"The knight did not mean to neglect the esteemed Baroness. It was because the knight had fallen seriously ill."
Shade earnestly explained his actions. Silver radiance clung to the dinner knife in his hand, and with a light stroke, he divided the sauced veal steak on his plate into two portions. He gave the smaller portion to Mia, leaving the remaining nine-tenths before himself.
"In truth, the loyal knight dearly missed the Duchess he served. He simply did not know when he would again have the honor of inspecting the Duke's most precious treasure."
Miss Galina thought for a moment before understanding what "treasure" meant. The blush on her face grew even more obvious. Her red lips pressed together, and that embarrassed yet alluring smile made her seem even more beautiful.
"How about tonight?"
Shade thus took the initiative to extend an invitation. The Red-haired Witch nearly agreed at once. She warned herself inwardly to be more reserved, but more than a week of "neglect" made it impossible for her to refuse cleanly.
"Your illness hasn't fully recovered yet."
She softly pointed that out, but her tone sounded more like she was searching for an excuse. The way she looked at Shade seemed to directly reveal her thoughts.
Behind Miss Galina, Tifa winked at Shade, signaling him not to give up.
"Duchess, are you questioning my health and physique?"
Shade asked. Miss Galina watched him with pursed lips. The maids serving nearby had no idea what had happened beneath the table during that brief pause.
"My grandniece has praised you, and when that female fortune-teller spoke with me privately, she also said the knight's fundamentals were very solid. Since you believe your illness has recovered, then tonight..."
Golden eyes truly seemed capable of conveying the soul's emotions. Shade genuinely understood