Chapter 23:

Chapter 23:

Shit.

Things have become complicated.

Baron Gaspar walked quickly towards the cemetery where the funeral was taking place, grumbling to himself.

These idiots! They couldnt even steal a simple key!

He shouldnt have trusted these unreliable bastards.

If those scoundrels had just done their job properly, by now he would have sold the key and been enjoying a luxurious life at his villa in the southern sea.

But at the moment, he was being chased by debt collectors and even under investigation by the capital guards.

Immediately after leaving the scene, Gaspar hurriedly returned there, thinking that he couldnt let Juliet, who had witnessed everything, live.

However, to his surprise, there was nothing left there.

Only dried blood stains were scattered around.

The group of scoundrels Gaspar had hired for money had disappeared without a trace, and the bodies of the Count and Countess Monad and Juliet had vanished just as swiftly.

It was only after the incident, a few days later, that he heard some news.

Juliet had returned alive, but she had lost her memory, along with the bodies of her parents.

Ive always known that girl was resilient.

Just like three years ago, she had come back to life once again.

There were also rumors circulating about her not remembering anything due to the shock, but Gaspar was uneasy.

If Juliet were to speak up, she would undoubtedly accuse Gaspar as the culprit.

Sure enough, the day after Juliets return, Gaspar was summoned by the capital guards.

Rumors began to spread that Gaspar was somehow connected to the deaths of the Count and Countess.

Indeed, leaving Juliet alive had become a burden.

It was a good thing I prepared an alibi in advance.

Quick-witted Gaspar had arranged for witnesses to testify to his alibi shortly after hiring the group of scoundrels.

Gaspar claimed his innocence, emphasizing that he was unjustly accused.

The fortunate misfortune was that the group of scoundrels who were present that day had completely vanished.

The only evidence of their existence was Juliets testimony.

As expected, the capital guards couldnt incriminate him in court with just that and released him.

But if any of them had survived and testified that Gaspar was the mastermind behind this

Gaspar trembled with fear.

However, there were still lingering questions. Where did the scoundrels go, and how did that girl return unharmed?

It was a mystery. The scoundrels Gaspar had hired were notorious for being ruthless.

Would those guys suddenly confess their guilt and show sympathy by sparing Juliet?

Youre late, uncle Gaspar.

Gaspar stopped in his tracks and froze on the spot.

You, you

In the midst of the dimly lit cemetery, Juliet stood alone, wearing a black dress.

He had heard the story of her return, but seeing it with his own eyes was even more shocking.

Something felt off. However, aside from looking slightly pale, Juliet, dressed in mourning attire, seemed remarkably unscathed.

The funeral is over. The mourners have all left.

Ding-dong, ding-dong.

Coincidentally, the sound of bells tolling for the deceased echoed from a nearby temple.

Yes, today was the funeral of the tragic Count and Countess Monad, exactly one week after their untimely death.

Gaspar, astonished and unable to speak, watched as Juliet smirked and tilted her head mockingly.

Why are you so surprised? As if youve seen a ghost.

I-Im not the one whos surprised!

Is it so strange that Im still alive?

What are you talking about? Surely not.

Baron Gaspar glanced around, taking a full turn.

Even though it was broad daylight, the weather was gloomy, with heavy clouds covering the sky. There was no sound of thunder, but occasional flashes of lightning illuminated the sky.

As Juliet had said, there seemed to be no sign of the mourners.

Eventually, Juliet stopped walking. She had reached the entrance of the cemetery.

There stood a silent black carriage made of ebony wood.

Although there were no inscriptions, as soon as she arrived, the coachman opened the carriage door as if he had been waiting.

Juliet said nothing and obediently got into the carriage.

The man who was already sitting inside the carriage didnt even flinch when he saw Juliet sitting across from him.

She asked calmly.

Are you returning to the North?

Yeah. Has anything changed regarding the conditions?

Before answering, Juliet blinked.

If she couldnt stop the flow of time like in the past no matter how hard she struggled, wouldnt it be better to stay by his side?

Stay for now, and leave before Dahlia appears.

Juliet was exhausted. She wanted to rest quietly without any thoughts.

To merely protect ones heart seemed insignificant compared to what Juliet had experienced so far, she thought.

She had confidence in herself.

Unlike in the past, she wouldnt lose herself by being infatuated with the man before her.

Ive thought about it.

A week ago, the conditions of the deal that Juliet proposed to him were simple.

I have something to offer to Your Highness. Isnt that right?

She would not interfere or seek affection regardless of whom he meets or what he does. In return, Juliet asked for two conditions.

One was to hand over Baron Gaspar to her grasp, and the other was to grant her the ability of a convenient lover who provides stability of demonic powers for at least the next three years.

Thats not usually called a deal.

Lennox had said that upon hearing Juliets demands.

He said that if the balance of the conditions on both sides was not met, the deal could not be established and that he would give her more time to think.

So, have you made a decision?

Yes, please write up the contract.

A contract?

Yes. With the condition that either Your Highness or I can leave at any time if either of us desires.

Lennoxs eyes narrowed.

Seeing that, Juliet tilted her head.

Is this not an acceptable deal condition?

Theres no reason it wouldnt be.

Juliet Monad had a strangely poignant expression that didnt match her age.

She was a peculiar woman.

It was strange that she looked eerily beautiful standing in the cemetery wearing a black dress, far more than when she was dressed in pastel tones at the banquet hall. It was an odd occurrence.

Looking at such a woman intently, Lennox suddenly asked.

I have one question, why is such a contract necessary?

Juliet had pale, lifeless skin, and even her neatly twisted long hair was a light color. Except for her red lips, she had an almost fleeting impression that could disappear at any moment.

Nevertheless, she was frighteningly beautiful. Like a flower emitting venom.

Because I.

Juliet replied with dry eyes that didnt convey any warmth.

Fell in love at first sight.

It was eyes that showed no signs of falling in love. Assuredly, it was the most insincere confession he had ever heard.

But it didnt matter. He liked that answer.

Elliot.

Yes, Your Highness.

A polite response came from outside the carriage as if he had been waiting.

Bring me a pen and paper.

He continued without taking his eyes off Juliet, who was still sitting across from him.

And empty the bedroom, inform the staff to leave it vacant, the room next to the study.

Shortly after, the carriage departed towards the North.