Chessboard

Before long, old Charles led the three visitors into the apartment and straight toward the living room.

Gilan rose from the sofa and turned to look.

A noblewoman wearing a lace-trimmed straw hat and a white dress patterned with small yellow chrysanthemums entered, carrying an exquisitely wrapped box in her hands.

A young man and woman followed behind her. The young man looked familiar—it was Kodel Lotito, whom Gilan had met at the Silver Lizard Club.

He had once been part of Dadeier's little circle and had even harbored feelings for her. Unfortunately, his genius older brother, Renoan Lotito, had died at the "Black Mass" dinner, becoming one of Dadeier's sacrifices.

Beside Kodel stood a young girl who appeared somewhat younger than him, seemingly his younger sister.

Her black hair was braided and coiled up, and she wore a sky-blue long dress with a leg-of-mutton-sleeved blouse over it, combining cuteness with aristocratic elegance.

"Good morning, Mr. Gilan."

The noblewoman approached with a smile.

"Please forgive this unexpected visit."

"I heard from my husband that the Empire's youngest foreign minister had moved in next door. I was both surprised and honored, so I prepared some handmade pastries to pay you a visit."

"You're too kind, madam." Gilan stepped forward, accepted the box, and smiled politely. "Please, have a seat."

The noblewoman then took her children to sit on the sofa. Since the maids had gone out shopping, old Charles, the butler, had no choice but to prepare tea and entertain the guests himself.

After a cup of hot tea, Gilan exchanged a few pleasantries with the noblewoman. From her introduction, he learned that her name was Norma. After marrying Propaganda Minister Staven, she had taken her husband's surname, Lotito.

The girl was called Flora. She was Kodel's younger sister and the