"Right-hand man in Deep Coast City, huh?" Riley repeated, lifting his gaze only for a moment before casually returning to his food.
He dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, completely unfazed by the weight of the offer.
"It would be an honor, Duchess. Truly. But… I'm not feeling up for the job."
He paused just long enough for the tension at the table to sharpen.
"Honestly, I've grown to like it here in White Bone City. I've already settled into the rhythm of this place, and I have plans—important ones. So, thank you for the offer, but I'll have to decline."
And just like that, he resumed eating, picking up his chopsticks as though he were discussing the weather rather than refusing a position powerful enough to make most men kneel.
The silence that followed was thick.
Across from him, Duchess Monique blinked. Once. Twice.
Her lips parted, but no words came out at first.
Her posture stiffened subtly, the fan in her hand lowering a fraction.
