INWY~108

Chapter 108

“Then… I guess we should part ways for today.”

Riena said this, and Sharon’s eyebrows drooped as she pouted.

Even though it had only been a few days since they last met, they had been chatting almost every day. So a little over an hour together felt far too short to catch up on everything.

Seeing Sharon’s shoulders slump, Riena forced a wry smile. She, too, felt the sting of parting—but there were more pressing matters at hand.

She handed Sharon a thin envelope along with a note containing Benjamin’s address. The night before, Riena had asked Callis to deliver it, using the excuse that someone else might worry if it weren’t sent. Callis had agreed without hesitation.

Riena had even joked to herself, I just hope Sharon doesn’t forget to deliver it, preparing everything so it wouldn’t raise suspicion.

“Sharon… please send this right away. I’m counting on you.”

Sharon carefully placed the envelope into her small bag and nodded energetically, as if to reassure Riena.

“Yes! I’ll send the reply as soon as it arrives, Miss Riena.”

Riena smiled and nodded in return.

“And please give my regards to your aunt. Tell her not to worry about me—I’m doing well.”

The farewell dragged on, bitter-sweet and reluctant. Thinking of how long she might still see Sharon left a faint ache in her chest.

A sudden wave of emotion surged, but Riena quickly masked it with a bright smile. She waved to Sharon as she walked away.

***

“Your Highness—thank you for joining me for this meal today.”

“My pleasure, young lady.”

“Did you perhaps have other appointments…? I worry unnecessarily sometimes.”

“No, nothing like that.”

Dante’s reply was polite but clipped, almost dismissive. He rolled his tongue over his teeth, annoyed. How long would he have to humor this woman?

In truth, he would have preferred to storm out long ago—but he couldn’t. The reason was simple: she was the daughter of the Chancellor. One wrong move, and she would report him to her father. And with the Chancellor already eager to see her married off to Dante, it would only be a matter of time before he barged in.

If not for Riena, he wouldn’t care at all. Right now, she would probably be laughing and chatting with some other girl.

The thought twisted something deep inside him, but it also sparked a small, absurd hope—perhaps her mood would lighten if he smiled.

He swallowed a small sigh and glanced at the dessert on the table.

The cake sparkled in the sunlight, looking unbearably sweet. Dante had no desire to eat it himself… but he knew Riena loved desserts this sweet.

Would she smile like last time if he brought it to her? That innocent, carefree expression still lingered in his mind.

“—Your Highness? Are you listening?”

At that moment, Anaista suddenly intervened, breaking his thoughts.

“Ah, yes. Didn’t you say you started supporting a ballet company, young lady?”

“Yes! With just a little support, I think it could become the finest ballet troupe in the kingdom. Wouldn’t you like to come see a performance with me sometime?”

“Perhaps another time. I’ll be busy for the foreseeable future.”

Dante forced a polite smile, masking his irritation. Since yesterday, Anaista had been pestering him with countless suggestions and requests. He was beginning to grow annoyed.

He blinked slowly, remembering Riena had once invited him to see the garden in full bloom during the day.

“Oh… what a shame. Would it be possible to host a performance by your ballet troupe here at the resort someday?”

“Yes, of course. The guests would enjoy it.”

Dante gave a vague nod, glancing at his watch. If the meal ended early, he would show her the desserts before returning to the annex.

“Your Highness—”

Anaista tilted her head, noticing his distraction.

“Yes, young lady?”

Dante briefly looked up to meet her gaze. Her golden eyes shone brilliantly in the sunlight, always mesmerizing.

Anaista smiled softly. “Being here reminds me of old times. Don’t you feel the same?”

Dante raised an eyebrow. Old times?

Her eyes were nostalgic, almost infuriatingly so.

“Do you remember when we were officially courting?”

Her words erased the faint smile on Dante’s lips. Damn it. He clenched his teeth, recalling memories he had long buried.

Anaista didn’t care how he reacted. She blushed slightly and said, “Those moments we shared together… were the happiest in my life.”

Her smile vanished as she continued, “If only that woman hadn’t appeared suddenly…”

The woman she referred to was Riena, the mysterious and humble girl who had interrupted their past.

Dante frowned slightly and interrupted her.

“Young lady, we only dated for about a month.”

He didn’t say, I only went along because you threw tantrums. During that month, Anaista had been troublesome, but at least he had been able to manage the other women around her. Still, it was only a month.

He had never considered marrying the Chancellor’s daughter, and Anaista’s increasingly irrational behavior had made his head ache.

If only Riena hadn’t appeared…

“Anaista.”

She suddenly called his name, a rare utterance that made her eyes glisten.

“We can start over. That’s why I came here.”

Her tone was soft, pleading, almost like it had been four years ago when they were together.

“If you can’t go to the capital because of the resort… even if it takes years, it’s fine. I’ll stay here with you.”

“I’m sorry, young lady, but I have no such intention.”

“…Dante, don’t be so cold. I didn’t marry anyone while waiting for you. How could you treat me this way?”

“You must be mistaken, young lady.”

His voice turned cold, eyes sharp and unyielding.

“I am being kind to you only for business. I have no intention of rekindling anything with you.”

Anaista’s eyes wavered briefly but then met his steadily.

“Dante… do you have a woman now? Ah, so you do… no wonder, it felt strange.”

“Anaista.”

“Who is she? A noble? Or… like that woman before, unable to break a bad habit?”

“Watch your mouth. If you insult the Duchess any further, I won’t be so polite,” Dante growled, barely restraining himself.

Anaista’s eyes welled up instantly. Her face flushed, on the verge of tears, but she laughed softly.

“Why call her a duchess, Dante? You annulled that marriage yourself, before she even passed away.”

“…”

“I heard you arranged a place for her at the back of Behern Palace, even conducted her funeral. I was impressed, Dante… like those who support you in Behern.”

Anaista folded her eyes in a teasing smile. “La Floriena, wasn’t it? The resort’s name… yes, that’s fine too. That’s part of why I admired you.”

Dante felt no desire to continue this pointless exchange.

“You’re not worth my time, Anaista. I’ll leave. Cool your head a bit, young lady.”

With a cold expression, Dante rose and walked away from the table. Any attempts to appease her vanished instantly.

He didn’t care anymore. The Chancellor would soon arrive, furious over his daughter’s tantrum, but it was no longer his problem. Anaista’s irrational behavior had already spiraled beyond his control.

Dante thought ahead. He would keep Riena in the Master Room, or perhaps at a hidden residence in Behern. There, no one would know except his close aides.

He clicked his tongue in frustration, muttering curses under his breath.