?Chapter 452:


    Lionel positioned another chess piece on the board and, observing the palpable tension between the two, couldn’t resist admonishing Kristian.


    “Couldn’t you manage a few additional words?”


    Kristian stood speechless, words failing him entirely.


    “Kristian specially prepared these juices when he heard you were visiting,” Lionel continued, eagerly ying matchmaker as he addressed Freya, hoping to dissolve the awkwardness between them. “Sample them and tell us which you prefer. He can prepare more for you afterward.”


    Freya hesitated, her eyes drifting over the tempting array of beverages before she firmly stated, “No need for such trouble. Water will suffice.”


    “How can you possibly settle for mere water? This rascal wronged you previously. Now’s your perfect opportunity to make demands of him,” Lionel dered bluntly. “Don’t you wish to exact some well-deserved revenge?”


    For the first time, Freya found herself needing to concentrate intensely on her next chess move.


    She recognized Lionel’s well-intentioned meddling, and precisely because she understood his motives, she couldn’t simply acquiesce. “That’s not important,” she responded, deliberately changing course. Her expression grew earnest as she…


    “Today celebrates your birthday. Your happiness takes precedence over everything else,” Freya added.


    Hearing this, Lionel’s disapproval of Kristian deepened considerably. Previously, he’d deemed Kristian unworthy of Freya out of protective anger, but now he felt absolute certainty in this assessment. A pretty face meant nothing when paired with an inability to demonstrate the thoughtfulness that came so naturally to Freya. Better for Kristian to remain eternally single than burden Freya with his presence!


    Throughout the remainder of the day, Lionel abandoned his matchmaking efforts entirely.


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    Freya hade to celebrate his birthday, and he refused to spoil her experience.


    Consequently, Kristian found himself thoroughly ignored.


    Lionel and Freya immersed themselves in conversation and chess, treating him as though he’d vanished from existence.


    When their game concluded, Lionel beamed with satisfaction.


    Rather than suggesting another round, he carefully stored the chess pieces with Freya’s help, clearly treasuring the set she had gifted him. He handled each piece with remarkable delicacy.


    When Kristian extended a hand to assist, Lionel swatted it away immediately, concerned he might damage Freya’s precious gift.


    “Go attend to whatever requires your attention,” Lionel dismissed him with a wave. “Don’t intrude upon Freya’s and my time together.”


    Kristian’s lips parted slightly as he reminded them, “I’ll need to transport you to the hotelter.”


    Lionel prepared a biting retort but ultimately swallowed his words. He inquired after securing the chess set, “Freya, has your father also traveled to Jeucwell?”


    Freya paused briefly, offering the truth without hesitation. “Yes.”


    “Perhaps we could share lunch together?” Lionel suggested hopefully. “You failed to observe proper formalities when you married. Now that your father has arrived, we should at least demonstrate adequate hospitality.”


    “He’ll join us this evening,” Freya declined graciously. “He’s currently engaged with friends.”


    Seeing her response, Lionel gracefully withdrew his suggestion.


    His gaze flickered toward Kristian momentarily, and a fresh idea illuminated his expression. “Then allow me to introduce you to some acquaintances. You’re all of simr age—surely you’ll find abundant topics for conversation.”


    Under normal circumstances, Freya would have declined such an offer. She harbored little interest in expanding her social circle.


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