"Ah… Nice to meet you. I'm Khazan. I've been entrusted with the task of protecting Rafayel for a short while. I'll take full responsibility in escorting him safely to his destination, so please don't worry."
"Oh my… thank you very much, Sir Khazan. Please take good care of Rafayel," said his sister, bowing her head politely.
"Please don't! I'm not used to that kind of formality—it throws me off."
"Fufu. Very well, then let's put the formalities aside."
Just then, Thalia turned her attention toward Rafayel and leaned in to whisper discreetly in his ear.
"Is this man your fiancé, Raffy?"
Rafayel's eyes widened in shock.
"N-no! It's not like that at all!" he blurted out, his voice slightly raised in panic. Flustered, he quickly turned to Khazan and said, "Sorry, Khazan, but could you wait for me in another room? I need to have a private conversation with my sister."
Khazan gave a brief nod and, guided by the butler, exited the room.
