Tales remained silent for a long time, his mind awash with thoughts. Some were memories of his adventures with Miranda in Dragoncloud City, while others were largely connected to that Bone Ring—the "Covenant."
In the end, he sighed, turned away from Miranda's heated gaze, stepped over the chair that had already served its purpose, and plopped himself down on the desk.
If Nun Valencia had been here, she probably would have scolded Duke Tales with a stern face for his improper, undisciplined posture.
But she wasn't here.
Thankfully, she wasn't here.
"So, Lady Arendt, you came to see me because you seek a title, land, and power."
Tales sat on the desk, absentmindedly stroking the scar in the palm of his left hand.
Miranda did not move. She merely watched the Duke of Star Lake from afar as he immersed himself in his thoughts.
"I have to say, that's truly... wow, impressive."
Tales made up his mind and drew a deep breath. "But unfortunately, forgive me for refusing—"
"Strange." Miranda cut him off.
Tales frowned and looked up.
The daughter of the Arendt Family spoke softly:
"Isn't it only natural for the heir to a ducal family to strive to get ahead in pursuit of titles, land, and power?"
Tales could not help frowning as he raised his eyes.
Miranda shook her head.
"Then why, when it comes to me, did you say 'impressive'? As if this were some rare and unusual thing worthy of being made much of?"
Tales froze, not understanding. "What? No, I—I didn't mean it that way."
Miranda let out a cold laugh.
"If I were a male heir, would you still say this? 'As the son of a duke, you actually seek titles, land, and power? Wow, that's truly impressive!'"
Tales grew even more bewildered.