At this, Augustine's smile grew even more pronounced. "With me by your side, Yaoyao, I would never let you face your troubles alone."
For a moment, the tension between them seemed to ease slightly.
However, Augustine's suspicions hadn't vanished. His smile faded, and his gaze grew profound and solemn. He asked slowly, his voice low and powerful, carrying an intangible pressure, "Out with it. Where did you really go?"
He felt Su Yaoyao's previous explanation was too perfunctory and failed to dispel his doubts.
Su Yaoyao's heart dropped, as if her deepest secret had been exposed.
She instinctively avoided Augustine's piercing gaze, her eyes darting about in a panic. Her lips trembled slightly as she stammered:
"Your Majesty, I really was just taking a stroll. I started out near the bustling market, but I must have lost track of time and wandered a bit too far. When I realized it was getting late, I hurried back…"
