more authoritative air.

" Shall we, your Grace ? Sigewinne ? "

of a pleasure, that Wriothesley had taken the time to join her. Neuvillette hadn't seen him in quite a while.

" That won't be necessary. I always keep it nearby. "

True to his words, the cane was leaning against the wall by his desk and soon, it was in Neuvillette's hand. Giving him an even +

mention of the Melusines. " Ah, yes. They're much like daughters to me, so I visit them as often as my schedule allows me to. " he nodded.

" You being out here means everything's running smoothly then, correct ? "

Neuvillette blinked, even more perplexed. " Touch ... grass ? " he inquired, genuinely curious. " I usually visit the beach. Grass isn't exactly near the water because beaches are made of sand. "

Another case of Neuvillette taking Wriothesley's words in earnest. But he smiled lightly at the +

everything alright in Nod-Krai ? "

Neuvillette had never seen before. " I am grateful for the gift, Monsieur. Though, you didn't need to go through all that trouble. " he allowed himself a small, grateful smile.

" Please, do tell me what it is you wish to discuss. Your letter requesting audience seemed quite urgent. Is +

was probably a serious matter.

A gloved hand motioned towards the armchair across from him, in case Flins wished to sit. But not before gazing at the box, which was placed neatly on his desk.

He picked it up and opened it, examining the gemstone inside. Undoubtedly a rare one, that +

*/ I must be blind cause I don't see anything. 😂

health ? " Neuvillette asked, his voice softening imperceptibly.

" A break is needed sometimes. " he hummed, watching as Wriothesley approached, finally. " You make it sound as if I'm never seen outside of my office, your Grace. I guess it's not an everyday occurrence, but I assure you I take breaks when necessary. And yourself ? Are you looking after your +

" Of course not. Company is ... quite nice. "

There was nobody he had to spend the day with either, so he wasn't against having someone with him. Even if he didn't know Xianshen very well. In fact, he didn't know anything at all about this man.

But that wasn't something he was worried about.

desk. This was the second time this week. He really needed to set a proper schedule for himself, that ensured he returned to his chambers to rest once a day.

" Is there a cafe that's to your liking ? " he asked Sigewinne, who seemed to be in charge of this whole ... operation.

he stated, motioning at Wriothesley to join him by the water. " I didn't expect to see you outside the Fortress at this hour. "

He wasn't upset that he had been followed. In fact, he was very glad to see the other.

Neuvillette was quick to realise that Wriothesley hadn't been planning to get caught following him. But a Dragon's senses were pretty sharp. It was only a matter of time, until Neuvillette sensed the Duke's presence.

" Just to the beach. I find the sound of the water quite calming. " +