An old friend!

"Welcome to my humble abode, young master. I hope you haven't forgotten about this place," Blaire's voice dripped with mockery. She regarded him with an icy gaze, as if he were a stranger. Well, leaving after causing a mess and returning a year and a half later wasn't exactly the nicest thing to do, after all.

"How could I ever forget about you, my lady?" Damien replied with a hint of amusement. "I was caught up in some serious mess."

"Of course, 'some mess'," Blaire scoffed, eyeing him up and down. It was clear that his appearance had changed significantly since their last encounter.

Damien and Luther had arrived at the duchy in the evening, riding like madmen to reach their destination. They were immediately welcomed into the castle without any formalities or protocols, given Damien's status as a hero in these parts.