Chapter 82. Way to Valarune
The noble carriage rattled along the dusty road. Leo slouched against the cushioned seat, boredom etched on his face.
Liana sat across from him, her hands gently stroking Nimbus, who sprawled across her lap, purring in lazy contentment. Of course, he only goes for women, Leo thought, rolling his eyes.
He sighed heavily.
They’d been traveling for a full day, and while the journey from the academy to House Caulem usually took three days, his detour to House Valarune would make it to four.
His gaze shifted to the small slip of paper in his hand, found tucked into Nimbus’s collar the day before. He didn’t need to guess who’d slipped it there. The note was, Everyone thinks the gorge only holds a little coal. He’d spent hours decoding it yesterday, discovering its cryptic meaning. What he’d uncovered made him smirk.
"Young Master Leo?" Liana’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He glanced up, tucking the slip into his pocket. "What is it?"
"Why’re we visiting House Valarune in such a rush?" she asked, her eyes curious. "Is it for Miss Rin?"
Leo leaned back, his expression neutral. "Something like that. She’s one of the few people I actually talk to." He couldn’t tell her the full truth—not yet. His visit wasn’t just about Rin.
Liana’s face lit up with a bright, knowing smirk, catching him off guard. "What’s so funny?" he asked, confused.
She waved a hand, still grinning. "Nothing, Young Master. Just... happy about something."