Chapter 58 - An Affinity Unannounced

Riven turned his head.

From the cobblestone path that cut through the yard toward the estate's back gate, a woman stood with her arms crossed, displeasure written clearly across her face. Her pale blonde hair was neatly tied back. She wore a deep blue dress adorned with silver patterns on the chest—clearly noble attire. From her haughty posture and scrutinizing gaze, she was no ordinary person.

A short distance behind her trailed a quiet servant, keeping pace. It seemed she was the woman's personal maid.

The noblewoman approached with firm steps. Her shoes struck the gravel lightly, but each step carried the air of someone confronting an intruder, not greeting a guest.

"Answer me!" she barked again. "Are you a new servant? Or a thief sneaking in at dawn to steal? If so, you've chosen the wrong estate."