Shocked

A moment ago.

"It's an honor to have the second princess of the Greenwood Kingdom visit my humble abode. I wonder what the princess wants from a nobody like me.

"You jest. I'm here not as the second princess of the Greenwood Kingdom, but as the second disciple of Noel Ardagan."

"Of course, I know that." Duke Lorelei squinted his eyes. "However, I'm pretty sure that I don't have to tell you that no matter what you're trying to do, I won't make my move. In fact, others will be stopping me as well.

"The only reason why I didn't reject you from the beginning is because I have a lot of respect for your teacher.

"Sadly, if you are here to ask for my help, I have to turn you down."

She smiled. "Even I am not so ignorant as to not know that fact. It's just… I do have a little request, and I'd like you to consider it a bit, or at least let me finish showing you what we would like to offer."