Chapter Title: A World Too Beautiful to Know
Adèle had three meals that day, and each one was delicious. Dinner consisted of reginette with octopus and tomatoes, accompanied by a sole fillet with spinach. Dessert was ricotta gelato, sweeter than anything Adèle had ever tasted in her life. It was a perfect and dazzling world.
"…" Suddenly, a tear rolled down her cheek. Adèle let it fall unchecked.
_It would have been better if I had never known such a world existed._ Without a single sob, she pulled the blanket over her head, hiding her tears.
---
In Cesare's office that evening, he sat at the walnut desk, smoking a cigar.
"Is she usable?" he whispered. The quiet of the night made his low voice resonate with particular weight. Epony, standing across from him with a lantern, placed it on the desk and straightened.
"She is."
"Really?"
"She is intelligent. She learns quickly—almost immediately—after being told something once. Despite seeing valuable things, she shows little desire, suggesting she is not greedy." She continued, "She follows my gestures without hesitation, indicating she adapts well. Since I told her to speak informally, she has never once used formal speech with me."
Cesare's eyes narrowed, and the lantern's light sparkled in them like shooting stars. Despite the warm glow, his gaze was extremely cold.
"Epony, you seem to think highly of her."
"I will correct my report if new information comes to light."
"No, I see the same. She does seem quick-witted." Cesare propped his chin on his hand and laughed softly. "And?"
"She has a strong appetite and shows great interest in food. Currently, her thin frame is not a problem, but we may need to control her diet later. And…" Epony paused, which was unusual, drawing Cesare's full attention.
"I found signs of physical abuse on her body."
"Hmm. A scarred pearl is of lesser value." Cesare laughed with a frown, showing no concern for Adèle herself.
"…" Epony thought that if Cesare actually saw her body, he might react differently. Bruises covered her emaciated frame like mold on a thin fishbone. She nearly frowned. The wounds indicated intentional, severe beatings. It was surprising her frail body hadn't broken. But Cesare wouldn't appreciate a sentimental report. Epony swallowed her thoughts.
"Fortunately, the wounds will heal with consistent treatment, and there were no major injuries such as deep cuts. Once she gains weight, she will be quite beautiful."
"She's already beautiful. It's just a pity she's my sister."
"…" Epony's eyebrows twitched. Having served Cesare's mother, Catarina Schroeder, she considered Cesare almost like her own son. And no parent welcomes their child's debauchery.
"Young master…" As Epony showed signs of beginning a lecture, Cesare quickly put on a playful smile.
"I didn't mean I would actually touch her. Treat her wounds properly. Even though Della Valle's second son isn't impulsive, he might want to inspect her."
"You mean Ezra Della Valle? You plan to marry her off to him?"
"Ezra would like her, given how uptight he is." Cesare laughed softly, biting down on his cigar. There was faint mockery in his smiling golden eyes. Knowing how much Cesare disliked Ezra's rigidness, Epony held back her words.
"I understand."
"Continue attending to her. You may go." Cesare waved his hand dismissively. But Epony did not leave immediately, hesitating for a moment. When his raised eyebrow met her gaze, she spoke.
"I apologize for the presumptuous question. But… is it alright if the young lady does not meet the Elder?"
"It's fine, naturally."
"Young master…"
"Epony." Cesare stood. His broad shoulders stretched, making the room seem darker for a moment. He smiled like a playful predator.
"She's a woman I plan to kill once the arrangement with Della Valle is settled." Epony's expression remained calm; she already knew this. The plan was to eliminate her in an "accident" once the agreement with Della Valle fell apart. Originally, they had intended to use a fallen noblewoman. But luckily, a pitiful shoe shiner—a very pretty one—had come along. Adèle thought this was an opportunity. She had no idea she had met the king of devils, with mouths and stars in his eyes.
"But this woman who will die will bear the Bonaparte name."
"There's no need to worry our dear Eva unnecessarily. Besides, tomorrow, the person who will teach my sister arrives, so make sure everything is ready." His tone made it clear he would entertain no more questions. Epony looked at Cesare's now-serious face. His playful smile and dimples usually made him seem very charming. But without them, he had a remarkably ruthless appearance. Even Epony, who had known him since he was very young, found it difficult to approach him in such a state. She quietly changed the subject.
"…Who will teach her?"
"Mrs. Flavia Loredan." A short gasp escaped her.
"It will be difficult."
"It will." Cesare smiled gently. In his mind, he pictured the shoe shiner with her calm expression and beautiful, mermaid-like hair.
"My sister will have to endure well."
---
Adèle woke at dawn. It was a habit from living in poverty.
_It's time for the boats to return._ When the fishing boats came back after a night at sea, Pellegrin Street would host a party of scaled creatures—the fish market. Adèle went there once or twice a week, offering to help the vendors. Sometimes, someone would give her fish scraps. Rarely, she was given a proper fish to eat. Those were feast days for Adèle and Clarice. In the island nation of Santnar, meat from four-legged animals was expensive, and fish was the only meat Adèle could afford.
_I can eat whatever I want now._ Adèle waited for morning to come, lying beneath the covers. Epony came to wake her later than expected.
"Did you sleep well, miss?"
"Yes."
"Shall I assist you with washing?"
"Yes, please." Adèle followed Epony to the bathroom. A white porcelain tub sat in the pink-tiled room.
_I was so shocked by this yesterday._ Adèle had never bathed in a tub before. She had never even used warm water for bathing. Fortunately, Epony hadn't noticed her shock, thanks to her naturally stoic expression.
"Shall I add myrrh to the water?" Epony asked, holding up a small glass bottle. It smelled pleasant, so Adèle nodded. Epony sprinkled myrrh into the hot water and helped Adèle into the tub. The warmth enveloped her skin.
_It smells nice…_ As she soaked with her nose just above the water, Epony began to wash her.
_Knock, knock._ A hurried knock sounded at the door. Epony quickly adjusted her rolled-up sleeves and skirt and went to answer it.
"What is it?"
"Epony, it's urgent…" The one who had knocked was a maid from the inner palace, dressed in a black cotton dress and white apron.
"Right now…"
"This is absurd…" They whispered in hushed tones, their words tumbling together like scattered rice grains. Then Epony turned to Adèle with a tense expression.
"Miss Adelaide, I must leave for a moment." Epony left the bathroom with those words. She returned a few minutes later, looking flustered.
"A guest has arrived. You must finish washing." Something urgent. Adèle quickly got out of the tub.
"Towel."
"Here, dry yourself… No, there's no time. Put on your robe immediately." Epony looked rushed. Adèle noticed a loud commotion coming from the reception room next door.
"Where is she!" A shrill voice rang out.
"That is Mrs. Flavia Loredan. She will be teaching you." Epony hastily explained while tying Adèle's robe tightly.