Chapter 5
A brief silence lingered. It persisted until Yann, who had been staring blankly at Valentina, who averted her gaze even after saying it, finally clutched his stomach and erupted into laughter.
His laughter was so contagious that he tumbled off his chair and began rolling on the floor. Observing this scene, Valentina offered a smile, almost as if sighing.
"I had the same reaction when I first heard it."
"Wahahahaha! No, seriously, hahahaha! What on earth! Hahahahaha! What on earth is she up to?"
"She didn't do anything, which makes it even more ludicrous."
"That's beyond ridiculous, damn it! Hahahahaha!"
Eventually, Yann managed to cease his laughter, struggling back to his feet while wiping tears from his eyes. Then, with enthusiasm, he chimed in.
"This is such a slur – an utterly unbearable insult to my friend. In the name of our camaraderie, we must seek vengeance for him."
"Do as I've requested."
"I'll be a devoted ally. Tell her not to worry. Hahahaha!"
Yann exited the restaurant first, about to confront the dimly lit alley.
Holding his aching side as he continued laughing heartily, he abruptly froze in place upon spotting a tall figure leaning against the adjacent wall by the door.
In a moment of silence that felt far deeper than before, Yann somehow managed to mutter.
"How long have you been there?"
"For about 10 minutes."
Really? Yann swallowed a dry gulp and turned away from the old restaurant door with measured caution. Primarily, he had to safeguard his Noona.
"I've heard that eavesdropping on others' conversations isn't a virtuous habit."
"Indeed, it's quite an undesirable habit."
"Are you planning to kill me?"
"I'll evaluate what you're capable of first."
Benya, his expression remaining impassive, exhaled a lengthy plume of cigarette smoke.
Within the midst of the billowing white haze, his pale sky-blue eyes emitted a cold glint. Yann, himself, discreetly produced a cigarette and inquired.
"Let's be frank. It's rather unlike you these days to have refrained from asking questions. It's hardly fair for you to ensnare me in this manner."
"It was equally unusual for you, not acting like your typical self, to not explain this on your own. Quite the shallow friendship we share."
"... I mean, could you stop speaking as if you're hurt like that? I'm well aware I'm not the target of your jealousy, you cunning rascal."
"I was deeply wounded. How do you intend to mend it?"
Yann released a profound sigh and raised both his hands in surrender. Well, the leader of this triad alliance will manage it.
Now that he thinks about it, he doesn't recall ever being instructed to keep it confidential. Even though he doesn't seem to have succeeded in keeping it under wraps.
"Where should I start?"
"From the start. Let's rewind to the point where the two of you began discussing work."
* * *
"There's a prom tonight, and I mustn't miss it~ Ohhh, Sasha! Alright, alright, my eyes have been blessed! How does it feel to see your wish come true?!"
Lethias, who'd been singing in all sorts of manners as he exited the hall, waved his hand enthusiastically and shouted, prompting me to giggle as I descended the stairs.
"What do you mean, my wish?"
"When we were younger, we all planned to attend the court banquet together. Back then."
Yes, that's right. That was the time... Lethias took my hand, his smile widening as he playfully pretended to kiss the back of it.
"My dearest lady! I'm already engaged. Why did you just show up now?"
"Oh, this young lady's affections are also already spoken for."
"What? Who is he?"
"I’m just joking, ahem. Anyhow."
"But you look exceptionally stunning today. I'll need to keep a watchful eye to ensure no unwanted attention comes your way. Hey, Pavel! If anyone tries to make advances towards Sasha, toss them off the balcony."
Mr. Pavel appeared rather skeptical, but he responded in a composed manner nevertheless.
"If the opportunity arises, I'd prefer to toss His Excellency off first..."
"What?"
"No. Even more so, I've been curious as to when you'd wear that dress, and it seems it was tailor-made for you, Ms. Sasha."
At these words, I halted and widened my eyes.
"This dress..."
"It took a discerning eye to fill that dressing room."
The Chief Aide answered, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. However, as I continued staring, he quickly added as if coming to his senses.
"Oh, no, just the outerwear, of course! I swear to God..."
"Naturally, you wouldn't."
"Whatever His Excellency might have to say... Oh, but it appears you have a visitor."
A visitor at this hour? Lethias was supposed to pick up Alfonsina. We turned our heads with curiosity, but before long, waiting and wondering... I spotted the bank apprentice.
To be exact, Pierro. Jerome's son.
Naturally, the Duke of Flame and Fury began growling immediately.
"What, why is that in my house... Hey, who told you to come here?"
"Arf arf arf!"
"What nonsense are you spouting? No, does it sound like a dog barking exclusively in my ears?"
"It's indeed a genuine dog, Your Excellency."
As Mr. Pavel pointed out, the source of Pierro's whimpers in his arms was none other than a puppy.
A real puppy!
After setting down the golden-haired, droopy-eared golden retriever-like puppy, Pierro beamed with an almost bashful smile.
"Hello, Sasha and Hyungnim. My father instructed me to bring it as an All Saints' Day present."
"... And what else?"
"Yes, um, what?"
"But why bring it yourself? What exactly do you want me to do?"
"O-of course, to extend my greetings... So, uh, I couldn't even properly express my gratitude..."
"It's fine as long as you excel at your job. What kind of greeting are you talking about?"
Lethias was acting rather reticent and gruff, but he couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from the puppy wagging its tail at his feet.
Oh, I can sense it. He's itching to embrace the puppy, coo at it, and play with it. Tsk tsk.
"Why don't you pet it, Oppa?"
"I'm not that easygoing... Ahem, it's not like something like this can easily melt my heart..."
"It's a lovely gift. Thank you for bringing it to us."
I said this with a smile, and Pierro's face blushed like a ripe apple.
"No, you're lovely as well... I simply wanted to convey my greetings, after all... Does Madame Sasha also have an affinity for dogs?"
"Is there anyone who doesn't like them? Are you attending the banquet later?"
"Yes, I am. It's the first time I'll be in the Imperial capital's high society since I was young, so I'm feeling rather nervous. I'm concerned I might make a mistake... Nonetheless, I'll give my best effort to avoid that. So, it won't be a problem..."
I could almost hear the Chief Aide holding back laughter as he cleared his throat. In the meantime, Lethias eventually succumbed to temptation and crouched down, thoroughly petting the dog.
Oh dear, he's going all out. So, do you like it? Well, if you like it, then I do too. Just because he made him laugh doesn't mean I'm letting them off the hook.
"Sasha, what should we name it?"
He had claimed not to be easily swayed at some point. Pierro looked greatly relieved by Lethias' shift in demeanor, which now seemed to surrender to the situation.
"I'm glad you like it."
"Who are you saying that likes it? Do I have any option but to accept it? Haven't you overstayed your welcome?"
"Yeah, but I should at least greet the Hyungnims..."
"Who are you calling Hyungnims? We never had a younger brother like you."
"..."
"Are you about to cry?"
"N-no, it's not like that."
Hmm. Truly, a bear with a tender heart. Nonetheless, there still appears to be a cousinly fondness between them.
"Somebody has managed to get into trouble again while I turned my attention away from him for a bit."
Everyone halted our activities, our bodies tensing at the sound of an eerie voice behind us. Predictably, Lethias was the first to speak.
Lethias approached his brother with gleaming eyes, clutching the panting puppy close to his chest.
"Benya, look at this. Isn't it adorable?"
"Put it away. It's smelly."
"How could you say such harsh things to something so cute...! I want to keep it! I'll raise it!"
"Even then, you'll make everyone else do the work."
Not just Mr. Pavel, even Mr. Chaplin, who followed, nodded in agreement at this ruthless assertion. But Lethias wasn't giving up.
"No, I'm taking full responsibility! I'll feed it, take it for walks, and even sleep with it!"
"Chaplin will handle the feeding, and you'll order the servants to take it for walks. Hyung will just sleep with it."
"No, this time I truly mean it! I'm committed to taking responsibility and caring for it! I swear! Sasha thinks it's cute too, right? Sasha?"
"Don't even think about dragging Sasha into this."
"Yeah, but I've even stopped drinking! I'm trying so hard! I'm truly confident this time!"
Benya let out an annoyed sigh, but surprisingly, he didn't continue to resist.
As a result, everyone seemed greatly relieved and started regarding the new addition to our family with the warmest of eyes. How did this situation end up unfolding like this?
"Hahaha. What should we name it?"
"Keep that away from me. It's up to you, Hyung. By the way, what's he doing here?"
Only then did Pierro, who had been looking up at Benya with a blank expression, speak up.
"Long time no see, Hyungnim. So, I delivered the puppy... No, I brought it here as a gift and to express my gratitude... I mean..."
"Yeah, long time no see. Is the job treating you well?"
"What? Oh yes! Very rewarding. Thanks to you, someone like me..."
"Such self-deprecation isn't healthy. Anyway, it seems like it's almost time."
And so, everyone made their way out. Lethias, who handed the puppy over to the butler with a genuinely mournful expression, waved and mentioned seeing us at the palace.
Mr. Pavel and Pierro followed suit. The astute household butler swiftly cradled the puppy in his arms and vanished, as if he was apprehensive that Benya might have a change of heart.
"Sasha."
"Hm?"
"Hello."
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