Devouring Monarch: Rebirth of the Profane Phoenix

Chapter 141: My Name Is...

No longer after their battle ended, Asura finally returned to the mansion; after clashing with Mu Xue, he felt his barriers fading, and the stagnant feeling of his cultivation and monoliths vanished.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to return. Lucretia is busy, and Xavida is helping Mother."

Everyone in the room was familiar faces. However, he wondered why Glade wanted to speak with Lucretia. It was a little strange.

[Asura, you finally did it! Congratulations.]

Helliana was among the rare few who knew how much defeating Mu Xue and making her accept his victory meant to Asura. Ever since his past life, the frustration began building, and finally, after so many years of bitter regret, he could stand on the starting line beside her.

He finally reached her level.

'Helia, thanks, but the journey just started. The death tower will test me, and she's coming along too.'

[I don't think she will cause trouble.]

Asura's feet stopped, the long corridor silent as he tried to understand Helia's words. Because sometimes she spoke like she knew Verana well.

"Helia, do you know something?" Asura paused and turned in another corridor leading to the lounge, watching an ever-expanding grassland that made him realise how vast the Fenix mansion was. "Help me if you can."

Helia had returned to her silence while Asura watched a beautiful scene. It showed Mu Xue happily munching on snacks with his Mother while Xavida drank iced tea. Lucretia was asleep on a comfortable sofa; her business with Glade had already ended.

[I will tell you once we enter that place. I promise!]

'Thank you.'

Asura accepted Helia's condition and planned to enjoy the final training days before entering the tower of death. It was melancholy, as he would soon separate from Mu Xue, Lucretia, Vela and Xavida to enter the special realm, even if it would help him grow.

'Not to mention I won't see Lorem for a long time...'

He felt lonely as they would all return to the academy and have to complete the extra units and exams for the days they missed.

'I wanted more time with them all.'

Asura felt conflicted when entering the lounge as his Mother beckoned him to sit beside her, happily eating popcorn as the beautiful girls all looked towards him, waiting for the main event.

Mu Xue brought a cool drink to Asura and tea for herself. Princess Vela seemed to have had fun baking in the kitchen while Xavida pretended to bark orders at her from the opposite side.

'It feels like we're a big family.'

They waited for the meats for dinner to roast fully, and a heartwarming atmosphere helped him escape the thought of a cruel future.

"Asura, your hair is so beautiful." His Mother played with him as her smile softened; she used a special floral oil, squirting it from a glass bottle and spreading it through his hair and scalp.

"How nostalgic mother..."

"Oh? You remember, I am so happy."

"Eh? Asura, did you enjoy cleaning and treating your hair?" Mu Xue seemed stunned, feeling she missed an opportunity.

Asura proudly raised his head while his Mother smiled, enjoying playing with her big boy again, noticing Mu Xue looking slightly jealous. It only made her remember all the years that Asura happily smiled by his Mother's lap like a small cat with a tail wagging.

Lucretia, Lorem, and Xavida glanced while Vela appeared startled at his beautiful raven locks, reflecting a glorious shine.

Asura always cut his hair in one style that framed his handsome, devilish features perfectly, but because of the long battles and being so hectic, it grew longer in the past month, now down to his shoulders; his Mother trimmed it slightly.

"It feels great, the soft sensation of someone massaging my head, then the gentle tug when she coats my hair in the honey-scented floral oils."

"Would you enjoy it if we did the same at the academy?"

'Ah!' Asura realised he was just cornered into accepting when Mu Xue sweetly smiled after seeing his Mother nearly suffocate him in love by patting his head.

"Sure, make sure you learn from my mother."

"Do not worry, Asura, I will teach them well." His Mother gleamed with joy that she could have fun bonding time with her, while Asura reluctantly accepted the teasing from the beautiful girls and Lucretia, who slept soundly.

****

Two hours later, the huge meat piece marinated in special herbs and juices with plenty of butter and flavour finished.

Everyone began dining; a warm fire near the open windows in the garden illuminated the warm night as Asura listened to Vela ask why Asura wished to go to the tower of death.

"Is there a secret to training there?"

He scooped some meat and gravy into his mouth; the taste was soft and almost melted, and the juicy and thick taste of the meat and herbs caused him to smile as he replied. "Each battle is to the death."

"That..." Vela suddenly fell silent while Xavida wondered, too.

"Asura, is there a hidden meaning to risking your life?." Xavida understood Asura was a battle-manic, but risking one's life wasn't an intelligent training method if you could avoid it.

"To test your limits, stretch and overcome them."

The table continued with small talk, and Mu Xue could see Vela's concerned looks. Asura happily chatted away as if the tower of death held no fear for him.

Everyone enjoyed a pleasant time talking and eating until Glade entered, seeming to seek his lord, as Garret knew something was wrong with his old friend; as they spoke in whispers, they retired to his father's office. ?&??+¢?-???+?-

Asura enjoyed another serving of meat and vegetables before Lucretia softly yawned and woke; her golden-crimson eyes slowly adjusted to the warm scenery and everyone looking at her with joy as she nibbled on some bread and butter, starting with a refreshing herbal tea, sitting close to Asura with a strange smile.

"Asura, can we speak in private later tonight?" Lucretia seemed slightly flustered, feeling ashamed to interrupt Asura's family time.

"Yes, why not now?" Asura wasn't hesitant to accept Lucretia's request; he felt relaxed and peaceful tonight.

He felt something happened last night; Lucretia had become withdrawn and quiet since she left with Glade, and they spoke after dinner. She slept for many hours, so Asura wasn't sure what he did.

'Well, even Helliana was tight-lipped on it, so it can't be too bad. I sensed nothing unusual happening while she was asleep or weird about her aura. Although...'

Asura discreetly looked at Lucretia's perfect face. 'She has recovered.'

"N-Now? I just want to chat and give you something for the journey."

Lucretia seemed slightly unusual; her skin and lips were paler, and her pupils shined brighter; he almost forgot how she seemed slightly anxious today, so Asura didn't mind waiting.

"Then later would be good. I enjoy everyone's company, so I wish to enjoy this feeling longer."

Lucretia and Asura chatted before Asura smiled at Vela, with Mu Xue looking jealous but secretly wishing to sit by his side.

As the moon crossed the midnight mark and the girls had retired, Asura smiled towards his father, relieved that Glade returned from the office with a more relaxed face, no longer stressed.

While heading to his room, he noticed Lucretia standing on the terrace, illuminated by moonlight.

"Lucretia?"

"Mmm... Asura?"

Her hair seemed longer than he remembered, spread out in the light breeze; it looked beautiful. Lucretia wore a stunning purple dress that fit perfectly on her body, revealing her attractive features as she seemed relieved he had arrived.

"I'm here, let's go?"

Asura reached out his hand and gently patted her shoulder as they entered his private chamber; Lucretia timidly held his hand while Asura marvelled at her gentle body.

"So, what's up?"

"Mmmm..."

Lucretia took a small glass bottle of whiskey and sipped from the tumbler before passing it to him while Asura waited, not understanding what made her nervous and even stuttering before him.

They both enjoyed a soothing drink, and the stars and moon provided light while the smell of fresh berries entered the room.

Neither spoke for several minutes, sharing the tumbler of whiskey, both of them only gazing at the other, before she finally spoke with a slow voice that felt weak. "Do you remember I said Lorem found me after being abandoned?"

"Yeah?"

"That night she found me, I lost almost all my memories. No, it's a complicated spell, but she's been so loyal, protecting and looking after me, that Lorem gave herself fully to help me. To teach me and raise me... But it turns out..."

Her figure seemed fragile as Asura wrapped his hand over her shoulder; he realised Lucretia began trembling as they sat close, while Lucretia began sobbing lightly into his shoulder. Asura wiped his tears using a white handkerchief from a nearby desk as his whispers relaxed her.

"I am listening, Lucretia. Take your time."

Her snow-white and warm shoulder melted Asura's heart while she rubbed into him, seemingly hesitant to speak more. A tear dripped on her dress while Asura continued drinking her offered whiskey.

"It turns out my parents never abandoned me... but someone kidnapped me and used magic that damaged my memories." Lucretia struggled to continue, feeling an incredible rage, sorrow, and deep hatred for those who stole her past. "They're still alive, and Glade confirmed it from the evidence he received from a spy back then..."

"Those cultist bastards!" She growled, almost crushing the tumbler before downing a double shot.

"Did you find your parents... are they alive?"

Asura realised Lucretia finally began explaining with tears and even angrier sobs after seeing the whiskey bottle empty, so he provided her with a fresh drink until his bed suddenly sank more.

Asura gently laid Lucretia on her side, and she wasn't sure why or how, but just lay there smiling, watching as Asura seemed to mimic her.

"Mmmm, I did... It's funny."

"What is?"

"If they never kidnapped me, would I be the same as Mu Xue? Or that woman from Drakkur?" Lucretia hugged a soft pillow; it smelt similar to Asura.

She watched as he gave a confused look and slightly raised one raven brow, urging her to continue while her hand gripped the pillow tightly.

"Fufu, you look really cute when confused. Lord Asura."

The way she teasingly said Lord Asura was just like the maids, knights, or Mu Xue would refer to him in public, but it caused him to feel ticklish to hear his instructor speak like that.

"My name, I finally know my true name. Hehe~ I am so happy." She giggled with a slightly tipsy tone. "I finally know my name and how wonderful my parents are... To protect me from this calamity, and never forget me..."

"Really...!?" Asura felt surprised at how quickly everything happened.

"Mmm, nice to meet you. Asura Fenix. My name is..."

"Lucia Estan."