Ethan stayed quietly in the inn, waiting for the Duke's summon.
He had been restless all morning, but when the message finally came, he moved quickly. He thought it would be a servant or perhaps a knight who would come to guide him, yet to his surprise, he saw a tall woman standing at a distance.
She was strikingly beautiful, wearing noble pants and a pocketless shirt, with a coat draped over her shoulders. Her figure stood with confidence, and she looked unlike most noble ladies he had seen before.
Ethan walked down with a polite smile. "Lady Julia, it is good to see you," he said warmly, bowing slightly to show respect.
Julia's lips curved into a small smile as she returned the greeting. "It is good to see you as well, Baron. I absolutely liked it. They let me dress freely without any restraint." Her voice carried a calm strength, and her gaze seemed steady, as though she cared little for the judgment of others.
