Chapter 9: Lenard's Date.
Lenard's POV
My na is Lenard Yulien and the boy who's walking with is Lord Vincent von Wolford.
He's the son of a really prestigious Duke and is expected to be the fiancé of the first princess.
There's one problem.
I like Lord Vincent!
My heart is really beating so fast that I can't control it! Is this feeling normal between two... boys?
When did it all start?
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
"Hey, nerd, are you still reading those books?" (Lucas) asked while looking bored holding his sword.
"No thanks... I think I'm good here." I told him and quickly went back into reading on how to make an elental magic circle.
"Co on brother! Let's fight with swords instead! It is what makes a real man! Not books ew. We already awakened our magic so we just need to chant so stuff then we can BURN all the things that's in our way!" (Lucas) grabs in a chokehold.
"Hey, cut that out!" I yelled and pushed his arm off of . That really hurt my neck.
"Tsk, you're no fun." (Lucas) told as he swung his sword before pointing it at . "I wonder why are we even twins? You're so weak and so boring."
I looked down at my book, the pages were a bit worn out but still... His words hurt . "Father said in order to be a great man you must be strong! And you must be brave! And be rciless on the battlefield! I'll be joining the Royal Knights so I can make my father proud! Now, what will you do in order to make your father proud, Lenard?"
"I-I... I could be a scholar or a professor... F-Father will be proud of ." I told him and he laughed.
"Yeah right, a nerd. Good luck with that. Books are stupid anyways." (Lucas) took away my book and threw it aside. I glared at him and was about to shout but... what would I even say?
"Listen here. You'll be an insignificant half of and you'll be worthless soon. Father will see how much of a better son I am than you, big brother." (Lucas) laughs as he turns around but he accidentally bumps into soone and curses.
"Tch, watch where you're going you– Lord Vincent." (Lucas) was surprised as well but imdiately shrugged it off and began acting friendly with him. "What are you here for? Lord Vincent?"
Lucas is acting like that because we're just sons of a Viscount... and Lord Vincent's father is a really important person with high power in all Puronia. He's the son of Duke Wolford and a genius Mage who has defeated so many monsters in his pri!
Lord Vincent glared at Lucas before answering, "I am rely here because my father ordered to."
Ah right... To make connections and things. Lucas is more good at that than . I just usually hide in the corner when we're invited to parties. I hate large crowds of nobles asking how my day was. And how am I? Complinting here and there but I know they all want sothing behind those.
I looked at Lord Vincent and thought he was the sa but... I was wrong.
"Why don't we spar a little? A little sword-fighting to know who's stronger and we won't deal with the likes of my brother who just reads all day." (Lucas) smirks as he gave that stupid look every ti he says sothing bad about . I hated that.
"I'm actually a nerd, myself." (Lord Vincent) said while looking at having a faint smile on his handso face it scared for so reason. "Do you hate books, Lucas?"
Wait, did he hear all of that?!
All of what Lucas said to ?
"I-I'm just kidding. Books are amazing. I also read so... books." (Lucas)
Lord Vincent scoffs and glares at Lucas so more, "Funny, I thought the reason why you don't like books is that you couldn't read."
I saw Lucas grit his teeth and glared at Lord Vincent when he heard this– but I know he won't do anything rash to disobey or disappoint father...
So Lucas just took his sword and excused himself with pride a little hurt, "I'll go train now. Enjoy yourselves brother and Lord Vincent."
When Lucas finally got away I sighed a huge breath of relief as my tense muscles relaxed realizing my glasses were a little loose so I fixed them. "So you heard everything." I muttered.
"Not all. However, I like books too much to not ignore what he said about them." He walks into the book that I was holding and he kneels to pick it up before offering it to . "I believe you dropped this."
I nod, "T-Thank you." I replied and took the book out of his hands. Our fingers slightly brushed against each other and by instinct I quickly retracted my hand and looked away.
Ah no! Why did I do that?! He was being nice!
"Does he always talk to you that way?" (Lord Vincent) asks as he found a spot to sit beside , our bodies a little close.
I nod a little not daring to lie in front of him, "Usually but I can't say anything because he's right. I really am just... the useless twin." I grip the book that I was holding realizing I had worn out the covers. "I-I'm sorry Lord Vincent. I ended up rambling more than I should."
"It's alright. I may not understand but I can lend an ear if you need it."
I looked down and felt my face being a little hot now. Even if he doesn't understand he's still willing to hear out, I... just can't anymore.
I told him almost everything. I don't know if it was the right move– I did think about the things I said and how revealing them would destroy but... for so reason I know I can trust him.
"Thank you. I feel... light after having soone to talk about it milord." I placed my hand on my chest and I really did feel like there was this space I never knew I could breathe in. "This is the first ti I'm feeling like this."
I told him and he just nodded, "My father told it's not good to bottle up emotions because it destroys one's mind and thinking. It will make you weak and vulnerable if you don't let it out."
I laughed softly a little as my body language beca a bit shy with him, "The Duke must be a great man. Even if I haven't t the Duke, he sounds like a great father." I smiled but inside maybe a little envious that he has a father like that who gives him attention, care, and advice.
Lord Vincent smiles more widely than I have ever seen before, he was charming, and handso when he smiled usually when the topic ca to his father, Lord Vicente was proud and respects him a lot.
I smile at him back, thankful for that day.
Uwah... Going through that flashback is a little embarrassing! I walked stiffly as I followed Lord Vincent wondering where he was going to take ?
"Milord, do you know where we are going?" I ask him and he stops walking tilting his head.
"I was following you though." (Lord Vincent) replies to which I smacked my face for assuming he knew the way around a commoner city!
"O-Oh um... This is actually my first ti in the city. Kein usually knows the way..." I told him and he nodded.
"Hmm... Let's just walk until we find sothing interesting then." (Lord Vincent) suggested and I nod.
We followed through and sightseed throughout the city. Thankfully I brought my own money and bought so roasted at skewers that caught my nose. I paid the owner and ca back to Lord Vincent.
"Have so, Lord Vincent! Kein told these are really good." I rember Kein telling how street foods are always the best kind of food there is.
I trust Kein and now I'll take a bite out of this thing! "Nom."
The juice of the at is so good and it's so filling. It's my first ti eating sothing like this and I can sll the strong fragrance of smoke, the at tender as I chewed slowly taking in every bite. "Swho good..."
I gave Lord Vincent a look as he looked at the at skewer. Oh no... Does he not like it? I an is it rude to offer a Duke's son with a re at skewer where he can just order sothing fancier?! "Lord Vincent if you the food is not to your liking–"
He smiles and shakes his head, "My father... makes this all the ti for us when we go camping. I never thought another noble would enjoy this as much as we do."
I couldn't help but wonder, what kind of Father Lord Vincent had to make him so... kind and adaptive of new surroundings.
Commoner places are avoided by nobles, saying it'll ruin their reputation if people saw them conversing with the other commoners and especially if they're eating commoner food like these at skewers.
With the influence of Kein, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have gone to this place. Who knew the common city would be this fun and comforting to just stroll around, have fun.
"Co on Lord Vincent! Let's go see what else we can try but um– is it okay if I grab onto your sleeve so we don't get separated?" I ask my voice barely a whisper but maybe he heard it?
Lord Vincent nods as he offers his hand, "Let's just hold hands so we don't get lost. The sleeve might be less convenient."
Oh no, hand holding! Wait, is it normal for two guys to hold hands?! Wait, my heart is not ready. I can handle the sleeve but not the hands!
"Here. My hand might be a bit too cold but it's okay." (Lord Vincent)
I nod... I can't refuse him even if I wanted to. "Mm..."
I grabbed ahold of his hand and we walked together. I scanned my surroundings to see if anyone was looking at us or even paying attention to us. I let out a small whimper.
"Don't bother. They're all too busy to care and even if they stare. It's okay. Do you not want to hold hands?" (Lord Vincent)
I shook my head slowly while looking at the ground because if I saw his handso smile I might be able to make it. "Good. Now let's go sowhere we can have fun."
"Y-Yeah!"
We both held hands while looking at things I would never have thought I could see.
People were friendly as we laughed and ran together in the streets but suddenly Lord Vincent stopped running and looked up at a pink building with a really huge sign.
Huh, I looked up at the building and read the sign. "[Magicare]...?The store where we can provide care to your beauty needs?"
Is it a beauty store?
I glanced at Lord Vincent whose eyes seed to be fixed on the pink [Magicare] sign. I have to admit their catchphrase is pretty catchy.
"Lord Vincent," I called out. "Is the sign bothering you?"
Finally, he looks up at then at the sign, "No, most of my mother's products ca from here so. I was just curious."
I looked at the shop and at the sign that says [Open]. His eyes really seed so wistful as if he wanted to go in.
"Lord Vincent, do you want to go in?" I finally asked him.
His eyes widened and shook his head aggressively. "I am a male and wearing things like... makeup or lipstick is inappropriate. If my father hears about this..."
I walked up to him and held his hand, "We're commoners. No one would. I won't gain anything from this either so why don't we go in and just look around? We're not trying or buying anything." I told him and his eyes softened for a mont before suddenly–
*Kling~ Kling~*
The sound of the bell from the door got our attention and a man? no, a woman? I can't tell which one they are– but maybe they're neither?
"Hello there~ I've been expecting you! Oh oop– kid again but hey I really have been expecting you little cuties~" They said while they flapped a fan around and dramatically swung the door more open. "Co in! We have great offers only for today at a discount! Don't be shy!"
"Um, who are you?" I ask. You don't co to a shop that you don't know after all.
"My na is Madam Prisha. Honey, I see you two little cutie pies looking at my sign and I just had to invite you over." They said while giggling.
Lord Vincent's eyes lowered and opened his mouth, "We were just leaving–"
"N-No! We're going in! To look at stuff! To um! Find sothing our moms would like!" I yelled, cutting Lord Vincent off. I glanced at him apologetically for the excuse but he seed to really wanted to go inside.
"Why aren't you two sweet, ugh wish my nephew was like you two but co along now. Go find sothing for your moms." (Madam Prisha) lets us inside as I bow to them in thanks.
I held Lord Vincent's hand and dragged him inside, he was shocked sure and his body was a little more cautious than usual but after going inside he finally relaxed when he saw all of the makeups, lotions, lipsticks, and face masks in here.
Oh! So of this stuff is the products my mom uses! And I think she got into a fight with one of the managers in this... I think...
"Lord Vincent, where do you want to go and see um gifts for our moms?" I asked him while scratching my head. Maybe he's not comfortable being here? I an, maybe he wanted to but can't... I know that he can't but... Was it wrong for to drag him here without his consent?
Oh no... I ssed up again, didn't I?
I was about to apologize but...
"Thank you. It ans the world to . To finally have the courage to go inside. I've been wanting to but... I can't." (Lord Vincent) smiles do sadly but still there was a mix of gratitude in there too.
I breathed a sigh of relief once I knew he wasn't mad at for dragging him inside by force... I glanced at Lord Vincent who was looking over the shelves of products with excitent in his eyes, not even bothering that huge smile on his face once he looked at a label of a bottle.
Ahhh... He's still handso when he smiles. "Y-You're welco?" I said looking away feeling the heat crawling up to my neck.
"O-Oh look what is this? Isn't this cool?!" I said while pointing at a bottle that I didn't even know what it was.
"That's a [Blood chiurl plant] lotion. It cos from the dried stems of blood from the plant being squeezed rcilessly just for your skin to be smooth and light." (Lord Vincent)
Oh my– no! This is not cool! I quickly retracted my finger away from the bottle, my face making a disgusted expression. Ew! I'm not really good with blood!
We both looked around so more as eventually we got separated from each other since I was looking at the potions sections and I even found a [Love Potion] at the very back– wait aren't those illegal?
Nope. Nope. Not touching that.
I finally saw Lord Vincent who was in the lipstick section. I watched him curiously as plopped off one of the colored lipstick covers.
I didn't know what color it was but I know if he tried that... I know it would definitely suit him.
He raised the lipstick, almost pressing his lips before he glanced at both sides and put the cover back on his face... afraid?
I frown. I know... what's wrong now.
Lord Vincent sighs as he moves into the potion section where I was at and browses the dozen potions that were on display.
"Alright, ti to find that lipstick and buy it." I muttered as I made my way into the lipstick section and tried finding the color he held before.
Agh! I don't know a thing about beauty products! Which one was it?! And why is this so hard?!
That's the wrong color. No and no...
"Aha! I got it!"
I finally found the right color while feeling frantic since I don't know how long we're going to be in here. I should buy this as soon as I can. I quickly went over to the cashier and gave her the lipstick, "Um... how much?" I ask.
"15 silver for this one. Aren't you a little too young for lipsticks?" She asked as she looked at skeptically.
"Y-Yes I am but... I need it." I told her hoping she'll stop interrogating ... I don't like it when other people ask questions. I panic.
"Aw, is it for a girlfriend?"
I groaned inside she couldn't have been more wrong. "N-No it's for um..." I accidentally looked at Lord Vincent for a mont before feeling the heat up to my neck again.
"It's for a friend."
The cashier lady winks at and apologizes for taking up my ti. She gave the lipstick that was in a paper bag. I held it tightly, onto my chest as we finally both went outside the shop. Madam Prisha waved us goodbye as they closed the door on us, the bell loudly ringing for a mont.
"In the end, we never really did buy anything but it was a wonderful experience." (Lord Vincent)
He looked at being in a good mood. I shoved the paper bag to her chest on impulse and almost knocked him out! "Oh sorry! I just um! Wanted to– Give this to you!"
A few monts after my embarrassing move he steadies himself and takes the brown paper bag. "This is?"
"I-I bought sothing for you." I told him, my heart is beating fast. I hope he doesn't hear it from where he stood. He reluctantly opens the paper bag and he looked so surprised when he took out the lipstick that he was eyeing out earlier.
"You... bought this... for ?" (Lord Vincent)
I nod, not knowing which words to use right now because I'm really not good at communication.
I felt my hand being held gently, Lord Vincent looked at almost crying– "Thank you. You don't know how much this ans to . It's–" He started sobbing a little before I knew it. Oh no!
"It's okay! We can go back here next ti if you want more!" I told him as I panicked when his eyes looked at that way.
"N-No it's not that." (Lord Vincent)
Um, what do I do? Hug? Or is that too much invading personal space? Or um should I pat his head?
How do you make a person not sad?!
"You don't think it's weird? For soone like to wear makeup. A Duke's son?" (Lord Vincent)
I shook my head, awkwardly holding his shoulder for support so that he won't kneel or anything, "It's just the norm of society. While we are expected to behave a certain way it doesn't an we have to follow it, milord."
I patted his back as we both looked into each other's eyes as the mont felt so intense, "We all have sothing we like, everyone is different and if you like makeup who am I to judge?"
I don't know where these words ca but Kein... would've said this. If she were in my shoes.
A lot of my beliefs have been changed thanks to her. I don't know where she got that thinking but I think it really influenced when the ti cos.
I know what to say.
Lord Vincent composed himself while I looked up at the sun before realizing we were already running out of ti. "Oh no! We have to et Kein at the gates!" I exclaid in worry that Kein must've been waiting for us!
How could I forget?!
Lord Vincent didn't say a word but ran with to the gates. I know sohow he's thinking all this through and what my words ant.
I'll give him ti. It's okay.
Finally I see Kein with soone beside her, clinging to her arm like... um. I don't know how to describe this without sounding weird.
"Kein! I'm sorry we're late!" I called out to her as she noticed my arrival.
"Agh! Lenard! Help with this!" (Kein) pointed out the girl who was clinging to her arm.
Her face was covered with a red shawl while on the other hand she was holding a canvas carefully protecting it.
I don't know how she can cling and hold onto a canvas at the sa ti.
"So who's the... um... girl?" I asked my cousin who seed to get along really well with her.
"Hmph! My na is Rose! And I'm not letting go for five more minutes!" (Rose) yelled and clung more into Kein who just groaned and tried shoving her away.
"Rose, you said that like thirty minutes ago!" (Kein) yelled as she glared at Rose who just gave her puppy eyes.
That's... are they quarreling?
Ah they are. I looked at Vincent who looked at Rose weirdly. "Lord Vincent, will soone pick you up?" I asked him and that got his attention.
"Yes, my carriage should be here shortly." (Lord Vicent)
I smiled in relief as he still held the paper bag containing the lipstick. "Kein and I will have to go then before my mother catches us that we escaped from the mansion."
Kein nods, "Let's do this again soti but maybe without this annoying girl in tow."
"Hey!" (Rose) pouts as she crosses her arms.
I laughed softly while watching Kein and Rose, these two are cute together. Maybe I should get to know Rose more just in case sothing happens between these two.
"Well, we'll see you two next ti. Maybe next weekend let's et up here again!" (Kein) yelled as we both turned around and headed ho.
I looked at Kein and eyed her suspiciously, "So... Rose huh? You even painted her sothing and here I thought you would never paint soone for free." I asked her.
She glared at before smirking, "At least you had a date and all I got was trouble."
I blush at the fact that yes. Lord Vincent and I had a date! But...
"It didn't really go well as planned." I told Kein.
She frowns as she pat my back trying to comfort , "Wanna talk about it on the way ho?"
"Only if you keep it a secret."
Kein laughs, "Obviously, of course!"
That made laugh as we went through ho together. I'm glad that I have soone like her in my life.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
-anwhile-
A fancy carriage stopped by the gates and bowed to Vincent.
Vincent stared at the figure who she heard Kein called 'Rose'.
He had his suspicions and he knows that it's right, "Your highness, it's a pleasure to et you here of all places."
Rose slumps her shoulders as she crosses her arms and rolls her eyes in sassiness, "Yeah, you caught . So will you tell my sister about my whole sneaking thing again?"
Vincent shakes his head, "The common place has a lot more to offer. I don't bla you for sneaking out."
Rose was surprised at her childhood friend for suddenly compromising, "You're not telling anyone I snuck out?"
Vincent nods, "If you like sneaking out of the palace that feels like prison it's your choice. Who am I to judge?"
Rose smiles. "Hey mind if I hitch a ride?"
"Your highness, while in the presence of others perhaps use a more formal manner of speaking? We are not alone after all." (Lord Vincent) said, eyeing his guards and maids that ca to pick him up.
"Ah yes, May I ask for a ride Lord Vincent if it may now trouble you?" (Rose) dramatically says those words and Vincent sighs.
They got into the carriage together both carrying sothing inside. Rose couldn't help but get curious at what the Duke Wolford's son was holding in his hand. It was a paper bag which he held onto protectively which made Rose curious.
"Ooo, what's that?" (Rose) asked.
Vincent scoffs, "I assure you, it's sothing you dislike very much."
"Co on! I still wanna see! It's the princess's orders!" (Rose) commanded.
Vincent takes out the lipstick Lenard gave him, feeling happy and bubbly on the inside as he looks at the pink colored tube of it. "Soone really kind gave it to ."
He felt comfortable sharing this to the princess for so reason. Maybe is it because he's in a good mood?
"Oh! That color would really suit you if you wear it." (Rose) complinted which made Vincent surprised but relieved. He was right to tell her about this.
Rose smiles cheerfully as she also holds sothing in her hand. Vincent raised his eyebrow and said, "Your turn, your highness. Soone must've given that to you if I'm right."
Rose nods, her face a little wistful as she wanted to hug the canvas at the mory of Kein but no the paint isn't completely dry yet so she controlled herself. "Kein gave it to ! Isn't she handso and talented?" (Rose) exclaid while showing the canvas to Vincent and certainly he was impressed about the work.
Who knew the re servant girl had a talent for arts?
Vincent stared at the princess who looked so lovestruck before realizing sothing. He chuckled, "I see. We are the sa."
"Huh what's the sa?" (Rose)
"Nothing. Why does the Princess of Puronia and one of the few [Light Magic] casters of the royal family fall in love with a re servant if you don't mind asking, your highness." (Vincent) asked. Wanting to know more, how to know if you like soone he needed to know.
Rose understood the question and answered honestly, "Everyone saw as the [Light Princess]. They saw as a savior, soone they depend on, and a being of divinity sotis."
Vincent glanced at the princess who looked down at the canvas she was holding, "Don't get wrong. Saving people, healing them has been amazing but it also gets tiring. Everyone looked for when they needed healing but when I needed it– everyone expected to heal my pain all on my own. I felt like asking for help to heal sothing that even I can't do scared ."
Vincent frowns as he wasn't expecting the answer, "I see. I'm sorry to hear that, your highness. I may not know the feeling but I can see how it affects you."
Rose shakes her head now smiling, "Don't be if I wasn't tired and fed up by that ti I would have never t Kein. I know she didn't know as the [Light Princess] but when she looked at my wound and saw crying when I got hurt when I was climbing the tree–"
Rose looks at her hand, the cut has healed over ti but she rembers. "You know when I hurt myself. I never thought it was a problem. I can just heal it after all but when Kein– cared for . When she bandaged – I felt sothing I never should've."
"And what's that?" (Vincent) asked.
"I know we're too young to even know what love is but. I think I just have a huge crush on her right now." (Rose) said blushing realizing all the things she said. "Hey don't tell anyone! Okay?"
Vincent smiles. "If it is what the princess commands."
And the both of them talked about noble stuff and they got to their respective hos.
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