Chapter 73: Dark Red Bloodstains
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 73: Dark Red Bloodstains
It wasn't my first time at the Imperial Palace. In fact, I had been here quite often.
I had visited when Dantalion was the Crown Prince, and even a few times after he became the Emperor.
However, since I had stayed in different palaces each time, it always felt new. This time was no exception.
“This is the Empress’s Chambers, which has been vacant for a long time, My Lady,” Joshua said.
“Is it truly alright for me to stay here?” Veronica asked.
“Of course. We have already received permission from His Majesty, as well as from Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, the elder of the Imperial Family.”
Veronica kept glancing at Joshua, Dantalion’s aide, as if she felt burdened by suddenly being given the Empress’s Chambers.
Since Dantalion was busy today, Joshua was acting as our guide in his stead.
“For now, please look around the palace and rest. Although it has been empty for a long time, it has been meticulously maintained.”
“I see.”
As Joshua said, the palace had been without a master for at least fifteen years since the passing of the previous Empress. Far from being dusty, it was so clean and beautiful that it looked as if someone were living there right now.
However, there was one major problem.
The design is so tacky.
Trends in the Capital changed literally by the day. Things that were all the rage yesterday could become outdated overnight in the social circles of the Capital, the heart of the Empire.
I had followed Veronica around to countless mansions and gardens, seeing all sorts of furniture and decorations.
Because of that, even I, who hadn't been possessed for very long, could tell just how far behind the trends the Empress’s Chambers was.
“This won't do. Just because it’s well-swept and polished doesn't mean it’s perfect.”
“Then, what should we…?”
“First, I need to look around and see what needs to be changed.”
After settling me onto a plush sofa, Veronica took Joshua with her to inspect every corner of the Empress’s Chambers.
Soon, Joshua’s face turned as blue as his bright blue hair. He looked like a puppy that had been dragged along on a walk all day against its will.
“Dia, were you enjoying your snacks?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want to go out to the garden? His Majesty sent a gift.”
“A gift?”
My eyes widened at Veronica’s words.
Having a hunch about what it might be, I put down the cookie I was holding and stood up.
“I wanna go!”
“Alright.”
I took Veronica’s hand as she smiled brightly and headed out to the garden. Nathaniel and Abel followed close by my side.
Since Abel was the heir to a Count’s house, he could still come to the Imperial Palace under the pretext of being my playmate. Nathaniel, though he didn't have an official title yet, had earned the right to stay at the palace after Dantalion rewarded him for healing the knights.
“Whoa!”
Upon reaching the garden, I let out a cry of surprise. In truth, I was just pretending to be shocked since I already knew.
“Woof!”
[Master!]
A Direwolf with crimson fur barked loudly at the sight of me. Simultaneously, Desmond’s voice echoed in my head.
“Grandpa and His Majesty looked into it thoroughly, and they said it’s fine. Dia, do you still like this wolf?”
“Yes!”
“I see. Still, wolves are dangerous, so…”
Veronica nagged me for a while, gripping my hand tightly.
Glancing over, I saw a large collar around Desmond’s neck. Judging by the chilling energy emanating from it, it didn't seem like a simple collar.
What’s that on your neck?
[It appears to be a mana controller.]
A mana controller?
[Yes. High-ranking demonic beasts like Direwolves know how to manipulate mana.]
Is it very uncomfortable?
[Hmph, it’s not a pleasant feeling. But I can handle this much! This body is no mere demonic beast!]
Desmond shouted boastfully.
No matter how high-ranking a Direwolf was, it was still just a demonic beast. Therefore, it seemed a collar designed to control beasts couldn't fully suppress the demonic energy of an Archdemon like Desmond.
In fact, this was better for Desmond, who would be living in the body of a Direwolf, as it would help him avoid suspicion. If things got difficult, he could always return to the teddy bear.
I should keep carrying the teddy bear around just in case.
I nodded, hugging the doll that everyone now recognized as my favorite attachment toy.
“It’s okay. Wolf is a good boy.”
“Dia, Mommy has been telling you, a wolf is…”
“No!”
“Oh my!”
When Veronica started nagging again, I shook off her hand and ran forward. Then, I held out my hand toward Desmond.
“Paw!”
“Woof!”
Desmond, catching my drift perfectly, placed his paw firmly on my palm. I looked at Veronica triumphantly. Everyone, including her, was stunned.
“T-The Direwolf…”
“How can this be…?”
There were ranks even among demonic beasts. Direwolves, in particular, were famous creatures with their own unique symbolism.
Seeing such a beast acting as tame as a pet was a huge shock to the onlookers.
“Wolf, good boy!”
“Woof! Arf!”
Finally, I reached out and stroked Desmond’s head. I wondered if the prideful Desmond would enjoy being treated like a dog in front of people, but fortunately, it seemed to suit him well.
Nathaniel and Abel watched Desmond with indifferent expressions from my side. I had been worried about what would happen if these two, young but sensitive, realized Desmond’s true identity, but they seemed oblivious.
Well, they hadn't even noticed Desmond and Bibi when they were in the dolls. Relieved, I doted on Desmond to my heart's content.
“Dia, even if this beast doesn't show any bloodlust, it’s dangerous to get too close.”
“He’s right. Wolf teeth are sharp.”
“Mmm.”
However, because I was clinging to Desmond too much, the two of them said similar things and pulled me away. Veronica, who had been speechless with surprise, finally spoke again.
“Goodness, Dia. To think you’ve tamed a Direwolf.”
“Oh dear, please don't do anything dangerous, Little Lady.”
“Hehe.”
After the commotion in the garden, I listened to more nagging from Veronica and Sophia before returning to my room. Desmond, now in the body of the Direwolf, was with me.
“His Majesty asked us to have dinner with him this evening.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
The food at the Imperial Palace was truly delicious. Of course, the chef at the Winston Duchy was excellent, but unlike the Winston household, which was accustomed to Northern-style cuisine, the palace food felt a bit more sophisticated.
If the Winston chef found out, he might cry, so this was a secret I had to keep strictly.
I secretly whispered to Nathaniel that the palace food was tastier. Nathaniel nodded with a serious face.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Having been freed from the sorcery, Nathaniel was like a child who had just discovered the joy of delicious food. Perhaps because he was at an age where he was realizing his own tastes, he had a strong curiosity about food.
I headed to the dining room, looking at Nathaniel with a satisfied expression.
“His Majesty the Emperor is entering.”
As soon as we took our seats, Dantalion walked inside quickly. He flashed a dazzling smile the moment he saw Veronica.
“Berry, was the palace uncomfortable?”
“Not at all. It felt as comfortable as home.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
The two greeted each other affectionately with a kiss on the cheek and smiled into each other's eyes. They were so full of love it was enough to give an onlooker goosebumps.
“Dia, how do you like the Empress’s Chambers?”
“I like it.”
“I see. When you grow older, I shall give you your own Princess’s palace.”
“No, I wanna stay with Mommy forever.”
“Haha, then I’ll be in a bit of a bind.”
I had said it with at least half-sincerity, and Dantalion grimaced slightly in mock distress. His playful demeanor made everyone burst into laughter.
“You must be hungry. Shall we eat now?”
“Yes… Huh?”
Dantalion naturally took the seat of honor. But then, he scooped me up and plopped me right onto his lap.
Sitting on Dantalion’s lap, I wore a bewildered expression.
First Duke Winston, and now him. Why are powerful men so obsessed with sitting children on their laps?
I didn't expect even Dantalion to be like this. He was probably doing it on purpose—showing excessive affection for me, who shared no blood with him, to solidify Veronica’s position in front of the vassals. Even if it felt a bit much.
Well, nothing I can do.
It was true that it benefited both me and Veronica. I had no choice but to stay quietly in Dantalion’s arms. Then, I happened to glance down.
Huh?
Dantalion was wearing his white uniform today as well. But there was something strange on the edge of his sleeve.
A bright red stain that had turned slightly dark with time—it was unmistakably a bloodstain.