#mldd lucien | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dawnsbreaking · 1 year

Text

One of my favorite things about MLQC is the frequent use of symbolic imagery and motifs to set scenes and center characters. I think it’s incredibly clever, considering the importance of MC’s dreams, that the dreamlike symbolism is present throughout the story. At times, in MC’s confusion of piecing events together, reading the story almost feels like a sort of dream or vision interpretation. I love how consistent these symbols are for the characters and the way conflicting or contrasting imagery is used to add depth throughout the story. Also, since the story is told through MC’s perspective, the use of imagery shows us that her perception of the world is colored by her care for the main cast. When she’s with Gavin, MC notices fluttering leaves, when she’s with Victor, time slows, when she’s with Kiro, the sun is brighter, and when she’s with Lucien, she’s more attentive to light and shadow.

Under the cut, I have written more (1400ish words more) about symbolism in MLQC and how it adds depth to Lucien's characterization in particular.

Aside from adding to the mood of the story, the symbolism can also be used to narrative effect, showing us how MC is interpreting a character’s actions or motivations.

For example, we can look at how MC sorts through her feelings about Kiro/Helios in Chapter 29. Sun imagery pervaded previous chapters that centered Kiro while moon imagery is associated with Helios. In CH29, MC uses the harmony between the sun and moon as a metaphor when she accepts that Kiro and Helios are one and the same. This adds depth to what MC is feeling about Helios and also serves to contextualize the relationship between the two identities. (Note: I just love the idea that Helios has the same “sunshine” as Kiro but that he reflects it in a subtle way rather than being overwhelmingly positive like Kiro. This dynamic is only ever implied by the imagery and symbolism but it’s so perfect.)

In particular, though, I want to talk about some of the symbolism associated with Lucien and what we can learn from the way these symbols interact with one another.

Light and Shadow

One motif that is very present when the story is focused on Lucien is the balance between light and shadow. (Note: It’s very on the nose at times but executed well, I think, so I’ll give them a pass.) This motif is introduced far before Lucien’s betrayal is ever revealed, as early as his first meeting with MC. (Note: I literally wasn’t sure when the motif was first introduced but I went back to Lucien’s first scene and SURE ENOUGH, there it is. I love how consistent the writing is in this regard. The motifs are handled so well and so intentionally.)

During Lucien’s first scene in the game, light shining in from the window obscures his face. Far ahead of the betrayal, light and shadow are symbolically playing at obscuring his identity from MC. The light/shadow motif is used at first to symbolize Lucien being duplicitous, without much hinting toward his internal struggle. Later, when it’s clear that Lucien is struggling with a choice between metaphorical ��dark” desire to continue his mission and “light” of protecting MC, light is used to hint at that internal conflict. An example of this is below, from Lucien's first standoff with Victor in Chapter 11.

Notably, though, sometimes, the “light” represents MC directly while the “shadow” represents Lucien. After Lucien’s internal conflict and desire to protect MC is first touched on in Chapter 16, the two are symbolically juxtaposed by scene-settings back-to-back in the last two units of CH16. 16-24 opens with a description of Lucien’s dark, gloomy room and 16-25 opens with a description of the lamp on MC’s desk casting a bright light. (Note: MC’s Evol is also represented by light often, so I think this imagery for her works even beyond its juxtaposition with Lucien.)

The same thing happens again when MC comes back from the Eternal Winter world, Lucien’s office is described as dark and shadowy when he is alone and then it’s cast in an “ephemeral glow” as soon as MC steps into the room.

Mirrors

A large part of Lucien’s character arc is his failure to properly make sense of his own identity, this struggle is represented by mirrors/reflections. Often, mirrors are shattered or distorted, implying an added difficulty of perception.

Because of the expectations that have been put on him from a young age, Lucien is very disconnected from his own identity. Even with Black Swan set completely aside, because of his savant-like personality and inability to relate to others, Lucien doesn’t view himself as a human being. Beyond that, there is also a struggle between the two identities of “Lucien” and “Ares” implied.

I think that the answer to this struggle is MC understanding Lucien and having clarity about who he is as a person. Light reflected in mirrors represents this concept symbolically in the Mirror Painting date. (Note: I believe this date is only currently available in the CN server, I read this translation) In this date, Lucien and MC paint each other and then use mirrors to reflect light onto the painting when it’s displayed. After being painted and, therefore, symbolically seen by MC, Lucien is finally allowed to turn away from the mirrors and stop worrying about who he is. The mirrors that represent his struggle with identity are able to add depth to a beautiful image when paired with the lights that represent MC’s understanding.

Shattered and Distorted Glass

This goes hand-in-hand with the mirror motif but is worth mentioning on its own because the symbolism is slightly different. While distorted mirrors imply difficulty for Lucien to perceive himself, distorted glass implies a difficulty for others to perceive Lucien. Shattered glass also represents a fractured relationship between the identities of “Lucien” and “Ares” in a few scenes.

On the wall of the abandoned Ultima Bioresearch Lab, MC finds a quotation written on the wall from the Bible. “For now we see through a glass, darkly. The truth is projected into the hearts of men through a glass lens. It’s distorted, blurry, and one-dimensional.” (Note: I’m assuming that this verse was translated from the Chinese dialogue and not transcribed from an English Bible translation, because this is, at the very least, not a popular translation of the verse that I’m familiar with. Ironically, it’s more popular to translate “glass” here as “mirror” so there goes this whole section LMAO.)

Because of the way it’s presented, I think that this image of distorted glass represents not how MC actually perceives Lucien but, rather, how Lucien believes he perceives her. Obviously, this is also foreshadowing the betrayal so, in a way, he’s correct in asserting that she is not seeing all of him. But, on the whole, this distorted glass imagery is delivered in a way that implies the distortion more as an insecurity on Lucien’s part rather than the reality of MC’s vision.

Rainbows

Keeping with Lucien’s themes of paradox and duplicity, one of his main motifs is the appearance of rainbows, despite the fact that he is colorblind. This is, again, representative of MC’s “light” being transformative to Lucien because the rainbows appear when they are together. I think that, rather than being a symbol for Lucien alone, rainbows represent Lucien’s relationship with MC. It’s a sort of combination of MC’s light imagery and Lucien’s refraction/distortion imagery. In the right circumstances, they can create something beautiful together.

It’s also implied throughout the story that Lucien is able to see colors when he’s around MC, so he is truly only able to appreciate the beauty of rainbows when he is with her. (Note: It’s unclear how this works but I think that it’s a side-effect of his Evol mimicking hers. There’s a footage mission where it seems like Lucien has to ask MC to look at something before he can tell the color of it so I think that he is somehow able to see the world through her perspective, possibly by using her Evol to have real-time visions. Does this make sense? Who knows, but I refuse to accept it just as soulmate magic!!!!)

If you haven’t, I highly recommend reading Lucien’s “Rainbow Luck” R&S. (Note: A recording is available here!) In this story, told from the perspective of Lucien’s pen, Iridescent, MC and Lucien see a rainbow together and it’s implied that this is Lucien’s first time being able to see a rainbow because MC is there. (Note: Iridescent as a name itself is an instance of Lucien’s rainbow motif.)

(Note: Lucien's Moments also features a rainbow paperweight at Bond Level 40.)

TLDR: Imagery and symbolism are used in MLQC to imply things about the characters and their relationships with MC. In particular, with Lucien, recurring imagery is used to represent his internal conflict and his desire for love and understanding from MC. The symbolism of light and its reflection/refraction is used to great effect throughout Lucien’s story, implying a complex web of internal struggles.

39 notes · View notes

thejournalmylife · 1 year

Text

Sacred Event has Start

#mr love queen choice #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #mr love #mr love gavin #mlqc gavin #gavin #mr love kiro #kiro #mldd kiro #mr love lucien #lucien #mlqc lucien #mr love victor #mlqc victor #victor

38 notes · View notes

mlqcdrabbledabble · 1 year

Text

MLQC - Medieval AU ideas drabble!

We have seen the guys in medieval roles, but what if we mash them together!

- takes place during the 17th to 19th century

- the MC can have various roles like:

Being a peasant, maid or servant, who is in a lot of trouble because of her parents, or the daughter of a noble family-- who wishes not to be married off to someone she barely knows and does not love. Some ideas there.

Let's give our main guys some roles!

More below

In order of Hiarchy:

Victor

"A kingdom is nothing without the strength and faith of it's people."

He is the King, Emperor, or a Duke (duh :P)

A true king of the people-- Victor was appointed to become the King (or emperor) by the previous royal council he was apart of for many years. He had no direct claim to the throne, however, he worked hard and the concil of the people favored him. He now is at the top of the kingdom (or empire) and continues to do what is best for the kingdom and it's people.

Although he is extremely pragmatic and a bit disconnected from the problems of common folk. However, no one can deny he is extremely intelligent and given the right information-- he can solved just about any issue.

Lucien

"Knowledge is the greatest weapon one can wheld."

Royal Phasician, Apothecary or Medicene man-- also a close advisor to the King.

Eventhough they seem at odds, Lucien is one of King's closest and most trusted advisors. He is the right hand man and probably the second most (if not the most) power person in the kingdom.

Additionally he has a network of spies and knows everything there is to know about the kingdom and it's enemies. This is a man you want on your side because he knows everyone's weaknesses, and more than 101 ways to make people talk.

Gavin

"I am on the side of order and justice in a world filled with chaos."

Cheif Knight, General, Commander and advisor of the kingdom's military forces.

Extremely loyal to the crown and the complete opposite of his younger brother. He is dedicated to justice and apprehension of criminals. Though he pleaded for his younger brother to be spared when he was caught doimg criminal actitives. Which was very out of character for him to do.

Gavin lives with the fact he spoke up for his brother, and must be the one to put him down if he causes too many more issues with the kingdom.

Kiro

"I live to bring the music and soul we all have a connection to-- let it all come forward and shine."

Bard, musician, jester and voice of the people-- and a spy master.

Kiro is the most talented musician in the whole kingdom. His songs heal the broken hearted and uplift the downtrodden. Though he has a darker (hidden) side that no one suspects from such a bright and brilliant man.

He easily infultrates high class parties and other kingdom's realms with his famous performances. All the while gathering valuable information about them as well.

Shaw

"I am a freeman. Because I chose to be."

The outlaw, criminal, pirate Captian, secret agent, hunted and treasure hunter.

He had always been a trouble maker from a young age. He never out grew his criminal nature, unlike his older brother, he became a theif and a lowlife. He was captured and was going to be excuted, but his older brother pleaded for him to be spared.

Instead, he was exiled and resents his older brother for saving his life. Shaw was able to commendere a ship and crew to do piracy. He deliberately steals from the kingdom that spared him. Though he has heard there is a great treasure there... not made of gold nor silver. He will take this great treasure for his own.

Main Character (MC)

My idea is that depending on where the MC starts will affect how they interact and know our main male leads.

High-class: Knows Victor or Kiro

Princess from another Kingdom or Related to Nobility

Mid-class: Knows Victor, Gavin, Lucien or Kiro

Royal Maid

(could be bumped up to head maid or fruther, if they work hard enough ;))

Lower-class: Knows Gavin or Shaw

Villager

Criminal: Knows Shaw, Lucien, Gavin or Kiro

Theif, witch, or some other thing that's considered a severe criminal act...

Extra stuff!

Not sure if they should have evol or not...

Thinking not because they'd be hung for witch craft...

But Shaw probably be like, "yeah! give me cool lighting powers!" (That'll make him too op xP)

I want them to interact more!

Anywhoo you got any thoughts or feedback? Would love to heart it.

Cheers! (^3^)/

#mlqc #evol x love #mr love dream date #mldd #mlqc lucien #mlqc victor #mlqc gavin #mlqc kiro #mlqc shaw #alternate universe #writing ideas #brainstorm #medieval aesthetic

26 notes · View notes

starrygalaxy04 · 11 months

Text

"Psycho" {MLQC Lucien x Reader}

Summary : After a bad breakup, you use singing as your coping mechanism. You just happened to be singing a little too loud, and Lucien comes in to check on you and even joins in. (Gavin is an OC, not the MLQC character)

(Song used in this fic is "Psycho" by Taylor Acorn)

(Characters except Reader are not mine, neither is the song!!!)

youtube

You just couldn't keep it together. The anger, the pain, it all was desperate to be set free. Gavin had cheated yet again, a serial cheater in the worst way. This was the last straw, and when you said you were done, he spat the harshest words at you. Called you every single insult in the book that every scorned and unwilling-to-take-accountability boyfriend would throw at his girl before she left.

So now you're back home, your heels cast aside as your Spotify blares from your TV. You know you have neighbors, but can't bring yourself to care as you blare your angry playlist, singing and screaming at the top of your lungs. Your ruined mascara has long dried, and your hair is a mess of tangles. You just keep singing, venting out all of those emotions you could never vent any way else.

A knock on the door breaks you out of your singing binge. Surely it was a neighbor who was about to fuss at you to turn the music down. You huff before opening the door, only to find a concerned Lucien standing behind it. His pale eyes are wistful with a hint of concern as he looks down at you.

"Are you alright? You're blaring your angry songs."

Out of everyone you knew, Lucien was the only one who knew just by the song what playlist you were listening to. He had become so accustomed to your music taste that a single song would tell him entirely how you felt. You don't reply, instead moving aside so he can come in.

He walks in, taking in the state of the living room as you shut the door. There's half eaten take out, which you planned on finishing before you began your singing binge. Your shoes rest in two entirely different places, and your jacket is slung over the back of the couch. The TV is still playing songs from a playlist simply titled "ANGY". Yes, something was definitely wrong.

Lucien looks back at you with furrowed brows as the song changes, your eyes glued to the lyrics scrolling on the screen. Its the staple song you picked out for that good-for-nothing man. Lucien looks at the lyrics then to you, waiting for the damn to break. You're silent til the chorus, and then you begin screaming all over again.

"So, let's play a game

Where I throw a little brick through your pretty little face You're easy on the eyes but you're easier to hate An angel's gonna fall if you come around If my name's still on your tongue, then I'll rip it out

Since I'm already the bad guy in your head, I'll hit you with my car and I'll leave you for dead And I'll always like the view from the high road but baby for you, I'll be your psycho I'll be your psycho

I'll be your psycho

I'll be your psycho"

Lucien seems to easily put two and two together, coaxing you into sitting down as you continue to sing, tears streaming down your face as you scream the chorus one last time. It seems to be cathartic for you, so he lets you. The lyrics don't even seem to phase him as he wraps a comforting arm around you.

He doesn't ask questions as the song ends. He doesn't have to. He simply hands you your takeout, making sure you finish eating before getting you a glass of water. He watches you, makes sure you drink it, before he turns down the volume of the music.

"I assume things went for the worst?" He looks almost sad, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder.

He had been partly your therapist throughout this entire relationship and had been the first one to suggest that if your ex was standing you up he wasn't the right fit. He hadn't pushed you on it, but you know part of him loves and hates to be proven right. He's proud of you for doing the right thing, but is also here to listen to you. Whether its depressed or sad rambling, or just screaming angry songs to get those emotions out.

"Want me to join in?"

His voice is soft, a smile on his lips. You wordlessly nod, changing the song to something he's more familiar with. You both sing along, albeit much more quietly, spending the night in the comfort of his arms. It would take a while for the wounds to heal, but with Lucien around it didn't seem so bad.

#mlqc lucien #mlqc x reader #mlqc #mldd #hurt/comfort #screaming #songfic #drabble #Youtube

7 notes · View notes

putufelisia · 2 years

Text

Last day on MLDD. My heart is breaking, but life must go on 🥲🥲🥲

#mlqc #mlqc victor #li zeyan #mlqc kiro #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc gavin #mlqc lucien #mldd #mldd victor #mldd kiro

57 notes · View notes

lunars-babeclub · 2 years

Text

Lucien & Victor

#dollphotography #mr love dream date #dollstagram #mldd #mlqc #mr love queen's choice #20cmdoll #evol x love #koi to producer #anime figure #animedoll #mldd victor #li zeyan #mlqc victor #mlqc lucien #mlqc xumo #xumo

21 notes · View notes

stories2you · 2 years

Text

(MASTERLIST)

Mr Love Queen’s Choice:-

_______________________________________________

- GAVIN/HAKU/BAI QI:

Scenarios:

Gavin the Hypocrite Dad

Stress Relieving

Welcome Home, Gavin

Don’t Cry, Daddy

Names

Loneliness

I’m Not Old!

Mother’s Day

Requested:

Request 1

Hard Decisions (GAVIN ENDING / NEUTRAL ENDING)

Headcanons:

Headcanon 1

MLQC Genshin HC

- SHAW/SHOU/LING XIAO

Scenarios:

Nicknames for Shaw

Forgotten Wish

Requested:

- none -

Headcanons:

MLQC Genshin Headcanons

- KIRO/KIRA/ZHOU QILUO

Scenarios:

Uncle Chicken

Mother’s Day

Requested:

- none -

Headcanons:

MLQC Genshin Headcanons

- LUCIEN/SIMON/XU MO

Scenarios:

Lucchi...?

Requested:

Hard Decisions ( LUCIEN ENDING / NEUTRAL ENDING )

Headcanons:

MLQC Genshin Headcanons

- VICTOR/ZEN/LI ZEYAN

Scenarios:

Uncle Torchic!

Requested:

- none -

Headcanons:

MLQC Genshin Headcanons

OTHER CHARACTERS:

- ELI ( requested )

#mayu's masterlist #mlqc #mldd #mlqc scenarios #mlqc headcanons #mlqc gavin #mlqc kiro #mlqc shaw #mlqc victor #mlqc lucien

27 notes · View notes

cuddletime-blog · 1 year

Text

Lucien’s Birthday Poem (2022)

Happy birthday Lucien.

Wishing you a happy birthday

and spending it with you

is something I’m more than glad to do.

It has become our special

shared ritual, an occasion to make better

and better memories each year together.

I just want to make you smile more,

capture and save every memory

of ours in a photo album.

I want to preserve and treasure them.

Your birthday is an opportunity

to make new memories

and improve on some traditions.

I want to keep traveling, take more photos,

watch older, classic movies,

visit science and art museums,

read in bookstores and libraries,

and keep learning together with you.

Ever since you agreed

to appear on my TV show Miracle Finder,

you’ve helped me in so many ways.

Thank you for being by my side on my journey

as I aspire to be one of Loveland’s top producers.

You are a valuable consultant

and companion that inspires and encourages me

to persevere despite countless difficulties

and follow my instincts and dreams.

Happy birthday to you, my dear Professor Lucien.

7 notes · View notes

randomshipperhere · 1 year

Text

I’m still in a lot of pain after the MLDD server shutdown.

Even though I lost all my progress I am so glad that there are fans who do so much for the community by posting high quality version of the pics for free. Translate the game for free and make fan content for fellow fans to enjoy.

If this post gets seen by anyone who has contributed anything for the fandom I’m sincerely grateful to all of you.

#I missed lucien all of a sudden #whoch is why this came up #will start reading date translations soon #mlqc #mldd #mr love queen's choice #text post #i know there was a data transfer thing and whatever but the thing is #fandom went through a lot in the months leading up to termination #that it made it hard to continue playing #so i decided to step away from it #and i finally felt like i could come back with the mindset where i can enjoy it fully

5 notes · View notes

darealkatastrophe · 11 months

Text

This took longer then I like to admit but now it's finished. These are The MLQC Boys as Iconic videos, sorry that it's short. I'll make more in the future, just because I'm bored. It might take a bit of time.

#mr. love queen's choice #mlqc kiro #mlqc lucien #mldd #mlqc victor #mlqc gavin #mlqc memes

1 note · View note

hakutaichou · 2 years

Text

[JP] 100 Days Companionship (Different Content): Day 21-30

Note: Since this event was already released in MLQC, I’ll keep translating it. Because...

MLQC CN / TW = Summer - Autumn/Winter

MLQC / MLDD = Autumn/Winter - Spring

MLQC KR / JP = Spring - Summer

So... there must be some of different contents between servers.

Note(2): MLQC JP changed some mentioned fruits with strawberry because spring is the perfect season for harvest strawberry in japan.

.....

- Day 21 -

[CN/EN Day 21] Lucien: A little alley cat is stretching out lazily in the spring sun, and it’s making me suddenly want to sunbathe with you.

[CN Day 21] Gavin: The weather forecasts says we’ll be experiencing varied temperatures. Don’t leave the air-conditioner on.

...

- Day 22 -

[CN/EN Day 22] Lucien: It seems that the flowers on the balcony, have become more relaxed after several times of spring rain. Did you notice it?

[CN Day 22] Victor: Don’t drink too much cold drinks just because it’s getting warmer. Use less ice.

...

- Day 23 -

[Golden Week Series] Victor: You already started planning your trip for Golden Week? Let me know when you've decided where we should go.

...

- Day 24 -

[CN Day 24] Gavin: Eli took a trip to the countryside, and returned with several strawberries. Because he left us one each, I’ll bring it home later.

#mlqc #mlqc jp #mlqc victor #mlqc lucien #mlqc gavin #koipro3rdannivcountdown #day 25 - 30 content are same as CN

12 notes · View notes

hikoorie · 2 years

Text

#love and producer #mlqc lucien #mldd lucien #mlqc #mldd #💭

49 notes · View notes

thejournalmylife · 2 years

Text

🎉Happy 3rd Anniversary

💌 On this special day, he wrote down a love letter that was only for you!

💌The love hidden in the love letter will make this anniversary more beautiful.

#MrLoveMobile https://t.co/u5K1ER9x8h

53 notes · View notes

ellie-winthrope · 2 years

Text

Vemod - [Lucien]

Vemod is defined as a pensive melancholy or a tender sadness over something emotionally significant that is lost forever.

Based on Lucien’s R&S - “Not Planned On".

Without a doubt, she is both his bane and his salvation.

Words: 3170 words

When was it?

Since when did someone like Lucien, who had never yearned for anything, come to desire something more than the fleeting sense of fulfilment from realizing his plans and meeting his goals?

“Even if you’re dangerous, I trust you.”

It was her.

It was all because of that delicately foolish and yet radiant girl.

Then again, if that girl was truly as foolish as Lucien had claimed her to be, then what of himself who was moved by those too-good-to-be-true words on that day at the aquarium?

The girl was the only person in this world who could effortlessly stir up inexplicable emotions within him. In fact, ever since he started considering the girl’s feelings or when he started to truly enjoy the moments that he had spent with the girl, be it as her show’s consultant, her next-door neighbor, or a close confidant, Lucien had known for certain that he had changed.

As much as he wanted to rationalize or reject these changes, he couldn’t refute the fact that he had gradually come to cherish the girl’s presence in his life and the thought of her eventually finding out about his affiliations with Black Swan had unexpectedly brought up a sense of dread within him.

It was an unavoidable outcome. He knew that before he had taken up the mission to approach the girl, who was regarded as the Queen. However, aborting the mission was not an option as it would bring nothing but more risks to the girl and further setbacks to his plans. Therefore, he had to carry on with the mission, no matter what.

If that was the case, then…

Let nature take its course.

That was the only option that would allow him to stay at the girl’s side and keep her safe for as long as possible. Of course, it was nothing more than a temporary measure, but it was also the only way that would prolong this beautiful illusion a little longer.

Despite garnering suspicions upon himself, Lucien continued to delay in fulfilling the mission. He also didn’t stop the girl from investigating deeper into the matters related to Black Swan. In fact, he even aided the girl in her investigations, in spite of the risks those actions would bring to himself. Even after she eventually found out about his identity as Ares, he allowed her to escape and chose to bear the punishment for failing the mission.

To be honest, the distance that he was willing to go for the girl without a second thought was both baffling and fascinating to Lucien.

Of course, he had always expected that his constant involvement with that girl would bring about changes to his life. Still, he hadn’t been able to anticipate back then, whether those changes would be beneficial or detrimental to himself. As for now…

If it was now, then Lucien can state with certainty.

That girl was both his bane and his salvation.

--------------------------

The flowers on the roadside had swayed gently in the wind as Lucien stared at the entrance of the abandoned building of the Quarantine Zone that was still draped with police tapes. It had been months since the mayhem that had occurred within the Quarantine Zone, but Lucien would still come here occasionally.

Even though he usually didn’t even have time for himself, he would still spend a few minutes lingering outside the entrance of the Quarantine Zone. He would merely stare at the entrance of the building silently, while being immersed within his own thoughts.

Despite knowing this to be a futile deed, he couldn’t bring himself to stop going there. Perhaps, it was because this was the last place she had been before she disappeared without a trace from the world.

Thinking back, Lucien found the situation to be rather ironic.

It was due to their opposing standpoints that Lucien distanced himself from the girl, believing it to be the best course of action since his affiliation with Black Swan had made him a threat to the girl’s safety.

Even so, when he heard that the girl had participated in the celebration parade, which he deduced to be the location of the next viral outbreak, Lucien had thrown aside everything and rushed to the venue to find the girl. He was barely in time to save her from being run over by a bus, but he didn’t reveal his presence to the girl and quietly left the scene after ensuring the girl’s safety.

That would be the last time that he would ever see her.

In the end, Lucien wasn’t there by her side when she needed him the most.

Although the incident at the Quarantine Zone had been covered up by the STF with a mix of vague and fabricated information, it wasn’t difficult for anyone to imagine how dangerous and chaotic the actual situation had been at that time.

What would the girl’s state of mind be in facing that chaos?

He couldn’t fathom it.

Lucien’s only bit of solace would be the fact that she hadn’t been alone in facing that predicament.

Victor had been there with her.

The CEO of LFG had refused to tell Lucien the exact details of the event in the Quarantine Zone, let alone what happened to the girl. Nonetheless, Victor did reveal one fact to the professor during their last conversation.

“I will definitely bring her back.”

That single declaration seemed to imply that the girl was still alive but away in some unreachable place. Coupled that with what Lucien knew about the girl’s connection to the Black Cabin, the professor was able to deduce that the “unreachable place” was most likely a parallel world.

Even so, it was inconceivable for the girl to instantly be able to utilize the Black Cabin’s power to travel to another world when all she could do recently was merely viewing vague visions of the future.

Then, a fluke?

Or perhaps, an instinctive reaction of self-preservation?

Regardless, the fact that the girl still lives was what really mattered for it meant that he hadn’t lost her completely, not yet.

Simply put, finding the Black Cabin would be the best way to reach the girl and the study of space-time travel would be the most likely path for him to achieve that. Therefore, Lucien worked tirelessly on the progress of both the research on space-time travel and the vaccine for the flu virus at the same time.

It was after a month had passed since the girl’s disappearance that the research on space-time travel, which had been ongoing for nearly a year, had finally reached its conclusion.

While Lucien was no stranger to the success and failure of scientific research, the outcome of this research had left him feeling so utterly helpless for the first time. Based on the outcome of the research, it was proven impossible for him to determine the girl’s whereabouts, let alone bring her back to their world.

In short, there was nothing he could do.

Without realizing it, the butterfly he cherished had flown far beyond his grasp.

Despite the disheartening result, Lucien refused to despair just yet.

Knowing how strong-willed and determined the girl could be, he held on to the slim possibility of her making her way back on her own.

If all he could do for her now was to wait for her return, then Lucien would ensure that the world would still be there for her to return to by ending this influenza outbreak.

--------------------------

Unknowingly, another three months had passed since then.

Not one to stay idle, Lucien had kept himself busy in monitoring the situation and adjusting his plans accordingly. The research on the vaccine for the flu virus was completed successfully not long ago, which put an end to the influenza outbreak that had been gripping the people with fear for months. As a consequence, Lucien was hailed as a “savior” by the public, much to his chagrin.

To him, the title of “savior” had sounded more like mockery than praise since he was the original creator of the virus. He didn’t deserve the respect or gratitude of the masses for doing this. If anything, he had merely rectified the problem that arose from his own creation.

Even though Hades was the one who had stolen his abandoned prototype and put it to use, it was still undeniable that the virus had originated from his hands. Thus, he was also responsible for the repercussions that were brought about by the influenza outbreak.

Since his involvement in the creation of the virus was only known by Hades and the girl, this secret would be buried away once the outbreak had been contained. In other words, Lucien was merely tying up a loose end by creating the vaccine for the outbreak.

Nonetheless, even after the influenza outbreak had been resolved, peace hadn’t returned to Loveland City. With the STF publicizing the existence of Evolvers and accusing Black Swan as the main instigator of the viral outbreak, the situation between Evolvers and non-Evolvers had been growing tense gradually.

This situation was something that had been accounted for within Lucien’s plans, but it wasn’t his place to interfere in the conflicts between STF and Black Swan since he was no longer affiliated with the latter. Instead, he had much work to do as the head of the newly-rebuilt Ultima Bioresearch facility. With the increased workloads, he was so busy that he would sometimes lose count of the number of sleepless nights and skipped meals.

Whenever he realized this, a wry smile would cross his lips as he thought of how the girl would have scolded him for being so negligent of his own wellbeing. This idle thought would then bring about the familiar throbbing pain at his chest that always came about whenever he thought of her recently.

Lucien would silently endure the pain until it had passed completely before heading out to grab a light meal or trying to take a short nap in his office. Even if he didn’t have much appetite and he could rarely fall asleep nowadays, Lucien would still try to fulfill what the girl would have asked of him because he knew without a doubt that she would be upset if she were to witness his current state.

His action may also be due to a wishful thinking, that by taking care of himself as she had asked of him, he carried the hope that, likewise, the girl would also be keeping herself safe.

It was unlike him to have such wishful thoughts, much less clinging onto the seemingly brittle hope of the girl’s eventual return. Still, he couldn’t help it. Whenever the girl was concerned, his actions and thoughts would somehow be influenced by emotions. In fact, he could no longer view the world with the same indifference that he initially possessed before meeting her.

These changes were the traces that the girl had left within him.

If he was to lose her, would those traces remain with him or would they vanish along with her?

Lucien chose to shelve that thought, being adamant that it wouldn't happen.

Whether it was a certainty or merely self-assurance, only the professor himself knew for sure.

Nonetheless, the answer had arrived unbidden on one particular winter.

Lucien had been reminiscing on a memory of the last winter that was spent together with the girl when he was suddenly assaulted by a vision of himself strangling the girl’s delicate neck with his own hand. It was evidently a vision from the other world since Lucien had no recollection of it ever happening before. Nonetheless, the abrupt vision had left his mind reeling with a mix of emotions.

Shock, confusion, concern and then a sense of urgency.

The girl was in danger … and the threat was none other than himself. This was the worst possible situation for Lucien, one that he dreaded the most. Even so, the fact remained that there was nothing he could do, which frustrated him to the point of clenching his fist so tightly that it turned pale-white. It was after a few seconds had passed that he managed to compose himself and review the information that he could glimpse from that vision.

In the end, he determined that as long as the girl still possessed her powers as a Queen, there was a high likelihood that her powers would trigger up instinctively in a life-or-death situation to protect herself, similar to how it might had been responsible in transporting her to the other world during the mayhem at the Quarantine Zone.

Besides that, regardless of how different the other world’s version of himself was to his current self, one thing was for certain. That was, he would never take unnecessary actions. He wouldn’t have bothered to kill someone with a tedious method, like strangulation… Unless he was trying to observe some sort of reaction, that was, he was trying to confirm something.

Hence, the girl should be safe.

Still, Lucien felt uneasy. His expression remained impassive, but his tense posture had revealed a hint of apprehension. He had recently received information that STF had gotten their hands on the Evolution Accelerator, which was another one of his abandoned prototypes for the Black Swan Project, and they successfully completed it.

The coincidental timing between the unpleasant vision from the other world and the info on the Evolution Accelerator’s completion had left him somewhat ill at ease, especially when he knew that the prototype couldn’t be completed due to the missing “gene model” or “evolution core” that he had deemed unobtainable.

It was either the information was false or the STF had somehow gotten their hands on the “evolution core”.

In order to find out the answer, Lucien had secretly infiltrated the location where the Evolution Accelerator had been hidden by the STF. Contrary to his expectation, what he discovered there was the “evolution core”, which was deemed unobtainable, nestling securely within the interior of the Evolution Accelerator.

It was true.

His incomplete prototype had finally been perfected.

However, he wasn’t the least bit pleased by that.

Instead, all he felt was a growing sense of dread and a seething anger that was barely held back by his rationality.

The “evolution core” was the inextricable part of the Queen and her powers. That was why Lucien had abandoned the idea of utilizing the accelerator and deemed it unobtainable. If the “evolution core” was now within the accelerator, wouldn’t that mean that the girl was currently powerless in the other world?

If that was true, then that vision from the other world that he had seen…

At that moment, the small and brittle hope that Lucien had held onto all this time seemed to have crumbled and slipped through his fingers like sand.

Of all the possibilities and scenarios that he had anticipated, this outcome was something that he could never be prepared for.

The fact that it was him who had ended the girl’s life with his own hands.

--------------------------

After returning from STF’s hidden base, Lucien had been mulling over his past decisions. Even though he knew it was pointless to look back on the past, he couldn’t help but to wonder if there was anything that he could have done differently to prevent the current outcome. It didn’t take him long to realize that this line of thought and the accompanying emotion was what people commonly regarded as “regret”.

For the first time in a long while, Lucien had felt regret.

He regretted distancing himself from her.

Instead of staying away from her, he should have kept her close and never let go.

Now, he had lost her forever.

With her gone, the world had not only returned to being dull and lifeless, there was also an undeniable feeling of emptiness within him that constantly reminded him of her absence. Even something as trivial as the sight and scent of the blooming gardenias at the university garden or the cream puffs that were on display at the bakery that he passed by on the way to the research center could remind him of her.

It was strange how one would only yearn for another so desperately after losing them forever.

Perhaps, this was his punishment.

Anyhow, Lucien had seemed as usual to others. He continued to interact with people when necessary and completed his tasks without any delays.

No matter what, life still went on.

Even if he found the situation unacceptable, the truth cannot be changed.

In the end, he either accepted it and moved on or remained rooted in stagnancy by succumbing to denial.

The choice was clear. He couldn’t give up on life. There were things that he must do and things that only he could do. Before he witnessed the final outcome of his endeavors, he wouldn’t be so irresponsible as to turn away and abandon everything. After much deliberation, he decided to visit the camphor tree, the place where everything had begun between him and the girl, in order to bid his last farewell.

With his eyes closed, he placed his hand on the tree’s trunk and recalled all the memories that he had shared with the girl, such as when they had first met as children under the camphor tree, their “first” meeting as adults at the research center, when the girl had vowed to be with him during the aquarium visit and many more.

All these memories were filled with bittersweet happiness, which weren’t born out of manipulation nor were they fabricated. Those blissful moments were dazzling, precious … and their radiance will forever remain unattainable to Lucien.

Lucien exhaled deeply before withdrawing his hand from the tree trunk. He turned around and the moment he lifted his gaze, his eyes had widened in surprise. Standing before him under the shadow of the camphor tree was the girl whom he had missed dearly. She had looked the same as the last time he had seen her.

Her hands were clasped behind her back and she was smiling brightly at him. They were at arm’s length away from each other, but Lucien could see himself being reflected within her warm brown eyes. The radiant colors that enveloped her petite figure was gradually seeping into her surroundings, bringing life to the once monochrome world.

She wasn’t real. She can’t be real.

Lucien kept telling himself while staring at the phantom before him.

Even though he knew that the girl before him was merely an illusion, he couldn’t deny the sense of relief and awe that had washed over him at the sight of her and the colors that she had brought to the world. He can’t help but to let out a chuckle when he realized belatedly his immediate reaction to the illusion.

She had always been the one and only person who could throw off his judgement.

Without a doubt, she was both his bane and his salvation.

#mr love queen's choice #mr love mobile #mr love dream date #love and producer #mr love fanfic #mlqc fanfic #mldd fanfic #mlqc #mldd #mlqc xu mo #mlqc lucien #mldd lucien #mr love xu mo #xu mo #lucien xu #lucien angst

34 notes · View notes