"I-if that's not the case, th-then never mind." Cataleya was quick to correct herself, mindful enough that she carelessly put herself in danger there.
The duke followed where her eyes landed and his brows slightly raised. "Perhaps you also fancy thinking that I would swing this in your direction?" he asked and when she flinched, it just confirmed his supposed snide remarks.
The duke nodded at that. "I understand now why you're so eager to separate yourself from me."
Cataleya can't answer that as she remained to stare at him as he unsheathe the sword which in such close proximity looked rather long.
"I wonder if the rumors had already reached into your ears to make you this way."
"I-I don't indulge in gossiping."
"No, you're not. I'm saying that you might have heard many things about me, quite an exaggeration really but it's quite interesting how people paint me as someone descending directly from hell."
