ITETP Chapter 111

* * *

The boarding ceremony for Daiana had begun. On the deck, an orchestra was playing, and the crew was handing out steaming cups of mulled wine to the boarding passengers.

 

“Hello, Dana.”

 

As soon as Dana stepped onto the ship, she was greeted by a familiar face.

 

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

 

It was Rumie Windsor.

 

Dana couldn’t help but admire his appearance, clad in a pristine white naval uniform. Usually, his laid-back demeanor made it hard to take him seriously. He really is a soldier, after all.

 

Under the dazzling sunlight, the numerous medals on his chest sparkled. No wonder Viego had specifically requested him to be aboard. Being the empire’s most popular naval officer, he was the perfect mascot for the ship’s maiden voyage.

 

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Father too.” Rumie took off his white naval cap and gave a light bow. His neatly swept-back silver hair shimmered like a halo.

 

Carl smiled and patted Rumie on the shoulder. “You’ve gotten even cooler since I last saw you, Rumie. No injuries, I hope?”

 

“None. Thanks to you, Father.”

 

“What do you mean, thanks to me? It’s all because of your own merit, Rumie.”

 

The conversation between the two drew the attention of the passengers. On this ship, Rumie and Carl were undoubtedly standout figures.

 

No one would ever think they’re father and son. They’re more like brothers. In fact, there wasn’t much of an age gap between them. Was it only seven years? Rumie became Carl’s adopted son at the age of eight when Carl was just fifteen.

 

A child becoming the father of an orphaned child. This world was full of absurdities.

 

“Rumie!”

 

“Mother.”

 

At that moment, Sandra approached with a delighted expression. Rumie gave Sandra a light kiss on the cheek and smiled warmly.

 

“Mother, it’s been a while.”

 

“Yes, I’m glad to see you looking healthy, Rumie.”

 

Sandra awkwardly averted her gaze when her eyes met Dana’s, who was standing beside her. “I’m not feeling well, so I’ll go to the cabin first.”

 

“Alright, Mother.”

 

Sandra nodded towards the servant.

 

“Let’s go, Yoris.”

 

“Yes, Madam.”

 

As Sandra was about to pass by with the servant, she paused for a moment.

 

“And Carl. You come with me too.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Hurry up and follow me.”

 

Carl, looking puzzled, followed Sandra. The sturdy servant carrying the luggage trailed behind the two of them.

 

At that moment, Rumie murmured quietly. “That servant.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“The man who was assigned to guard Allice at the Windsor estate.”

 

“…”

 

“Looks like he has won over mother’s heart. Seeing as he’s now serving her personally.”

 

Dana felt a chill run down her spine for a moment. He remembered that? Do all soldiers have such keen eyes? Rumie had seen that man’s face for only a fleeting moment amid chaos several months ago, yet he recalled it perfectly.

 

It was then.

 

“Sister Dana! Brother Rumie!”

 

Allice’s voice hit the back of her head like a slap. And Allice wasn’t just alone.

 

“There you are.”

 

Dana’s fingertips tensed up. The moment she heard the man’s voice, she felt a strange sensation, as if her lips were burning.

 

“It’s been a while. Should I call you Colonel Rumie since we’re on the ship?”

 

“Please call me whatever is comfortable for you, Your Highness.”

 

Dana clutched her skirt, then let it go. It’s okay. I’ve been preparing myself for this, so it’ll be fine. She slowly turned her body with a calm expression. But the moment she met his black eyes, she couldn’t help but feel her neck stiffen.

 

The last time she saw those eyes, he kissed her like a madman with a hungry gaze. Even though she bit his lips, he was still out of his mind… And the evidence of that encounter still lingered on his lips, a wound that had been caused since she bit him.

 

“Danae Windsor. You were here too.”

 

With those lips, Raios greeted her. Beside them, Allice, who knew nothing, spoke cheerfully and innocently.

 

“Sister Dana! It’s been a while. How have you been?”

 

Dana felt her stomach churning. But she was keenly aware of the many eyes observing this scene with interest.

 

“It’s been a while, Allice.” So she smiled nonchalantly as if to show off. After all, she was here as the representative of the Windsor family, not as the crown prince’s fiancée.

 

“Thank you so much for gracing the maiden voyage of the Daiana, Your Highness. I hope you have a pleasant and enjoyable journey.”

 

With those words, she naturally reached out toward Rumie’s arm. For a moment, Rumie’s arm muscles tensed as if surprised, but soon, he relaxed and slightly opened his elbow to make space for her hand. Dana smiled as she linked her arm with his.

 

“Brother Rumie and I, as representatives of the Windsor family, need to greet the passengers, so please excuse us.”

 

Raios’s dark eyes followed her hand wrapped around Rumie’s arm.

 

What now? Are you going to cut off Rumie’s arm this time? Like you did with Count Cesar’s pinky finger? That wouldn’t be so bad. A one-armed naval officer would be quite a sight. Dana sarcastically thought to herself as she moved with Rumie.

 

Once they were a certain distance away, Rumie leaned in and whispered, “Are we reconciled now?”

 

“What?”

 

“Do you like me again?”

 

What nonsense is he spouting?

 

Dana looked at Rumie’s face, which was smiling brightly, and then she lifted the corners of her mouth. “How about you, Brother? Do you like me again?”

 

“There hasn’t been a moment I didn’t like you, Dana.”

 

“Aah, I see.”

 

What does he take her for, a goldfish? Forgetting everything just because it’s been a while?

 

Dana responded to his lie with a lie of her own. “There hasn’t been a single moment I didn’t like you either, Brother.”

 

Rumie stared at her with eyes like rubies and then grinned. “Dana, you’re pretty even when you lie.”

 

“…”

 

“Is there something you want from me?”

 

A chill ran down her spine again. How does he know me so well?

 

“…Yes.”

 

But Dana pushed forward without wavering.

 

“Actually, while we’re on the passenger ship, I’d like you to pay special attention to me.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I’ve been receiving threatening letters lately.”

 

“Threatening letters?”

 

“Yes. I don’t think it’s a big deal, but I still feel uneasy.”

 

Until now, Carl and Rumie had maintained a relatively amicable relationship. At least, that’s what Dana thought. But that can’t continue.

 

Carl needed to be left utterly isolated. Not just Sandra, but Rumie too had to be pushed away from him.

 

And more than anything, Dana was curious. Between his shining foster son like a medal and the inheritance rights of his nephew, if Carl had to give up one, what would he choose to let go of?

 

* * *

Miona panted, her breathing growing increasingly ragged.

 

Hair. Just one strand of hair is all I need.

 

Carl Windsor’s hair. She just needed to get one. That’s all! But getting it was so difficult.

 

Since leaving the monastery, Miona had been stuck by Allice’s side, only staying in the imperial place. That meant she hadn’t had a chance to meet Carl.

 

“Miona, what kind of dress do you think Sister Dana will wear to tonight’s dinner party?”

 

“I’m not sure. I’m curious too.”

 

“I brought several options, so you have to help me choose. Got it?”

 

“Of course, Allice.”

 

Now that she was finally in the same space as Carl Windsor, she had to get that strand of hair. No matter what!

 

Right. They said just one strand of hair. Just a single hair from his body…

 

Miona had been through a lot during her time at the monastery. She met many people and learned many things. And it was time to put that learning to use.

 

“Allice.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Um, are you not giving Lord Carl’s clothes anymore?”

 

Allice’s face crumpled at that.

 

“Look, Miona. Please stop. You’re being weird.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Why do you like my dad? It’s wrong. How can you have feelings for a man who’s already taken?” Allice spat out as if it was disgusting. “That’s filthy and unpleasant. It makes me sick.”

 

Miona was taken aback by those words. How could Allice say something like that?

 

“I thought you, of all people, would understand me.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Because you also had a thing for your cousin’s man.”

 

At those words, Allice’s lips tightened.

 

“So, I thought you’d understand my feelings for wanting your mother’s husband.”

 

“…”

 

“I even helped you when you were having an affair behind Danae’s back… I knew it was wrong, but I did it.”

 

“I-I wasn’t having an affair. I truly love His Highness!”

 

“And I truly love your father. I mean it.”

 

“…”

 

“Allice, think about it. If things work out between me and your father, we’ll be a real family, won’t we? Wouldn’t that make you happy, Allice?”

 

Miona grinned widely, showing her teeth.

 

“I’ll be your father’s second wife. We’d be a real family!”

 

Allice’s face turned pale. After that, silence followed. As the quiet settled in, Miona’s mind was once again filled with the thought of needing to obtain Carl Windsor’s hair.

 

“Allice, aren’t you hungry? I’ll go get some snacks from the dining room.”

 

“Ah. Yes. Okay.”

 

Using that as an excuse, Miona dashed out of the room.

 

Where could Carl be? She saw him leaving with Sandra earlier…

 

Could they be sharing the same room?

 

Probably not. They used a separate bedroom in the mansion. So, they wouldn’t be sharing one here, would they?

 

Where could Lord Carl’s room—

 

“Hello, Lady?”

 

At that moment, Miona stopped in her tracks. It was because someone had blocked her path. A man with red hair, strikingly sharp eyes, and an aura of wild charm stood before her.

 

“What are you wandering around for?”

 

His tone was friendly, but perhaps because of his piercing gaze, Miona was frightened and took a step back.

 

“W-Who are you?”

 

“Ah, as you can see,” the man said, gesturing to his attire.

 

Only then did Miona take note of his attire. A crisp white shirt, fitted vest and trousers, and a neatly tied bowtie.

 

“I’m a crew member of the Daiana.” The red-haired man grinned. “It seems like you’re searching for something. Do you need help, Lady?”

 

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