Don't Buy This Chapter Yet!

"Don't listen to his nonsense, Lumien. He's just overthinking as usual. Nothing will happen as long as we return before sunset," Azalea said, completely unconcerned.

She then added, "Besides, I already checked Father's schedule. He'll be swamped with work today, especially with our departure coming up in a few days. He won't have time to keep tabs on us. I've thought this through carefully, which is why I'm so confident in my plan."

Lumien glanced at Benson, then gave him a small shrug, as if to say, You heard her, right?

Benson hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. Then, after a brief internal struggle, he let out a heavy sigh. "...Then at least let me follow you two from the dark."

Though she sounded calm, Lumien could sense the unspoken threat behind her words. Years of living under her watchful eye had taught him to read between the lines. This wasn't a question; it was a demand.