Chapter 27:
The Cost of Safety
(Lucas POV)
I knew I couldn't fight it. Elizabeth would spoil me and there was nothing I could do about it. I was at her mercy. A small price to pay to put a smile on her face.
I already felt incredibly guilty for ruining the clothing I had promised myself to take good care of. I could already see the dolr signs going down the drain. Three-million dolrs gone...just like that. Now, she wanted to get more and better clothing for me.
If it wasn't for Elizabeth's gentle hold on me as we rode in the backseat of the car, I may have just fainted from the dolr signs spinning in my head. It was dizzying to imagine just what it would cost to do everything she wanted. Especially now that she had the time to do so.
I held Azure in my p, leaning against Elizabeth as she stroked my head fondly. She hummed a soft tune, and I couldn't help but imagine her as a great cat purring in happiness. It helped to alleviate the symptoms I was experiencing when it came to thinking too hardly on everything that was happening to me. Now so long ago, I was still in that tiny apartment, barely getting by. The only luxury to my name was a bike I used as a courier and the television I got on sale to py games on.
Now, I was in the back of a small limo with one of the most beautiful women in the world and a magical pet in my p. Not to mention, Maya who drove us. This was a life I could have never even dreamed about. Anything I desired now, I got. Of course, I didn't ask for much. Every time I even thought of the possibility, the world spun before me.
So, it was better to try and not think about it. "Easier said than done..." I thought, unable to take my mind off the outrageous price tag that was sure to come along with Elizabeths "shopping spree" she had pnned for us today. I had barely recovered from buying the gift for Maya and the ring I pnned on giving to Elizabeth when the time was right.
Who knew someone could have so much money. I finally understood what kind of a different world the rich truly lived in. It was whole realities apart. I had to remember to always be grateful for the things I received and never lose sight of where I came from.
"Hey, Ellie?" I called to her softly in a questioning tone, "I was wondering-"
Her soft humming stopped for a moment as she interrupted me pyfully.
"No, Lucas," Elizabeth stated firmly, mischief in her tone, "I'm not going to hold back. You deserve it."
"I...I didn't even say anything yet," I retorted, blushing slightly at being seen through so easily.
"You didn't have to," Elizabeth ughed lightly, her voice like music to my ears, "You've had that look on your face for a while now. I know it makes you a little uncomfortable, but..."
Her tone grew softer and little somber.
"I want to give you the best," she whispered in my ear as she pulled me close, "Just as you've always given me your best."
"...I can't argue with that," I admitted, rexing back against her, "Although, I feel like I haven't given anything to you."
Her hold on me tightened. Tender, yet holding a deeper meaning than anyone could ever fathom.
"I didn't mean-" I began to say, though her lips upon mine as she tilted my head towards her silence me.
There were moments when I remembered she was a regressor and this life was retively new for her. New for me. I did not remember any of my past selves like she did. Of course, it was all one life for her in technicality.
All that is to say, I often felt like I had done nothing to deserve the love and affection she gave me, for it was the me of her past lives which gave everything to her. It felt like I was almost a fraud, and in those moments, I would say things that are inconsiderate to her feelings for me. Inconsiderate to everything she experienced.
I did not want to upset her, and though I went to apologize, she acted first. Taking my breath away by such a tender, loving kiss. I could only imagine how many times she had kissed me before for it to feel like this. As if my entire body melted into her touch. Everything tingled as I drifted off into a state of nirvana before she inevitably allowed me to breath once more.
Taking my head in her hands, she looked deeply into my eyes with an obsession that burned bright.
"You are you, Lucas," she stated firmly, "I'll remind you as many times as it takes, as it will never change. You have given me you and that is all that matters. Understood?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am," I nodded, captivated by her in that moment, lost in her eyes, "But, uhm...maybe I need another reminder. You know...just, uh...just in case."
She smiled devilishly, ughing lightly as she shook her head in amusement.
"You're incorrigible, Lucas," she teased, pulling my face towards hers once more, "I'll remind you as much as is necessary. As stubborn as you are...that's going to be a lot."
"...Perfect," I smiled, resting my forehead against hers before our lips met again.
I felt my entire body ignite in the passion of the moment. Like a spark, something triggered deep in the bowels of my mind. Fragments of dreams I had all my life. Moments of tenderness.
Sunset terraces. Beachside walks. Forest pathways. Park benches. A kiss that sted thousands of lifetimes. As my eyes fluttered open after our lips parted, I couldn't help but stare into her emerald gold eyes. I may not have lived those lifetimes, but...for some reason, I dreamed them in this one. Now, those dreams were a reality.
I followed the pull of my heart, tenderly caressing her face. She smiled, pressing into the palm of my hand. Was it possible to be jealous of your own self? To have lived all those moments with her...just how amazing must it have been?
"I'm sorry, Ellie," I whispered, and she simply shook her head.
"One of these days, you'll stop apologizing," She teased, though the both of us knew that was next to impossible.
"Ha, if I ever stop apologizing, you need to be worried," I replied causing her to roll her eyes with a smile, "But, honestly. I really do need to get caught up."
"You will, love, you will," Elizabeth assured me, and before we knew it, we were already at our destination.
Looking out of the car window, I saw rge buildings everywhere, but one stood out amongst them all. Rising up among the other buildings was a rge structure of marble, steel, and concrete. Its elegant design made it look like it spiraled up into the sky. At various intervals, pnts could be seen growing along the spirals.
It didn't take me long to realize that these were terraces and walkways. It simply gave the illusion that it spun upwards. Outside of the building was a pristine pza with stone pnters filled with well taken care of flower bushes. A rge rectangur sign made of what looked like bck marble stood by itself with the name of the building in bold, fanciful golden letters: Aegis Unlimited – Guild Atelier.
Despite its name, its lower flowers were open to the public. I had never been here, but I had heard of it before, and Elizabeth expined some of it on the way over as well. They did research and development on accessories and clothing made from materials found in dungeons and Wild Zones. That was on the upper floors and in the sub-basements where non-guild members and employees of Aegis were not allowed.
The first couple of floors was like your typical retailer selling basic items and a few magical items. All of them were high-quality accessories and clothing. Of course, they had more accessible stores and subsidiaries elsewhere, like Starfall Atelier.
This pce was mostly an office building and workshop. People come here all the time, usually Guild Members and Aegis Employees, to get things requisitioned and special orders filled. Couriers could be seen running in and out of the front doors, most likely handing off orders or picking them up to bring them around the city.
"...That's nostalgic," I muttered, smiling slightly as I watched them rush about.
"Do you miss it?" Elizabeth inquired softly in my ear.
"Hmm, a little, maybe?" I answered, a little unsure, "I could just be a little stir crazy. Considering some people keep locking me up."
Maya gnced through the rearview mirror at me while Elizabeth simply smirked. Both of them had a certain glint in their eye that told me they didn't regret it.
"Well, someone keeps putting themselves in danger," Elizabeth retorted, affectionately brushing my hair from my eyes.
"I didn't do it on purpose..." I sulked with a huff.
"I know, love," Elizabeth chuckled, "By the way, that reminds me. The child. She was returned safely to her family."
"Really!?" I was happy to hear that, "I'm gd...were they okay?"
"A little worse for wear, but...they'll make it," Elizabeth assured me, "I thought you'd want to know. I was only just recently informed."
"Thank you," my words were not enough, and so I showed my appreciation for the news with another kiss, much to Elizabeth's delight.
"I should tell you good news more often," she teased, a blush entering my face.
"Yeah, well...maybe you should," I responded bashfully.
Maya pulled the car into a parking garage that had a security checkpoint. Though, she didn't stop as the gates automatically opened and in we drove. Most likely there was some kind of detection system that identified them immediately. It was definitely convenient.
I remembered running errands to other guild buildings and businesses with simir measures. It was a pain in the ass having to get screened. After a while, they recognized you and it went a little easier, but even then, it was a constant speed bump in an otherwise fast paced day. That's why all the couriers were rushing. They had deadlines to make, and security often slowed them down.
Perhaps I really did miss it, but at the same time I was grateful that I didn't have the stress. However, it had been repced with another kind of stress. One that was, arguably, better than that of being a courier. Either way, it was still nerve-wracking.
That stress, if you wanted to call it that, was trying to make sure Elizabeth didn't go for broke on these clothes she wanted to get me. It was a losing battle, and that is where the stress of it came in. Smothered in her protectiveness. Not a bad way to go, I'll be honest.
Still, if I could get her to ease up even a little bit, I might be able to breath.
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(Lucas POV, a few moments ter)
I was a fool. Breathing? Who needs to do that? I should have known better, and yet I had a slight hope that perhaps Elizabeth might tone it back a bit.
"Dumbass..." I berated myself, menting my plight, "She's a Yandere. Even if she's not trying to kill you, that doesn't make her any less of a threat..."
Honestly, I didn't think this way out of any malice. It was loving and affectionate. Everything I felt or thought towards Elizabeth was from the heart. I wasn't afraid of her. I was afraid of what kind of ridiculous things she'd do next. That is what was dangerous for me.
I don't think my heart could take it. Not only was it adorable in how she fussed over me, but every time I even heard of the price tag, I damn near had a heart attack. To think someone would spend so much money on anyone, let alone me, and it was done with such abandon that it might as well be water for how much Elizabeth spends it. Flowing like it was endless.
Perhaps it really was endless. I shuddered at the thought, though the possibility was there. She was a Regressor. The knowledge she had and the ability to use it to her advantage must have allowed her to accrue many things. People, wealth, items, power.
So, I resigned myself to my fate for the hundredth time. As the seamstresses fussed over me taking new measurements, my gaze wandered over to Elizabeth and Maya who were discussing with a designer everything that they wanted from the clothing. "Even Maya is in on it..." I thought in defeat, though I couldn't help but smile.
My heart softened as did my gaze. For even as it was a bit much for me...they looked happy. Azure was curled up in Elizabeth's p as she petted him absentmindedly. It was as if they all shone brilliantly, yet gently. A dreamy haze over them as they conversed over the details of my protection. "...Cute." I sighed fondly, only for one of the seamstresses to prod me to stand properly.
"Ah, sorry," I muttered, standing straight.
"It's alright, Sir," they replied, a young man in casual, yet fashionable clothing replied, "Just try not to move too much, or it will mess up the measurements."
I nodded, submitting myself to their instructions as him and a few others took command. Just like when I was first fitted for the other clothes, they were not shy about getting every single measurement possible. Under Elizabeth and Maya's keen gaze, like hawks watching prey, I could understand their diligence in getting every single detail right, for fear of angering such predators.
The Boutique, as they called it, was a comfortable office space on the upper floors of the building. It was where Pyers and employees of Aegis could go to get fitted for equipment, clothing, and even accessories. They were measured and gave the requirements of the items being made.
There were bolts of cloth in cubby holes and on desks. Each of varying material as samples to feel and pce against the client in order to find the right color and texture they wanted. There were also a few mineral samples, most likely for accessories and certain embellishments on clothing or armor. Perhaps for buttons and cuffs.
It was all very eborate. The office itself felt quite fancy with comfortable seating. Lush, deep crimson upholstery and soft cushions allowed for a pleasurable seating experience. Of course, I had to stand in order to get measured. I couldn't wait to sit down.
"We have the measurements, Sir," the young man stated as he put away his tape measure, "You should be good to go. Please, have a seat."
He motioned to the chairs, though my eyes gravitated towards the couch Elizabeth sat on. She caught my eye, smiling and beckoned me over. Drawn to her, I wasn't about to not go.
"...Finally," I muttered with a huff, plopping myself down next to her, "I thought I would be standing there forever."
"Heh, you did well, my love," I felt Elizabeth's arm wrap around me as she praised me, "Thank you for putting up with my antics."
She was so close that I could smell the soft floral scent wafting from her. It was gentle, wrapping me in its embrace and pulling me in. I was instantly rexed in her arms, a light blush to my face.
"No, thank you for caring so much," I replied with a gentle smile, looking up into her eyes, "However...isn't this a bit much?"
I gnced back to the room we were in with a nervous expression. Though I had just been surrounded by one group of people, they were not the only group in here. I had stood up on a small ptform for several teams to take their measurements. This had simply been the st one.
There was a veritable army of designers, seamstresses, crafters, and more running around the room. It was like we were in the middle of a storm. Everyone knew who was there before them, and none of them wanted to be seen scking. The moment we stepped foot into the building, we were immediately set upon and catered to.
There was not a single thing cking from the moment we entered to the moment I was able to finally sit down and rex. Yet, within this hectic, chaotic work environment it was hard to simply rex. Despite this being a comfortable office space, it was more like a workshop with many each person being a gear or cog in the machine that ran this pce. If anything, I had to say they were efficient.
"To be fair, this was Maya's suggestion," Elizabeth stated in an attempt to defend herself, "While I was going to go all out, it was going to be a few appointments over time. She thought it would be more convenient to get it done all at once, so we'd have more time to do other things."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow doubtfully, looking between the two of them.
Maya looked to Elizabeth with a wry, amused gre.
"If I remember correctly, Miss," Maya said, completely professional in tone despite the teasing in her words, "You agreed."
Elizabeth sulked slightly, gring back at Maya.
"Well, it is more convenient," she admitted with a huff, "I just didn't want to overwhelm him."
"Ah...I did forget about that," Maya stated, bowing her head towards me, "I do apologize, I did not think it through."
"N-No," I held my hands up, waving them in reassurance, "It's alright. While it is overwhelming, you're right. It's better to get it over with."
Maya nodded, a small smile of appreciation on her lips. Elizabeth smiled as well, a warm smile as she took the both of us in as she pulled me closer.
"Well, as long as you're safe, that's all that matters," Elizabeth stated and Maya nodded in agreement.
Even Azure purred in agreement. I could only chuckle, resting my head against Elizabeth's shoulder. Gncing over at Maya, I exchanged a knowing look with her. She nodded as if reading my mind. However, I wasn't as subtle as I thought when I noticed that Elizabeth was gncing between the two of us.
"Oh, secrets?" Elizabeth's eyes lit up excitedly, "How adorable."
"Shush, you," I nudged her pyfully, which only caused her to smile lovingly, "You're just going to have to wait and see. If you're good."
"No fair!" Elizabeth pretended to sulk, "I'm always good!"
I gave her a doubtful, yet pyful look. The two of us locking eyes intensely before we broke into gentle ughter. Maya smiled softly, shaking her head amusingly. Azure tilted his head, confused, yet because everyone else seemed excited, he began to prance about on Elizabeth's p in his own way to show amusement. Petting him, I simply sighed warmly, my thoughts full of what I had Maya help me with.
I hoped it would surprise Elizabeth, despite how knowledgeable she was. Elizabeth wasn't the only one with pns for things. I wanted to do something special for her. After all...a proposal should be special. I smiled in satisfaction; excitement and anxiety strangling my heart. Yet, my mind was calm. This simply felt...right.
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(Elizabeth's POV, A Few Moments Later)
"If you don't want to do this, you don't have to," Elizabeth told Lucas, "I know it's just a silly little whim of mine, but-"
"Ellie, it's fine," Lucas reassured her with a gentle smile, "I don't mind. If it gives you and Maya peace of mind, then it's worth it. Besides, this way it'll be a little harder to lose."
He ughed to lighten the mood, but Elizabeth could tell he was nervous. It was his first time ever getting anything like this done. At least...at least in this life. He was always so amenable to her demands that she couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Embracing him gratefully, she pced a gentle kiss upon his forehead.
"See, you do many things for me," she whispered fondly, "Don't sell yourself short, love."
"This is nothing," he simply shrugged, "I mean, I've never gotten a piercing before. So...could be fun? A pain to take care of though, from what I've been told."
"I'll ensure it's not a hassle," Elizabeth assured him, gncing to Maya who nodded in agreement, "We both will, since this is our selfish request."
"Nonsense," he dismissed it casually, "I understand it's for my protection. I mean, who knows. I might look cool with my ear pierced."
He joked, and it seemed his nerves were calming down some. He was so precious; she didn't know what to do with him. Reluctantly letting him go, he took his seat in the chair that had been prepared for them. It was something she discussed with him while they waited for the final details on a few of the accessories and clothing.
She suggested it and Maya agreed with the decision. It was a tracker of sorts. Imbued with an enchantment that would attune itself to both Maya and Elizabeth in order for them to know where he was at all times, should they ever need to find him. She didn't want another incident like st time to happen. Even though Maya had found him quickly, it would have been bad if she didn't.
This would help to ensure that they would always be able to find him as quickly as possible, should they need to. On top of the [Finding] enchantment, there was also an [Obscuring] enchantment pced upon it to hide it from anyone else trying to identify it as magical. This would ensure that anyone who saw him would just see a normal piercing in his ear. They would have no reason to take it off of him, and if they did, it would immediately alert both Elizabeth and Maya.
"It's just a precaution, Sir, but-" Maya began to expin, but he simply held up his hand and shook his head.
"Really, it's fine you two," he smiled, slightly exasperated with their antics, "Honestly, you two worry more than me, and that's saying something. I'm diagnosed with anxiety!"
"Hey!" Elizabeth chided with a pyful gre, "We're not that bad...okay, maybe we are, but I have my reasons, Lucas."
"I'm not saying you don't," Lucas replied softly, and in his words, she heard the tone of someone who truly understood.
His tone was filled with sympathetic empathy. He reached his hand over to hers, grasping it firmly. There was warmth in his touch...love in his touch. He knew and he understood. She was grateful that he never changed.
"Remember what I said?" he asked her with a gentle smile, "Don't ever apologize for being yourself. I love that woman, you understand?"
"...Yeah," Elizabeth nodded, fighting back some tears as she was reminded of so many lifetimes filled with so many wonderful memories, "I love you more than you'll ever know, Lucas."
"Well, one day, I hope to know," he smirked, teasing her with a wry look, "After all, you already know how much I love you."
Elizabeth did know just how much he loved her. He gave everything up for her. Everything he ever wanted to do. Everything he loved doing. He gave it up for her. She knew that he would do it again if given the choice. That's why she would do everything in her power to ensure he never had to, even if he can't anymore. There was always the possibility.
"I truly do, Lucas," she spoke quietly, obsession taking over her expression.
"There's my Yandere," he teased again with a light chuckle, squeezing her hand firmly, "Now then, let's get this over with. I'm ready."
She nodded and he released her hand to sit back in the chair. They had an Enchanter, a young woman who was once a tattoo artist and piercer. She still did such work on the side when not working as a Crafter and Enchanter for Aegis. Short cut cropped hair with the left side shaved. She had it dyed pink, and both her lips were pierced.
She was tattooed on almost every part of her body except her face. Aesthetically, she seemed to enjoy a sort of alternative punk style. They were skilled, and one of the reasons Elizabeth was trusting them with giving Lucas this piercing. She had originally wanted to give him an enchanted tattoo, but he wasn't quite ready for that yet. This was their compromise.
"Alright, you might feel a little sting, but hopefully, you'll feel nothing," the woman expined kindly as she prepared her equipment.
The piercing they had ordered was a simple stud made of Star Metal. It was one of the best materials for enchantments to be put on. If made right, they could even amplify the effects. Other metals good for enchanting were Adamantine, Mithril, Blood Iron, and a few others. Almost anything could be enchanted, but the quality of the material is what helped determine the strength and often how many enchantments could be put on it.
In this case, Star Metal was one of the purest, high-quality materials out there. It was incredibly popur outside of enchantment. Used for many different types of accessories. Their subsidiary, Starfall Atelier, was made because of the demand for such things.
"Alright, all done," the woman stated with a smile, "Tell me, what do you think?"
She held up a hand mirror for Lucas to look into. Turning his head to the side, he examined her work. Elizabeth smiled, for she thought it suited him extremely well. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh.
"Well, not as bad as I thought," he mused, handing the mirror back to the woman, "Thank you. Is there anything I need to know to take care of it, or...?"
"Oh! Not at all, Sir," she expined, waving her hand dismissively, "I just have to wash it with this solution and you'll be good to go!"
"It's a special healing liquid," Elizabeth added, motioning to her own ears, "I've had my ears done as well. It's quite convenient."
"So I've noticed," Lucas stated with a flirtatious look, "I wondered where you got those done at."
"Well, I got my first piercing as a child," Elizabeth began to toy with her piercings a little sheepishly, for she had done it for this exact reason, "I got more as I grew older. It became easier to take care of with the solution."
Lucas always thought her piercings looked good, and so she was always proud of them. Each regression, even those she had kept her distance from him in, she would always get her ears pierced. He had a particur style he liked, and she was more than eager to indulge his preferences.
He sat there patiently as the lobe of his ear was pced in a small cup of the solution. It was then rubbed into the ear and moments ter, any redness disappeared and acted as if the piercing had always been there. It didn't close the hole or anything. It just sped up the healing process to bypass all the awkward stages.
"There we go," the piercer stated with pride, "One fully brand new, enchanted piercing!"
-----
Name: Starfall Earring (Bonded to Lucas)
Rank: S (Unique)
Attribute: Utility
Effects: Enchanted with both [Finding] and [Obscuring: S Rank]. [Finding] allows Elizabeth Falcrest and Maya Rosengard to know where the wearer is at all times upon activation. It also alerts them whenever it is taken off or deactivated. [Obscuring: S Rank] prevents all except S Rank and above Detection Level abilities from discovering it's magical. It also protects it from certain anti-magic fields.
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Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief. With this, he would always be just a single thought away. Even though they had to activate the ability to find him, she knew that he would never be far. Helping him from the chair, Elizabeth held him close, caressing his face as he rested his head against her chest. She admired the earring, knowing it helped keep him safe and also because she truly thought it looked good on him.
"Oh, by the way, Ms. Falcrest," the woman called as she was putting everything away, "What would you like us to do with the invoice?"
"Just take care of it," Elizabeth replied absently, "I'm paying for everything, after all. As I told everyone before. Whatever materials you need, get them."
She cast a cool gaze up at the woman who understood not to bother her with further trivial questions. Everything was already set in motion. All they had to do now was wait for the finished products.
"...Do I even want to know how much?" Lucas inquired, looking up at her with hesitance.
"Don't you worry you're pretty little head over it," she replied, giving him a kiss on the nose, "Leave that to me, and someone needs to keep their mouth shut."
She gred mischievously at Maya who made a motion of locking her lips with a key before throwing it away, all while smiling wryly. Lucas just sighed, shaking his head. It was better he didn't know. She didn't want him to faint.
Estimated Cost Invoice
Clothing: Two Suits, Three Outfits. Material Cost: 134 Million
Accessories: One Pendant, Two Bracelets. Material Cost: 57 Million
Enchantments: Mana Potions and Materials for Skills: 74 Million
Labor Costs: 35 Million
Total Estimation: 300 Million
An acceptable amount, give or take a couple million. It was well worth the price, but it was one that might give Lucas an aneurysm if he saw the cost. Something she couldn't afford to take the chance on. Maybe one day she might disclose it to him, but only when she was sure he was a little bit more comfortable with how much money she actually had.
At the very least, she paid her workers well and supplied them with what they needed to get the job done. Any materials Aegis didn't have themselves would have to be purchased or acquired in dungeons. All of which cost something, and she would pay anything for Lucas's safety.
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Nikushimi
