The Monster and the Witch

⚜︎ Ep 30: The Banquet ⚜︎

"Darius, don't eat too much," Carmine said, "We still have lunch later."

Darius nodded even though the boy just scooped an entire omelet into his mouth so voraciously. Both Carmine and Darius had their breakfast on the bed. While in the room's corner, Damian sipped his coffee in silence. His sharp green eyes were always directed at his new wife and son.

"So," Damian asked, "Your plan is to kidnap Count of Kozar's adopted daughter?"

"I need to talk to her without the count's influence," she continued, "I think the Countess of Kozar will actually help cover up her adopted daughter's abduction because she hates that girl."

Damian squinted his eyes at her. "Didn't you pour tea at her during the tea party? Why would she help you after that kind of humiliation?"

Before Carmine could answer, Darius had already said, "Countess of Kozar initially thought she could control Carmine. But after seeing that Carmine is not as rumored to be, she must have been terrified. Carmine pouring tea on her is a show of power and it actually has a positive effect on Carmine's standing in our society."

One of Damian's eyebrows was raised when he heard his son speak so confidently.

"And what does that mean for the Countess of Kozar, Darius?" she asked. She smiled a little hearing the boy's answer. There was a sense of pride embedded in her chest.

"Since that tea party, the noblewomen now know that Carmine is the more dominant figure. Supporters of the Countess of Kozar will begin to change side to support Carmine," Darius continued, "If the Countess of Kozar wants to maintain her public image in society, she needs to bow to Carmine too."

Carmine smiled contentedly. He stroked Darius's head. Her experience of seeing nobles having pets in Samaraya taught her that if a dog does something good, he should be rewarded either with food or care. Carmine was rewarding Darius.

The boy was shocked when he felt her touch. But before long he tilted his head so Carmine could caress him easier.

It's exactly the same response as the dogs I've met when they like my touch.

"Carmine," Damian said in a flat tone, "Don't tell me you've been training Darius to be a strategist?"

"Whatever for?" she replied, "Your son is a natural."

Damian had no reply to that. He sipped his black coffee again.

Why does it look like they are in their own world? Damian wondered, Where am I in their world?

Again the girl had surprised him. Since her arrival, Malakai's residence had changed. Darius changed too. Honestly, Damian was a little happy when his son finally was brave enough to look him straight in the eye. His son felt protective of Carmine to the point he dared to face Damian.

Although... The boy's words struck a deep wound inside Damian.

Murderer.

"All right," Damian said again, "How do you plan to kidnap her?"

"It's simple," she said, "I'm going to ask the Countess of Kozar to visit and ask her to take her adopted daughter for a walk. We'll abduct her then. I'll ask the countess to cover our tracks."

Damian frowned. "Are you sure the Countess of Kozar will follow your instructions and not betray you?"

"The countess really hates her adopted daughter. So for her, this opportunity will be like rowing two islands at once," Darius replied.

"Hmm." Damian crossed his legs. "All right. I'll talk to Rohan for the details."

A knock was heard from the door. Carmine gave permission for whoever it was to enter. The figure turned out to be Lisa, who brought Baltaz, the residence's chef, and the gardener.