Chapter 54

How can Claude be standing there when he's supposed to be in the North already?

Lia rubbed her eyes to confirm that she wasn't hallucinating. His low laughter confirmed that she was indeed not dreaming.

"Lord Claude, why are you here? Were you not headed to the North?" she asked, partly out of surprise and partly out of strange joy.

Lia clutched her unbuttoned shirt, moving away from him.

"Stop acting strange and come here," he said.

"Wh-What do you mean, strange? I'm only hanging up my jacket."

"Isn't that a job for your maid?"

"I can't seem to find her. She must have gone to the market."

Lia tried to seem as unperturbed as possible and smiled at him.

He looks better than I imagined.

She felt her heart lighten at seeing him; he didn't seem to be overcome with sorrow, nor did he look consumed with rage.