The room stayed quiet after her words settled between us.
"You should leave. You have your answer now."
The Duchess said at last, her voice steady but tired.
I didn't move.
The silence stretched, heavy and unyielding. I could feel Fenrir behind me, unmoving, his presence steady like a wall.
The Duchess studied my face, searching for something-hesitation, doubt, maybe obedience.
She found none.
"…I thought so. I knew you wouldn't agree."
She murmured, exhaling softly.
I tilted my head slightly.
"Then why ask?"
She gave a faint, humorless smile.
"Because sometimes people surprise you. And sometimes they don't. It was the right thing for me to ask you about this."
She turned toward the door, placing a hand on the handle.
"Since you've come this far, I'll inform the children that you're here. What they choose after that will be their decision."
She said.
Before she could take even a step-
The door swung open.
