GDC 124

The Grand Duke didn’t even blink.

Count Avoir swallowed his wounded pride and continued calmly, “Meisel may have acted disrespectfully toward Her Grace, but it was only out of a young lady’s jealousy. She never truly intended harm.”

But as he spoke, his words faded. The Grand Duke’s sharp gaze was fixed on him—so cold that it made the Count’s throat tighten.

“Is that what you think?” the Duke said quietly.

“O-of course…”

“The poison she used—where do you think she got it? It couldn’t have been cheap.”

The Duke’s voice sank lower and lower, like a heavy weight pressing on the air.

“Do you really believe your daughter bought such an expensive thing just to use it on a mere head maid?”

The killing intent radiating from him seemed to choke the Count’s breath. His neck tilted back involuntarily under the pressure.

A small cough came from Norton, who…