The four dukes were looking at Melva simultaneously, causing her cheeks to redden like a boiled crab as she was not used to being the centre of attention. Back at Ichorhold, she had lived alone in a residence isolated from the town, separated by a small forest. She rarely had social interaction with the townspeople as they shut her away, warning anyone who was trying to get close to her.
The rumour about her being a witch who was banished to Ichorhold was spreading like wildfire. A groundless rumour with no proof whatsoever. It was based only on word of mouth, but people trusted it blindly anyway. Sometimes, people believed what they wanted to believe. It was difficult to change their mental attitude.
