Lucavion leaned back in his chair, his teasing smirk softening as he studied Valeria. His eyes gleamed with curiosity, his amusement giving way to a more thoughtful expression. "So," he began, his tone casual but probing, "you've been busy before coming here, haven't you? I'm guessing you had a little chat with the Marquis?"
Valeria blinked, her momentary embarrassment fading as her expression shifted to something more composed. "Yes," she admitted, straightening her posture. "I did meet with Marquis Ventor. It was… an interesting conversation."
Lucavion tilted his head, his grin returning faintly. "Oh? Do tell. What kind of 'interesting' are we talking about? Did he shower you with praise, or was it something more… complicated?"
Valeria exhaled, her earlier irritation melting away as she realized she could speak freely here. "Both, actually," she said, her voice gaining energy. "The Marquis offered me an alliance."
