The Flower of Separation

"I do not think I am mistaken; you are the same as me."

If she wasn't angry before, she was now. But unfortunately, she could not slash him again since he had his hands on her wrist. It felt like his nails were piercing into her skin.

"Is that truly the answer you have to my invitation? I do not think you should answer without thinking it through."

Think what through? This guy is pushing his luck with her. However, before she could do anything, she suddenly felt something warm on her lips.

Huh?!

Lillian felt her eyes widen, wait huh?

'I thought he would hit me or hurt me in some way.' She assumed he would inflict more pain, considering how he has been stepping on her foot this entire time. This was the last thing she expected to happen.

Of course, any average person may have seen the signs when he put his hand on her face- but she was no ordinary person. Although she is not oblivious to these things, she lacks the fundamental understanding an average person would have.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt a familiar gaze, but before she could turn to have a look. Somebody harshly yanked Stuart off her. Lucas stood with a dangerous look in his eyes, and a black aura surrounded him.

Stuart chuckled. "Is this how you greet me after not meeting for so long?"

"Bastard." Lucas cursed. "Your lucky I didn't kill you then."

"Lucky? We both know you wouldn't have been able to." Stuart taunted. "Even now, you cannot kill me."

'Lucas didn't mention this. But I did find it odd. He should have just killed Stuart to obtain what he stole.'

She looked forward and spotted four faces. One was Natalia; the second was Ramon, and the other two? The other two, unfortunately, were the eyesores of the Blank family. Even from here, she spotted Natalia's injured arm.

Lillian frowned. 'I thought they wouldn't do something stupid, but they have.' She turned her back from Lucas and Stuart and walked towards the group. It did not take long before she reached the four.

Shuhei must have sensed her malice since he took a protective stance in front of Seira, but she walked past him.

Lillian bent down in front of Natalia.

"This appearance is quite unsightly. I do not think you will impress the Empress, son like this."

At those words, Natalia's cheeks chuckled. "Sister, what are you talking about?"

"I wonder."

'I thought I was mistaken, but that seems not to be the case. The reason Natalia was looking forward to her birthday banquet is because she would see him again.'

This is a good card to use. Although their father already planned to set the two up, she planned to do something different. Natalia is not the type of person who quickly gets attached to people. Moreover, that young boy was fascinating.

What will the people think if they find out that the Empress son has such powerful dark magic?

Lillian took a box from her pocket and opened it. She slipped the watch onto Natalia's injured wrist. "Happy birthday."

She didn't ask about the girl's injuries or what happened but just gave her the present. It seemed that sentiment was enough since Natalia teared up.

"I- I will go get cleaned up."

"Mmm." Lillian turned to the silent Ramon. It seemed there were quite a few injuries on his face. "You're never going to heal if you keep getting hurt."

"And whose fault is that, I wonder?"

"Watch her."

Ramon nodded and followed after Natalia, who rushed off. Lillian stood up and turned to the two blank siblings. The sight before her made her laugh.

The two so called powerful members have injuries all over their arms and faces.

'It seems Ramon finally snapped. The fact that he tolerated it this entire time is beyond me.'

Lillian pointed in the direction of the ballroom. "Miss Seira and sir Shuhei, you two appear to be lost. The ball is that way."

The two siblings scurried away like little rats and didn't say a word; at least one of them didn't. Seira, who brushed past me, giggled. "Sir Lucas is quite the kisser; you should claim him properly before I do."

Her eyes twitched, annoyed. This woman is truly pushing her luck again.

She, however, kept calm and waited until the two left. Lillian looked over at Lucas, who was still strangling Sir Stuart.

"Lucas, let's go," Lillian called out.

She does not want to waste any more time on these insignificant people.

Lucas, who was still angry, loosened his grip on Stuart before tossing the man aside. Stuart landed on the ground with a crash, but his smile did not waver as he stood up.

"I enjoyed the kiss, my Lady. I hope we can increase our affections for each other the next time we meet in private."

Lucas was about to get angry again, but she tugged on his cloak. "I'm tired."

It wasn't a complete lie. Dancing with Eric and dealing with sir Stuart took a lot of strength; moreover, her body still felt sluggish. She drank some poison earlier too. Although her body has developed resistance to most poisons, she is still a normal human.

Lucas must have noticed since he grabbed hold of her wrist. He didn't say anything and quickly walked off. She struggled to keep pace with him.

'Is he angry? But why would he be-' Lucas suddenly stopped walking?

"Lillian, what was that?"

"Huh?" Lillian looked at him with wide eyes.

"I thought I warned you already to stay away from him."

Oh, so this is why he is mad? Indeed Lucas did warn her. But it is difficult to avoid the guy considering how he is Eric's friend. Father also seems to know about him; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked her to greet him.

"You should understand my position; it was inevitable."

"But at the very least, you should have had somebody with you," Lucas yelled. "Do you have any idea how I felt when I saw you alone with him just now? Lillian, you seem to have underestimated what I told you the other day."

Lillian didn't know what to say. This was a first for her to see Lucas this mad.

"You even let him kiss you-" Lucas' gaze dimmed, and he slammed his fist against the wall causing a small crack to form.

"I don't know what is wrong with you lately, but Lucas, you are going too far-" Her sentence fell short when he backed her against the wall.

"Are you sure you don't know?"

Of course not; why would she know anything about his odd behavior. Lillian felt her irritation grow.

"I don't know! Put yourself in my shoes.. Why would I know?" Lillian exclaimed.