Chapter 17
Lillian’s parents became increasingly extravagant with their spending. Not only did they buy luxury goods without restraint, but they also held parties almost every day. Eventually, they even began withdrawing money freely from the bank in Cartan’s name. To them, Cartan’s money was like an inexhaustible spring.
Before even half a day had passed at work, Baron Dante stormed back home in a rage.
“I told them I’m quitting today! What, can’t a man be late because he drank a little? They made such a fuss over it—damn it!”
The way he spat on the floor was frightening. Lillian, who happened to be home on leave that day, held her breath in case his anger turned toward her.
Originally, Baron Dante had been a loafer who wandered around under the pretense of doing business. Then, through Baron Jeffrey’s introduction, he had gotten a low-ranking administrative job at city hall.
“They pay peanuts but work people to the bone!”
“Well done! You’re meant for greater things anyway—there’s no need to cling to such a lowly position. Take this opportunity to ask the Grand Duke for a proper post.”
“You’re right. I’m too disgusted to keep doing this… whew.”
Baron Dante put his feet up on the table and stuck a cigarette in his mouth. Worried that ash might fall, Lillian hurriedly brought over an ashtray. Looking at her, Baron Dante pointed to the pile of gift boxes stacked in the corner.
“What’s all that? Did your mother go on a shopping spree or something?”
“No. His Grace the Grand Duke sent them.”
“Oh, right. Today’s the day we’re supposed to have dinner at the Grand Duke’s residence, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Only then did Baron Dante sit up properly and stare at Lillian.
“But you—what’s with that getup? How vulgar. Tsk.”
A puff of cigarette smoke washed over her face. Lillian broke into a coughing fit.
“M-Mother picked this dress… cough, cough…”
“Hey! Come here for a second!”
At Baron Dante’s call, Baroness Dante appeared humming cheerfully, holding a jewelry box that Cartan had sent to Lillian.
“Dear! Isn’t this absolutely beautiful? This necklace—apparently it’s a blue diamond worn by the last imperial princess of the Roman Empire! Don’t you think it would suit me perfectly?”
“Is that what matters right now? Why did you dress her like this? Make her dress more neatly.”
“Oh, it’s pretty—what’s the problem? Dresses with a bit of exposure are perfect for catching a man’s eye!”
While the two bickered, Lillian hurried to the window to catch her breath.
A moment later, Baron Dante let out a sigh.
“And give that blue diamond—or sapphire, whatever it is—to Lillian.”
“What? But—! She’s young and pretty already! Why would she need something like that?”
“It stands out. Anyone can tell the Grand Duke personally chose it.”
Only then did Baroness Dante remove the necklace and hand it to Lillian.
“Lucky you.”
At the sarcastic tone, Lillian could only bow her head deeply. She knew it was expensive and valuable, but it felt far too excessive for her.
If I were to lose it… I’d probably lose my entire life along with it. What should I do? Should I return it? But that would be rude too…
After agonizing over it, Lillian decided to put it back in the drawer for now. As she carefully placed the necklace into the jewelry box, worried it might get scratched, Baron Dante spoke from behind her.
“It really is a beautiful necklace.”
He took the necklace from her hand and pretended to examine it closely.
“You should wear it when you go, Lillian.”
Unable to refuse the hands fastening it around her neck, Lillian stood still. The blue diamond glittering against her slender neck felt like a shackle tightening around her throat.
***
Dinner at the Grand Duke’s residence was more pleasant than expected—until the butler brought in a bill.
“Master, Bank President Witton has brought the advance payment statement.”
The smiling baron and baroness stiffened as they looked at Cartan.
“We had quite a lot of expenses this month.”
“With all the rumors going around, everyone kept insisting we treat them. And considering Your Grace’s reputation, we couldn’t just ignore them… We’re terribly sorry, truly.”
Listening to them, Lillian grew confused. She had only known that Cartan had repaid the dowry on their behalf.
“What? What do you mean? Does that mean you’ve been receiving money from His Grace all this time?”
At that, Baroness Dante shot Lillian a sharp glare.
“My, what’s wrong with you? We’re just helping each other out—are we strangers or something?”
“But still…”
Before Lillian could say anything else, the Grand Duke calmly signed the statement. Feeling ashamed, Lillian lowered her gaze like a criminal.
After a while, Baron Dante brought up another topic.
“By the way, I heard a huge amount of state funds were spent relocating those slum dwellers to a new territory. I’m sure Your Grace had his reasons, but wasn’t that a bit excessive?”
“Exactly. The royal treasury isn’t exactly overflowing. They’re even downsizing the upcoming Sun Festival banquet. And I’ve already bought so many dresses… it’s really disappointing.”
As Baroness Dante joined in complaining, Lillian became increasingly uneasy.
“M-Mother…”
“What? Did I say something I shouldn’t have? We can talk like this among ourselves. I’m only saying this for the Grand Duke’s sake. Someone has to speak up, after all.”
“But…”
She worried he might get angry at them meddling in state affairs they knew nothing about—especially after spending his money. Lillian tried once again to stop her mother.
But then, unexpectedly, Cartan responded first, in a polite tone.
“I understand your disappointment, Madam, but this time it was unavoidable. Security within the capital is an important matter.”
“…I suppose so. And after this Sun Festival, His Majesty will need to marry as well, so wasting the treasury wouldn’t do. Come to think of it, Your Grace must have a lot on your mind too.”
Looking uncomfortable, he merely curved his lips slightly instead of replying. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Baroness Dante clapped her hands and pressed on.
“Oh! Speaking of which, I have a cousin’s niece who’s quite a nice girl—how about her as a bride for His Majesty?”
“Well, it’s true that division within the nation wouldn’t do any good. It would be nice if someone trustworthy were by His Grace’s side.”
Baron Dante subtly probed. Cartan only sipped his tea in response. At this point, anyone with sense should have backed off—but Baroness Dante was in high spirits.
“Oh my, why don’t you take my husband into your service while you’re at it? It’s embarrassing to say this myself, but I really think he’d do well even as a city governor! With His Majesty still young, it’s too much for Your Grace to handle everything alone.”
Only then did Lillian realize the true purpose of this dinner. She nervously watched Cartan—and just as expected, his expression gradually cooled in real time.
What if something terrible happens…?!
It felt like watching a volcano on the verge of eruption. She had to stop it somehow.
“U-Um, by the way, this tea smells wonderful. You must be using excellent tea leaves.”
Her attempt to change the subject was useless. Cold sweat trickled down her back as the atmosphere grew icy.
Someone, please help…!
Clutching her skirt, Lillian trembled in fear. How could she get through this crisis? She almost wished she could simply vanish.
Finally, a deep sigh escaped Cartan’s lips. To Lillian, it sounded like thunder.
“Well… I suppose I could consider it.”
At that point, Lillian became completely confused.
Why isn’t he getting angry?
Perhaps the Grand Duke had a different objective of his own.
