Jess leaned forward, her eyes filled with curiosity. "My lady… what did the Duke say?"
Emilia glanced at her, a faint smile curving her lips. "Nothing much. He just asked the usual things like how am I doing, am I feeling well, am I uncomfortable here."
Jess snorted, folding her arms. "Damn… that bastard is still rigid as ever."
"Jess." Emilia's gaze sharpened, a quiet warning in her tone. Jess lowered her head slightly and went silent.
Lyria, who had been quietly watching from the side, finally spoke up. Her voice was calm but direct. "Your relationship with him… it didn't seem that bad."
"Huh?" Both Emilia and Jess turned to stare at her, surprise flashing across their faces.
Lyria rarely spoke unless it was with Kael. Most of the time she simply listened and observed.
This was the first time she had taken the initiative to comment on something personal.
"What do you mean by that?" Emilia asked, her tone softer but her brows furrowed.
