68.

Aria's POV

Only three days had gone when, as Nicholas foretold, he returned, this time accompanied by Caldron, the chief's son who had not been present the last time, and they were joined by Matthew.

It seems like the siblings' personalities have shifted since, whereas Matthew used to smile at me, he was now as grave as a goblin. He never once looked at me as if it were a sin to look at me. I'm baffled. He's like guilty of something—connected to me.

"Father, my boss had brought a contract now for the upcoming milling project," Caldron explained.

I actually wasn't supposed to be here. This is a private discussion in which we, the peasants, are not required. But, for whatever reason, Nicholas has requested my presence.

Nicholas gives me that smug grin every now and then that I wish I could punch out. He's vexing. He mentions a future conflict with Crescentius, yet he appears unconcerned, as if oblivious to the looming peril.

I'm sitting on the right side of the chief, feeling like a fr