Van Deloney: To My Dearest Emma [[BOOK ONE]]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑽𝑰𝑰

EL-DAUMIER GASTON GALLERIA

November 16, 1882

           A YEARS have elapsed, yet Desmond's efforts to locate Charlotte remained unsuccessful. "I'm stranded in this country for three years but have no clear intelligence from the Marsheries regarding their search." He proclaimed as he picked up the chained man's head from the floor raising it close to his face.

"Had your master not existed, this occasion could have transpired!" Desmond exclaimed in irritation, gazing at the wounded man in front of him. With bruises and a bleeding nose, the man appeared to have sustained significant damages during his captivity. "Zephyrl, heal Lenard's injuries, I still require the individual for my leisure activities." Desmond ordered sternly while gesturing the person to tend to the wounded man's bruises.

"Yes, Master Desmond, thus it has been three years since you've been scouting for this Lady Charlotte. May inquire if you are still adamant in your pursuit of her, or maybe you are willing to take another individual female as your potential spouse?" Zephyrl questioned with an air of curiosity, bowing in front of Desmond while keeping a respectful demeanor.

"Zephyrl, do you want Dominique to attain everything that he deserves? You are well-aware of my goal to utterly destroy his existence, and as of now, his body is yet to be discovered!" Desmond remarked in an imperious tone, holding Zephyrl by his collar with a firm grip while the man remained unfazed with a neutral expression.

"But—" Zephyrl attempted to interject but was immediately halted by Desmond, who resumed speaking without offering a chance for his manservant to retort. "No objections, I say! Have you even taken notice of her amethyst irises? They present an incredible rarity, and I am intent on having my offspring attain them through their own genetics. It is what I truly desire, Zephyrl!" he elaborated with a stern demeanor, emphasizing his interest in obtaining an heir with similar eye color to Charlotte's.

Zephyrl fell silent for a short while before grinning mischievously at his master. "I daresay I can detect a degree of deception from thy words, my lord. What truly drives your desire for Charlotte?" he questioned with a smirk, casting a suspicious gaze towards Desmond.

Desmond was caught off guard upon hearing Zephyrl's response, with his eyes widening at the retainer's statement. "So, it seems that your assumptions have been spot on, Master. Eyes do not conceal the truth, Master Desmond." Zephyrl quipped with a slight grin, implying that he was well-aware of the reason behind Desmond's interest in Charlotte.

"If you don't mind, I would prefer to partake in a moment of recreation due to the strenuous nature of this past week." Desmond responded with a plain tone, expressing his intent to seek solace following a week that has been taxing and stressful. He proceeded to travel upstairs, abandoning the basement and all the activities that were conducted down there.

"Understood, Master Desmond, I shall also serve you with tea once I have completed my present undertaking." Zephyrl uttered the words whilst his right hand lay upon his chest, his serpentine eyes focused on the hapless Lenard.

At a library in the town of Luxtonia, Charlotte, who was shrouded with a veil to conceal her identity, sat on a chair with Lucien, as the two of them diligently sought for information about the man named Viktor. The task at hand was challenging and time-consuming, as several volumes were studied, and countless queries asked.

"It is disheartening that we have dedicated the past three years to investigating this Case, and despite our extensive research in the libraries of this town, none of the books possess any information pertaining to the lineage." Charlotte spoke with a sense of frustration while closing a book, her words denoting the disappointing results of their efforts, despite years of diligent work invested in the investigation.