Cassian regretted bringing up Lucy's past marriage. At first, things were fine—she casually mentioned how her husband had cheated on her. But soon, it turned into a full-blown rant. She started cursing her ex, venting about his bad habits, how it affected her mental health, and even mentioned a daughter Cassian hadn't known about.
By the time they'd finished most of their food, her grievances had taken up the bulk of the conversation.
"Now, who's going to marry a 51-year-old hag like me?" Lucy said with a sad expression.
Cassian, who had tuned her out somewhere in the middle of her rant, was now completely lost. He blinked in confusion, remembering something about a 51-year-old woman from earlier. "Wait... who's 51?"
Lucy gave him a puzzled look before sighing and clarifying, "Me..."
"You? 51 years old?" Cassian asked in shock, almost spitting out his water.
"Yeah, why? I don't look 51?" Lucy asked with a smile, feeling pleased but assuming Cassian was just being polite.
Cassian, however, was genuinely surprised. She didn't look anywhere near that age—not even past 40. So, he nodded vigorously, not wanting to seem insincere. "You're kidding, right? Miss Lucy, you don't even look 40. You could easily pass as Lady Katherine's older sister."
Lucy, seeing that he was being serious, smiled warmly. "Thanks, but I really am 51. My daughter's turning 25 next month."
Cassian was still stunned. Her skin was flawless, and though her figure was that of a mature woman, with her motherly face, he couldn't wrap his head around her being half a century old. Still in disbelief, he asked, "How is that even possible?"
Lucy took a small bite of her food and answered, "Have you heard about servants receiving mana-gathering techniques as rewards, ones that extend their lifespans?" Cassian nodded, remembering Katherine had mentioned it to him just the day before. Seeing his nod, Lucy continued, "Well, I got one, and it increased my lifespan significantly.
It also has the effect of keeping me looking younger than my actual age. Fuyuko and Laureen also look younger than they really are."
Now that Cassian knew the reason, it wasn't as shocking, though Lucy's appearance was still remarkable. He found himself staring at her, even when she caught him. Instead of looking away, he kept his gaze on her, prompting her to ask, "Is there something on my face?"
Cassian shook his head but still couldn't pull his eyes away from her, which made Lucy smile. "That's a shame. I thought you were about to say 'beauty...'" she teased, her cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. She quickly clarified her flirtation, "You know... like when I asked what was on my face... I meant, you could've said 'beauty,' duh..hahaha.."
The awkwardness lingered for a moment, but Cassian, understanding her playful nature, chuckled, helping ease the tension as they continued their meal.
"So, I don't have even the slightest chance with any of you, huh?" Cassian muttered quietly to himself, but Lucy heard it and looked amused.
"Why? Did you think you had a chance before knowing our real ages?" she asked with a playful grin.
Cassian looked a bit surprised, not expecting her to hear his muttered words. But now that she had, he admitted with a slight grin, "Yeah, I did... but just a little. As, even if you were in your thirties, we'd still have a twenty or so-year gap, you know, I am still a kid."
He expected Lucy to just chuckle, thinking he was being cute kid. But to his surprise, she leaned in with a wide smile and mischievous eyes. In a whispered tone, she said, "Let me tell you a secret, I like them young."
Cassian stared at her in shock as she leaned back, her smile growing. "So, just so you know, you still have a chance... at least with me."
Cassian felt his heart skip a beat, unsure how to react. Lucy's teasing grin never left her face as she watched him squirm, clearly enjoying his discomfort. He tried to come up with a witty response, but all he managed was a nervous laugh.
"You're just pulling my leg," Cassian said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Well, if that's what you want to believe, it's on you..." she replied, keeping that mischievous smile, only making him more confused.
Cassian, unsure how to respond, took a moment to compose himself before saying, "Then I'll gladly take that chance..."
Lucy's grin widened as she leaned in again, her voice dropping into a teasing whisper. "Oh, you'll take that chance, huh? Well, you better be prepared, Cassian. Because there might only be one."
"One is enough," Cassian said with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "I might just take my chance on the way back to the castle, so you'd better be ready for it."
Lucy raised an eyebrow, her expression playful but intrigued. "Oh, I'll be prepared," she replied, her voice low and amused, but there was something in her tone that made Cassian wonder if she was just teasing.
After their playful banter, they finished their meal, and Cassian paid the bill with a sense of satisfaction. They stepped out of the restaurant into the lively street, where vendors were calling out their wares, the scent of baked goods and spices filling the air.
The afternoon sun was still high, casting a warm glow over the bustling marketplace. Cassian and Lucy walked side by side, their pace leisurely, stopping now and then to browse the stalls, laughing, flirting, and teasing. He found himself growing more comfortable with her than he realized.
All the talk about getting romantically involved felt like harmless teasing to Cassian. He was certain Lucy, being so older, wouldn't truly be interested in someone his age. It wasn't because she lacked beauty or an attractive figure—quite the opposite.
Her face was just as beautiful as Lady Katherine's, and her curvy figure made Cassian's thoughts wander in ways he tried to suppress. But despite the physical attraction, he saw her more as a motherly figure as he spend the time today with her. He felt guilty even considering her that way, so he pushed those thoughts aside, trying not to dwell on them.
But unbeknownst to Cassian, Lucy had been telling the truth—she did have a fondness for younger partners.