Chapter Title: The Automaton
"Gigi."
"Yes."
"When we return, look into whether any of the previous Bonapartes ever established policies regarding Kimora."
Gigi looked at Cesare, his response a bit delayed.
"Understood."
When they returned to the Bonaparte mansion, it was noon. Cesare changed his clothes and headed to the dining room. On the way, he received a report from the butler, Ernst.
"Lady Lucrezia Della Valle has arrived."
The old butler's tone carried a hint of doubt.
"Yes, I invited her."
Cesare reassured Ernst and then opened the dining room door. At the end of the long mahogany table, two women were seated on either side of the head seat.
"Ce-Ce-Cesare..."
One was the ever-foolish Lucrezia. The other was...
"Good morning, Brother. Did you sleep well?"
His shoeshine-girl-turned-sister, Adelaide. Adelaide was wearing a dark blue silk dress he had chosen for her. A ruby necklace glittered brilliantly above the square neckline that revealed her collarbones. Her eyes were gentle. She even smiled at him, as if nothing had happened between them. However, Cesare noticed that her fair cheeks were slightly rough.
*Did she cry all night?*
Ignoring the thought, Cesare smiled.
"Peace be upon the goddess. Sorry to keep you waiting. The inspection took a bit longer than expected."
"N-No, it was... pleasant."
The foolish Lucrezia stammered. Her cheeks were red, as they always were when dealing with him.
"We were just talking about Miss Adelaide's debut yesterday... You attended, right?"
Lucrezia's eyes sparkled. Cesare knew her purpose but still smiled as he sat at the head of the table.
"Yes, it's a necessary event if she wants to step into society."
Cesare glanced at Adelaide. Knowing that yesterday's incident wasn't entirely his doing, he was curious about her reaction. However, Adelaide's expression didn't change much. Instead, she looked at him with annoyingly soft eyes.
"Thanks to you, Brother, I was able to get through it safely. I was a bit nervous and embarrassed myself, but in hindsight, it was a good experience."
Cesare smiled with exasperation, finding it ridiculous.
"You were crying your eyes out for that."
Adelaide hesitated, lowering her eyes.
"I haven't quite shed my country bumpkin ways yet... I'm just sorry."
Her unusually quiet demeanor felt like a mockery to him. The debut was a rite of passage necessary to become a member of high society. He could have given her a heads-up, but he didn't owe her any consideration either. Though it was a bit, just a bit more intense than a usual debut. Cesare smiled bitterly and waved his hand. The servants began to bring in the food. The antipasti was grilled eggplant with lemon oil.
As the meal began, Lucrezia continued to pester like a mad squirrel.
"L-Lord Cesare... A-After lunch, how about a walk...?"
Every time Cesare wanted to flip the table and chase her out, he reminded himself of the luncheon's purpose and smiled at her.
"Sure. I should thank you for responding to Adelaide's sudden invitation."
Although he cleverly shifted the host of the invitation to Adelaide, she didn't intervene, seemingly already aware.
"N-Not at all... I'm glad to become friends with Miss Adelaide..."
Lucrezia said with a pretty, silly smile towards Adelaide.
"I'm really looking forward to your debut in society. There are many wonderful ladies in society, but you must remember me, okay?"
Adelaide smiled faintly at this.
"It's my honor to ask. I'd appreciate your guidance. Although I can only meet you at the Bonaparte mansion until my debut, I hope you understand."
Lucrezia's face brightened even more.
"Of course! That's what friends are for, right? Gathering like this and having conversations is my greatest joy."
Listening to their conversation, Cesare's dimples deepened. She might be a woman crazy for love, but as a member of high society, her message delivery was impeccable. This way, it was an unspoken agreement not to bother Adelaide in the future. The meal remained peaceful as all three had achieved their goals. It seemed Cesare was the only one in a foul mood. Cesare didn't bother hiding it, maintaining a cold silence. For him, spending time with Lucrezia was already a significant act of generosity. Lucrezia seemed aware of this, as she asked kindly,
"What's your schedule for the rest of the day? The Signoria meeting is tomorrow, right? My father always talks about you when he returns from the Signoria meetings, saying you always come up with ideas that shine like mirrors in sunlight."
"That's very kind of him."
"Are you holding a cavalcade for your birthday party this year as well?"
"We'll see."
The second course was poached salmon with thinly sliced potatoes and green beans. The chef seemed to have put in extra effort, knowing Lucrezia was coming. The shoeshine girl, who must have lived on food scraps all her life, might be surprised. Cesare took advantage of the moment Lucrezia was searching for a new topic and looked at Adelaide.
Contrary to his expectations, Adelaide was calmly and politely handling her utensils. She wore a faint smile, but that was all. There was no trace of the vitality he had seen in her honey-colored eyes before. Even when dessert was served, Adelaide's demeanor remained the same. She picked at the cake for a few bites and then put down her fork.
"..."
Something inside him felt both cold and quietly boiling. Cesare's face became expressionless, and Lucrezia, noticing this, stopped speaking to him.
After lunch, Lucrezia quietly headed towards the portico. She was a quick-witted woman.
"It's not good to overstay my welcome. I'll leave with good memories and a bit of regret."
She said, gently taking Adelaide's hand. Her lavender eyes curved kindly.
"Miss Adelaide, I think we can become wonderful friends. Don't you agree?"
"Of course."
Adelaide replied calmly. Lucrezia smiled brightly and looked at Cesare. Her white cheeks flushed pink again.
"L-Lord Cesare, I had a wonderful time today..."
"..."
Cesare, who had been taking out a cigar, paused. If he was going to do it, he should do it right. He sighed and then leaned down, lightly kissing both of Lucrezia's cheeks.
"Take care."
"...!"
Despite his cold words, Lucrezia's eyes swelled like bubbles. With a face flushed red, she shouted,
"I-I will take good care of Miss Adelaide!"
Cesare, who had been cutting the end of his cigar, paused and frowned with a smile. He needed to correct this.
"Assist, you mean."
"Ah...! Yes! Assist...! I will assist her...!"
Lucrezia didn't seem to care about the words. She climbed into the carriage and left with a face as red as a ripe tomato. Now only the two of them were left in the portico. Lighting his cigar, Cesare looked at Adelaide. Adelaide had watched him kiss Lucrezia's cheeks and the Della Valle carriage leaving with indifference. However, when their eyes met, she quickly smiled sweetly.
"Thank you for inviting Miss Lucrezia. I've always wanted to speak with her again."
Cesare stared at her for a moment, then threw his cigar on the ground.
"What's the problem?"
"Pardon?"
Cesare walked towards her with determined steps and stood right in front of her. Adelaide flinched for a moment but then looked up at him calmly.
"I don't understand what you mean."
"Hah."
Cesare scoffed and leaned in. Adelaide didn't avoid his approaching face. Her neat features, tinged with sadness, still wore a smile. He didn't like that either. Cesare lowered his gaze and whispered threateningly,
"I'm asking what's the meaning behind your annoying attitude."
Adelaide, still smiling, replied like an automaton.
"Do you dislike my attitude?"
"You think I would like you acting like that?"
"If you tell me what you don't like..."
"You'll do as you're told?"
"Yes."