Chapter 16.5: Lucas.

Kein's POV

I sat down on the nearby porch as my feet swayed back and forth, my eyes focused on the pages of the book of the one Lenard lent me, [Herbs All Around Us Volume I].

He was generous enough to even lend me the book that his father gave to him to help with my shampoo research. "It's not going well though."

There isn't any plant that I need to change the color of the shampoo, a plant similar to soap nuts, and a plant I need that will be an alternative for lavender or just a plant that will smell good.

I scratch my hair in frustration making it a little ruffled as the thought of no solutions made me cranky. "Another problem is that this book is only [Volume I] meaning there are hopefully other volumes that might help me but Lenard doesn't have it... because I know if he did he'll give it to me in a heartbeat."

And the last problem is where am I going to get them?

Agh should I make do with what I have here? Or somehow... ask for favors from other people?

I should visit Baron Hills one of these days. I pondered...

When you're stuck, travel around and talk to other people that might help.

Hmm... "[Storage Ring]."

I took out the seal to use in delivering letters for the royal family. "Right, I should consider. Maybe the princess would-"

I stopped my words, realizing how desperate I sounded. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and closed the book I was reading. I should take it easy, thinking too much will pop one of my veins out. "I need to take a break."

"Huh? And who said you can take a break? Kein."

I turn around quickly hiding the royal seal back into my [Storage Ring] to hope that he didn't see any of that. "What do you want, Lucas?"

I stood up from the porch and faced him, my expression? I was pissed. Out of all the people in the mansion he's also one of the fuckers that I don't want seeing today.

Lucas gave me a grin as he wrapped his arms around my neck. I almost lost my balance.

"Huh? And why can't I check up on our little helper today? Big brother Lenard is not here to protect or defend your sorry little life." (Lucas)

I glared at him as I pushed his arm out with force from my neck and clicked my tongue in annoyance. I can't believe he's Lenard's twin brother. They really are different.

"I can defend myself even if Lenard is not here, Lucas." I told him, my stubborn spirit not backing down.

Excuse me, I'm a forty year old woman mentally and to be ordered around by a spoiled little brat like Lucas is going to wound my pride and teachings. Kids like him should be disciplined and I mean the Asian way. I would grab a stick and smack the fuck out of him until he learns what did he do wrong.historical

Lucas stopped grinning to finally look at me as expected with hate, "Don't get too full of yourself, Kein. I heard from my father you managed to score a meeting with the first princess, now that's no easy feat."

I scoff, "So what of it?"

Lucas steps forward as he replies, "Tell me how you did it. Did you bribe Lord Vincent for it? But I doubt a commoner like you could offer anything valuable. Heh."

I almost laughed, "Yeah a commoner like me with no utter value met with her highness the first princess but look at you. A Viscount's son but couldn't even ask a favor with the son of the Duke Wolford. I wonder who's having the last laugh here Lucas?"

I had to stifle my giggles at how ironic this was but not until I saw Lucas clench his fist as he opened his mouth to retort, "Shut up! Just tell me!"

"Oh. So your father can finally notice little Lucas who tries his best at being... well something. I don't know, being an ass? Your father will be indeed greatly proud of that." I told him and out of nowhere he grabs me by my wrist and raises his hand.

"I summon thee fire that will burn a path to which I shall chase, [Fire Magic: Flame]." (Lucas) casted a spell to a big flame and casted it down to my eye level. "If you don't tell me, I'll burn your wrist again. We don't want that now do we?"

I struggled to break myself but decided why not? "Sure, inflicting pain on me won't make me talk though."

Lucas's gaze went down to my other hand where I was holding the book that Lenard lent me. "Oh shoot-"

"Hargh!" (Lucas) yelled as he yanked the book out of my hands and placed it over the burning flame.

"Don't you dare you-"

Lucas made me stop talking as the book got closer to the flame, burning the cover a little but he retrieved it quickly while having a satisfied expression on his face, "Now what got you all worked up? This book seems valuable, and I recognize this volume." (Lucas) turns the pages as he reads the title.

"[Herbs All Around Us Volume I]. This is Lenard's. Don't tell me he lent it to you. He will never ever forgive you, if he finds out his precious book got burnt. After all, father gave this to him on our twelfth birthday." (Lucas) looked at the book as if recalling something horrible that made him tore a page and burnt it into the flames from his hand.

"Lucas!" I yelled as I ran to grab the book back but he took advantage of my anger and caught me off guard. Lucas kicks me by the side and hits me with the book in my face. The pain was so much that I could taste my own blood near the side of my lip. I must've bitten it by accident and now it's bleeding.

I placed a hand on the side that Lucas kicked as I was kneeling into the ground in pain trying not to howl or let any sound out because I know he'll take that as something to be satisfied and proud about. His reflexes are getting better, damn those swordsmanship training!

They're creating a monster.

Lucas sighs as he kneeled down and grabbed my hair up, "Who knew you were this weak? I mean I expected you to last a little more longer you know?"

He looks at the book and then at me, "Such a shame. If only you could tell me how you managed to sway Lord Vincent maybe then I won't have to do anything bad with this book."

I clenched my teeth and grinned, "Even if I told you how. I know you'll still burn that book because... tsk you hate Lenard and you hate me. You won't give a shit if I tell you anything."

He thinks for a bit until I feel the roots of my hair being pulled out in great force, "Talk back again. I dare you." (Lucas)

I grabbed his hands as I tried to mutter out my last words before I faint. "You... have... daddy issues."

I couldn't help but give him a middle finger and Lucas's face went bright red after I said that and boy was it worth it. "You. Little. Bitch." (Lucas)

"You little- that hurts!" I screamed as I tried punching him but I missed.

"You're going to learn how to obey people that's above you. If not by orders then with force." (Lucas)

I couldn't take the pain as tears almost went out of my eyes but it was just so... painful. I had trouble breathing. my heartbeat was going everywhere as I failed several attempts to break free but he kept pulling my front hair hard. "H-Help..."

"No one's going to help you-" (Lucas)

"Lucas. What the hell are you doing?"

"Huh? And who are you to stop me from having fun-" (Lucas) turns around in shock he immediately lets go of my hair and kneels, "L-Lord Vincent."

My body couldn't last as I thumped into the floor, somehow tired but I felt Vincent's hand and saw his worried expression on his face. "This is shameless, despicable, and horrible. How dare you lay a hand on a lady like this?!" (Lord Vincent)

"My lord- We were just playing- fooling around! Believe me!" (Lucas) yelled in a panic, trying to sway Vincent to his side but it was no use.

Lord Vincent carried me in his arms as he walked slowly, looking at Lucas in his direction with disappointment. "I will tell your father about this. I will make sure you won't go unpunished."

Lucas's face was filled with fear. Lord Vincent saw the book in his hands and took it from him as well. "I remember you don't like books so this must be Kein's. Good day." (Lord Vincent)

Vincent walks out of that place with me as I try to speak, "W-Why are you here?" I held onto my sides that Lucas kicked, hurting a little when I tried to talk. Agh. That little rascal definitely did a number on me.

His eyes looked onto me worriedly as he replied, "You aren't done with my favor in helping you meet with the first princess right? My father wants his portrait to be done in the next three days so I've come to visit you. I wasn't expecting what I saw..."

I laugh and my sides hurt again, "Don't worry. It happens way too often that I've gotten used to it."

"I-It happens often?" (Vincent) stopped walking as he glared at me. "And you just took it?!"

I nod, "What can a mere commoner like me can do after all? I have no parents. I need to have a home for a while or else I might sleep in the street. I don't have a job, sure I paint but the housing or renting places are expensive."

Vincent sighs, "If I took you in with me it would be a problem. Rumors might escalate and I would have to explain to father but- if you make a good impression on him in the next few days."

"So you're saying he might make me stay out for a job?"

"Indeed. So will you try gaining my father's support?" (Vincent) suggested and I thought it over for a moment. Having a Duke in my corner would help...

"Sure but I won't get my hopes up okay? Also you can let me down now, Vincent. I think I can walk..."

"Apologies, my father taught me- if you see a damsel in distress in need of help that couldn't walk. Carry them." (Vincent)

"Why is your dad teaching you how to be a prince charming 101?" I ask him.

"I'm sure it's not a mere quality of a prince but he's teaching me how to be a fine gentleman instead." (Vincent)

"For some reason I can't wait to meet your dad."

Vincent smiles as he lets me down, "The feeling is mutual."