"Miss Aidele?" The middle-aged warlock's voice was gentle and magnetic.
"You've returned? Why didn't you let us know ahead of time? Master Edmund would have arranged for someone to pick you up."
Aidele stopped and looked at him, her face expressionless.
"Steward Rodney, my older brother is busy with his affairs. I wouldn't dare disturb him."
Rodney was one of her older brother Edmund's most capable confidants, managing a portion of the clan's internal affairs and resource allocation.
Gentle and refined on the surface, he was, in reality, a deeply calculating and ruthless man.
Rodney smiled, his gaze naturally falling upon Ian, lingering for a moment on the temporary Honored Guest Elder badge on his chest.
"And this is..."
"My Honored Guest Elder, Ian Marcus," Aidele said, her voice calm.
"Oh?" Rodney's smile grew even gentler. He gave Ian a slight nod.
