Chapter 818
The duke stared at him as if struck by lightning, his lips parting soundlessly.
Ignoring it, Ian set his goblet down on the armrest. "If you have no other business, shall we end this here?"
Only then did the duke recover, eyes widening as he drew a sharp breath.
He leaned forward, desperation clear in his eyes. "J-Just one more… May I pour you one more?"
So there was something else.
Ian narrowed his eyes for a moment, then, as if relenting, slid the goblet on the armrest slightly forward. "Thank you, Agent of the Saint…."
The duke straightened with a breath of relief, hurriedly grabbing the bottle from the seat beside him—as though afraid Ian might change his mind.
He tilted it carefully, steadying the faint tremor in his hand.
"Regardless of what judgment the Great Church delivers, it does not change the fact that you are a recognized demigod," he said, still unable to meet Ian’s gaze.