Chapter 233

Chapter 233

“I didn’t know you’d keep making such poor choices.”

The marquis’s eyes grew colder. Raymond knew that the man before him was already calculating and reassessing his usefulness. Having lived a long life, Raymond’s intuition had become sharper.

But Raymond, having lived long, had more cards up his sleeve. It didn’t matter if Prince Lewis no longer admired him or if he had no ties to Verdic.

“May I tell you something else?”

“Trying to cover up momentarily won’t help, Sir Raymond. If you want to change the subject, you’d better have something substantial. Do you think you have any appeal to me without Verdic Evans?”

“I’m sure you’ll like hearing it.”

“Let me warn you, if you bring up the Crown Prince, you won’t be showing up in front of me for a while.”

Raymond shook his head. He didn’t know what the crown prince thought of him now. But that didn’t matter to him. He focused on what he needed to do.

“Marquis, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the recent string of serial murders has stopped. I’d like to tell you more about that.”

“...That’s not a pleasant topic for a meal. I’ll change my order from meat to something else.”

The marquis switched to a different type of tea.

Raymond took a map from his coat pocket. It showed the locations where the incidents had occurred and the places he had prevented them.

“The rumors about me frequenting the red-light district were because of this investigation.”

“What is this?”

“I need your cooperation regarding the serial murder cases.”

Even without Verdic, Raymond had plenty of useful cards.

The marquis would undoubtedly appreciate this information. Raymond knew what the marquis would find valuable.

* * *

Could survival be possible in this lifetime?

This time, truly, could she survive?

He hoped so. He loved her for trying to become a better person. This time, he had to succeed.

Raymond felt a grim sense of hope.

* * *

“...Alright.”

Isella stood up abruptly and spoke to Zion.

Of course she did. Carynne had told him where she was. But what was bothering Isella since yesterday? Carynne tilted her head, pondering. She hadn’t seen her yesterday, and the day before yesterday... This had been going on since they went to the hospital.

Carynne finally remembered that she had confessed her reincarnation to Isella. She had forgotten about it again.

Isella must have thought she was crazy at the hospital.

Carynne smirked as she guessed the reason for Isella’s unease. So that’s why she’s so tense. She must think she’s been living with a crazy person. It’s hard to tell a crazy person that they’re crazy. Raymond had been like that in the past too. So Carynne could immediately recognize Isella’s actions now.

“It’s okay. Even if I’m not normal, I won’t trouble you, Isella.”

Even though it’s so hard to become friends with you, getting this far is something. Carynne thought it was significant progress that Isella had suggested she go to the hospital.

In the past, Isella wouldn’t have cared if Carynne fell ill while working. If she did care, it was only because she was worried about catching something. For Isella to suggest going to the hospital was indeed touching.

“Carynne... do you have any idea why?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

Carynne continued walking with Isella, who seemed to have something to say but found it difficult to speak up. Carynne didn’t press her, so they walked in silence for a while.

As they walked, the golden light turned red and then began to slowly blend into purple. The early evening moonrise was beautiful. Carynne looked at the sky. It was time to go back. If they were too late, the vicar would be furious.

“Isella, how about writing a letter to your father?”

“...Why?”

“I recently wrote to my father about various things, and it felt good. Mister Verdic is surely waiting to hear from you too.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes.”

Silence fell again. Carynne stopped walking.

“If we stay out too late, the vicar will be angry. Should we head back the way we came?”

“Wait. Let’s walk a little more.”

Isella insisted. Carynne shrugged and continued walking. The breeze was cool, and the mix of crickets chirping, people chatting, and the smell of food being cooked was pleasant.

Isella’s skirt hem had gotten stained with grass at some point. Carynne noticed but didn’t mention it, as Isella seemed preoccupied.

Isella stopped walking, and so did Carynne.

Isella turned to Carynne and opened her mouth to speak. She had to tell her, no matter how she might take it. The truth needed to be told.

“Carynne, you’re...”

/subliminalwayfare