Chapter 58: What Are You Really Here For?

Outside the gate stood a strikingly handsome man dressed in a tailored black trench coat that accentuated his tall, lean frame. A silver belt cinched his waist, and he wore fitted black leather pants adorned with subtle, intricate patterns running from his thighs to his knees—details one might easily miss at a glance.

"Why are you here?" An Ran blurted out the moment she saw him, her surprise evident.

"Is it so strange to see me?" Richard raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing.

An Ran immediately realized her question might have come across as rude and quickly corrected herself. "I mean, what brings you to my house?"

Richard casually slipped his hands into the pockets of his coat, his demeanor relaxed. "Just passing by."

The explanation was flimsy at best, but the nonchalant look on his face made it almost believable.

"Well? Aren't you going to invite me in?" Richard tilted his head slightly, his violet eyes gleaming with mischief.

An Ran was about to say, "Come in," when she suddenly remembered her grandfather's parting words.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "My grandfather told me not to let anyone inside."

"Oh?" Richard's gaze lingered on her, amused by the way her lips curved upward. Her pink, slightly pouty mouth was undeniably enticing, making her look like a ** kitten. He smirked. "Are you hiding something shameful in there? Afraid I'll find out?"

An Ran had never expected the usually stoic and aloof Richard to possess such sharp wit. As she hesitated, he added, "Kitten, if you don't invite me in, I might just tell your grandfather that you didn't come straight home after school and even got into a fight."

Her peaceful nap plans shattered, An Ran sighed in frustration. "Ugh, fine! But don't expect any grand hospitality from this humble home, Your Highness."

A glint of amusement flickered in Richard's violet eyes. "You know, kitten, when inviting someone into your home, you should use polite honorifics."

An Ran snapped, "Take it or leave it!"

While he found her fiery reactions entertaining, Richard knew better than to push her too far. His expression darkened slightly as he stepped inside, his keen eyes taking in the modest two-story house. It was simple yet clean and tidy—his first time inside a human's home, in fact.

However, he couldn't help but notice the lingering traces of a protective ward surrounding the house. Though its power had waned over time, it was still unusual to find such a thing in this neighborhood. The ward was ineffective against purebloods like him, but its presence piqued his curiosity. He wondered who had cast it and why.

Standing in the living room, Richard's noble demeanor starkly contrasted with the humble surroundings. An Ran couldn't help but feel the dissonance. 

"Would you like some tea?" she offered, trying to break the awkward silence.

Richard smiled faintly. "No, thank you. I only drink Ceylon tea, and I doubt you have any here."

An Ran frowned, barely suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. *This guy is insufferable! What is he even doing here?* 

Giving up, she plopped down on the wooden floor, muttering, "I already told you, there's nothing fancy here."

Richard, however, seemed unbothered. He turned to her, his tone casual but probing. "An Ran, I heard you're originally from Roseville?"

"Yes, I mentioned that during my introduction on the first day of school," she replied, puzzled. *But he wasn't even there that day. How does he know?*

Richard tilted his head slightly, his next question catching her off guard. "Is ** your surname?"

"No, my grandmother is…" An Ran started to answer but stopped abruptly, her guard rising. She narrowed her eyes at him. "Why are you asking so many questions? What are you really here for?"