Still, even as Abner covered his face, he noticed that the lion had said Roselle's name outright. Some of the restrictions placed on him were beginning to fade.
Lion Leon of the Finks Lions studied the three people before him and smiled as though a scheme had worked. Too bad Her Highness isn't here. Otherwise... Forget it. If she were here, I wouldn't dare say it...
Just like that seal never plots to embarrass the emperor in front of Her Highness... Heh. That word the emperor made up really does fit.
By then, Abner had recovered his composure. "I don't need to add that Secret Art to my collection," he declined politely. "Thank you for the 'kind offer.'"
"What a shame." Lion Leon shook his head in feigned regret, then turned a grin on Edwina and Jane.
"That young man has received his reward...
"Now, would you like to answer my 'secret' question too?"
Jane had recognized Abner through the Copper Whistle. She stepped into the area covered by the Water Curtain Leon had expanded.
She lowered her hood, revealing her true face, and glanced at Edwina. "Shall I go first, or will you?"
Edwina had wanted to use this "question" to exchange knowledge with the Finks Lion, but the indecent Secret Art had killed her interest. She merely gestured for Jane to go ahead.
"I'll go first." Jane walked forward. As she passed Abner, she gave him a discreet wink to show that she had received his signal.
Abner nodded almost imperceptibly. He did not move far, remaining a few steps from Jane, ready to support her at any moment.
He still did not know why Jane had come to Daniel Valley. But since Roselle had made arrangements here, Queen Mystic had likely given her another task.
Lion Leon