"Miss Lula, surely you won't refuse me this courtesy?"
"Hmph!" Lula snorted with disdain. "Just you?"
Clawed Bartley was indeed a Great Knight, renowned for many years, but he was not at the pinnacle of Great Knights. He was far from strong enough to take her away by force.
"Lula," Carl whispered, "he just mentioned a friend."
"Indeed!" Clawed Bartley nodded. "Alone, it wouldn't be easy for me to escort Miss Lula away, but with one more person, it's different."
"Who?"
"Me!"
Out of the darkness, a figure slowly stepped forward. His clothes were extremely luxurious: a deep blue velvet coat with gold trimmings at the collar and cuffs, and a white silk inner garment slightly open at the neckline, revealing a firm chest.
The newcomer was tall and lean with sharp features. Although no longer young, his posture remained ramrod straight, as if he were a man who, once his mind was made up, would never be swayed.
"Jasper!"
Lula's eyes narrowed. "It's you!"
