The quiet uncertainty in her voice sounded strange coming from Cassandra Selfmore.
Behind her, the crimson-haired woman straightened. Her earlier excitement faded as she waited for Martin's response. Elisebeth, Alexandra, and Katherine also stayed silent, though none of them looked away.
Rias watched Cassandra more closely than before. Her expression softened slightly, perhaps because Cassandra's apology was sincere, but she remained prepared to intervene if the conversation drifted into a confession.
Martin studied Cassandra's worried face and thought about everything Kill Clause had done for him. She had supported him, challenged him, and pushed him toward opportunities he might otherwise have ignored. Whatever secrets she had kept, the time they had spent together was real.
Besides, one benefit of her interference could not be overlooked.
"Of course not!" Martin said. "I even told you that you could pry into my life if it meant more vacation time! Haha!"
