Switching his focus to Lady Bianca, Lucian saw that she had a very pensive look on her face.
She didn't understand why the Crown Prince would choose to bend to Celine's whims and let her drag him away without any protest. She was like an open book to Lucian, every expression filled with doubt and betrayal. She had no idea, did she?
Her lustful desire for the Prince was as clear as a crystal, and yet she denied herself to acknowledge it. Because it would break the pure image everyone had of her? Or because it would prove Celine right?
Either way, Lucian didn't care. Lady Bianca wouldn't risk losing his friendship by wanting more, and that was a good enough deal for him to stick with. Breaking hearts was more of Celine's thing, not his. He preferred working ones, especially ones that were beating for his cause.
Lady Bianca quickly wiped her tears and smiled, rushing toward Lucian like a happy child, "Lord Arclight! You won—"
Her knight grabbed her arm before she could throw herself into Lucian's embrace and shook his head. Lady Bianca paused and nodded, understanding that the man in front of her was no longer available.
She was about to thank him for his help, but was cut short by his people, who cheered and helped him up. "Boss, you did it! You won, Boss!"
Lucian seized the bottle from AL's hand and took a large sip, ignoring the stinging pain in his chest. "We are celebrating tonight, everyone! I'll cover the expenses. Go and have some fun!"
"Not without you!" They all shouted in excitement, running toward the inn and carrying him like he was the hero of the night. "TO THE BOSS!"
Lucian looked over to where Lady Bianca and the Knight were standing, "Come on, you two. This is your win as well."
They glanced at each other and followed the crowd inside.
The knight left Lady Bianca in their care and went to change his clothes. Lucian tagged along.
"I accept your offer if it still stands," the knight whispered.
Lucian smiled and patted his shoulder, "Welcome aboard, Sir Claude."
All this trouble to get one single knight on his side. Now there were only two left to go.
Lucian hoped he wouldn't have to accomodate another taken woman for that, and that they would be smart enough to follow what was best for them. But knowing how stubborn those two were, he doubted that to be the case.
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
Huray, Lucian finally gets a subordinate that isn't rowdy like the rest of his fishermen. ✌️
Don't you find it infuriating when a villainess (Celine) gets in between the main couple? Then the ML (Aldric) follows her obediently and creates more misunderstandings? 😌
And then, the FL(Bianca) thinks the ML (Aldric) still has feelings for the villainess? ☺️ This thrn gives the second male lead (Lucian) a chance to shine and prove his worth? Not to mention how his existence is solely to make the ML jealous and get him to confess his love for the female lead? 🤭 I used to hate it, now it became my guilty pleasure, lol. 🫠
Celine: Lucian is the male lead, so that makes me the heroine.
Lucian: ...You do realize that the heroine is supposed to heal the male lead's trauma, not add to his emotional baggage?
Celine: Silly, the heroine is whoever the male lead chooses. Now, let's get married and live happily ever after.
Lucian: *Picks the villainess option and runs away*
Celine: *Chases after him* You fool, why are you running away from your happiness?! *Trips and falls*
Lucian: I'm not falling for your tricks. *Runs faster*
Celine: *Crawls toward him* Villainess or not, I still won.
Lucian: *Returns to taunt her but falls instead* Won what?
Celine: You, of course. *Catches his arm triumphally*
Lucian: … *Doesn't correct her, and secretly enjoys being her grand prize*
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