Chapter Title: The Chairwoman
The flapping of a butterfly's wings in the Signoria initiated by Cesare resulted in a storm that reached Adèle a few days later. Adèle was enjoying a leisurely break after a hearty lunch when Epony approached her with a pale face.
"Miss, the Chairwoman has come to see you."
"…What?" Adèle replied a beat late.
"The Chairwoman has come to see you."
"…" Epony repeated herself. Adèle blinked several times, unable to find words to respond.
"Not 'summoned,' but 'come to see me'…"
"Yes. She said she's sorry for coming without notice and that it's all right if you take your time to get ready."
"…" Every word from Epony left Adèle increasingly flustered. The fact that the elder of this great family had come to see Adèle, who was nothing more than an outsider, and that she apologized for coming without notice, was all shocking. Epony's words grew more hurried with her own unease.
"I told her that you needed time to prepare your attire and suggested that it would be best to meet in the 'Star Room.'"
"All right. Go tell her that for now."
"Yes." Epony quickly disappeared in the direction of the drawing room. Adèle closed her book and stood up.
"Sir Aegir."
"Yes." A man who had been standing quietly behind her answered. Adèle looked at him. The young man in a black cloak, holding his black cocked hat over his chest, met her gaze expectantly. He had been assigned as Adèle's bodyguard following the ballroom incident.
"You've heard, right?"
"Yes."
"Should you accompany me to meet the Chairwoman?" Aegir responded in a low, rough voice.
"It is the lord's order that I stay by your side at all times. However, since the Chairwoman requested a private meeting, I cannot escort you in." His answer carried significant implications. Adèle nodded in understanding. At that moment, Epony returned, walking briskly.
"Miss, I'll help you get ready." Adèle and Epony headed to the toilette room, while Aegir waited outside, unable to enter the ladies' quarters.
"Was it planned for her to come this suddenly?" Adèle asked, sitting at the dressing table and letting Epony handle her hair.
"No. The lord intended to keep you hidden from the Chairwoman until the time was right."
"Then why now…"
"It seems it's because the lord publicly announced your existence in the Signoria."
"She came because my brother announced me?"
"Yes. In society, approaching someone before they are 'announced' is considered impolite unless they are close." Adèle felt puzzled. It sounded as if Cesare and Eva were not on good terms. Epony's face showed a touch of bitterness, as if understanding Adèle's thoughts.
"…I know it might seem strange. I can't tell you everything, but your guess is correct. They are not on bad terms, but they do not interact much." Adèle nodded, ending the conversation. In fact, the relationship between Cesare and Eva had indeed seemed odd from the start. Cesare was known to be devoted to his grandmother, Eva. It was a widely known fact in Fornatie. Newspapers had even made a big deal out of the fact that he built an opera house for her. However, Adèle had never seen the two of them together in the mansion. At first, she thought it was because she rarely left her room. But it wasn't. The two genuinely had no contact.
"The Chairwoman wants to hear more about Cesare."
"It was the usual report—the one sent to the Chairwoman about the lord." And then there was the fact that Eva received regular reports on her grandson's everyday activities. Adèle initially thought this was because Cesare's hold on the family's power was still tenuous. But that was entirely false. Cesare had complete control over the mansion.
"…" Thinking about Cesare made her briefly recall the incident in the bedroom, which annoyed her. He had seduced her, gotten excited, then coldly changed his attitude and smirked. _The crazy rake._ And he was annoyingly handsome. When he approached with his crescent moon-shaped eyes, her mind had momentarily gone blank. It was the first time she had seen his tear mole so close.
_Still, he's just a perverted, womanizing scoundrel._ He got excited when she said she disliked him. Why? She understood why, but it made her angry that he thought she would fall for it.
"Hoo."
"Do you know about the Chairwoman?" Epony's question cut through her thoughts. Adèle looked at Epony through the mirror with a neutral expression.
"I know what's publicly known."
"I advise you not to show too much emotion. Also, do not lie. If you find it difficult, just remain silent."
"All right."
"The Chairwoman is likely aware of the 'prank.' She probably knows why the lord brought you here."
"All right. Just help me dress. I shouldn't keep her waiting too long."
"Yes." Adèle looked at herself in the mirror. It was time to meet the grandmother of that crazy Cesare.
---
In front of the "Star Room," Epony and Aegir stayed outside the door. Adèle took a deep breath and grabbed the doorknob. The heavy door opened smoothly without even a sound of brushing against the carpet. The full view of the "Star Room" was revealed before her eyes. The "Star Room" was one of the most exquisitely beautiful rooms in the Bonaparte mansion. When Adèle had first learned the layout of the inner palace and visited the "Star Room," she had unknowingly let out a gasp of admiration. The room was made entirely of black marble. Blue lapis lazuli stars, symbolizing Bonaparte, were carved between the marble. Around the stars were small, milky, polished stones embedded like a milky way, exuding a dignified elegance. The room was unusually dark for the always temperate Santnar, but when sunlight streamed in, the tiny gems embedded in the walls reflected the light, making the entire room shimmer brilliantly. Eva Bonaparte was brewing tea in the center of the room. _Clink._ Her short, neatly cut white hair fell just above her ears. In her youth, it was likely the same bronze color as Cesare's. Her sharp nose and profile resembled Cesare's. She was wearing a simple indoor outfit—white with a green arabesque pattern. It gave a modest impression, but Adèle did not let her guard down.
_Letting your guard down means death in Kimora._ Adèle slowly stepped forward, her shoes sinking into the black carpet adorned with shamrock patterns.
_"Again. Your head is wobbling."_
_"Again! Think of yourself as a tree and walk!"_
Elegantly. As if lightly treading on water. The teachings of the now-probably-deceased Flavia were indeed excellent. Adèle silently praised her as she came to a stop at a suitable distance. _Clink…_ Eva looked up from her tea.
"…" Her bright golden eyes, reminiscent of Cesare's, looked at Adèle. Their eyes met, and after a moment, Adèle gracefully bent her knees.
"May the goddess's peace be with you."
"…"
"It is embarrassing to introduce myself so late. I am Adelaide Bonaparte." It was customary for the elder to acknowledge first, but Eva's case was slightly different. This was something Epony had informed her of beforehand. Eva continued to scrutinize Adèle with her clear, water-like gaze typical of the elderly, even after Adèle finished her greeting. Then, slowly, Eva reached out. She picked up a notepad and pen from the table. _Scratch. Scratch._ The sound of the pen scratching paper echoed in the room. After a moment, Eva turned the notepad around to show Adèle.
_[May the goddess's peace be with you. I am Eva.]_