Darnley pursed his lips and said, "I didn't say any ill words."

Bennett gave Darnley a quick look and left without a word.

Watching him go, Darnley, in frustration, gave a nearby pillar a solid kick.

The move backfired, as he hurt his toe, causing him to wince in sharp pain.

Back in the banquet hall.

As Zaria showcased some delightful dishes, Claudia's curiosity bubbled.

"May I ask something?"

Zaria paused momentarily, then gestured affirmatively.

“Sure.”

Seeing her earnest look, Zaria also adopted a serious demeanor.

“You mentioned earlier about me saving you five years back. Was that true?"

She had thought about it for quite a while, but she genuinely couldn't recall a time when she had rescued someone five years ago.

Five years ago, she was just twenty years old. Claudia didn't consider herself as someone extraordinary enough to save others.

Zaria thought Claudia was about to ask a different question, but it turned out to be this one. She gazed at Claudia and suddenly smiled, saying, "I thought you had something else in mind. Surprising it's this question! Of course it's true! You were my savior five years ago."

She added with a playful huff, “But I think you probably have forgotten!"

Claudia admitted, "I truly don't remember. When did that happen five years ago?"

“Let me give you a hint! It was during a motorboat race in Aelcrest, five years back."

After thinking for a while, Claudia still couldn't recall it. She was quite young five years ago and had been involved in numerous motorboat competitions.

Zaria's sigh carried a mix of amusement and disappointment.

“It's a bit heartbreaking. I had been looking for you, only to realize you've completely forgotten."

When Claudia noticed Zaria's disappointment, her cheeks reddened.

"I apologize, Zaria. I really forgot."

Zaria readied a playful retort, but when she spotted Bennett approaching, an idea popped into her mind.

"Come close. I'll tell you how you saved me five years ago."