The Enigmatic Return (Nancy’s And Roxanne )

Compared to Avery’s astonishment, Jean remained much calmer, his face expressionless as he said, “Since Neera is here, naturally, I have to come and keep her company.”

Avery’s lips curled into a half-smile, carrying a hint of mockery.

“Neera has been here for a while. Yet, you come here now and say such things. Don’t you think it’s a bit too late?”

Jean was unfazed. “As long as our hearts are together, it doesn’t matter whether I come early or late. What’s important is that I’m here and she wants me to be here.”

Avery was clearly annoyed.

“You certainly are bursting with confidence, but your timing is off. I suppose Neera has told you about the recent events. This is Phison. No matter how powerful you are outside, you’re nothing here. Your status alone can’t protect Neera, so you should have some self-awareness.”

Jean not only didn’t get angry, but instead, he laughed.

“Perhaps you’re right. You have the right to be arrogant as the third elder of the Bartitsu Guild. However, even you, with your high status, couldn’t protect Neera, could you, Mr. Cox? From what I understand, during the trip to Mount Cloud, you didn’t seem to be of much help. In the end, it was the Lordsworth Estate that protected Neera, wasn’t it?”

As soon as those words were uttered, Avery’s face darkened considerably.

“Does it matter? At least I can have someone around to protect her at all times, but what about you? What can you do? You probably can’t even enter Phison without someone else’s help, right?”

Jean raised an eyebrow. “What? Are you getting angry out of embarrassment, Mr. Cox? That won’t do. You must maintain your dignity even if my words hit where it hurts. Losing your temper like this is unbecoming of a family head, let alone a guild elder.”

Avery’s brows furrowed tightly, his expression becoming even stonier.

wouldn’t reveal

he had encountered one setback after another on Neera’s side, and Jean’s sudden appearance at such a critical juncture evoked a

momentarily lost control

was stifling with tension.

upon hearing a report from a housekeeper, came out and finally broke the

just stand there. Come in and have some coffee.”

his gaze and greeted, “Good morning,

“She’s probably still sleeping. Stay and have breakfast

going for a run? If not,

entered the mansion

watched his retreating figure,

during breakfast

recalling how Jean had spoken about

taking the trouble to visit me. I’m

at Jean as she spoke.

calmly, “I

“I heard that the Bartitsu Guild is about to hold a Council of Elders. I’m sure you have plenty to prepare as one of the elders, Mr. Cox. You don’t need to make this trip and waste

him. Not wanting to waste words, he simply said, “Mr. Beauvort, you worry too

smiled. “I hope that

know how to interject herself into the conversation,

feigned ignorance of the underlying tension in their