What followed was a long silence, and Duke Phoenix asked again.
"Can you promise me these things, Eve? You're a good child."
Eve nodded silently, seeing a side of Duke Phoenix she had never seen before—pitiful. Whether it was truth or a lie, it seemed either would bring him some comfort at the moment.
She said nothing, eyes cast down, with no one able to guess what the girl was thinking.
"Leave..."
He seemed to regain his composure. Meanwhile, Blue Jade entered from outside and began discussing directly with Arthur, giving Eve no opportunity to speak.
She felt like a lovely doll being manipulated at will, finally leaving silently.
"You're deceiving her, aren't you?" Blue Jade suddenly asked after Eve left, "You know the truth, but chose not to tell her here."
Arthur's expression froze briefly, then he spoke.
"Eavesdropping isn't a good habit."
"But I'm your guard; I must ensure your safety."
