TGDHC Chapter 106

Chapter 106 — A Very Special Sauce

That evening’s banquet gathered the main members of the Rondoris delegation, including Count Paccio, as well as myself, Perel, and several Blenheim officials.

On the surface, the mood was warm, but every exchange of words carried hidden barbs.

Perel had warned me in advance:

“Count Paccio is very skilled at using his surroundings and situations to his advantage. He’s excellent at cornering people with just a few words. Some even say the reason the Kingdom of Rondoris has such influence despite its size is because of Paccio, their Foreign Minister.”

That was why Paccio enjoyed deep trust from the Rondoris royal family, especially Princess Felianes.

“We had hoped to welcome Blenheim’s delegation to Rondoris instead,” Count Paccio said smoothly, cutting into a piece of tender veal.

“In truth, everyone already knows Goldrain well. It’s famous and familiar to us. So why bring us all the way here?”

He was implying there was nothing new to see in Blenheim.

“I suppose one day we should return the visit,” I said calmly.

“I do hope you’ll accept our invitation, Your Grace,” Paccio replied with a polite smile.

“In Rondoris, you could enjoy endless opera and theater. Surely life here in the north has been terribly dull. How have you managed?”

“It’s not as boring as you think. The north has many pleasures, and now a brand-new shopping district too. In fact, if you enjoy opera, you’ll love the musical fountain. Isn’t that right, Perel?”

“Absolutely, Your Grace,” Perel said eagerly, backing me up.

“After all, Blenheim is the only place on the continent with a musical fountain.”

“With you praising it so highly, I’m truly looking forward to seeing this district,” Paccio said, lips curving.

“When I first heard of it, I doubted it. Rumors tend to exaggerate, after all.”

Then, with feigned concern, he added:

“And speaking of rumors… about Your Grace as well… what nonsense some people spread. To see such elegance in person, I feel I should apologize on their behalf.”

I forced a smile.

‘No need to remind me of how awful my reputation once was.’

“Well, everyone has two sides, don’t they?” I blinked innocently.

“Even the gentlest creature will bare its teeth if it’s attacked.”

‘So be careful not to get bitten yourself.’

“Ah, blood tells after all,” Paccio chuckled loudly, as if at a fine joke.

“You take after your father the Marquis—bold and unrestrained.”

At that, every Blenheim official stiffened.

“You knew my father?” I asked.

“I met him a few times. During the Beast War, I even sought him in the capital for aid.”

He deliberately emphasized “Beast War.”

“The Marquis was so unyielding in negotiations, I suffered greatly. He never sent reinforcements, after all.”

Paccio swept his gaze over the officials, reminding them of whose daughter I was.

“He was a man with much to teach.”

Some of the delegation glanced nervously at me.

Perel looked ready to explode, but I held him back with my eyes and gave Paccio a cold look.

“To say I resemble the Marquis—that’s rather harsh.”

“…”

“I take after my mother.”

Pfft. Someone couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Best to point it out clearly.’

Some weren’t sure if I was joking or serious, but the sharp mood loosened just a little.

“And I’d prefer if you looked at the present, not the past, Count,” I added with a gentle smile.

“In any relationship, it can’t be one-sided. You must know this, or you wouldn’t have taken charge of this delegation yourself.”

The meaning was clear: Rondoris needed trade with Blenheim just as much as we did. Our domestic market was their largest customer.

‘Don’t act like we’re the ones who should bow.’

I fixed him with a firm look.

“Someone with your keen eye wouldn’t judge by mere rumors, would you? Not in business, diplomacy… or in judging people.”

“You flatter me, Your Grace,” he said finally, raising his wine.

“I shall take your words to heart.”

The tension eased a little, just in time for the main course to be prepared.

I already felt drained.

‘I wish this would end quickly.’

I was just thinking I’d eat fast and be done when—

Hhh.

I barely held back a groan.

‘Why does my stomach hurt all of a sudden?’

It wasn’t mild. A sharp pain twisted through me, my head spinning as though dozens of needles stabbed my gut.

Had I eaten something bad?

But everyone else looked fine.

I hadn’t eaten much all day, too busy…

‘Wait.’

Before the banquet, I had visited the kitchen to check on preparations.

That was when I heard Janet had caused trouble there.

“Leta was injured? Call Hossen! No, maybe Enol would be better?”

“Lord Whitley already arranged special ointment from the physician. Thankfully, the guard pulled her back quickly, so she wasn’t hurt too badly.”

I’d been too worried about Leta at the time to think. I’d only resolved to deal with Janet afterward.

But now…

‘Why did Janet suddenly go to the kitchen? And right when the delegation’s banquet was being prepared…?’

If she tampered with the food while everyone was distracted—

But I hadn’t eaten anything there.

“!”

The sauce.

Chef Berni had added a special Rondoris spice to the steak sauce. I’d tasted half a spoon.

‘Only a little… but still.’

What had she put in it?

At least it wasn’t lethal poison.

‘She wouldn’t dare try to kill both the delegation and me outright.’

But if the delegation ate steak and all collapsed with stomach cramps, tonight’s banquet would be ruined.

“Your Grace, are you alright?”

Perel noticed my pale face.

“You’re sweating.”

“Perel,” I whispered so only he could hear.

His face went white.

The pain in my stomach kept worsening.

Outside, footsteps approached—the main course was about to be served.

Perel quickly signaled Whitley to stop them.

Whitley, sharp as ever, sent a discreet gesture to the footmen, who turned back with the steak trays.

He hurried to Perel, who whispered rapidly.

“I’ll handle it,” Whitley said grimly, leaving at once.

They needed time until replacement dishes could be prepared.

“Count Paccio,” I said, forcing a smile.

“Before the main dish, why don’t we enjoy a cleansing wine together?”

“Gladly, Your Grace.”

Unaware of the danger, he nodded.

I prayed I could endure, my insides twisting tighter.

The servants returned with wine prepared earlier for before-dinner drinks.

“Ah, Tibere wine?” one of the delegation said, delighted.

“This has become rare, even in Rondoris.”

It was a specialty wine I’d arranged to have imported.

Their pleased comments barely registered.

My fingertips tingled, my hands slick with sweat. I wanted to collapse, but leaving now would be unforgivable.

“The aroma is wonderful,” one minister remarked as glasses were refilled.

‘Can I endure until the end?’

The steak, then cheese and wine, then dessert and tea…

‘At least another hour.’

The pain came faster and sharper now.

My trembling hands could hardly hold the glass.

‘Gods, please, just grant me the strength to last until this is over.’

Just then, one of the ministers asked where I had gotten the wine. I clenched my teeth, forced a smile, and carried on the conversation.