Chapter 150: We Are Defiers (1/2)

Nikolai got to see her as she stepped out of the wagon. It was a different person than the one he met in the vision, but he knew this was another persona of hers. Lilith wore a black dress that stole the light and admiration of anyone who saw it.

”My uncle wants you to accompany her,” sighed Maria. ”It seems she is interested in the ritual, and you are the best person to guide her, Lyle.”

”I doubt that is the only reason,” sighed Nikolai. ”However, this is also a part of my duty. Don't worry, your highness. I will make sure she is welcomed.”

”Thank you,” Maria smiled at him. ”And I told you to call me by my name,” she pinched him intimately as she left the balcony.

Nikolai followed her with his gaze, wondering how she had the nerve to touch him. However, it was all going according to his plan. As he turned, his eyes met Lilith's eyes, who was walking on the gravel path.

”Time to go into the belly of the beast.”

***

”You must be Lyle,” said Lilith. ”I am a friend of Master Edward, and you can call me Miss Aya,” she offered her hand, and Nikolai took it.

His palm was sweating beneath his gloves, and his stomach turned. This was the first time he was this close to her since she tortured him to get the system.

”It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Aya,” Nikolai kissed her hand lightly, and he saw her lips curve upward. It was a sickening feeling, but he could not deny her beauty wearing a black dress and mask.

”I see that our attire is quite similar,” she said while eyeing his black suit, headband, and gloves. ”It is a shame that we are wearing masks.”

”I appreciate the anonymity,” Nikolai smiled. ”After all,” he turned toward the crowd. ”I do not want to be seen by these nobles.”

”As Master Edward said,” she chuckled, ”you are a breath of fresh air. I am glad to have you for tonight,” Lilith said with a smile as one of the nobles approached them.

”Countess Aya!” he exclaimed. ”I did not think you would be attending. Words have that you are studying alchemy to succeed your father. May his soul rest in peace.”

Lilith only smiled in response, and the noble found himself in an awkward position. Before he could recover, flocks of noblemen gathered around them.

Nikolai watched with interest, as this was another persona that she had forged. He got to know from the chattering crowd that she was the daughter of an alchemist and a countess of this kingdom. However, she remained unmarried, and this made her quite desirable by every nobleman.

”I am quite interested in Lord Vyxas,” Lilith announced. ”That is why I came here today. I would love to hear your opinions about the ritual, dear noblemen.”

Her voice was flirtatious, and it made their blood boil. The noblemen glared at each other before they each sang praises of Vyxas, making sure to stab at each other's knowledge while doing so.

Nikolai could tell that none of them had any concrete information about this god, and it was apparent. However, Lilith listened attentively before turning toward him.

”Do you have a story to add, Retainer Lyle?” she asked, and the noblemen turned to look at him, noticing his existence just now. ”I heard that you are quite knowledgeable about the matter,” she smiled sweetly. Nikolai only smiled because he knew that she was trying to make him hated.

”I am unable to compete with the finest men in our kingdom,” he gestured toward the noblemen, and they all straightened their backs with smiles of approval. ”You have already listened to the wisest, and only a fool would think he can add more.”

Nikolai met her eyes, and they were squinting in a smile. They both knew that Nikolai was lying, and he was only buttering these nobles to avoid their hate.

”I see,” she turned to them and ignored his existence, and Nikolai used this chance to withdraw from the crowd. However, Lilith had just arrived, and their interaction made him sure that she would seek him later.

As he went to the balcony again, Saint Maria passed by without acknowledging him. As he stared at her departing back, he wondered why she looked so upset.

Nikolai went toward the balcony and found a young man staring at the moon. As he heard his footsteps, Lucas turned to Nikolai and smiled helplessly.