Max looked at the woman for a few moments, silently observing her presence before finally stepping forward. There was no hostility in her gaze, no hidden malice that his instincts could detect. Instead, there was only calmness, something so absolute that it made him lower his guard without even realizing it.
He slowly took a seat on the chair opposite her at the tea table.
"Who are you, and what is this place?" he asked, his tone cautious yet filled with curiosity.
The woman did not answer immediately.
Instead, she smiled softly and poured tea into the cup placed before him. The movement was gentle and unhurried, as though time itself had slowed down around her.
"You seem to have quite a few questions," she said lightly. "Before that, have some tea."
Max hesitated for a brief moment.
However, seeing her personally serve him, he felt that refusing would be disrespectful. He lifted the cup and took a small sip.
The effect was immediate.
