Chapter 235: The Baron's Question
Lyria's POV
Baron Redwick adjusted his spectacles before speaking. It was a small gesture, one I had seen him perform a dozen times before, but there was something different about it now—a hesitation, perhaps, or a gathering of courage. His fingers lingered on the frame longer than necessary, and when he lowered his hand, he did not meet my eyes immediately.
"Your Highness," he said, "forgive me for asking this. I am quite confused about something, and I find that I cannot let the matter rest."
I kept my smile in place, though something cold had begun to settle in my chest.
"You may a-ask," I said. "I cannot p-promise that I shall answer, but you m-may ask."
He nodded slowly.
Then he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as though he were about to share a secret.
"Do you know how to read?"
