#herocaleb

Part 2 Caleb Xia x F nonmc reader

A week had passed since the event had ended, a week since the manor of Duke Heliart's had been bombarded by visitations of many noble men and women, hoping to see the woman who had suddenly become the hot topic of the empire. While some are envious, others are curious of this woman who had suddenly shown herself and had captured the attention of the most sought out man.

‘What is her relationship with Lord Caleb Xia?’ most, if not, had the majority of similar questions in mind. Therefore, they visited, asked, and even sent letters to the woman in hopes to get the answers. 

But of course, all of this was rejected by (reader). She stared at the 50th letter in her hand, the content inviting her into some lady's tea party, but she knew better. 

“Get rid of all of this Lucy.” (reader) tossed the letter to the piling papers in her desk, her personal maid already working on burning the letters. 

Lucy did not dare say a word, sensing her mistress' foul mood. The young maid could only pray in silence that her Mistress does not explode. 

“That Xia, this is his fault…” (reader) groaned in frustration. Slowly massaging her temples as she recalled the ball. It was obvious that Caleb intentionally grabbed the attention of the people and exposed her. Initially, she did not have the intention to introduce herself in front of the many nobles, and wished to keep to herself, but as if the heavens disobeyed her prayers, the ‘purple beast’, as she calls him, had spotted her and deliberately revealed her identity. Now, people are dying to meet her, not even the Duke himself can stop it.

(reader) imagines choking the life out of him, for the stress and helplessness he caused and now she cannot go out freely as she had hoped without being peered at or stalked by curious nobles. 

“Apologies for interrupting you my Lady but you have a visitor.” a servant announced, gazing at (reader) nervously. 

“Please, not today. I do not have the time to converse with them. Dismissed them right away.” she rolled her eyes, sighing deeply as she felt another head ache. 

“I have informed the visitor, ummm I believe Lady Sophia insisted on speaking with you my lady.” The servant answered, his head lowered, eyes closing anticipating anger to come his way. 

But (reader) did not do anything except sigh outloud, a rustle in the background before she stood before him. 

“Then lead me to the drawing room.” she tiredly ordered. 

The young man nodded his head and led his mistress to the drawing room where Lady Sophia was already waiting for her.

“A pleasant to see you again Lady (reader)” Sophia greeted, her eyes twinkling observing the frown expression on the woman's face. 

“A pleasant, indeed.” (reader) sarcastically answered, plopping down to her seat across Sophia. 

“Oh dear me, do not look at me as if I am the one causing your foul mood.” Sophia mused, picking up the warm tea on the table and taking a small sip.

“It will be, I certainly remember denying your letter to visit and still here you are.” she crossed her arm, shooting her a frustrated glare.

“You know me Lady (reader) even back when we were students, I don't accept ‘no’ for an answer.” Sophia giggled, but her eyes were already glued to (reader).

“I already know what you are going to say Sophia.” (reader) dropped the honorifics as she turns away at her stare. 

“Well, it certainly does not harm a friend to ask about their friend's well-being.” Sophia softly stated, her gaze now back to her tea.

“I have you know I am doing great.”

“Oh really?, from this angle you seemed to be more stressed than you let on. I understand that the situation is quite the uproar right now but come on, it hurts me that you do not open yourself and let me help you.” Sophia pointed gently.

“I do not mean to push you away Sophia but at this time, I need the time for myself. Can you blame me? that man intentionally drew attention and exposed me!” (reader) places her hands in her face as she finally complains.

“Certainly, everyone is curious about it.” Sophia nodded before standing up and sitting next to her, she pulled (reader)’s head and had her lean into her shoulder. 

(reader) let out a deep breath and closed her eyes, the warmth in her friend was what she needed. 

“I just do not understand why he had the need to tell the world about it, we do not have the kind of relationship to be in that position and he knows I hate him.” she added, even frowning as she recalled the ball.

“Do you want me to hire an assassin to get rid of him?” Sophia offered as she patted her head smoothly. 

“What? no, that would be too easy for him, he could easily beat that guy and I'd be more in an embarrassing situation. But thank you for the offer.” she chuckled as she leaned into Sophia's shoulder.

“The offer is still open just to let you know, as long as my dear friend is happy.” Sophia mused.

__________________________________________________

Another week had passed by, but this time, invitations had stopped and there were no people trying to visit the manor unannounced.

(reader) had finally decided to go out, she only brought Lucy with her as she left the manor to the town. 

As expected, there were a lot of people gathering, crowds everywhere, stalls and shops full of people. It was always busy no matter the day but it was something (reader) appreciated, she could blend in easily and go about her day, just like she always does when she was abroad. 

Visiting different shops and buying necessary things, it was afternoon when Lucy had reminded her she has to purchase a new dress for an upcoming temple event that is going to be held in a week. 

“Is it really that necessary for a Duke's daughter to attend such an event? Not even father is interested.” 

(reader) muttered, they were resting at a small cafe.

“His grace the Duke might not be interested but her Duchess insisted that you must be my lady.” Lucy shook her head as she responded politely. 

“Right, her. Pray tell, what had happened to Mother that she has to recuperate in the countryside. She did not explain to me nor did she reply about my inquiries of her well-being, not even Father.” She questioned the young girl, arms crossed.

“T-that…it was too sudden for all of us as well, my lady. From what the butler had told us she fell in the garden and had been sick since then, the reason for it was unknown and the doctor kept her condition. That is all I can tell you, my lady.” Lucy sincerely answered while looking at the woman with a nervous expression. 

(reader) did not pry any longer, that alone was enough. She did not exactly have a good relationship with her parents, only that she was treated like a guest in her own home, and a stranger outside. 

That afternoon they continued to shop and brought a new dress for the upcoming event.

____________________________________________

A week later

The temple was filled with people. Excited expressions plastered on their faces as they waited patiently for the ceremony to start. In the beginning, all they really wanted was to witness the Saintess bless the empire with her divine magic, and rumours started that whoever witnessed her powers will be blessed as well. Moreover, the addition of the Hero being there was another hot topic that everyone has been dying to meet. 

All but one, and (reader) has been displeased since the beginning. Not only has the ceremony not started but the temple was getting more crowded. Sweat was beginning to fall in her cheeks, and the humid air was starting to make her frustrated. This was exactly why she disliked attending events. It was too overstimulating and drains her energy too fast. She was not exactly like those ‘special’ people with mana, another thing to add in her parents disappointment. 

Then, people in white robes appeared on the podium and an old man she assumed as the head priest greeted everyone. ‘The ceremony has begun, finally.’ 

Followed by the Saintess, whom everyone admired and the Hero, the crowd was immediately taken in their breaths. Despite seeing them so many times it never ceases to amaze them just how much of a beautiful pair they are. 

Saintess MC began using her divine magic while Caleb stood behind her back. Light emitted everywhere as MC continued praying, her hands clasping together as she concentrated. 

While everyone was enthralled by her powers on the other hand, Caleb, had been observing the crowd, eyes roaming, as if looking for a particular someone. 

He knew that (reader) was among them, he specifically told her mother that (reader) has to attend, though he did not mean to scare the old woman but she was also stubborn not to bring (reader) back in the empire. He was aware that the Heliart's are not on good terms with his family but does that really stop him? Maybe in the past he would've despised the idea, but he can only blame (reader) for making him feel complex feelings.

His eyes stopped towards a familiar (h/c) just between a small group of old ladies, she was too good at hiding. Her eyes were boring flatly, not focused, and seemed to be more frustrated than welcome. 

That almost made him laugh but he controlled himself. He knew she despises crowds so much but it was fun to tease her and witnessing her different emotions aside from the scowling so much. 

As the ceremony ended, everyone immediately crowded the Saintess and the Hero. This gave (reader) the opportunity to leave the area and walk towards the temple's garden to finally get herself a breather. 

Unlike inside, the garden proved to be peaceful and large. For a garden, it was impressive, she found herself stopping by the lake, the water was clear, the blue skies mirroring below.  

She kneeled down, her hand reaching towards the water. 

“What an amazing place…” she murmured, admiring the way the water rippled just by the touch of her hand.

Her mind and body immediately relaxes.

She stayed there simply listening and admiring the environment until heavy footsteps could be heard behind her. She stands up immediately and turns around. Her expression quickly changed into a frown. 

“Must you stab my heart deeply my lady?” Caleb pouts, putting on a hurt expression. 

“You…what are you doing here?” She demanded, her arms crossed.

“Well, I sort of live here you know” he chuckled, unaffected by her glare. 

“In that case I must leave. I have overstayed my visit.” she turns around without spending another glance at him. 

“My lady please, I just got here, you know. Do you really hate me that much?” He softly pulls her wrist and turns her around to face him.

That move was something (reader) did not expect, especially not after seeing those purple eyes gazing at her, as if pleading her to stay.

“You!- Are you a dog?! You are awfully close Caleb Xia!” This was the second time she had dropped honorifics at him and the second time her heart has been beating fast. Her face was already close to a tomato.

“If I was a dog would you keep me? I do not mind being yours my lady” Caleb was enjoying the sight in front of him. 

Right, this was exactly how their dynamic goes, a push and pull string. But this time he will make sure that string will forever be tied to him. 

“Are you crazy Xia? Is your mind in the gutters? Let me remind you that I can make your life miserable if you do not let go of me right now.” Her eyes stared at him with deep ferocity as she attempted to threaten him. 

‘fuck’ that did something in him, something he has been missing for a long time. Instead of being offended, he pulled her closer to him. 

“You really have no idea how I miss this (reader)” he whispered, his tone was dark and deep. Almost possessive. “Make me miserable, yeah, I'll wait for it.” he added. 

‘okay fuck that, that's scary’ (reader) thought, horrified by what she heard. Is this man possibly a masochist? 

“Are you wishing a death sentence Caleb?” She tried to pull away from him, which Caleb happily allowed but still held her hand. 

“I've been in touch with Death that they cannot easily take me (reader), I don't think it's time for me. I really missed you, a lot. Even this.” He gestures at her and him.

She was astounded at him, a lot. How is this the same Caleb in their student days compared to the present. Not only is she speechless, TWICE, but he had the audacity to say he missed her? Brushing even death?

“You have lost it Caleb.” She shook her head and forced her wrist to pull away from him. She was going to run away from this crazy man. 

Of course, just as she was about to make a run he pulled her again but this time both of them fell towards the ground. She landed on top of him while Caleb took the hit. 

Unfortunately, a crowd of nobles surrounding the Saintess happened to visit the area and witnessed the scene. 

Gasps left their mouths and murmurs followed. 

It took a minute for (reader) to register what's going until she realized the position she and Caleb is in, from an outside perspective this would be interpreted as doing a shared intimacy. 

“oh my, is that Lord Caleb?”

“Is that Lady (reader) Heliart?”

“So it is true. The two of them are in that closed relationship?”

“But in broad daylight? That's scandalous.”

(reader) immediately stood up, shame and embarrassment was all over her face. She wanted to escape and flee but the crowd was getting larger and more whispers followed. 

Suddenly, a cape was covered around her. 

“I apologize everyone, this is simply a misunderstanding. Lady (reader) was trying to help me get up but it seemed I pulled too hard and accidentally fell.” Caleb cleared the scene, he feigned sorry and everyone nodded their heads accepting his words. Though some doubted, they kept their mouths shut in fear of Caleb's wrath. 

Caleb turns around and meets (reader)’s invisible wrath, “I apologized, My lady, but I am grateful for your help.” he smugly smiled, there was no regret in his tone. 

The crowd dispersed after that and (reader) left immediately not giving him a spare of attention, but Caleb was fine with that. Slowly (reader) would finally be in his arms.

“You know, if you really like her you should have confessed instead of making all that trouble.” MC interrupted, glancing at the man with disappointment. 

“Well, she's not the type to accept a straight confession you know, so this is the only way I can get her.” Caleb smiled fondly. 

“You have really changed Caleb, back then you would complain about her and how she made your life a hell. But now, you are doing the opposite of what the old Caleb wants.” MC recalled, shaking her head. 

“Maybe…or it never really changed at all.” he answered, eyes staring at the necklace he accidentally pulled from (reader) earlier. 

“Well if you need anything just call me. I have a date to attend with.” MC bid him goodbye and left him on his own.

Caleb did not say anything until she left. His eyes remained on the necklace. A purple necklace to be exact. She was wearing the things he secretly bought for her and had his spy attend as (reader)’s personal maid. 

Slowly but surely, (reader) was going to be his.