บท 459: A Stark Contrast

"What petty?" Lucas asked as he arched his eyebrows, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You come to congratulate me empty-handed and expect gratitude. Consider yourself lucky that I am in a good mood; otherwise, you would be dead by now."

Belisarius poured himself a glass of wine, trying to hide his unease. "You wouldn't dare..." he muttered under his breath.

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, remaining silent. Belisarius took a seat across from him, his gaze complicated.

"You must be delighted that her body was able to absorb a demon's essence," Belisarius remarked, attempting to strike a nerve. "But let us not forget..."

"I know," Lucas interjected, cutting him off. "There's no need to remind me. You sound like a nagging old man."

Belisarius chuckled, acknowledging the truth in Lucas's words. Indeed, he was nothing but a nagging old man. For a few seconds, they sat in silence, the weight of their thoughts hanging between them.