Chapter 46: A Web of Lies
“Oh!”
Fine exclaimed as the fork clattered to the floor.
“Sorry.
Could I get a new one?”
“Ugh, you’re as clumsy as ever.”
Grumbling, Reina stood and walked to the sideboard, where the bell to summon a maid was placed.
‘Now’s my chance.’
While Reina’s attention was elsewhere, Fine swapped their teacups.
The bell chimed—ring, ring—and Reina returned.
“They’ll be here soon.”
“Thank you, Reina.
That’s helpful.”
Fine smiled sweetly.
“This tea is delicious.
You should try it.”
“Oh, thank you.
I will.”
Fine picked up the cup originally meant for Reina and sipped slowly.
Reina watched intently, and once Fine drank, she relaxed and began sipping her own tea.
Her throat moved as she swallowed.
A knock sounded, and a maid brought a new fork.
After the maid left, Fine spoke.
“By the way, I went on a trip with my husband recently.”
“A trip?”
“Yes.
The earth spirit recommended a secret spot, so we went to check it out.
The sea was gorgeous—such a lovely place.
It’s barely known, but there are plans to develop it as a resort.
You should visit sometime, Reina.
We’re thinking of building a villa there.”
“Really?
Where is it?”
“Want to know?
Hmm, it’s a secret…”
Fine tilted her head, feigning hesitation.
The gesture stoked Reina’s curiosity.
“Come on, we’re sisters.”
“True.
Okay, but it’s a secret, alright?”
Fine leaned in, whispering to Reina, who looked drowsy, her eyes glazing over.
“Theze.”
Fine named a barren wasteland with nothing to offer.
*
Meanwhile, Banaji and Hawk had moved to the parlor, sharing drinks.
“I was shocked to hear there’s a diamond mine in Rosaider.”
“Yeah, surprised me too.
Life’s unpredictable.”
Hawk took a single sip from his glass.
“Playing innocent?
Classic Hawk Rosaider.
Always airtight, even back in school.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Hawk frowned, eyeing Banaji.
Banaji snorted.
“Don’t play dumb.
You proposed to Fine to use her, didn’t you?
A diamond mine in Rosaider?
Your plan worked perfectly.
Who knew her plain Divine Blessing had that kind of power?”
Banaji leaned back, palms up.
“You got engaged to Fine right after we broke off.
Suspiciously fast.”
“Didn’t you get engaged to Reina just as quickly?
Look who’s talking.”
Hawk retorted coolly, but Banaji kept grinning.
“Even Vittore’s war god is just a man swayed by greed.
Fine’s personality is dull, but her beauty’s perfect for showing off, right?”
‘This is more infuriating than I expected.’
Hawk clenched his fist under the table.
He wanted to challenge Banaji to a duel and slit his throat, but Fine wouldn’t want that.
Hawk restrained himself.
“By the way, can you keep lending me Fine?
It’s selfish to hog that kind of power.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“Not for free, of course.
I’ve got a lucrative tip.
A certain area’s about to be developed into a major resort.
Invest, and you’ll profit.”
Banaji lowered his voice, whispering.
“We’re family, and our houses—margravate and dukedom—are Vittore’s finest.
Let’s work together.”
Hawk stayed silent for a moment before speaking.
“I’ll think about it.”
Cooperate?
Never.
Fine and Hawk saw the Diner Dukedom as an enemy.
No need to tell Banaji that.
Watching him fall into ruin would be entertaining enough.