“We are still learning about the Armenian culture, but we will try to familiarise ourselves with it. Calisto, I would like to know if you could help me. I heard that this country has a confection called ‘The Stone of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo’. I am researching the Millennium Empire. What is this confection?”
“Please come this way. Let me explain whilst I guide you.” With that, Callisto stepped out. “‘The Stone of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo’ is an iridescent candy. The first person to make it was Queen Rufina, the wife of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo. For generations, it has been made only with the king’s permission. Queen Alana did not give permission after her accession to the throne, so there are only a few pieces left from the time of the previous king.　
“Did you once carry the stone of the wise Emperor Lorenzo? Did you ever carry the candy around with you?”
Callisto’s brow wrinkled, as if he thought it, was a strange question.
“I’m not sure why you’re asking me that. I don’t understand your intentions.”
“I’m just curious. If you can, tell me how much was on the market for reference.”
“I’m not sure if I can tell me how many of these were around, but I can tell you that I’ve carried them around … Alana liked them, so I kept it in my pocket. She doesn’t usually express her emotions, but once I gave her a piece of candy, she would devour it immediately. But now that she’s grown up, she doesn’t want anything sweet. She liked it until four years ago.”
Luciano ruminated on the words “four years ago” in his mind. That was the year of the fall of Serrat. This dark-haired Callisto had been carrying around candy until at least four years ago.
“Why doesn’t the Queen allow the production of the stones of the Wise Emperor Lorenzo?”
“It’s due to the raw materials. In ancient times, they were everywhere, but now they are only found in dangerous places, such as high alpine cliffs. The gentle Alana does not want to put her people at risk.”
Luciano looked at Callisto’s back with swarthy eyes as he led the way. He was going to kill Arana and fulfill his oath, and then put away all those who were even remotely suspicious.
“Baron Barcelo, this is it.” Callisto guided Luciano to his room. The interior, which was based on white, was sunny and has a nice view. The furniture was also of the highest quality. However, it was located far away from Queen Alana’s room.
Callisto probably did not want any other man to get close to Alana. “It’s a nice room. But isn’t it too far from the Queen’s quarters? This is no way to spend the night with her. Your father seems to be hoping for her early fertility. I intend to do the same.” Callisto dared to make him angry, and so he returned with stubborn hostility.
“Baron Barcelo, I am the Queen’s confidant by birth. There is nothing I do not know about her. I am the only person in all of Armenia who knows her condition and her moods. Alana is not a strong person. We must not overdo it, as it could be fatal. So I want you to promise me something. Whenever you see Alana, you must go through me. Intercourse is too heavy a burden for her to take on while she is still growing. I will tell you when the time is right, so please refrain from doing so. If you need a woman instead, we can provide one for you.”
“You are suggesting that I take a mistress?”
“I am a member of Alana’s aide and will do everything in my power to protect my master. Please understand.”
Luciano could see what Callisto was trying to do. As soon as the prince consort had an affair with his mistress, he would make the matter public, charge him with a crime, and exile him. Pretending to be fooled, Luciano smiled. “Yes, I’m a man, too. I can’t say that I don’t have sexual desires. I’ll talk to you about it when the time comes.”
♔♔♔
Luciano, guided by Callisto to visit the Queen’s room, confronted Alana, who sat in a chair. Seeing her for the first time in a week, she looked better in her complexion, probably because of her lemon-coloured dress that was clogged up to her neck. She seemed to be in better shape than before.
However, as usual, her expression did not show any change. Luciano waited for her to speak, but first Alana looked at Callisto.
“Calisto, I’m going to talk for a while. In the meantime, I would like you to take charge of the preparations for tonight’s dinner party. I’d like you and your wife to do it. Please take Priscilla’s opinion into account.”
“I don’t like the idea of you dealing with him alone,” Callisto protested in a soft concerned voice.
“Why? It’s normal to have a conversation with my husband.”
“Baron Barcelo isn’t your husband yet. Not till ten days later.”
“Even ten days later or not, I think of him as still my husband.”
Callisto, who had wrinkles on his nose, bit his lower lip. “If so, call a guard and a servant. You shouldn’t be alone with the Queen.”
“I don’t need people. Callisto, this is an order. Go.” There was no room for argument in her tone. With that, Calisto had no choice but to obey. He left the room.　
Waiting for the door to close, Alana looked at Luciano.
“I apologise for the delay in greeting you. Welcome to the castle. Emilio, there will be a banquet tonight to welcome you. I can’t attend, but please enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, but why can’t you attend?”
A shadow of an eyelash fell on Alana’s face. “It is a rule in this country. I don’t eat regular meals.”
“You are wary of poison? You are the last of the Armenian royalty,” Frian from behind murmured. “My Queen, have you ever met us?”
They must not speak to the queen until she spoke to them. Despite this rule, Frian was unconcerned. He didn’t seem to mind, nor did Alana.
“I don’t think that’s possible. Aides, what are your names?”
Frian and Leandro each gave their name, and Alana responded. “I’m Alana.”
“I have never left this castle since I was born. I don’t know the outside world. It would be difficult for me to meet you. Frian, Leandro, if you have the opportunity, please tell me your stories. I am interested in the outside world. I’ll tell the guards to let you through here, so you’re free to come as you wish.
Luciano saw Alana talking to his subordinates. He couldn’t tell from her profile what her intentions were. What was she thinking? What is her purpose? He couldn’t see it at all.
──Why does this girl want to die?
He couldn’t get of that thought, which crossed his mind in front of the person whose blood was to be extinguished.　
Luciano let out a deep breath.
♔♔♔