Chapter 454: Fine Cuisine

Chapter 454: Fine Cuisine

Lucas furrowed his brow, gazing intently at Rosalind. "Why do you need to leave?" he questioned, a hint of concern lacing his words.

Rosalind met his gaze head-on, her expression firm. "Do you expect me to stay holed up in this place forever?" she retorted, her voice laced with determination. She merely intended to make a quick visit to the black market, seeking a few essential items and gathering information about relics. It was a task she planned to accomplish within the day and return promptly.

However, Lucas's persistent clinginess had become increasingly bothersome. His insistence on accompanying her had sparked a sense of unease within her and this was not because she did not want to be with him.

Unyielding, Lucas responded, "Then let us go together."

Rosalind sighed, realizing that her words had fallen on deaf ears. The main reason she hesitated to bring Lucas along was his striking appearance. Even with a mask, his commanding stature, broad shoulders, and imposing aura made him stand out in a crowd. Naturally, all eyes would be drawn to him, and then to the woman at his sideher, Rosalind. She had been contemplating adopting a simpler disguise, but any attempt would be futile with him by her side.

After a moment of contemplation, Lucas suddenly perked up, his enthusiasm renewed. "It's settled then. We are going together," he declared, seemingly elated that she had relented.

"What if I told you not to go?" Rosalind challenged, her tone slightly defiant.

A playful glimmer danced in Lucas's eyes as he countered, "Are you going to tell me not to go?"

Rosalind closed her lips tightly, choosing not to provide a direct answer. The truth was, arguing with Lucas had proven to be an arduous endeavor. It was an internal struggle she preferred to avoid at that moment.

Rosalind, recognizing the validity of Mr. Pratt's concerns, interjected with a wry smile. "He means to say that your remarkable attractiveness, Duke Lucas, will undoubtedly draw attention. If your presence in Aster becomes known, it will undoubtedly sow seeds of doubt and apprehension among the populace. Given the already tumultuous political climate within the Aster Empire, one can only imagine the chaos that would ensue."

"Then let them," Lucas responded.

Rosalind observed Lucas's nonchalant response with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. It was no surprise to her that he seemed unfazed by the potential consequences of his presence in Aster. After all, his priorities did not seem to align with the affairs of the empire. However, there was a lingering doubt in her mind.

She narrowed at him.

For some reason, she couldn't help but question his true motivations. While he projected an image of indifference toward the turmoil in the South, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his actions than met the eye. It seemed suspicious to her that he was intentionally strolling through the bustling streets of the black market.

This was simply too coincidental!

Rosalind's eyes widened in surprise as Lucas playfully tapped his knuckle against her forehead, interrupting her train of thought. His casual gesture caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. "You are thinking too much," he smirked. "I only came here to eat with you." Lucas leaned closer.

Seeing this, Mr. Pratt was speechless. The atmosphere between them shifted, becoming charged with an unspoken tension

What kind of situation is this?