Chapter 5

HALF UNEDITED & HALF EDITED 

~×At Home×~

 "I'm back!"

 ~°• Um host I would hate to break it to you buttt there's no people in the mansion... you live by yourself, excempting me ofcourse (⁰▿⁰) •°~

 "Oh come on don't be such a killjoy- I just do this a lot and besides I'm excited to test out the abilities of those gems!"

 ~°• oh! right the gems, shall we try it now Host?! •°~

 "Hm.... I would love to but maybe later, I gotta take a shower I feel sticky from all the sweat after practicing. Geez, so tiring..."

 ~°• Alright! I'll be in the changing room! •°~

 "Huh? Why?"

 ~°• I'll be transforming into my humanoid form, it would seem that it is more useful than just floating in the air while being invisible, I can't help you in some situations....•°~

 "Oh, then do you have some clothes ready?"

 ~°• Yes, got some from the closet that I think will fit me •°~

 "Alright, see you in 30 minutes"

 With that, Adrian ran off to take a warm bath in the bathroom.

~×After×~

 •| Hah... Taking a bath after training is the best! Where's my milk tho-.... |•

 "HOST!" Shouts Cleo.

 Turning around Adrian faces Cleo with half a smile.

 "Hm? Oh Cleo hey- HOLY GUACAMOLE"

 "What? Don't I look dashing host?" Cleo says pridefully. 

 "Dang, I didn't think you would be handsome in your humanoid form not as hot as me though"

 "....Thank you host- er young master ◝(⁰▿⁰)◜"

 "Wow even in a humanoid form you still use those emoticons huh- and how does that even work?"

(A/N: ye how does that work (⊙ȏ⊙)?)

 "That's a secret for me to know and for you to find out host ( ´◡‿ゝ◡')"

 "Oh... I'll be right back I'm going to search for my nightwears"

 Adrian sauntered towards the closet beside the bathroom door looking for clothes to wear.

 A while later he decided to go with the white silk nightwears on the corner.

 He quickly takes out the silk pajamas and strides inside the black dressing screen with golden frames.

 "I wonder how much would this dressing screen cost if I sell it"

 "Why would you need to sell it young master? It looks nice though (TwT)"

(A/N: Yes the system/Cleo will now be calling Adrian/Aki young master while they aren't talking telepathically, but when they are the system/Cleo would probably still use host)

 "For future use Incase I need to run away...."

 "..... The answer would be about 30k gold coins"

 "Eh that much for a single dressing screen, hmm not bad"

 "Yes it's all because of it's golden framing, it's was made by a famous woodworker and the design was embedded and inspired from a famous painting that the Red Queen made hundreds of years ago and it's still known and praised till now"

 "For real? This bouquet of roses design? You're not joking with me right?"

 "I'm not joking though young master...."

 ".... If what you say is true then I probably could sell this in an auction and get way more than 30k gold coins"

 "Ofcourse host, since nobles like to flaunt their wealths and the pieces that they have won in auctions or found in ancient places"

 "I see, well then Cleo can you pass me that black long sleeve silk shirt on the bed"

 "Ah yes, young master"

 Surprisingly they had this lengthy conversation while Adrian was putting on his Pajamas and Cleo arranging his bed.

 Once Adrian has finally worm his sleepwear he walks closer to his king sized bed and falls down face first onto the bed.

(A/N: sheesh that must've hurt 🤕 but it's not me sooo- meh)

 "Eh young master are you hurt?"

 "Nopwe, Iam twotwally fwine," Adrian says while face still planted on his new found victim, the poor pillow.

 Adrian raises his head and adjusts his position on the bed as he spoke to Cleo- he's new butler.

 "The bed is so cozy I wanna sleep here forever and never wake up"

(A/N: ah yes my boy, nice dream that is also my dream to sleep on a cozy bed and never wake up unless there's a new good manga/anime/Wattpad story (ÙwÚ)

 "Is it that cozy? I wanna try it too (TwT)"

 "Ah that reminds me, where will you be sleeping? In the servants quarters or here?"

 "I will be sleeping in the room next door and not in the servants quarters since it's closer to your room"

 "Ah I see, then we better wake up at 8 a.m by tomorrow, we have a lot of work to do, good night Cleo"

 "Yes you master, good night sleep well (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧"

 With that Cleo walks out of Adrian's room towards his new room.

 "Ah seriously how can he still use those lennyfaces, I might never know"

 *Sigh*

 •| Welp, big day tomorrow better prepare myself Incase I meet the Love interests again, I gotta sleep now-|•

 *Yawn*

 •| Goodnight self |•

~×The next day×~

 On a new morning after a beautiful thunderous rain at night. The bright sun awoke a beautiful scenery in it's passing branches was creaking, squirrels chattering, leaves rustling in the wind while it's whistling around the trees trunks birds singing, insects humming, rustles of bushes while animals are running around looking for food. 

 There inside a big mansion close to the city at the third floor by the window you can see a brown haired male with cute eyes and thin lips sleeping comfortably on his blue cotton sheets and on the right of the bed you can see a silver haired male with beautiful red orbs glimming with mischief as he pulls a little prank on the poor sleeping brunnet.

 "WAHHHH HOST YOU SCARED ME!"

 "You should've seen the look on your face, pwahahaha!"

 "Young master it's not funny (TwT)"

 "Fine geez, your now up anyways sleepy head and here I was thinking systems don't need sleep"

 "Young master in my humanoid form I am programmed to act just like a human being so I also sleep too (TwT)"

 "Alright alright, but you better get up now didn't I tell you today's a big day?"

 "Why's it a big day if we're just going to train again?"

 "What? No, we aren't we're going in disguise today and we're following the male lead and the protagonist"

 "Eh? Really what for?"

 "Based on the novel if I'm correct the male lead should still be faking his identity and the protagonist should be visiting a mansion to an old friend near the city"

 "Eh but didn't the protagonist saw that that old friend died when he came to visit?"

 "That's the point, we're going to find this old friend and see if there's anything worth in his mansion seeing as this old friend's family was connected to the Imperial family also"

 "Now get ready, we're going to find any possible evidences against the Male lead or the protagonist-"

*Ding - Dong*

 "Eh? Who is it? Who could be ringing the doorbell this early and especially in this desolate mansion?"

 " I have no idea young master why don't we check it out then?" Cleo says while putting on his butler outfit quickly.

 "Why don't you go first I'll be in my room, I'm going to look for some stuff"

 "Ah yes, then I'll be quick" Cleo walks towards the door and quickly walks towards the bug entrance of the mansion to look at who is bugging them this early in the morning.

 Who Cleo saw by the entrance completely shocked him out of his android mind as he didn't expect this certain person to visit them at all since they should just be minor mobs in the novel.

 Which person could have made our poor Cleo so shocked you may ask? Well, it's non other than the protagonist, Elijah Alistair. I mean- who else could it be? The emperor or something?

 Cleo was panic stricken by the sudden appearance of the protagonist of this world and therefore his reaction to his visit was a bit delayed and he had to stand there awkwardly for a few seconds...

 "Uh... Hello? Are you there mister?"

 Cleo, clearly awaken in an instant after the protagonist —Elijah's actions woke him up in his day dream. He hurriedly tried to apologize for his mistake.

 "Oh- Oh! I'm sorry actions I did not sleep comfortably last night so my reaction is a bit delayed today please pardon my actions and do come in I shall tell the young master that you are here"

 "That will be much appreciated and it's fine, it's not like you tried to stab me or anything"

 Elijah said jokingly to try and lighten up the mood but clearly the brunnet butler was confused and disturbed instead.

 "Ah ahaha... Uhm, I'll just go and take a seat...."

 Apparently it's the only way for Elijah to escape the awkward mood and just decided to sit tight and stay silent while waiting for Adrian.

 Cleo served Elijah a cup of Dancha tea to warm himself up from the slightly cold wind from outside, and walked far away from Elijah to see him ignore etiquette as he turned to a corner he immediately rushed towards Adrian's room bolting on his doors.

 "Host!"

 "What?"

 "You won't believe who I just saw at the entrance and is now sitting comfortably at the parlor downstairs!"

 "Who?!"

 "The protagonist! Elijah! Elijah damned Alistair!"

 "What the fuck? Why's he here? Shouldn't he be going on a trip to a childhood friend's house today?"

 "I have no idea why he's here either!"

 "Eh? Uh... stay calm and just act natural. If my memory serves me right then- I should be the childhood best friend of the protagonist... I suppose? Its only a probability since he's supposed to visit them on this exact same date"

 "......"

 Adrian contemplated as Cleo just stood there frozen in place as he heard Adrian's words. Adrian swiftly fixed his gaze unto Cleo's shocked face.

 "Don't tell me... You also didn't know about this arrangement?"

 Adrian did not receive a single word of confirmation through the system's mouth. Cleo still stood there, shell shocked with an unfocused mind.

 ".....Cleo? Cleo?! Cleo! Did you thoroughly check this body's background and past or not?"

 "Eh? Uh ah? Well... I did dig out about his family but not about friends as the original owner doesn't go to social gatherings.....but he is indeed a bit outgoing! So it should be fine! I think..."

 "...."

 "...."

 "We'll talk about this another time, we shouldn't keep the guest waiting"

 •| Now for the long awaited meeting with the protagonist of this world...|•

 Adrian and Cleo exited the master's bedroom and walked through the hallways to get to the parlor where the so called protagonist awaits their presence.

 As Adrian faced through the huge wooden doors that lead directly towards the parlor, he stood Infront and just stood there for a few minutes to compose himself before he entered and met the protagonist, when Adrian finally decided to enter he was greeted by the enthusiastic response from the other party.

 "Ah! Adrian! Long time no see buddy I heard you were a bit sick yesterday, I was worried what happened? You even fired all your servants! I thought you were about to die or something!"

 •| well if he isn't a blabbermouth huh...|•

 ~•° No comments host °•~

 "It is indeed nice to see you again uhm... Elijah, it's been so long how have you been?" 

 "I'm doing well! I even met a new friend yesterday while I was at the plaza, well how about you? Don't pretend your fine one of your maids told me you were good as dead yesterday when I came back home!"

 "Eh, she did? How cheap, well it's fine it's not like I'm dead or anything I'm in good health now, I was just a bit feverish yesterday"

 •| That sh*tty maid! How could she just because she was fired she spreads rumors! But I can't blame her the og owner's already dead anyways.... |•

 "Ah is that so? I'm glad to hear that, why don't we visit the new pastry shop at the plaza today? I heard they had good sweets there!"

 "That would be lovely, why don't I get myself ready first. Would it be alright for you to wait for a moment?"

 "Ofcourse! Go ahead and change I heard it was going to be a bit windy today"

 "Alright, no wonder you're in such thick clothing. Well thank you for the tip, I'll be back in a few minutes"

 "Don't worry take your time! I'll just be waiting here drinking tea"

 Adrian stood up and walked up the stairs to the third floor to his room to change. When he and his butler arrived they both went in and shut the door tightly.

 *Phew*

 Adrian and Cleo were both relieved that the protagonist- Elijah hadn't realized that Adrian was fake from the original Adrian as both were always excluding a calming aura and graceful atmosphere around them. Both of their attitudes and habits were also quite similar, too similar for Elijah to notice the difference.

 "Host- I mean- young master what should we do?"

 "We just go with the flow for now and if you can, send me the memories of the original owner before I blow both of our covers and we both get burned at the stake mistaken for Demons"

 "Yes young master, shall I now look for clothes for you to wear?"

 "Mhmm"

(A/N: that's Adrian's sound of agreement

 After dressing up, Adrian went down with his butler, Cleo and directly walked towards Elijah as he stood up ready to have fun with his best friend.

 "Shall we fetch a carriage now?"

 "Ah! Ehm well..."

 "Is something wrong Eli?" Adrian said with a polite smile on his face.

 "I wanted to walk there with you if it was alright since we always did that but... Is it alright for your health?"

 "Ofcourse it's fine, remember I told you it was just a slight fever-"

 ~°• Host I think your forgetting that you currently don't have any servants at home.... •°~

 •| ofcourse I didn't forget I was expecting you to be the coachman for the day|•

 ~°• ..... Host you're so mean (T-T) •°~

 "Then Eli shall we?"

 "Eh- yeah ofcourse let's go!"

 Elijah excitedly walks to the big oak doors of the mansion while almost dragging Adrian with him with Cleo following behind.

~×The City Plaza×~

 "Eli wait- slow down for a bit!"

 "Oh come on Adrian, you're such a slowpoke!"

 Both males were running around the city plaza one running away while the other chasing him.

 "Young master, wait for me!" Says Cleo, the poor butler was too tired trying to catch up with them.

 "Come catch me if you can- Agh!"

 "Eli!"

 "Ah, mister Eli!"

 "Ah I'm fine guys and uhm, I'm really sorry I didn't mean to bump into you I was not looking where I was going, I'm so sorry I'm such a blabbermouth"

 Elijah repeatedly bows down while blabbering on and on about how sorry they were.

 "Ah, it's alright. No one was harmed and I'm fine"

 "Is that so? Then I must apologize again for my mistake"

 "No, it's really alright and it would seem like your companions are worried about you- ah they're already coming"

 "Eh? Ah- Adrian! Cleo over here!"

 Elijah turns around and shouts towards the two males running towards them.

 "Eli, you idiot why would you not look at where you were going! My sincerest apologies for my friend's behavior, how shall we ever repay you?"

 Adrian says while looking apologetically towards the stranger.

 "There's no need, I'm alright and no one was harmed. It's all good"

 Says the gentleman with a smile on his handsome face.

 "Ah, is that so then. It's nice to make your acquaintance I'm Adrian"

 He says while trying to take a peek at the stranger's face hidden on a brown coat.

 •| Agh! System! Isn't this 'that guy'?!|•

 ~°• He is indeed 'that guy' host! •°~

 •| What's he doing here? He wasn't supposed to make an appearance this early! And shouldn't he be busy in the magic tower?!|•

 ~°• Well, uhm host it must be because you met the 3rd male lead too early •°~

 •| Ah Edmund yes, I forgot they were friends sh-|•

 "Yes it is also a pleasure to make your acquaintance Adrian, you may call me Lu it's short for Lucius"

 "Oh and these are my companions Cleo and Eli" he introduces with a slight laughter or joy in his voice, when clearly it was the sound of repressed heaving and depression of meeting this new character. 

 "Ah hello, I'm sorry again for the trouble"

 "A pleasure to meet you mister Lu"

 "Then we shall be going now, it's been a nice talk with you. Good bye"

 "Yes indeed... Will there be a time where we meet again?"

 "Oh I would really like that if my schedule wasn't so packed for the next few weeks, my sincerest apologies maybe Eli would be free to go"

 "Eh?! What? Me? Oh uhm well I do have some free time but I'd rather spend it with Adrian sorry mister Lu"

 "Ah it's no problem I might've went too fast, well then I should be going farewell have a nice time to all of you"

 "Bye Mister!"

 With that Lu went on his way for the day while still thinking about that silvery white haired male with such mysterious and beautiful eyes.

 •|when will I be able to see you again I wonder....|•

 Lu thought as he went into a dark alley and casted a teleportation array to the Magic tower, instantly dropping him off on his room.

 He takes off his coat and upon doing that it shows off his wonderful figure of broad shoulders, slender but strong arms 

 'I want to meet him again and... And probably make him mine'

 Lu says while he lay there on his strong big ass bed- I mean durable king sized bed which could carry 3 grown adults.

 A sudden knock on the door causes Lu to snap out of his thoughts about Adrian and garner it to another, the one outside the door.

 "Master Lucius, lord Herlin would like to talk to you about something regarding the 'island' down the north of Auberon"

 "Ah That old man, he really likes to bother me with such trivial things doesn't he?"

 "Well... That 'island' is certainly mysterious and we should keep an eye on it Incase it has any harmful and unrecognized organisms which we can-"

 "Stop, I know. I will be there in a few minutes I'm changing my clothes"

 "Ah yes Master..."

 "Why the concerned face Gael?"

 "It's nothing master, it's just you seem to be in a good mood?"

 "Is that so? Why do you say so?"

 "You're smiling master....."

 "Ah? I was? I didn't notice"

Lucius chuckles, knowing full well why he was smiling. He snaps his fingers and he's clothes instantly changed into he's Magic Tower Outfit that seems to scream powerfully dark and mysterious.

 "Then shall we go now?"

 "Yes master"

 Again, Lucius snaps his fingers and they both instantly teleport to the ground floor of the magic tower which had 100 floors and with the Magic Tower's owner's room being at the top.

 Yeah you've guessed it Lucius is-

 "Ah Master Lucius, it's nice to see you again"

 "Lord Herlin, I wouldn't say it's nice to see you again considering I've seen you for about 37 times in this tower for the past month already"

 "Ahaha, Master Lucius seriously knows how to jest"

 "Oh no I wasn't"

 "...."

 "...."

 With that Lucius was able to make the atmosphere around the room uncomfortable.

 "Well uhm.... Ah! Master Lucius I would like you to meet Duke Draven Clydesdale of the Auberon Empire of the Animalia"

 "Nice to meet you Duke, I'm the Master of the Magic Tower- Lucius Cosmo Zephyr"

 "The pleasure is all mine Master Lucius" 

 "Then shall we all take a sit and have a 'nice chat' then? Gael get us some tea and something to eat"

 "Yes master, then if you'll excuse me"

 Gael walks out of the huge ass- I mean huge doors of the room, where the three men can have a nice talk about the mysterious 'island' of the north and it's possible inhabitants.

~×5 hours later×~

 "It's been lovely talking with you Master Lucius"

 "Yes it has been a nice 'talk' with you Duke Draven and Lord Herlin"

 "We shall see you again in 2 months to discuss further planning and processing"

 "Then I'll have to bother you both then"

 "No worries Master Lucius, we're the one who proposed the deal. Then till we meet again"

 "Gael do escort them out"

 "Yes master, please follow me"

 The three men walked out of the room and when they were out of sight Lucius immediately used magic to teleport to his room where he had quickly tried to take a shower.

~×In the Shower×~

 'Hah... Finally, I'm away from those old men. They're both just wasting my time when I could be doing something else'

Lucius sat in the warm bath, the soothing water enveloping him as he leaned back with a sigh. The day had been long, filled with endless talks of the mysterious island to the north, with barely any meaningful conclusion. He closed his eyes, letting the steam relax his body, but his thoughts kept drifting back to that moment in the city plaza.

Adrian.

He couldn't help but think of the young man he'd met earlier. Adrian's playful nature, the way he spoke so confidently and yet with such a calming presence, was utterly captivating. Lucius couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about Adrian left an impression on him that even the serious discussions in the tower couldn't erase.

"Why am I so drawn to him?" Lucius muttered under his breath, his hand trailing through the water as he thought back to their brief encounter. Adrian's eyes—there was something about the way they sparkled when they spoke, the smile that seemed to brighten everything around him. And then there was Cleo, the odd butler who accompanied Adrian, always with that quirky demeanor. They were a strange pair, but there was something undeniably intriguing about them.

Lucius ran his fingers through his silver hair, letting the water drip down his temples. He couldn't afford to get distracted by such thoughts. He had his own duties, his own ambitions. But Adrian... he wondered if their paths would cross again. There was a chance, he had hoped.

 With new found inspiration to actually stand up and continue on with his day. That was to find Adrian again, the one who caught his eye for the very first time in his whole 25 years or existence.

But for now, I have other things to focus on.

With that thought, Lucius finished his bath, stepping out and quickly drying off. He dressed in his usual dark attire, the magic tower's emblem subtly embroidered onto his robes. The weight of the responsibilities awaiting him pressed down on him, but something inside stirred—a desire to meet Adrian again, a curiosity about the man he'd only just met.

"Gael," Lucius called as he stepped into his folding screen in his room to change. His servant appeared promptly at the door, bowing slightly.

"Yes, Master Lucius?"

"I want you to look into something for me. The young man I met earlier—Adrian. His background, his family, everything. See if there's any significance. I have a feeling he's not as simple as he seems."

A sharp glint immediately appeared from Gael's eyes but it disappeared as quickly as it came, as if to compensate for his previous lack of reply he quickly nodded. "Understood, Master. I'll begin the search immediately."

Lucius waved him off, his mind still occupied with thoughts of Adrian. He sat by his desk, tapping his fingers against the surface as his thoughts wandered back to the city plaza. The encounter had been brief, but it left him with a sense of anticipation. It was strange. He wasn't usually someone who got so caught up in meeting new people. But Adrian... something about him felt like a puzzle, one he wanted to figure out.

As night fell over the tower, Lucius continued to think about Adrian, the strange turn of events, and what might happen next. He didn't know how, but he was certain their paths would cross again soon enough.

 'Ah, I really want to meet him again... Hm, maybe I should?'

Before he could finish his train of thought, a series of knock came at his door. 

Glaring at the door, he quickly replies," Who is it?"

"It's me again master" 

Looking on disinterested, he levitates a few workpapers towards his desk as he allows the servant entry. 

 "Master you've received an inv-"

 Gael was immediately dazed by the scene in front of him, his master in his work table reading some paperwork and adjusting the collar of his elegant magician's robe from time to time. The dark fabric shimmered with subtle enchantments, the intricate embroidery of silver thread tracing arcane symbols down the sleeves. His silver hair, usually tied back in a simple ponytail, cascaded in neat waves, framing his sharp features. The robe fit him perfectly, a blend of regality and mystery that seemed to enhance the air of authority he naturally exuded. He gulps at the sight and was immediately embarrassed and flustered stuttering while reporting to his master.

Lucius turned, his piercing gaze meeting Gael's, and for a moment, the servant felt like he was standing before a being from another world.

"Is there something you need, Gael?" Lucius's voice was calm, yet carried an undertone of command.

The servant blinked rapidly, his mind struggling to catch up with the unexpected sight of his master in such attire. He had never seen Lucius in full formal magician's garb, and it left him momentarily speechless. His breath hitched in his throat as he quickly swallowed, trying to form the words.

"M-m-master Lucius..." Gael stammered, his eyes widening in disbelief. "I-I... I beg your pardon, Master, but... there's someone waiting for you."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, sensing the unease in Gael's voice. "Who is it?" he asked, his voice still calm, though there was a hint of curiosity now.

"Ah... i-it's... it's... Merlin," Gregory finally blurted out, still not fully able to process the overwhelming sight before him. "M-Merlin the magician... He... he's asking for your presence."

The name seemed to hang in the air like a heavy weight. For a moment, Lucius simply stared at Gael, his expression unreadable. The silence in the room was thick, the tension palpable.

"Merlin?" Lucius repeated slowly, almost as if testing the name on his tongue. "I see."

Gael nodded frantically, still in a daze. "Yes, Master... He's in the drawing room, awaiting your arrival. I-I wasn't sure how to proceed... He's... well, he's... Merlin."

Lucius remained still, considering the situation for a brief moment. The faintest smile tugged at his lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Thank you, Gael," Lucius said, his voice firm, as he began to walk past his servant, his robes flowing smoothly with every step. "Please inform him that I will see him now."

Gael could hardly believe what he had just witnessed. His master, normally so composed and unbothered by anything, seemed unshaken by the arrival of such a legendary figure. But then again, Gael had learned long ago that Lucius was no ordinary noble—no ordinary magician. There was something about him that made even the most extraordinary occurrences seem almost... mundane.

As Lucius passed him, Gael's eyes followed his master's every movement, the elegance of his robes, the grace in his stride, the almost otherworldly air that seemed to surround him. He felt both awed and humbled.

"Right away, Master Lucius..." Gael whispered to himself, barely able to keep his voice steady.

He watched as Lucius moved toward the drawing room, and for a fleeting moment, the servant wondered what kind of conversation awaited them—what kind of power was about to unfold in that room, with Merlin, one of the most famous magicians in history, and Lucius, his enigmatic and mysterious master, now standing face to face.

~× To be Continued ×~