CHAPTER IV : A NEW LIFE

The pace of footstep is heard along the hallway of Castiello's residence, the Duke castiello has just arrived with a silver-haired girl who is none other than the future fiancée. Eve is now starting a new chapter of her life as the adopted daughter of Lorraine's family who has been running for almost two weeks. Her existence came as a surprise as Lorraine explained that this silver-haired girl was the daugther of Xiander's late sister who had died a long time ago.

Of course, this is all just an excuse of Lucas and Xiander working together to prepare Eve's identity as if it were the real thing. Lucas himself not only gave a nonsense, but Xiander truly have a younger sister named Griselda.

Griselda was a knight who married her childhood friend and the two were in the same team. Griselda and her husband died in the war while trying to protect British territory from goblin attacks[1], leaving behind their daughter who soon followed her parents due to violence received from her uncle, Griselda's husband's brother.

Lucas uses this fact because Griselda's daughter existence is unknown to anyone and the brother of the deceased husband already died, so Eve's identity can be arranged in detail without any peculiarities.

Eve has performed various routines in both Castiello and Lorraine's residences. Lucas did order Eve to occasionally visit Lorraine's mansion so as not to notice any oddities, although it is explained that Eve was hidden in Lorraine's family villa that located on Irland and returned to the Mansion to have an engagement with her childhood friend Lucas, the Duke Castiello. A neatly arranged scenario with no gaps indeed.

One of the routines Eve does while at Castiello's residence is to accompany the Duke who works while reading books from the mansion's library. Eve enjoys her activities because she can sees to various sides of Lucas that she finds interesting. She likes Lucas's serious expression when thinking even when he is upset because of the stupidity of some his subordinates as well as other nobles, She will instead hold back her giggle of seeing Lucas' face.

Eve also visited the mansion kitchen quite often to make snacks for the Duke, her skills are quite proficient for a nobleman in kitchen affairs even though she is no match for the cook there. However, Lucas likes her snacks, which will usually be accompanied by a cup of earl-grey tea[2] as his favorite tea. They will enjoy it all in the afternoon or when night falls.

Lucas is not much different since Eve is by his side, now that he has something that he thinks is fragile, the man seems much warier of his surroundings, moreover, he is a shadow of the kingdom that cleans up the rubbish from Britain, then the enemy can emerge from anywhere. So Eve's existence will be a weakness for him at least that's what the enemy thinks, and therefore Lucas orders his bodyguard and captain of Castiello's army named Eckart Robbaine to escort Eve.

But it turns out that Eve can surprise Lucas likes his sword-wielding skills. It all started when Lucas invited Eve to watch the training of Castiello's team after Eve accompanied him to finish some business. Eve looked excited when the knights of his subordinates dueled which make her look like a child in the eyes of the Duke.

And suddenly the girl asked permission to try to do a duel. Lucas and Eckart who heard it was just holding a laugh at the girl's innocence in front of them. Lucas originally only intended to accept it because he thought the girl's power would not be able to even hold a sword.

It is a pity that his guess misses knowing the silver-haired girl can grasp the sword and attack the female knight chosen to be her dueling opponent. Lucas does know that the girl is touted as the genius's lady, but she doesn't think the innocent and shy girl can use a sword expertly enough.

Eve smiles broadly as she drew her sword, laughs loudly while jumping, and avoids a stab from the opponent's sword, even repelling the attack still with a sweet smile. Everyone who watches the young lady's duel will surely agree that instead did a sword-dueling she looks like having a dance.

Lucas smiles proudly because his choice of picking up an abandoned cat will benefit him greatly. Lucas has a prospective companion who is just an ordinary human being, but almost perfect, not only her beautiful and charming looks but her intelligence, skills, and talents are also interesting.

"You're pretty good at swinging a sword as it turns out," said Lucas after Eve came over to him. Eve smiles shyly playing to her toe and cleared her throat.

"A-ah no, I'm sorry did I embarrass you? It's the first time I've tried to swing a sword," admit her while slightly ducking because of blushing.

Lucas chuckled at the girl's naivety in front of him, "Are you kidding Eve? It's impressive, even they applaud although you lose. But I'm sure with a little practice you can be as reliable as Eckart."

"Do you want to practice and hone it? It may be a little strange but you'll be able to-"

Lucas' s words is cut short when an excited Eve jumps up and hugs Lucas, so the girl drifts off because of their considerable height difference. Eve chuckled while constantly asking if Lucas meant it. While Lucas chuckles softly and nods repeatedly.

"Thank you so much, Lucas. I love you so much."

And then a cheers were heard from people who saw the romantic scene. A conscious Eve immediately releases her arms and wants to stay away but Lucas holds Eve's body and immediately holds her like a child. As a result, Eve's hands were on both of Lucas' shoulders and were getting flushed. The cheers grew louder as Lucas landed a small kiss on her blushing cheeks.

"You're welcome, I love you too."

Lucas smiles and returns to lower Eve who is still ducking because of the scene. After the lovey-dovey incident, Lucas immediately gave orders to his subordinates to resume their training activities, and the two left the training groun.

Eve who followed with a slow step in the back still ducked until her head felt hit something that hard and nothing but Lucas who has stopped walking. Eve catches a glimpse of Lucas and immediately turns her eyes away because her face feels very hot.

Lucas just sighs short with a slightly smile, then he takes one of Eve's hands, holding her to walk hand in hand still with Eve ducking shyly.

"You can start training under Eckart's guidance tomorrow if you want," said Lucas while still noticing the girl in front of him. Eve just nodded as she clearing her throat.

They are now relaxing enjoying Eve's snacks and tea in Lucas' workspace. Lucas, who had been watching Eve, still turned her eyes and only answered with her head. Lucas feels excited and has a sneaky idea for the girl. Lucas calls Gilbert with his finger gestures and gives instructions to stay put.

"Eve, did you enjoy today?" Eve just nodded.

"How is Lorraine's partner are they kind and friendly to you?" Eve still nods.

"Stay in the mansion tonight." Eve kept nodding quietly.

"Did you agree when it's the beginning of the month at the welcoming party upon your arrival we will announce our engagement," Eve replied still nodding.

"Really?" Eve's still a sned-out.

"Evelyna ..." Excited until finally Eve exclaimed yes and she ducked.

Bingo, Lucas cheered in heart.

Then Eve raised her head to see Lucas who had smiled broadly. She just got into a demon trap.

"You hear that Gilbert, call Erden and Xiander immediately to prepare for the party. Tell that we're going to announce our engagement there."

Eve turned her eyes and unknowingly rose from her seat making the two men in front of her stare at the girl.

"W-what wait, why all of a sudden? You haven't asked for my approval."

"I've asked you, baby," Lucas replied lightly while continuing his tea-drinking activities.

"I didn't answer it," chimed Eve while still standing.

Lucas smiles and asks Gilbert to approach, who is called only accordingly. "Did you see Eve say yes?"

Gilbert who glanced at the lady in front of him, smiled slightly and nodded. Eve feeling helpless, the girl covered her face and returned to sit while banging her head on the end of the table. The girl was so focused on the events of the day that she could never again focus on responding to Lucas, again in the folly of both today. She felt her habit with his late father was quite troublesome if someone managed to tear down a high wall in her heart.

Lucas laughs at the sight of his future fiancée in the middle of his folly, looking funny and ludicrous like playing a game with a child. Lucas gets up from his seat and walks towards Eve, placing himself at the table right in front of the girl. Lucas gently rubbed Eve's head, making the girl appear flushed with tears and slightly curly lips, that's was the girl's expression at that time.

"I'm sorry, you know I just want to take you as quickly as possible to my side. After all we just announced the engagement, for the wedding we can still negotiate." Lucas gives an understanding like a father who is explaining to his daughter.

"That's not too fast? What if people look at you badly because it seem to be in a hurry," Eve's squeaks in slow, Lucas takes Eve in his arms. Eve has been able to inhale her favorite scents in recent times.

"Who cares? I am the successor of Asmodian's leader, and only a fool will face a Duke and a demon king." Lucas chuckles as he wiggle their bodies to the right and left.

"Are you still upset?" asked Lucas glances at Eve who is still hiding her face.

"Evelyna ..." call Lucas slowly.

"Stop teasing me or I'll manage your intestines," threaten Eve who now replies to Lucas' glances from behind his arms. Lucas laughs back, again he is surprised by the other side of the girl in front of him who has a creepy side even though it's just a joke.

[1] The creature is evil and savage, able-bodied like a human, green-skinned, taper ears, fierce-faced and horrible. They like to kidnap babies and prey on humans.

[2] Black tea mixed with bergamot oil (a type of orange)