Chapter 1
ℂ𝕒𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕔𝕚𝕠
There were approximately fifty lantern-shaped red fruits, each the size of a fingernail, meticulously dried and sealed in a transparent glass jar.
Following the instructions, I carefully peeled off the crinkled skin using the tip of my fingernail and placed it in my mouth.
"Ugh. What is this? It's so bitter!"
Regardless of how beneficial this bitter concoction might be for the body, this bitterness was quite overpowering!
Valentina, with her arms crossed, observed my teary-eyed reaction and burst into laughter.
"That's Legistra Herb. These days, acquiring it has become quite challenging due to the difficulty in cultivating it from its dry seeds. Those who are aware of its value are even willing to pay thousands of ducats for it. Just endure the bitterness for a little while."
"So this Legistra... Do you truly believe eating it has such an effect?"
"It's somewhat akin to that. It functions like a master key against all kinds of deadly poisons. If you consume one piece daily for approximately three weeks, you'll develop a tolerance. Going beyond that could be hazardous, so don't be tempted to take more."
Right. I had just inquired if the Night Butterflies had any special remedies only they knew about. I hadn't expected them to produce something like this.
It wasn't merely medicine; it was a unique, endangered plant. The realism of this place was so intense that I momentarily forgot I was in a fantasy world.
"Thank you. How long does this tolerance usually last?"
"It varies from person to person, but usually about three to four months."
"That's still great. Are there any side effects I should be cautious of?"
"As I mentioned before, prolonged use is risky. Back in the day, when people were still unfamiliar with it, I heard they used to boil it and drink it for cosmetic purposes. It ended up making people look unhealthily thin and pale, so its popularity waned."
The side effects seemed reminiscent of mercury. As I gazed curiously at the lantern-like fruit, Valentina added in a casual tone:
"Oh, and I heard it was also used as a contraceptive. But I assume Sasha has no plans in that regard..."
"Of course not!"
Blushing, I stowed the vial in my purse, and Valentina stopped chuckling, playing with her pocket knife instead.
When the button was pressed, a blade sprang out, while the lower part of the handle could be employed as a lighter. It was a souvenir I had bought at the hunting festival.
"I've heard there were quite a few disruptions during this hunting festival."
"One could say that not even the nobility is immune to family conflicts. And the Serpente was no exception."
"That's understandable. But why does it seem so significant that the Count lost an eye, much like the duke?"
Well?
I had confided some of my plans to Valentina, but I hadn't yet shared our history.
Does she truly know nothing about it? If my instincts were correct, Yann already knew. And Valentina had never probed into the Serpente brothers' past.
If she asked...
"Valen, is there something you wish to inquire about?"
"I'm not prying for information. I've heard about Sasha's fall into the lake there. What happened to you? I had a hunch, but it seems evident that those humans wronged you in some way in the past."
"So, would it sound cliché if I said I seek revenge?"
"No. I'm just wondering if the foolish second prince who borrowed money from Sasha and those events are somehow linked."
I rose from my seat, put on my coat, paused, then lowered my chin. Valentina cleared her throat and feigned a roll of her emerald eyes.
"As you know, I'm obligated to know every little detail of Sasha's life..."
Well. Guess who isn't the Queen of the Underworld? A lazy smile tugged at the corner of my lips, my shoulders relaxing.
"Do you know where the second prince spent the money?"
"He squandered it consistently at the casino. But that's not the crucial point, is it?"
"Exactly. The crucial point is that my targets for revenge are intertwined with your rival Fibonacci, and the second prince lies at the apex of the Fibonacci."
"How can you be so certain?"
I didn't anticipate that either. In the original work, he was portrayed as a character who was somewhat entangled with the Night Butterflies, as is often the case with the wayward royal family members.
I never expected him to hold such significance.
"Firstly, the individual who poisoned me during the opening ceremony is that individual."
Valentina's expression literally froze.
"That..."
"It would take quite some time to explain. Regardless, of whether it was a warning or a jest, it's evident that it was a maneuver to provoke a reaction from our side. The events that occurred at this hotel on the first night I returned home shared a similar nature. Perhaps he desired a clash with the club."
"..."
"Nevertheless, our side remained surprisingly calm, so he personally approached me to assess the situation... In short, due to his resentment towards his elder brother and his brother's associates, he transformed into an immature fool, supporting efforts to eliminate the Night Butterflies. Rather than engaging in all that work, he chose to scrutinize me."
"... oh my god. Are you implying he wasn't as simple as he seemed?"
"Indubitably, he wasn't as simple-minded as he appeared."
In fact, he extended to a degree that even Juan would seem innocent. Although their naivety differed in unexpected ways.
"For now, only Valen and Yan are privy to this. We are allies, after all."
As I added with a smile, a blend of confusion and skepticism crossed Valentina's usually solemn countenance.
"What is your plan, then?"
"I will divulge that once I've made some progress. For the time being, let's make our way to the bank."
Today was a settlement day, occurring once a month. Typically, the bank dispatched its own representative, but today, I opted to visit in person.
Valentina, who had maintained silence until we left the office and entered the hotel lobby, finally spoke up.
"So, is the item you won at the auction the reason you're here?"
"... It appears to be quite serviceable."
Standing at the entrance was none other than a bicycle. The wheels were larger and had an unusual design compared to the bicycles I knew in my previous life, yet it was unmistakably a bicycle.
One needed to pedal to make it move, and I had secured it through a bid for 400 ducats. Surprisingly, riding it in a dress was comfortable, and its speed was rather satisfactory.
"Did you ride this to work today?"
"Yes. It turned out to be unexpectedly enjoyable. Valen, you should try it, just this once..."
"I-I prefer horses, to be honest."
Laughter escaped as Valentina, who seemingly had no fear, waved her hand hastily.
We strolled onward and reached the Python Bank, conveniently situated adjacent to the hotel.
Upon entering the building with its elegant silver curves, we were greeted by a colossal statue of the first Duke of Serpente and Python knights adorned in elaborate uniforms.
Night Butterflies in uniform; their salutes were remarkably credible.
The sight of suited bank tellers bustling about always invigorated me.
Soon, it was time for me to head directly to the specialized lounge, settle my accounts, and leisurely exit the splendid hall embellished with ceiling frescoes.
"Oh, M-madame Sasha? What brings you here?"
What had brought me here indeed? I turned around and offered a smile. A young man in a polished suit emerged, cheeks turning pink as he clutched a stack of papers.
His tousled platinum hair and round jade-colored eyes exuded innocence as if he were still quite young.
"I came to settle my accounts. How's your work progressing?"
"Oh, yes, absolutely... I'm putting in my best effort. It's truly rewarding. It's something I enjoy, so you can count on me."
"Oh my, if anyone overhears you, they might think I'm your employer."
As I said this playfully, his flushed face turned even redder. Oh, dear...
"O-of course, the Hyungnims gave me the opportunity, but... But I understand that it's all thanks to Madame Sasha. I promise to repay you the favor."
"There's no need for that. Just give your best in your current role."
"I-I genuinely intend to give it my all, even my life."
What would a bank teller's apprentice be willing to lay down their life for? I could sense Valentina struggling to hold back her laughter.
Truly, it's a comedic twist to have the Viscount and his son address me as "Madame."
"Oh, I didn't see you during the hunting festival. Speaking of which, is your father all right?"
"Ahaha, there's much for me to learn... Thank you for your concern. He's fine. In fact, I heard you were nearly in an accident due to my cousin, but I apologize on her behalf. She's still quite immature..."
"It was just a minor mishap. There's no need for an apology."
"Still... Next time, I'll make sure to keep a watchful eye on Madame Sasha so she doesn't end up in any trouble. Oh, and of course, I'll also diligently focus on my primary tasks."
With a smile and a farewell, I departed from the hall. As Valentina and I descended the marble steps and strolled through the well-kept garden, she commented under her breath.
"I feel it every time I see him, but he's quite the earnest young man."
"I know, right."
"He's distinctly different from his father. He's almost pitiable, tsk, quite pitiable..."
"Hmm, are you suggesting I'm considering harming that innocent young lad?"
"Are you not?"
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. Not for the sentimental and cliché reason of sparing their innocent offspring. Pierro and Flor needed to remain alive until the very end.
"Speaking of which, Valen, I have a small favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"Could you send a package for me?"
"That's no trouble at all. Where should it be sent?"
"To Count Vivora."
Valentina glanced at me momentarily, studying me, then a faint smile curled on her lips.
"You're not planning to stir up trouble again, are you? That young lady's temper doesn't seem to dissipate easily."
"Isn't she adorable? Anyway, don't worry, I won't cause any commotion."
"Of course, you won't. Especially when there's an apprentice so infatuated with Sasha diligently keeping an eye on her."
"Stop teasing me so much."
Comments
Post a Comment