Chapter 340 - (Not so) round table discussions
“I imagine you are all wondering why I have gathered you here,” Scarlett said, letting her gaze sweep over the faces of her closest companions and confidants in this world.
Allyssa sat beside Shin on a sofa, absently toying with the protective leather goggles in her hands. Shin leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, wearing a patient, unreadable expression. Fynn, by the window, stared outside, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. Rosa rested her chin on her palm, watching Scarlett with a lopsided grin. Kat’s eyes flicked between the others, as if gauging their reactions, while Evelyne, seated slightly apart from the rest in her own chair, shifted a bit under Scarlett’s scrutiny.
They were gathered in the mansion’s parlour, seated around the central table, with Scarlett positioned at its head in a high-backed armchair. Light refreshments had been laid out by Garside and the other servants, but no one had touched them yet.
“I’m always wondering why you do anything,” Rosa said, tone playful. “But I’ve learned to roll with it. Keeps life interesting. Though, I will say, at this rate, I might have to be careful not to grow addicted to the unpredictability.”
Kat shot the bard a sideways glance. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I do agree with the first part.”
Rosa’s grin widened as she turned to the Shielder. “Oh, just you wait. Sooner or later, you’ll be singing to a different tune.”
“That sounds suspiciously like what a cult would say.”
“Mmm. I’m working on it.”
“What?”
“Rosa, stop teasing her,” Allyssa cut in, shooting the bard an exasperated look.
“I’m not teasing her,” Rosa protested, placing a hand over her heart as though deeply offended. “Kat and I have an understanding. Right, Kat?”
Kat gave her a long, skeptical look. “…I think I might have misunderstood our understanding.”