Chapter 30
Paavo’s brow twitched ever so slightly as he stepped aside.
The casual way the man had addressed his lord irked the ever-loyal knight.
“Marquis.”
Ferio gave Paavo a subtle glance, signaling him to stand down, then turned to Marquis Pardus and acknowledged him as if nothing had happened.
The marquis took the empty seat beside him.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
He acted nonchalant, pretending to be surprised, but in truth, Ferio already knew the Marquis of Pardus would be attending.
He had obtained the guest list in advance through Viscount Kerata—specifically to ensure there would be no one at the tea party who might negatively influence Leonia.
“It’s been a while. Last time we met was in the capital, wasn’t it?”
“We were running into each other so often at the palace, I nearly got sick of it.”
“Hahaha! The Duke certainly has a way with words!”
His booming laughter was so loud, it startled both the nearby nobles and the children playing in the recreation area.