After that day, Lucian had no news of Magnus, which seemed like a good thing since he didn't even hear anything about him rejecting the marriage proposal. Probably that omega must have been surprised to learn that the eighth prince discovered his conversation with Cadec.
Considering how Magnus' brothers told him about Lucian's kindness, the prince could consider his plan to win the favor of Eugene and Jesse Grimwood as successful. Perhaps the brothers were a great burden to make Magnus accept the marriage proposal.
"Your Highness, it seems we have arrived."
Waking from his daydreams, Lucian looked out the carriage window and realized the depressing place he was in. The neighborhood of the plebeians seemed busy, which would make it easier for them to disperse among the crowd.
"All right, let's go."
They got off the carriage in a deserted street, and from then on Argus guided the prince through the alleys until they reached the square of the plebeian quarter. The commercial area of the plebeians seemed to be going well, since there were many shops and tents selling their products.
However, Lucian's goal was another.
"I think we'd better go down the alley, Your Highness."
"Do you think so? Then so be it."
Adjusting the hood over his head, Lucian wore ordinary costumes instead of his expensive clothes. The disguise would not attract attention, however the color of his eyes could reveal his identity. That's why Argus got those hooded robes so they both could avoid drawing attention.
As they walked through the narrow and silent alleys, Lucian kept rethinking the original story's information.
Needed to make sure Magnus stayed away from Maverick. Thanks to your concern, he hasn't been able to sleep for days. It was like dreaming about Lucian's death and feeling frustrated when waking up and coming across the decorated ceiling of the prince's room.
It was as if he yearned to wake up back to his reality.
"If I may ask, why did you ask for something like that?"
Argus' question caused Lucian to disperse his melancholy thoughts.
"As soon as I received the invitation from Count Baragnon, I had a vision."
Argus widened his eyes in surprise, and Lucian felt bad for lying.
That is to say... he knew what would happen within the story, but to say that he knew all of this because he had a "gift" seemed like a washed-out lie. Especially when his personal servant looked at him with such admiration.
"Another vision?! What did you see this time?"
"Just that someone could get doped during the party. So I'm taking the liberty to stop it."
"Doped?! My goodness, that's dangerous, Your Highness!"
"Shhh!", Lucian covered Argus' face and looked to the sides ensuring that no one had heard him. "Haa, be careful, we don't want to be noticed. Plus, it is precisely to avoid this that we came here, right?"
Argus agreed with his head and then the two could continue their journey.
"Who would dare to do such a thing in such a joyous celebration? Count Baragnon must be happy to celebrate the reunion with his lost son."
Of course it was shocking, after all only a person with bad intentions would do something like that. However, Lucian knew that the person who would do this was none other than the first villain of
"People do unthinkable things because of jealousy and envy."
"You're right... ah, it's here."
Standing in front of a small wooden door, Argus hit it three times. A creak and the door opened, showing the corpulent figure who stared at the two boys from top to bottom.
"Excuse me, we are looking for the best vineyard in town."
Without saying a single word, the corpulent man gave room for the two to enter and guided them into the house.
So that was the password that Argus had said before they left? It seemed something so common...
Argus and Lucian were taken to the upper floor of the mansion, and then the corpulent knocked on a door where a female voice sounded.
"Come in."
The door opened and Lucian saw a tall woman sitting behind a table. She breathed the smoke of the cigarette and looked at the two visitors with a feline look. As soon as they entered, the door closed on their back, and then they were alone with that figure so distinguished.
"Well, if he is not the eighth imperial prince. What brings him up to my roof?"
Removing the hood, Lucian smiled despite being slightly surprised to have been recognized.
"I came to pick up a request that I made through my servant."
The woman turned her eyes to Argus and then sighed low.
"I did not imagine that the request had been made by Your Highness. In that case, allow me to introduce myself. You can call me Ethera, I will be at your disposal whenever you need something, Your Highness."
So she was the leader of the information guild. The "Nightshade" guild has been mentioned a few times in history when Magnus hired them to obtain information for his investigations. Unfortunately the exact location and name of the leader of that guild was never mentioned.
Should Lucian consider himself lucky to have met the leader? Or should he be afraid that your servant has managed to find out where they were staying and even made the request?
"The pleasure is all mine. I will be more than happy if I can count on you when I need something."
Lucian left on her table a generous bag of gold coins, which made Ethera's greedy eyes shine.
"Well, it would be an honor."
The woman snapped her fingers, and another corpulent man came into the office carrying a tray with a small box. Ethera approached, being careful to open the box in front of Lucian. A small jar with a slightly purple liquid seemed to shine.
"Look, I did as you asked. This is a drug that can force any hybrid into heat. Consider yourself lucky to have achieved this here, as it is extremely rare to get even at your mildest dose."
"Is that so? And can I know what the effects of this drug has?"
"As far as it has been investigated can bring nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, after all is a drug... I must remember that just two drops is enough to achieve the expected effect, so administer carefully. The more you dump, the more effects will come to the person."
Lucian sighed, it looked like he was buying a poison.
"Well, whatever. If the best scenario happens, I hope I don't have to use this."
"Even if not, it would be good to keep with you, Your Highness. Considering the current situation inside the palace, I believe you should have at least one weapon to defend yourself."
It seems that the guild information network knew about the tension between Raven and Cadec. Was that a warning that the Nightshade already had some method of obtaining information from inside the palace? The situation itself had not worsened yet, since only three people knew about the marriage proposal between Lucian and Magnus.
The timing needed to be perfect, to prevent Magnus from becoming even more fond of Maverick and also for Raven to find out too late and thus free Lucian from her clutches. The Grand Duke's response was required as soon as possible, and for this reason that Lucian would commit a crime to advance the process.
"Are you trying to convince me to make some other request to you?"
"Wouldn't be a bad idea, Your Highness. I know you don't know how to fight with swords, maybe your best attack is your defense?"
Lucian tilted his head slightly when he noticed that Ethera was throwing the information she had about him in his face. Although it did not seem to be information that revealed his "gift" or the question of marriage. However, she got his interest.
"In that case, I hope you will show me something interesting the next time we meet."
Later, when Argus and Lucian returned to the imperial palace in the carriage, the servant beta looked at his lord with concern.
"Your Highness, what do you intend to do with this?"
"Just play the same game as my little villain. By the way, Argus, when will be the party of Count Baragnon?"
"It will be in three days, Your Highness. I have prepared your attire, but I must warn you that His Majesty has asked the royal tailor to make your costume."
"The Emperor? Does he want me to wear any specific clothes?"
"It looks like so, although I must say that was a great choice. The white fabric matches with Her Highness."
Argus's eyes shone as he spoke, and Lucian could only laugh at finding him adorable. He was like a younger brother who admired his older brother.
Considering the fact that he was inside a story, Lucian felt that Argus was the only person he could trust. The beta remained faithful and protected him even if he lost his life in the process, and unfortunately Lucian died shortly afterwards.
Not even in his other life as Luciano he had someone so reliable.
Holding his chin over his hand and gazing at the landscape as the carriage headed through the forest to the imperial palace, Lucian could only feel desperately lonely as he plunged into the very memories of a life that was in danger of never being lived again.