Chapter 79

The man walking towards us from the entrance was very noticeable.

He exuded an aura that was not usually seen.

He was tall, with broad shoulders, giving off a sense of sturdiness like a rock.

His muscular build was evident even through his clothes, and his cropped black hair flowed back.

His well-defined features were marked by sharp, slanted eyes and a rather large scar on his cheek, which left a strong impression.

He was dressed in formal attire, predominantly black, with a strict atmosphere that reminded one of a military uniform.

And what stood out most was the long, slender sword at his waist, which further enhanced his presence.

(A military man...?)

From his appearance and attire, Amelia deduced as much.

However, there was something that particularly caught her attention.

(He looks like Lord Logan?)

His facial features and the gruff atmosphere he exuded reminded her of Logan in some way.

While she was lost in these thoughts, she realized the man had already approached her.

"You are the one they mentioned..."

The man looked down at Amelia quietly as he spoke. Although she had never heard his voice before, her heart reacted as if it were familiar.

"Um, well..."

Overwhelmed by the unique aura of authority the man exuded, Amelia struggled to find the right words.

He stared at her intently, as if evaluating her.

"I see, a girl who looks like the kind of weakling he would choose."

The man chuckled softly, his smile somewhat condescending, which made Amelia even more nervous.

"Lord Claude"

On the other hand, Silfi bowed deeply to the man called Claude.

"It's been a while, Silfi. Three months, perhaps?"

"No, it's been about six months and ten days."

"Is that so? Indeed, the battlefield distorts one's sense of time."

It seemed that Claude and Silfi were familiar with each other.

(The battlefield... so he is a military man? If so, why is he here in this mansion?)

Amelia suddenly noticed a brooch shining on Claude's chest.

(That brooch, it's the same one Lord Logan wears...)

"Hey, girl"

Startled by the voice, Amelia trembled.

"What is your name?"

She stiffened slightly, a reflex from her past experiences. She was not comfortable with this kind of authoritative tone.

Taking a deep breath to hide her unease, Amelia spoke.

"...Amelia."

"An unfamiliar name. It seems the rumors are true that you are a lady of low standing who has entered into an engagement with a man of high status."

The words "low standing" sent a sharp pain through her heart. Amelia instinctively realized that the man being referred to was Logan.

His words were true, and Amelia lacked the courage to retort. Claude looked down at her with a bored expression.

"Lord Claude is very busy. Why don't you finish your business before the sun sets?"

Noticing Amelia's discomfort, Silfi spoke up. Her voice was stronger than usual, and her eyes seemed to be more piercing as she looked at Claude.

"Yes, you're right."

Claude reached into his pocket and pulled out something. It was a book, tattered and scarred.

Unlike the neat books in the library, this one looked as if it had been through countless battles. Amelia couldn't help but stare at it.

"Here, take it."

Claude handed the book to Silfi without hesitation, showing his trust in her.

"You've made it quite a mess again."

Silfi sighed, placing her fingers gently on the book. Her touch was tender, as if she were comforting an injured child.

"It's a talisman. It served me well on this expedition."

With that, Claude turned and walked towards a nearby bookshelf.

After browsing the shelves for a while, his gaze settled on a book.

"I'll take this one next."

He picked up a paperback, gently caressing the cover with its simple design and title, then placed it in his pocket.

He then slowly looked around the library.

"This place smells of peace."

With those deep, resonant words, Claude left the library. Amelia's eyes followed his every move until he was gone.