My Fragile Heart

As I moved closer to Angelica, a sudden impulse overcame me, compelling me to reach out and gently caress her cheek. Though taken aback by my unexpected display of intimacy, she remained steadfast, her gaze unwavering as she met my eyes with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

For a moment, a palpable tension hung in the air, the unspoken feelings between us simmering beneath the surface. Despite her previous advances and my reluctance to reciprocate, there was something in that fleeting moment that felt undeniably right, as if the barriers that had stood between us were finally beginning to crumble.

As my fingers brushed against her soft skin, I felt a surge of warmth flood through me, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had grown between us over the years. Though our relationship had always been platonic, there was a newfound depth to our connection that transcended mere friendship.

In that brief moment of intimacy, I realized that perhaps there was more to our relationship than I had previously thought. As I withdrew my hand, a sense of uncertainty lingered in the air, yet beneath it all, there was a glimmer of hope for what the future might hold for us.

As I withdrew from the intimate moment with Angelica, a familiar mask of emotionlessness settled over my features, a facade honed through years of experience in my previous life. The warmth that had briefly flickered in my eyes gave way to a coldness that seemed to pierce through the depths of my gaze, revealing only a hint of warmth reserved for those closest to me.

It was a defense mechanism, a shield forged from the trials and tribulations of my past, shielding me from the vulnerabilities of human emotion. Though it may have seemed callous to some, it was a necessary barrier that allowed me to navigate the complexities of the world with clarity and precision.

Despite the return to my stoic demeanor, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret at the distance that now lay between Angelica and me. Yet, I knew that it was a sacrifice I had to make in order to protect myself from the uncertainties of the world.

As I turned away, the coldness in my eyes remained, a constant reminder of the walls I had erected around my heart. Though my outward demeanour may have appeared unyielding, deep down, I knew that the warmth of my love still burned brightly for those who held a place in my heart.

"Have you booked an appointment with Zekram Bael after the end of the war?" I asked, my voice carrying a slight chill that demanded seriousness and attention.

"Yes," she responded immediately, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness beneath its usual seriousness. "He responded immediately after receiving the message."

"Good," I affirmed. "Release my command to all six houses of Lucifer to gather every research material and book that isn't in the main family library. Though not urgent, it must be completed before the end of the war."

"It will be done as per your order," she replied dutifully.

As we conversed, we made our way toward the main gate of the castle, our footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors. The grandeur of the castle surrounded us, its towering walls standing as a testament to the power and prestige of the Lucifer clan.

"Make a list of task I'm going to give you that should be done after the end of the war urgently" I said

"Make a list of tasks that I'm going to assign to you, which should be completed urgently after the end of the war," I instructed Angelica as we approached the main gate.

"First, collect every magical and non-magical metal available in the world in large and equal quantity.

Second, collect bodies of every race and species available in the world, but leave out other god races. We don't want to agitate the gods now, which might backfire.

Third, collect a small quantity of souls for my experiments," I instructed.

"Yes, it shall be done as soon as possible," Angelica replied, her voice tinged with determination.

As I reached the main door, I suddenly stopped and turned around, a solemn expression crossing my features.

"We are going to have a chat after I return," I stated firmly, my hand instinctively rising to brush through her silky hair.

"Yes, we should," Angelica replied, her voice soft yet resolute.

"Take care," I said, striding straight through the door without looking back, leaving Angelica behind to carry out my orders.