A few hours later…
"By the way, Julies," Amelia began casually, "how did it go with asking the Duke?"
"Ah, you mean the proposal to work at the Count's estate?" Julies let out a small laugh and scratched the back of his head. "It's… gotten a little complicated."
"Oh?" Her tone was light, but her eyes were attentive.
"Recently, I won a martial arts tournament and was awarded a rather precious relic. Because of that, the Duke doesn't seem too keen on letting me leave."
He gave a small shrug. "From the perspective of loyalty and reputation, it might be wiser to wait a while before making any big moves."
Amelia tilted her head with an understanding smile. "Ahaha… If Julies finds it difficult, then there's nothing to be done, I suppose."
'…What a convenient excuse,' she thought, her smile never faltering.
It was news she had no desire to hear.
And in that moment, Amelia realized the full extent of Julies's ambition.
