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Chapter 14
A childish quarrel deserves a childish revenge.
‘This time, you can be the one to suffer.’
With a silent inner thought, Calliope raised her hand.
Immediately, Sylvia approached and bowed.
Normally, Sylvia wasn’t in charge of serving meals, but she had come to the dining room out of curiosity to see the rumored Seventh Prince in person.
Calliope glanced at Lerazier.
He was preoccupied, engaged in a conversation with Archibald, and didn’t notice her.
“There’s something only you can do.”
“Just say the word.”
Calliope whispered something in Sylvia’s ear.
Sylvia’s eyes sparkled as she listened. She nodded firmly with a determined look on her face.
“Leave it to me, my lady.”
With a dependable response, Sylvia quickly exited the dining room.
Calliope popped a freshly cut piece of steak into her mouth. The juices burst, spreading a rich flavor.
‘So tender.’
It tasted exceptionally good today.
She slowly savored the food on her plate, smiling with satisfaction.
She was looking forward to what would come next.
Calliope saw it clearly.
The moment Lerazier spotted the cake in front of him, a stunned expression flashed across his face—like someone who had just been slapped.
She barely held back a laugh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had carrot cake,” said Archibald, smiling gently. He liked the cake.
Unlike someone else at the table.
“My grandfather likes it, so I ordered it specially for today.”
At Calliope’s words, Lerazier sharply turned his head toward her.
Quick reflexes, but he still seemed uncertain.
“Rosa really liked this bakery’s cakes. It brings back memories.”
The bakery had been around since Archibald’s youth. It held memories of his wife as well.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking more about Rosa as I’ve been considering marriage for you. Thank you, Calliope.”
Archibald took a forkful of cake and ate it. As he reminisced, a look of happiness crossed his face.
Calliope also tasted her piece.
‘Perfect.’
This bakery was known for emphasizing the bold flavor and texture of real carrots.
She could feel the pieces of carrot clearly.
Then she glanced at Lerazier’s plate.
As expected, he hadn’t even touched his cake.
Calliope pressed her lips together to stifle her laughter and calmly cleared her throat.
“Your Highness, is something the matter?”
Her question drew Archibald’s attention as well, his expression puzzled.
A crack formed in Lerazier’s previously indifferent expression.
It might have looked subtle to others, but Calliope noticed it immediately.
Lerazier was flustered. And a little irritated.
“Or perhaps the dessert doesn’t suit your tastes?”
“No, not at all.”
Caught off guard, Lerazier quickly denied it. Then, as if to prove his point, he picked up his fork.
“The cake looks almost too pretty to eat. I nearly lost my chance admiring it.”
His fork pierced the smooth carrot cream topping in an instant.
A moment later—
He sampled the cake with the most graceful posture imaginable.
Calliope was stunned.
‘…Impressive.’
He clearly hated carrots, yet he didn’t let a single emotion show while eating it.
One bite would have been understandable—but Lerazier finished the entire cake.
Every last crumb.
Even the way he silently placed his fork back on the plate was flawless.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin, then looked directly at her.
The moment his lips curled into a slight smile, Calliope realized something.
‘This bastard.’
He knew about her prank—and he’d cleaned his plate on purpose, just to show her up.
“It was delicious.”
His golden eyes glinted like a beast’s as he stared her down.
It was a provocation.
That cool composure and haughty air stoked Calliope’s competitive spirit.
‘So you want to go all the way?’
Both of them hated losing more than anything.
A temporary marriage alliance wasn’t enough to tame their fierce rivalry.
If they could control themselves, they wouldn’t have become such bitter enemies in the first place.
Lerazier silently mouthed a challenge.
‘See you later.’
‘Hah, you think that scares me?’
Calliope gave a quiet snort. This ridiculous contest was tilted in her favor anyway.
Luckily—or perhaps unluckily—they didn’t have to wait long.
Archibald suddenly remembered an important task and excused himself from the table.
“Apologies, Your Highness. I must step out for a moment.”
“No problem, Duke.”
“What is it? I’ll come—”
Calliope tried to follow, but Archibald stopped her.
“It’s rude for the entire family to leave when we have a guest. Please stay with His Highness.”
And just like that, with Archibald gone, dinner was over.
The seasoned attendants cleared the table and set teacups before them.
“Please enjoy your conversation.”
Sylvia tactfully gathered the rest of the staff and left the room.
It was almost as if she were setting the stage.
Click. The door closed, and the two were alone.
Lerazier smirked.
“I didn’t think you were this petty.”
“I’ve just realized it’s best to match the level of the person I’m dealing with.”
He stared at her in disbelief.
But Calliope just shrugged and smiled smugly.
‘…No winning with her.’
No point clinging to a lost cause. Lerazier decided to concede gracefully.
“Alright, let’s end it here.”
He raised his hands in mock surrender.
“But from now on, I’ll decline this kind of prank. Not very fun—”
“I enjoyed it.”
Cutting him off, Calliope leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. Her arrogant pose was almost charming.
Lerazier’s sharp eyebrows twitched.
‘So that’s how you want to play it?’
Childish games require childish responses, after all.
‘Then I’ll play along.’
“Calliope Verdi.”
Lerazier tilted his head and crossed his long legs. Then, with a sly smirk, he said,
“You must not know—strawberry shortcake is what’s trendy in the capital these days. Carrot cake is a bit… old-fashioned, isn’t it?”
“What?”
A blatant jab at her choice of dessert.
Calliope was about to snap back, but Lerazier beat her to it.
“And Calliope, I, the Emperor—”
“Hey!”
“—promised not to bring that up. No conditions, remember?”
“…”
“If you get to dish it out, you should be ready to take it, too.”
This time, Calliope was the one left speechless.
Lerazier didn’t miss the chance to poke at her pride.
“Don’t tell me the Calliope Verdi is going back on her word? I didn’t think you were so petty or small-minded.”
It was a good move.
Calliope couldn’t stand even the smallest blemish on her honor—or her family’s.
“…I’ll keep your dislike of carrots a secret. Happy now?”
Just as expected, she reluctantly accepted his demand, clearly annoyed.
It was a successful negotiation—though neither party felt satisfied.
“Looks like Grandfather will be a while. Want to leave first?”
“No. I’ll wait.”
“Good. Then let’s talk about what comes next.”
Calliope straightened up. Lerazier’s playful expression faded.
“Do you remember what my grandfather said earlier?”
Lerazier quickly realized which part of the conversation she was referring to.
