Chapter 348.1
Well, it appears the oil drum matter is finally sorted, so I can put it out of my mind for now. Eugene had been quite concerned about how Fire King Riner would handle the oil drum situation, but when she read his letter, a sense of relief washed over her. It was as though she had just unloaded a heavy burden.
Eager to express her gratitude, she questioned, “Why did you come here in person when you must be swamped with duties? You could have sent someone. Thank you.”
Kasser, whom Eugene had expected to rise promptly, seemed to hesitate for some unknown reason. Perplexed, she inquired, “Is there something else?”
“Would you care to join me for a leisurely walk? We could also enjoy a spot of tea,” Kasser proposed.
Eugene offered an apologetic smile and responded, “I’m not certain. I have prior commitments. I’ve arranged to meet with some merchants. It appears they wish to establish an alliance among businesses run by mistresses, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear leader, so I arranged this meeting.”
Kasser fixed his gaze intently on Eugene, then reclined on the sofa, resting his chin on his hand. “You declined my lunch invitation yesterday as well.”
It wasn’t the first time she had turned him down. Just the day before, Eugene had rejected Kasser’s lunch proposal, citing a prior engagement with noblewomen.
She chuckled and admitted, “Oh… you’re right. It seems our schedules just don’t align these days, do they?”
Despite her cheerful demeanor, Kasser couldn’t shake his unease. He had anticipated returning to the kingdom and having Eugene all to himself during his stay at the temple, but something had changed, making it increasingly difficult for them to spend time together.