The Prince's Fiance

Chapter Twentyseven

Raito went straight to his family mansion to pick up the Frazer seal like ordered. He didn't bothered his time to greet his family members and marched straight towards the office of the Duke. The faster he would bring it into his possession, the faster he could meet up with his beloved lady again. Raito first searched in the table drawers and headed after to a cabinet as his search didn't beared any fruits. Unfortunately he couldn't find the seal there either. With a thoughtful gaze he looked through the office and to which spot else his father could have his it until a large picture at the wall caught his attention. Of course his father had a hidden safe behind it. He moved the portrait out of the way and spun on the opening mechanism. With a click the safe opened and exposed it's good to him. To Raito's disappointment were it mostly filled sensitive documents and a few mementos which looked messily thrown in. He shut the safe and decided to look for his family.

In the living room the young Duke spotted his mother Rachel Frazer together with his twelve years old brother Seno. "Hello mother." The lady of the house looked up from her embroidery. "My, Raito! If I had knew you would come for a visit I'd have greeted you properly." "Don't bother, I'm in a hurry." "Big brother, won't you stay longer with us? I have to show you what I have learned recently!" Seno was excitedly jumping around Raito who had to breath out a laugh from his younger brothers behaviour. He ruffled his hair and spoke directed towards his mother again. "Do you know by chance where father keeps the family seal? I need it during his absence." "Oh that. He always keeps it in the office safe when he leaves for a trip." "Is wasn't there. Are you sure?" "I'm certain. He never carries it along when he is longer gone than two days." Raito frowned. They both went now together to the office and looked into the secret safe. But as soon and the small door was opened Rachel gasped. "What a mess-" "Hm?" "Your father would never treat these heirlooms so careless! Someone else must have rummaged through it." Raito was taken aback for a moment. "Who has access to the safe?" "Only you, me and your father. Not even Seno or ther Butler know the code." Raito's face darkened. "Don't tell anyone that we don't know about the seals whereabouts. It might cause chaos if word get out." If the seal had gotten into enemies hand, it meant they could easily fake letters and commands. He left his mother with a worried expression behind.

Lilith walked alone along a flowery decorated path in the front gardens after parting ways with Jisoo. After seeing that the council nobles had left the palace, she rushed straight back inside in the hope to catch a glimpse on Aktio before he had to attend to other businessess again. Since the mage didn't felt like going back inside, where it felt suffocating for her, she remained outside and enjoyed the fresh scent of flowers. The memories of the terrible scene near the border was feeling like a distant memory after enjoying the beautiful scenery of the garden. The peaceful landscape enveloped her fully to the extent of not noticing approaching foodsteps.

"Lilith." The voice was gentle and in harmony with the soft breeze which was blowing through the flowers. The mage turned after hearing her name being called, her hair fluttering in the wind. "Jin!" To her suprise it was Jincheol who had called out to her. "Why are you at the palace?" She was holding her hair in place after being ruffled by the wind and he stepped closer for the conversation. "I'm here to sell off the best gems we obtained from our newest mine. The ore line is very promising to the future. Of course the royal house will see our best funds first." "Of course they will." Jin observed her with a soft smile. "What are you doing here all by yourself?" "I'm just taking a walk. I don't have to work on anything today and Jisoo just ditched me a few minutes earlier." "Oh. May I take responsibility for my sister's rudeness and accompany you during your walk?" Lilith had to chuckle. He had always been a gentleman. "You may." She took hold of the arm he was offering her and they strode together along the flowery path.

It's been a long time since Lilith and Jincheol had spend time alone, even without Jisoo, therefore they spend quite the enjoyable time chatting during their walk. Another breeze was whirling up her dark hair and she had to hold them back to avoid them being blown into Jin's face. "Ah- pardon Jin." He was laughing in response and removed a hair strand which was stuck to a button of his coat. "It's more windy than I expected it to be." She was slightly flustered while he relaxed her. "I don't mind." Lilith finally straightened her hair back into place but Jin reached for her head again. "You still have petals stuck here." The girl stood still and waited for him to remove them. Only then she noticed how close Jincheol had been to her. She quietly observed his features while he was focused on something on her head. His face didn't looked unfamiliar to that of Jisoo but it also couldn't be more different for siblings. "Okay, fixed." "Thank you." He dropped the petal and they looked eyes. Instead of moving away from her, Jin brushed with his hand down on her hair until he reached her face and could cup her cheek.

"Lilith, would you min-"
"What are you doing here in broad daylight?" Jin was interrupted by a scolding shout. He and Lilith turned their heads to see the Crown Prince who had just returned to the Palace. Jin dropped his hand from Lilith's cheek and they both bowed a greeting. "Greetings your Highness. Pardon our rudeness, it won't happen again." Raito's mood was already bad because of the missing Frazer seal but Lilith couldn't know this and assumed his mood must have been from witnessing their interaction. "You're right, it won't happen again because you'll leave now Lord Ayers. As far as I know you don't have business with our Magican." His tone was sharp and didn't allowed a retort. "Yes, your Highness. I'll take my leave." Once again he bowed and glanced then to Lilith who was nervously fiddling with her dress. "I shall send you a letter, my Lady." She nodded and Jincheol left.

"I'll take my leave as well." Lilith wanted to excuse herself and head straight back to the Palace but Raito blocked her way. "Can you explain me what affairs you might have with him?" She was taken aback by his question. Why would he even bother? "Lord Jincheol and me are well acquaintanced due to my stay at the Ayers residence." "I see." The answer seemed to have calmed him slightly for the moment but in his gaze was something irritated. As if he wasn't able to sort out his own thoughts. "Are you okay?" "Yes I'm just having a headache.." he was holding now his head. "I could ease your pain.." She stepped closer and reached for his head with the intention to use healing magic but Raito grabbed her wrist. "Don't touch me!" Lilith froze as she saw his desperate and pained expression. "You- You're the cause of my headache. Get out of my sight!" The mage stumbled backwards, completely dumbfounded by the accusations and the fake Prince marched away, leaving her sitting on the ground.