Galavan studied her teasing face for a while.
Finally, he realized it was inappropriate and quickly turned his gaze toward Gotham's skyline outside the window, his eyes darkening a little as he watched the fading sky.
"It isn't easy being in this position. Sometimes I rack my brains just to meet other people's demands."
Ririko's ears twitched.
"Whose demands?"
Galavan didn't answer. He drew his gaze back from the window and rested it on her face.
"I was just talking. Having you here willing to chat with me is enough."
[Current Infatuation Value: 15/100]
Ririko didn't press him.
She shifted, sinking into the sofa cushions with her fingers resting on the armrest. Her posture was casual, but she took the initiative to steer the conversation forward:
"What's the Galavan family like? Why haven't you shown yourselves in Gotham all this time?"
Galavan gave a noncommittal smile:
"It's not that we didn't want to. My sister and I are all that's left of my family. Coming back to Gotham before I reached adulthood would have put us in danger. I had to protect her."
Ririko gave him a knowing look. "Who knew you had such a sister complex~~"
Galavan paused, then laughed again. "My sister is about your age. You two could probably become friends."
Ririko leaned forward, closing some of the distance between them. "Why... do you keep thinking I need friends? What I need is money."
Galavan's gaze roamed over her enchanting face. Everyone liked money, but she was the first to say it so bluntly to his face.
"You always surprise me."
Ririko rose from the sofa and headed toward the pool area.
Galavan stood too, instinctively following her.
She reached the edge of the pool and said lightly, "I wonder if the water's cold."
Galavan