing one leg over the other as she reached for her cup, lifting it together with its small serving plate, and she took a slow sip of the steaming crimson liquid within, her eyes closing briefly as a look of satisfaction crossed her face.

“As always…” She commented, “Homemade tea is the best.”

“It is…”Lilith let out a soft laugh as she reached for her own cup of tea, lifting it delicately as the steam curled upward in thin wisps.

“”Your praise honours us”” The servants all responded at once to Celeste and Lilith’s comment.

Lucius watched the two of them quietly, his fingers resting against the arm of his seat as he seemed to gather his thoughts, and it was clear from the way his expression changed that what he was about to say did not come easily to him.

“…I may have reprimanded the elders,” he began slowly, his tone more serious now, “but they are not wrong.”

He spoke grimly, “Time is short.”

Celeste’s eyes flicked toward him, though she said nothing as she waited for him to go on. Lucius hesitated.

“…About the two options I gave you in the letter…” He continued, but then his voice faltered, and something unexpected happened.

He bowed his head.

The movement was so sudden and so out of place that both Lilith and Celeste froze instantly, their eyes widening in disbelief, because this was not just a father lowering himself before his daughter; this was a king bowing his head while servants were still present in the room.

“I’m sorry,” Lucius said, and this time there was no authority in his voice, no pride, no composure, only sincerity.

“I am a failure as a father… and as a ruler,” he continued quietly, “forcing you into a situation you never asked for, and relying on you when I should be the one doing more…”

He paused.

“…I really am useless.”

A heavy, uncomfortable silence filled the room as everyone stopped in their tracks.

Celeste did not respond immediately.

For a good ten seconds, she simply sat there, her mind still catching up, because no matter how she looked at it, this was not something she had ever expected from him.

But she had to say something before it became too awkward. She set her teacup down gently.

“You shouldn’t bow your head like that,” she said calmly in a steady tone, as if nothing unusual had happened, “it doesn’t look good when a monarch bows their head, even to their own blood.”

The way she said it, it seemed like she was reprimanding him, but since she had a light smile on her face that she hid with another sip of the tea, she felt otherwise.

Lucius slowly raised his head and simply looked at her, before a wry smile spread across his face.

“…Answered in true Celeste fashion, I see,” he said, letting out a small chuckle.

And just like that, the mood was light again. Celeste did not dwell on his apology or the matters he spoke of.

In her opinion, it was needless to dwell on the inevitable. She already knew what was expected of her, and she knew how she would respond.

“It should come as no surprise to you,” she began, “that I choose to undergo the bloodline trial.”

She paused slightly. “Because there is no way in hell I am going to marry that man.”

Her eyes sharpened dangerously.

The crimson within them seemed to swirl deeper, darker, as if something beneath the surface had stirred, and the intensity of it made both Lucius and Lilith stiffen slightly, their own eyes narrowing as they felt the shift.

They exchanged a silent, shocked glance.

’Why…?’

’Why is she reacting this strongly…?’

Something was not quite right. Did something happen between them in the academy?

Lucius’ thoughts immediately rushed to the most obvious conclusion, and his anger immediately flared, “Don’t tell me… Did that bastard try to force himself onto you!?”