Chapter 53 - 52: Secret

Chapter 53: Chapter 52: Secret

Looking at that smiling, chubby face, Lilia maintained her usual outward composure, but internally, she felt somewhat impatient. Declan Marlo had not left a good first impression on her, and she wanted nothing to do with him. So what if he was a Marquis? A Marquis from Ovis was completely useless in Lien. At least, he was useless to her. It was a pity Caius was not here; otherwise, it would have been absolutely impossible for this kind of person to appear before her.

"Mr. Marlo." No matter what she thought in her heart, Lilia’s etiquette was impeccable. "What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to meet you here."

Marlo chuckled, sounding exceptionally hearty.

This was no "coincidence." He had gone to great lengths to find out Lilia’s identity from Theodore, and after several twists and turns, he obtained the news that Count Beaumont would be hosting a banquet at his suburban vineyard tonight. He immediately realized that as long as he came here today, he would be able to see her. Theodore was clearly interested in Lilia as well, but for Declan Marlo, fighting over a woman with someone else was not a first. Taking advantage of Theodore being tied up by a group of nobles, it naturally came down to whoever seized the opportunity first getting what they wanted.

"Last time we were out, we left a bit hurriedly." Marquis Malo took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "I wonder if Miss Sifris has any free time today?"

"I apologize, Mr. Marlo," Lilia smiled. "I came here to fetch something the Countess requested. The ladies are waiting, so I must excuse myself."

"Oh, of course, of course." Marquis Malo put on an understanding expression. "The ladies’ requests must certainly be met as soon as possible. No matter how elegant and poised they usually appear, they can always be rather impatient in certain regards." After saying this, he gave what he thought was a humorous smile, showing absolutely no intention of making way.

"Since Miss Sifris is busy right now, may I reserve some of your time after the banquet?" Marquis Malo took another step forward. "When the dead of night approaches, we can get to know each other a little more intimately..."

Lilia was left speechless. Even with her good temper, she couldn’t help but drop her smile at this moment. The man’s burly body blocked her path, making it clear that he wouldn’t let her leave unless she agreed. She took a deep breath, prepared to use Count Beaumont’s name directly to get out of this. She was just about to speak when someone nearby suddenly called her name.

"Lili."

The voice was clear and bright, like a gentle spring breeze carrying the warm radiance of the sun. Lucian, holding the roast venison and wine that Lilia needed, intervened between the two of them with utmost naturalness. "The meat is freshly roasted. Please help deliver it to the ladies."

Lilia didn’t hesitate, immediately taking the out that Lucian had offered her.

Marquis Malo watched helplessly as the girl left, the curve of his lips instantly freezing. He instinctively wanted to chase after her, but the blond, blue-eyed young man took a step forward, blocking his way. Marquis Malo cursed under his breath. He had waited a long time for an opportunity to approach Lilia, only to have it ruined by the young man in front of him with just a few words. Even a good-tempered person wouldn’t be able to tolerate it, let alone someone like him, who was never a gentle or kind person to begin with.

"Get lost!" His disguised gentlemanly demeanor fading, Marquis Malo’s voice turned sharp. "What kind of nobody are you, daring to block my way?!"

"My apologies, sir," Lucian maintained his smile. "That way is the ladies’ area. Male guests are forbidden from approaching."

"Where the fuck did this rule come from?!"

"It is a rule of the Beaumont family." Lucian was neither servile nor overbearing. "Since you are a guest, you should abide by the host’s rules. That is basic courtesy, is it not, Marquis Malo?"

Marlo choked on his words. He wanted to curse "bullshit." He had never seen this kid before; he was probably just some waiter bluffing using Count Beaumont’s name. But trespassing into the ladies’ area was indeed considered somewhat impolite in Lien. Even if he was unwilling to accept it, he could only hold his tongue for now. He couldn’t exactly go to Count Beaumont and ask him face-to-face if he had set a rule forbidding male guests from approaching the ladies’ area, could he? That would be an open provocation in front of all the nobles. After all, Lady Beaumont and Lilia weren’t the only ones in the ladies’ area; the female family members of all the nobles present were there. No matter how arrogant Marlo was, he wasn’t stupid enough to pit himself against so many nobles.

The angrier he felt, the more murderous Marquis Malo’s gaze became as he looked at Lucian. He let out a heavy snort and was just about to turn and leave when he suddenly noticed something. Blond and blue-eyed appearances were not uncommon in Lien, but the contours of this guy’s facial features, and the first impression he gave at a glance... He felt somewhat familiar.

Marquis Malo’s footsteps paused. "What is your name?"

"Lucian," Lucian said with a smile. "Lucian Williams."

"Lucian?" Marquis Malo furrowed his brow. This name... he seemed to have heard it somewhere before.

Lucian did not stay long, making an excuse that he had matters to attend to and taking his leave. Lost in his memories, Marquis Malo did not stop him and allowed him to leave.

Even when he returned to the Second Prince Theodore’s side, he was still pondering this question. Theodore had finally managed to extricate himself from the encirclement of nobles. He was currently staring longingly at the ladies’ area, yet he still hadn’t found a suitable opportunity. Seeing Marquis Malo return, he asked with feigned nonchalance, "Where did Mr. Marlo go just now? I haven’t seen you for quite a while."

Marquis Malo was immersed in his own thoughts and originally wanted to brush him off with a casual remark, but the moment he saw Theodore, a sudden realization dawned on him. He remembered! He realized why the name Lucian felt familiar and why he felt like he had seen him somewhere before. That young man’s appearance bore some resemblance to the King of Ovis. The contours of his eyes and brows, in particular, looked as if they were cut from the same mold. Marlo had abundant experience dealing with illegitimate children, so his mind immediately jumped to that possibility. With that connection made, the name Lucian naturally popped into his mind.

Lucian...

If he remembered correctly, the Sixth Prince who died in that political struggle thirteen years ago was named Lucian!

Was it a coincidence? Or could it be... they were the exact same person?!

"Your Highness Theodore." Marquis Malo’s tone turned serious. "I would like to ask you about something."

Theodore didn’t understand why he suddenly had such a drastic change in demeanor, but he still nodded. "Please go ahead."

"Regarding Lucian Williams... what do you know about him?"

"Lucian."

Lilia and Lady Beaumont saw off the last female guest together, and then Lilia walked over to Lucian. She stood on her tiptoes and glanced around. "Are you guys finished over here?"

"Just about." Lucian smiled. "What’s wrong?"

"The Countess asked if you want to stay the night." Lilia truthfully relayed Lady Beaumont’s question.