TFR 66

chapter 66

Dantès was a man who stirred Demeteria Peril’s possessive instincts. She had never once thought that she could not have him. From the moment she was born, Demeteria Peril had no other goal than to sit beside the Emperor.

Yet, that man always left her restless. Day by day, he grew more imposing, seemingly reborn each time. Why would a man as magnificent as Dantès try to slip out of her grasp? They were becoming an increasingly fitting pair. Among the young ladies of Senreita, only Demeteria Peril matched Dantès’s stature—in appearance, knowledge, and lineage. Demeteria knew that she lacked nothing to be a member of the imperial family.

Then why had she never captured Dantès Belkin’s attention, not even once? Even that poor fugitive Roberto Brida had managed to.

“It’s fine. He’s dead now, and for the Emperor, only Delion matters. Soon, having Dantès Belkin will mean having me.”

Demeteria believed that once he recognized a woman’s charms, he would not be able to escape her. He might spend the entire day buried in dresses, following only her. That day would surely come. She clenched her hands tightly, then released them.

Andre laughed aloud as he answered Marco’s question.

“Do not misunderstand me, Sir Griffin. What could be lacking at a party hosted by the Griffin family alongside the Imperial House? But this is a meaningful event, marking the end of a long pursuit.”

“I think the misunderstanding is on your part, Duke Peril. This party isn’t to celebrate Roberto Brida’s execution; it’s for the knights who triumphed in the ambush against the Terzes Kingdom army.”

Marco’s words were sharper now. Dantès interjected as if to calm him.

“Marco, Duke Peril didn’t mean it that way.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“He merely wished to express that the prolonged pursuit was tiresome.”

Demeteria smiled gently, deliberately, as she observed Dantès’s cold gaze toward the Peril family. It was her turn to speak. She had long learned that there was nothing better for easing tense atmospheres than a soft smile.

“Your Majesty, my father meant no such intention. He only wished to fulfill a request from his daughter. Just as the Imperial House and the Griffin family strive together, I also wanted to contribute even in a small way.”

Dantès fought back the words rising to his throat: Who do you think you are? But he restrained himself. Demeteria’s words implied that she already considered herself part of the imperial family.

Marco discreetly observed Dantès. Demeteria’s words could have sounded presumptuous, yet they weren’t wrong. She had been the strongest candidate for Empress for the past few years; there was no one else for the position—at least until Rosellina came into the picture.

Unlike Cesario, Marco considered several possibilities. The choice was ultimately Dantès’s, but he could not help but compare the attention Dantès now gave Rosellina to the way he treated Demeteria.

“It just requires untangling the complications and some time for forgiveness. If Demeteria claims the Empress position before then, so be it.”

Marco smirked at the thought. He carefully managed his expression as he continued.

“Miss Demeteria, you are truly kind. No one asked you to think this way, yet you volunteered to help.”

Demeteria found Marco’s tone irritating but maintained her smile.

“No, really, I haven’t done much. I only wished to do my best where I am, so I hope there’s no misunderstanding, Sir Griffin.”

Marco sensed a sharp edge beneath her smiling face. She had once feigned innocence somewhat, but now she no longer felt the need to pretend. She had become a thoroughly political young lady—the kind befitting the famed Peril family. Marco continued with a composed tone.

“Do you have something specific in mind? How would you like to help, Miss Demeteria?”

“I thought our family could prepare the desserts to decorate the tables at the party, using recipes I created myself.”

Though Demeteria spoke shyly, she delivered her words firmly. The Duke Peril’s face brightened with pride, evidently pleased at the excellent talent he had raised.

However, Dantès’s voice immediately extinguished that smile with resolute authority.

“Apparently, Duke Peril didn’t tell you. Recently, a prisoner’s meal was poisoned, so the Imperial House will not accept external food.”

“Your Majesty, but—”

“This is to prevent Miss Demeteria from being implicated in any unfortunate incident. I doubt Duke Peril wishes that to happen either.”

Demeteria felt momentarily frozen. It had been a carefully resolved case, and no one would have suspected her of involvement, no matter the pursuit. Yet meeting the Emperor’s sharp gaze made her swallow hard.

“Your Majesty is right. I was short-sighted. In that case, how about floral decorations, which my daughter excels at? They are essential for enhancing the banquet hall’s atmosphere, and I am confident no one in Senreita knows flowers better than Demeteria.”

Marco quickly assessed Dantès’s expression. Even he seemed reluctant, but completely crushing the Perils’ enthusiasm would yield no benefit. Allowing them to take pride on the party day could actually aid in tracking the culprit.

“Your Majesty, since Duke Peril and his daughter are so eager to help, I think floral decorations are acceptable.”

At Marco’s signal, Dantès ceased his attempt to speak and nodded.

“Make sure it doesn’t look too extravagant.”

“Yes, we will coordinate carefully with the Griffin family.”

Marco’s remark made Demeteria smile even more brightly.

“Your Majesty, thank you. We will prepare it with care.”

“With your skill, it will be beautiful even without utmost effort.”

“Your Majesty, you flatter me.”

“Then let’s leave it at that.”

Dantès wanted to end the conversation quickly. The more he met Demeteria, the less any attraction he felt; giving her unnecessary opportunities unsettled him. She knew she was merely a politically strong candidate. He had promised nothing in the Imperial House’s name.

Of course, Dantès recognized the need for a political marriage. He knew she was the most suitable candidate. Yet each time Demeteria acted shy, as if wanting to please him, he felt a twist in his stomach.

Leaving aside political concerns, he sometimes wished he could propose a fitting match for her himself. She was beautiful, flawless, but her perfection felt burdensome—like a doll crafted solely for Dantès, sending shivers down his spine.

She acted and spoke in ways designed to please him. She learned only the virtues necessary for an Empress, displaying them to solidify her position. Everything was too perfect.

“Your Majesty, if it is not rude, may I tour the banquet hall? It’s been so long that I cannot recall the atmosphere well.”

Dantès nodded and summoned Milan.

“Milan, Miss Demeteria wishes to see the banquet hall. How is it now?”

“It may be a bit hectic, Your Majesty. The maids are redecorating.”

Hearing “maids,” Dantès’s demeanor shifted immediately. He pressed Milan for details.

“What work is being done?”

“As discussed with Sir Griffin, the curtains are being replaced entirely, and a thorough cleaning is underway.”

“Who is overseeing it?”

“Lady Vanessa, the First Maid, is managing this banquet hosted by Sir Griffin.”

Demeteria rolled her eyes, noticing Milan’s detailed briefing compared to their prior conversation. As First Maid, she was likely to be in charge if a new Empress appeared.

This is a good opportunity. I can familiarize myself with her face. If she’s troublesome, I’ll replace her in advance.

Demeteria smiled brightly at Milan.

“I actually like it. I want to see the preparation process.”

Marco quickly added a comment.

“I should come too. We chose the curtain colors together, but I don’t know what fabric was finally decided. I trust Lady Vanessa’s taste, but just in case.”

Demeteria responded with a polite smile. The cunning Marco clearly sought to limit her freedom. As she considered how to handle him, Marco spoke again.

“Your Majesty should join as well. It would be good for Miss Demeteria to see the Imperial banquet hall with you.”

Demeteria’s face flushed at the unexpected suggestion. She had assumed Marco would shadow her to restrict her, but perhaps this was merely a sincere proposal. Dantès paused thoughtfully, then responded.

“Very well.”

Demeteria beamed at Dantès’s simple reply. Marco smiled along, seeing an amusing scene unfold and a chance to leave a marker in Dantès’s heart.