Challenge

   The memory of the fitting room lingered painfully in my mind. The girls had picked out clothes for me, one after the other, with no regard for my protests. I had become their personal doll for what felt like hours. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but somehow, I felt like I’d lost something precious that day.

   When we finally finished shopping, the girls were brimming with energy, while I was dragging my feet. Despite being physically fine, I felt an odd kind of exhaustion.

   Sakura stretched her arms above her head, her face bright with excitement. “That was so much fun! I haven’t enjoyed shopping like that in ages.”

   I glanced at her, noticing the genuine sparkle in her eyes. “You look really excited.”

   “Of course I am! It’s been forever since I could go out with friends like this. I’m from a merchant family, so I travel a lot for my parents’ work. I rarely get the chance to just relax like this.”

   Lilith gave Sakura a soft look. “That must be tough.”

   “It is, but I don’t blame my parents. They’re working hard to make a living. I just wish...” Her voice trailed off before she shook her head, dismissing whatever thought had crossed her mind. "Nevermind."

   Lilith’s crimson eyes softened further. “I see...”

   Sakura tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “By the way, Lilith. Do you have any siblings?”

   Lilith brightened slightly. “I do! Two younger twin sisters.”

   “Really?! That sounds so fun!”

   “...Fun? Maybe in small doses. They’re adorable but very, very naughty. You wouldn’t believe some of the things they—”

   “Lady Elizabeth!”

   "..."

   “...Are you kidding me?”

   The loud, exasperated voice cut through the air, and Lilith froze mid-sentence. Slowly, she placed a hand over her face and groaned, 

   We all turned toward the approaching voice. My eyes landed on an enraged Liam, his ginger hair quite literally standing on end, likely still suffering from residual static electricity. Behind him, his butler followed closely, his face a mask of practiced neutrality.

   I couldn’t stop the smirk from forming on my face. “Hey! Nice hairstyle! What a shocking change.”

   Liam turned his glare toward me, his entire body shaking with anger. “Youuuu!!! You made me get electrocuted for 20 minutes!”

   Mocking innocence, I replied, “Really? It was only supposed to last for five minutes. I must have made a mistake in the formula. Sorry about that.”

   “You!!!” he bellowed, his fists clenched.

   Just as he lunged toward me, the butler calmly stepped in, placing a hand on his master’s shoulder. “Master, for someone of your position, it’s not befitting to start a fight, and in a shopping center at that.”

   Liam hesitated, visibly calming himself. After a deep breath, he straightened his back and adjusted his crumpled collar. “Never mind that. Besides, that’s not why we came here.”

   Lilith, her irritation evident, crossed her arms. “Then what business do you have here?”

   Liam’s gaze turned to her, his earlier rage replaced with a smug smile. “Since your father is resisting our marriage offers, I thought it’s best to convince you in person.”

   Lilith’s response was immediate and sharp. “Don’t waste your time. I’ll never agree.”

   The butler’s voice interjected with smooth precision. “Please remember, Lady Elizabeth, that the future of the Vermillion clan depends on your decision. Many innocent people may suffer because of you.”

   I watched the scene unfold, fully expecting Lilith to lash out at Liam with a slap to the face. After all, her frustration was practically radiating off her.

   But to my surprise, her demeanor shifted entirely. She looked vulnerable, her crimson eyes softening, as if she was about to accept the offer.

   Not on my watch.

   I stepped forward, putting myself between Liam and Lilith. “Forgive me for disrupting your plans, but our lady already has a partner for the rest of her life.”

   As I spoke, I casually draped my arm around Lilith’s shoulder.

   “Hey, what are you—” she started, her face flushed in shock.

   Leaning closer, I whispered, “Relax. I said I’d take care of this, right? Let me work.”

   She hesitated for a moment before murmuring, “Noah...”

   Before Liam could explode, his butler stepped forward, his face calm but his voice sharp. “My deepest apologies. My name is Nikke, and I serve as the butler to Master Liam Silverbane.”

   I glanced at him. “Yes, Lilith has already told me about that guy.”

   The butler tilted his head, puzzled. “Then that will make things easier. Until now, we knew nothing about Miss Elizabeth already having a fiancé.”

   “It’s not official yet, for a couple of reasons. Allow me to introduce myself.” I stood straighter and let the words sink in. “My name is Noah Naberius.”

   For a moment, Nikke froze, his calm demeanor faltering as his face turned pale.

   Liam, oblivious to his butler’s reaction, scoffed. “You really think we’re going to buy this fairy tale? You can tell it’s a scam a mile away.”

   “Nikke!” Liam continued without missing a beat, "The idea that someone like him—”

   “Blah-blah-blah-blah,” I interrupted, waving my hand dismissively. “Are you done yet? You really don’t understand? The girl is taken. If you’ve got a problem with that, then instead of whining like the spoiled brat you are, why don’t you act like a man for once in your life?”

   Liam’s face twisted with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. “Fine,” he hissed.

   “Master!” Nikke interjected, his tone laced with worry, “Please wait—”

   But Liam wasn’t listening. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pristine white glove, and threw it at my feet.

   “I, Liam Silverbane, challenge you to a duel,” he declared, his voice trembling with rage.

   For a moment, the world seemed to pause. I bent down, picked up the glove, and smirked.

   “I, Noah Naberius, accept the challenge.”