Cesare opened the glass dome, exposing the relic to the outside air for the first time in centuries. It was a risky move, as exposing the artifact could damage it irreversibly.
Nevertheless, he proceeded without hesitation, confident that the relic would withstand the display.
He raised the pen to the moonlight. Its golden surface still shone, radiating a faint glow as if sprinkled with gold dust, twinkling like a star with each touch of the moonlight.
It looked exactly like when he offered her as a burnt offering to turn back time.
Recalling the bloodstains that once marred the pen, Cesare slowly raised his gaze to the pale moon, bathed in its noble light.
'Does God exist?'
Perhaps Cesare was uniquely qualified to answer that question. After all, he had come into contact with something that could be described as divine.
In truth, it mattered little whether what he had found was God or something else, something far more profane. For Cesare, only the result mattered.
Although he could no longer go back in time, he continued to gather traces of the past.
Its purpose was to prevent anyone else from interfering with time.
Given the painful trials he had faced, it was unlikely that any other human being could achieve the same success as him. This was not arrogance, but an objective truth.
Even so, Cesare didn't want to leave any possibility open, no matter how small. He always made his moves based on a future that didn't exist.
Because that would be completed with his death.
Out of habit, Cesare took his watch out of his pocket. The hands moved steadily forward, without ever hesitating. He observed the smooth, immaculate platinum watch for a long moment before putting it back in his pocket.
There was still much to be done.
Eileen woke up early, feeling a chill. By all indications, Cesare hadn't been in the room the previous night. The bed linens remained untouched, with no sign that he had rested there, not even for a moment.
Absentmindedly, she ran her hand over the thick pillow, wishing she could see him. Then, with resolute determination, she got out of bed to start her day.
The day promised to be exceptionally busy. She had a lunch date with the professors and Lucio, and she also needed to finalize and send out the first invitations for Archduchess Erzet's tea party.
Regarding his research, he decided to temporarily set Morpheus aside and focus on reviewing the manufacturing process to determine if the headache remedy could be mass-produced. He also needed to create a name for the remedy, which until now he had simply called an "analgesic."
While having breakfast in the dining room, he picked up a magazine that was on the table. A single sentence from an article in a nearby newspaper caught his attention.
[… The attempt to reach Archduchess Erzet failed.]
Startled by the mention of the Archduchess, Eileen put down the magazine and quickly picked up the newspaper. It was La Verita.
She read the article in disbelief, her eyes scanning the words repeatedly. But no matter how much she read, the printed text remained the same.
The news report detailed an attempted robbery committed by a guest who had been staying at the Archduchess's residence the previous night. The thief was caught trying to steal research materials belonging to the Archduchess. The article explained that the criminal coveted her research and went on to describe his identity and his relationship with her.
However, this incident highlighted Archduchess Erzet's exceptional knowledge, sparking great public interest.
She studied pharmacology and botany at the University of Palercia. Although forced to withdraw due to financial difficulties, she was a remarkable prodigy who ranked first in her class throughout her time at the university, despite her youth. In fact, scientific articles bearing her name were published in renowned academic journals, and…]
Along with the story of the thief, the article also highlighted the Archduchess's excellence in pharmacology and botany. She stared intently at the detailed account, which even mentioned her favorite dishes from her university days, before finally snapping out of her trance. With a shocked expression, Eileen murmured to herself.
— Senior Lucio…
They really caught Lucio trying to steal from the lab while she was sleeping?
Images of Lucio facing a firing squad flashed through her mind. The thought that someone she had dined and talked with the previous day might no longer be alive sent a chill down her spine.
All of this had happened while she slept, oblivious to everything. And now, it was already in the morning paper. La Verita must have prepared the story in advance; there was no way it could have been published so quickly otherwise.
She lost her appetite and couldn't bring herself to touch the food, her gaze fixed solely on the newspaper. She leafed through all the magazines and newspapers on the table, but only La Verita had reported the incident at the Archduchess's residence.
'Cesare must have warned the newspaper in advance.'
La Verita was a newspaper that operated according to Cesare's wishes. He had granted them numerous favors, including exclusive access to photos of the archducal couple's wedding, effectively shaping the newspaper to his liking.
It was clear that Cesare intended not only to eliminate Lucius, but also to publicize Eileen's expertise in pharmacology and botany. This seemed to be part of a strategic preparation for the future release of the analgesic and Morpheus to the public. Introducing these innovations gradually, rather than all at once, was a shrewd move.
Cesare had punished the guilty party and, at the same time, profited from the situation. Knowing this did not make it any easier to bear the overwhelming emotion that gripped Eileen.
'While I knew nothing...'
This thought echoed incessantly in her mind. She suddenly felt suffocated and took a deep breath, although the tightness in her chest persisted no matter how deeply she breathed.
Despite her new status as archduchess, nothing had truly changed. Eileen was no equal to Cesare; she was merely a piece on his chessboard. No matter how powerful the queen was, if she became useless, she would be discarded.
'But am I really a queen?'
Perhaps he was nothing more than an insignificant pawn. The most insignificant of all…
Eileen closed her eyes tightly, forcing herself to push away the negative thoughts. She struggled to dispel the darkness when her efforts were interrupted by the arrival of a servant announcing a visitor.
— Mr. Senon has arrived. He says he is here to deliver something on behalf of His Grace.
It was exceptionally early to receive visitors, but it seemed Cesare had arranged it. The prospect of company was a relief from his solitary reflection. With a slight urgency in her voice, Eileen ordered that Senon be allowed in.
— Your Grace! Good morning! You look radiant as always.
Senon entered the dining room with a broad smile, placing a large bouquet of flowers and a glass dome on Eileen's table.
— These are gifts from His Grace.
The refreshing scent of the flowers helped Eileen regain her senses. She reached out to gently touch the petals before turning her attention back to the glass dome.
Inside the elegant, antique-looking case was a large golden feather. Although he didn't know its significance, its exquisite beauty suggested it was something extremely valuable.
— Her Grace also mentioned that she wishes to commercialize the medication you developed, so she brought the corresponding legal documents…
Eileen's gaze remained fixed on the golden feather as she suddenly asked:
Was he executed?
It was an abrupt question, not prompted by Senon's introduction, but he answered without hesitation.
- Not yet.
Senon watched Eileen intently, noticing her restrained effort to maintain a neutral expression.
"Do you want him to live? " she asked, as if only her words could decide his fate.
No, that's not it…
The weight in her voice was hard to hide. Eileen looked directly at Senon, who blinked rapidly under her intense gaze. Finally, she admitted the burden she carried.
— It's just that I don't know anything... I asked because I wanted to know.
To be continued…