Chapter 12: Earl Dana’s Invitation

Solene received an invitation from the Lauren family. It seemed they had made progress in developing a new mineral vein and specifically invited her for a tour. Considering her long-standing history with the Empress’s faction, declining might strain their mutual ties. However, the prospect of the trip felt somewhat tedious to her.

Recently, Ian’s movements had been quite frequent. First, he exposed the truth behind Hill’s manipulation, then he gathered a group of self-proclaimed "heroes," acting as if he had never been the Crown Prince. He even gave the illusion that he had no desire to be Emperor...

As Solene stepped into the Lauren family courtyard, familiar faces appeared before her—the very group of self-styled heroes.

"Countess Solene, it is truly an honor to have you grace us with your presence," Dana bowed slightly in greeting.

Solene patted his shoulder lightly, smiling. "We are both Earls and long-time friends; there’s no need for such formality." She wore a pale pink gown that complemented her porcelain skin perfectly. It was hard to imagine that this gentle, radiant woman was the First Mage who had reshaped the Empire.

Dana offered his arm, and Solene took it gracefully, her gaze shifting with a smile toward the Lauren family butler.

Ian, I didn't expect you to show up here.

It seemed there was a leak in the information chain. Then again, how could those two old Dukes tolerate the decay of the old nobility?

"And this is?" Solene asked, smiling as she tilted Ian’s chin up. He was dressed in a black-and-white uniform that looked properly stoic and ascetic. His pale gold eyes and blue hair were particularly striking.

"His name is Sylvain. He is mute; please excuse him," Dana introduced.

Solene nodded with a smile, her gaze sliding from his neck to his chest. Since she hadn't exposed his disguise last time, did he truly believe his magic was so brilliant that no one could recognize him?

"My lover has gone missing. Earl Dana wouldn't mind if I took this one with me, would you?" Solene turned back, staring innocently into Dana's eyes as she closed the distance between them.

Dana raised a hand and smiled. "Of course not, though the Countess must allow me time to find a replacement butler first." He took a deep breath. Solene’s beauty was indeed a treasure of the Empire, but she was also the dragon that had razed it.

"Take your time, it’s no matter. I’ll be staying here for a few days anyway. It’ll give me a chance to see how we get along. I just hope he won't run away like that little kitten from last time." Solene pulled off her glove and tucked it into the breast pocket of Dana's coat.

The surrounding maids and guards stared in shock. The high-and-mighty Countess was actually acting so flirtatiously.

Solene leaned on Dana’s arm as they walked slowly into the hall to share a lavish lunch.

"Where are those lovers of yours?" Solene asked curiously, her chin slightly raised. "I remember one of them told the most wonderful stories. I’d love to hear another."

Dana faltered for a moment, then shook his head with a look of disdain. "I sent them all away and brought in a new batch. I grew tired of her stories long ago."

"What a shame; I hadn't grown tired of them yet," Solene laughed. "In that case, during the inspection this afternoon, you can tell me one yourself."

The surrounding servants looked on in astonishment. Dana smiled and nodded. "Certainly, it would be my honor."

Among the maids, one woman was clearly incensed, glaring fiercely at Solene. A woman beside her quickly pulled her back, fearing she would cause trouble. The butler, Sylvain, stood at the very front, watching Solene with a calm gaze.

Solene suddenly looked up, her sharp eyes fixing on that particular maid.

"Countess Solene, I know how to tell stories. Please, let me tell one for you!" a maid suddenly rushed forward, kneeling on the ground in supplication.

"Oh? And here I thought you intended to speak to me while standing." Solene laughed into her hand, her tone laced with mockery.

Dana stood up abruptly, delivered a sharp slap across the maid's face, grabbed her collar, and shoved her away violently.

"What? Throwing yourself at me, hoping to become my lover? Unfortunately, you aren't worthy." Dana wiped his hands and looked at Sylvain, commanding, "Get her out of here!"

The woman looked at Dana in disbelief, her eyes full of tears. She remained silent, her gaze dim and half-lidded.

Solene speared a grape, popped it into her mouth, and looked at Dana with feigned surprise. "Dana, didn't you always prefer this type of woman? What, are you embarrassed because I'm here?" She then turned to the maid. "Since you can tell stories, I’ll listen." With that, she ate another grape.

The woman’s face was pale as she stood up and began her tale.

It was a story of a boy and girl born as commoners, childhood sweethearts who shared a deep and innocent bond. However, as the years passed, the boy was taken away by his long-lost noble parents, and the two were forced apart. Soon after, the girl faced the fate of being forcibly married to an elderly Viscount. Just as she fell into despair, the boy stepped forward, heroically rescuing her from her predicament.

What a beautiful story it was.

Solene gently interrupted her, a smile playing on her lips. "Enough. I’ve had my fill; let’s end the story here." Thus, the tale stopped abruptly, as if that happiness were frozen forever in that moment.

The sunlight outside was as fierce as fire. Dana timely offered an exquisite parasol, its surface adorned with pink crystals meticulously carved to mimic the brilliance of gemstones. Dana was a mass of contradictions—fearing manipulation while worrying about offending her.

He truly is an expert at reading the room,

Solene couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In different social circles, he could change roles with ease. Such cleverness was admirable, yet utterly loathsome. Those mistresses who had served as disguises were ultimately discarded without mercy. They were raised as appendages who knew only how to gasp in bed, and when the master found his "white moonlight," he released them with a show of false benevolence. The behavior of these nobles was truly nauseating.

Solene smiled at Dana and said softly, "The Saintess will be joining me later to view the route map for the new mine. With her blessing, this partnership will surely be more successful."

Dana looked slightly surprised at the mention of the "Saintess" but nodded. The maid who had told the story stood by with a smile; she felt Countess Solene was actually quite approachable, despite her occasional chilling jokes.

Solene stood at the edge of a cliff, right in the path of the wind, overlooking the miners working hard below. They agreed to descend into the mine for a detailed inspection the next day. Solene needed to supervise for a while to offer her suggestions.

Suddenly, a violent gust of wind swept through. The parasol flew out of control, and Solene fell with it. Behind her, Sylvain’s eyes widened. He lunged forward to grab her, but his hand caught only empty air and a trace of magical wind. He glared at a nearby servant, whose resolute gaze seemed to question why he hadn't taken such a perfect opportunity to act.

Dana feigned a few shouts of alarm, and the maid beside him leaned over the cliff in panic.

As Solene plummeted, there was no fear in her heart. In fact, the thought of Ian’s guilt-stricken expression and red eyes was quite a thrill. Just as she was about to crash into a worker, her falling body froze mid-air. She gently shook her parasol, and magic surged instantly, buoying her up until she stood once again at the cliff’s peak.

She smiled at the crowd, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I just wanted to play a little joke. I hope I didn't frighten you all too much." She laughed into her hand while the onlookers displayed a variety of expressions.

"The Saintess has arrived," the head maid said calmly, standing beside Sylvain and offering a timely reminder.

Solene stepped forward. Under the watchful eye of the Saintess, Sue, she suddenly reached out, draped her arms around Sylvain’s neck, and kissed him gently. "Sue, don't the books say that a soft kiss can heal all wounds?"

Saintess Sue was clearly stunned by the sudden move, replying in a small voice, "The books speak of the Goddess’s kiss."

The atmosphere grew tense. Dana stepped forward, blocking the Saintess and kneeling on one knee, looking firmly at Solene. "Countess Solene’s achievements have already surpassed those of the Goddess."

Solene gave a helpless laugh. "I was only joking. Sue, give your blessing. After that, stay for dinner. I hear Earl Dana is a devoted follower of the Church and has contributed much."

Sue quickly explained, "I happened to save Earl Dana’s life by chance once. Our Church and the Vaisman family are the most loyal of partners."

Silence fell over the scene. "Sue, saying that makes me seem quite petty... Haha, just a joke, don't take it to heart. It seems only you and Earl Dana will enjoy dinner; I must hurry and play with my new toy."

With that, Solene pressed a kiss to Sylvain’s lips. Beside them, the head maid clenched her fists, her eyes half-lidded as she pretended to see nothing. Sue nodded repeatedly, forcing a smile. "Alright, I wish the Countess a pleasant time."

Her forced smile amused Solene, who snapped her fingers and pointed playfully at Sue. "Sue, don't forget our promise~"

Solene gently wound her arms around Sylvain’s neck, her voice a soft whisper in his ear. "Can you really not speak? Well now, can you open your mouth for me?" Simultaneously, her hand slid down, suddenly gripping something firmly.

Sylvain’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. He shook his head and bit his lip hard. Solene pressed a light kiss to him, her fingertip tracing his Adam’s apple. "Such beautiful lips and throat; it would be a pity if they couldn't speak."

Her hand moved with the rise and fall of his throat, while Sylvain’s eyes grew red, staring intently into hers. What he was hoping for, he couldn't say even to himself. He thought he could forget, that he could escape, yet he always ended up wandering back to the same spot.

Solene, you are so promiscuous, yet you haven't realized that the one you've been intimate with is always me?

Why is this? Why don't you love me? Why!

You can only belong to me; I won't let anyone see how you look!

If I could imprison you, lock you away... would you finally be obedient...

No, no, that's not right. I can't do that.

A single tear slid down. Solene caught it with her finger and smeared it slowly across her fingertip.

Ian, is it agonizing to be so closely entangled with the one you hate most?

Enjoy your moment of freedom for a while longer. I truly want to see what you’ll look like when you’re finally caged.