At those words, Cui Ciyou offered a polite but distant smile.
He did not sit down immediately, instead remaining where he stood, neither servile nor overbearing.
His calm gaze swept around the reception room, which was so lavish it almost resembled a palace.
"You're too kind, Madam Clare."
"For a guest to rashly take a seat at the host's invitation before learning the host's intentions..."
"That would seem... contrary to noble etiquette."
A flicker of surprise crossed Clare's hawklike eyes.
An interesting young man... With that kind of bearing, he hardly seems like a brute.
Clare silently assessed him, though her expression remained imposing.
"You're overthinking things, Your Grace."
Clare withdrew her appraising gaze.
Her tone softened somewhat as well.
"Since that good-for-nothing Teresa has already told you..."
"I won't beat around the bush."
Clare gently separated the hands resting in her lap, then interlaced her fingers.
She came straight to the point:
"Duke Cui Ciyou, your heroic deeds in the Fitoia Territory..."
"Your rare prophetic abilities as a Blessed Child..."
"And your world-renowned, extraordinary ability to nullify magic power and Battle Aura..."
"Have long since become known among the upper ranks of the major kingdoms."
"Naturally, our Latoreia Family has heard of them as well."
"I did indeed seek you out today to ask a favor."
Upon hearing Clare's words, Cui Ciyou immediately pieced everything together.
A favor... So she learned my whereabouts through the Adventurers' Guild.
Then she investigated the people around me before finalizing her plan?
Starting with Keith's gambling, using the Holy Country's ban on gambling as leverage?
Thinking it over, that really does fit.
After all, Teresa is a daughter of the Latoreia Family, one of Millis's foremost noble houses.
She may love her freedom and be willful.
*But she was still raised on the