On Emerald City's main avenue, Tales rode his horse beside the carriage carrying Shilai, following it with a numb expression.
They were surrounded by layers of protection from the Star Lake Guard. The knights of the Emerald Legion formed the outer ring, while the Alert Officers pulled from other duties stood at the very edge. They struggled to maintain the cordon, shouting as they swung batons, shields, and even weapons, driving back the citizens who crowded both sides of the street to glimpse the nobles or pointed at Tales and gossiped.
Well, although Carquerey's case had caused a huge uproar, at least nobody had thrown eggs at him.
Not yet.
A few seconds later, Tales drew a deep breath and turned toward the carriage window.
"Why, Shilai? Was that really necessary just now?"
"So you'd listen to me properly." A fair arm rested against the carriage window, though the silk glove covering it from the wrist upward seemed rather superfluous. "And you're welcome. Unless you'd rather spend the day with Captain Seychelles, whispering sweet nothings and sharing a passionate, tragic romance."
"But what you just said, about us being in the room... People, people will misunderstand!"
"Oh, you mean the part about the contraceptive pills?" A round face appeared above the arm at just the right moment, carrying a hint of mockery. "Don't worry. My brother has enough problems of his own and won't have time to cause you trouble."
"That's not what I'm worried about! I'm worried about the power of gossip, your reputation, the damage you'll suffer, and what people will say about you..."
Tales could not continue. He sighed and smoothed Jenny's mane.
The young woman of the Cavendish Family leaned against the carriage window. Her makeup was immaculate, and she looked radiant as she blinked and