Chapter 471
Seren's eyes flickered. "Are you proposing a deal?"
"Let's call it an exchange. Though I suppose it makes little difference how you phrase it." Ian shrugged.
It wasn't a question he couldn't answer. Still, there was no reason to turn down an offer that had fallen into his lap.
Turning his gaze forward again, he scraped a sliver of meat off with his dagger and added, "Of course, if you'd rather not, you don't have to say anything."
That, too, was genuine. Whatever Hyked was hiding would come to light eventually, one way or another.
Seren watched him quietly as he popped the meat into his mouth.
After a pause, she finally said, "If you can accept that there are some things I'm simply not permitted to say... then yes, I can tell you."
Her gaze drifted to someone beside Ian. "But only if you promise to keep it between us."
"If you're saying that because of me, that's a little disappointing, sir," said Lucia, her brow slightly furrowed, without avoiding Seren's gaze.
Seren shook her head. "It's not a matter of trust, Priestess. But aren't you bound by doctrine? As an Apostle, there are rules and laws you're expected to uphold."
"As you may know, the Blazing Goddess isn't a difficult one. Her gaze doesn't even reach here. Besides, even if that weren't the case...." Lucia lifted her chin slightly. "I've already broken more than my fair share of rules, Sir Seren. So, you can put aside your worries."
Why is she proud of that?