13 We cannot clap with only one hand 2 (1/2)

”Don't you think it's useless to deny now.”

Chalice said curtly, her tone tinged with frost. She knows she's not that knowledgeable when it comes to matters of this world. But heck, she was neither dense nor foolish to be underestimated so much.

She heard Luke clear his throat before answering in his deep voice, calm and gentle as a lake.

”My lady is quite clever.”

Chalice smiled pleasantly at his admittance, While she languidly took her seat, her pointed gaze stayed on Luke's person. He had exceeded Chalice's expectations. This man had become far too removed from the boy she had in her memories. She had previously seen him merely as the silent and timid younger brother of Lucy.

Looking at him now however, Luke had no trace of timidity in him at all. His form, though gentle- looking, exuded an air of sharpness. There was also this inexplicable enigma in his eyes. Chalice felt that Luke is not as simple as he looks. What simple man could manage a fief? Not to mention, that the said man is an orphan who had no concrete form of education.

”You patronize me.”

She said, her smile lingering. Chalice then put her hands together in her lap before turning serious.

”I have a request to make, Luke.”

The man looked at her silently, as if beckoning her to go on talking.

”As I have said, I'm a novice to the matters of the fief. I admit that. It is impossible to clap with one hand. Similarly, it is impossible for me to do this by myself. You have been administering the territory for a long time now. So, I would like to ask you for guidance. Will you be mine, Luke?”

Ah, she couldn't help it. Chalice had this undeniable impulse to tease, Luke. She deliberately phrased her question ambiguously. When she saw him stiffen up once again and his ears suspiciously reddining, Chalice figured it was time to stop.

”Will you be my right-hand man?”

She continued as clarification. Chalice chuckled internally when she saw Luke's unreadable expression. It was only after a long pause that the man seemed to have recovered. And his answer had completely surprised her.

”I am already yours, my lady. I am at your disposal.”

Chalice's heartbeat quickened as she met his darkened eyes. Those icy blue glinted with an unknown emotion. She couldn't help but gulp. This guy really isn't simple. He actually reciprocated her teasing. Except he did it with a straight face. The gentleness he exuded insinuated obscurity. Chalice collected herself, a wicked smile forming in her lips.