INWY~65

Chapter 65

There was no reason to stay any longer once the conversation was done. Evan rose neatly from his seat. There were plenty of things he was curious about, but none were urgent right now.

As Dante pressed the end of his cigar into the ashtray, he suddenly spoke again.

“While you’re at it, I want you to keep the possibility of a mastermind behind that case in mind during your investigation.”

“I was already planning to. From what I can see, the Chancellor’s side seems just as suspicious.”

“The Chancellor’s side, hmm?” Dante raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. “From a police officer’s point of view, that almost sounds like you’re saying I’m just as guilty.”

“Well… I suppose Your Grace would know that best. You’re quite the capable businessman, and you seem rather used to threatening or roughing people up when needed.”

Ah, so that’s what he wanted to say. Dante let out a quiet laugh, responding as if the comment were too bland to bother him.

“How unfair. I haven’t done anything illegal. Smuggling and loan sharking aren’t really to my taste.”

“I’ll look into it regardless.”

“From now on, don’t come here directly. Send word through telegrams like before. But don’t route them straight through the Behern Palace—use an intermediary. I’m sure you know how to handle that much.”

It would be troublesome if word spread that an officer was frequently visiting the Behern Palace. Evan’s eyes flashed briefly with disbelief.

“I’m a police officer, Your Grace. We do undercover operations and secret investigations all the time—nothing we can’t manage.”

“When you retire from the force, you should open a detective agency. It’d suit you perfectly. As long as you wrap up my case properly, that is.”

“What do you mean? Once I solve the case and catch the criminal, the next person I’ll be looking into is you, Your Grace. So please, refrain from any illegal business in the meantime.”

Despite the man’s rudeness, Dante didn’t bother to argue back. It was the kind of indulgence he granted only to someone who shared the same goal of catching the culprit.

***

Time passed quickly, and the long-awaited day of the resort’s grand opening arrived.

Riena sat before a pile of gift boxes, letting out a heavy sigh. They had been delivered the previous day by none other than Callis, Dante’s aide.

“Good day, Lady Riena. Are you feeling any better?”

“Ah… yes, thank you. But… what are all these?”

“His Grace sent them. Tomorrow is the resort’s grand opening, and he sincerely hopes you’ll attend.”

“…Me? No, Callis, I—”

Before Riena could finish her refusal, Callis swiftly carried the gift boxes inside, stacking them neatly in her home as he spoke.

“I’ll side with you over His Grace, my lady. Do as your heart tells you.”

“…”

“I’ll come to escort you tomorrow evening. If you truly don’t wish to go, just leave a note on your door. I’ll leave quietly.”

With a polite bow, Callis hurried off to his car and drove away before she could protest. Efficient and precise—just as one would expect from Dante’s aide.

Now Riena sat staring at the unopened boxes as though locked in a silent standoff with them.

They were all wrapped in fine paper and delicate ribbons, each varying in size and weight. After a moment, her shoulders sagged. What was the point of glaring at them anyway?

With a resigned sigh, Riena opened the largest box.

As expected—it was a dress. This hopeless man truly meant to invite her to the opening.

She carefully lifted it out, only to let out a soft, helpless laugh.

The pale-blue chiffon fabric shimmered faintly in her hands, so light it rustled like air. There were no embroidered flowers this time, but tiny beads were stitched throughout, sparkling even from a distance.

It was beautiful. Exquisitely beautiful—but…

“So, it is exactly his taste.”

Riena’s expression melted into a wry smile. It felt strange, almost embarrassing—like he was boldly flaunting his preferences through her. She found herself laughing again, half at him and half at herself for giving in so easily.

Placing the dress back into the box, she began to untie the ribbons on the others.

Inside were perfectly matched shoes, gloves, and—of course—a necklace glittering with jewels far too extravagant to wear casually.

Each piece screamed luxury, the kind of finery only the richest of nobles could afford. It was excessive, even for him.

As Riena traced her fingers over the precious items, she sighed again.

***

Meanwhile, Dante—already dressed and ready—sat in the master’s room instead of his usual office, receiving the final morning report.

With only a few hours left before the ceremony, every detail mattered. It was the last round of inspections.

Callis, reading through the report, was nearly parched with nervousness. He kept glancing up at Dante as he spoke.

Dante, in his perfectly tailored black tailcoat and neatly slicked-back golden hair, looked effortlessly regal. The calm authority he carried made him all the more striking.

Even now, he listened with casual indifference, occasionally nodding—his demeanor the very embodiment of a man long accustomed to command.

By contrast, Callis was tense and sweating. Yet the Duke’s unhurried composure somehow eased him as he continued.

“That concludes the report, Your Grace,” Callis finally said, exhaling after over an hour of nonstop updates—on guest rooms, amenities, banquet menus, floral arrangements, and the orchestra schedule.

Dante showed no hint of fatigue. Compared to his duties managing Venachert’s vast estates and businesses, this resort event was child’s play.

Just as Callis was silently admiring his composure, Dante suddenly spoke.

“Riena.”

“Pardon?”

“If she said she isn’t coming, forcing her would only make her upset, wouldn’t it?”

“…”

Callis blinked, unsure he’d heard right.

Has he been thinking about that this entire time? Was he even listening to my report?

Dante frowned slightly, deep in thought, then murmured slowly,

“If she doesn’t want to come, at least try persuading her once more.”

“…”

“It wouldn’t make sense for La Floriena’s grand opening to happen without Riena, would it?”

Though he addressed Callis, it sounded more like he was speaking to himself.

Callis was stunned. The way Your Grace spoke—it almost sounded as if Riena were the mistress of the resort.

***

Knock, knock.

Riena was fastening one of her earrings when she heard a polite knock at the door. She rose, holding the other earring in her hand, and went to open it.

Click.

Callis stood there, smiling warmly as he bowed.

“I’ve come to escort you, my lady. There was no note on your door, so I thought I’d check. Shall I wait a little longer?”

His eyes subtly swept over her—relieved to see that she was wearing the dress and jewelry from the boxes instead of her usual clothes.

Riena flushed slightly and shook her head.

“No, I’m ready. It’s just…”

She trailed off, fiddling with her earring, unsure how to put her unease into words. Was it really all right for me to go?

But Callis seemed to understand without needing her to say it. His smile deepened reassuringly.

“There’s no need to worry, my lady. His Grace has taken care of everything. Those gifts were sent because he truly wanted you to attend the opening.”

His gentle, confident tone dispelled her hesitation.

After a brief pause, Riena nodded—then quietly stepped outside.