To prevent any unsavory rumors, Lorne deliberately waited a little longer upstairs.
During that time, he took out a coin and tossed it lightly for a divination. After receiving the answer that Earl Hall's life probably would not be in danger, he slipped the coin into his formal jacket pocket and headed downstairs.
But he had descended only a few steps when he noticed someone nearby staring straight at him.
Lorne looked up and met the eyes of the girl with dark green hair.
Seeing him look her way, Hazel visibly hesitated. In the end, however, she pressed her lips together, lifted her skirts, and walked over.
"Is something the matter, Miss Macht?" Lorne bowed slightly with impeccable noble courtesy.
"You..."
Hazel seemed startled by Lorne's formal manner and froze in surprise. Only when she noticed the amusement in his eyes did she abruptly come to her senses.
"Are you making fun of me?!" she asked in a low, irritated voice.
"What, I finally show a little gentlemanly courtesy, and you're still unhappy?"
"You..." Hazel's words caught in her throat. All she could do was lower her head and stare at her toes, her cheeks faintly flushed.
"You've never been this gentle with me before..."
"My gentleness comes at a steep price," Lorne replied, before returning to the casual tone he used when they were alone.
"So, Hazel, why did you come all this way to find me? If you're trying to flirt, I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"I..."
Normally, Hazel would probably have snapped back with haughty defiance. But today...
"What were you... doing upstairs just now?" she asked, drawing a deep breath.
"It was a little stuffy downstairs, and the guests had made me drink quite a bit, so I went out onto the second-floor balcony for