Chapter 52: Bandits on the Road
While walking along the road, the trio began to talk about various things and curiosities that, until then, had not been mentioned. The fresh air of early morning mingled with the subtle scent of the surrounding trees, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere for conversation.
"Since when do you know Lady Stella, Aziz?" Liora asked curiously, her voice laden with genuine interest, as if trying to unravel a mystery that seemed to elude her.
Aziz looked at her with a gentle smile, his expression calm and confident. "I have known her for a little over five years. Why?" he replied, and promptly returned the question with an inquisitive look, waiting for the reason behind her interest.
Liora seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if weighing her words.
"It’s just that I never knew she was so close to anyone, except Miss Sofia and her subscriber Sylvia — especially not a man," she answered, her curiosity about the enigma that was Aziz growing even more than before.
Aziz nodded inwardly, satisfied and happy, knowing that before him no man had been so close to Stella. The feeling gave him a faint warmth in his chest.
’And I will be the only one...’ he murmured to himself in a slightly possessive tone, remembering how good a woman Stella is—her strength, her striking presence, and the natural authority she imposed on everyone around her.
"Well... the way we met was a bit unusual. Want to hear?" he asked, noticing the sparkle in both Liora’s and Agnes’s eyes, shining with genuine curiosity.
The corners of his lips lifted into a light, amused smile. He truly enjoyed the way they watched him, eager to learn more about him and his past.
"Yes, please tell us," they replied in unison, with clear enthusiasm for the story that Aziz was about to reveal.
"Hmm... should I?" he teased, with a playful smile that seemed to invite even more interest.
Liora scoffed and turned her face to the side, her pride not allowing her to insist, though her look did not hide the desire to hear.