Volume 6 Chapter 59 Isn't This Kind of Secret Exchange Cool？
While Dario was struggling alone in the bathroom, his father, Dill Weissman, was having a meeting with Gustav Rothheim, the master of the mansion, in the reception room.
"Would you like coffee instead of tea today?"
"Coffee? I'm not used to it..."
"Just try it. You might like it."
Gustav, with his harmless smile, was about ten years younger than King Gerald.
He was a refreshing man with golden hair and blue eyes, similar to Edgar.
However, his true nature was a cunning politician that even Dill couldn't fully grasp.
Gustav had called Dario and his dark side to the mansion, and now he was laughing, saying, "You have a big family."
Although Gustav seemed to be ignoring the unusual number of dark side, he was actually paying close attention to Dill, meeting with him every day for afternoon tea.
The two men had met countless times, discussing everything from their sons to the future of the kingdom and politics.
There was no shortage of topics to discuss.
However, Dill mostly listened, rarely speaking up.
It was no surprise.
On their first meeting, Gustav had said something like, "The current kingdom seems to be suffering from a fever." This had put Dill on guard, and he had been careful not to say anything reckless.
As a result, even now, there were dark side from the kingdom hiding outside the reception room and in the attic.
If Dill said something careless, he risked being physically harmed.
Even if that didn't happen, King Gerald had not been pleased when he heard that Dill had been summoned by Gustav.
It was only natural.
Even if it was just a formality, the fact that the head of the government and the head of the nobility were meeting in secret was bound to raise suspicions.
Therefore, Dill was being watched more closely than usual.
However, after repeating their meetings many times and engaging in casual conversations, both Dill and the dark side had begun to let their guard down.
The dark side had become so relaxed that they were no longer thoroughly checking Gustav's coffee for poison.
It had been 2 weeks since anything had happened, and the fact that it was just an ordinary day might have contributed to their complacency.
Especially since it was not the last day of their meeting, but just an ordinary day in the middle.
After finishing a lighter-than-usual dark side check, 2 cups were placed in front of them.
"Commoners might enjoy this, but once you're hooked, it's quite tasty."
The smiling Gustav showed a pleased grin as he poured the coffee.
The rich aroma filling the room made Dill's cheeks slightly flush with a "This is..."
Taking the cup, Dill closed his eyes and enjoyed the scent, then took a sip.
...But the overwhelming bitterness made him wrinkle his nose for a moment.
quickly Dill hid his expression, but Gustav in front of him burst into laughter with a "Hahaha."
"Didn't suit your taste?"
"No, it was much bitter than I imagined."
Dill smiled wryly and quietly returned the cup to the saucer.
In that moment, something caught his eye through the swaying coffee.
It looked like writing on the inside of the cup.
(What is this? The cup was empty before.)
The empty cup was definitely pure white.
If there were any words, the dark side should have noticed before Dill.
But he was sure he saw something flicker.
(Words rising to the surface because of the heat...)
Focused on the cup, Dill watched as Gustav took a sip of coffee and returned his cup as well.
"Sorry. I'll have the maid take it away."
Dill shook his head and took the cup again, saying, "No."
"It's a generous offer, and it's impolite to judge it after just one try."
With a trembling hand, Dill reached for the cup again as he spoke.
This time, he kept his eyes open and slowly tilted the cup──what jumped into his vision were the words written on the side of the cup.
──Betray your country. Help me.
Dill's eyes widened involuntarily at the brief message, and he promptly put the cup back down.
"What's wrong? Still not to your liking?"
Dill could only answer weakly with "No," and gently return the cup to the saucer as the Gustav chuckled.
The trembling coffee once again hid the words written on the cup.
From Dill's diagonal back and the ceiling's dark side, it was a perfect angle where the words couldn't be seen.
In these recent meetings, he understood the dark side perfectly and set things up.
Dill swallowed hard at Gustav's careful planning.
Knowing Gustav would betray him, refusing now meant disaster.
Even if he pretended not to notice, there would be no rise in the kingdom.
In fact, a terrible death was waiting for him.
This meant Dill hardly had a choice to refuse.
But failure would surely lead to ruin.
It wouldn't just be Dill losing his head.
(What should I do...)
Asking himself wouldn't bring answers.
What is the right choice?
If he made the wrong choice...
Thinking that, Dill shivered in fear.
"What's wrong? If you're tired, feel free to step out,"
Gustav smiled, but to Dill, that smile felt devilish.
He wanted time to think.
No, he actually wanted to run away from here.
With that thought, Dill nodded slightly.
"Well then, excuse me..."
Seeing Dill stand, Gustav smiled and told the maid, "Show him out."
As Dill walked through the quiet hallway, various decorations caught his eye.
The Duke's land had many beautiful tourist spots, especially a small island popular with nobles.
Catherine had visited there with Edgar during summer vacation, one of our family's places.
The mansion was large and luxurious, successful in attracting the rich.
Yet, it didn't have the bad air of a nouveau riche, showing Gustav's taste.
While thinking about this, Dill saw a huge portrait of the Duke's family in the hall.
Gustav said photos are nice, but nobles must hire their own painters.
Looking up at the portrait, Dill realized he hadn't gathered with his family in a long time.
He'd been busy working, chasing more power.
He thought he was chosen, even keeping a mistress outside.
That was allowed... no, it was accepted.
Of course, he had grown distant from his wife, but he should have had a good relationship with his only son, Dario.
Now, he even avoided Dario, becoming a boring man who just wasted his days.
(When did it become like this?)
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