Chapter 128: A Lesson Worth Memorizing

In a luxurious room overlooking the training grounds of the Crimson estate, a young boy stood by the window, his figure mostly hidden behind heavy velvet curtains bearing the golden sigil of the roaring lion.

His crimson hair peeked through the gap between the curtains as he leaned forward, watching the duel below with sparkling eyes.

The clash of wooden swords echoed across the training grounds, followed by the shouts of the surrounding spectators, and the young boy clenched his fists in excitement.

He could hardly wait for the day he would finally be allowed to hold a sword himself.

Unfortunately, that day was still two years away.

The Crimson Ducal Clan did not permit children to formally begin sword training until they reached twelve, meaning Elias would have to spend the next two years studying under his maidservant instead.

Still, that did not stop him from watching the older members of his family train whenever he found the opportunity.

The boy possessed the striking crimson hair associated with the Crimson bloodline, but unlike most members of the clan, his eyes were black and still filled with childish innocence.

His name was Elias Crimson, the bastard son of the Crimson Duke.

Normally, a bastard had no claim to their parent’s noble title or lands, especially while pureblooded heirs remained alive. Duke Aegon Crimson had five official wives and ten legitimate children, meaning Elias’s position within the family was naturally far weaker than theirs.

However, the Duke had still granted Elias the Crimson surname.

That single decision gave the boy the right to fight for the title and lands of the Crimson Ducal Clan in the future, although his claim remained weaker than that of every legitimate child.

Suddenly, the people gathered below erupted into cheers as one of the young swordsmen won the duel.

Elias’s eyes widened before he raised both fists excitedly.

"I knew big brother would win," he mumbled with a proud grin.

"Are you enjoying yourself, young master?"

A soft, playful voice suddenly came from behind him.

Elias’s expression froze.

He slowly turned around and immediately saw the mature woman standing near the doorway. Her violet eyes were visible above the veil covering the lower half of her face, and although her expression remained hidden, Elias could practically feel the amusement radiating from her.

"I-I can explain myself," Elias stammered.

"Explain?" the maidservant asked, tilting her head before lightly shaking both hands. "What are you saying, young master? How could I, a lowly servant, dare to ask you to explain yourself?"

Her voice remained gentle, but there was an unmistakable teasing tone behind it.

"If you wish to watch them fight instead of studying, then I dare not stop you."

He froze.

His excitement vanished instantly, and his eyes began to water as he hurried toward her.

"Do not talk like that!"

He wrapped his small arms around her waist and buried his face against her.

"You are not a lowly servant," he protested, his voice trembling. "You are my family!"

The woman remained silent for a moment before a soft chuckle escaped her.

Then she gently ruffled his crimson hair before bending down and lifting him into her arms.

Elias immediately wrapped his small arms around her neck and rested his head against her shoulder as she carried him out of the room.

The maidservant walked through the corridor toward his study, her footsteps echoing softly through the quiet hall.

After a few moments, Elias shifted slightly in her arms.

"Umm..."

"What is it, young master?" she asked.

"Do you know..." Elias hesitated before looking up at her with an expectant gaze. "What a kiss is?"

The woman’s footsteps suddenly stopped.

Her violet eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him.

"Where did you hear that word?"

Elias immediately looked away and did not answer.

Seeing his reaction, the woman chuckled softly and resumed walking.

"It must have been Lady Balith."

"I-I never said that," Elias mumbled.

"You like her, do you not?" the maidservant teased.

"I do," Elias answered seriously.

The woman glanced down at him.

"She is like me in a way," Elias continued, his childish expression becoming thoughtful. "I feel like I can relate to her more than anyone else."

A faint smile appeared behind the woman’s veil.

"Well... a kiss, huh?" she murmured. "I never thought I would be telling you about that."

She adjusted Elias slightly in her arms before continuing.

"A kiss is an act to show love and trust between people, such as close friends, family, and lovers. However, a kiss on the lips is something you only share with your lover."

He listened carefully.

"If you ever find someone you love, young master, do not kiss them outright," she advised gently. "Hold them first. Make them comfortable with your presence, and then make them love you as well."

The young Elias remained silent, seemingly memorizing every word.

Back to the present.

Monica stared into Elias’s crimson eyes, her cheeks still flushed from his shameless words.

"What do you mean?" she mumbled.

Elias leaned forward until his forehead gently touched hers.

"I am asking you to make me silent," he said softly.

Monica’s heart immediately began beating faster.

"You are acting too shameless today, you know that?" she said, attempting to maintain her usual composure.

"I do," Elias mumbled without hesitation.

"Why?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"I do not know..." Elias admitted before a faint smile appeared. "Maybe because of how beautiful you are?"

Monica’s heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, the confidence in her expression almost disappeared, but she quickly recovered and reminded herself to remain calm.

’Calm down, Monica. You cannot allow him to control you like this.’

She narrowed her eyes at him, although the redness covering her cheeks betrayed her composure.

"Do you want something from me?" she asked.

"I do."

Elias tightened his arms around her and then activated Angel of Comfort.

"I want you to be happy," he mumbled.

Monica’s eyes trembled.

The moment his skill took effect, a warmth she hadn’t experienced in years spread through her body. It was not merely physical warmth, either. It seemed to reach somewhere much deeper, soothing her mind and spirit while dulling the constant ache that had tormented her for so long.

For the first time in nearly three years, Monica felt something resembling genuine comfort.

Her breathing became unsteady, and her body instinctively relaxed within his embrace.

"W-What did you do?" she asked, barely managing to form the words.

Elias smiled faintly.

"Why do you keep questioning me?" he asked. "Do you not want to shut me up?"

Her eyes shook, and her gaze slowly lowered toward his lips.

"I hate how shameless you are," she said softly.

Her voice lacked its usual sharpness.

Instead, it carried a strange mixture of embarrassment, affection, and surrender.

She remained still for another moment as Elias continued holding her, and the warmth spreading through her body made it increasingly difficult to maintain the distance she had always kept between them.

Then, with her cheeks burning, Monica finally leaned her head forward.