Faced with Malinda's question, Arthur slumped in his seat and answered with utter indifference.
"Mm, that's right. I've uncovered another earth-shattering secret.
Want to hear it?
Put something worthwhile on the table, and I'll tell you."
As the young "Medium" spoke, he closed his eyes again, looking as though he was about to fall asleep.
"Hmph, trying to swindle me again!"
Despite her words, Malinda's gaze grew increasingly suspicious as she watched Arthur.
She kept feeling that Arthur was hiding something from her.
Just then, Arthur, who had looked ready to fall asleep, suddenly opened his eyes and stared unblinkingly at Malinda. It startled her so badly that even the hand holding her pipe trembled.
"Wh-what is it?"
"Anna."
Arthur spoke the name.
At the same time, the young "Medium" became certain that the woman before him was hiding something from him.
Was it the matter she had dreamed up herself because of the Swordsmanship Tournament, the one he had bluffed his way through?
Or was it the supposed inheritance of Baron Kemail's title?
He flexed his ankle slightly, feeling the softness of the [Black Cat Boots], and leaned toward the former-but he did not press her.
He had already been lucky enough to fool Malinda once.
If he tried that again, she would definitely see through him.
Unless he had enough information.
And he absolutely could not obtain that information by questioning Malinda.
So Arthur changed the subject with apparent nonchalance.
"All right, this was my fault-that woman has always acted on her own like this."
Malinda sighed helplessly.
Of course she knew which Anna Arthur meant.
Not the "Lady Anna" sitting quietly on the sofa beside them.
He meant Lady Anna, her ardent admirer.
The thought of her approaching Cassandra Creados without permission made Malinda's temples throb, because