"Despicable and shameless, you deliberately increased my workload so I wouldn't have time with Emilia, just to take advantage and win her favor. Don't even think about it!"
Natsuki Subaru slammed his hand on the table, his anger evident.
"I said I would compete fairly with you, and I will. If you don't believe me, then starting tomorrow, we'll take turns pursuing Liya, one day each, and neither of us may interfere. Do you dare?"
Lucien's demeanor remained calm and upright, far from any trace of villainy.
"What's there to fear? You said it," Lucien replied, slowly taking a bite of the food on his plate.
"I will never give Emilia to you, and don't even think of harming her," Subaru said, leaning forward, his icy gaze unwavering.
"Liya is my destiny, I love her deeply. Tomorrow, will you go first, or shall I?" Lucien asked, deliberate and composed.
"I'll go first," Subaru said impatiently.
"Good," Lucien nodded without argument, turning to Ram and Rem.
"Miss Ram, Miss Rem, please tell me where the kitchen is," he requested.
Ram silently pointed to the left.
"Miss Ram will support me, right?" Lucien asked, standing and ready to cook instant noodles for Emilia. Women should be cared for at all times.
"Ram offers no opinion," she replied calmly, much to Subaru's growing unease.
"How heartless, we clearly went through life and death together," Lucien feigned sadness as he left the dining table for the kitchen.
Ram's lips twitched ever so slightly, almost imperceptible.
Rem frowned briefly, glancing at Ram, then back at Lucien, curious about her thoughts.
---
Ten minutes later.
Lucien stood outside Emilia's door, holding a bowl of pickled cabbage and beef noodles.
"Who is it?" Emilia's slightly panicked voice came from inside.
"Liya, it's me!" Lucien called softly.
Inside, there were thuds from Emilia moving about.
A minute later, she opened the door, hesitant to meet Lucien's eyes, but her face brightened when she saw the noodles.
"Ram said you didn't want to eat… how could that be?" Lucien asked, holding the bowl with care.
"It's not good for a girl's skin to go hungry. I personally cooked instant noodles for you, hurry and eat them while they're hot," Lucien added, staying just outside her room.
"En, thank you." Emilia's face flushed slightly as she accepted the noodles, shy and delicate in her silk pajamas.
"Liya," Lucien said, suddenly apologetic.
"What is it?" Emilia asked, blinking.
"I'm sorry. Mr. Natsuki Subaru and I decided on our own to pursue you one day each. I apologize for not getting your permission first."
"I'm not treating you as a commodity, but I want to compete fairly with Mr. Natsuki Subaru. I hope you won't be angry with me," Lucien continued sincerely, showing his genuine concern.
Emilia's initial irritation faded upon seeing Lucien personally cook for her and offer this apology.
"I… I forgive you!" Emilia stammered, blushing, and prepared to close the door.
She was embarrassed from crying earlier and had avoided meals, which explained her earlier refusal.
"Liya." Lucien's voice stopped her, and she looked up with a blank, adorable expression.
"You are truly beautiful," he said, his amethyst eyes reflecting sincerity and warmth.
Emilia's cheeks deepened in color, her heart racing.
Lucien's strategy: small surprises and compliments to make her blush and feel appreciated.
The door slammed shut with a "slam!"
Emilia leaned against it, chest heaving, earlobes already flushed red.
"Liya, tomorrow is Mr. Natsuki Subaru's day. I will not lose to him," Lucien murmured as he walked away.
Once the footsteps faded, Emilia exhaled in relief.
"Puck, what are you doing?" Emilia said, regaining her composure, seeing Puck appear mischievously.
"I saw it all, He cares about you a lot! Perhaps you really are his destiny," Puck said, following through on his promise to be a "traitor" for the day.
"Puck, have you been bribed?" Emilia asked, noticing his unusual behavior.
"How… how could that be!" Puck whistled, embarrassed and guilty, completely revealing himself.
"Puck, you're a traitor," Emilia said, puffing her cheeks in mock anger, holding the noodles as she tried to chase him.
The two dashed around, exchanging information about measurements, hobbies, and preferences in playful chaos.
---
The night passed without further incident.
Early the next morning, everyone gathered for breakfast, except Roswaal, Betty, and Lucien.
Natsuki Subaru, eager to impress Emilia, was ready to perform, his excitement like a bursting force.
"Where's Uranus?" Emilia asked, noticing the empty seat opposite her.
"He went to the Town," Ram replied calmly, recalling that Lucien had left early, telling her she didn't need to prepare breakfast for him.
"What is he doing in the Town? Will he encounter…?" Emilia worried, fearing Lucien might meet enemies from their earlier attacks.
"Lady Emilia need not worry. Though he isn't exceptionally strong, he is extremely good at escaping," Ram said with calm assurance.
Emilia chuckled, recalling Lucien's smug expression when he had boasted about his escape skills.
"Emilia-chan, that guy is a glutton! He eats six hundred portions in one meal! He practically wants to work Ram, Rem, and me to death!" Subaru exclaimed.
"Six hundred portions?" Emilia's eyes widened.
"Rem and I can manage it," Ram added quietly, giving Subaru a subtle glance.
Compared to the polite and cheerful Lucien, Subaru's presence felt abrasive.
"Ram, six hundred portions!" Subaru's jaw dropped.
"Rem and I can handle it," Rem said coldly, ignoring Subaru, her disdain clear.
Subaru's strong Witch's Scent confirmed his status as a cultist.
Breakfast ended somewhat tensely.
It was now Subaru's turn to attempt to capture Emilia's attention, but his constant fawning failed to make an impression, leaving him frustrated.
---
As the sun set and red clouds streaked the sky, Lucien drove a cargo cart pulled by a bruised, fearful lizard through a distant road.
He held the reins tightly, a cart behind him filled with various gifts.
Entering the forest, he frowned subtly.
From time to time, the bodies of demonic beasts or Witch Cultists appeared, reminding him of the dangers that lurked ahead.