At the gates of Milishion.
Therese Latoreia spoke awkwardly:
"Actually, it was my mother."
"She sent me to invite Your Grace to our estate for a chat."
"After all, you are a duke of a friendly nation, and a hero of that nation's lands."
"Our Latoreia family would like to extend our hospitality."
Cui Ciyou gave a mocking laugh.
"Your country certainly has some unusual customs."
"My knowledge may be limited, but I have never encountered any Humanfolk noble etiquette like this."
"Inviting an honored guest requires fully armed knights, and even the arrest of that guest's companion?"
Cui Ciyou's voice was quiet, yet his words landed like a resounding slap.
They struck Teresa and every Temple Knight behind her squarely across the face.
His undisguised mockery made the air, already frozen by the terrifying pressure he had unleashed,
turn even more bone-chilling.
Teresa's pretty face, which bore a strong resemblance to her older sister Zenith's,
alternated between pallor and fury. Her pride almost drove her to lash out on the spot.
But remembering her mother's instructions and the unfathomable strength of the man before her,
she could only force down her anger and take a deep breath, trying to maintain her noble dignity.
"You misunderstand, Your Grace."
Teresa tried to keep her voice steady.
"Kishirika Nucadia is being arrested because he openly defrauded members of our Temple Knight Order."
"He seriously damaged the order's reputation. This is an official matter."
"Inviting you, however, is a personal courtesy from the Latoreia family. The two do not conflict."
"Oh? Is that so?"
An even more teasing smile curled Cui Ciyou's lips.
He stepped forward, a piercing light that seemed to see through everything flashing in his deep black eyes.
He stared straight at Teresa, radiating pressure.
"Then why don't we settle