I'm here to save the world, what are you doing?

This subconscious action lasted only a short moment, and Nora hurriedly lowered her head to hide her emotions like a frightened deer.

But that fleeting flash of fiery gaze had been keenly captured by Lucius.

Iveliya: ...

I hate rich people!

Next, Lucius turned the topic to the strange things that had happened recently in the imperial capital.

"The capital seems to be a little bit unstable recently."

Lucius spoke softly, his eyes deep:

"I've heard of several strange incidents, like corpses floating in the Luminara River and a fire in the Corridor of Wisdom... Strangest of all, there seem to be rumors of an old lady regaining her youth."

Nora widened her eyes slightly:

"I've heard some things, but no one has found out the truth yet...Brother Lucius, you should be careful in the imperial capital."

As she said this, her hand unconsciously grabbed Lucius's sleeve, her eyes full of worry.

The girl's protectiveness warmed Lucius' heart.

"Don't worry."

Lucius comforted her and gently shook her hand back:

"You know, I'm not that easy to flip over."

Nora nodded, but the worry between her brows had not completely disappeared.

She glanced at Iveliya sitting next to her, and seeing that she seemed to be concentrating on the book in her hands, she naturally interlocked her fingers with Lucius.

Nora looked up, her eyes meeting Lucius in mid-air. At that moment, she made a decision—

"World", start.

In an instant, the whole world seemed to have been pressed on pause.

The wind stopped blowing, the fallen leaves floating in the air froze in place, the water column from the distant fountain froze in mid-air, and even the dust in the air was suspended in stillness.

Lucius and Iveliya were also still, becoming statues in this solidified world.

Only Nora is still able to move freely.

Nora glanced at Iveliya first, making sure she was as still as everything else in the world, before moving closer to Lucius.

His expression was frozen in a confident smile, and his eyes were so calm.

"Brother Lucius..."

Nora called softly, knowing he couldn't hear her.

She reached out and gently stroked Lucius' cheek, feeling his warmth.

That was the face she had longed for, which she could only see in her dreams before, but now it was so close to her.

Nora's fingers traced his features, from his full forehead to his high nose bridge, and then to his perfect lips.

Then, she rose gently, and her lips naturally touched Lucius's.

It was a gentle, passionate kiss, and Nora poured all her love and desire into it.

Her lips carried the unique sweet scent of grape juice, and in this still world, only her heart was beating like thunder.

As the kiss deepened, Nora closed her eyes, savoring the stolen intimacy.

"This isn't our first kiss, but I hope it's the beginning of countless kisses to come."

Nora whispered in Lucius's ear, her voice filled with determination and persistence:

"No one can take you away from me, no one!"

Nora gently adjusted Lucius's collar, making sure everything was exactly as it was before she used the Gift.

Then she returned to her seat and assumed the same pose as before.

As she took a deep breath, time began to flow again.

The wind picked up again, the leaves continued to fall, and the water from the fountain splashed again.

Lucius blinked, suddenly noticing a taste of grapes in his mouth.

Grapes? But Lu Ge was drinking orange juice.

His eyes unconsciously drifted to the drink cup in front of Nora.

One more look at Nora——

"Axis of Spellcasting: World (Released)"

OK, I know what's going on.

Just pretend you know nothing.

Brother Lu has always been a master at pretending to be confused.

"correct."

Lucius changed the subject lightly, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalant calmness:

"I recently learned a new way to make dim sum."

"dessert?"

There was a hint of surprise in Nora's eyes, and she quickly came back to her senses from the aftermath of what had just happened.

"Yes, a nice little cake."

Lucius raised a gentle arc at the corner of his lips:

"After some time, I want to make it for you to taste."

Nora's eyes suddenly rippled with joy:

"Are these snacks made by Brother Lucius himself? I'm really looking forward to it! Can you tell me what flavor it is?"

"Honey cheesecake."

Lucius spoke lightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table:

"This is the specialty of the old chef in my family."

Hearing the word "honey cheese", Nora's expression froze slightly, but she soon returned to her smile:

"Ah, that's it... It's indeed delicious. I'm looking forward to Brother Lucius's creation."

However, under the tablecloth where no one could see, Nora's slender fingers quietly grasped the hem of her skirt.

Honey cheesecake - it wasn't her favorite flavor, but it was her sister Plotina's favorite dessert.

She clearly remembered that when she was a child, in her family's garden, every time they had afternoon tea, sister Plotina would always pester brother Lucius like a spoiled child to ask for this dessert.

Why did Brother Lucius suddenly bring this up?

Is it a coincidence, or...

A trace of uneasiness spread in Nora's heart.

Whenever Nora was with Lucius, she always felt that time passed especially quickly.

In the blink of an eye, it was already dusk and the sun was setting.

"Ah, are we going to face Uncle Domitian so soon?"

Lucius raised his hand and rubbed his brow, his tone revealing obvious resistance:

"Come on, Nora, let's make some preparations before the party."

However, Nora shook her head slightly:

"I'm sorry, Brother Lucius, I'm afraid I can't accompany you to the banquet."

"Grandpa asked me to go back early, saying he had something important to discuss with me."

"Tsk, this stinky old man, I think he is deliberately guarding against me."

Lucius curled his lips in dissatisfaction and could only nod:

"Then I'll take you back."

"No need, Brother Lucius."

Noila raised her face, with a helpless smile on the corner of her lips:

"I guess... the carriage sent by Grandpa is waiting for me outside."

A moment later, Lucius and Iveliya took Nora to the gate of the official residence.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the coat of arms of the Brunhilde family shone with a dark golden luster on the carriage, confirming Nora's guess.

At the moment of parting, Nora suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed Lucius lightly on the cheek. Her action was so quick but bold that Lucius didn't even react.

"See you tomorrow, Brother Lucius."

She whispered a goodbye, then turned and walked quickly towards the waiting carriage, leaving a stunned Lucius and a gritting-teethed Iveliya standing there.

It wasn't until Nora's carriage disappeared around the corner that Ivylia finally couldn't hold back and snorted softly:

"Everyone's gone, why are you still watching?"

The girl crossed her arms tightly across her chest, her voice filled with sour jealousy.

"No matter how beautiful others are, they can never compare to my Nora. The place in my heart has already been taken..."

"Oh my, why didn't I realize before that you, Brother Lu, are such a devoted lover?"

Iveliya deliberately stretched out her voice, imitated Lucius's tone, made faces, and blinked her eyes exaggeratedly. She looked playful and funny, like a naughty child.

"Xiao Ai, you are so cute."

Lucius was amused by her and raised his hand to gently stroke the girl's delicate cheek:

"Brother Lu never said that there is only one place in his heart. You also occupy one of them~"

.................

As night fell, the mansion of the Clovis family's imperial capital branch was brightly lit. In the banquet hall, long tables were filled with all kinds of delicious food, and the gorgeous crystal chandeliers illuminated the entire space like daylight.

Domitian stood at the entrance, wearing an exquisite crimson gown, and greeted the guests with a smile on his face.

Next to him was his son Fabian Clovis, a handsome young man with twinkling eyes and a slightly artificial smile on his lips.

When Lucius and Iveliya appeared at the door, Domitian's eyes flashed and he immediately smiled even more eagerly.

"My dear nephew!"

He opened his arms as if to give Lucius a warm hug:

"I've finally waited for you, the protagonist of the party!"

Lucius raised the corner of his lips slightly, and calmly avoided the overly enthusiastic hug, instead shaking the hand he extended:

"Uncle Domitian, thank you for your hospitality."

"Why are you being so polite? We're all family!"

"Is Glade in good health these days?"

Amidst the seemingly ordinary courtesy, Domitian's shrewd eyes narrowed slightly as he inquired about Grand Duke Glade's health, with a tentative tone in his voice.

"I can eat and drink, and I'm very healthy."

Lucius responded calmly.

If Lao Deng is not healthy, then there will be no healthy person in the entire empire.

"Is everything okay with Madam Mira as well?"

Domitian asked again.

Mira Boreas, the human alias used by Lucius' mother.