Seraph's expression stiffened at Maeli's words, but she remained silent, choosing not to escalate the situation further. Maelis, however, was far from done.
She hugged Gray's arm tighter, pressing herself against him as if trying to physically block Seraph from his view.
"Brother, please… You promised you'd spend more time with me. The banquet is the perfect chance. Don't ruin it by going with someone who's already promised to another man. It's not fair to me… and it's definitely not fair to you."
Her voice cracked slightly at the end, containing a mix of genuine jealousy and spoiled affection.
"Haah..." Gray let out a soft sigh, gently placing his free hand on top of Maelis's head, stroking her black hair in a calming manner.
"Maelis, calm down," he tapped her head a few times.
"You don't need to get that defensive. I'm just accompanying Seraph to the banquet. Nothing more than that."
