Adam's words suddenly made Layla the center of attention. Regarding her wishes, she was being examined to decide what she wanted to do.

The decision was easy to make, and Layla turned to look at the Duke with a sorry expression.

"I am afraid that I cannot leave this party at the moment. It is of uttermost importance that I return to the Lockhart estate and have a small meeting with Mary. If you want to employ me afterward, please contact me then. I will listen to your request and think about it."

Layla offered, and the Duke looked disappointed. He had seldom been rejected, and it still felt annoying when someone told him 'no' to his face.

But what else could he go now that he had been rejected this harshly? He could only turn around and decide to go away.

"You are a good person with high morals. Someone like you will always be welcomed at the Lukewater Dukedom. If you ever need anything, just come over and demand it. You saved my life, and that is the least I can do for you in return."

The duke promised before he left with a sullen expression. His guard followed more calmly but looked glad he and his boss were leaving Layla behind.

Once they were gone, all the tension bled out of Rosette's frame, and she melted across her seat as if she could no longer hold herself up. She looked exhausted and ready to collapse.

"Rose, how many times do I have to tell you not to pick fights that look dangerous? But you still keep picking fights that you know you can lose. Can you not be a little more careful?"

Adam asked as he helped Rosette back on her feet. But the female he was helping just sighed before she looked away.

"Well, I thought I could do it. I did not realize how it would drain me of my energy. *Sigh* I will listen to you if you want me to, so please, don't look like that. I promise I will be more careful in the future."

Rose promised before she looked at Layla.

Layla had been quiet all this while, so this sudden attention felt jarring. It also suddenly made her feel like she was the center of attention.

"Now, what do we do with you? I know that the whole reason you joined us in the first place was that you wanted to head to the Lockhart Dukedom, but it might take some time before we can go there.

What happened has caused this place to suffer major consequences. We would like to have a thorough investigation before we head out. What about you? You can go without us first since you want to go to the Dukedom. I will write you a letter of recommendation if you want me to.

Adam promised, holding his hand up to show that it was not a track. He was genuinely giving Layla a choice in this matter, and it was not a trick.

Layla was a little surprised that Adam was letting her go like this. A paranoid man like him could not be reasoned with easily.

But despite that, he was willing to make a move and reassure Layla that she would be accepted even if she went ahead without him and Rosette.

"Well, I see no harm since you offer me this opportunity. Please, give me a pass, and I will leave as soon as I can."

Layla promised, and Rosette let out a chuckle at her words.

"Wow! You sound so eager to leave. It breaks my heart to see you like this. What did we do to deserve this harsh treatment? As far as I remember, we have always been nice to you."

The female main lead asked in a pouty voice. She finally sounded like a happy kid again as she got rid of all her stress over the past few days.

"Well, you were rude to me when we first met, and that impression might have stuck around a little longer than one would like. Anyway, I should head out when I get my pass."

Layla's hand remained extended, and Adam sighed and mumbled under his breath before placing a note on her hand.

It detailed Layla's route and included Adam's signature and a magical signature that confirmed his identity.

Layla quickly pocketed that backup but doubted she would need it to get inside that castle.

After all, who would be able to top her if she wanted to walk inside with a dragon on her shoulder and a few spells masking her presence? It was not as if she was someone these people would be able to oppose.

...

"Mary, how did this happen? I know that you are careless, but to lose a whole person who was unconscious in her bed and not being able to locate them now? What do you have to say for yourself?"

The maid in question sipped her tea as she watched her door almost get knocked down by the effort of a frantic man.

Lloyd Ragnarock, that annoying dragon-lizard bastard, ended up breaking down the door and entering the place before anyone could stop him. He looked pissed and ready to throw hands if possible.

Seeing him like this made the maid let out a small chuckle before she pushed her body up and stood up. She looked ready to accept the man inside but paused at the agitation this lizard man showed.

*Sigh*

"Come inside and close the door behind you. You are here to discuss something with me, but others should not hear that. I only have a limited time to entertain you, so be quick and summarize your speech in simple words.

If you are being too noisy, I will have no choice but to throw you out. Now, start speaking."

Mary's gaze was soft and hard at the same time. She was also not willing to entertain the half-dragon at his current self.