Cesare's comment caused Count Domenico's expression to contort in disbelief. It was the same look of stunned surprise that Eileen had displayed earlier when he mentioned the "dog" .
The Count remained motionless, speechless. Eileen blushed, glancing at Cesare. She hadn't expected to see him again that day, although she knew he had gone to the palace.
Seeing him yesterday and today felt like a dream. Even more so, the man came specifically to meet her.
'I'm so happy to have become the Archduchess,' she thought.
It was surreal to be in that kind of relationship with him. Suppressing the urge to pinch herself, Eileen finally spoke.
I was told you were busy.
"I am, " he replied casually, smoothing Eileen's wind-torn hair with his gloved hand. The contact of the cold leather against her skin made her hold her breath for a moment. Cesare chuckled softly, playfully touching Eileen's nose with his fingertip.
I still have time to visit my wife. Didn't you like that?
Eileen couldn't contain her smile. The blush on her cheeks deepened with the lighthearted, amused feeling. She replied in her soft voice:
I'm glad you came.
Satisfied with the answer, Cesare kissed Eileen's flushed cheek. The touch of their lips, at once affectionate and embarrassing, made her shrug.
Why are you out here if you're not feeling well?
- Oh yes…
Cesare's question startled her from her reverie. Looking at Count Domenico, she noticed that Michelle had already led him some distance away. They were far enough away not to hear the conversation. Then, Eileen stood on tiptoe and whispered in her husband's ear:
He said he wanted to be my dog…!
Cesare couldn't contain his laughter at this revelation. The deeply intense laughter surprised her, until she realized her mistake. She was so eager to finally have someone to ask that to, that she let slip the most peculiar part of it all. Quickly, she finished in a whisper:
— Well, yes… At first I didn't realize it, but the Count was the customer who used to buy the medicines I make. When I arrived at the inn, he was looking for me, and worried that something serious had happened, I ended up revealing that I was the pharmacist.
At that moment, she paused to apologize for revealing her identity without permission. Fortunately, Cesare gently reassured her, stating that it was perfectly acceptable to act as she saw fit.
Feeling more relieved, Eileen continued her explanation.
"Thank you, Your Grace. Then, after that, the Count suddenly declared that he needed to become the Archduchess's dog. Of course, I never asked for anything like that! Is it some kind of social code I'm unaware of? Do you know what it means?"
— We're already married, and he still calls me "Your Grace."
Eileen glanced quickly at the Earl before replying:
— I thought it wouldn't be appropriate to call you by your name in front of others. From now on, I'll only call you Cesare. Anyway, if you know the meaning, please tell me. Michelle doesn't seem to know either…
However, unlike Eileen's seriousness, Cesare couldn't stop laughing. After a moment, still smiling, he replied.
It seems the Count simply wants to show his gratitude.
Although Eileen's curiosity remained not entirely satisfied, Cesare's words were clear enough that she nodded in understanding.
If that's the case, then I'm relieved.
If you don't want an old dog, should I get a puppy?
— What? Oh, I like all dogs. But if you're asking if I dislike Count Domenico, that's not the point…
While Eileen and Cesare continued their conversation, the count, who had been silently observing them, blinked thoughtfully. He glanced at the couple, then at Michelle, silently questioning the situation with a raised eyebrow.
Michelle, engrossed in rummaging through the paper bag, met the count's gaze with an expression that seemed to say, "What's going on?" There was no hint of surprise in her eyes, as if she were used to that closeness.
- There is…
The count let out a dry laugh. He had always believed that Cesare harbored deep affection for his wife. The kiss at the wedding ceremony demonstrated total devotion, as did his ability to compel the President of the Senate to become the Archduchess's "dog." The Count supposed it was simply a matter of the value Cesare placed on his beautiful wife.
However, witnessing a man who seemed as cruel as iron and gunpowder look at someone with such tenderness was unexpected. Any nobleman who witnessed the scene would be deeply surprised.
Cesare's laughter, so spontaneous and genuine, was something one might believe existed only in fairy tales.
The public image of Archduke Erzet was marked by contrasts; many saw him as the god of war himself, not only because of his extraordinary appearance but also because of his unparalleled strength.
Cesare was universally admired. Even when his gaze turned fierce, it was interpreted as the rugged intensity of a soldier, a quality appreciated by many.
However, those who had glimpsed even a fraction of the man's true nature knew not to be deceived by his handsome appearance. He was devoid of human emotions, incapable of feeling pity, love, sadness, or regret.
The nobility generally believed that, although Cesare's cruelty stemmed from his nature, it was largely shaped by his circumstances.
The twin princes' biological mother harbored a deep hatred for Cesare. She blamed him for losing the Emperor's favor and, obsessed with superstitions, believed that cursing the child would allow her to regain her position.
She subjected little Cesare to all sorts of terrible witchcraft. The baby was covered in fresh animal blood while lying in magic circles. Once he was forced to sleep inside the belly of a live, freshly opened black goat. He was also forced to ingest hallucinogenic herbs, including aphrodisiacs. Little Cesare was locked for days in a dark room without food or water. Despite these tortures, he miraculously survived. When all this cruelty seemed to fail, his mother sent the young prince to the battlefield.
Generally, the sons of high-ranking nobles were kept safe in the rear to gain experience. However, due to his mother's influence, young Cesare was thrown into the front lines, where he experienced the horrors of war firsthand.
He survived countless campaigns and accumulated achievements and honor. And so, Caesar finally caught the Emperor's attention.
However, this only marked the beginning of new misfortunes for the poor child. Proud of the capable prince, the emperor began sending him on the most dangerous missions. To survive on the battlefield, the boy killed many soldiers; thus, the man's life was sustained by the blood of others, it was natural that Cesare would grow up with a cruel disposition.
When the twin princes won the civil war and took the throne, Count Domenico was enormously relieved that it was Leone, and not Cesare, who was crowned Emperor.
No matter how skilled a commander he may be, a man devoid of human emotions cannot be a ruler who truly cares for the people of the Empire. Fortunately, Cesare had shown little interest in politics until then.
But that changed. After causing a stir in the Senate with his demand for the construction of the Arch of Triumph, Cesare rapidly expanded his influence, bolstered by the unwavering loyalty of the imperial army. The nobility became increasingly wary of him…
Watching Cesare laughing happily with his wife, Count Domenico felt that perhaps he understood the reason for this transformation.
It was a reflection of himself. He too became Kalpen's spy out of love for his wife. The difference was that it was Cesare, making it all absurdly unbelievable.
After observing the couple for some time, Count Domenico let out a soft sigh. He was grateful for the chance to repay his benefactress. The memory of almost having harmed her still sent a chill down his spine.
If he had followed King Kalpen's orders, his ailing wife would already be dead.
But fate granted him an opportunity for redemption. And he vowed to repay his debt with all the strength he had left.
By Eileen, Archduchess Erzet.
To be continued…