Chapter 265 - Connections new and old
The grand banquet hall began to empty as attendants gently ushered guests towards the exit. Scarlett wove her way through the thinning crowd towards Trista, the knight’s steely gaze briefly locking onto her before dismissively turning away, refocusing on her duties.
That did irk Scarlett somewhat, though she imagined the woman had her reasons for disliking her. Unfortunately for Trista, Scarlett lacked both the tact and the inclination to let the woman’s animosity dissuade her.
“Dame Trista,” Scarlett greeted as she stopped in front of the knight.
Trista’s attention slowly returned to Scarlett, her stern countenance morphing into an undisguised scowl. “What do you want, Scarlett?” she asked, her words clipped.
A vein pulsed at Scarlett’s temple.
On second thought, maybe this was a bad idea. Standing before Trista like this, she was acutely reminded that the knight was one of the few individuals for whom the original harbored enough dislike that it carried over to her.
Allowing herself just a moment to compose herself, Scarlett masked her own irritation behind a veneer of civility. “I merely wished to exchange greetings and pose a few questions. It has been quite some time since our last interaction, after all.”
Technically, she’d never actually conversed with the woman herself.
“I know,” Trista responded, her tone distant. “I was counting myself fortunate for that — until now.” She straightened her posture, the light glinting off her armor. “I’m on duty, Scarlett, so I’m going to have to ask that you don’t disturb me.”
“This will not take long.” Scarlett’s eyes scanned their surroundings, noting the curious glances from some of the nearby guests and the wary looks from other Solar Knights. Returning her focus to Trista, she continued, “I was surprised to see the Solar Knights present for tonight’s proceedings. Is Sir Leon present as well?”
Trista’s eyes narrowed dangerously, a hint of threat colouring her voice. “I’m sorry, but I see no reason why I should disclose that information to you. I have no interest in complicating matters for my friend, and I think the vice-captain has enough on his plate already.”
Scarlett’s fingers twitched slightly at her side, but she maintained her composure. “…Your response is understandable, given the nature of our past…interactions. However, I believe you are the only one still caught up in the past. My relationship with Sir Leon is not as strained as it once was, in case you were unaware.”