The Milverton family dining room was silent, save for the occasional clink of silver spoon against porcelain plate. The dim glow of candlelight cast long shadows along the dark wood-paneled walls. Hugo and Charles sat across from each other, while Vespera—having resumed her form as a servant—moved gracefully, pouring crimson wine into their crystal glasses.
No one spoke for a while. Hugo's gaze occasionally flicked toward Vespera, who now appeared as an ordinary woman yet exuded an unexplainable aura. Charles, in contrast, stared at his food with indifference, showing no interest in the contents of his plate.
At last, Hugo broke the silence.
"So... you're living with a demon now," he said, trying to sound casual, though his voice trembled slightly.
"Vespera is my ally," Charles replied calmly. "She's not human, true. But she's more trustworthy than most nobles in this city."
Hugo took a long sip of wine. "You... you're really not joking about revenge, are you?"
Charles met his gaze. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Hugo turned away, eyes drifting toward the cloudy night sky outside the window. "Then... there's something you should know."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Two great families are vying for power before the Queen's eventual death—my family, the Ravenswords... and the Crownless. But now… with the 'return' of the Milverton name to the political arena, everything's changing."
Charles frowned. "Milverton? I have no interest in the throne."
"But the name still commands respect. Many would support you if you simply asked. You could—"
"No." Charles cut him off, his tone firm. "I didn't come back to be king. I don't want the crown. I want justice."
From behind, Vespera chuckled. "Justice... soaked in blood, of course."
Hugo looked at her, frowning. "But Charlie, if you had power, you could change everything from within."
Charles leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the flickering candle. "Power doesn't fix anything, Hugo. It just makes you part of the same rotten circle. I intend to destroy the system, not decorate it."
Hugo fell silent. In his eyes, there was admiration... and fear.
Vespera spoke next, her voice laced with playfulness. "Speaking of rotten systems... young master, I don't think you've heard yet. Some of your patients have been whispering about a 'new religion' spreading among the poor."
Charles glanced at her. "A religion?"
Vespera nodded, her eyes glinting. "A sun-worshipping faith. They say if you offer tribute to the sun, your life will be blessed. And conveniently... the tribute is always money."
Charles scowled. "A classic con. A false hope designed to wring the last coin from the desperate."
Hugo gripped his fork tightly. "And the ones spreading it... are nobles."
Charles turned sharply. "Are you certain?"
"Some secret reports mention Lord Halberd by name. Publicly, he's generous. But there are rumors... that he's extorting peasants and beggars through this so-called religion."
Vespera sighed. "And the world keeps spinning, doesn't it? Sin wrapped in holy robes."
Charles rose from his chair. "I want to know more."
Hugo stood with him. "You're going to investigate?"
Charles nodded. "Of course. I'll go as a respected noble doctor. But I'll be watching who plays in the shadows."
He looked at Vespera. "I'll infiltrate Halberd's estate. And you already know what to do."
Vespera smiled. "You don't even have to tell me, my lord."
Charles returned the smile with a nod. "Let's show them the true meaning of God."
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