When I told Serpens Strang about my idea — to make Lionel and Angela friends — he was, of course, initially less than enthusiastic. More accurately, he genuinely couldn't understand why I wanted to do this.
"Madam, why on earth would you want to introduce this boy to the emperor's daughter?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice a mixture of caution and hidden distrust.
I saw a shadow of suspicion flash across his gaze — he knew perfectly well that I was not one to act without reason. Serpens was skilled at reading between the lines and, of course, sensed that there was more to my idea than just childhood friendship.
Nevertheless, I had to use my artistic abilities again in this situation.
"It's simple. It's precisely because Angela is the emperor's daughter that I want to introduce them."
"Hmm? Madam, I don't quite understand..."
