Volume 4 Chapter 4 Mr. Lucian's Home And Hospitality
Mr. Lucian's house is down a side street from the main road in the south district of Arsubania, after turning a few corners.
It's on the 4th floor of a 4-story lodging building.
I followed Mr. Lucian up the spiral outdoor stairs, which made a loud clanking sound.
"Getting to Mr. Lucian's house felt like a maze... It's really deep inside, isn't it?"
"Yeah... I chose a hard-to-find place on purpose. I wanted to keep it a secret. I often don't come home because of work, so until now... I really only came back occasionally, just to be alone."
"Keep it a secret from everyone?"
"Yeah. I was very careful not to be followed. So, when I came back here, I could relax a little."
"It feels like a hideout."
"That's right. No one lives on the first to third floors. I bought it when it was empty."
"Isn't it too big for just one person...?"
Even though it's an lodging, I wonder if it would be better to buy a house like Sir Ciel did.
"...If I lived in a house, it would stand out, right? In an lodging like this, I can avoid interacting with people, and if the other residents leave, it won't seem suspicious. Plus, this place isn't in a great location, and the building is old, so... if it becomes a ruin, no one would care."
It's true; the lodging building looks old.
The gray walls have cracks in some places, and the metal stairs are rusty.
It really does feel like a hideout.
"Well, that was how it used to be... Now that I've lived here for a long time, I've grown attached to this house... and I wanted to invite you."
"Getting here felt like a maze, so... I might get lost next time I come."
"...Are you planning to come by yourself...? That would make me... happy."
"When I have a lot of food to share or when I come to bring crabs..."
"Crabs?"
"Yes, crabs."
I made a peace sign with both hands and wiggled my fingers.
I wonder if Mr. Lucian likes crab shell gratin.
"Crabs..."
Mr. Lucian murmured as he thought about crabs, and when he reached the 4th floor, he opened the door.
It was a black iron door. The door creaked as it opened, revealing a very clean room, completely different from the old outside.
It's a one-floor lodging on the 4th floor. There's a black mat for wiping mud at the entrance, leading to a dark wooden hallway that isn't shiny.
On a shelf by the entrance, there's a small plant with strange holes in its leaves.
There are brass hooks for hanging coats and scarves.
Just the entrance already has a really stylish vibe.
When I stepped inside, Eir-Eir and Ms. Famine jumped off my body and scurried inside.
"Hey, you two, don't just rush in like that... it's rude..."
"Pumpkin pudding!"
"Tarte Tatin!"
Both of them turned to me for a moment when I said that, then confidently went inside.
I wonder if they both like new things.
"Sorry, they're so free..."
"It's fine. There's nothing here that I'd mind you seeing."
There are several doors along the hallway.
At the end of the hallway is the dining area. Beyond the dining table is the bedroom, which has no doors or walls, just an open space.
Besides a cylindrical magic stone heater, there's also a fireplace.
Next to the fireplace, there's a spiral staircase that seems to lead to another floor.
"Mr. Lucian, can you go to the rooftop?"
"Yeah. I can fly Fafnir from the rooftop. I can't do that in the town. Having a rooftop is really convenient. I can also hang laundry there."
Eir-Eir and Ms. Famine are bouncing on the bed covered with black sheets.
On the wall, there are several swords in their sheaths, and by the big window with a large balcony, there's a big potted plant.
The dining table has a red cloth on it, with a tall candlestick and a glass vase filled with dried flowers. There are also several large candles placed on it.
"So stylish...! Mr. Lucian, so stylish...!"
Mr. Lucian warmed up the magic stone stove and lit a fire in the fireplace. Then, he put the dried mimosa flowers he bought for me into an empty glass jar.
From the label, it looked like it used to hold alcohol.
Just putting flowers in an alcohol bottle makes it super cute.
"I decorated a little... I hope you like it."
"It's stylish... ugh... I feel embarrassed..."
"W-Why...?!"
I was so overwhelmed by how stylish it was that tears filled my eyes.
Mr. Lucian hurriedly wiped my tears away with his hand.
He also helped me take off my coat.
The room was already warm, and Mr. Lucian hung our coats on the coat rack.
Everything was so stylish. I thought there might be some plants around, but it was way beyond that.
"Ugh... Mr. Lucian, your style is just too good..."
"N-No, what part of it is stylish...?"
"You're way more stylish than me in every way..."
I cried softly, feeling defeated.
Not just defeated, but also a bit pathetic.
I wanted to make Lobelia a cute shop for girls and kids, but what have I been doing all this time?
I clearly lacked cuteness. No doubt, Mr. Lucian's room was a billion times more stylish.
"...I didn't think you'd be this happy. I was a bit embarrassed putting it all together."
"It's super cute, Mr. Lucian. The table decorations are adorable, the sugar bowl and honey pot are all cute. The dried flowers are cute too. You're amazing, amazing..."
"You're still such a crybaby... To me, you're the cutest."
"Even your words are amazing..."
Mr. Lucian said something really sweet while gently stroking my cheeks and hair, so I buried my face in my hands.
My face turned red. Hearing that made me a little happy.
I could understand how other women felt when they were charmed by Mr. Lucian's unintentional words.
"Lydia..."
Suddenly, he called my name in a serious voice, and I looked up.
Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw his handsome face. His beautiful blue eyes were staring right at me.
"I really think you're cute. No matter how I decorate, my room feels empty without you. Just having you here makes everything brighter and more lively."
"...That's embarrassing to hear."
"Cute."
He took my hand, intertwining our fingers.
His gaze seemed to say he wanted to say something. I looked up at Mr. Lucian, feeling confused.
This felt different from just being friends.
My heart felt a little tight.
"...pumpkin pudding."
"Tarte Tatin."
I was startled by their grumpy voices and turned to see Eir-Eir and Ms. Famine munching on apples from a bowl on the table.
I could understand Eir-Eir, but Ms. Famine too?
"...Sorry, I guess you're hungry."
Mr. Lucian chuckled and stepped away from me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
Being alone with Mr. Lucian was not good for my heart. I knew he wasn't a flirt, but he felt so smooth.
For someone like me, who has almost no romantic experience, this was a bit too much.
Is this what being friends feels like?
It felt a little different to me.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)