Chapter 38: Off to Diana’s Imperial Villa
BERTINE and her escorts headed north once more on a stagecoach and finally arrived at the imperial capital. Their first stop was the Rose Hotel managed by Luca. There, they secured lodgings to rest for the night.
“My lady, what a long journey that was.”
“Yes, I do find myself a bit tired. But I need to inform Lady Dalila of my arrival here and about the meeting with His Excellency,” Bertine said.
Diego accepted the role of messenger and departed at once for the countess’s residence. Not long after, Luca visited their room.
“Bertie, you made it safely here, I see,” he said. “I’ve seen to the shipment of the jarred goods. I can’t believe the business is doing so well that we can place orders of a thousand units.”
“Indeed. We now have two manufacturing locations, plus everyone has become quite familiar with the process. I hope your profits are faring well too, Luca.”
“They most definitely are. I won’t be surprised to see the Southern Federation swept up in the tides of time in the near future. It’s simply a matter of when at this point. In any case, one can never have too much money.”
For an instant, Bertine’s expression hardened. “But, Luca, the southlands’ charms can’t be measured by coin. The same goes for its people. You would understand in a single glance if you were ever to visit. I want to protect that paradise, you see. Oh, right, I never thanked you for everything you’ve done. I’m truly grateful to you for selling so many of the fruit jars, not to mention at such a high price as well. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to take a commission?”
Luca shook his head. “The excitement, I feel, is more than enough commission. Our clientele consists exclusively of the wealthy, so they don’t even blink at the price I set. Besides, it was the first time in a long time I felt my Luennian blood heat. Makes you feel like dancing, being in charge of popular goods, eh? You really are an alchemist for thinking up such a product.”
“Don’t call me that, please. Right, I almost forgot. I brought you something you may like. Here you go!” Bertine rummaged in her luggage and withdrew two jars of the stingers. One white, one black.
“Are these some sort of seeds?” Luca asked.
“Yes. If you crush them into powder, the black ones go well with meat dishes and the white with fish. The more finely ground they are, the stronger the flavor. Take one out from each and try them yourself. Start with the white one. You’ll be surprised.”
Luca picked out a white stinger seed then carried it to his mouth where he bit down on it. “Wow! This is spicy, huh? I’ve never tasted anything like it before. It’s not poisonous, is it?”
“Of course not! You’re looking at the Federation’s newest specialty product,” Bertine pitched. “The plants don’t grow in the Empire, you see. I’d be delighted if your chefs could incorporate these into the hotel’s menu.”
“Thank you. The head chef will be pleased to use them. What price do you intend to set for these?”
“You only need a little bit for any dish, so I imagine one jar will last a customer for quite a while. Which is why I’m thinking of charging five small silver coins per jar.”
Luca grinned at her reply. “Excellent. We’ll both earn well off these then, especially because they can’t be grown in the Empire. I have no doubt they’ll fly off the shelves.”
“Wonderful! But I don’t plan on overworking the people of the Federation to produce these or any of our other goods. Because they’re different from the citizens of San Luenne.”
“How?” Luca asked.
“Unlike Luennians, the people of the Federation lead happy lives even without money. My dream is to build my own small hotel in that paradise and grow old there.”
Luca seemed puzzled by her words. “Then you don’t wish to marry?”
“More accurate to say I gave up on the idea,” she confessed. “Now then, Luca, if you would please deliver these stingers to the head chef.”
“Right, of course.”
He looked both worried and like he wanted to press her further, but he said nothing and left the room. Bertine didn’t notice his expression at all. Instead she walked to the en-suite, thankful for the plumbing that piped hot water directly into the rooms.
Listening to their conversation, Dorothée recalled how Cecilio had escorted the drunk Bertine inside their home back in Ybit. His Excellency tended to my lady very diligently in her intoxicated state. I wonder if he has feelings for her. But she didn’t voice her thoughts aloud.
My lady has been through much and more, to the point where even now she still needs to scheme to merely send a letter to her father. I must not say anything at this juncture and risk destroying their relationship. After all, a seed can only sprout when it has been carefully nurtured. Dorothée decided it was indeed best to keep her own counsel on the matter.
Bertine remained blissfully unaware of her maid’s concerns as she filled up the bathtub with hot water and submerged herself in it. By the time she finished bathing, Diego had returned.
“Thank you for acting as messenger despite being as tired as us, Diego,” Bertine welcomed him back. “How did Lady Dalila respond?”
“She requested you accompany her to the imperial palace tomorrow. Lady Diana would like to thank you for the scarlet fabric. Since His Excellency is staying at the palace while he’s in the Empire on business, they went ahead and invited him to join you all as well,” he reported.
“Oh, I’m so looking forward to seeing Lady Diana again!” Bertine exclaimed. “I don’t even remember the last time we met. Was it fourteen years ago? Fifteen?”
✦ ✦ ✦
THE next day, Bertine visited Lady Dalila’s estate and rode with her in her carriage to the palace. Within its confines, the countess regaled her with tales of the innumerable letters she received from women asking about the fabric. Bertine couldn’t be more delighted by the news.
The Empire of Centaur’s palace was built as an extension of an ancient castle. While the old castle was made of dull white stone, the imperial palace was made of marble. The palace glittered blindingly white, with several tall, slender towers jutting skyward. Both the castle and the palace were surrounded by high stone walls, designed not only for protection but also to engender a sense of awe in the viewer.
When Bertine’s father had brought her here as a child, she had been stunned by the majestic beauty of the structure. Yet all she could think of now was the greenery of the Federation instead. Ahhh, I want to go home already. She recalled the cries of the emus, the monkeys’ howls, and the wild birds’ squawking. I’ve become a citizen of the Federation through and through, she thought to herself with a rueful smile.
Their carriage crossed over a narrow stone bridge on its journey to the imperial palace. Soon, Bertine spotted flowerbeds ahead overflowing with roses. Then moments later, she saw Cecilio standing in front of one of the imperial villas. He wore a white formal uniform. Next to him stood a slender young boy and they were both protected by several guards.
“Oh! It’s Claudio!” Lady Dalila pressed a hand to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes at the sight of her grandson, the second imperial prince.
“I presume you do not have many opportunities to see him?” Bertine asked.
“Yes, that’s right. He’s grown so much taller since the last time we met!”
To Bertine, Cecilio appeared leagues more gallant and handsome in his formal attire than usual, especially in comparison to the prince next to him. Men certainly do look twice as masculine in their formal military uniforms. She knew Bianca, the girl over the moon for Cecilio, wouldn’t be able to control herself if she saw him now.
The carriage stopped. When Lady Dalila started to disembark, Cecilio extended his hand up and helped her descend. The second prince offered his hand to Bertine.
“Welcome to our villa in the imperial palace, Lady du Jeanne. Mother is very much looking forward to seeing you again,” Claudio greeted her.
“Thank you very much, Your Imperial Highness. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I have been on pins and needles to meet both you and Lady Diana.”
He smiled graciously. Though the boy looked to be around twelve years old, his expression was incredibly mature because his smile, though polite, seemed crafted as a social nicety. I don’t think he ever had the chance to run around carefree like a child should, Bertine thought to herself.
“Bertie! Oh, Bertie! Look at you. Such height you have on you now! You really are an adult now, hm?”
She knew the excited voice. When Bertine turned her head in the direction of its owner, she found Diana, her red-gold hair done up in a complicated twist.
“Di!” Bertine unconsciously called the other woman by the nickname she’d used affectionately and rushed to her side. Diana opened her arms wide, welcoming Bertine warmly. They hugged each other tight as tears welled in their eyes.
“Right, then, come in, come in,” Diana said. “I hardly slept a wink last night, I was so delighted by the prospect of seeing you again. Oh, Bertie! I’ve missed you so much!”