Benjamin couldn’t help but feel a little discouraged at what Baron Hugh said. 

‘He thinks that I will be failing? It almost like he expects me to fail… and a lot of times too. He doesn’t really trust me that I’ll do anything good and substantial, won’t I?’

Meanwhile, Lucius immediately figured out what the Baron Hugh intended to say with his words.

There were no emotions that clouded Lucius’ brain, so it was clear as day to him and also made him recall his times back on earth.

‘This is a statement that I’ve heard before. And it is perhaps something that someone who is uncareful does. Make mistakes and learn from them.’ Lucius thought. ‘The far better alternative is of course, learning from other people and about the people. If you can control the outcome, then there is no need for the uncertainty.’

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Lucius smiled. “Thank you for the input, Baron Hugh.”

‘There are times where even an ‘expert’ in his field turns out to be wrong, and sometimes, while there are occasions where it is far better to correct them so as to update their belief, there are far much more many situations where I need not to involve myself.’ Lucius thought. ‘I’ve already ensnared and gotten Benjamin, and while I have intentions of taking everything, it will be something that I will do piece by piece. If there are people stuck in their own self-awareness, then it shall be to my own benefit.’

“Of course, I have learned some things from you, Lord Asher, but allow me to also offer you some wisdom from my own experience.” Baron Hugh said.

Benjamin still looked upset, but it was something that Lucius allowed to stay.

‘I’ve already had the Mark of Obedience on him, so I really have no need to coddle his feelings any longer. It’s much easier to manipulate him in some regards with this… although, I suppose also allowing this one to grow a bit more will also be useful.’ 

When the conversation was done with Baron Hugh and Benjamin, Lucius stepped out with them to find Lily by the door.

“Lily…”

“Hello, father and brother.” Lily smiled and curtsied. “I… I was hoping to speak with Lord Asher privately about the recommendation that he was interested in giving me?”

Baron Hugh became immensely worried and so did Benjamin, but for different reasons.

Lucius cleared his throat and glanced at the smaller woman. She was small, and yet her personality was quite big.

‘Well, if there is a tool that insists on being used and it can be used. Why not use it?’ Lucius thought.

“Very well, Miss Lily. Baron Hugh and Benjamin, it has been a pleasure talking with you. I hope that the rest of the day goes well before we meet again. I promise to return, Miss Lily promptly and take care of her.” Lucius said.

***

Once the doors were closed, Lily became a little more relaxed, but also determined.

Lily glanced up at Lord Asher’s face, who chose to remain silent and wait for her to say something.

It was far easier to be the listener and observer, to wait and assess the enemy before making any actions.

It made Lily unnerved and she cleared her throat delicately. 

“I… I have been thinking of your offer, Lord Asher.”

“Yes. Have you made a decision already?” Lucius raised a brow.

“I…” Lily pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. She couldn’t think of anything to say right now besides feeling the blushing on her cheek.

“Yes?”

“…I admire you, Lord Asher.” Lily shyly said and looked down at her feet. “I… wanted to work at your side too like my brother, so I was actually disheartened when you told me that you’d recommend me to Dionysia’s Brewery. It’s something that my mom likes really much and I think she’ll push for me to get it too, but do you think there’s also any chance that I might be able to work at your side too?”

Lucius blinked and stared at her. 

‘I’ve expected her to still act coy and shy, but I must have unnerved her far enough that she’s displaying her feelings now more. Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s an entirely good thing. Well, it simply means that she can still be controlled easily and these feelings of hers are useful for my sake.’

“There’s not much I can do for you, Miss Lily besides that. The risk of working with your brother, Benjamin, is actually a bit high already so if I were to offer a salary or stipend to you as well, well, it is possible, but I would like to only focus on your brother first.” Lucius said.

It was a mix of truth and lies. It was to see how far she was willing to go in this matter.

Lily let out a soft sigh but then nodded. “I-I understand, Lord Asher. I… I hope that you will at least consider me for the future then. Thank you for the time, my answer is a yes to Dionysia’s Brewery, by the way. Even though it’s not at your side, it’s at least close enough.”

“You’re being quite vocal about what you desire, Miss Lily.”

Lily blushed and brushed back a lock of her hair. “I… I think that trying to be coy with Lord Asher won’t work, so the best way I can see things working out is by being true with you. It’s also nice to actually speak without having to measure them too much, Lord Asher.”