So, based on what Penelope said, it seemed like Mia had been planning to “decide his fate” without speaking to him first, after all. Crow chewed on the inside of his lip in thought, wondering what he could have possibly done to make the baroness consider getting his input on what they chose to do with him. Maybe she was just glad he’d saved her lieutenant? But she’d already known about that before speaking to him in person. He frowned slightly as he tried to recall what he’d said to her. Most of his words had just been stubborn arguments against her accusations or flippant remarks about the other knights. It was hard to pin down what could have changed the woman’s impression of him. Perhaps she had just changed her mind on her own.

As Penelope teased him about charming Mia, Crow sighed exaggeratedly. “If I did, I certainly wasn’t trying to,” he shook his head. “I really don’t understand why you knights find me so appealing. Are noblemen so dull that the noblewomen have to turn to a thief like me for a little excitement in their lives?” He casted her a sly wink. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll make sure that baroness of yours knows I’m not interested, because I’ve only got eyes for the most beautiful knight in this kingdom.”

He paused as if another thought came to him before going on with a cheeky smirk: “Although… maybe I could make one exception to use my charm on Layth, so he’ll stop pestering me. I mean, I already won over one Vermillion. How hard could it be to woo the other?”