Chapter 130: Arthur

"I'm going to marry Avey," Arthur said, his voice calm but laced with intention. "I'll send a formal proposal to the Startline family's house soon." His eyes were fixed on Lucian, searching for any crack in the facade, any sign of the reaction he was anticipating.

Lucian blinked slowly, his expression unreadable. He took a deep breath, exhaling softly as a forced smile touched his lips. "I see," he said, his voice quiet, almost detached.

Arthur frowned, leaning forward slightly as he studied Lucian more intently. "Your reaction seems…"

"Dull?" Lucian interjected, finishing Arthur's sentence with a faint smirk, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Yes," Arthur admitted, his brows furrowing. "I thought you might be… angry. Maybe even sad. Or perhaps like a love-struck fool, you'd start spouting nonsense or lash out at me. After all, it's been years you've been courting her for so long." He tilted his head, genuine curiosity flickering in his gaze.