WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 23: Your Departure

"—HUUUUAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

"Athy!!! WHAT HAPPENED?!!"

Lilian panicked before tailgating Athanasia to her room just to be suspended in front of the cinched entrance. She was tapping on the door, begging Athanasia to let her in, but she didn't. "Did Lucas do something to you?"

"LILY!!!!!"

Lucas whistled in satisfaction while making his way to his room. The scream still distinctly resounded in the entire neighborhood which drew him outside to his balcony. Chin relaxed on his uninjured palm, Lucas smirked, looking at the other house beside him.

A silhouette shadow cast its way on the curtain near the terrace's door. What a coincidence that the only person Lucas yearned for the most showed up again. He was waiting to see her reaction.

Athanasia was seeking to close the balcony door properly when she stole a glance at the other residence. Well, she shouldn't have if she valued her heart which was still invariably pounding with the recent incident. Curiosity kills the cat. This time, it might kill her.

"Hi there."

Tilting his head while waiting for her response, Lucas crossed his arms."Oh... You are red." He studied her face, clearly amused with her reaction. 

One hand on her forehead, the other pointed to where his contented face was showing. Her teeth were clattering and chipping together like a drowning kitten, she stuttered, to make out a word but failed miserably. 

Her parted lips drew a wider smile on his face, thinking she was about to say something even more interesting in such a situation. Another shriek was all he got from her and the silence of the night made her voice more audible to the whole empire.

Not wanting her to pass out, he went back inside his room. Lucas lay down on his bed, eyes staring at the cryptic-color ceiling above. His smile signified how contented he was feeling.

"Need more time to adjust I see. Imagine if I go for the lips..." 

A vibration, accompanied by a digital instrumental that was coming from his communicator killed his mood all of the sudden. 

Duty was a duty and it was a reminder of what he should be focusing on. To the Obelia Company and the rest of the people that were relevant to that organization, Lucas was just a bodyguard to the rightful heiress when he knew himself that he was guarding more than just her wellbeings.

He was grateful to be showered and indulged with the precious time got with his princess, but every time his phone rang, he knew he had to be away from her. 

Sitting up with a grunt, Lucas slackly filled in the call. "What is it this time Felix—"

"Disciple of the Black Tower Magician, I have assignments for you."

"I don't take orders from just anyone. Explain yourself." 

"Mind your tongue, child. I have every right to displace you from your occupation right now. I am your superior and you will do as I order."

"Where is Felix?"

"You don't get to question the Vice President of Obelia. Know your place, brat. I am, Roger Alpheus. The one who put you under my monitor just to be snatched away by the President's bodyguard."

"I don't care. I only follow Felix and the Presi—"

"One more unmindful word escapes your jaws and you will be posted to Obelia right at the very moment. Robane has no authority over you. I do."

Damn that sly old fox... Lucas blasphemed his antipathy to the Alpheus family.

"Felix Robane reassigned my task which I arranged for my son. He redirected the mission to you without my acquiescence. But it seems luck was on your side considering you have completed the duty well."