The morning light grew brighter, piercing through the gaps in the heavy curtains and slicing bright domains of light across the luxurious master bedroom. Fine dust danced leisurely within the beams.
The tenderness and low whispers between the bedsheets gradually subsided, replaced by a more pragmatic yet still intimate atmosphere.
Cantarella clapped her hands languidly. The crisp applause echoed in the cavernous bedroom.
Almost immediately, the side door was pushed open silently. Several maids in Fesale family uniforms, keeping their eyes respectfully downcast, walked in quietly.
They carried silver trays bearing an exquisite breakfast—richly aromatic coffee, perfectly toasted bread, fresh fruit, and a few Laguna-style morning pastries.
Their movements were gentle and highly trained. They didn't dare to look up the entire time. After setting up a small table and the breakfast before the two, they retreated silently as if they had never been there.
"You must be hungry, My Lord," Cantarella smiled, personally handing a cup of coffee to Rover. Her fingertips casually brushed against the back of his hand, still carrying that tantalizing, slightly cool touch. "The coffee beans of Castello Portovino are from the most prestigious producing region in the archipelago, roasted through a special process. Outsiders do not have the fortune to enjoy this."
Rover took the coffee. The rich aroma was indeed extraordinary.
He took a sip; it was mellow, slightly bitter, with a long, lingering aftertaste.
The two leaned against the headboard, enjoying their simple breakfast.
Cantarella ate elegantly, but the glances she occasionally cast at Rover still bore undisguised possessiveness and satisfaction.
"Speaking of which," Rover put down his coffee cup and asked seemingly casually, "How do you plan to broach this topic with the Mortari family? Taking the first step to establish the Provisional Council is always the hardest."
Cantarella gently stirred the coffee in her cup with a small silver spoon, the corners of her lips curving into a calculating smile. "Old man Francis is a smart man, and an even shrewder businessman. He deeply understands the principle that stability breeds wealth. I will directly lay out the stakes and propose the framework for a tri-party joint governance. As for the details..." She chuckled softly, "It's nothing more than the division and checks and balances of interests. Mortari wants the overt commercial dominance and more seats? Fine."
"However, we Fesale must have sufficient say in Echo management, maritime security, and... the supervision of certain special historical legacy projects."
"Echo management... Mortari has always been committed to advancing personal terminals and Echoes. I imagine they won't easily loosen their grip on this piece of the pie and let Fesale enjoy it exclusively," Rover calmly followed up on Cantarella's words while sipping his coffee.
"Naturally. However..." Cantarella blinked, maintaining a faint smile on her lips, "In negotiations, one must never reveal their bottom line. As for the final jurisdictions of our two families, it will require continuous negotiation and compromise from both sides."
She paused, her blue-purple eyes shooting Rover a sly glance. "Of course, I will specifically propose that the lovely Second Young Miss Coletta join the council as an important representative of Mortari."
"I imagine both Francis and yourself would be happy to see that happen, wouldn't you?"
She cleverly pushed Coletta back into the center of the topic once again, her tone thick with teasing.
How could Rover not hear her underlying meaning? He gave a faint smile and countered, "It seems you really admire Coletta's abilities, to recommend her so strongly."
"Oh, of course I admire her." Cantarella drew out her words, leaning her body slightly towards him, lowering her voice like sharing a secret. "I admire her youth, her vitality, and I admire... the way she looks at you, like looking at the most precious gemstone in the world, pure and full of longing."
"Isn't such a chess piece... oh, I mean, such a partner, worth our full support?"
She heavily emphasized the word "support," the profound meaning self-evident.
Just as Rover was about to say something else, three highly rhythmic, soft knocks came from the bedroom door.
Cantarella frowned slightly, seemingly displeased that their brief private time was interrupted, but she still called out, "Come in."
It was a maid carrying a tray who entered. This time, however, the tray held not food, but a set of neatly folded, brand-new men's clothing.
From undergarments to outerwear, shoes, socks, and accessories—everything was complete. The style was exquisite yet understated, the materials exceptionally choice. It was clearly carefully prepared well in advance.
"Family Head, the clothing you ordered for our guest is ready." The maid kept her eyes glued to the floor the entire time, her voice flat and emotionless, as if she were merely delivering an ordinary object.
Cantarella nodded in satisfaction and waved her hand.
The maid placed the tray on a nearby ottoman, bowed silently once more, and retreated, never casting a single glance toward the bed.
"It seems your maids are completely unsurprised by me staying the night here," Rover raised an eyebrow.
"The Fesale family must always be ready to welcome the descent of My Lord, no matter the time or place."
Cantarella smiled like a cat that had stolen a fish. She threw off the silk covers and stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet.
She walked over to the tray, personally picked up the high-quality white shirt, and walked towards Rover. "Come, let me serve you in getting dressed. Consider it fulfilling my duties as... a lover."
Her service was meticulous and attentive. Her cool fingertips occasionally brushed against his skin, bringing a subtle thrill. Her eyes were full of appreciation and possessiveness, as if she were dressing a precious collectible that belonged solely to her.
Just as she was fastening the last button on his shirt, another knock came at the door, this time slightly more urgent.
Cantarella's brow furrowed in genuine annoyance. "What is it now?"
The old butler's restrained but slightly hurried voice came from outside. "Apologies for the intrusion, Family Head. Envoys from the Convent's provisional delegation are requesting an emergency audience. They claim to have extremely important matters to discuss immediately with you and... Lord Rover."
Cantarella and Rover exchanged a glance, a flash of surprise and solemnity passing through both their eyes.
For the Convent's people to come knocking so urgently, and even specifically requesting Rover, was definitely no small matter.
As for how they knew Rover was here, that wasn't surprising. He had never deliberately hidden his whereabouts, and it was only natural for the Convent's informants to know where he was.
"It seems our breakfast time is over."
Cantarella took a deep breath, instantly reverting to the calm, sharp "Poison" Family Head. Only the lingering trace of charm in her eyes showed the tenderness from moments ago.
"Have them wait in the drawing room," she commanded, her tone unquestionable.
"Yes." The butler's footsteps faded away.
Cantarella turned around, quickly washing up and dressing herself. Her tone grew serious: "For the Convent's people to lose their composure like this, I'm afraid some real chaos has erupted that they can't control. My Lord, it seems the establishment of this Provisional Council is more imminent than we anticipated."
Rover adjusted his collar, his gaze sharp: "Let's go. Let's see what good news they've brought."
The morning's warmth and romance were instantly shattered by the sudden emergency. The dark undercurrents beneath Laguna's calm surface seemed impatient to surge forth.
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