The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Lucian’s Errands

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Lucian’s castle as Kael yawned dramatically. “Shopping? Really? I thought dark lords had minions for this sort of thing,” he muttered, pulling on his boots.

Lucian shot him a look, one that promised retribution if he kept up the whining. “My cousin isn’t just anyone, Kael. Leona is an oracle—a very powerful one—and one of the few family members I actually tolerate. Her birthday deserves acknowledgment, even from me.”

Aeliana, adjusting her cloak in the mirror, chimed in, “I think it’s sweet, Lucian. You rarely show this side of yourself. Leona must mean a lot to you.”

Lucian gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. “She’s…family,” he said simply. “Besides, if I don’t bring her something thoughtful, I’ll never hear the end of her cryptic prophecies about my poor manners.”

Kael snorted. “Let me guess. ‘Beware the dark lord who forgets the birthdays of oracles lest doom befall his realm.'”

Aeliana laughed, and even Lucian smirked faintly as the three of them stepped through a shimmering portal that led to the bustling markets of a nearby city.

The market was alive with energy—vendors shouting about their wares, the scent of roasted nuts and spiced teas wafting through the air, and colorful stalls displaying everything from enchanted trinkets to rare books. Aeliana’s eyes sparkled as she took in the sights.

“Do you know what she’d like, or are we winging this?” Aeliana asked Lucian as she picked up a delicate necklace adorned with a glowing opal.

“Leona likes things that are practical,” Lucian replied, scanning a stall that sold intricately carved crystal spheres. “Nothing frivolous.”

“Practical?” Kael groaned. “Why not just get her a broom and call it a day?”

Lucian ignored him, his attention caught by a stall selling enchanted mirrors. The vendor—a wiry man with a sharp smile—held up a small hand mirror rimmed with silver and inscribed with ancient runes. “This one shows glimpses of possible futures,” the vendor explained.

Aeliana leaned closer, intrigued. “That sounds perfect for an oracle. What do you think, Lucian?”

Before he could answer, Kael interrupted, holding up a dark cloak that shimmered as if woven from shadows. “What about this? Practical and stylish. She could use it to sneak up on her enemies—or on you.”

Lucian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Kael, she’s not an assassin. And stop touching things.”

As they continued through the market, Aeliana spotted a bookshop tucked away in a quiet corner. “Maybe something here?” she suggested. The three of them stepped inside, the scent of parchment and ink filling the air.

Lucian’s gaze settled on a weathered tome bound in deep blue leather, its spine embossed with golden stars. The shopkeeper explained that it was a rare text on celestial magic and prophecy. Lucian nodded, satisfied. “This will do.”

Back at the castle, as they prepared the gift for Leona, Aeliana teased Lucian, “You’re not so scary when you’re picking out birthday presents.”

Kael smirked, adding, “Yeah, maybe you should rule through gifting instead of intimidation.”

Lucian shot them both a withering look. “If either of you mentions this to anyone, I’ll make sure your next training sessions are twice as brutal.”

But as he wrapped the book with meticulous care, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Family, no matter how distant, still mattered—even to a dark lord.

..

Aeliana crossed her arms as they walked through the bustling market. “Shopping, if we’re doing this, has to be precise. We can’t just wander around aimlessly, Lucian. What exactly are we getting for your dear cousin?”

Lucian glanced at her, his sharp eyes betraying his irritation at her tone. “Leona isn’t just my cousin. She’s an oracle, Aeliana. Her tastes are…specific. She doesn’t care for frivolities or trinkets.”

“Great,” Kael interjected with mock enthusiasm. “So we’re looking for something vague, yet meaningful, practical but not dull. No pressure.”

“Leona isn’t hard to please,” Lucian said firmly. “She values anything that demonstrates thoughtfulness. And,” he added with a wry smirk, “she’ll be sure to let us know if we fail.”

Aeliana sighed, her gaze shifting to a stall filled with shimmering fabrics enchanted to shimmer like starlight. “Does she like clothes? Something elegant but practical?”

Lucian shook his head. “She prefers function over form. Aeliana, let’s focus on what would actually enhance her work as an oracle. Tools. Books. Something magical.”

Kael groaned dramatically. “Why not just buy her a cauldron and call it a day?”

Lucian stopped abruptly in front of a stall filled with crystal spheres of various sizes and hues. “Something like this,” he said, gesturing to a deep amethyst orb that seemed to pulse with a faint inner light. “This could help her in her visions.”

The vendor, sensing an opportunity, jumped in. “Ah, my lord, you have an excellent eye! This orb amplifies clairvoyance and reveals hidden paths in one’s visions. Perfect for an oracle!”

Aeliana leaned in, her own magical senses tingling as she examined the orb. “It’s powerful, no doubt. But is it too…obvious? Wouldn’t Leona already have something like this?”

Lucian frowned, considering her words. “Perhaps. But it’s not just about the object. It’s the gesture.”

“Still,” Aeliana pressed, “maybe we can find something more personal.”

They wandered further into the market, eventually coming across a small, unassuming shop tucked between two larger stalls. The sign above the door read Celestial Curiosities. Inside, the dimly lit space was filled with rare books, ancient maps, and intricate magical artifacts.

“Now this,” Kael said, picking up a strange contraption that looked like a cross between a sundial and an hourglass, “feels promising.”

Lucian ignored him, his attention drawn to a beautifully bound tome with a dark blue cover, its spine embossed with golden stars. The shopkeeper, a wizened woman with piercing eyes, stepped forward. “Ah, the Stellar Codex. A rare text on celestial magic and prophecy. Ideal for someone who peers into the threads of fate.”

Aeliana’s eyes lit up. “This is perfect.”

Lucian nodded, taking the book and handing the shopkeeper a pouch of gold. “It’s done. Let’s head back.”

As they made their way home, Aeliana couldn’t help but tease, “For someone so intimidating, you’re surprisingly thoughtful when it comes to family.”

Lucian smirked but said nothing, his mind already turning to the preparations for Leona’s arrival. “Remember, this wasn’t about being thoughtful. It’s about ensuring harmony among my kin. Leona’s respect is worth more than gold.”

….

As they walked back to the castle, Aeliana glanced at the wrapped tome in Lucian’s hands and raised an eyebrow. “Out of all the possible gifts—wands, cauldrons, crystal balls—you went with a book? Why that, Lucian?”

Lucian’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Because it’s not just any book. The Stellar Codex isn’t something you stumble across in every marketplace. It’s an ancient text filled with celestial charts, prophecy techniques, and rituals. For someone like Leona, who spends her life interpreting the stars and guiding fates, it’s invaluable.”

“But wouldn’t a crystal ball or something more, I don’t know, flashy have been better?” Aeliana countered, folding her arms.

Lucian stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. “Aeliana,” he said, his voice patient but firm, “Leona doesn’t need tools to make her seem impressive. She’s already an oracle, and a skilled one at that. What she values are the things that challenge her, enhance her understanding, or help her refine her abilities. A crystal ball might look nice, but it’s something she already has a dozen of. This book? It’s rare knowledge. Something she can use to elevate herself.”

Aeliana frowned thoughtfully, her fingers brushing over the fabric of her skirt as she considered his words. “So, it’s not about the gift itself. It’s about what it means for her and how it helps her grow.”

“Exactly,” Lucian said with a nod. “A thoughtful gift isn’t about grandeur. It’s about understanding the person receiving it. And Leona, for all her sharpness and foresight, doesn’t care about objects. She cares about purpose.”

Kael, who had been trailing behind, finally chimed in. “So basically, you’re saying you’re trying to impress her without looking like you’re trying to impress her. Classic Lucian.”

Lucian shot him a glare that could have frozen fire. “Kael, you might want to reconsider how much you’re speaking today.”

Kael smirked but held his tongue, though Aeliana could see the laughter in his eyes.

As they entered the castle, Aeliana still couldn’t help but press further. “You really put a lot of thought into this. Makes me wonder—what kind of gift would you give me, if it were for me?”

Lucian paused, his sharp gaze softening as it met hers. “You?” he asked, his voice quieter. “Something that would remind you of your strength. Something that would challenge you but also give you comfort when you need it.”

Aeliana blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity of his answer. She didn’t respond, unsure how to follow up on such a heartfelt statement.

Kael groaned audibly from behind them. “Oh, great. Are you two going to start swooning over each other again? Because I can take this book to Leona myself and leave you to your…whatever this is.”

“Quiet, Kael,” Aeliana and Lucian said in unison, their voices tinged with amusement.

As they continued into the castle, the gift for Leona tucked safely under Lucian’s arm, Aeliana couldn’t help but feel a bit more intrigued by the dark lord. Maybe there was more to his brooding nature than she’d initially thought.