CH 8

While Citrina was busy changing Aaron’s fate, Desian was returning to his place.

***

Citrina thought. What does family mean to Aaron?

Feeling a bit strange, she decided to exit the library.

It was awkward to leave Aaron there. Nevertheless, she slowly descended the circular staircase.

The annex was as quiet as the dead. Had the Duke of Pietro left? Strangely, there were only a few people in the ducal annex today.

Citrina took out the book she had brought from the library.

<A Guide to Spirits>

She was looking for more information about the jewel spirit she wanted to meet.

Circling around the annex, she got to the garden. Citrina slowly walked over and sat in a small chair under a tree in the garden. It was cool with the leaves obscuring the bright sunlight.

Sitting back in the chair, she slowly flipped out the guide to the spirits.

“The jewel spirit, Gemma.”

The page she wanted was easy to find.

At this time, the spirits were in hiding from others. In fact, there was only a crude explanation from the guide.

Contracts with special spirits, such as jewel spirits, are made with an equivalent exchange.

‘I can become a contractor if I give Gemma what she wants.’

Citrina was lost in thought. She can ask for a contract using jewelry as bait. After getting Gemma, she could start her jewelry business. Everything became clear.

Citrina took her eyes off the book with a small smile.

It felt good under the garden tree, with the shade and sunlight mixing harmoniously. She yawned softly with the book in her lap.

Citrina turned her head and saw him.

Desian Pietro.

He was looking at the sun. With his black hair, black eyes, and black clothing in the beautiful garden, he looked like the only free person in the world.

Did he notice Citrina’s eyes on him? He turned his head slowly. They looked at each other slowly, closely but not too closely.

It was like a staring contest,

“Desian nim?”

Citrina’s clear voice ended the contest. It was a beautiful and unfamiliar voice that awoke his spirit.

Citrina did not understand. Desian’s childhood was not completely explained.

However, she knew he had lived a life full of boredom. The brainwashing of the Duke of Pietro and the wizard Toloji was absolute.

Therefore he always lived in a prison-like basement without being curious about the world. Being in this place was unexpected.

He came over to her slowly and spoke.

“Citrina.”

“What brings you to the garden?…”

Citrina looked at him, slurring her words. She was still sitting in the chair, so he looked down at her while standing.

There was a distinct difference here.

“I’m curious.”

Desian’s eyes met hers. Captured in his direct gaze, Citrina bit her lip.

She wasn’t doing anything right now. But these circumstances were different from what appeared in the original.