Chapter 318 - The S is for Soft and Sappy
Allyssa and Shin’s subdued voices murmured from behind Scarlett as their group walked through the mansion’s expansive hallways.
“What is he even doinghere?” Allyssa whispered sharply. “Wasn’t he supposed to be off on some important mission in the Steppes?”
“I would assume it’s because of you,” Shin replied in a much more monotonous tone.
“Yeah, but why did he have to come here?” she huffed. “I swear, if he says anything stupid…”
Scarlett cast a glance over her shoulder at the blonde girl, who was gnawing on her fingernail, before turning her attention forward again.
“When did Mister Astrey arrive?” she asked Garside, who walked beside her.
“Roughly an hour ago, My Lady,” the old butler responded smoothly. “His visit appears to have been unplanned, but Lady Withersworth extended an invitation, knowing you would be returning soon.”
“Did he say why he came?”
“He expressed a desire to see his daughter and future son-in-law after several months apart.”
“WHAT?!” Allyssa’s cry resounded from behind. Scarlett turned to find the girl staring at Garside, cheeks flushing with what might have been fury. “That old—! When I see him, I’m going to—!”
Shin sighed quietly, while Rosa watched with a wholly inappropriate grin on her face. Fynn’s brows furrowed slightly as he observed the scene.
Though Allyssa left her threat unfinished, Scarlett could guess the gist of it. From what Allyssa and Shin had shared before, Arnaud Astrey could be a bit eccentric when it came to his daughter. It didn’t quite match the image Scarlett had of him, nor what one would expect from an S-ranked Shielder and one of the strongest individuals in the empire, but she doubted they’d lied to her.