This was the first secret society to approach him, but-why?
There was no need to think about it. In all likelihood, it had something to do with his predecessor!
Elliot's cheek twitched. This was trouble. He had absolutely no idea what his predecessor had done.
Could he have been a member of this society?
No, that did not seem right-"The Rose Cross sends its regards." That wording sounded more like a tentative overture of goodwill upon first contact.
Had they taken an interest in his status and power as the Sterling Family's heir?
Or-had they come because of the "big move" his predecessor had made?
Elliot had difficulty reaching the upper nobility, while most of the city's commoners had never even heard of the Sterling Family-this world really was terribly divided.
"Perhaps-this is actually an opportunity-" Elliot's gaze gradually sharpened. "An opportunity to find out just what I did!"
He carefully tucked the ring and note into the hidden pocket in the innermost layer of his clothes.
Then he washed his face with clean water, forcibly suppressed his churning thoughts, took a deep breath, unlocked the door, and walked out.
Lillian did not keep him waiting long.
Rather than touching up her makeup, she had washed it all off. She simply changed into plain casual clothes and came out bare-faced.
For noble ladies, makeup was an essential part of social etiquette, just like a suitable gown.
But she was Lillian, and she had never followed those rules.
Without her makeup, she was no longer quite so exquisite and flawless. In its place, that vitality that seemed ready to burst out of her was even more vigorous, even more dazzling.
Elliot raised his eyebrows and said pointedly, "Truly-surprising."
Lillian gave a light laugh, a glimmer of understanding crossing her eyes, but