Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra - Chapter 548

Chapter 548: A ride and confession (5)
“…Three kids.”

SCREEEEEECH—!!!

Aether screeched in protest as Lucavion yanked the reins, bringing them to a sudden stop.

“Wa-wa—!!!”

Aeliana jerked forward, barely catching herself against his back.

She blinked.

“…Wa-wa?”

Lucavion turned his head slightly, his eyes wide, his face flushed.

“Wait a little—nothing is determined yet!”

Aeliana smirked.

“Oh?”

Lucavion stiffened.

Aeliana tilted her head against his shoulder, grinning against the fabric of his coat.

“Hmm… didn’t you just say you wouldn’t go this far for someone you didn’t care about?”

Lucavion opened his mouth—then shut it.

Then opened it again—only to pause.

Aeliana laughed.

“Three kids,” she murmured again, just to see him flinch.

Aeliana grinned, feeling the way Lucavion’s entire body was locked in place—tense, stiff, as if he was trying very hard to pretend he wasn’t affected.

Which, of course, only encouraged her.

“Hmmm…” she mused, resting her chin lightly against his shoulder. “Three kids… maybe four?”

Lucavion twitched.

“…Four?!”

Aeliana smirked. “Well, who knows? If we’re going to go that far, might as well aim high.”

Lucavion inhaled sharply, as if trying to steel himself.

“…And when, exactly, did this get decided?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Aeliana hummed playfully. “Maybe after that kiss?”

Lucavion visibly clenched his jaw.

“You’re relentless.”

“I just like planning ahead,” Aeliana teased. “Come on, you wouldn’t want our kids to grow up without a clear future, right?”

Lucavion froze for half a second.

And then—

“Tch—Enough!”

With a sharp tug, he yanked the reins.

Aether snorted in protest before launching into a full gallop.

The wind rushed past them once again, tearing through Aeliana’s hair, the force of the sudden movement making her tighten her grip around his waist.

Aeliana giggled, her laugh full and bright.

She could practically feel the frustration radiating off Lucavion, the way he had panicked and resorted to sheer speed just to escape her words.

‘Heh. Cute.’

She let the wind cool her cheeks, let the thrill of the ride settle deep in her bones.

But—

Her fingers curled slightly against his coat.

Her own heart was still racing—pounding, throbbing.

She had pushed herself a lot tonight.

And as much as she hated to admit it, even now, she still had limits.

‘Tch… it’s fine.’

She let out a slow breath, steadying herself.

After all—

She wouldn’t let something like this stop her now.

******

The night stretched long and deep, the moon casting silver light over the world as Aether’s powerful strides ate up the distance between them and the Thaddeus Duchy.

The cool wind lashed against Aeliana’s cheeks, but she welcomed it.

Lucavion’s warmth beneath her hands, the steady rhythm of Aether’s gallop—it all made her feel as if this moment would never end.

But then—

A pair of torches flared to life in the distance.

The gates of the Thaddeus mansion loomed before them, tall and imposing, a grand silhouette against the darkened sky.

And standing guard—

A group of armed men.

Aeliana barely had time to register them before—

“HALT!”

The sharp command rang out, cutting through the night.

Aether immediately reared back, her hooves kicking up dust as Lucavion pulled the reins.

Aeliana tightened her grip around his waist, holding firm as Aether came to an abrupt stop just a few meters away from the guards.

The men moved swiftly, forming a line, their weapons glinting under the lantern light.

Aeliana caught the wary glint in their eyes, the way their grips tightened on their swords.

It made sense.

A man clad in unfamiliar, slightly worn clothes, arriving on an obsidian-colored warhorse in the middle of the night?

Yeah. Suspicious.

Lucavion, of course, didn’t seem bothered.

With his usual ease, he exhaled and straightened, his smirk curling at the edges.

“Easy there,” he said, his voice smooth, unbothered. “I’d rather not get stabbed before I’ve even stepped through the door.”

The guards did not lower their weapons.

“State your business.” The lead guard’s voice was firm.

Lucavion placed a hand over his chest in a mock show of grace. “Lucavion.” He tilted his head slightly. “Your Lady’s esteemed guest. Surely you’ve heard of me?”

The guards did not look convinced.

“…Lucavion?” The lead guard’s brow furrowed. His sharp gaze scanned over him, doubt evident in his stance.

Aeliana couldn’t blame them.

Lucavion looked nothing like the polished guest who had entered the mansion before.

His usual refined attire had been swapped for simple, travel-worn clothes. His hair, while naturally tousled, was slightly messier from the ride.

And—

He looked too relaxed.

Not at all like someone who should be approaching the Thaddeus estate at this hour.

The guards exchanged wary glances.

“…We received no notice of your arrival,” one of them muttered.

“Spontaneity is a virtue,” Lucavion mused.

Aeliana sighed.

‘This idiot.’

Before the guards could grow more suspicious, she shifted slightly, raising her head—

And allowed her golden amber eyes to gleam beneath the lantern light.

The guards remained unmoved at first.

Even as Aeliana straightened, even as she lifted her chin with that unmistakable air of authority—

They hesitated.

Her clothes were wrong.

No silks, no embroidery, no noble crest stitched into the fabric.

Instead, she was dressed simply—far too simply. Her attire, worn slightly from the day’s ventures, made her look like any other traveler, any other girl arriving late with a reckless companion.

And that was the problem.

She wasn’t just any girl.

She was Aeliana Thaddeus.

And right now, she didn’t look the part.

Aeliana exhaled sharply, already feeling irritation prick at her patience.

But—

Then she spoke.

“Open the gates.”

Clear. Commanding. The kind of voice that left no room for hesitation.

And just like that—

The guards froze.

Their eyes darted to her face again, and this time, they really looked.

The sharpness of her features. The way her amber eyes glowed under the lantern light—unmistakable, undeniable.

And then—

Their gazes flickered toward Lucavion.

More specifically—

The thin, pale scar tracing just below his right eye.

Recognition slammed into them like a crashing wave.

“L-Lady Aeliana—?! And… Sir Lucavion?”

Aeliana scoffed, tilting her head slightly.

“Took you long enough.”

The guards immediately straightened, their expressions shifting from wary to mortified.

“…Forgive us, my lady!” The lead guard’s voice was stiff, formal now, rushed with urgency.

Lucavion chuckled beside her. “Oh? Where’d all that suspicion go?”

Aeliana rolled her eyes.

“Just open the damn gates.”

The guards scrambled, metal clanking as the locks were swiftly unlatched.

With a low groan, the grand gates shifted, swinging open to welcome them inside.

Lucavion clicked his tongue, giving Aeliana an amused glance as he nudged Aether forward.

“See?” he murmured. “Told you I was an esteemed guest.”

Aeliana gave him a look that was equal parts exasperated and fond.

“Shut up and move.”

Lucavion smirked—

And together, they rode into the heart of the Thaddeus estate.

As they passed through the gates and into the heart of the Thaddeus estate, the tension in the air shifted. The night felt quieter here, the grand mansion looming ahead, its windows glowing softly with golden light.

Aeliana exhaled, rolling her shoulders slightly as the weight of their journey settled in. Lucavion, ever composed, let Aether’s pace slow, his gaze sweeping over the familiar sight of the manor with an unreadable expression.

And waiting at the grand entrance—

Lysander.

The head butler stood with perfect posture, his hands folded neatly before him, his expression as impassive as ever. The moment his sharp gaze fell upon them, however, it flickered—just briefly—over Aeliana’s attire.

A commoner’s garb.

That alone was enough to raise a dozen questions.

Aeliana had left the estate in her usual noble attire. There was no reason for her to be dressed like this unless something had happened. But—

She looked calm.

Not the slightest trace of distress lined her features. If anything, she looked more relaxed than when she had first left.

So, Lysander, in all his practiced wisdom, did not ask.

Instead, he took a single step forward, his voice smooth and level as he greeted them.

“My lady. Sir Lucavion.”

Aeliana tilted her head slightly, studying him before offering a casual nod. “Lysander.”

Lucavion, on the other hand, grinned. “Ah, the ever-dutiful butler.” He dismounted with easy grace, brushing a hand through his hair before glancing at Aeliana. “Well, I suppose this is where we get scolded.”

Lysander did not sigh, nor did his expression shift, but there was the faintest air of resignation in his eyes.

“You are late,” he said simply. “The Duke is waiting for you.”

Aeliana swung off Aether, landing lightly on her feet before brushing the dust off her sleeves. “Figured as much.”

Lysander gave a slight bow. “If you would follow me.”

Lucavion chuckled, stretching slightly before slipping his hands into his pockets. “Ah, how welcoming.”

Aeliana smirked, brushing past him as she followed the butler inside. “Come on, ‘esteemed guest.'”

Lucavion shook his head but trailed after her, his usual smirk in place.