The parlor of Ironwood Manor was utterly silent, save for the sound of the grandfather clock merrily ticking along in the corner of the room. The only two occupants sat in plush leather seats across from each other. Between them stood a table atop which rested a teapot, two cups of steaming tea, and a three-tiered stand filled to the brim with assorted confectionaries. Ayla stared at Levi.Levi stared back at Ayla.“So…” She began, her tone deliberately conversational. “I hear Duke Montague was killed a few days ago during an attack on Montague Castle. His son, Heir Theodore Montague, as well.”Levi’s expression was tranquil like the surface of a lake. “Were they now? How tragic.”“Indeed,” said Ayla. Her grey eyes pierced into him. “It happened right when you inexplicably disappeared for a week.”“Really? What curious timing.”“I also hear that Lady Liliya Volkov went missing from Montague Castle in the aftermath of the attack… And rumors say that a certain Mythmaker Grand Assassin was seen at the scene.”Levi took a measured sip of his tea. “Very interesting.”“...”“...”“Did you kill Duke Montague and his son?” “No.”“... Are you certain?”“I assure you, I killed neither of them.” Levi even had the nerve to sound offended. “Have you such little faith in me?”Ayla gave (...)