Location: Lucifer Castle, Courtyard
Vaelith stood with his back straight, watching as the sun dipped behind the mountains. His mind—still connected to the memories of his past life—drifted in and out of reality. But today was different. Grayfia Lucifuge, the young girl with silver hair and pale eyes, had come to visit. She was just a year older than him, but already her aura radiated an intense sense of discipline and strength, traits instilled by her noble lineage.
The Lucifuge family, long-time allies to the Lucifer House, had always maintained a close bond with the Livan bloodline. Grayfia's father, Lord Lucifuge, had even arrived a day earlier to discuss matters of the house's future. But the real reason Grayfia had come was far more personal.
For some time now, Lilith had been grooming the young Grayfia as a potential protector and confidante for Vaelith. Lilith had a certain fondness for the girl, seeing potential in her that others might overlook. She was calm, collected, and fiercely loyal—yet, there was an underlying vulnerability hidden beneath her cold demeanor.
Today, Vaelith would be the one to test that.
Standing in the courtyard, Vaelith tilted his head slightly as he gazed at Grayfia, who stood with perfect posture, her hands clasped behind her back. She had been watching him for a while now, though her expression remained impassive as always.
Finally, Vaelith broke the silence. "Grayfia?" he called out to her, his voice playful yet curious.
The girl stiffened but responded with her usual formality, "Yes, my Lord Vaelith."
She had always called him by his title, a reminder of her role—of the distance that should exist between them. But Vaelith wasn't interested in the distance.
He tilted his head again, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously. "what if I asked you to be something more to me?"
For the first time, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her eyes.
"More?" she echoed, confusion evident in her voice.
Vaelith's smirk deepened as he leaned in slightly. "Yes. Something more than just a tool of the house. Something more than just a soldier of Lucifuge. What if I wanted you to be something closer?"
Grayfia's mind raced, her training clashing with the unexpected nature of his question. She had been raised to uphold the highest standards of duty and honor, not to engage in such… personal matters. But the unspoken understanding in his words confused her. She had never been asked to be anything other than an obedient servant.
He watched her carefully, knowing that he was crossing a line—one that would likely unsettle her. But this was the way of things in this world. Power and influence weren't just handed out; they were won.
Before Grayfia could respond, Vaelith took a step closer and reached up to gently place a hand on her silver hair, ruffling it with a casualness that sent a shockwave of surprise through her.
Grayfia stiffened immediately, the sudden touch feeling foreign against her disciplined mind. She had always been taught to remain poised, cold, and composed—emotions were weakness, and no one in her family had time for weakness. But this boy—this young Lucifer—was not like the others.
Her eyes widened, the cool mask she had worn for so long beginning to crack, just a little.
"You're too stiff," Vaelith said softly, shaking his head. "We'll be together for a long time, won't we? No need to act like some ice statue."
A faint pink flush dusted her pale cheeks. Was that embarrassment? Surprise? It was impossible to tell for certain, but Grayfia's mind scrambled to regain control.
She lowered her head slightly, her voice soft but respectful. "…As you say, my Lord."
Vaelith chuckled under his breath, thoroughly enjoying the reaction he had drawn from her. The girl's rigidity fascinated him.
Behind them, Lilith couldn't hold back a soft giggle, her eyes dancing with amusement as she watched the interaction unfold. Lord Lucifuge, standing quietly to the side, smiled knowingly. It was clear that the bond between Vaelith and Grayfia would be something to watch closely—an unexpected, but powerful connection was beginning to form.
Vaelith glanced at her, his golden eyes sparkling with a mischievous light. "You're far more interesting than I expected, Grayfia."
She merely nodded, her stoic expression returning, but the faint blush on her cheeks remained.
For now, she would remain his protector, his ally. But as time passed, who knew what this relationship would evolve into?
Grayfia Lucifuge had been born into a world of duty, but now, thanks to Vaelith, she was beginning to realize there was more to life than duty alone. There was room for something deeper.
And that, Vaelith thought to himself, would be worth watching unfold.