Chapter 288 - Relations
Scarlett’s gaze darted between Arlene and the woman’s two siblings. Had she been transported to another point in time? Into another memory, or whatever this was?
Her eyes moved across the room, noting the opulent furnishings and the ornate paintings lining the walls. The parlour boasted several large windows that offered a view of what appeared to be extensive estate grounds, complete with a manicured garden and winding paths.
A small crease formed on Scarlett’s brow. Why did this place feel familiar?
“Again, my lady, I apologise for my unannounced arrival,” the man standing before Scarlett said. “Though time was not of the essence, I felt it improper to delay with formal correspondence. This news is…important.”
Scarlett studied him, taking in his neatly combed salt-and-pepper hair and the quality of his dark robes. He carried himself with the confidence of an experienced wizard, but Scarlett had never heard his name before.
“News so important that it called for Elystead Tower’s Vice-dean to come all the way here in person?” Delmont almost drawled from his seat. He lounged with a breezy nonchalance, idly tossing a wooden die into the air and catching it with practiced ease. His attention seemed only half on the conversation, the other half lazily aimed at the ceiling. “Seems a touch excessive, don’t you think? A message would have been enough. By the way, who’s the lady attendant behind you?”
Scarlett’s frown deepened. Attendant? Was he referring to her? And what was with the attitude? Delmont looked to be somewhere in his early twenties now, around Evelyne’s age, but his demeanour was far more carefree than when Scarlett had just seen him.
A sudden yelp interrupted her thoughts as Delmont’s die erupted in a flash of azure crimson, crumbling into fine ash that scattered over his hands and clothes.
“Must you harass every woman who crosses your path, you cad?” Arlene’s voice cut through the room, sharp as a blade despite her seemingly casual tone. She didn’t bother to look up from the leather-covered book resting on her lap. “This is precisely why Elisa refuses to speak to you. One would think you’d have learned your lesson by now.”
Delmont brushed ash from his clothes, grimacing as he blew on his fingers. “Was that really necessary?” he muttered, throwing a glare Arlene’s way.
“You don’t learn otherwise,” she replied without looking up.
“I was just asking a question,” Delmont grumbled, straightening in his seat. “Elisa doesn’t have anything to worry about, and I’ve already told her that. I didn’t mean anything beyond being curious. Besides,” he motioned towards Scarlett with a tilt of his head, “doesn’t that lady look a little familiar?”