TFR 64

chapter 64

“Why don’t we officially invite them to Marco’s social party? Since the Terzes Kingdom seems to be moving toward accepting the conditions we set.”

“That’s not a bad idea. During this social gathering, the nobles will naturally try to bring up Dantes’ marriage anyway, so we could subtly shut down that topic at the same time.”

When Marco offered his suggestion, Gunter spoke with a note of skepticism.

“Argon is unmarried too. How can he stay clear of marriage talk?”

“No, Argon wouldn’t bring up a political marriage with Dantes. Seriously, you…”

Marco gave Gunter a frustrated look and began to explain calmly.

“We just shift the topic entirely toward Terzes. There was a big battle not long ago, and the knights coming from there won’t exactly have friendly eyes. How could anyone bring up marriage there? Even the Duke Peril would hesitate to mention it casually.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Marco’s right. If we present a bigger diplomatic matter, everyone will naturally focus on that. But it’s not just about blocking that topic. By inviting them under the pretext of a social party, they’ll have to send lower-ranking representatives. That way, we can make more use of the people we’ve planted there.”

“So Cesario means we should use this opportunity to uncover Terzes’ officials who haven’t been exposed yet?”

“Exactly. We can also double-check those who are already known. There are multiple advantages.”

Dantes calculated the problematic points in his mind. He had mentally prepared for discussions about marriage—it couldn’t be delayed any longer. But was Demeteria Peril really the best choice?

Since the start of this expedition, he had felt completely lost. Demeteria was a noblewoman with no shortcomings as a candidate for empress. Even though he tried telling himself repeatedly that he needed to consider his own status as someone different from ordinary young men, his heart kept rejecting the idea.

He felt no attraction to her. The thought that he might have to spend the rest of his life with her brought both frustration and guilt.

“Let’s resolve the issues with Terzes and the Black Tower first. Stay rational.”

Dantes prioritized the problems in his mind. Rosellina was deeply involved, but he preferred to think otherwise.

Depending on Prince Argon’s attitude, the direction of the discussion could change greatly. However, Dantes didn’t want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Holding a social party, as Cesario suggested, was better than inviting them for official negotiations.

If they could formally apologize about the matter in front of the knights, it would also help cleanse the unsettling atmosphere within the order.

“Let’s proceed as Cesario suggested. Let’s see what Prince Argon brings to the table.”

Dantes spoke calmly. When his mind was cluttered, he chose the more efficient course of action. “Wait. Argon’s quite the handsome guy, right? Nice personality too. Won’t he steal the hearts of all my beautiful ladies?”

“Worrying for nothing…”

Cesario gave Marco a mildly irritated look at his carefree comment. Dantes added with a slight smirk:

“No matter how handsome he is, he won’t be able to match the way you treat the ladies. Don’t worry.”

“That’s true. As long as Conny doesn’t wear the same outfit again, it should be fine, right?”

When Gunter mentioned Conny Tourjac, Marco shouted, “Ugh!” and grabbed his head.

“Don’t even bring up Conny. That devil. Why does he do this? He hangs around every tailor shop I visit. Such a pervert!”

“If it annoys him that much, just get clothes from Alfredo. He’s made far too many anyway.”

Marco’s face lit up, almost jumping with joy.

“Really? If it’s Alfredo’s clothes, that cursed Conny won’t be able to match them. No one else can make them the same!”

“Cesario and Gunter should also leave it to Alfredo. There’s just too much clothing to waste. The royal tailor kept complaining about being idle—it was unbearable.”

Dantes winced at the thought of the talkative Alfredo. Cesario gave a faint smile and continued.

“When the empress arrives, these problems will decrease. The dresses require more effort, and the empress has to change multiple times a day depending on guests.”

“So for now, you two can harass Alfredo a little. I’ll tell Milan. Take measurements, and if there’s a good design, just go with it.”

“No! Alfredo will make everything differently according to our looks. Phew, I was so worried. Thanks, Dantes. You’ve eased my mind.”

“It’s better to use the royal banquet hall for the venue. Prince Argon will be there… and we can also monitor those people Cesario mentioned.”

“The Griffin family will be honored if His Majesty allows it.”

Marco spoke playfully with courtesy, and Dantes chuckled. Dantes, who hadn’t thought much about the royal hall, suddenly thought of Rosellina. She couldn’t attend if it were hosted by the Griffin family, but it was different at the royal palace.

The image of Rosellina in a dress crossed Dantes’ mind, though he couldn’t picture her clearly. The servants’ clothing was almost like nuns’ habits, very conservative, far from the extravagant attire of young ladies.

“What do the maids wear at parties? The same clothes? Or different colors than usual?”

Dantes pondered briefly. Marco was busy explaining his perfect vision for the social party, invitations, and other details, while Gunter chimed in supportively.

Locking eyes with Cesario, Dantes tried to hide his thoughts and spoke.

“What’s the public opinion on Roberto’s punishment?”

“It’s more effective than expected. We’ll need more time to be sure, but no one seems intent on digging deeper.”

“Keep observing. The atmosphere around the royal family is unusual.”

Even while imagining Rosellina in a dress, Dantes kept his concern about the palace’s unclear atmosphere to himself.

No matter how close Cesario was, he couldn’t read his mind completely.

“It’ll go smoothly. I think it’s something we have to go through at least once, Dantes.”

Cesario’s words, meant as comfort, made Dantes nod. He wasn’t overly worried. Any obstacles in his path could be swept aside. Though he would need patience until things became clear, issues related to Rosellina weren’t as frustrating.

Rosellina was unpredictable. She constantly caused him to worry, manipulating him, yet looked at him innocently… still, she was the one person he didn’t resent. Dantes let out a small sigh thinking of her. Cesario poured him a drink, offering comfort.

“Everything will be fine. We’ll help.”

Thinking of problems no one could help with, Dantes smiled weakly. His cup emptied quickly.

“Ugh! You crazy wild dogs! Don’t chase me! Ugh!”

Monterno ran wildly through the underbrush. Behind him, ferocious wild dogs barked and chased him. Their mouths were black, snouts long, with sharp fangs jutting out and drool dripping from their lips.

Desperately, Monterno ran through a small pond. Fortunately, the medicine he held in his hand dispersed into the water, preventing the dogs from crossing. He lay on the ground, catching his breath.

Unlike goblins, these scavenger dogs couldn’t be reasoned with. They routinely attacked and devoured any moving animal. Monterno seemed to fall into the same category.

The dogs dipped their paws in and out of the pond, drooling as they eyed Monterno. He stumbled backward, pressing his back against a large old tree, sweat soaking his body.

Hawks that had been following Monterno from the sky descended near the pack of dogs. They circled for a while, then approached Monterno. He focused on their words, looking into the radiant eyes of the hawks.

Soon, a smile spread across his face.

“Really? She wasn’t just killed? Not a woman either? I see. I understand now.”

The terrible news of Roberto Brida’s execution had reached Monterno, but he couldn’t believe it without seeing it himself. After quick inquiries, he found the forest where the body was said to have been thrown. Security was tight, but no one minded a frail boy. Searching with the hawks, he ended up being chased by the wild dogs.

Having dealt with goblins before, he had been too confident about outrunning dogs—a mistake.

“Looks like I almost became the dogs’ meal instead of my sister.”

Though Monterno thought this, he couldn’t smile fully.

She was alive. She hadn’t died. Then, somehow, he would meet her again. Smiling, the hawks rubbed their heads against his hand before ascending back to the sky. The dogs whimpered incongruously with their size before returning to their territory.

Alone in the deep forest, with no hawks or dogs around, Monterno laughed out loud.