Murphy met his gaze, his tone just as calm. "Kaiden is currently burdened with the affairs of the territory, and Alina is newly pregnant. They are indeed tied down and cannot travel far at the moment. We appreciate Miss Anne's concern."
He paused briefly. "If Miss Anne is interested, she is always welcome in the Monte Territory. She did visit as a child. Returning to an old place might stir some unique feelings."
Upon hearing this, a subtle light flickered in the Ironspine Duke's gray-blue eyes.
He didn't respond immediately. After a moment, he spoke slowly, his tone carrying a distant quality. "Yes... she did go to the Monte Territory as a child. How time flies..."
He shook his head gently, not responding directly to the invitation, and simply concluded with an ambiguous phrase, "There will always be opportunities."
Murphy watched him and didn't press the matter, saying only, "Let us hope so."
