The carriage deposited them in a pristine residential area, densely packed with the opulent mansions of Encarosha’s wealthiest nobles. Jeha and his companions were to reside in a count’s manor, which had remained vacant for an extended period, its owner currently staying on their estate.
It seemed the knight dispatched ahead had skillfully located and successfully rented the manor.
As with most aristocratic townhouses or villas, the estate was impeccably maintained by its staff, who diligently swept and polished despite the owner’s absence. The butler, head maid, and all the hired help were present, ensuring the manor was ready for immediate occupancy; Jeha and his party needed only to bring themselves and their luggage.
Stepping into the manor’s bedroom, Jeha unceremoniously threw himself onto the bed. This was reportedly the count’s own room, and the bed, he noted, was quite comfortable.
He lay there idly, stroking Kkamangi, who clung to him with an almost desperate affection, as if their brief separation had been an eternity. While the journey with Hereis had been pleasant, clinging to a bed like this felt far more suited to Bellarossa’s true nature.
Knock, knock.
The door opened with the sound of a knock. Paimon stepped inside.
Jeha, a look of annoyance on his face, merely glanced at him, prompting Paimon to approach the bed and speak.
“Madam Panucci has come, requesting an audience with you, Master.”
“Madam Panucci?”
Jeha’s expression clearly asked, ‘Who is that?’
“She is the current Pope’s consort.”
“The Pope’s consort?”
Jeha sat bolt upright in surprise. Kkamangi, who had been nestled on his chest, tumbled unceremoniously onto his thigh.
“As they are not officially married, she cannot bear the Pope’s surname, Panucci. However, most people refer to her as Madam Panucci, and she introduces herself as such.”
“How incredibly… bold.”
Jeha remarked, his face a mask of astonishment. Usually, a ‘consort’ implied a hidden lover. It was hardly a position one would openly declare.
Yet, for the consort of a man as prominent as the Pope to brazenly call herself Madam Panucci… Truly, the world was a bewildering place.
“From what I’ve gathered, Madam Panucci is a central figure, leading Encarosha’s high society. Her standing as the Pope’s consort is so formidable that no one dares disregard her.”
“Really? But why has she sought me out? I’ve only been in Encarosha for half a day, how did she even know where I was staying?”
“As a prominent figure in society, her access to information is undoubtedly swift. Furthermore, all of Encarosha is keenly observing the movements of Marquess Belgarga. It’s likely that most of the upper echelon are receiving detailed reports of your every action, Master.”
‘Should I consider this an honor, or something else entirely…’
Jeha murmured to himself, soothing Kkamangi, who was still complaining about being dropped, with gentle strokes.
“What are your wishes? Would you like to meet her now, or should I send her away?”
Paimon inquired. His expression conveyed a readiness to comply with any decision.
Indeed, for Paimon, a demon, the intricate political landscape of the human world was likely of no concern. Jeha appreciated his straightforwardness.
‘Bearing four of the Pope’s children makes their relationship akin to a common-law marriage… If someone like her goes to the trouble of seeking me out, refusing to meet her would surely earn me their immediate displeasure.’
Personally, Jeha cared little whether he incurred the Pope’s consort’s disfavor. However, he was currently Marquess Belgarga, Hereis’s patron and the government itself. He needed to think and act as Marquess Belgarga.
“I suppose I should meet her. Have her escorted to the drawing-room.”
Jeha, a hint of annoyance still on his face, soon let out a grunt and climbed off the bed. Kkamangi, who had somehow climbed onto his shoulder, dug their claws into his clothes and dangled precariously, refusing to fall.
Supporting Kkamangi’s backside, Jeha turned his gaze to them, uttering an inquisitive “Hmm?”
“You… seem a bit…”
Jeha narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Kkamangi, who purred contentedly in his arms. Kkamangi continued to purr with narrowed eyes, but Jeha couldn’t shake the feeling that their size had subtly changed over the past few days.
“Have you gotten heavier?”
Jeha tilted his head, repeatedly lifting and lowering Kkamangi’s rump. Indeed, their weight felt distinctly different from before. Now that he thought about it, their bulk in his arms also seemed greater. They had clearly grown considerably in just a few days.
“Their growth rate is incredibly fast. My blood must be quite nutritious after all.”
Jeha murmured, stroking Kkamangi. Kkamangi’s purr grew louder.
He tried to pet them a few more times and place them on the bed, but Kkamangi stubbornly refused to let go, their claws firmly embedded in his clothes. Left with no choice, Jeha carried Kkamangi in his arms as he headed for the drawing-room.
****
Upon entering the drawing-room, Jeha saw a figure seated on a sofa within the elegantly furnished space. She had been holding a teacup to her lips, but upon seeing Jeha enter, she gently set it down.
“Madam Panucci?”
Jeha called out as he walked towards the sofa, and Madam Panucci rose, her eyes curving into a smile.
“Marquess Belgarga.”
Madam Panucci offered a slight curtsy in greeting.
“Madam Panucci.”
Jeha returned her greeting with a subtle nod and a slight bow.
“Please, have a seat.”
Jeha gestured to a seat, waited for Madam Panucci to sit, and then took his place opposite her. Their gazes quickly assessed each other.
Madam Panucci was a middle-aged woman, appearing to be in her late forties. While her aura and face couldn’t entirely conceal her age, she was remarkably well-preserved and gracefully aged, a testament to meticulous care.
Far from the vulgar image typically associated with a consort, she exuded the refined air of a true lady. Her vibrant red lips complemented her fair skin and elaborate floral dress perfectly, creating an impression that was striking but never overwhelming.
“Oh my, what an adorable cat.”
Madam Panucci was the first to speak. Jeha smiled faintly, stroking Kkamangi’s head.
“I found them on my way to Encarosha. They were alone, having lost their mother, and I took pity on them, so now I am raising them.”
“Marquess Belgarga, your heart is truly kind. It’s no wonder the devout Archbishop Hereis cherishes your acquaintance.”
“You flatter me. I merely took in a cat.”
“And humble, too.”
“And you, Madam, are even more beautiful and elegant than I had heard.”
“Oh my, even if it’s mere flattery, I thank you.”
Madam Panucci chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand. The atmosphere was quite amicable. At least, on the surface.
Jeha felt a surge of satisfaction, believing he was handling the situation rather well. For someone whose life had consisted solely of studying, assignments, and writing reports, he was performing quite admirably.
Observing Madam Panucci, it was clear she was no mere woman clinging to a man for sustenance. Indeed, dominating the aristocratic high society, teeming with nobles, could not be achieved by the Pope’s reputation alone.
Her long-standing common-law relationship with the Pope and her secure position clearly indicated she was no ordinary individual.
After a moment of thought, Jeha picked up the bell on the table and rang it. Paimon entered the drawing-room.
“This is Baron Lanchester, my tutor since childhood and a long-standing retainer.”
“Baron Lanchester.”
Madam Panucci offered a polite, brief greeting. Paimon, in turn, bowed his head slightly.
“Paimon, please fetch Madam Panucci’s gift, the one we prepared before our departure.”
Jeha made the sudden request. Of course, no such gift existed. Yet, Jeha was confident that Paimon could conjure a gift out of thin air if necessary.
“Understood. Please wait a moment.”
As expected, Paimon, without a hint of surprise, calmly bowed and exited the drawing-room.
“Oh, a gift for me? You truly went to such trouble?”
Madam Panucci spoke, unable to conceal her delight.
“Meeting Encarosha’s most splendid and elegant flower, such preparations are only natural, wouldn’t you agree?”
Jeha delivered the smooth flattery as if his tongue were oiled. All those films and dramas he’d watched to pass the time were proving immensely useful.
It wasn’t long before Paimon returned. He promptly opened the drawing-room door, entered, and presented Madam Panucci with a large, flat, purple velvet box.
“Oh dear…”
Even from its appearance, it was clearly no ordinary gift. Madam Panucci seemed to agree, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“I prepared it with sincerity, though I’m unsure if it will suit your taste, Madam. Please, open it.”
Jeha encouraged her, despite having no idea what was inside. Madam Panucci offered Jeha a charming smile before carefully lifting the lid of the box Paimon held.
“Oh my…!”
A gasp of admiration escaped Madam Panucci’s lips. Jeha, still smiling, peered into the opened box.
Inside lay a matching set: a necklace, earrings, and a ring, each featuring a sparkling amethyst encircled by diamonds.
Madam Panucci’s fingertips, encased in white lace gloves, delicately traced the surface of the jewelry. He could see their eyes sparkle.
Since Paimon had personally retrieved it, it was certainly no trivial item. Jeha smiled with renewed confidence, gazing at Madam Panucci.
“This is… truly… I wonder if this gift isn’t too extravagant for me. Can I truly accept something like this…?”
Madam Panucci spoke, gently fanning herself with an unfurled fan. A profound sense of satisfaction was evident on her face.