It's Complicated When Dad is Popular

20 minutes ago.

Pastel was able to face Duke Nastasha in a corner of the emptied Art Gallery. The brown-haired girl smiled and clapped her hands.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? I've heard a lot of news about Marquis Pastel, but I don't know if my news has reached the Demon Realm! I wanted to come see you at least once, but everyone stopped me, telling me to focus on the Imperial Interior, so it was a real shame."

[Gasp, is this an indirect warning not to tell useless lies since she investigated me thoroughly?]

It seemed like a simple greeting, but Pastel, whose guard was fully up, felt her hair stand on end.

"I've heard a lot of news about you too, Duke!"

[I also investigated you thoroughly, Duke!

Don't look down on me!]

"Really? I'm curious what kind of news is floating around the Demon Realm. It's not anything bad, is it? I do get scolded for not being dignified enough usually, so I'm a bit concerned. I suppose the Demon Realm's culture doesn't care about that as much? If so, that's a relief."

Brown eyes stared at her, expecting an answer...