"For instance, this may be the very path for your entrance to central politics."
The Marquis's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. The faintest smile tugged at his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "And what makes you think I'm interested in central politics, Lucavion?" he asked, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable weight.
I met his gaze, unflinching, as I leaned back in my chair, a smirk playing on my lips. "Just a guess," I replied smoothly, my tone light but deliberately vague.
The room seemed to tense further, the soft clink of Nadoka's teacup against its saucer the only sound breaking the silence. Valeria glanced between us, her expression carefully composed, though I caught the subtle furrow of her brow as she observed the exchange.
