《The Villainess Will Leave Without Any Regrets》 Chapter 1 Abella set down the envelope she¡¯d been fiddling with on her desk. During the past eight years, the place she¡¯d spent the most time in was here¡ªthe study. The Amerigo family¡¯s study seemed to weigh down on Abella¡¯s shoulders, and she found their library, which she often stayed in as a child, very comfortable. Abella touched the corners of her desk, smoothed over the years she¡¯d used it. She¡¯d spent eight years here, and strangely enough, she didn¡¯t feel any regret. Abella raised her tearful eyes. ¡°Carlo¡­¡± Now was the time to let go of Carlo Amerigo, her dead brother who¡¯d taken care of her with all of his might. It was exhausting. She found it difficult to hold onto her worn-out feelings any longer. Abella placed the rectangular envelope in a prominent area on the middle of her desk. [To Simon Amerigo.] This was Abella¡¯s best course of action. In the early morning, while everybody was asleep, Abella disappeared in the midst of autumn in a pre-booked carriage. Without anyone knowing. *** He wanted to find Abella as soon as he finished his morning training. His name was Simon Amerigo. He jumped in one step. ¡°Aunt! Aunt!¡± Simon knocked on the door to the study, his throat pressuring him to call out for Aunt Abella. ¡°Are you still asleep?¡± Simon tilted his head and opened the door. Abella was late. He¡¯d never witnessed anything major occur during the past eight years. The study was strangely cool. The fireplace, which was always on, was off even though they were entering early winter and the weather was changing accordingly. ¡°Aunt, your hands and feet will be cold.¡± Simon¡¯s heart sank. The blue eyes of the still immature boy scanned the study. Even the furniture, which was stained with the touch of Abella¡¯s hands, remained unchanged, yet it still felt empty. Simon¡¯s face sank in the dark. He felt a strange premonition. A rectangular envelope on her desk caught his eye. Simon opened the letter with trembling hands. [To Simon Amerigo.] Simon¡¯s wavering eyes read the letter without hesitation. [Simon, I love you.] Her long letter ending like that could only mean one thing. Abella had left. To a place nobody could find. Well, the last eight years must¡¯ve been hell for Abella. She did her best just by enduring that time. He knew that. So now he had to let her go. But¡­ Simon burst open the door again. ¡°Hannibal!¡± The voice of the boy was sharp as he called for his butler. ¡°Young master?¡± ¡°Hire mercenaries right now. I¡¯m looking for my aunt.¡± Simon handed the letter in his hand over to Hannibal. He¡¯d ensure that Abella would be put back into place. The letter fell from Hannibal¡¯s hand. [Never look for me. This is my last request.] Simon ignored the last sentence with his eyes tightly closed. Abella must return. To this place where there are people who love her. ¡®Aunt¡­¡¯ Simon was in tears as if he had become a child again. ¡®Please come back.¡¯ *** 8 years ago. It rained a lot that day. People in dark clothes with black umbrellas had gathered together to mourn for Duke Carlo Amerigo. Step, step. Everybody¡¯s attention was drawn to a woman with silver hair who walked on a wide stepping stone laid down at the entrance of the graveyard. It was located on a hill behind the Duke¡¯s mansion. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Mother.¡± The woman, who wore fine black lace while holding an umbrella, smiled lightly. However, her smile soon disappeared like a firework. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would come.¡± Abella exhaled a sorrowful breath. It seemed as though nobody was waiting for her. She¡¯d been looking forward to this moment. She had a bitter taste within her mouth. Even if nobody welcomed her, she still had to come back. Amerigo¡¯s prodigal daughter, who¡¯d never been spotted during the past eight years, had returned. On her brother¡¯s funeral day as well, nonetheless. For a moment, people had forgotten about the tragedy of the Amerigo family, instead chattering about the story of Abella. She threw a chrysanthemum over Carlo¡¯s coffin with a casual look on her face, then stepping back. ¡°Abella Amerigo!¡± ¡°The one born on Skellus¡­!¡± Abella shifted her gaze to them, and they shut their mouths again. She laughed. Skellus Day. The cursed day. It was a day when the moon didn¡¯t rise. From generation to generation, children born on Skellus Day would either suffer upon birth or die early. However, the only person who survived even though they were born on Skellus Day was Abella Amerigo. This was why people would point their fingers towards Abella as if she was a cursed child. Moreover, as if she was cursed, Abella was tormenting to her father. Chapter 2 There was a reason behind why Abella, who had fled and left, decided to return. She returned because of a single letter. [Sister.] Carlo¡¯s neat and soft handwriting was exactly like him. Just like his voice. Abella felt a small smile arise upon her face. After such a long time, her brother sent her a letter. Carlo would send letters to Abella whenever something happened. [Today is my wedding. Sister, do you find it comfortable over at Vincent? It¡¯s still quite cold here in Timur since it¡¯s winter, but I¡¯m clueless as to what the weather is like at your place.] [My child was born today as well. Wow ¡­ he¡¯ll be my son! Ah, I promised Elowen not to do anything childish like this, but she won¡¯t know if you keep it a secret. Sister, please name my child. I¡¯ll hold out until I receive your reply and make up an excuse that I can¡¯t remember what I wanted as my child¡¯s name.] Abella¡¯s younger brother was always friendly to her, while others would either point her out as a prodigal daughter, an idiot, or a selfish bitch. He was the only person who understood Abella, who had forsaken all of her filial duties and fled to Vincent. Abella waited every day for another letter to come from Carlo. However, the letter she received this time felt different. She took a deep breath and read the letter. [I feel weird, Sister. Timur¡¯s winter is dragging out too long. Spring will arrive in a bit, but I feel as though I won¡¯t be able to see it. This ominous feeling won¡¯t go away. It¡¯s similar to how I felt the day you left.] Her heart pounded. Even Abella¡¯s ears were ringing. Carlo never mentioned the day Abella left before. Why now though? [Sister, I¡¯m proud to have lived this well as Amerigo¡¯s son, successor, and finally as a Duke while protecting what you left behind for me.] Abella bit her lips. It seemed as though anxiety had climbed up from the bottom of her feet and enraptured her. [I don¡¯t think I can do this anymore. Come back, Sister. Take Amerigo back and become our Duchess, even if you turned away from it long ago. I hope you¡¯ll come back before spring arrives. I won¡¯t be able to wait that long. Soon enough, I think I¡¯ll have to follow Elowen on the road she embarked upon.] Tears filled Abella¡¯s big eyes. Elowen, the wife of Carlo, had died last year. Abella opened her eyes. He was still healthy and was even three years younger than Abella, so he should only be twenty-two years old. So why would he be like this? [I¡¯m sorry ¡­ I¡¯ve always wanted to support you and your choices, but I can only think of Simon. He¡¯s only three years old. Please protect him, Sister. My death is approaching. Perhaps I won¡¯t be able to see you again next summer.] Abella packed her luggage and immediately began traveling to Timur. It took a month for her to travel by boat and fifteen days to travel by train to get from Vincent to Timur. By using a telegram, letters could be quick to send, but it wasn¡¯t the same for a person. By the time she set foot in Timur, beautiful spring flowers were already in full bloom. It started to rain. The sky cried as if it were mourning Carlo¡¯s death. Abella stared at Carlo, who lied within a coffin with a pale face. The ceremony had not yet started, so they were able to look at Carlo while he rested inside the glass tube. ¡°Carlo¡­¡± Abella couldn¡¯t keep her promise to her good brother until the very end. ¡®I¡¯m late, Carlo.¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo blocked Abella, who was taking a precarious step. She was the mother of Abella and Carlo. She pushed Abella¡¯s shoulder with a strong hand while shouting with a piercing voice. ¡°Where are you going!? You¡¯re the bitch who tormented my husband and son! Was your father not enough for you? Do you feel good after making your brother like that?¡± Abella¡¯s umbrella fell with a thud. Raindrops fell upon her face like tears as it was exposed to the rain. ¡°¡­You¡¯re still the same.¡± A low murmur escaped Abella¡¯s lips. Abella laughed at the cool sharpness of her gaze. Even after eight years, Abella was still considered the Amerigo family¡¯s sinner and demon. She killed her father. Now, the devil even killed her younger brother as well. Although Abella actually did nothing, everything would always be blamed as her sins. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s gaze was sorely cold as it was directed towards Abella. ¡°Mother.¡± Abella smiled, closing her eyes with a grim face in order to swallow her cry. ¡®Please, Simon ¡­¡­ Please protect Amerigo, Sister.¡¯ Goodbye, Carlo. I will surely keep my promise with you. I¡¯m sorry I was late. She swallowed what she couldn¡¯t say. Chapter 3 Until the funeral ended, Abella remained in place like a shadow. People confronted her, saying that she was a devil because her back was upright and she did not shed a drop of tears. It had taken Abella a month and a half to return to Timur upon leaving Vincent. Her tear glands had dried up; she¡¯d cried for a long time until she could no longer shed tears. But people only believed what they could see. She knew that no matter what excuses she came up with, it would not be heard by those who¡¯d already decreed her a villain. Besides, when she considered what could be done in the future, it might be better for her to not make any excuses. Abella stared blankly at the tombstone. Being the ¡®brightest¡¯ wasn¡¯t enough to describe Carlo Amerigo. Carlo was more dazzling than anybody else, and was a good enough man to look back at his sister, who was rejected by the people. Carlo¡­. ¡®He can¡¯t die like this¡­¡¯ Abella swallowed her warm saliva. Her tight throat was stuffy. When the funeral was over, people passed by Abella. Some spit on her, and others swore at her. They were seemingly condemning a guilty person who had left the responsibilities of the Amerigo family to Carlo, fleeing. Abella burst into laughter. She knew that they¡¯d talk like this, yet she couldn¡¯t help but laugh anyways. Her laughter grew increasingly mad. ¡°As expected, she¡¯s the evil one. How can she do that ¡­ during her brother¡¯s funeral?¡± ¡°Her father and brother died, so why is she laughing so much?¡± ¡°She must have tormented her father and brother just like Mrs. Amerigo had spoken of. Where is that cursed woman going?¡± The scarlet letters on Abella only deepened, becoming unerasable. No one knew that Abella¡¯s laughter was a bloody cry. *** Abella fixed her hat. She wasn¡¯t very far away from the place where Carlo¡¯s burial had been set up, which was located right next to the Amerigo mansion. It was about ten minutes away by carriage. She didn¡¯t know how long it has been since she passed the threshold of the Amerigo mansion. She was alone when she left, but not alone when she came back. It was because there was a colleague who came with her to help with her work. Abella glanced at Enoch Clemington¡¯s gesture, patting her shoulder as if comforting. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve ever seen you so nervous. What are you so nervous about? This is your house.¡± ¡°Well.¡± Could this be called Abella¡¯s home? No one would think so. Enoch, who did not know Abella¡¯s mind, said peacefully. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Abella. What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Enoch, because you don¡¯t know Timur and you don¡¯t know Amerigo. It¡¯s more than your imagination.¡± Abella¡¯s voice was leaking like the wind, and Enoch shrugged as if there was anything wrong. Enoch was a dedicated lawyer who helped Abella in the textile business in Vincent. Even after Abella helped him organize and clean up the business in Vincent, he moved to Timur, saying he wanted to join her. When Abella first suggested that Enoch come to Timur with him, it took a great deal of determination. Enoch Clemington¡¯s foundation was not in Timur, but in Vincent. But coming to Timur meant losing everything Enoch had ever built up. However, Enoch¡¯s help was desperately needed to establish Abella¡¯s position in Amerigo. No one will listen to Abella. Someone¡¯s help is needed to run this large estate, but Enoch, who has an international lawyer license, would be more helpful. And surprisingly, Enoch readily accepted Abella¡¯s offer. It¡¯s really easy. Abella said with a light smile. ¡°Thank you for coming with me.¡± ¡°What. No one pays me as much as you.¡± Enoch shrugged, took off the fedora and held it in his hand. Gains and losses. Amerigo¡¯s gate opened while Abella and Enoch continued their conversation. Enoch struck Abella on the shoulder as if to wake her up. Abella began to move slowly. It was Abella who decided to walk the long path from the gate to the front door. It was the road where she played with Carlo and their father as a child. Chapter 4 Amerigo¡¯s gate opened while Abella and Enoch continued their conversation. Enoch nudged Abella on her shoulder as if he were waking her. She began to slowly move. Abella decided to walk on the longer pathway to get from the gate to the front door. As a child, it was the path she¡¯d play on with Carlo and their father. Wildflowers would bloom in the spring, and raspberries were ripe in the summer. Their boulevard was carefully maintained by a gardener. A long time ago, she looked at the blooming wildflowers with Carlo and their father. ¡°What flower is this?¡± ¡°Well, since it resembles you, wouldn¡¯t it be called an Abella flower?¡± ¡°What? You don¡¯t know what flower it is?! Father, you fool!¡± ¡°Carlo, shh. You¡¯re embarrassing your father.¡± Abella could practically see her young self and Carlo running around with a smile. She felt as though their father, who slowly trailed Carlo, would call out to her any time from now. Abella bit her lips. She then saw herself walking alone on that path. Lost without Carlo and their father. Step, step. The spring flowers, which were in full bloom, shook with the motion of Abella¡¯s steps. Her heart pounded. ¡°Are you okay? You look very pale.¡± ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Abella answered stubbornly. She knew what would be at the end of the pathway, but even so, she shouldn¡¯t be breaking down this much. Did she personally choose the path to hell? Enoch stared at Abella¡¯s trembling back. Would anybody find it so difficult to see their family? Although he had maintained a relationship with Abella for seven years, this was the first time he¡¯d ever seen her like this. Enoch followed Abella, who was holding her breath. Abella reached hell when she arrived at the end of the long pathway. The butler, who wandered around the front of another firmly closed gate, ran to her with wet eyes. ¡°Miss!¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Hannibal.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you ever since the moment you said that you were coming. A long period of time has passed since you were last here. Welcome back!¡± Hannibal held Abella¡¯s hand while he wondered what he should do. Still, somebody greeted her at least. Abella nodded softly. ¡°Hannibal, you¡¯re still here.¡± ¡°I wonder if that¡¯s really the case. Our pretty lady is here as well, but this Hannibal is already a graying old man. Go in, Milady.¡± ¡°Where is my mother?¡± ¡°She¡¯s upstairs in Master¡¯s¡ªno, Duke Carlo¡¯s room.¡± Abella raised her head. Carlo¡¯s room, located on the second floor, was large and had a lot of sunlight shining into it. ¡°A lot of guests must have come.¡± ¡°Yes, they were served in a separate building instead of our main building.¡± ¡°Good job.¡± Abella replied with a sighing voice. ¡°But the guy next to you¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯ll help me with my work in the future. His name is Enoch Clemington. Enoch, this is Amerigo¡¯s butler, Hannibal.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, Hannibal.¡± ¡°Thank you, Sir Enoch.¡± At Hannibal¡¯s hand gestures, the attendants took Abella¡¯s and Enoch¡¯s luggage. The front door, originally closed, gradually crept open. The smell of the Amerigo mansion, which was buried within her memories, penetrated Abella¡¯s lungs. Step. Abella moved carefully, step by step. The maids waiting in the entrance hall bowed their heads towards Abella. While she walked in between them, Abella took a deep breath. Everything was strange yet familiar. She heard impatient footsteps upstairs. Silence swept through the hall, which was brightly lit by a splendid chandelier. A noble lady wearing silk pajamas rapidly bolted down the stairs while holding a brush in her hand. She had messy hair and a shaky face. ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°Why did you come here? Go back! The funeral was already overflowing with attendance. You shouldn¡¯t have come!¡± Even at the funeral, which went on all morning, she did not receive a warm glance. She wasn¡¯t disappointed because she didn¡¯t expect any in the first place. Abella¡¯s heart, already full of scratches, didn¡¯t budge when confronted with Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s spiteful venom. ¡°I¡¯m going to take over Amerigo.¡± ¡°What are you talking about!?¡± Mrs. Amerigo exclaimed hysterically. ¡°You got rid of your younger brother, and now you¡¯re coveting his spot? Are you even human? Abella, are you human!?¡± Chapter 5 Abella laughed. Who tormented who? She¡¯d already passed the age where she would blame herself over such words. Abella directed her soft eyes downwards and straightened her clothes. However, no one noticed that Abella¡¯s fingertips were trembling. ¡°Then you wish to see the downfall of Amerigo, Mother?¡± Abella struck coldly. Now was not the time for her to soothe her mother with soft words. With Carlo¡¯s death, the Amerigo family now had no proper master leading it. The only people left were Mrs. Amerigo, who was already old, and three-year-old Simon Amerigo. None of them had the capabilities to lead the Amerigo family. The Dukedom of Amerigo was a huge family that occupied and directly controlled a third of the empire. Having assisted with the founding of the Anstice Empire, they then lived side by side with the Yesper Royal Family. The fall of the Dukedom of Amerigo would, therefore, be huge enough to shake the foundations of the empire. And many of their relatives were eager to see the prestigious Amerigo Dukedom now that they¡¯ve lost their master. Abella was aware of the existence of those relatives, all of whom filled Amerigo¡¯s capital mansion, which was located inside the imperial household. Would they stay for no reason even after the funeral ended? ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we at least try to prevent our downfall?¡± Abella nailed her point. It was obvious that Mrs. Amerigo also loved their vast family. Abella slowly walked around. With eyes filled with tears, Mrs. Amerigo trembled and shrieked. ¡°A bitch like a devil! A devil!¡± ¡®Ah, so that¡¯s what you say to your daughter even when you haven¡¯t seen her in a long time, Mother.¡¯ Again, Abella swallowed her grief. Everyone seemed to have forgotten that her father wasn¡¯t the only victim of the accident that occurred eight years ago. That Abella was also a victim of the accident. They forgot that she didn¡¯t actually do anything. Abella exhaled for a long time. She was disillusioned that this was only the beginning. *** Today was a long day for Abella. Returning from Vincent to Timur, she had to attend her only brother¡¯s funeral. And was that all? When she returned to the Amerigo mansion, she had to listen to the curses of all kinds of relatives. She didn¡¯t want to attend dinner, but Abella was forced to attend by Mrs. Amerigo. ¡®Do it right, Abella. To show those unscrupulous people that you are strong, I mean.¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo ordered that with a displeased face. It was a face that hated to admit that the only answer to saving Amerigo was Abella. Abella lengthily sighed. She threw off her uncomfortable shoes and buried herself into a couch. Her room was still intact, perhaps thanks to Carlo. Mrs. Amerigo would have wanted to erase all remaining traces of Abella¡­ The moderately soft sofa even seemed to absorb Abella¡¯s mind. ¡°Ah.¡± This whole situation was difficult for her. ¡®I thought you wouldn¡¯t return until I died in Vincent. Have you come back with no shame?¡¯ ¡®How could you even think of returning after you left violently when you were eighteen years old?¡¯ ¡®That girl shouldn¡¯t have come back! Disaster strikes everywhere she goes!¡¯ ¡®Master died because that girl came back!¡¯ Abella closed her eyes. ¡®My name isn¡¯t ¡°a girl¡±¡ªit¡¯s Abella.¡¯ Abella, Abella. Abella, the name her father gave her after a month of hard work choosing a name for her. A name that was completely forgotten in Timur. A name that symbolized a sinner who had killed her father. Abella pulled the hat off her head and threw it off. The hat, which fell from Abella¡¯s hand, rolled onto the floor. She felt suffocated after only a day of having returned. She¡¯d have to do this until Simon grows up. Until Amerigo shakes again and somebody else protects Amerigo on behalf of Abella. Abella cited a spell in order to keep herself going, and sighed for a long time. Would tomorrow be shorter than today? Please ¡­ She surely hoped so. *** Enoch knocked on Abella¡¯s door in the morning. It was because Enoch wasn¡¯t hesitant to act now. In addition, Vincent was a much more open city than Timur, so he didn¡¯t think it was overly strange for men and women to travel together in the early morning. Chapter 6 In Timur, employees glanced at Enoch in attempts to come up with new scandals. However, there was something much more important to Enoch now than scandals. ¡®This is such a breathtaking place.¡¯ Enoch stuck out his tongue and called Abella¡¯s name. ¡°Abella, have you woken up yet?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve woken up already, Enoch.¡± Abella, with the help of a maid, put on a robe and opened a door. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Good things, Abella.¡± Enoch shook his head and exhaled a small breath of relief. He was really worried. So, as soon as he woke up in the morning, he came to look for Abella. He was afraid that something might¡¯ve happened to her overnight. Abella asked back a question as if she was dumbfounded. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I thought you might¡¯ve died last night.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Oh, I thought my heart would hurt so much to the point of me becoming violent. Just think about it. Death-drowning violence!¡± Enoch snorted. He had red hair and milky skin. There was no way that a rare foreigner from Timur would be able to understand the closed, selfish people of Amerigo. But as if he was worried, Enoch looked around and sighed several times, and Abella laughed more thanks to him. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be okay in the future as well.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Of course, Enoch. Don¡¯t worry, your payments will never be cut off.¡± Enoch laughed at Abella¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯re still sharp. Ah, you really are fine!¡± Only then did Enoch pat Abella on the shoulder as if he was relieved. Enoch told her to see him during breakfast, turning around afterward. Still, Enoch¡¯s affectionate worries made Abella feel a little better. How many people were genuinely worried about Abella within this mansion? With a smile, Abella looked back at the maid. ¡°There should be a blue satin dress within the luggage I brought here. Bring it out and prepare a pearl necklace along with earrings. My shoes should be ¡­ black.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± She chose the most noble and daunting outfit. Her relatives, who were still staying here, would gather at the dining hall. Unlike yesterday, she couldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut. Well, afterall, she was tired yesterday. She missed Carlo and didn¡¯t want to say anything. However, not every day could be the same as yesterday. In order to protect Amerigo and Simon, just as Carlo¡¯s will desired, she must be strong. Abella clenched her fist. The outfits Abella picked out added an air of dignity to her. While looking at a mirror, she molded her face until she looked like her mother. A cool and daunting expression. ¡®¡­That¡¯s it.¡¯ At times like this, she would think that she had something to learn from her mother. It was ridiculous. ¡°Mistress.¡± ¡°Let Simon¡¯s breakfast be served in his room. For a while, at least.¡± ¡°Yes, Mistress.¡± With the last word of Amerigo¡¯s mistress, the dining hall went silent. They continued their meal while paying attention to who would possibly speak first. It was all because of a foreign presence named Abella. Clink. Breakfast time may be difficult for them to endure, but it was hard for Abella as well. The dining hall, where all of her relatives were gathered, was immersed in quiet silence. It was a white-haired gentleman who broke the silence. ¡°I guess the meal is gone.¡± It wasn¡¯t possible for them to stay silent. Enoch tapped his chest and drank some water. The first to tackle Abella during breakfast was an old gentleman with white hair. He was the oldest adult in the Amerigo family, and was the younger brother of the Duke three generations ago. ¡°Little Grandfather.¡± ¡°I¡¯m ashamed of my family, just as I am with my nephew and grandchild. Don¡¯t call me that!¡± shouted Grandfather Gilmus while he shook his white beard Abella put down the dishes and wiped her mouth. It seemed as though her chest was already clogged up. ¡®I need to take some digestive medicine.¡¯ With a small sigh, Abella threw a cool gaze at Gilmus. She didn¡¯t waste time at Vincent, and became strong enough during her eight years staying there. She learned how to stand firmly amongst those who hate her. Unlike the time of which she was a child, she came to accept the cold reality. Even in Vincent, no one would take the side of a child from a foreign country. Her old nanny, who had left with her, became ill and died, leaving Abella completely alone. Chapter 7 She had clenched her teeth, shamelessly snooping around this store and that store, becoming a broker. That was how Abella grew up. These vicious rants were nothing to her. Abella threw her cool gaze at Gilmus. ¡°Then what should I call you? My name is Abella Amerigo, and I¡¯m serving as Amerigo¡¯s deputy master. No matter how much you deny me, the former Duke, Carlo Amerigo, pointed towards me and I¡¯ve been recognized as the deputy master by my mother.¡± ¡°Ms. Amerigo!¡± New voices erupted here and there. Abella¡¯s aunt glanced at her, and she silently continued her meal like a person unable to hear anything. It was a silent affirmation. ¡°How dare you¡­!¡± ¡°It¡¯s all because I¡¯m the most suitable person for the position. I¡¯ve learned more than you, and I even run a brokerage. Did you know that the operations I was working for are now in Timur as well? What can you do for Amerigo, Aunt?¡± The woman with pink lipstick stared at Abella, closing her lips. There was nothing she could refute to. ¡°In addition, I endured a rigorous succession course in Amerigo until I turned fifteen. I¡¯m more qualified than everybody else here.¡± ¡°Qualified? What qualifications does the bitch who tormented her father meet?¡± Abella took a deep breath, and lowered her eyes. Having seated right next to her aunt at the top, she showed an incredible spirit upon spotting a specific person. He resembled the previous duke. ¡°Duke, are you here to discuss the past? Well, I¡¯ve been talking about the future. What can you do for Amerigo? I¡¯ve heard that you owe tens of thousands of gold because of gambling.¡± ¡°Eek!¡± The man, who wore a black tie, turned red. In fact, Abella had learned about Amerigo¡¯s relatives in advance. She wasn¡¯t only mourning Carlo during her long journey from Vincent to Timur. Abella had a grasp of Amerigo¡¯s debt and business, as well as their whole situation. She curled up her mouth. This was nothing. ¡°Abella.¡± Abella raised her eyes. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t it be hard to lead this huge family alone with a woman¡¯s body?¡± ¡°What? Such an anachronistic idea.¡± She heard Enoch muttering next to her. Vincent was a more progressive city than Timur. They had many naturalized foreigners, thus developing into a commercial sector and opening the minds of many. It was natural that Enoch, who had lived there all his life, would not understand Amerigo. Abella giggled and turned her head to the place where her cousin lingered. He had a sophisticated smile, but she knew how many businesses he had ruined and how much he had lost. Abella tilted her head. ¡°I made more money last year than the hundreds of millions of gold you lost last year.¡± Abella laughed lightly. ¡°Abella¡¯s operation earned a total of 1.3 billion gold last year. Amerigo is nothing to me, for I have managed more money than Amerigo¡¯s property.¡± Nobody here knew the exact details of Abella¡¯s operation, which had rapidly grown in just three years. It was an operation that started in Vincent and was spreading all over the country. They were at the top of the list, connecting businesses to merchants. By working for large businesses, they profited well. ¡°But you should get married too.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡®Ah.¡¯ Abella fully understood his intentions. ¡®So, are you coveting the position of being my husband?¡¯ He had the ugliest idea out of everybody else here. Abella laughed. ¡°I also have a fianc¨¦, cousin. So why do I have to marry you? I really don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± With a bright red face, the man spat out curses. ¡°Cheeky bitch! We¡¯re in Timur! I¡¯m more than you here¡­¡± ¡°Cousin, I¡¯m the law here.¡± Abella¡¯s mind was cool. ¡°My operations will soon be in Timur. Timur¡¯s big businesses are also lining up to do business with us. So, I¡¯m higher than you here as well.¡± Shouldn¡¯t we stop with such a pathetic battle? Since Abella¡¯s counterattack, Enoch had been on the lookout for this situation and continued to eat. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to say, right? Now that¡¯s enough condolences for Carlo. I hope everyone leaves when breakfast is over.¡± Abella raised her hand to stop those who were trying to get upset and noisy again. Chapter 8 ¡°Hannibal.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± ¡°Prepare my relatives to leave. They should be polite to us. Everyone knows that we need to mourn Carlo quietly for the rest of the day.¡± They all shut their mouths, at a loss for words. In the first place, it was rude in itself to be seated down this way in a house of the deceased. Today was Abella¡¯s complete victory. Her first day in Amerigo began so raucously. *** As soon as the meal was over, Mrs. Amerigo rushed to Simon¡¯s room. Mrs. Amerigo, Lorelia, paced back and forth in the room nervously. As Abella said, Amerigo¡¯s only answer now was Abella. Even at breakfast this morning, like a viper, she drove away Amerigo¡¯s relatives. If it were that kid, she might be able to keep Amerigo intact. Because Abella was a devil. However, things of the past were still lingering like shadows. ¡®Wasn¡¯t she born on the day of the curse? You have to kill that one right now!¡¯ Poor Abella was never even called by her name. Even after giving birth to her first child, she had never welcomed Abella. It was because she was born on the day of the curse. How many times had children been born on the day of the curse in this country¡¯s history? Only ten or so times. And every child had brought their family¡¯s downfall. Especially in the north, it was unacceptable in Timur which was the most conservative among the regions. No matter how noble the family, children born on the day of the curse, would be abandoned. So, the demands of Amerigo¡¯s elders were valid in some ways. Lorelia touched her forehead covered in a cold sweat. It seemed that the past misgivings and stigma was coming back to life. The first child that should have been a blessing became Lorelia¡¯s wound. Lorelia seemed to be distorted when she saw Abella. Abella shattered Lorelia¡¯s happiness. And now she¡¯d come to shatter Simon¡¯s happiness. ¡°Take care of the child.¡± Lorelia exhaled, sweeping her trembling hand over Simon¡¯s head who was fast asleep. Abella was associated with death. And she couldn¡¯t push Simon to his death. ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± ¡°Avoid contact with Abella and let the meals be in a separate room. And limit him to the garden and room¡­¡­. So he can¡¯t walk to the East Wing where Abella is staying.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± The nanny taking care of Simon bowed her head. Since the nanny was smart, she would take good care of the child. Lorelia¡¯s ferocious eyes sank coolly. ¡®Abella. Not this kid.¡¯ The devil inside Abella shall never take this child. *** Abella watched with Enoch as her relatives left the mansion as if they were being driven out. Abella¡¯s face hardened as she gazed out from the highest point of the mansion. Enoch glanced at her. ¡°What if they get resentful?¡± With a face filled with no concern, Enoch asked as he rolled a lollipop in his mouth. Enoch, with his arms raised against the railing, leaned over, smiling like a boy. ¡°That¡¯s why I brought you, Enoch. The bigger the family, the more likely they are to get involved in a conflict.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Enoch chewed the lollipop loudly so that it made a mischievous sound. ¡°Is it something I¡¯ll be taking care of?¡± ¡°Enoch. I believe in your skills as a lawyer. I don¡¯t want them to have any property of Amerigo.¡± Abella patted Enoch on the shoulder. Enoch frowned. ¡°How many relatives of Amerigo are there?¡± ¡°A lot more than you can imagine.¡± ¡°I just had a thought, Abella. The thought that I shouldn¡¯t have come here.¡± Abella laughed. ¡°It¡¯s already late.¡± ¡°I guess so.¡± Enoch devoured the lollipop. ¡°I have to rest now. I¡¯ll be busy from now on.¡± Enoch left Abella behind. Abella stayed there for a long time after Enoch left. This was the first step. Abella shall keep her promises to Carlo, and for this Amerigo¨Cwhom her father loved¨Cso that no one would covet this place. Resolve awakened in Abella¡¯s darkened purple eyes. Amerigo¡¯s wide hall, famous even within the empire, came into view. Her father used to stand here for a long time. On the ivory marble floor, there were jewels of Amerigo embroidered in, and on the purple drapery hanging on the wall, the emblem of Amerigo sparkled in gold. Chapter 9 On the wall were portraits of the ancestors who guarded Amerigo. On the top row was a portrait of Carlo. Abella¡¯s chin trembled as she folded her arms. The same was true for Abella, who had not yet escaped from Carlo and her father¡¯s death. She was only pretending to be okay. It was because there was too much baggage left on her. Her head hurt just from looking at the relatives who were targeting Amerigo right away. Abella had no time to indulge in appreciation now. Amerigo had to be protected from those who wanted to try to take possession of Amerigo¡¯s property. Even young Simon. She was curious about the child who she hadn¡¯t even seen yet. Perhaps, he resembled Carlo now, who she could no longer see. He may have the curly hair that she used to wrap around her fingers and pale, white skin. Or maybe he resembled Carlo¡¯s wife she saw through the photo. Mrs. Amerigo thought that Abella was the devil who would destroy the family and was against her meeting Simon. So Abella shouldn¡¯t do that. She didn¡¯t come back there just to antagonize her mother. Abella¡¯s eyelashes vibrated lightly. ¡®Don¡¯t cry, Abella.¡¯ Abella did her best and turned her head. The chandelier on the high ceiling was made by the most famous craftsman at the time of the construction of the Amerigo mansion. It was certainly a feat only second to the imperial family. When she recalled the imperial family, Cade naturally came to mind. Prince Cade. ¡®You¡¯ll still be alive.¡¯ As Timur and Amerigo are still. Abella breathed slowly and deeply. ¡°Hannibal.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± ¡°Please call all the employees. Every single one of them. Anyone who lives in Amerigo.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hannibal went down to the first floor, and Abella took a breath. Of course, Abella wasn¡¯t alone on the second floor. Mrs. Amerigo passed behind Abella¡¯s back and threw a gaze along with sarcastic words. ¡°You¡¯re going too far ahead, Abella.¡± ¡®I can¡¯t hear it.¡¯ Abella¡¯s hard heart was not hurt by this. Abella, who had faced this situation countless times, turned her head with a small smile on her lips. The eyes of the two met. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s desolate look, which had not a hint of affection, was staring back at Abella. Her gaze was unfamiliar as if she was seeing a stranger, and her voice was full of malice as if dealing with an enemy. ¡°Mother.¡± Abella¡¯s silent gaze struck Mrs. Amerigo. Mrs. Amerigo slowly opened her mouth. The words that poured out were full of evil. ¡°I told you not to come back. There isn¡¯t any more room for you in this mansion.¡± This again. No one in Amerigo welcomed Abella, so it was probably natural. Perhaps Mrs. Amerigo wouldn¡¯t stop until she drove Abella out. Or¡­ ¡°But you have to admit it now, too. I am the only one who can protect Amerigo. Or are you thinking of giving Simon the shattered Amerigo?¡± There was no longer the young Abella who would have done anything to win Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s favor. Instead of affection, Abella asked Mrs. Amerigo to think about the future of Amerigo. That was what Mrs. Amerigo had to weigh in. The reason Mrs. Amerigo hated Abella so far was because she wanted to protect Amerigo. So for Amerigo, Mrs. Amerigo was reminded that she had no choice but to join hands with Abella. Mrs. Amerigo stared at Abella silently for a while. Then with a deep voice, she said. ¡°Simon¡­ is a child who does not even know the death of his parents. Simon is left alone. I hope you stay as far away as you can. I will raise him on my own, so you will ¡­¡± It was Abella who was speechless this time. A bitter heart sank into the depths. ¡®Don¡¯t come near Simon.¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo, who had said so and emitted a defensive spirit with her whole body, was really thinking that Abella would torment Simon. But she couldn¡¯t refute that remark. Abella was a child born under a curse. Her father, who loved her, died, and her mother, who loathed her, survived. Carlo, who loved Abella as his sister, died, and her mother, who was wary against Abella, survived. Yes, that¡¯s right. Right. She should stay as far away from Simon. Chapter 10 This was a problem Abella had to yield to Mrs. Amerigo. Abella nodded heavily. ¡°That would be good for Simon. But my mother and Simon have to stay in the main building. If you want, I¡¯ll stay elsewhere.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.That would be great.¡± That was all. It was a quiet permission to accept Abella¡¯s presence. Mrs. Amerigo brushed past her as if her purpose was to chase Abella away from the beginning. Inevitably, she became weak in front of her mother. It was true that Mrs. Amerigo had lost her family because of Abella. However, Mrs. Amerigo was not even concerned that Abella went through the same thing too. Abella gulped down her sorrow and took a breath. ¡®It¡¯s okay, Abella.¡¯ Abella took a deep breath and turned. All of the employees who had been called by Hannibal were gathered in the hall. Abella gripped the railing tightly. Abella slowly opened her lips. ¡®Do what you need to do, Abella.¡¯ ¡®Don¡¯t be nervous.¡¯ ¡°Eight years have passed since I left Amerigo. I think a lot has changed in Amerigo.¡± The start was smooth. Abella smiled. ¡°I am temporarily in charge under the request of Amerigo¡¯s predecessor and Duke, Carlo Amerigo. Amerigo will follow my orders until Simon Amerigo becomes the successor.¡± What she had to say was clear. ¡°Yes, miss!¡± The voices of countless people gathered rang throughout the hall. Abella nodded. That¡¯s a relief. No one was against Abella¡¯s words. Why was it considered so fortunate when this was a natural thing for Abella, who was a legitimate successor? Abella continued. ¡°Do not allow guests that I don¡¯t know to enter Amerigo.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Additionally, all food ingredients entering Amerigo will be thoroughly managed, and everyone who enters and exits will be required to record personal information. Hannibal?¡± ¡°Please leave it to me, my lady.¡± Hannibal smiled kindly and shook his head. ¡°And finally, alongside my mother, Enoch and I, the maids who will help Simon, will be replaced, and they will have a meeting with me once a week. Do you have any objections?¡± ¡°No, miss.¡± ¡°No, my lady.¡± ¡°Additionally, as the number of people increases, we will recruit more maids. If you have someone to recommend, feel free to knock on my door.¡± Abella took a breath. There were so many things to do, and this was just the beginning. By eradicating all of Amerigo¡¯s evil, she should be able to pass the clean Amerigo to Simon. Oh, so very clean¡­ ¡°Enoch and I will be staying in Amerigo¡¯s annex, so please renovate it. Hermen?¡± ¡°Yes, miss. I will take care of it.¡± The maid came forward and bowed her head. ¡°A lot will change in the future. You have to help me a lot.¡± Abella stood upright with her back and neck in an elegant position. Then she placed her hands neatly and lowered her head. Not obsequious, but in a noble manner. ¡°I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡± That¡¯s how Abella¡¯s own initiation ceremony ended. * Sigh. Abella rubbed her tired eyes while handing over the papers. Enoch, who was eating candy without a break, raised his head. Enoch¡¯s pale eyes stared at her. Enoch put down the candy he had in his hand. The candy that rolled in his mouth was sweet. The round and sparkling candies were like Abella¡¯s eyes. Enoch chewed the candy and asked Abella. ¡°What is it?¡± Abella shook her head as if it were nothing. ¡°I¡¯m tired. How many hours have I been sitting now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been 5 hours. There are a lot of documents to figure out.¡± Enoch tapped the papers in front of him with his finger. Abella turned her head to the window. The vast territory of Amerigo was in sight. Amerigo¡¯s full warehouse was gradually being emptied by the extravagant nobles. That¡¯s how obvious it was on paper, and how bad it actually was. Just because it had Amerigo¡¯s name on it, it did not necessarily mean it belonged to Amerigo. Many people had already lost the family¡¯s honor. ¡°¡­¡­.I think we should get rid of the most serious places first.¡± What Abella put on top of the papers was a report on Gilmus. As long as he lived in Amerigo, he would continue to suck on Amerigo¡¯s blood. Abella lowered her head with a thoughtful look. Knock. She heard a polite knock on the door. ¡°Come on in.¡± Chapter 11 It was Hannibal who opened the door at Abella¡¯s permission. Hannibal bowed to Abella. Abella asked in a stern voice. ¡°What happened?¡± Hannibal replied with a polite voice. ¡°Miss, Arsene, the Duke of Sirius has requested a visit.¡± The Duke of Sirius. Abella¡¯s hand slipped off the table. Arsene Sirius. It was the name of the boy who was Abella¡¯s fianc¨¦. And now he was the master of Sirius. * Abella was back. That was a fact that Arsene was familiar with. In fact, he had expected it. Abella and Carlo were brother and sister and had always had a deep relationship, so of course, Abella would come to see Carlo off on his last journey. And it was a fact that maybe she would sit on top of Amerigo, who lost its master. Arsene¡¯s eyes darkened. The feelings that had been suppressed so far seemed to burst out. Abella could not reject Arsene. It was because there was something between them that had not yet been sorted out. ¡°Abella.¡± The name he put in his mouth after a long time was still sweet and bitter. Just like the lady who drifted away when he thought about her. * There was nothing to worry about. Abella had some work to settle with Arsene. She owed him an apology. Abella said slowly. ¡°¡­¡­..I will meet him. Could you tell him to come here?¡± ¡°Yes, miss.¡± Hannibal politely bowed. Enoch looked at Abella¡¯s expression. It was true that they have been together for a long time, but Abella did not tell Enoch everything. She always kept her secrets locked away in a corner. Enoch had closed his eyes, pretending not to know. But, Arsene. Arsene Sirius, his name was also famous in Vincent. Not only did he inherit the prestigious Sirius, but he was also said to have advanced Sirius further with his brilliant resourcefulness. Moreover, he had been single so far. He was often considered the most wanted man amongst the aristocratic nobles. Enoch looked at Abella with a subtle expression and raised his body. Now was the time to step back. ¡°There seems to be a story between you.¡± Enoch threw the words as lightly as possible. ¡°¡­¡­What?¡± ¡°Your expression is exactly that. I¡¯ll be back in a little while.¡± Enoch winked and avoided her gaze. While leaving the room, Enoch wanted Abella to catch him. Enoch wanted Abella to talk about Arsene and tell him to stay there, as it had been when she was faced with any problem so far. However, Abella did not catch Enoch. This meant that Arsene was not the one who made Abella physically or financially ¡®disturbed¡¯. Enoch peeled the skin of the candy with a hasty hand and put it in his mouth. After the sweetness spread, it seemed that the nerves that had become sharpened seemed to subside. ¡°Tsk.¡± It would have been better if Arsene was the one who made Abella troubled. That would have been an adequate excuse to kick him out. Enoch walked slowly. And, as expected, he was able to run into a man named Arsene. He was a man with sharper eyes than Enoch thought. He looked dangerous in some ways. Enoch chewed the candy hard. ¡®It won¡¯t be easy.¡¯ Whatever Arsene meant to Abella. Enoch clicked his tongue out of disapproval. * ¡°Arsene¡­¡­¡± Abella barely opened her lips and called Arsene¡¯s name. He was still. His bright blond hair shone like the sun, and his emerald eyes that used to be full of tenderness sparkled. He had changed from a boy to a man. Just as how Abella became a woman from a girl. ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten my name.¡± A cold voice flowed through Arsene¡¯s lips. ¡®What was he talking about? Was that all he had to say after not meeting her for a long time?¡¯ She couldn¡¯t possibly blame Arsene. Arsene¡¯s hostility toward Abella was natural. She was the one who abandoned all her pride and rejected Arsene, who held onto Abella. Arsene, who had begged her not to go and not to abandon him, had been blindly refused. Then she left. As if she would never come back. It must have been Abella that made Arsene¡¯s friendly smile and gentle gaze cold like the frost of winter. Abella reached out with an awkward smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Arsene. How have you been?¡± Chapter 12 Arsene stared at Abella¡¯s hand. Abella continued to hold out her desolate hand with a blank expression, trying to hide her embarrassment. ¡°Well, how are you?¡± Arsene recited in a low voice. The cold winter was contained in the emerald-colored eyes that resembled the sea. ¡°Still selfish.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Arsene spat out. ¡°I didn¡¯t come here to exchange greetings like that, so stop playing around.¡± Arsene¡¯s cold words seemed to hammer Abella. Abella nodded awkwardly and slowly withdrew her hand. Abella¡¯s sweet lips were trembling. ¡°You came here because you have something to say. Sit there on the sofa. Shall I serve tea?¡± ¡°No.¡± Arsene sat on the sofa, and Abella sat across from him. Obviously, she thought she had become strong enough to not lose to anyone, but standing in front of Arsene seemed to be disarming. Abella, who commanded her relatives and employees, disappeared, leaving only the Abella of 15 years old, helpless and young. She couldn¡¯t protest against Arsene, probably because of the memories from their long past. Because of Arsene, who used to care for Abella like the bright and hot sun. Even though they were buried in the past now, they were still memories for Abella. Abella asked Arsene with a pale face. ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°¡­¡­..I¡¯m here to discuss the business that Carlo and I were going to do.¡± ¡°Business?¡± ¡°I guess you haven¡¯t figured out the current situation in Amerigo yet.¡± ¡°Not that¡­¡± Abella took a sorrowful breath. During the time Carlo was ill, their relatives turned the library upside down, and the papers were mixed up in a mess. After sorting them, she still couldn¡¯t figure out everything about Amerigo. However, she didn¡¯t want to make such a nasty excuse. Abella breathed slowly and admitted to her mistake. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m still lacking.¡± Arsene, looking silently at Abella, opened his mouth. ¡°Carlo and I were thinking of opening up a new hotel chain by pioneering the zone of the west. We have already hired workers to pioneer the zone, and a hotel design was also available, but the owner of Amerigo was sick.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡­.¡± It seemed to her that she had seen the related documents somewhere. Abella asked for patience and searched the table and brought the documents out. Arsene kindly waited for Abella to review the papers. The Sirius family had risen to the number one leading company in hotel chains. Carlo was supposed to invest in the new hotel chain of the Sirius family and own a five percent stake with the principal. But that was all stopped when Carlo was sick. ¡®This is why you¡¯re here¡­..¡¯ Abella¡¯s heart sank at the thought that Arsene had come as a public obligation. ¡®You can¡¯t do this, Abella.¡¯ Abella swallowed and cleared her heart. She couldn¡¯t show any lingering regret. It was Abella who abandoned Arsene. She repeated that thought dozens of times in her mind. ¡°I came to talk about when I can start doing business again. Amerigo¡¯s obituary is unfortunate, but there is a lot of work to be done.¡± ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll send someone soon. We will be able to finance the money soon.¡± ¡°Very good.¡± Arsene nodded and stood up. As if that¡¯s the only thing he had to do. Abella unconsciously followed Arsene with her gaze. The cold back made Abella¡¯s chest open. He smelled of light alcohol. ¡®Did you drink?¡¯ Ah. It¡¯s not something she should care about¡­. Abella bit her lips. Arsene, who walked without hesitation, paused before opening the door. ¡°Ah, are you back for real?¡± A heavy low tone fell over Abella. ¡®For real.¡¯ ¡°¡­¡­..for now.¡± Upon hearing Abella¡¯s answer, Arsene opened the door as if he had nothing more to hear. Obviously there were things to be sorted between them, but there was no mention of it. As if he didn¡¯t want to have a private conversation with Abella. Arsene¡¯s back was cold, so she couldn¡¯t hold onto it. Abella rose up unknowingly and then sank back down. ¡®Ah¡­¡­.¡¯ She consciously forgot that Timur also had Arsene. Stupid. Abella gathered her breath. The cold lingering in Arsene¡¯s eyes plunged into Abella¡¯s chest with a spike. The last day she left Arsene, it was Abella who had nailed his chest, but she was the one with the pain. ¡°That¡¯s mean.¡± Selfish girl. As people point out, Abella may be selfish. Arsene knew it would never change. No matter how painfully Abella had endured, she seemed to remain the same. Chapter 13 He was the first friend Abella had, and who was on her side. The other was Carlo and her father, who was unconditionally on Abella¡¯s side. Arsene was the only meaning in the world to Abella. Did Abella mean the same thing to Arsene? Today, seeing Arsene¡¯s appearance was heartbreaking. Abella sighed and rubbed her cheek with a trembling hand. ¡®Please¡­¡­.¡¯ And when Abella managed to pull herself together, Enoch came to find her. ¡°Ha-ah. I guess the customer has already gone.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Was he a private guest?¡± ¡°A public guest.¡± ¡°Are you sure a public guest? Your face looked like someone got a broken heart.¡± Enoch asked, rolling a lollipop in his mouth. He sat in the seat where Arsene had been sitting and flipped through the files Abella was looking at. He was pretending to be relaxed, but Enoch¡¯s eyes were as sharp as they could be. Waiting breathlessly for Abella¡¯s answer. ¡°That can¡¯t be true.¡± Enoch smiled sharply. Abella couldn¡¯t hide her feelings. Enoch lifted the topmost document and asked. ¡°I think this is your public business, and what was your private business?¡± Abella blinked. ¡®What should I say about this lingering regret?¡¯ Moreover, it was a remnant of emotions that were not left to Arsene, but only to Abella. The remnants of emotions that had been left unattended. ¡°A friend from an unforgettable past.¡± Enoch glanced at Abella with a crooked look. ¡®Why would you say it¡¯s friendship with such a sore expression?¡¯ It was obviously not. Enoch clicked his tongue and handed over the papers to Abella. Of course, it was done intentionally to divert the words. ¡°I think we should make our own financial institutions a priority. This was a business that would be the cornerstone of Amerigo¡¯s financial industry, promoted by Carlo.¡± ¡°I just figured it out.¡± Abella laughed bitterly. It would have been better if she had figured it out before Arsene came. They could have had a more gentle and informative conversation. The business Carlo was trying to pursue was a new financial industry. Amerigo was a family that accumulated wealth through mines. However, thanks to the rats called relatives who ate the wealth accumulated from generation to generation, Amerigo had to start a new business. Carlo was trying to start a new form of finance with his remaining wealth. The plan was to invest money in business and get the profits back. It would begin with the new hotel from the Sirius family. But, there was a problem. ¡°You know, Abella. Now, once your relatives have been forgiven of all the debts they owed in Amerigo, there will be no amount to invest.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Abella recited in a sorrowful voice. Carlo¡¯s idea was good. A wind of change began to blow in Timur as well, and noble families were jumping into business one by one. They would need money. But from the beginning, it was blocked like this. The first thing Abella had to do wasn¡¯t to do anything else but to discredit her relatives. ¡®Somehow.¡¯ There was a reason for the relatives who rushed in with their eyes lit. It was in order not to be exposed for their corruption. Additionally, if Abella became the owner of Amerigo, it was natural that she would take away the assets of Amerigo, which Carlo had been managing since he was sick. It wasn¡¯t long before Abella figured out what they were doing. On the way to Timur, whenever Abella couldn¡¯t sleep, she would examine the current circumstance from the documents, and when she entered the country, she found out the exact amount of money they had stolen and the details about their personal lives. They had long lost all of their assets, and now they were craving Amerigo¡¯s fortune. ¡°First of all, I should stop them from spending any money in the name of Amerigo.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can.¡± Enoch was a competent lawyer, and it was easy to prevent Amerigo¡¯s future bill from being issued. Enoch laughed as he rolled the lollipop in his mouth. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°What are you going to do with the debt that is already in front of Amerigo?¡± It¡¯s dangerous to start a new business while in debt. However, if the deal with the great noble Sirius family was ruined, the Amerigo¡¯s will never be able to dream of financial business again. ¡®But¡­.¡¯ Chapter 14 She wanted to make Carlo¡¯s last business successful. To prove her worth¡­¡­. Despite what her mother said, Abella wasn¡¯t a cursed child but was a victim of an accident. She needed to protect Amerigo. She wanted to be recognized. ¡®Are you a child?¡¯ She still needed her mother¡¯s approval. Abella bit her lips. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just her mother. Amerigo was the root of Abella. It was natural to want to protect the family that she was born and raised in. And¡­. ¡®It¡¯s a fair way to communicate with Arsene.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯s still feeling this way. This was why she couldn¡¯t even speak well in front of Arsene. ¡°Abella?¡± Of course, there was a way. It was to use the wealth of Abella¡¯s operations. After all, Abella¡¯s operation was her private property, and the wealth they earned was considerable. If she just put her operations under Amerigo¡­. They would no longer have to hang on to a mine and would be able to spur new businesses. ¡®But, after that?¡¯ After Simon grew up and she handed this over¡­ She couldn¡¯t take it back. It was a dilemma. ¡°¡­.What is the size of the assets at Abella operations?¡± ¡°Abella, you can¡¯t¡­¡± Abella shrugged. ¡°What are you going to do with that much wealth? Let¡¯s try using it at a time like this.¡± ¡°What you¡¯ve accomplished after three years of hard work, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a waste? I¡¯d rather give up Amerigo.¡± Abella fiddled with her earlobe. Abella¡¯s long eyelashes cast a shadow on her cheeks as she was immersed in thought. Even her purple eyes darkened. Enoch glanced at it. Abella didn¡¯t seem to be conscious of it, but she was famous for her eyes in Vincent. Those eyes that shone brightly like amethyst. It wasn¡¯t just one or two people who were fascinated by those eyes. And Enoch was also dragged into working for Abella because of those eyes. Although, Abella didn¡¯t know that fact. Enoch chewed the candy and swallowed it. ¡®Is it because of Arsene Sirius?¡¯ It was the name of the man who got on the carriage. ¡®Tch.¡¯ He should have stopped her when Abella saw Carlo¡¯s letter and said she would return to Timur. ¡®I was at ease.¡¯ How surprised he was when all of her relatives gathered, and she talked about her fianc¨¦. He kept getting a headache these days. Enoch pressed his forehead firmly. It was a new habit that occurred after coming here. In the meantime, Abella also concluded her thoughts. The reason Abella clenched up and fought hard in this world was none other than for Amerigo. To show her mother and the people of Amerigo. From the moment they had left Amerigo until now, Abella had lived working hard to show that she wasn¡¯t a cursed child. When she was only 15 years old, she helped the brokerage job and learned from scratch. She didn¡¯t give up even though she suffered from hard work every night. She had to prove her worth somehow. ¡®Prove your worth, Abella. Show me you¡¯re not a cursed child! Then I will bring you back to this Amerigo!¡¯ The voice of her mother who screamed at her as she was running away was still vividly imprinted in the back of her mind. So, without Amerigo, Abella¡¯s operations didn¡¯t exist. It didn¡¯t matter if it was foolish. ¡°Enoch.¡± Abella slowly raised her head. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°This is what I decided.¡± Enoch frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t need a lawyer who doesn¡¯t understand my meaning, Enoch. I¡¯m going to change the owner of the operations to Amerigo.¡± ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, does it? Amerigo is mine for a while anyway.¡± Abella shrugged. The inside of her eyes sparkled with light. ¡®Now it looks like Abella.¡¯ This was a more familiar side of Abella. ¡°Let¡¯s think about other things later.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. When did you not do what you wanted?¡± Eventually, Enoch announced that he would give up. ¡°Suddenly, there¡¯s more work to be done.¡± Enoch stood up from his seat, putting the new candy into his mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll use the carriage. Because there are a lot of things that the master told me to do.¡± ¡°Do anything you want.¡± Abella waved her hand. Enoch said, looking straight into Abella¡¯s eyes, just before leaving the door. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re prettier with a smiling face.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Live with a smile.¡± Enoch added and shook his hand as if it was nothing. Abella laughed a little. * Chapter 15 Enoch, as discussed with Abella, prevented Amerigo¡¯s other relatives from exercising Amerigo¡¯s name anymore. From their point of view, the money line had disappeared. ¡°Sigh. That cursed woman.¡± ¡°I mean, do you know how humiliated I was a while ago? Oh, I can¡¯t believe I can no longer put a credit in Amerigo¡¯s name. Standing in front of the ladies¡­ How much does a restaurant cost?¡± ¡°Count Gilmus. Will you really stay like this? Show me who the family¡¯s biggest adult is. We can¡¯t lose our rights to such a wicked woman. Right?¡± Count Gilmus frowned lightly at the nobles¡¯ temper. Certainly, Timur had been a mess since Abella came. People pointed to Amerigo as the ¡°Devil¡¯s Lair,¡± and said that Abella who had tormented her father would soon torment Amerigo. Amerigo¡¯s prestige had fallen to the floor. Was that all? ¡°¡­¡­.To be honest, uncle. Wouldn¡¯t you be in trouble? Illiana is getting married this year right? You¡¯ll have to take care of the dowry.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it? Uncle, what about the new store that will open next year? You signed a new contract on Dolores Street.¡± ¡°Right! Count Gilmus, you are building a new stone statue. So¡­¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Be quiet. Everybody.¡± Count Gilmus roared. The white-haired Count Gilmus¡¯ beard trembled. ¡®I¡¯ll protect my pride even if I die soon.¡¯ People clicked their tongues. Among them was Volot, who had been humiliated by Abella. He came to Count Gilmus, wondering if he could pull anything out of Amerigo. ¡°¡­¡­Then Count Gilmus.¡± Volot finally opened his mouth. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go after Mrs. Amerigo, not the wicked woman? Wouldn¡¯t Mrs. Amerigo be better than that girl who can¡¯t understand words?¡± ¡°Mrs. Amerigo¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. Mrs. Amerigo always had the flexibility to listen to us.¡± Volot¡¯s expression became dark. Abella was an insane girl who didn¡¯t know the subject and still thought that Timur was the old Timur. The Amerigo before Abella left and what it was now was different. During the eight years Abella was away, the scarlet letters on her became darker, and people were reluctant to be involved with her. ¡®Who¡¯s going to marry a woman like her?¡¯ Of course, she didn¡¯t go through the formal separation proceedings with the Duke of Sirius. But, wasn¡¯t that a matter of time? Was there any reason for the Duke of Sirius, who was loved by all girls of Timur, to marry a wicked woman? Even now, the young ladies would line up for him. ¡®Then, you¡¯ll grow old and die alone.¡¯ Volot¡¯s cheeks were hot because of the embarrassment that he had experienced in the dining room. It was the first time in his life where he had faced such a disgrace. Volot took a deep breath and calmed his mind. While he brooded, the others who were fuelled by their greed on Amerigo¡¯s possessions mused on his offer. Mrs. Amerigo. Lorelia Amerigo. And¡­ Amerigo¡¯s shame. Lorelia, a rural woman born from the daughter of a poor peasant, was the one who became the Duchess of Amerigo. People still called Amerigo¡¯s wife a hillbilly from behind. ¡°¡­¡­Actually, all that happened in Amerigo is because of Mrs. Amerigo. Isn¡¯t it obvious that hillbilly has clouded Amerigo¡¯s water?¡± ¡°Right. That¡¯s what happened because the hillbilly gave birth to the devil on Skellus¡¯ Day.¡± ¡°¡­..She should have been expelled from Amerigo on the day she gave birth to the devil¡­.¡± ¡°If only your brother didn¡¯t object to it¡­¡± Count Gilmus, who was listening to the story, swept his beard with his hand. It made sense. At that time, Mrs. Amerigo had properly raised Abella thanks to the proper instructions. If she hadn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t have raised the dangerous thing as a thunderbolt. Then, the Duke Amerigo wouldn¡¯t have ended with death. ¡°Hmm ¡­.¡± ¡°Uncle?¡± ¡°Count Gilmus?¡± ¡°¡­Not a bad idea.¡± Besides, it was a noble and elegant way. It wouldn¡¯t be bad for others to see. People were currently giving generous comments to the poor Mrs. Amerigo, who lost her son. ¡°Then who will go?¡± At Count Gilmus¡¯ question, people glanced at each other¡¯s faces. Since they had been kicked out like that, no one wanted to go back to Amerigo. Volot said with a sigh. ¡°You can call that hillbilly here.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Gilmus, the owner of the mansion where they gathered, gave permission. Finally, he found a target of his anger. Lorelia, the hillbilly. * Chapter 16 ¡°That child¡­¡± Early in the morning, Abella encountered Mrs. Amerigo, who was about to go out as soon as the sun rose. Mrs. Amerigo hardened her expression. Abella had met Mrs. Amerigo while travelling from the outbuilding to the main building to handle her work. Abella stood in front of Mrs. Amergo as if possessed. ¡®Did you say that he¡¯s now three years old?¡¯ A young boy was in Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s arms. It was her first time seeing her nephew. With platinum hair that resembled Abella¡­ ¡°Aunt¡­¡­?¡± Abella¡¯s lips quivered unconsciously at the eyes looking back at her. The blue-eyed child Abella had hoped for so much was looking at her. Abella had purple eyes under the influence of magical power, but not Carlo. Carlo had blue eyes resembling his father. And Carlo¡¯s eyes lead to Simon. ¡°Simon¡­ you, Simon¡­¡± Abella¡¯s lips trembled. Mrs. Amerigo pressed on the bonnet and hugged Simon in her arms. As Abella reached out to Mrs. Amerigo, Mrs. Amerigo stepped back as if Abella was a germ. ¡°Why? Do you want this child too? When you look at your father-like eyes, the monster in your stomach gets hungry?¡± ¡°Mother, I¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s it, don¡¯t pretend to know this kid anymore.¡± Mrs. Amerigo took a deep breath, pushed Abella away and walked away. Abella gave a dry smile as she looked behind her. She bit her lips to hold back her tears. It was a child who resembled Carlo. ¡°Miss¡­¡­.¡± An employee approached to comfort Abella and carefully called her. However, not knowing what to say to comfort Abella, they simply wandered around her. And there was someone who looked down at all of this from above. ¡°Hmm.¡± Enosh put the lollipop in his mouth. ¡®Why do you want to live in this hell?¡¯ Foolish. Enosh clicked his tongue and raised his hand. At that moment, it seemed that Enosh was the only thing that could save Abella. ¡°Abella! Come up quickly! I brought something you might like!¡± He exclaimed with an innocent look that didn¡¯t know anything. * Enosh, as promised, had prepared documents that Abella would like. ¡°This¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I did what you wanted. Part of the operations was subordinated to Amerigo, and the properties were managed to finance the investment for the Duke of Sirius. I couldn¡¯t do it all at once because of the size.¡± Abella slowly checked the papers. As Enosh said, everything was done neatly. ¡®Is this the last time to meet Arsene¡­?¡¯ Still, she met Arsene once every two days or once every three days under the pretext of business. But, that was ending too. Abella had the money she had to finance, and now Arsene wouldn¡¯t have to meet Abella until she built a hotel chain. ¡®Please¡­¡¯ Now it was this kind of relationship. It was a relationship that could only meet for business. Abella sighed as she looked at the papers. ¡°Why, Abella? Is there something wrong?¡± ¡°No. That¡¯s not it.¡± Arsene¡¯s cool eyes that looked at Abella and his cold speech were unlike before. It was as if he didn¡¯t care about Abella anymore¡­ In the end, only Abella had lingering regrets. Oh, but one more issue remained. Abella and Arsene¡¯s engagement on paper. A paper link between two people which they couldn¡¯t organize because she ran away in a hurry. ¡®This is more bitter.¡¯ Abella frowned. Her heart hurt so much. * Arsene, like a habit, took out a cigar and looked out with gloomy eyes. Smoke from the cigar filled the office. It was a gloomy face that wasn¡¯t suitable for the early morning when the morning sun shined. ¡°Duke.¡± Even at the call of the lieutenant, Arsene still had a vacant expression. It seemed like he¡¯s looking somewhere far away. ¡°Abella is¡­¡­¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Haa. No.¡± Arsene crushed the shortened cigar in the crystal ashtray and turned it off. He then stared at the document on the desk. [Certificate of engagement] Below it were the names of Abella and Arsene. It had been on the desk since Abella¡¯s return, and he hadn¡¯t even touched it. Resentment and love. Those damned feelings raged inside Arsene. He understood Abella. He understood Abella¡¯s situation. She must have run away because of the wounds she had to suffer countless times. But, after that? Abella seemed to have forgotten about Arsene and never contacted him. Abella didn¡¯t respond to his contact, even though Arsene sent numerous people to Vincent to search for Abella. That¡¯s how Abella abandoned Arsene. Chapter 17 And Abella didn¡¯t find Arsene when she returned to Timur. Until he visited first. ¡°I swear by this paper that I will be with you forever.¡± ¡®I¡¯m an idiot, believing in a piece of paper.¡¯ Arsene gritted his teeth. Purple eyes that shone like a crystal along with platinum hair and magical power that sparkled in the sunlight. And the pink lips that always had a smile on them. Her long hair always had a gentle fragrance of flowers, and she was like a wizard. The wizard who made Arsene happy at every moment. ¡®What kind of love are you talking about at only 15?¡¯ Damn it. ¡®If you still can¡¯t forget Abella and have been hurt countless times, but you still follow her like a sunflower¡­ Then. What is this sickening feeling?¡¯ Arsene touched his forehead. It was actually good that Abella returned. That was the truth. Even though Arsene was hurt again that she didn¡¯t come back and visit him first. In the end, he couldn¡¯t stand it and went to Abella first. Was it a regret about the past that he did nothing to catch her? Or still¡­ Arsene opened his lips. ¡°Hirden.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°In your opinion, will Abella¡¯s engagement with me help her?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± And here he was, thinking about something strange again. This time, he would throw it away first. With that promise¡­ However, with a thin wrist that would break at any moment, and a small face that would disappear from the world¡­¡­. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°No. That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°¡­..When will you be working¡ª¡± ¡°Get out.¡± At Arsene¡¯s order, Hirden, with a face full of discontent, pulled out a file and left the office. ¡°For the sake of others.¡± Arsene slumped into the chair. No matter how many times he thought about it, Arsene couldn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t abandon Abella. Abella needed Arsene. It was obvious that Amerigo¡¯s distant males would rush to win a marriage with Abella. Moreover, the family of the Duke of Sirius would become a strong shield for Abella. The background of the only three dukes in the empire wasn¡¯t so simple. They were right next to the imperial system. The name of the family that had lived in Timur for centuries was better than any other male of Amerigo. Arsene pushed the engagement certificate, which had occupied his desk for days, into the depths of the desk. ¡®This¡­¡­ This is for later.¡¯ *** Mrs. Amerigo. And the hillbilly Lorelia. Among her relatives of Amerigo, she was known as a hillbilly. Count Gilmus¡¯ call wasn¡¯t just once or twice, but it always put her into a miserable hellhole. Lorelia¡¯s hand trembled with shame. She stubbornly buried Simon¡¯s stiff chin in her arms. Mrs. Amerigo stepped through the gazes that still scanned her up and down like a worm. Little by little, little by little. As they moved forward, Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s body shrunk little by little. Like they would disappear and vanish as it was. ¡°Mrs. Amerigo.¡± ¡°Yes, uncle.¡± She wasn¡¯t even given a place to sit. However, this was familiar, so she didn¡¯t care. Mrs. Amerigo strengthened both legs. Now, Simon felt like a strong shield to her. Wasn¡¯t the Amerigo family for the later generations? No one could touch Simon. No, those beasts would do it, but Mrs. Amerigo would somehow protect Simon. Even if. Even if she had to throw away Abella again. ¡°Do you think Abella¡¯s actions are justified?¡± ¡°I have no authority to stop Abella, uncle.¡± It was like getting a hearing. In this place surrounded by so many people, there was no one on Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s side here. Mrs. Amerigo swallowed dry saliva. ¡®Abella shouldn¡¯t have come back¡­¡­..¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo swallowed her bitter heart. ¡°You are her mother. Who will do it if you can¡¯t? Abella is very rashly breaking all the traditions of Amerigo.¡± Mrs. Amerigo lowered her eyes. Breaking the tradition? It wasn¡¯t her daughter who was ruining Amerigo. ¡®What crime did my poor and pitiful daughter commit!¡¯ Her poor daughter, who was rejected and wounded by Amerigo because she was born on the day of Skellus. The reason Mrs. Amerigo was vicious to Abella was to protect her. She was born on the day of Skellus and labeled as dangerous based on the day she was born. Children born on the Day of Skellus were either abandoned or killed by the family. They were buried alive in the ground. That was something that shouldn¡¯t be done to a newborn child!! When she had to let go of Abella at the age 15, she couldn¡¯t even hold Abella properly with her trembling hands. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s world also collapsed. Chapter 18 However, it was an inevitable choice that was required to protect Abella from the eyes of people, especially from her family. Obviously, those nasty Amerigo¡¯s relatives would dry up Abella¡¯s blood and kill her. Like they had done throughout her childhood. They have said countless times that she had to whip Abella and send her out of the mansion. Some argued that her healthy child should be killed. She¡¯s an Amerigo, but she couldn¡¯t let her live as an Amerigo. Instead of raising Abella in the arms of her parents, Mrs. Amerigo had to promise them. ¡°Never, I would never raise Abella like an Amerigo¡¯s child.¡± She¡¯s going to completely turn away from Abella so that Abella could leave on her own. Even if Lorelia was wrong, for her, a hillbilly who had nothing, this was the only way to protect her daughter. They pushed Lorelia to the limit, not saying a word to her husband who was Amerigo¡¯s legitimate bloodline. And her husband¡­ turned away from Lorelia. Her husband was a good father for the children, but not a good husband for Lorelia. He had lived as a nobleman all his life, so he didn¡¯t understand Lorelia¡¯s anxiety. He believed that Amerigo¡¯s relatives couldn¡¯t have been able to hurt Lorelia. No nobleman could do such a vulgar thing. However, that was true only for true nobles like her husband. For the aristocrats like their relatives, who were parasites with the name of Amerigo, this was the only way to survive. The difference in understanding pushed Lorelia into hell. What Lorelia could do for Abella was to give her a chance to leave. Then Carlo was born. Lorelia had two children to protect from Amerigo. Relatives who were aiming for Amerigo couldn¡¯t talk about Carlo. Abella had a flaw, a child of the curse, but Carlo didn¡¯t. Additionally, Abella was named the successor. People pointed to Abella as their prey. Carlo was a secondary problem. Lorelia¡­ threw Abella as food to protect Carlo. It wasn¡¯t wrong to say that all the rumors about Abella were derived from Armerigo¡¯s relatives. After Abella left, the beasts of Amerigo were silent. They no longer put Abella in their mouth, nor did they bother Carlo and Mrs. Amerigo over Abella problems. She was relieved to be liberated. But Abella came back. ¡°I will protect this Amerigo.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you Simon?¡± Those words struck Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s chest. Gilmus¡¯s serpentine eyes glanced at the child against her chest. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s blood cooled down. She realized why he told her to bring Simon today. It was a mistake by Mrs. Amerigo. ¡°I have to see Simon, who inherited Carlo¡¯s blood, succeed the dukedom safely.¡± They could harm Simon as well. Her heart, tired with fear, beat faster. ¡°Granny¡­..¡± Despite the child¡¯s cry, Mrs. Amerigo couldn¡¯t even budge. Mrs. Amerigo swallowed her saliva. She was sorry for Abella, but Mrs. Amerigo had to protect Simon. Mrs. Amerigo asked in a repressed voice. ¡°What should I do?¡± Abella mustn¡¯t go back. Until Simon grows up¡­¡­ Abella should be here. ¡°Send Abella back to Vincent. This time, Abella¡¯s operation became Amerigo¡¯s, right? So, tell her to go back to Vincent again.¡± ¡®You thieving bastards.¡¯ She could feel their desire to swallow Abella and covet Amerigo. Do you think they¡¯d leave Simon alone after Abella leaves? No. It couldn¡¯t be. Next after Abella, would be this young Simon. Lorelia lowered her eyes. Again¡­. Lorelia decided to throw Abella as their food instead of Simon. ¡®I¡¯m sorry, Abella.¡¯ However, the hillbilly Lorelia had nothing, and they had a lot. ¡®I¡¯ll go to hell and pay you back for this sin.¡¯ Lorelia swallowed hot saliva. ¡°I will try my best. However, as you know, Abella is stubborn. I need time.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand. Help Abella so she doesn¡¯t ruin the Amerigo tradition any further.¡± Count Gilmus¡¯s eyes were filled with contempt and satisfaction. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s legs trembled. This was hell. This was the end of the country girl who fell in love with the noble little duke who was passing by the rural estates. It wasn¡¯t just about love. It was so damning that she wanted to kill herself in her reckless youth times. She knew love wasn¡¯t everything now. Lorelia bit her lips to the point of bleeding. * Chapter 19 Enoch called Abella, who looked strangely gloomy. ¡°Abella?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°What are you thinking about? Are you sending this document to Duke Sirius?¡± Enoch threw the candy bar he had eaten into the trash can on the floor. Arsene of Sirius. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ As far as he knew, Arsene was Abella¡¯s fianc¨¦. Eight years after Abella¡¯s departure for Vincent, the engagement continued. Certainly, the Duke of Sirius didn¡¯t break the engagement, despite having a reason that Abella ran away without a word. Of course, there was something to be gained from Amerigo for Duke Sirius as well¡­ Was that it? Arsene could hang his wrist on the fact that he still had feelings for Abella. ¡®I don¡¯t like it.¡¯ Enoch bit the lollipop. ¡°Not yet¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Why? Is there a problem with the papers?¡± ¡°Ah. I think we should take a closer look. This was the last thing Carlo was going to do. I don¡¯t want to deal with it recklessly.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± A ridiculous excuse. Abella didn¡¯t see Enoch¡¯s dark blue eyes shaking coolly. Abella rubbed her cheek as she mulled over her excuses. ¡®What a poor excuse, Abella.¡¯ Abella mocked herself, pretending to rummage through the papers. Whenever Arsene was involved, her heart would become soft. It must be because she was guilty. At that moment, Abella gritted her teeth as she tried to avoid Enoch¡¯s gaze. Enoch casually opened his mouth. ¡°Abella. Is it because of your fianc¨¦?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Your fianc¨¦. Arsene Sirius. On the day you met him, you just sat blankly while the man treated you carelessly?¡± ¡°No? How could it be?¡± It was so gentlemanly and cold that her heart froze. ¡°Then? Are you just being ridiculous?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that either. Just¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Just what?¡± Enoch rolled the candy in his mouth. It was now a habit and was more strange not to eat candy. Abella warned that all of his teeth would rot, but was that a problem in the era of advanced magic? But it kept bothering Abella. Did he know that the amount of candy he ate had doubled after coming to Timur? Enoch swept all the candy left in his mouth with his tongue and swallowed it. ¡°Should I ask directly?¡± ¡°Uh¡­..?¡± ¡°Is the man still on your mind?¡± Enoch tilted his head. A playful smile spread across Enoch¡¯s face. Enoch and Abella¡¯s eyes met. The gray eyes full of colorful emotions, and the purple jewels that displayed no emotion. Abella captured all her emotions and concealed them inside herself. ¡°Then, no?¡± This time, it was Enoch who was embarrassed. ¡°He was the only one on my side in Timur¡­¡­.But what can be done? It¡¯s my feelings. I don¡¯t mean to force my feelings on Arsene.¡± ¡°Abella, I¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will meet Duke Sirius and come back.¡± Abella shook her head and raised herself. She felt like if she stayed here, she would be angry at Enoch. Abella¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t Enoch¡¯s fault. She came out of the office and paused for a moment. There was a place she needed to stop by before going to see Arsene. * Enoch furrowed his eyebrows and quickly squeezed a stick of candy into his mouth. Even if the sweet taste spread out, it didn¡¯t make him feel better. Enoch bit the candy and narrowed his eyes. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy.¡± He hadn¡¯t shown up in the last eight years. Yet she still had him in her heart? Enoch clicked his tongue briefly. * The place Abella headed for was her former room. Abella pulled out her engagement certificate for the first time in a while. Young Abella had hidden her engagement certificate in her own treasure box. For Abella, Arsene was her only friend and her favorite person. For Abella, the engagement certificate was the most valuable treasure. Click¨C Inside the wide-open jewelry box, she could see a folded white piece of paper. It was a formal engagement certificate signed by Arsene and Abella. ¡°It¡¯s just paper¡­¡­¡± There were times when Abella believed that with this, Arsene would be beside Abella¡¯s side forever. With a pure heart. No one would stand in the way of Abella and Arsene. At that time, they didn¡¯t know who would be leaving first. Abella grabbed the paper with strength, then pulled it out. There was no courage to tear it apart, nor the courage to destroy it formally. Abella closed the lid of the jewelry box. Chapter 20 What day was it today? As Abella brought down her coat, Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s and Simon returned. Abella¡¯s eyes met with the coachman who had traveled with them. Abella nodded briefly and approached Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s. ¡°Mother, where have you been?¡± ¡°¡­.You don¡¯t need to know.¡± Simon raised his head in the arms of Mrs. Amerigo. He was suffocated in the arms of Mrs. Amerigo, so his small face was burning red. Simon smiled slightly as he exhaled a heavy breath. ¡°Aunt!¡± With his small hand out, the Carlo-like eyes sparkled brightly. Abella stammered and held out her hand. The small, chubby hand reached her. ¡®Small¡­.¡¯ Simon¡¯s small hand, which tightly wrapped around one finger, caused a wave inside Abella. Abella had a feeling at that moment. She was back for Carlo, but she was going to protect Amerigo for Simon. Mrs. Amerigo, who had been watching Abella and Simon for a long time, opened her lips coolly. ¡°¡­¡­Carlo had shown your pictures countless times to Simon, and he practiced the word aunt.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Simon is very clever. He recognized you as soon as he saw you.¡± Abella didn¡¯t notice that Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s attitude was strange today. Alicia was just standing there dazed by Simon. ¡®The smiling face also resembles Carlo.¡¯ She had never seen Carlo¡¯s wife, so Abella couldn¡¯t tell how she looked. ¡°Aunt! Aunt Simon like!¡± Abella¡¯s pupils dilate. Abella naturally embraced Simon, who struggled in the arms of Mrs. Amerigo. Simon squeezed Abella¡¯s cheek with his palm. From Simon¡¯s blue eyes filled with happiness, she saw Carlo and¡­ their father. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°Aunt! Aunt!¡± He rubbed his chubby, flushed red face on Abella. ¡°Uh hee hee hee! Aunt, uwoong¡­¡­. Simon¡­¡± He wriggled his fingers and tried very hard to talk about what he wanted to say. Abella didn¡¯t understand most of it. ¡°¡­He resembles Carlo a lot, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Abella nodded at Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s question. ¡°¡­¡­Abella.¡± Abella looked up and stared at Mrs. Amerigo. There was a heavy silence between the two. In that silence, Mrs. Amerigo opened her lips. ¡°Protect the child.¡± Mrs. Amerigo lifted a cruel white flag at Abella. Evil woman, the devil. The monster who tormented her father. As if her mother had forgotten all the words she had poured out towards Abella, her mother reached out to Abella. Abella¡¯s eyes trembled slightly. It was the first time in her life that she had ever seen her mother look so weak. Even on the day her father died, her mother did not show any weakness. Such a mother bowed her head to Abella for Simon. Strangely enough, her heart began to ache. It seemed as if unrefined grains of rice were rolling in her chest. Her mother, who had never protected Abella, broke her high pride for Simon. To the child who she so despised. Suddenly, Simon¡¯s weight in her arms felt heavier. ¡°Auuuunnnntttttt!¡± If it weren¡¯t for Simon, who laughed and slapped Abella¡¯s cheeks, she wouldn¡¯t have felt that it was real. Abella couldn¡¯t move because Simon was shouting ¡®aunt¡¯ into her ear. To the point that she wanted to ignore the fact that people looked at her with indifferent eyes. It was Simon that diluted Abella¡¯s helplessness. Armed with childish innocence, Simons neutralized Abella¡¯s depression, resignation, and solitude. At once, Abella was brought from hell to heaven. Children were really amazing in some ways. ¡°Aunt like!¡± She didn¡¯t know what he was screaming about. He held onto Abella and laughed just like Carlo. Abella couldn¡¯t refuse the hand that Mrs. Amerigo held out nor could she refuse Simon. It felt like the shackles that wrapped around Abella were falling into the deep swamp. Abella¡¯s love for the rest of her family was pulling her in. ¡°Yes, mother.¡± Abella answered in a restrained voice. She sincerely held her mother¡¯s hand, who had never been on her side before. Abella¡¯s jewel-like eyes sank deeply. She was so miserably happy that her mother reached out to her. To her. Abella strengthened the hand that held Simon. ¡°Aunt? Woooo?¡± ¡°Yes, Simon.¡± Simon Amerigo. That was the full name Abella gave to the child as an aunt. Abella exhaled slowly. ¡°¡­¡­I will protect you.¡± There was a sound of something shattering inside Abella. Was it the last hope that she was holding toward her mother, or was it her affection? It was better not to say anything. Chapter 21 Abella laughed bitterly. ¡°¡­¡­Thank you, Abella.¡± How long had it been since she heard that? Simon, who knew nothing, gathered Abella¡¯s hair tightly. It seems that he was trying to turn her gaze to himself. What do you want to say? ¡°Simon protects Aunt!¡± ¡°Pft!¡± It was comforting at that moment. Abella burst into a small laugh. Simon¡¯s green eyes sparkled with affection. ¡®Yes, what do you know.¡¯ ¡®I can¡¯t hate you.¡¯ Abella kissed Simon¡¯s soft cheek. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s eyes were dimly lit as she saw Abella hugging Simon. She had never seen Abella smile like that, like the sun. She was surprised by Abella¡¯s unfamiliar smile. Mrs. Amerigo opened her mouth after a while. ¡°¡­.Come back to the main house. Simon needs you.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Abella answered neatly. However, there was no emotion in Abella¡¯s eyes as she looked at Mrs. Amerigo. * The carriage carrying Abella departed. Abella opened the small window leading to the coachman¡¯s seat and casually looked at the scene outside. ¡°¡­So you went to Count Gilmus.¡± One of the things Abella secretly did when she returned here was to monitor Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s activities. Obviously, Amerigo¡¯s relatives would attack Amerigo¡¯s most vulnerable, Mrs. Amerigo. And the prediction was right. ¡°How long was she there?¡± ¡°I remember it was about an hour.¡± Abella fiddled with her earlobe. According to Hannibal¡¯s report, Mrs. Amerigo had received a call from Count Gilmus and that she was advised to be accompanied by Simon. It wasn¡¯t difficult to guess what Count Gilmus and his crowd would have discussed. It was quite apparent since Mrs. Amerigo changed her mind like that. ¡®They must have threatened her over Simon.¡¯ They were more despicable than the swindlers in the market. Simon was just a three years old baby who just learned how to talk. Abella clicked her tongue. What the adults were doing was so repulsive. ¡°Thank you, Shooter. I¡¯ll be bothering you in the future.¡± ¡°No, my lady.¡± Abella closed the window to her coachman and rubbed her lips with her fingers. It seemed like cutting the money line was not the problem. They were greedy for Amerigo¡¯s authority¡­ ¡®Shameless things.¡¯ Abella smiled coldly. They were sloppy. They still thought that Abella was the young 15 years old girl who ran away crying from before. Abella took out a small letter from the carriage and hurriedly wrote something down. Shortly before arriving at her destination, Abella was able to put a full stop at the end of her letter. Abella, who sealed her letter with the brand name Amerigo, twisted her lips. The necessary means and methods had to be used without hesitation. They were foolishly unaware that the means and methods were more for Abella, who was the owner. So, she had no choice but to enlighten them. When she reached her destination, Abella handed her letter to her coachman. ¡°Would you please do an errand while I handle my work?¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± Abella grinned. * The place Abella and Arsene agreed to meet was at a restaurant on Dolores Street. The first floor of the bustling restaurant was empty as there were no guests yet. Abella checked the first floor carefully and climbed the stairs. ¡°I have a reservation under the name of Abella Amerigo.¡± ¡°Oh, the party came first and is waiting.¡± Abella nodded her head. The place where she was guided to was a private room located in the heart of the restaurant. Because it was a restaurant often used by high-ranking nobles, such private rooms were better decorated. ¡°Oh. Can I see the restaurant chef later?¡± ¡°The chef?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The waiter, who guided Abella, looked embarrassed. ¡°Well¡­. Even though you¡¯re the lady from Amerigo, but the chef is busy¡­.¡± Abella shrugged. ¡°Please tell her that Abella is here. That¡¯ll do.¡± Abella Amerigo¡¯s name would be enough. The waiter nodded. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Abella, who confirmed that the waiter was heading towards the kitchen, put her hand on her door. ¡°Fuuuu.¡± Arsene was waiting for Abella. She opened the door. ¡°Arsene.¡± She called Arsene in a low voice. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not late am I?¡± Arsene shook his head. Arsene silently pulled the chair for Abella. Abella¡¯s heart fluttered at the trivial action. She stared at the chair before sitting down. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± It was repeated every time she returned and met Arsene. Arsene¡¯s occasional kindness was so good that Abella couldn¡¯t give up meeting with Arsene. Of course, even if it was an obligation, she enjoyed the time she sat face to face with Arsene. Chapter 22 ¡°¡­¡­ Today I think I can tell you good news.¡± ¡°Good news?¡± ¡°Because the documents are ready. The money is also ready.¡± Abella put the papers that Enosh had prepared on the table. It was a deed of the amount as promised. Abella¡¯s seal was stamped on it, so if he brought it to the bank, they would pay the promised amount. ¡°¡­¡­..Good.¡± Arsene checked the deed and said with an indifferent face. ¡°Are you going to eat?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Is this the last time?¡± ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have asked you that question.¡¯ Abella bit her lips. ¡®You seem clingy, Abella.¡¯ It was when Abella clenched her teeth. ¡°I have something to say about that.¡± Arsene unfolded his towel and put it on his lap. Noble and elegant. Just like Arsene¡¯s eyes looking at Abella. ¡°About what?¡± ¡°Before that, let¡¯s eat.¡± When Arsene shook the bell on the table, an attendant waiting outside opened the door. ¡°I will prepare the food you ordered first.¡± ¡°Yes, Arsene.¡± ¡°I ordered what I enjoyed.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..Thank you.¡± This was also a small routine that she recovered after her return. There was no more conversation between Abella and Arsene after that. They resumed the conversation only after Abella finished eating. Arsene slowly opened his lips. ¡°About our engagement.¡± *Cough!* Abella hastily lowered her glass of water. After coughing, she wiped the corners of her mouth and raised her head. ¡°¡­I think the engagement will help you.¡± Abella dropped the tissue that she had used to wipe her mouth in surprise. She couldn¡¯t read any emotions from Arsene. He was just looking at Abella with an indifferent, chilly expression. The atmosphere between the two, which had thought to have softened, froze again. ¡°So?¡± ¡°¡­I hope we keep this engagement.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Arsene raised his eyebrows. Why? Arsene didn¡¯t know exactly. Why the hell couldn¡¯t he let Abella go? Why did he not want to break his engagement with Abella? No, he knew one thing for sure. Guilt. When he was 15 years old¡­. The guilt, for not being able to protect Abella. The guilt, for not being able to understand Abella. The guilt, for being young and not knowing¡­¡­. Not being able to say the right things. Arsene had a bitter smile. ¡°I had something I wanted to tell you. I couldn¡¯t do it then.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. It was all an accident.¡± ¡°Arsene.¡± ¡°So I couldn¡¯t tell you that you shouldn¡¯t have to go, that I¡¯d always be there for you. It¡¯s been bothering me this whole time because I couldn¡¯t tell you that.¡± Abella¡¯s eyes trembled. ¡°Is that the reason?¡± Her voice also trembled slightly. Abella puffed her lips. Her heart felt like it was clogged up, so she couldn¡¯t breathe. She really wanted to hear that¡­¡­ She was hoping someone would say it¡­¡­. Now, she finally heard it from Arsene. Only her dying father had told her this. And on the contrary, those words became Abella¡¯s noose. Transparent tears flowed from Abella¡¯s pale cheeks. Abella buried her face in her palm. Arsene reached out his hand towards Abella. However, it didn¡¯t even reach Abella. He couldn¡¯t comfort the shoulders that were shaking slightly. He couldn¡¯t even say easy words to not to cry. Because he wasn¡¯t qualified to do so. ¡°And it will help us too. The proposal won¡¯t bother me for a while¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Because Amerigo¡¯s name is also helpful for Sirius.¡± Abella¡¯s faint cry deepened ¡°¡­¡­.. If you want to keep our engagement, I¡¯d like us to meet once a week.¡± He didn¡¯t mean to say it like this. Arsene¡¯s face crumpled. He wanted to stop her crying by saying anything, but there was nothing he could do. Arsene clenched his teeth. ¡°Is it too much?¡± It was a voice that seemed to fade away. It wouldn¡¯t be strange even if it just disappeared. Arsene gave a long sigh. He couldn¡¯t figure out what to say anymore. No, he thought it would be better to keep his mouth shut instead. Arsene kept his silence throughout Abella¡¯s cry. Until her tears subsided. Arsene, who had hesitated for a long time, raised his body. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Hah¡­¡­.¡± Arsene breathed a long sigh. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve said it¡­¡± In fact, this must have been what he wanted to say the most. ¡°I missed you, Abella.¡± Just one more word. ¡°¡­¡­ Welcome back.¡± From the bottom of his heart. Chapter 23 Abella pulled out a tissue. ¡°Huh. Did you need to say that there?!¡± Abella wiped her tears with a tissue. The tissues she threw were filling the table. ¡°Because you said that!¡± Her pronunciation shattered and burst out at random. As soon as Arsene left, she became like this. She had heard every word she wanted to hear, and it irritated her. Sniffle, sniffle. Abella blew her nose. Abella knew her face was swollen, but she couldn¡¯t stop her tears. She wiped her tears away, again and again. The more she rubbed, the more she would swell. ¡°I¡¯m sick of it, really!¡± He had been that way since childhood. He always showed up at times like this. He showed up whenever Abella was exhausted and tired, and then he would tell her what she wanted to hear. What she wanted to hear¡­ ¡°Huh¡­¡± It was Abella who had left so cruelly at the age of 15, but why was he the one who felt bothered? It bothered her that he thought he did something wrong! Abella bit her lips hard. ¡°Fool¡­¡­.¡± Abella blew her nose and threw her tissue back onto the table. ¡°I missed you too¡­¡­. I also missed you!¡± She should have said it in his presence. So she could have seen what expression he made! ¡®It¡¯s unfair that only I¡¯m crying like this¡­¡­.¡¯ Abella bit her lips. Surely her eyes were red! Abella blew her nose. She then tapped the empty tissue container. She had no tissues left to blow her nose anymore. ¡°Hah¡­.¡± Abella pressed down her heated eyelids and tilted her head back. She leaned her neck against her chair. Stop crying. Then Abella took a deep breath and bit her lips. Knock, knock¨C Oh, what a surprise! Abella raised her body. Then she looked around at the tissues on the table. ¡®I don¡¯t know.¡¯ Really, she couldn¡¯t think of anything right now. ¡°Yes.¡± Abella answered. ¡°Abella, it¡¯s me. Yuri.¡± ¡°¡­¡­..come in.¡± At Abella¡¯s words, the door opened. It was a woman with her hair tied high. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Abella. How are you? No¡­ I don¡¯t think you¡¯re doing well. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Close the door.¡± Yuri grinned at Abella¡¯s gestures and closed the door. ¡°What is it? It¡¯s been a long time since you showed up, what the hell is going on?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Sit down. I have something to tell you.¡± Yuri sat across from Abella. Yuri was the chef Abella met in Vincent. Abella had invested in her when she returned from Vincent to Timur and opened her restaurant. So, in other words, Abella had a share in this building. Yuri and Abella were privately friends. That was why Yuri immediately came out to the name, Abella. ¡°Something to tell me? Am I the reason you cried¡­¡± ¡°To recover my investment? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that much yet.¡± Abella stared at Yuri with tears in her eyes. Yuri shook her head with a big smile. ¡°Your personality is still the same. So, what do you want to say?¡± ¡°¡­I believe it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve settled in Dolores Street.¡± ¡°I promised that I¡¯ll settle down somewhere in Timur within a year.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I invested in this restaurant.¡± Abella drank the cold tea like cold water. This was the contract Abella and Yuri made. On behalf of Abella, Yuri would take her place in Timur. She would then demonstrate her value as an informational point¡­.. Abella made her learn things she needed to know. Past, present and future. Not a single thing was left out. ¡°¡­¡­..So what am I supposed to do this time?¡± ¡°It¡¯s said that Count Gilmus is going to Dolores Street to sign a contract.¡± ¡°Is he signing a store?¡± ¡°Yes, I want us to have it.¡± ¡°Why are you doing such a nasty thing?¡± ¡°They have malicious intentions towards me, so I can¡¯t stay still, can I? I have to take them out one by one.¡± Abella put the teacup down loudly. Abella snorted with a crooked smile. ¡°Okay. Well, it¡¯s not difficult, because the store where Count Gilmus signed a contract is right below here.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Right below here.¡± ¡°Wow.¡± Abella burst into laughter. She guessed that it would work. But, how did it work out so well? It was a relief amongst the misfortune. Oh, what a relief. Chapter 24 Abella¡¯s laughter soon became bitter. ¡°That¡¯s resolved, and for what I was looking for, is there any progress?¡± ¡°There were no witnesses, no survivors, no evidence, nothing. That¡¯s the end of the line you know.¡± ¡°¡­..Dig more.¡± ¡°If something comes out, I will contact you right away.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Father¡­¡­. As soon as Abella left for Vincent, the investigation was not conducted properly and was covered. The incident that even the great Amerigo didn¡¯t want to dig up anymore. ¡®What the hell had happened?¡¯ Please, let her find out. That was the only way she could survive. She hadn¡¯t slept properly ever since the incident. In her dream, she returned to the scene again and again. In the arms of her dying father¡­¡­ And as she stood by helplessly, watching her father engulfed by her magical power¡­¡­ * Arsene stood in front of the restaurant. His lips with the cigar cracked open. How could he leave her crying like that? He did not know how many cigars burned as he waited for Abella to come out. Arsene counted the fifth cigar with a nervous face. He lowered his eyes and rolled the remainder of the cigar on the floor. At the moment when Arsene, who picked up the cigar himself and threw it into the bag the servant gave him, tried to take out a new one, Abella opened the door and came out. Her face was swollen. ¡®Your face still swells when you cry.¡¯ Arsene put the cigar back and smiled awkwardly. ¡°Oh, the smell of cigars.¡± Abella turned her head around and found Arsene. Arsene, who was leaning against the wall, straightened up his body. ¡°Arsene¡­¡­¡­? Why?¡± ¡°Then should I have gone alone?¡± Arsene groaned and approached Abella. After Abella left, he started smoking cigars, but now that she had returned, he had to give it up. Arsene brushed the dust off his jacket and told Abela. ¡°Come with me. I want to hear the answers that I haven¡¯t heard before.¡± ¡°¡­¡­answers?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to hear it in the carriage.¡± Arsene strode away first. Arsene turned his head toward Abella, who had been standing still for a while. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Abella.¡± Abella followed Arsene as if possessed. It¡¯s been a while since she¡¯d last done this. Abella fiddled with her earlobe. * Enoch leaned against the railing of the balcony and looked out. ¡°Hmm. Are you coming back now?¡± Why would the Duke of Sirius¡¯s carriage come to Amerigo at the end of the evening? Maybe Arsene was trying to take Abella home. Enoch rolled the candy in his mouth. The more he thought about it, the more difficult it was. Enoch¡¯s gray eyes glared at the carriage. Arsene Sirius. Well. If it¡¯s for a beautiful woman, he had to bear this much. Enoch nodded his head. Arsene knew nothing about Abella¡­¡­. Enoch had deliberately reminded Abella about her engagement, so it should be settled soon. ¡®If it¡¯s Abella¡¯s personality.¡¯ Enoch raised his lips. And soon a smile broke out as expected. * ¡°From tomorrow, we¡¯ll move back to the main house.¡± ¡°The main house?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what happened.¡± In the meantime, Abella swallowed all the stories in her mouth. Abella told Enoch nothing about her experience here. Of course, Yuri didn¡¯t even know everything about Abella. She lived so harshly that no one she met in Vincent could know about all the stories inside her. No. She couldn¡¯t open her mind to anyone. Since her father died, Abella¡¯s only had herself by her side. Who would love a villain like Abella? ¡°The main house is more comfortable to work in.¡± ¡°And I¡­ decided not to break the engagement.¡± That was the decision of Abella and Arsene. They continued talking in the carriage on the way back. She didn¡¯t bring up all the stories they had spoken of. They only talked to each other as much as they needed. Even so, both of them couldn¡¯t even make eye contact because they avoided each other¡¯s eyes. ¡°What?¡± Enoch dropped the lollipop he had been eating. The dining room table was left with an imprint of the round candy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°¡­.Why didn¡¯t you break up?¡± ¡°Because I thought I might need a shield, too. My relatives are already dying to bite me, so I¡¯m anxious.¡± ¡°¡­¡­so?¡± ¡°The Duke of Sirius has the power to protect me from them. With him, I wouldn¡¯t need Volot, who was willing to be my fiance.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.and?¡± Chapter 25 Abella, who had opened her mouth to continue her words that sounded like an excuse, bit her mouth. Why did she have to explain her decision to Enoch? Enoch wouldn¡¯t understand Abella anyway. How would he understand Abella¡¯s feelings of guilt or regret for Arsene when he wasn¡¯t by her side? Enoch didn¡¯t even know Arsene, the only one who held her hand when no one was by her side. Abella stared at Enoch with her cool jewel eyes. ¡°Why do I have to make excuses? You think I made the wrong decision. For example, in regards to business?¡± Anyway¡­¡­. She had no intention of continuing her engagement with Arsene without hesitation. She told Arsene that marriage partners who were much better than Abella were waiting in line, and he deserved it. ¡®Actually, just by waiting so long¡­¡¯ Arsene had kept his courtesy to Abella. Besides, the good man told her that he wanted to see Abella, and he waited. It was the first time she had ever heard of such a thing after returning to Timur¡­¡­.. Abella bit her lips. Anyway, this grace period for Arsene and Abella would be enough time to clear up the remnants of the sentiment that remained between them. There¡¯d be no greed. She couldn¡¯t have it. Abella¡¯s magic was a time bomb that could explode at any moment. Abella felt that she¡¯d be living alone for her entire life. ¡°Enoch. Tell me. What makes me have to make excuses like this.¡± Enoch¡¯s mouth hardened. ¡°¡­.Nothing. I was just surprised. I thought you would break up and return.¡± He thought that she wouldn¡¯t want to hurt the Duke of Sirius due to her foolish personality of not wanting to harm others. That expectation was wrong, so he became emotional. Enoch forced his lips up. ¡°If you stay engaged, we¡¯ll be good. The stock price at Abella¡¯s business will go up further, and I know about the strength of the Duke of Sirius¡¯s influence from Vincent.¡± Abella¡¯s suspicions were lifted with Enoch¡¯s words. ¡°¡­..right. It¡¯s too much.¡± ¡°But, would people believe it just by saying it?¡± ¡°So, I decided to meet once a week to date. To show others.¡± ¡°Date¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Rather than a date, we just meet and eat.¡± Abella corrected. All this until Simon was old enough to protect Amerigo. After that¡­ ¡®You are leaving, Abella.¡¯ To a place where no one knew Abella. To a place where no one would point fingers at Abella accusing her of being a villain. There were places where no one could hurt Abella, and these were places she had thought about roughly in her head. However, it wasn¡¯t Vincent or Timur. Abella continued her meal, soaked in her thoughts. She chewed the food mechanically, not knowing what it was that made her mouth so dry. So she didn¡¯t notice that Enoch didn¡¯t smile at all. * The week went by quickly and Abella was in the carriage heading to the Imperial Palace. In order to become Amerigo¡¯s temporary authority, she had to enter the Imperial Palace and be approved by the emperor. She had applied for an audience, but because there were a lot of people waiting, she was finally headed for an audience. Yesterday she had her first date with Arsene. It was just a week after they decided to stay engaged. ¡°The seafood here is delicious.¡± ¡°Really? Then I will have to order what you choose.¡± ¡°The B course would be better than what I ordered. Because you don¡¯t like strong spices.¡± Even though they only exchanged such small words, her heart was overwhelmed. Arsene still remembered which food Abella liked. It was pleasant even though they only exchanged public conversations with indifferent eyes. She missed those moments so much. Arsene didn¡¯t look so happy. Abella smiled bitterly and leaned her head against her carriage. If there¡¯s anything she¡¯s found in the last week¡­ ¡°Aunt! Simon drew my aunt!¡± ¡°Aunt loves Simon the most.¡± It was Simon who she was now used to. Simon chased Abella around. He was next to Abella when she ate. He was next to Abella when she read. He was next to Abella even before going to bed. Mrs. Amerigo seemed displeased, but that didn¡¯t stop Simon from chasing Abella. Chapter 26 It seemed that Abella had decided that it would be better to grow her bond to Simon. Obviously, Abella was born with Amerigo¡¯s blood, but she was still a stranger. Like Enoch. ¡°We¡¯ll be here soon.¡± A voice came from the coachman seat. As the coachman said, the distant Hwangseong Fortress was getting closer and closer. The current emperor of the Charope Empire was Cade Canoe Cletus. She came to meet someone she never wanted to see. Abella sighed. Cade was also the same age as Abella and Arsene. The descendants of the influential family naturally mingled with each other often, and at that time, it included Cade. ¡°Hey, cursed child,¡± was what he called Abella. Cade hated Abella. The two were neither friends nor anything, but just had a bad relationship. With her cold eyes, Abella stared at the Imperial Palace that was getting closer. It¡¯s only for a short while anyway. Cade knew that Abella was the only one who could take care of Amerigo now, so there¡¯s no way he could stop her from becoming the temporary authority. ¡®Nothing will happen.¡¯ She had grown tough enough not to be hurt by Cade, who poured out vulgarity. The carriage stopped. Abella, who got off the carriage with the coachman¡¯s escort, stared at the Imperial Palace after a long time. The palace, shining in ivory, was crowded with people coming and going. And some of them came out to meet Abella. ¡°Lady Abella Amerigo?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°This way, the Emperor is waiting.¡± Abella took a deep breath and then followed. ¡°Please wait for me. I will come out soon.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± However, when had her life ever gone through as she intended? Abella couldn¡¯t come out of the Imperial Palace until the evening passed. * It was still unfortunately big and grand. It was a rare ivory stone that could only be mined in the Charope Empire. The stone with gold minerals embedded in it couldn¡¯t be broken with any catapult, and it was so strong that even diamonds couldn¡¯t scratch it. They wouldn¡¯t even get destroyed in natural disasters like storms. As she stepped into this place, she realized that she had returned to Timur. Abella laughed coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t come in. What if a cursed kid like you enters? Then the Imperial Palace might collapse. Even the blessed ivory stone will be cursed.¡± His firm hand that pushed Abella away with cold eyes was still vivid in her mind. Cade hated Abella. He didn¡¯t curse or get scared of Abella like any other kids¡­ He just despised her. It was as if he found it hard to bear Abella¡¯s existence. This ivory-colored building was like Cade. The cold air that penetrated Abella¡¯s bones made her teeth tremble. Perhaps it was anger. ¡°He is waiting here.¡± Abella stopped. The place where the attendant guided Abella was the place she had visited the last time. With the adults¡¯ expectations on their backs, Abella, Arsene, and Cade often mingled with each other. But that day, Arsene was sick and couldn¡¯t come out. ¡®Was he 13 years old?¡¯ That was probably right. Abella thought it was the time when she fell in love with Arsene and wanted to get engaged. Cade had invited Abella to the Imperial Palace. It was the first time. Abella peered at the door with her pale face. Cade had watched Abella, whose eyes were trembling. The red roses filled the room. The scents that had poured out to the point that it filled her nose still seemed to remain. ¡°I like you.¡± Abella bit her lips. ¡°Please be engaged to me, Abella.¡¯ It was¡­ not a confession, but a form of violence and shackles. Abella had no power to reject Cade. She had already fallen for Arsene and was about to be engaged to him, and Cade¡¯s actions were nothing but interference between the two. She didn¡¯t know if it was something young Cade knew. Fortunately, Cade had stepped back. Thanks to this, Abella became a villain who destroyed the friendship between Cade and Arsene. She was being moved back and forth between the two. ¡°How did Abella possess them, and why do they want to be engaged to her?¡¯¡± At that time, Abella came to her conclusion. Cade didn¡¯t like Abella. He wanted to interfere. He hated seeing the cursed child be engaged to his own friend, so he¡¯s disturbing her. ¡®This is a place of bad memories.¡¯ Chapter 27 Still, the emperor was here. ¡°Your Majesty. Lady Abella Amerigo has arrived.¡± At the words of the attendant, a heavy answer came back. ¡°Come in.¡± It was a lower voice than before. Abella slowly entered the door opened by the attendants. She could see Cade¡¯s back, and it caught her eye. Cade, who stood by the window and was looking out, had grown up in eight years. However, that wouldn¡¯t have changed the nature inside Cade. ¡°¡­¡­Greetings to the Sun of Charope.¡± Abella took a bow. Cade slowly turned his body. His black hair and bright red eyes were the traits of the imperial family. The gaze poured out toward Abella. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡± It was still a gaze that pierced Abella. Abella nodded her head. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°¡­..Hoo. You¡¯ve been in Vincent haven¡¯t you?¡± As Cade beckoned, the attendants hurriedly closed the door. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Abella replied stiffly. Was a conversation like this required to qualify for Amerigo¡¯s temporary authority? Well. Even if it wasn¡¯t, Abella was a nobleman, and Cade was the emperor. When he asked, Abella must answer. ¡°Cursed girl. Answer me. When I ask you, you answer.¡± Just like in her childhood when he urged her that way. Maybe it was because she didn¡¯t want to come, that her insides were completely stuffy. Abella pressed her upper chest firmly. ¡°I guess I should have ordered you to return to Timur.¡± Cade¡¯s bright red eyes looked as if they were going to dig through Abella. ¡°You still¡­ You think I¡¯m funny.¡± Cade frowned. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. Your Majesty¡­¡± Abella bowed her head again. ¡°I was getting ready to come back. I couldn¡¯t immediately clear up the business of running the operations. I¡¯m sorry.¡± With a lengthy excuse, Abella collected her breath. Order? Either way, the emperor couldn¡¯t make such an order unless the great aristocrats broke the law. The emperor, who knew it, couldn¡¯t drag Abella, so he ignored it. And if Carlo hadn¡¯t been that way at a young age, she would never have returned. ¡°¡­¡­ Raise your head.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­..¡± ¡°Raise.¡± Abella sighed and slowly raised her head. Cade¡¯s attitude of looking down at Abella still remained the same. He forced Abella and hated her for breaking his orders. ¡®Friend?¡¯ Abella laughed. ¡®Just give me a dog.¡¯ From the start, Cade¡¯s only friend was Arsene. Abella was the cursed woman. Or something below that. There was no more meaning than that. But to like her? She would totally decline. Even more, if it¡¯s true. Abella¡¯s eyes met with Cade¡¯s red eyes. There was a cool atmosphere between the two, that seemed to rival even ice. The side with the white flag, as always, was Abella. Abella had no power to overcome Cade¡¯s power. She averted her eyes and calmly opened her mouth. ¡°¡­¡­Your Majesty, you know, Amerigo¡¯s current situation is not good. Those unqualified people are crossing the threshold of Amerigo. The successor is too young and I am the only one who can take care of Amerigo¡¯s business.¡± ¡°You want me to allow you as the temporary owner?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Majesty.¡± At Abella¡¯s answer, the emperor laughed. Taking his hand off the desk, the emperor tilted his head and glared at Abella. ¡°Why should I do that? You despise my orders more than sh*t, and you¡¯re not loyal to the imperial family. I don¡¯t know who to believe in this situation and who to entrust Amerigo to.¡± Abella gulped at the swear words. If she expressed her feelings, then surely Cade would respond more loudly. Rather, not showing any feelings was the way to quickly end this. Abella shook her head. ¡°No, Your Majesty. I am a nobleman of Charope. How can I disobey Your Majesty¡¯s command? Besides, I¡¯ve never been not loyal to the imperial family. I¡¯ve never had such an unloyal heart.¡± Cade¡¯s eyebrows rose to Abella¡¯s calm answer. ¡°Loyal?¡± ¡­¡­ Did she answer something wrong? Abella held her cold sweaty hands. Really, there were so many people in Timur that she never wanted to meet again. Including the emperor. Abella nodded her head. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Good.¡± What? Abella raised her head. That capricious man suddenly laughed as if it made him feel better. ¡°Let¡¯s prove that loyalty by having you stay by my side all day today. Until dinner.¡± Ha? What crazy thing was that? Chapter 28 Cade straightened himself up. ¡°It would be nice to hear your explanations of how you are loyal to me, but I don¡¯t have time.¡± Cade shook the bell on the desk. The attendants who were waiting outside came in again. ¡°I¡¯d like to get one more seat at the luncheon and I¡¯m going to go there now.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Abella collapsed her shoulders in despair. Series of things happened regardless of her will that seemed to stop Abella¡¯s breath. It¡¯s bad. As it used to be, Cade was trying to put Abella in front of people and see her fall. Cade held his forearm to Abella, who couldn¡¯t move. ¡°Will you give me the honor of escorting you?¡± His words were soft, but only his eyes were cool. Again, it was an order. Not a suggestion. Abella placed her pale tired hand on Cade¡¯s forearm. ¡®It¡¯s still the same.¡¯ No matter how much time passed, it seems that the powerful people who held the imperial castle never changed. It has never been more fortunate that Amerigo now focused on commerce rather than politics. Amerigo, as a member of the great nobility, only had to attend the aristocratic association meeting held once a month. Abella swallowed her sigh. The luncheon where Cade took Abella was a light and ambiguous place. Ambassadors from each country and key figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated, but the topic of the conversation was not too heavy. At first, people seemed to be conscious of Abella¡¯s existence, but now they completely forgot and were talking. This has been the case ever since Cade introduced Abella. Even after someone whispered ¡°cursed woman¡±. In the end, Cade brought Abella here to impress his subjects. Cade was still cruel and ugly. On that subject, Abella sat in the upper seat right next to Cade. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Asked Cade, scouring his food with a bored face. Abella shook her head with a look as ambiguous as her position. ¡®Even if I eat here, I¡¯ll have an upset stomach¡­¡­¡¯ Even the most delicious food was bitter in a place like this. Cade stared at Abella with his eyes wide open. White face and thin platinum hair. Silver-colored hair was shining like a star under the light. The color of Abella¡¯s eyes, which look different depending on the viewing angle, was more prominent. The fever of love, which he suffered after Abella became engaged to Arsene, still remained. Still, Abella was far from being caught. ¡®But you¡¯re still here.¡¯ When he heard Abella had returned to Amerigo, he foreshadowed that one day this would happen. If she was Abella who was responsible and loved Amerigo, then she would protect them. Cade touched his lips, then he bit everything back. As if he knew speaking to her would only hurt her feelings. Just one meal now. And one for dinner. He thought he could be satisfied with that much today. Wasn¡¯t this different from the old days when he acted like a fool to get Abella¡¯s attention? To meet Abella¡¯s eyes who always looked at Arsene, he said without hesitation what he shouldn¡¯t have said. Because it was better to be hated than to lose it at all. But still¡­¡­ Cade wet his bitter mouth with water. Abella wasn¡¯t looking at Cade. He wanted Abella to raise her chin which was facing down. He didn¡¯t know when he¡¯d see her again, but he wanted to see her properly. ¡°Abella.¡± So Cade, who couldn¡¯t stand it, called Abella. He was satisfied with the purple gaze that moved towards him. * The last place Cade took Abella was the concert hall. The two people sat side by side in the VIP seats and listened to the performance. As the seat was prepared for the emperor, a dedicated attendant was also allocated, and cold wine and a simple snack were prepared inside the tent-covered interior. Abella grabbed her glass of wine that she hadn¡¯t taken a sip of. ¡°Haa.¡± Abella sighed secretly from Cade. She didn¡¯t think he would really bring Abella to all his schedules¡­ Cade took her everywhere but the bathroom. When he signed the papers and looked back at Abella, he smiled. ¡®You told me to prove my loyalty.¡¯ Abella glared at the back of Cade¡¯s head. In the first place, it was this empire and the imperial family that Abella was loyal to, not the individual Cade. Chapter 29 Cade has been at the forefront of harassing Abella since childhood. It was Cade who made all children point their finger at her as a child who was cursed and avoided her like a bug. ¡°Why do you look like that? Are you bored? Hmm.¡± Cade looked on the stage. ¡°Do you know how much money they took away from the Ministry of Culture for this opera performance?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I do not know.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the details either. However, in the Amerigo estate, it would be about half of the annual income? But I can¡¯t believe it made you bored.¡± Cade smiled rudely. With his head tilted slightly, he stroked his chin. For some reason, his heart was full of joy. Cade opened his red lips and scratched his hair. ¡°I¡¯ll have to tell them to stop. I don¡¯t want to waste any more money and time on this useless thing¡­¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Abella stopped Cade from getting up. She forgot. What kind of person Cade was. Abella bit her lips and glared at Cade with her burning eyes. ¡°It¡¯s always like this.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡± Why are you smiling like that? Abella took a deep breath and said. ¡°It¡¯s really fun. Your Majesty. It¡¯s an impressive performance. Really.¡± Cade smiled brightly at Abella who recited mechanically. ¡°Really? That¡¯s good. Then, after the performance is over, let¡¯s talk about it in detail. I mean, which part impressed you and what you liked about this performance.¡± Abella clenched her fist as she watched Cade smile with his eyes. Son of a b*tch. * Simon was the first to greet Abella, who returned to the mansion with a weary face. Simon, who ran with his arms open, burst towards Abella. ¡°Simon¡­¡­?¡± Since living in the main house, Simon had always given such a violent welcome. Although Mrs. Amerigo often made an unpleasant face, she did not stop Simon. Enosh appeared, wandering behind Simon. ¡°Why are you so late?¡± ¡°Yeah. I couldn¡¯t even imagine it would be this late.¡± It was her fault that she had forgotten that Cade was a person who always did something unimaginable. Abella swept her hair and took off her coat. Simon jumped forward, clinging and shouting out to his aunt. Enosh rolled his lollipop in his mouth with a frown. ¡°So did you get the temporary permission?¡± ¡°Yeah. That¡­.¡± In the first place, the problem wasn¡¯t that Abella took over as temporary owner, but Cade¡¯s atrocities. Abella shook her head and held Simon. ¡°Simon, did you eat well? It¡¯s time to sleep, but you aren¡¯t asleep.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for Aunt!¡± Simon smiled and hugged Abella. ¡°Oh.¡± Abella laughed awkwardly and patted Simon¡¯s back. ¡°Why are you late?¡± Enosh asked again. He wore only a gown on comfortable clothes as if he was prepared for bed. Enosh flicked the remnants of the lollipop he had eaten with his fingers. As if he has something to complain about. ¡°Well¡­ why? Have you been busy today? Did you have any problems?¡± ¡°Has this family only been having problems for a day or two?¡± ¡°True.¡± Abella agreed. The relatives of Amerigo were rushing here and there, looking for a way to make a fortune from Abella. Have they visited all the lawyers living in Timur? Of course, few people wanted to deal with Enoch, who had an international attorney¡¯s license and was quite popular in the world. It was simply Abella¡¯s reputation that was declining in the social world where her relatives could do whatever they wanted. That didn¡¯t hurt Abella at all. ¡°But these days, those people also seem to be silent.¡± ¡°They¡¯re just¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­Nothing happened in the imperial palace. I¡¯m just late because I met someone I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time and who had a lot to say.¡± Just that much. Abella thought it was the most appropriate way to introduce Cade. ¡°Aunt! Simony bought something delicious for you.¡± As Abella was about to feel depressed for a moment, Simon pulled Abella. ¡°Something delicious?¡± At Abella¡¯s words, Simon nodded his head vigorously. Simon had gone to a restaurant today, ordered the chef¡¯s course meal, and met the chef. He packed and brought Abella¡¯s favourite dessert. ¡°Cake! Cake!¡± At Simon¡¯s words, Abella had a smile on her weary face. ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± In the past, when she remembered Timur, she only thought of sad and painful things¡­¡­ Arsene, Cade, and Amerigo. All that was hurtful to Abella. Guilt, loneliness, love, hatred, and pain. Chapter 30 However, thanks to Simon, she could recall good memories. Has anyone ever welcomed Abella this much in her lifetime? Abella buried her head on Simon¡¯s shoulder, which smelled like a baby. She couldn¡¯t believe she was being comforted by a small child. On such a tiring day like today, Simon became medicine to Abella. Simon was a lovely nephew to Abella. He resembled the dead Carlo. ¡°Would you like to eat together?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°Come.¡± Enosh stuck to Abella. He did not hear the answer from Abella, but it was confirmed that the Duke of Arsene did not go to the Imperial Palace today¡­¡­ ¡®Then who else caught Abella?¡¯ Enosh frowned. In Vincent, there was nothing he didn¡¯t know about Abella. Abella acted within a set of boundaries, mostly with Enosh. But, now¡­¡­ Enosh knew that there were people he didn¡¯t know and that she did things he didn¡¯t know. It kept bothering his mind. Enosh chased after Abella like a laid-back wild wolf, refreshing his appetite. ¡®I¡¯m craving sweets again.¡¯ Did Abella know that his consumption of lollipops had skyrocketed since he came to Timur? ¡®You¡¯re an indifferent employer.¡¯ Enosh sighed and walked next to Abela. ¡°Is it difficult?¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Because you don¡¯t look good.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s no big deal, I just met someone I didn¡¯t want to meet and that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do that for you. Is there anything else you don¡¯t want to do?¡± Enosh asked playfully. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s annoying to wash my face.¡± ¡°I can do that for you. What¡¯s the point of getting your hands wet when I can do it on your behalf.¡± ¡°Pfft. Then would you wash my hair for me?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it for you. There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t do even if there¡¯s a lot I haven¡¯t done.¡± ¡°What are you talking about.¡± Abella bursts into a roar of laughter. * Clatter¨C The ornaments thrown by Count Gilmus collided with the wall and shattered. ¡°Such a crazy girl! A bad b*tch who doesn¡¯t know her place!! How dare you sit there and make fun of me?¡± On the desk of Count Gilmus, who was spitting out abusive language, a certificate of contract cancellation was placed. The debts owed by Count Gilmus¡¯s overwhelming business were weighing on his shoulders. He could no longer afford the money in Amerigo¡¯s name, and this prevented him from paying the remaining balance of his new store. It was a document that stated the contract was terminated because the deadline was over. How much effort had he put into opening a store on Dolores Street, which was called the home of fashion? If that was successful, he would have an opportunity to accumulate wealth equal to the Amerigo family. However, that opportunity was completely blown away. Was that all that? Investments pulled from here and there to start a business also became scraps of paper. Count Gilmus groaned and picked up his cane. He couldn¡¯t let this happen. Count Gilmus exclaimed in a fierce voice. ¡°Get the carriage ready!¡± Abella had gotten on his nerves for a while. She should behave and go back! ¡®The mother or daughter who doesn¡¯t know the subject. That¡¯s why you can¡¯t fool your veins!¡¯ The place where Count Gilmus was headed was the home of the Amerigo. * Abella stared at Count Gilmus with her dull eyes. She had expected him to come because the deal was overturned. However, she didn¡¯t expect the person who came to borrow money to be so confident. ¡®You¡¯re amazing in many ways.¡¯ Abella ridiculed coldly and raised her chin. ¡°What is it, Count Gilmus?¡± ¡°Sit down.¡± The owner of the mansion didn¡¯t even tell him to sit down, but Count Gilmus, sitting proudly, pointed at the sofa with his stick. Enosh was watching with his mouth open. ¡°No. I have a lot of work to do. I can¡¯t give you too much time.¡± Abella said with a grim look. Still, he was Amerigo¡¯s eldest adult. Others who had visited many times returned without even crossing the threshold. ¡°The urgent thing right now is my job! Can¡¯t you sit right now?!¡± Count Gilmus¡¯s beard as he screamed out loud, trembled. Abella sighed and shrugged. ¡°Are you saying that the count¡¯s work is more urgent than the ones His Majesty¡¯s has given?¡± Count Gilmus, who was about to shout at Abella, stopped at her words. ¡°His, His Majesty, the Emperor.¡± Chapter 31 Abella laughed sullenly. She didn¡¯t realize that the expression made resembled Cade she had met some time ago. ¡°Yes.¡± That day, all of Cade¡¯s actions seemed uncomfortable, but this helped. In exchange for granting Abella the temporary owner post, she promised to help the emperor. It was really sloppy and petty, but Cade said that he was being generous to Abella. If there had been no prince, it would rather have been rather strange. Enosh complained that she had increased his work amid the already hectic schedule, but it was the emperor¡¯s order. The great emperor¡¯s command that no one who lived in the empire could break. Yes, it was no different for Count Gilmus. Count Gilmus coughed. ¡°Well¡­¡­. Then, let¡¯s just keep things simple. Abella, are you really going to ignore the Amerigo tradition and watch your family take to the streets to get a job? Do you know people will point and swear at you? When everyone says that, you have a reason! You have to think about fixing the wrongs!¡± Abella frowned at him. She noticed why he came here but wasn¡¯t he supposed to say this to himself? It was a false accusation. Besides, investing Amerigo¡¯s money in Count Gilmus would mean that all of the profits made would go to him. Why was that the Amerigo tradition? Abella burst into a fit of laughter. ¡°While I¡¯m in charge of Amerigo, I¡¯m going to fix all those old customs.¡± ¡°Abella! This, this cursed b*tch! Even after you came back after tormenting your father, I thought you were pitiful and embraced you!! But you repaid my kindness like this¡­¡­!¡± Did his conscience leave him behind when he was born? Abella furrowed her eyebrows. They were the villains who had tormented her father and drove her out of Amerigo with their fingers. Those who wore the mask as her family and coveted Abella and her father¡¯s place! The reason why everyone pointed at the noble little princess, Abella, was because no one in Amerigo protected her. But now he claimed it as kindness. Abella glared coldly at Count Gilmus. ¡°So I¡¯m not going to give you back as much, Count Gilmus.¡± ¡°You punk!¡± Count Gilmus jumped up and swung his cane at Abella. When she was young, she was afraid of that cane since Count Gilmus hit her with it. She had been beaten by that cane more than once or twice because she was the girl who was born on the cursed Skellus Day. It happened every time Duke Amerigo went on a business trip. Thanks to that, Abella became a whiny girl who followed her father wherever he went. Abella stared at the cane flying towards her with a grave look. However, Count Gilmus¡¯s staff were gone and thrown to the floor before reaching Abella. It was Count Gilmus who lost his balance and fell on the floor. Abella¡¯s face trembled. ¡°There¡¯s never a quiet day.¡± ¡°¡­ Cade?¡± Abella muttered with her lips slightly wide open. If a person was truly surprised, they couldn¡¯t scream. That¡¯s exactly what happened to Abella right now. She saw Hannibal and several employees standing behind the wide-open doors. She didn¡¯t even hear the carriage come in¡­ ¡°Yo¨CYour¡­!¡± ¡°Shh.¡± Cade stopped Count Gilmus from speaking. Count Gilmus fell flat on the floor. Why was the Emperor here¡­.. Cade turned her body towards Abella and asked. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± ¡°No.¡± Abella answered, her face trembling. Cade sighed and leaned over to pick up the cane. He held it out to Count Gilmus and then tapped him on the shoulder. Although she couldn¡¯t hear what he was whispering, she could see the facial expression changing moment by moment. Before Abella could figure out what was going on, Cade raised Count Gilmus up. ¡°Abella, do you have anything left to say? Otherwise, he will return.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Right¡­¡­¡± Count Gilmus¡¯s wrinkled face trembled. ¡®You are still strong to the strong, and weak to the weak.¡¯ It was a scene that Mrs. Amerigo, who was unable to overcome Count Gilmus¡¯s harassment, would have been disappointed to see. Now only a few words from the Emperor caused his tail to fall. The Emperor too had invaded without a word and disregarded not only Count Gilmus but Abella¡¯s authority. More and more spectators flocked to the open door. Chapter 32 It seemed that they didn¡¯t even think it was the Emperor who came in such a manner. Abella looked quietly at Count Gilmus¡¯s face and spoke. ¡°¡­¡­ Don¡¯t ever enter this place without permission again, Count. Also, don¡¯t call out my mother.¡± ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll do it!¡± Count Gilmus cried hastily. Even now, the Emperor¡¯s piercing words seemed to resonate in his mind. The nobles¡¯ evaluation of the young emperor was consistent. A crazy dumbass who you couldn¡¯t communicate with. Therefore it was important that whatever the Emperor said, it was important to realize it. At Count Gilmus¡¯s words, Abella nodded with a grimace. What happened ¡­¡­ ¡®You agreed to something that you¡¯ve ignored so many times before.¡¯ Abella looked up at Cade. She always thought this, but Cade knew how to use his own powers in a timely manner. Just like now. After Count Gilmus left the house, the Emperor looked at Enoch who was standing sullenly. ¡°What about this one?¡± It was very rude, but Cade took it for granted. ¡°I am Enoch Clemington, Your Majesty.¡± Enoch tactfully introduced himself, but Cade asked Abella again, pretending not to listen to him. ¡°Abella, who is this?¡± Enoch had already introduced himself, and through his investigation, he would already know who Enoch was¡­ ¡°¡­¡­ This is Enoch Clemington. He is helping me.¡± ¡°Oh, then can you leave the room for a while.¡± Cade glanced at Enoch. ¡°I really have something to talk about. It would be nice if people who are not relatives were not involved.¡± Enoch pressed his mouth shut. The Emperor made the atmosphere feel very unpleasant. * It was no coincidence that Cade visited Abella like this today. Since Abella came to Timur, and even before, he had been fully aware of her actions. He didn¡¯t seem to know much about Enoch, the man next to Abella. Cade swept his face. Even today, after hearing the news that Count Gilmus was heading for Amerigo, he followed hurriedly. ¡®Because he¡¯s like a bunch of money eaters.¡¯ There were a lot of eyes watching yesterday. He was going to talk about something he couldn¡¯t say before. Cade glanced at Abella. ¡°My neck hurts. How long are you going to stand up? Just sit down, Abella. I won¡¯t leave until I¡¯m done.¡± Eventually, Abella sighed and sat across from Cade. ¡°What is it? Is there another problem with my qualifications?¡± ¡°You think so? I came because I literally had something to say.¡± Cade clicked his tongue. ¡°Abella, there are people coming back to investigate the carriage accident eight years ago.¡± ¡°¡­¡­is that so?¡± Abella bit the flesh in her mouth. It was Abella. To be precise, Yuri, who helped with Abella¡¯s work, was digging into the case. It¡¯s natural especially since she had to lose her father in vain. Abella watched the Emperor, who was rarely silent. His dark hair scattered randomly, a clean nose underneath it, and his dark red eyes that seemed to pierce into a person. Abella¡¯s eyes met with the pupils revealed between the Emperor¡¯s fingers. ¡°Stop it, Abella.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°You better bury what you wanted to ask.¡± Cade¡¯s affirmation shut Abella¡¯s mouth. ¡°Why¡­..¡± Why did people only give orders to Abella like that? Leave this place, do not return, do not try to know. Because she¡¯s the devil? Because she was born on Skellus Day and she was cursed? ¡°Why?¡± So without realizing it, Abella asked back sharply. She had to pretend she didn¡¯t know Cade. The old feelings accumulated here and they seemed to burst. The longer she spent in Timur, the more she felt this wasn¡¯t her place. This huge Amerigo mansion suppressed Abella. Her mother¡¯s gaze and her relatives who took Abella for granted, and those who pointed at Abella wherever they went. And even her mother, who now thought to use Abella in the name of protecting Simon. Abella had no one to talk to about all of this. Arsene? Although her relationship with Arsene has improved slightly, he was still cold. Arsene didn¡¯t ask Abella anything, and he refused to listen. She had made no further progress since she said she would like to meet at the restaurant. Abella was alone. Thoroughly alone. This miserable moment quickly passed, and she was filled with thoughts of leaving Amerigo. Abella¡¯s heart was filled with emptiness, and Simon, who sometimes comforted her could not satisfy it. But before that. Before she left Amerigo she wanted to get rid of the label of a woman who tormented her beloved father. She thought she deserved it. Didn¡¯t she? Chapter 33 ¡°Why should I not know? Why should I cover it? What¡¯s the reason I shouldn¡¯t know about it?!¡± Cade raised his head. Cade frowned. But at the same time, he smiled. It¡¯s been a long time since Abella stomped her feet like such a child. She always had such a face when Cade did something ugly to get Abella¡¯s attention¡­ Cade¡¯s smile became bitter at the lingering images of the past that could never return. Cade buried himself into the back of the sofa. In front of Abella, he pulled a cigar that he had never smoked before. Why? ¡°¡­¡­ I don¡¯t want you to get hurt.¡± Cade spoke with a heavy heart. Abella¡¯s eyes shook. He wanted to see her even when she was around him. He thought the lyrics of the opera that he heard with Abella yesterday fit so well. We waited for years to meet, but it was only one day. Just one day. Even spying on Abella every moment wasn¡¯t close enough. ¡®When will you ever smile at me?¡¯ That was something he didn¡¯t even wish for anyway. It was okay to see her in a good condition. But this was different from that. The distant truth would only make Abella in more pain. ¡°Do you know what happened?¡± Abella, who had been silent for a while, asked. Did he not want her to get hurt? Yes. Then if Cade did, it was clear that he knew the truth of the day. Cade narrowed his eyes to Abella¡¯s question. ¡°Cade.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Abella. I won¡¯t admit it.¡± Cade scratched his head again, feeling stuffy inside him. ¡°¡­¡­ I have never done anything to harm you.¡± When he was young, he couldn¡¯t overcome the strokes of jealousy. Although there were times when he did things he shouldn¡¯t do. ¡°¡­¡­ Lies.¡± ¡°See. You wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡± Cade shook his head and added. ¡°But listen to me this time, Abella.¡± He glanced at his watch. It was time to move to the next place. Cade rose up from his seat. He had been in such a rush to come to Amerigo that he hadn¡¯t eaten at all. As Cade slowly walked to the door, he paused for a moment. ¡°¡­¡­please, Abella.¡± Cade, who suddenly came and left, left the office, leaving an afterimage behind. Leaving Abella alone. Cade glared at Enoch, who was waiting for him, with cold eyes. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mess with me.¡± Unlike before, there was little courtesy, ¡°Prince Enoch.¡± Cade passed by Enoch, who was stiff in surprise. Everything was getting twisted. Cade swept his dry mouth and gestured toward the secretary who urged him. ¡°Where should we go?¡± ¡°Ohh. Huh¡­¡± ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Cade asked annoyingly. ¡°What should I do? ¡­ You shouldn¡¯t miss this! Do you know how much depends on this diplomatic issue¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Shh. It¡¯ll be possible to reach there if we ride on the horse from here.¡± As Cade whistled, a black horse with a red mane ran out of the coachman¡¯s hand. Cade squinted his eyes and laughed mischievously. The crying secretary was first mounted on the horse before Cade got on. ¡°No, wait! This, this is not¡­ oh oh oh oh!! Ahhhhhhhhh!¡± Cade, who appeared like the wind, disappeared again like the wind. * Mrs. Amerigo, who was watching the scene, closed the curtains. Why did the Emperor come here? Mrs. Amerigo, who was pacing around her room and biting her nails, ran to the dressing table. Then she checked the locked drawer and swept her chest down. ¡°Gamma?¡± ¡°Uh? Oh, it¡¯s Simon.¡± The startled Mrs. Amerigo opened her arms towards Simon. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s heart was pounding with fear. ¡®No one should know. Never.¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo calmed her mind with the consolation from Simon¡¯s body temperature. After Abella¡¯s return, everything started to go awry. Those who she thought had lost their relationship returned. Furthermore, the crocodiles that had been predating with their softened alertness began to open their eyes again. It was a bad sign. Mrs. Amerigo hugged Simon tightly. The child whined, but Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s arms did not release him. As if keeping Simon from any danger. ¡®No one should know¡­¡­.¡¯ Otherwise, this Amerigo would be over. All the secrets would not only ruin Abella but Amerigo as well. To calm the swarms of crocodiles, she needed to sacrifice Abella. That¡¯s the only way to protect Amerigo. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s eyes flashed. Feelings that were buried for a very long time stretched out. Her obsession with Amerigo could not be stopped. Because this family was everything to her. If someone threatens Amerigo, she would put everything on the line and smash it. Even if it was Abella. Chapter 34 Abella bit her lips. The stone that Cade threw created a great ripple for Abella. Cade knew, but no. Everyone knew, but only Abella shouldn¡¯t know. Cade said he was doing it for Abella. If Abella really shouldn¡¯t know for the sake of herself, as he claimed, why did the people of Amerigo hide it from her? The conclusion came quickly. They were either directly or indirectly involved in this matter. As the perpetrator, not the victim. Abella rubbed her forehead. She hated the fact that she knew them well enough to infer this much. She would rather not know them. If she didn¡¯t know about them, she wouldn¡¯t get hurt like this. How the hell did they get involved? Abella¡¯s head was intricately intertwined. How deeply were they involved in that case? Abella somehow got scared of the truth of her past. Cade came in person and gave her a warning. Abella closed her eyes with her head raised. She wanted to forget everything. ¡°Abella, what¡¯s wrong?¡± At Enoch¡¯s question, Abella did not open her eyes. ¡°¡­..I¡¯m tired. I have something to think about.¡± ¡°What did the Emperor say? The Emperor of Charope seems a little special. Seeing him come this way without a message in advance. Or is it a private relationship?¡± The curious questions were so Enoch-like. Abella, listening to Enoch¡¯s endless questions, burst into a faint smile. She was rather pleased that Enoch was not involved in this incident at all. It was the first time that the fact that he was an outsider, who couldn¡¯t mix with Timur, felt as sweet as it was now. ¡°Abella.¡± Abella, who lost to Enoch¡¯s urging, opened her eyes. ¡°¡­..The Emperor has his own way. And I¡¯ve been close to the Emperor since I was young. It could be bad luck.¡± ¡°Really? What did you talk about?¡± ¡°Just to be careful.¡± Abella, furrowing her brows, gathered up her thoughts. Despite Cade¡¯s warning, Abella did not intend to quit. Even if she was hurt, broken, and ruined, she had to go all the way to the end. Abella was Abella, but she couldn¡¯t let her father¡¯s unjust death be forgotten. For Abella, her father was her one and only protector. Abella opened her lips. ¡°Enoch.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°How far can an international lawyer exercise his authority? What I¡¯m asking is how far can you dig into a case buried by the imperial family?¡± ¡°¡­¡­It depends on what kind of incident it is, Abella. What kind of category?¡± Abella¡¯s eyes sunk deeply. What category? Originally, incidents of that day were classified as ¡°personal accidents due to natural disasters¡±. However, according to Cade¡¯s warning and Abella¡¯s speculation, it must be a different kind of accident. Moreover, there was conclusive evidence that someone was doing their best to block Yuri¡¯s investigation. Abella said in a voice that sounded like she was about to cry. ¡°Murder, killing.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­? Cases of that category cannot be viewed with the license of an international lawyer, Abella. Because it is classified as top secret ¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay any amount of money, Enoch. My¡­ life depends on it.¡± Enoch, seeing Abella¡¯s expression, nodded with a sigh. ¡°If you look like that, I can¡¯t refuse. Okay, I¡¯ll try my best. But I can¡¯t guarantee it. Because this is a cross between illegal and legal¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Abella nodded her head. Abella would also use Yuri to uncover the case, so one of the two should bring the correct answer. Abella decided to believe that. ¡®By the way, Arsene.¡¯ Was he aware of this case too? A deep question permeated. * Count Gilmus, who was driven out by the Emperor, was overwhelmed with a sense of defeat. He was humiliated before the Emperor. It was also shameful to him, but the fact that he had been beaten by a young b*tch also made him feel insulted. Abella Amerigo. It wasn¡¯t enough to be born on the day of Skellus, and now she was trying to crush the family. No, was it because she was born on that day? Count Gilmus¡¯s beard trembled. Since returning from Amerigo¡¯s home, he had been in anger, unable to eat properly and work. In order to recover damage quickly, he had to sign a new contract or hold onto the leg of the existing contract owner. Chapter 35 ¡°Father¡­¡­? You have to eat. I am afraid that something will happen.¡± Count Gilmus did not budge at the words of his most beloved son. It was a horrible reality to wake up to each day, and his body had no way to deal with such a sense of defeat again. Until he came up with something new¡­.. ¡°Wait.¡± Count Gilmus raised his body. Benjamin, his eldest son, whom he loved the most, opened his eyes. ¡°Are you going to eat? Are you feeling a little relaxed now? I¡¯ll choose the day that b*tch goes out¡­¡­.¡± ¡°No, Benjamin, you don¡¯t have to. What¡¯s the most important rule the head of household has to follow that also applies to Abella right now?¡± Count Gilmus pulled up his lips meanly. ¡°According to our Amerigo regulations, if you are over 20, you must be engaged or married.¡± That was something Benjamin knew. Benjamin tilted his head as if puzzled. ¡°But doesn¡¯t Abella have a fianc¨¦ right now?¡± ¡°What if¡­ if the Duke of Sirius asked for a breakup for some reason?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­!¡± Sirius wouldn¡¯t turn away from Gilmus. Perhaps. * A week had passed since Count Gilmus visited. It was strange that Count Gilmus was silent, so she sent a person to him, but he stayed in his mansion and continued his seclusion. Instead, the social activities of Gilmus¡¯s eldest son, Benjamin, were prominent. Benjamin hadn¡¯t had a banquet for a while. There were rumors that Benjamin, who lost his wife and had a young son, was looking for a new bride. ¡°Is it so easy to court a bride?¡± Enoch looked at the newspaper and clicked his tongue. Even in his eyes, their way was ridiculous. That was, of course, the same in Abella¡¯s eyes. It was not the time to court for a bride, but rather, time to figure out how to pay their debts. Strangely, however, Count Gilmus assured that he could somehow make up for the damage, and the lenders who lent money to him delayed Count Gilmus¡¯s debt repayment date. She was curious about what he would have bet on, but it was not easy to figure out so far. ¡°¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to.¡± ¡°See. You wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡± Cade shook his head and added. ¡°But listen to me this time, Abella.¡± He glanced at his watch. It was time to move to the next place. Cade rose up from his seat. He had been in such a rush to come to Amerigo that he hadn¡¯t eaten at all. As Cade slowly walked to the door, he paused for a moment. ¡°¡­¡­please, Abella.¡± Cade, who suddenly came and left, left the office, leaving an afterimage behind. Leaving Abella alone. Cade glared at Enoch, who was waiting for him, with cold eyes. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mess with me.¡± Unlike before, there was little courtesy, ¡°Prince Enoch.¡± Cade passed by Enoch, who was stiff in surprise. Everything was getting twisted. Cade swept his dry mouth and gestured toward the secretary who urged him. ¡°Where should we go?¡± ¡°Ohh. Huh¡­¡± ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Cade asked annoyingly. ¡°What should I do? ¡­ You shouldn¡¯t miss this! Do you know how much depends on this diplomatic issue¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Shh. It¡¯ll be possible to reach there if we ride on the horse from here.¡± As Cade whistled, a black horse with a red mane ran out of the coachman¡¯s hand. Cade squinted his eyes and laughed mischievously. The crying secretary was first mounted on the horse before Cade got on. ¡°No, wait! This, this is not¡­ oh oh oh oh!! Ahhhhhhhhh!¡± Cade, who appeared like the wind, disappeared again like the wind. * Mrs. Amerigo, who was watching the scene, closed the curtains. Why did the Emperor come here? Mrs. Amerigo, who was pacing around her room and biting her nails, ran to the dressing table. Then she checked the locked drawer and swept her chest down. ¡°Gamma?¡± ¡°Uh? Oh, it¡¯s Simon.¡± The startled Mrs. Amerigo opened her arms towards Simon. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s heart was pounding with fear. ¡®No one should know. Never.¡¯ Mrs. Amerigo calmed her mind with the consolation from Simon¡¯s body temperature. After Abella¡¯s return, everything started to go awry. Those who she thought had lost their relationship returned. Furthermore, the crocodiles that had been predating with their softened alertness began to open their eyes again. It was a bad sign. Chapter 36 Mrs. Amerigo hugged Simon tightly. The child whined, but Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s arms did not release him. As if keeping Simon from any danger. ¡®No one should know¡­¡­.¡¯ Otherwise, this Amerigo would be over. All the secrets would not only ruin Abella but Amerigo as well. To calm the swarms of crocodiles, she needed to sacrifice Abella. That¡¯s the only way to protect Amerigo. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s eyes flashed. Feelings that were buried for a very long time stretched out. Her obsession with Amerigo could not be stopped. Because this family was everything to her. If someone threatens Amerigo, she would put everything on the line and smash it. Even if it was Abella. * Abella bit her lips. The stone that Cade threw created a great ripple for Abella. Cade knew, but no. Everyone knew, but only Abella shouldn¡¯t know. Cade said he was doing it for Abella. If Abella really shouldn¡¯t know for the sake of herself, as he claimed, why did the people of Amerigo hide it from her? The conclusion came quickly. They were either directly or indirectly involved in this matter. As the perpetrator, not the victim. Abella rubbed her forehead. She hated the fact that she knew them well enough to infer this much. She would rather not know them. If she didn¡¯t know about them, she wouldn¡¯t get hurt like this. How the hell did they get involved? Abella¡¯s head was intricately intertwined. How deeply were they involved in that case? Abella somehow got scared of the truth of her past. Cade came in person and gave her a warning. Abella closed her eyes with her head raised. She wanted to forget everything. ¡°Abella, what¡¯s wrong?¡± At Enoch¡¯s question, Abella did not open her eyes. ¡°¡­..I¡¯m tired. I have something to think about.¡± ¡°What did the Emperor say? The Emperor of Charope seems a little special. Seeing him come this way without a message in advance. Or is it a private relationship?¡± The curious questions were so Enoch-like. Abella, listening to Enoch¡¯s endless questions, burst into a faint smile. She was rather pleased that Enoch was not involved in this incident at all. It was the first time that the fact that he was an outsider, who couldn¡¯t mix with Timur, felt as sweet as it was now. ¡°Abella.¡± Abella, who lost to Enoch¡¯s urging, opened her eyes. ¡°¡­..The Emperor has his own way. And I¡¯ve been close to the Emperor since I was young. It could be bad luck.¡± ¡°Really? What did you talk about?¡± ¡°Just to be careful.¡± Abella, furrowing her brows, gathered up her thoughts. Despite Cade¡¯s warning, Abella did not intend to quit. Even if she was hurt, broken, and ruined, she had to go all the way to the end. Abella was Abella, but she couldn¡¯t let her father¡¯s unjust death be forgotten. For Abella, her father was her one and only protector. Abella opened her lips. ¡°Enoch.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°How far can an international lawyer exercise his authority? What I¡¯m asking is how far can you dig into a case buried by the imperial family?¡± ¡°¡­¡­It depends on what kind of incident it is, Abella. What kind of category?¡± Abella¡¯s eyes sunk deeply. What category? Originally, incidents of that day were classified as ¡°personal accidents due to natural disasters¡±. However, according to Cade¡¯s warning and Abella¡¯s speculation, it must be a different kind of accident. Moreover, there was conclusive evidence that someone was doing their best to block Yuri¡¯s investigation. Abella said in a voice that sounded like she was about to cry. ¡°Murder, killing.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­? Cases of that category cannot be viewed with the license of an international lawyer, Abella. Because it is classified as top secret ¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay any amount of money, Enoch. My¡­ life depends on it.¡± Enoch, seeing Abella¡¯s expression, nodded with a sigh. ¡°If you look like that, I can¡¯t refuse. Okay, I¡¯ll try my best. But I can¡¯t guarantee it. Because this is a cross between illegal and legal¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Abella nodded her head. Abella would also use Yuri to uncover the case, so one of the two should bring the correct answer. Abella decided to believe that. ¡®By the way, Arsene.¡¯ Was he aware of this case too? A deep question permeated. Chapter 37 Count Gilmus, who was driven out by the Emperor, was overwhelmed with a sense of defeat. He was humiliated before the Emperor. It was also shameful to him, but the fact that he had been beaten by a young b*tch also made him feel insulted. Abella Amerigo. It wasn¡¯t enough to be born on the day of Skellus, and now she was trying to crush the family. No, was it because she was born on that day? Count Gilmus¡¯s beard trembled. Since returning from Amerigo¡¯s home, he had been in anger, unable to eat properly and work. In order to recover damage quickly, he had to sign a new contract or hold onto the leg of the existing contract owner. ¡°Father¡­¡­? You have to eat. I am afraid that something will happen.¡± Count Gilmus did not budge at the words of his most beloved son. It was a horrible reality to wake up to each day, and his body had no way to deal with such a sense of defeat again. Until he came up with something new¡­.. ¡°Wait.¡± Count Gilmus raised his body. Benjamin, his eldest son, whom he loved the most, opened his eyes. ¡°Are you going to eat? Are you feeling a little relaxed now? I¡¯ll choose the day that b*tch goes out¡­¡­.¡± ¡°No, Benjamin, you don¡¯t have to. What¡¯s the most important rule the head of household has to follow that also applies to Abella right now?¡± Count Gilmus pulled up his lips meanly. ¡°According to our Amerigo regulations, if you are over 20, you must be engaged or married.¡± That was something Benjamin knew. Benjamin tilted his head as if puzzled. ¡°But doesn¡¯t Abella have a fianc¨¦ right now?¡± ¡°What if¡­ if the Duke of Sirius asked for a breakup for some reason?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­!¡± Sirius wouldn¡¯t turn away from Gilmus. Perhaps. * A week had passed since Count Gilmus visited. It was strange that Count Gilmus was silent, so she sent a person to him, but he stayed in his mansion and continued his seclusion. Instead, the social activities of Gilmus¡¯s eldest son, Benjamin, were prominent. Benjamin hadn¡¯t had a banquet for a while. There were rumors that Benjamin, who lost his wife and had a young son, was looking for a new bride. ¡°Is it so easy to court a bride?¡± Enoch looked at the newspaper and clicked his tongue. Even in his eyes, their way was ridiculous. That was, of course, the same in Abella¡¯s eyes. It was not the time to court for a bride, but rather, time to figure out how to pay their debts. Strangely, however, Count Gilmus assured that he could somehow make up for the damage, and the lenders who lent money to him delayed Count Gilmus¡¯s debt repayment date. She was curious about what he would have bet on, but it was not easy to figure out so far. ¡°¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a private area, so there¡¯s no way to find out.¡± Abella nodded her head. ¡°How about buying one of the creditors?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not bad either¡­¡­. Enoch. How about buying bonds? Can you finance the money from the business in Timur?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡­¡± It was dangerous to buy bonds under Abella¡¯s name or the name of the business. Count Gilmus would run away. ¡°Hmm¡­ I think we should use a different name.¡± It could not be anyone who was exposed to the outside. Yuri and Enoch. They were both completely exposed to Count Gilmus. It meant that she had to use someone she could trust, but there was no such person around Abella. Abella laughed and muttered. ¡°My life¡¯s in vain.¡± ¡°What are you talking about all of a sudden?¡± ¡°I mean, I cannot entrust this job to anyone.¡± ¡°¡­.. You have me, Abella.¡± Enoch smiled as he rolled the candy in his mouth. His red hair added a playful atmosphere to Enoch. Enoch always answered smoothly. Especially with the answers, Abella wanted. ¡°I am a foreigner. That means¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­Are you going to use your nationality?¡± Enoch nodded his head. ¡°It¡¯s easy to get a new status in my hometown.¡± ¡°You mean the Clemington Kingdom?¡± ¡°Right. Besides, it¡¯s easier if you have a slight connection to the royal family like me.¡± Abella knew that Enoch was a distant relative of the royal family. She was using Clemington¡¯s surname, so it was natural. Chapter 38 The name¨Cwhich didn¡¯t usually exert any power¨Cwas very helpful now. ¡°I¡¯ll get a new identity and buy someone. That person will close the contract using my identity.¡± Enoch¡¯s words were as sweet as the candy he was eating. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about a headache.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Wouldn¡¯t it be a hassle? It¡¯s out of your pay, Enoch.¡± Enoch closed his eyes and smiled wide. It was a smile that was so bright that anyone who saw it would smile too. To the extent that Abella calmed her alertness without even realizing it. ¡°Abella.¡± And Enoch spoke, brighter than the smile. As if it was so natural. ¡°I can do anything for you. If you want.¡± She couldn¡¯t resist such whispering like that. Abella couldn¡¯t help but laugh along with Enoch. His fleeting vows to do anything for Abella were so sweet. ¡°You are a very nice person, Enoch.¡± ¡°Only for you.¡± Enoch replied, and he pushed a new candy into his mouth. Enoch¡¯s thinned eyes looked at Abella. However, there was no change in Abella¡¯s expression. No matter what he said to her, he always seemed to be blocked by an iron wall. It was evident that Abella had no consideration of what Enoch said. Because to Abella, he was not a man. ¡®There¡¯s a long way to go.¡¯ How could she be so dull and emotionless? His mouth was dry. His lips that were munching the candy also became dry. He wanted to take Abella back to Vincent, as she hadn¡¯t been able to laugh properly since coming to Timur. If she couldn¡¯t get out of Timur or even to Vincent, it would be good for her to cross the continent to Clemington. There¡¯s a lot more he could do for Abella in Clemington. Enoch chewed in regret. The sweet smell made his head dizzy. *** Of course, Abella would not listen to Cade¡¯s warning. Nevertheless, he wanted to warn her of the dangers. It was a weak expectation that Abella might be scared and withdraw because of it. However, it became a situation where the bee house was picked up, and the bees got exposed. Abella was acting as if she was trying to figure out the case at all costs. ¡®There is nothing good to know¡­¡­ ¡¯ It should be better that way. Now Abella¡¯s memory was bolting and distorting everything. Cade frowned. Magic wasn¡¯t always perfect. Cade wanted Abella to forget about the affair, and magic, made the wish come true. However, incomplete magic played a terrible trick against Abella. The trick was awful not only for Abella but also for Cade. Abella¡¯s memory of Cade was randomized. Now Abella didn¡¯t smile like a flower at Cade. She didn¡¯t give him a friendly talk, and she didn¡¯t come to him first and ask him to do something with her. What Cade did was always a mess. In front of Abella, he ruined all the affairs, or he became an idiot. Whatever it was. And so was the clumsy magic of Cade¡¯s. Cade clicked his tongue out of displeasure. No, it was not displeasure¡­ Cade pressed his palm over his left chest. It was as if she crushed his heart with a thorn bush. He couldn¡¯t stop picturing Abella, even though her thorns stabbed him and he was bleeding all over. ¡®Stupid Cade Canoe Cletus.¡¯ Cade clenched his teeth and picked up his sword. He needed to cool his head, at least. ¡°Why, what¡¯s wrong¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. Secretary Burke, why am I doing this?¡± The secretary shuddered at Cade¡¯s question. Originally, Cade was not out of his mind, but strangely, it seemed that he was now more insane. The Emperor often seemed obsessed with something, and at times he appeared to be angry. At times like that, he put down his work and ran off with his sword in his arms. ¡°¡­¡­ If I knew that, I could be a god.¡± Burke looked at Cade, who raised the sword. Other secretaries were constantly astonished by the Emperor¡¯s departure. He shouldn¡¯t be adapting to this kind of thing¡­¡­. He hated himself for getting used to it. Burke quickly chased after Cade. ¡°Secretary Burke.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I want the Ministry of Justice to crack down on top-secret documents so that they don¡¯t flow anywhere¡­¡± Cade frowned. The moment she learned about the truth, the magic¡¯s persistence would weaken, and Abella would reclaim all her memories. While hoping for that¡­ ¡®I don¡¯t want you to be hurt again.¡¯ Chapter 39 The stupid Cade Canoe Cletus made another foolish choice. ¡°No. Destroy all papers on the case seven years ago.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°¡­¡­I will be involved in the affairs of the Ministry of Justice. I will go and check if I can destroy it myself.¡± Burke quickly changed his words. It was because Cade¡¯s red eyes were as cold as frost. His murderous eyes were imploring for sincerity. If the case flowed outside, someone would be heavily injured. And the consequences were likely to be bound to Burke. ¡°That¡¯s good. Because you¡¯re a secretary who understands words well.¡± Shing¨C Cade pulled the sword out of the sheath. Burke drew his mouth as he saw the sword moving in front of his eyes. The Emperor was someone who knew how to intimidate others effectively. Burke nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, yes! That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Oh. And.¡± Cade stopped suddenly and turned his body. Burke swallowed his saliva. ¡°¡­¡­Investigate Enoch Clemington.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s Clemington¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Right. Clemington¡¯s royalty.¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Cade, patting Burke¡¯s shoulder, raised his lips coolly. Enoch Clemington. The cheeky prince, who dared to block Cade¡¯s path. A one-day-old puppy who dared to block Cade¡¯s step toward Abella. Cade gritted his teeth hard. It was something he didn¡¯t like. When he thought of Abella, his mind would always return to the incident seven years ago and then to Enoch, who was prying into the case. It was a chain reaction that was completely wrong. How could he get Enoch Clemington to get away from Abella? ¡°Hi-hick¡­!¡± Burke looked at Cade¡¯s distorted face that looked like a monster and stepped back. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± From Cade¡¯s expression, Burke was able to read the significance of the task. The issue of Enoch Clemington was the most urgent matter. Absolutely. Cade, who caught a glimpse of Burke fleeing away, moved on from where he had stopped. It seemed that he would have to swing his sword in order to release his stuffy chest. Damn it. Why did his head get stupid every time Abella was involved? Even as an emperor, standing in front of Abella made him feel helpless. How could this work end without Abella being hurt? Even if he pondered for seven years, there were still things that remained unsolved. Even after Abella came back. *** Even in pain, there¡¯s joy. Simon¡¯s third birthday was approaching. Simon, who had grown up quickly, learned to run. ¡°Auntie!!¡± His pronunciation had also become more mature. Simon ran and hung onto Abella¡¯s leg. Abella bent down and raised Simon in a flash. Nowadays, Simon seemed to enjoy running around. No matter where Abella was if he saw her he would run to see her. Even Abella¡¯s icy, cold heart relaxed at the loveliness of the little child. Especially on a day like today where she was managing the maids in the mansion to prepare for Simon¡¯s birthday banquet. Young children grew up really quickly. Abella returned after seven years to Amerigo and it seemed that at least one relative grew up. Before she knew it, Carlo¡¯s appearance was thickly embedded onto Simon. Abella leaned her cheek against Simon¡¯s head. Simon had a warm scent like the sun. ¡°Auntie! Simon will give this to you!¡± It was a wildflower that Simon held out with his small hand. Simon was holding a small wildflower that had grown away in the garden. The wildflowers were also Abella¡¯s favorite flowers. Pure white and small blossoms. Abella¡¯s eyes were bent. ¡°Really? Simon is giving this to me?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Abella accepted the flowers from Simon. The scent from the small flowers seemed to make her feel refreshed. Abella pressed her lips against his cheek. ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± Simon hugged Abella tightly. ¡°Simon will protect aunt! Simon is aunt¡¯s knight!¡± ¡°Where did you learn to say that?¡± Simon spoke loudly and clenched his fist. ¡°Because Simon is my aunt¡¯s knight!¡± It seems that Simon was the only one who said that he would protect Abella. Abella felt like she was purified in the child¡¯s unasked innocence. Abella placed Simon on the ground and swept his hair. ¡°Go and play. Auntie has set up a party for Simon.¡± ¡°Simon Party?¡± ¡°Simon¡¯s Birthday Party!¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡­. Simon doesn¡¯t need that! Simony only needs auntie!¡± ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± Chapter 40 Did they say that little children couldn¡¯t tell lies? Simon¡¯s sincerity made her happy today. Abella didn¡¯t think Simon¡¯s little fist would protect her. She was just happy that Simon, who looks like Carlo, had such a heart. After Abella came to Timur, she laughed brightly for the first time. *** Simon¡¯s birthday banquet was going to be a grand one. Wasn¡¯t this a party held by the temporary master after Amerigo¡¯s former master passed away? Abella needed to show them Amerigo¡¯s robustness. That was why Abella was paying careful attention to this banquet. Abella did everything. ¡°Enoch, I think the banquet hall needs a little repair.¡± ¡°The timing is tight.¡± ¡°How about spending more money and hiring more workers?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ But Amerigo¡¯s financial situation is not so good.¡± ¡°I know. We need to draw money from the Abella business.¡± ¡°Are you really going to put the business¡¯s funds completely to Amerigo?¡± Abella smiled lightly. Enoch noticed that was her acceptance. ¡°¡­you know it¡¯s stupid, right?¡± Enoch chewed the candy hard. Abella turned her back without an answer. ¡°I need to find a way to finance Amerigo¡¯s own funds. Find out what flies best in Timur. Timur is actually like an unprocessed gemstone. They are conservative, so they do not try anything. Thanks to that, there are still many things that are still buried.¡± ¡°¡­¡­I will try my best. If we hire more workers, it will be possible to repair the banquet hall.¡± ¡°Then do it¡­¡­ Also, I already discussed it with the maid chief so if she asks for her money, give it to her.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Okay.¡± Enoch swallowed down the displeasure as much as possible. Abella¡¯s sacrifice did not please him. Enoch did not understand Abella. Enoch seemed to have a strange concept that Abella sacrificed herself to feed Amerigo. It was inevitable. Enoch wouldn¡¯t know about Abella being sick and tired of the lingering regret. For Abella, this was the object of her resentment and her love and hatred. It was because her father and Carlo had struggled so hard to protect the family. Carlo did her best on behalf of Abella for their deceased father and their family. At the sacrifice of the two, Abella couldn¡¯t turn away. So. Abella thought she would never forgive those involved in the incident seven years ago. Anyone, that was. ¡°¡­¡­And Abella. When will the money invested in Sirius be returned?¡± ¡°They are preparing to open soon. They will soon gather the nobles to do a major promotion.¡± ¡°There will be a series of parties for a while.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± ¡°As an investor, you have to attend all the parties.¡± Enoch clicked his tongue as if he didn¡¯t like it. ¡°Enoch. You don¡¯t like Arsene?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t like Cade?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then what about Amerigo?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch replied bluntly. ¡°It¡¯s too unfair here. I won¡¯t let you go.¡± It turned out that there was another person who sided with Abella. Not only Simon. The stranger who had come with Abella was taking her side. Maybe it was because he didn¡¯t know how dangerous it was in Timur. The child of Skellus was cursed for life. The child of Skellus would destroy and kill their family, and in the end, they would destroy themselves. That was part of the curse that came down to the child of Skellus. Abella wanted to break the curse. She wanted to show that the child of Skellus could restore her family and protect her family. Thus she wanted to imprint her own existence that had been denied all her life. Abella slowly pulled her lips up. This was also something Enosh may not understand. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Enoch. It¡¯s only until Simon grows anyway.¡± ¡°That little boy¡­¡± Enoch bit his lips tight and shook his head. ¡°Yes, that little boy. When will he grow up?¡± ¡°He¡¯s still 3 years old?¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s too far away. Then, after Simon matures, are we going back to Vincent?¡± Well. She was also unsure. Abella was thinking of leaving for neither Vincent nor Timur. Instead, she wanted a place where no one knew Abella and looked for her. She could cross the sea and the mountains. She just wanted to go to a place where Skellus¡¯s curse could not reach, and she could live freely. Would it be possible by the time Simon was mature? There would be no more lingering regrets. Chapter 41 Enoch looked at Abella with strange eyes. Abella kept becoming weird after coming to Timur, and it often scared him. Enoch had never been afraid of anything before. Some secrets were lurking in this foggy city¡­ Timur, a city, frequently shrouded in fog. Injustice and lies were rampant here. * At Abella¡¯s will, Yuri continued to dig into the incident seven years ago. However, it was not that easy. People shut their mouths up like clams when they heard about the incident seven years ago. When she mentioned it, they acted as if she were spreading an illness. It was hard to find those involved since they all shut their mouths like that¡­¡­ This was the last person Yuri found. They were someone who seemed to know a little about the day. He was a wizard who cast protection magic on Amerigo¡¯s carriage. Usually, the carriage used by the nobles had protection magic. And below the magic phrase, the wizard¡¯s name could be found. Yuri received the name of the man who made the carriage and the man who engraved magic on the carriage from Abella. Once enchanted, it was almost impossible for other wizards to cast the spell. It was due to the high possibility that the carriage would be damaged if he did anything wrong while casting a spell. If any magical secret had been hidden in the carriage, the wizard would surely know it. It took a long time to find him because the wizard had already retired and disappeared. If the wizards made up their minds, they could disappear from the world effortlessly. It took a year for Yuri to find the wizard. However, the wizard was discovered after an obsessive search. Now it was time to reap the fruits of the efforts¡­¡­. The wizard may have some information they could use. At that time, the coachman who drove the carriage died instantly, and the coachman¡¯s family didn¡¯t know anything. ¡®It¡¯s strange.¡¯ The more she dug into this case, the more she thought there was a hidden truth. So, she wanted to find out the truth. This way, Abella would no longer be hung up on the truth of the day. It wasn¡¯t just the coachman. It was the same with the carriage maker. There were no traces of them despite being a famous carriage maker. As a result, Yuri could only find three people. The first witness. The villa manager at the time. And, finally, the wizard. But the first two had been silent about the incident. The wizard was their last hope. She hoped it would be worthwhile for her to briefly leave the restaurant to the vice chef and enter this remote mountain directly. The cry of grasshoppers in the deep mountains resonated softly. Yuri took a step up against the tree. ¡°Uwaaa!¡± ¡°Yuri?¡± ¡°No. Lead the way.¡± The mercenaries Yuri hired looked back at her and laughed. It was clear that they were laughing at her lack of stamina. Soon, a shabby hut appeared in front of Yuri¡¯s eyes. She was aware that it was just a magical boundary, and she didn¡¯t know what was hiding inside. That was what wizards did. Yuri politely knocked on the door. ¡°Is anybody there?¡± ¡°¡­¡­who.¡± Fortunately, the answer came quickly. Yuri touched the door. ¡°I came here because I had a question about the incident seven years ago.¡± Ah. This person, they knew. The pupils intermittently trembled as if they knew what it meant by just those words. Yuri pushed her body a little further, opening the door. The wizard realized that she had no intention of backing down. ¡°¡­¡­Come in.¡± * Rumors that Abella had reserved a boutique ahead of Simon¡¯s banquet hit Timur¡¯s social circles. People were intently listening so they could find out what kind of dress the returning villain would wear. Abella was the cursed child born on the day of Skellus, but she was also one of the most beautiful girls in Timur. They enjoyed watching Abella like a clown. Enjoying Abella¡¯s pain and sorrow, they laughed at her despair. So, they may be hoping for Abella to run away crying again. That was the proof that they still thought of Abella as a child. However, they would have to realize that she was no longer Abella of that day. Chapter 42 She was the owner of the Abella business and the temporary master of Amerigo. They should bow their head in front of her. That was why Abella booked the boutiques. Reckless luxury was definitely one of the things to be wary of, but it was always necessary to dress appropriately for the time and place. ¡°My lady.¡± The chief maid bowed her head in front of Abella. It was a sign that the madames from the boutiques had arrived. Abella never visited the boutique in person. She purposely brought together the madames from the boutiques. They would be competing with each other today for Abella¡¯s liking, and they would kiss up to Abella. Abella was aiming for it. The boutique madames were good rumor makers. They would spread enough rumors among people before Simon¡¯s birthday. To not take Abella easily and that she was not who she used to be. ¡°Abella.¡± Enoch was a person who knew well about the stage Abella prepared today. Enoch dramatically reached out to Abella. It was an elegant hand gesture for a former public figure in Vincent. ¡°Enoch.¡± Abella laughed at him, and she placed her hand over his hand. During the short time she moved from her room to the ground floor lobby, Abella checked herself over and over again. Abella¡¯s goal was not to preserve Amerigo. Her goal was for Amerigo to leap forward, so it was natural for her to pay attention to her first step into the social world. Abella narrowed her cold eyes. The madames gathered in the sight of Abella and Enoch slowly descending the stairs held their breath. In the lobby, all the madames of the famous boutiques gathered. Additionally, the rumored man standing next to Abella was the well-known Enoch Clemington. ¡°Thank you all for coming like this. Today, I¡¯m thinking of fitting a new outfit for Simon¡¯s birthday. Not only me but Enoch Clemington and Simon as well. They¡¯re all going to match my mother¡¯s outfits. Can everyone do their best?¡± Abella slowly glanced at the audience. Abella could read confusion in their swaying expressions. The little girl was returning like this. It was a fresh shock to them. ¡°Yes, young lady.¡± ¡°I will try my best, young lady.¡± Abella said with a relaxed smile. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much money it costs. Prepare the best.¡± Abella was aware that the socialites were listening to Amerigo¡¯s financial status. Those who liked to chatter said that Amerigo would soon collapse. However, Abella would take this opportunity to let them know that it was nothing but a rumor. To make it clear to them that Amerigo was not going to fall, but rather, Amerigo¡¯s aides were abandoned. Abella closed her eyes and smiled. They would not be invited to Simon¡¯s birthday and would never cross the door of Amerigo. As Abella decided. Even if it was mean, it was legitimate revenge. * Arsene was also invited to Simon¡¯s birthday this time. He was Abella¡¯s partner and fianc¨¦, so it was natural. No matter how busy he was, he continued to appear on the fixed set date. Arsene swiped the invitation that arrived in front of him with his fingers. Hirden, who was sorting the invitations with Arsene, called out to him curiously. ¡°Your Excellency?¡± ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°Are you not going to accept Amerigo¡¯s invitation?¡± ¡°No way.¡± Arsene¡¯s absence would cause Abella trouble, so he couldn¡¯t. He was just thinking about it. When engaged aristocrats attend these banquets, they occasionally wear matching dresses and suits. It was not to bring unity in design but to bring unity in colors and accessories. Arsene was thinking about it. Usually, they would go to the boutique together and match their clothes¡­ ¡®Abella and I aren¡¯t in a normal situation¡­¡¯ After thinking about that, he suddenly felt upset. What was different about them? Abella and Arsene were duly engaged with the permission of both families. It was not strange for the two to match their clothes, it was natural. ¡°Hirden.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to see Abella and I match in clothing?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Hirden stared at Arsene as if he were sorry. ¡°Are you still thinking about it?¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°¡­..Why don¡¯t you write a letter to Lady Abella about what you¡¯re thinking about?¡± It was a very realistic and appropriate piece of advice. Arsene¡¯s face brightened at once. Hirden was right. ¡°¡­¡­because you¡¯re unsure of what to do. If you show that you like the idea so much¡­¡­¡± Chapter 43 At Hirden¡¯s words, Arsene quickly cleared his face. ¡°I¡¯m not happy at all.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Hirden pretended not to hear. No matter what he said, Arsene dipped the quill on the desk into the inkwell. It was to convey his words to Abella. If Abella had already decided on her outfit, it was possible to ask the same boutique to make Arsene¡¯s outfit. If Abella allowed it. Arsene rubbed his burning earlobe unconsciously. If they were under normal circumstances, this would have been absolutely natural, especially between engaged people. But, not Abella and Arsene. He hoped that Abella would not refuse this invitation. If he took Abella¡¯s hand and attended a social party, people would no longer question Abella¡¯s engagement with Arsene anymore. Arsene created legitimate reasons for making this offer to Abella. Everything was for each other. Of course, that did not mean that he fully understood Abella, who left Arsene. The two were forever different, so he would never understand. However, he could try to understand a little bit. Now he was trying to understand what Abella needed. What Abella needed was to protect her position and maybe Arsene¡¯s personal greed. Arsene marked the end of the letter to Abella. ¡°Send this to Abella in Amerigo¡± ¡°Yes, Your Excellency.¡± It should have been like this earlier. * The news that Abella was holding a birthday banquet for Simon naturally reached the emperor. It was because Cade had his ears and eyes attached to Abella, just like someone else. It was to prepare Abella for any possible danger. It was the emperor¡¯s sincerity that no one believed. Abella did not invite the emperor to Simon¡¯s birthday banquet. ¡®Tch.¡¯ It was quite regrettable. Cade rubbed his chin. He knew that Abella¡¯s memories had been messed up ever since that day seven years ago, but even Cade couldn¡¯t stop this feeling of disappointment. Cade sighed lightly and then swept his head. Arsene would probably be there as the fianc¨¦ of Abella, dressed in matching outfits. He would stand proudly by Abella¡¯s side. Wherever she went, he would follow like a puppy. Like a dog that listened well. Additionally, he would converse with Abella with a smile and often escorted her while her hands were on the back of his arm¡­¡­ Crack¨C The secretary raised her head. Burke¡¯s gaze reached the emperor¡¯s quill, which had completely bent. It was definitely made of the hardest material, but it was crushed like a piece of paper. Blood was dripping from the emperor¡¯s palm, which was stabbed by the bent part. ¡°Yo¨CYour Majesty?¡± Cade looked at his palm with an indifferent face. ¡°Why did you do that?!¡± ¡°That¡¯s it. Why do I feel so dirty as if I¡¯m stuck in a gutter?¡± ¡°What? First of all, I¡¯m going to call a physician. We should disinfect and bandage it right away.¡± Cade threw what was in his hand onto the desk while Burke screamed and called the attendant. His mood continued to worsen despite the intense pain caused by the fragments of the quill in his palm. Despite the incident seven years ago, Arsene Sirius still stood by Abella as if nothing had happened¡­ Hiding his insides that were as vague as the Timur mist. Cade clenched his teeth. His heart swelled as if it would burst. It was jealousy. And also anger. Cade looked down at his palm with his gleaming glassy eyes. ¡°Abella¡­.¡± He should prepare a dress for her. The imperial tailors created the best dresses. If rumors spread that the emperor supported Abella as the head of Amerigo, Abella would be pleased with it right? He should send an imperial tailor to take her measurements¡­¡­ They wouldn¡¯t make Arsene¡¯s outfits¡­¡­ He felt a little better. Just a little. Like an ant¡¯s nails. *** It was Simon Amerigo¡¯s birthday. The child just turned three years old. Abella was back for Simon, who Carlo Amerigo cared so much. Was there any reason the Emperor could not attend just because he lacked an invitation? The Emperor, Cade, was a man of unprecedented power, and no matter how stupid he behaved, no one could stop him. He was the monster sitting on the throne. Cade called Burke, who was still making a fuss. ¡°Secretary Burke.¡± Chapter 44 ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I want the Ministry of Justice to crack down on top-secret documents so that they don¡¯t flow anywhere¡­¡± Cade frowned. The moment she learned about the truth, the magic¡¯s persistence would weaken, and Abella would reclaim all her memories. While hoping for that¡­ ¡®I don¡¯t want you to be hurt again.¡¯ The stupid Cade Canoe Cletus made another foolish choice. ¡°No. Destroy all papers on the case seven years ago.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°¡­¡­I will be involved in the affairs of the Ministry of Justice. I will go and check if I can destroy it myself.¡± Burke quickly changed his words. It was because Cade¡¯s red eyes were as cold as frost. His murderous eyes were imploring for sincerity. If the case flowed outside, someone would be heavily injured. And the consequences were likely to be bound to Burke. ¡°That¡¯s good. Because you¡¯re a secretary who understands words well.¡± Shing¨C Cade pulled the sword out of the sheath. Burke drew his mouth as he saw the sword moving in front of his eyes. The Emperor was someone who knew how to intimidate others effectively. Burke nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, yes! That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Oh. And.¡± Cade stopped suddenly and turned his body. Burke swallowed his saliva. ¡°¡­¡­Investigate Enoch Clemington.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s Clemington¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°Right. Clemington¡¯s royalty.¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Cade, patting Burke¡¯s shoulder, raised his lips coolly. Enoch Clemington. The cheeky prince, who dared to block Cade¡¯s path. A one-day-old puppy who dared to block Cade¡¯s step toward Abella. Cade gritted his teeth hard. It was something he didn¡¯t like. When he thought of Abella, his mind would always return to the incident seven years ago and then to Enoch, who was prying into the case. It was a chain reaction that was completely wrong. How could he get Enoch Clemington to get away from Abella? ¡°Hi-hick¡­!¡± Burke looked at Cade¡¯s distorted face that looked like a monster and stepped back. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be back soon!¡± From Cade¡¯s expression, Burke was able to read the significance of the task. The issue of Enoch Clemington was the most urgent matter. Absolutely. Cade, who caught a glimpse of Burke fleeing away, moved on from where he had stopped. It seemed that he would have to swing his sword in order to release his stuffy chest. Damn it. Why did his head get stupid every time Abella was involved? Even as an emperor, standing in front of Abella made him feel helpless. How could this work end without Abella being hurt? Even if he pondered for seven years, there were still things that remained unsolved. Even after Abella came back. *** Even in pain, there¡¯s joy. Simon¡¯s third birthday was approaching. Simon, who had grown up quickly, learned to run. ¡°Auntie!!¡± His pronunciation had also become more mature. Simon ran and hung onto Abella¡¯s leg. Abella bent down and raised Simon in a flash. Nowadays, Simon seemed to enjoy running around. No matter where Abella was if he saw her he would run to see her. Even Abella¡¯s icy, cold heart relaxed at the loveliness of the little child. Especially on a day like today where she was managing the maids in the mansion to prepare for Simon¡¯s birthday banquet. Young children grew up really quickly. Abella returned after seven years to Amerigo and it seemed that at least one relative grew up. Before she knew it, Carlo¡¯s appearance was thickly embedded onto Simon. Abella leaned her cheek against Simon¡¯s head. Simon had a warm scent like the sun. ¡°Auntie! Simon will give this to you!¡± It was a wildflower that Simon held out with his small hand. Simon was holding a small wildflower that had grown away in the garden. The wildflowers were also Abella¡¯s favorite flowers. Pure white and small blossoms. Abella¡¯s eyes were bent. ¡°Really? Simon is giving this to me?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± *** Abella accepted the flowers from Simon. The scent from the small flowers seemed to make her feel refreshed. Abella pressed her lips against his cheek. ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± Simon hugged Abella tightly. ¡°Simon will protect aunt! Simon is aunt¡¯s knight!¡± ¡°Where did you learn to say that?¡± Simon spoke loudly and clenched his fist. ¡°Because Simon is my aunt¡¯s knight!¡± Chapter 45 It seems that Simon was the only one who said that he would protect Abella. Abella felt like she was purified in the child¡¯s unasked innocence. Abella placed Simon on the ground and swept his hair. ¡°Go and play. Auntie has set up a party for Simon.¡± ¡°Simon Party?¡± ¡°Simon¡¯s Birthday Party!¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡­. Simon doesn¡¯t need that! Simony only needs auntie!¡± ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± Did they say that little children couldn¡¯t tell lies? Simon¡¯s sincerity made her happy today. Abella didn¡¯t think Simon¡¯s little fist would protect her. She was just happy that Simon, who looks like Carlo, had such a heart. After Abella came to Timur, she laughed brightly for the first time. *** Simon¡¯s birthday banquet was going to be a grand one. Wasn¡¯t this a party held by the temporary master after Amerigo¡¯s former master passed away? Abella needed to show them Amerigo¡¯s robustness. That was why Abella was paying careful attention to this banquet. Abella did everything. ¡°Enoch, I think the banquet hall needs a little repair.¡± ¡°The timing is tight.¡± ¡°How about spending more money and hiring more workers?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ But Amerigo¡¯s financial situation is not so good.¡± ¡°I know. We need to draw money from the Abella business.¡± ¡°Are you really going to put the business¡¯s funds completely to Amerigo?¡± Abella smiled lightly. Enoch noticed that was her acceptance. ¡°¡­you know it¡¯s stupid, right?¡± Enoch chewed the candy hard. Abella turned her back without an answer. ¡°I need to find a way to finance Amerigo¡¯s own funds. Find out what flies best in Timur. Timur is actually like an unprocessed gemstone. They are conservative, so they do not try anything. Thanks to that, there are still many things that are still buried.¡± ¡°¡­¡­I will try my best. If we hire more workers, it will be possible to repair the banquet hall.¡± ¡°Then do it¡­¡­ Also, I already discussed it with the maid chief so if she asks for her money, give it to her.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Okay.¡± Enoch swallowed down the displeasure as much as possible. Abella¡¯s sacrifice did not please him. Enoch did not understand Abella. Enoch seemed to have a strange concept that Abella sacrificed herself to feed Amerigo. It was inevitable. Enoch wouldn¡¯t know about Abella being sick and tired of the lingering regret. For Abella, this was the object of her resentment and her love and hatred. It was because her father and Carlo had struggled so hard to protect the family. Carlo did her best on behalf of Abella for their deceased father and their family. At the sacrifice of the two, Abella couldn¡¯t turn away. So. Abella thought she would never forgive those involved in the incident seven years ago. Anyone, that was. ¡°¡­¡­And Abella. When will the money invested in Sirius be returned?¡± ¡°They are preparing to open soon. They will soon gather the nobles to do a major promotion.¡± ¡°There will be a series of parties for a while.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± ¡°As an investor, you have to attend all the parties.¡± Enoch clicked his tongue as if he didn¡¯t like it. ¡°Enoch. You don¡¯t like Arsene?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t like Cade?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then what about Amerigo?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Enoch replied bluntly. ¡°It¡¯s too unfair here. I won¡¯t let you go.¡± It turned out that there was another person who sided with Abella. Not only Simon. The stranger who had come with Abella was taking her side. Maybe it was because he didn¡¯t know how dangerous it was in Timur. The child of Skellus was cursed for life. The child of Skellus would destroy and kill their family, and in the end, they would destroy themselves. That was part of the curse that came down to the child of Skellus. Abella wanted to break the curse. She wanted to show that the child of Skellus could restore her family and protect her family. Thus she wanted to imprint her own existence that had been denied all her life. Abella slowly pulled her lips up. This was also something Enosh may not understand. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Enoch. It¡¯s only until Simon grows anyway.¡± ¡°That little boy¡­¡± Enoch bit his lips tight and shook his head. ¡°Yes, that little boy. When will he grow up?¡± ¡°He¡¯s still 3 years old?¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s too far away. Then, after Simon matures, are we going back to Vincent?¡± Well. She was also unsure. Abella was thinking of leaving for neither Vincent nor Timur. Instead, she wanted a place where no one knew Abella and looked for her. She could cross the sea and the mountains. Chapter 46 She just wanted to go to a place where Skellus¡¯s curse could not reach, and she could live freely. Would it be possible by the time Simon was mature? There would be no more lingering regrets. Enoch looked at Abella with strange eyes. Abella kept becoming weird after coming to Timur, and it often scared him. Enoch had never been afraid of anything before. Some secrets were lurking in this foggy city¡­ Timur, a city, frequently shrouded in fog. Injustice and lies were rampant here. * At Abella¡¯s will, Yuri continued to dig into the incident seven years ago. However, it was not that easy. People shut their mouths up like clams when they heard about the incident seven years ago. When she mentioned it, they acted as if she were spreading an illness. It was hard to find those involved since they all shut their mouths like that¡­¡­ This was the last person Yuri found. They were someone who seemed to know a little about the day. He was a wizard who cast protection magic on Amerigo¡¯s carriage. Usually, the carriage used by the nobles had protection magic. And below the magic phrase, the wizard¡¯s name could be found. Yuri received the name of the man who made the carriage and the man who engraved magic on the carriage from Abella. Once enchanted, it was almost impossible for other wizards to cast the spell. It was due to the high possibility that the carriage would be damaged if he did anything wrong while casting a spell. If any magical secret had been hidden in the carriage, the wizard would surely know it. It took a long time to find him because the wizard had already retired and disappeared. If the wizards made up their minds, they could disappear from the world effortlessly. It took a year for Yuri to find the wizard. However, the wizard was discovered after an obsessive search. Now it was time to reap the fruits of the efforts¡­¡­. The wizard may have some information they could use. At that time, the coachman who drove the carriage died instantly, and the coachman¡¯s family didn¡¯t know anything. ¡®It¡¯s strange.¡¯ The more she dug into this case, the more she thought there was a hidden truth. So, she wanted to find out the truth. This way, Abella would no longer be hung up on the truth of the day. It wasn¡¯t just the coachman. It was the same with the carriage maker. There were no traces of them despite being a famous carriage maker. As a result, Yuri could only find three people. The first witness. The villa manager at the time. And, finally, the wizard. But the first two had been silent about the incident. The wizard was their last hope. She hoped it would be worthwhile for her to briefly leave the restaurant to the vice chef and enter this remote mountain directly. The cry of grasshoppers in the deep mountains resonated softly. Yuri took a step up against the tree. ¡°Uwaaa!¡± ¡°Yuri?¡± ¡°No. Lead the way.¡± The mercenaries Yuri hired looked back at her and laughed. It was clear that they were laughing at her lack of stamina. Soon, a shabby hut appeared in front of Yuri¡¯s eyes. She was aware that it was just a magical boundary, and she didn¡¯t know what was hiding inside. That was what wizards did. Yuri politely knocked on the door. ¡°Is anybody there?¡± ¡°¡­¡­who.¡± Fortunately, the answer came quickly. Yuri touched the door. ¡°I came here because I had a question about the incident seven years ago.¡± Ah. This person, they knew. The pupils intermittently trembled as if they knew what it meant by just those words. Yuri pushed her body a little further, opening the door. The wizard realized that she had no intention of backing down. ¡°¡­¡­Come in.¡± * Rumors that Abella had reserved a boutique ahead of Simon¡¯s banquet hit Timur¡¯s social circles. People were intently listening so they could find out what kind of dress the returning villain would wear. Abella was the cursed child born on the day of Skellus, but she was also one of the most beautiful girls in Timur. They enjoyed watching Abella like a clown. Chapter 47 Enjoying Abella¡¯s pain and sorrow, they laughed at her despair. So, they may be hoping for Abella to run away crying again. That was the proof that they still thought of Abella as a child. However, they would have to realize that she was no longer Abella of that day. She was the owner of the Abella business and the temporary master of Amerigo. They should bow their head in front of her. That was why Abella booked the boutiques. Reckless luxury was definitely one of the things to be wary of, but it was always necessary to dress appropriately for the time and place. ¡°My lady.¡± The chief maid bowed her head in front of Abella. It was a sign that the madames from the boutiques had arrived. Abella never visited the boutique in person. She purposely brought together the madames from the boutiques. They would be competing with each other today for Abella¡¯s liking, and they would kiss up to Abella. Abella was aiming for it. The boutique madames were good rumor makers. They would spread enough rumors among people before Simon¡¯s birthday. To not take Abella easily and that she was not who she used to be. ¡°Abella.¡± Enoch was a person who knew well about the stage Abella prepared today. Enoch dramatically reached out to Abella. It was an elegant hand gesture for a former public figure in Vincent. ¡°Enoch.¡± Abella laughed at him, and she placed her hand over his hand. During the short time she moved from her room to the ground floor lobby, Abella checked herself over and over again. Abella¡¯s goal was not to preserve Amerigo. Her goal was for Amerigo to leap forward, so it was natural for her to pay attention to her first step into the social world. Abella narrowed her cold eyes. The madames gathered in the sight of Abella and Enoch slowly descending the stairs held their breath. In the lobby, all the madames of the famous boutiques gathered. Additionally, the rumored man standing next to Abella was the well-known Enoch Clemington. ¡°Thank you all for coming like this. Today, I¡¯m thinking of fitting a new outfit for Simon¡¯s birthday. Not only me but Enoch Clemington and Simon as well. They¡¯re all going to match my mother¡¯s outfits. Can everyone do their best?¡± Abella slowly glanced at the audience. Abella could read confusion in their swaying expressions. The little girl was returning like this. It was a fresh shock to them. ¡°Yes, young lady.¡± ¡°I will try my best, young lady.¡± Abella said with a relaxed smile. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much money it costs. Prepare the best.¡± Abella was aware that the socialites were listening to Amerigo¡¯s financial status. Those who liked to chatter said that Amerigo would soon collapse. However, Abella would take this opportunity to let them know that it was nothing but a rumor. To make it clear to them that Amerigo was not going to fall, but rather, Amerigo¡¯s aides were abandoned. Abella closed her eyes and smiled. They would not be invited to Simon¡¯s birthday and would never cross the door of Amerigo. As Abella decided. Even if it was mean, it was legitimate revenge. * Arsene was also invited to Simon¡¯s birthday this time. He was Abella¡¯s partner and fianc¨¦, so it was natural. No matter how busy he was, he continued to appear on the fixed set date. Arsene swiped the invitation that arrived in front of him with his fingers. Hirden, who was sorting the invitations with Arsene, called out to him curiously. ¡°Your Excellency?¡± ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°Are you not going to accept Amerigo¡¯s invitation?¡± ¡°No way.¡± Arsene¡¯s absence would cause Abella trouble, so he couldn¡¯t. He was just thinking about it. When engaged aristocrats attend these banquets, they occasionally wear matching dresses and suits. It was not to bring unity in design but to bring unity in colors and accessories. Arsene was thinking about it. Usually, they would go to the boutique together and match their clothes¡­ ¡®Abella and I aren¡¯t in a normal situation¡­¡¯ After thinking about that, he suddenly felt upset. What was different about them? Abella and Arsene were duly engaged with the permission of both families. It was not strange for the two to match their clothes, it was natural. Chapter 48 ¡°Hirden.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to see Abella and I match in clothing?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Hirden stared at Arsene as if he were sorry. ¡°Are you still thinking about it?¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°¡­..Why don¡¯t you write a letter to Lady Abella about what you¡¯re thinking about?¡± It was a very realistic and appropriate piece of advice. Arsene¡¯s face brightened at once. Hirden was right. ¡°¡­¡­because you¡¯re unsure of what to do. If you show that you like the idea so much¡­¡­¡± At Hirden¡¯s words, Arsene quickly cleared his face. ¡°I¡¯m not happy at all.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Hirden pretended not to hear. No matter what he said, Arsene dipped the quill on the desk into the inkwell. It was to convey his words to Abella. If Abella had already decided on her outfit, it was possible to ask the same boutique to make Arsene¡¯s outfit. If Abella allowed it. Arsene rubbed his burning earlobe unconsciously. If they were under normal circumstances, this would have been absolutely natural, especially between engaged people. But, not Abella and Arsene. He hoped that Abella would not refuse this invitation. If he took Abella¡¯s hand and attended a social party, people would no longer question Abella¡¯s engagement with Arsene anymore. Arsene created legitimate reasons for making this offer to Abella. Everything was for each other. Of course, that did not mean that he fully understood Abella, who left Arsene. The two were forever different, so he would never understand. However, he could try to understand a little bit. Now he was trying to understand what Abella needed. What Abella needed was to protect her position and maybe Arsene¡¯s personal greed. Arsene marked the end of the letter to Abella. ¡°Send this to Abella in Amerigo¡± ¡°Yes, Your Excellency.¡± It should have been like this earlier. * The news that Abella was holding a birthday banquet for Simon naturally reached the emperor. It was because Cade had his ears and eyes attached to Abella, just like someone else. It was to prepare Abella for any possible danger. It was the emperor¡¯s sincerity that no one believed. Abella did not invite the emperor to Simon¡¯s birthday banquet. ¡®Tch.¡¯ It was quite regrettable. Cade rubbed his chin. He knew that Abella¡¯s memories had been messed up ever since that day seven years ago, but even Cade couldn¡¯t stop this feeling of disappointment. Cade sighed lightly and then swept his head. Arsene would probably be there as the fianc¨¦ of Abella, dressed in matching outfits. He would stand proudly by Abella¡¯s side. Wherever she went, he would follow like a puppy. Like a dog that listened well. Additionally, he would converse with Abella with a smile and often escorted her while her hands were on the back of his arm¡­¡­ Crack¨C The secretary raised her head. Burke¡¯s gaze reached the emperor¡¯s quill, which had completely bent. It was definitely made of the hardest material, but it was crushed like a piece of paper. Blood was dripping from the emperor¡¯s palm, which was stabbed by the bent part. ¡°Yo¨CYour Majesty?¡± Cade looked at his palm with an indifferent face. ¡°Why did you do that?!¡± ¡°That¡¯s it. Why do I feel so dirty as if I¡¯m stuck in a gutter?¡± ¡°What? First of all, I¡¯m going to call a physician. We should disinfect and bandage it right away.¡± Cade threw what was in his hand onto the desk while Burke screamed and called the attendant. His mood continued to worsen despite the intense pain caused by the fragments of the quill in his palm. Despite the incident seven years ago, Arsene Sirius still stood by Abella as if nothing had happened¡­ Hiding his insides that were as vague as the Timur mist. Cade clenched his teeth. His heart swelled as if it would burst. It was jealousy. And also anger. Cade looked down at his palm with his gleaming glassy eyes. ¡°Abella¡­.¡± He should prepare a dress for her. The imperial tailors created the best dresses. If rumors spread that the emperor supported Abella as the head of Amerigo, Abella would be pleased with it right? He should send an imperial tailor to take her measurements¡­¡­ They wouldn¡¯t make Arsene¡¯s outfits¡­¡­ He felt a little better. Just a little. Like an ant¡¯s nails. Chapter 49 It was Simon Amerigo¡¯s birthday. The child just turned three years old. Abella was back for Simon, who Carlo Amerigo cared so much for. Was there any reason the Emperor could not attend just because he lacked an invitation? The Emperor, Cade, was a man of unprecedented power, and no matter how stupid he behaved, no one could stop him. He was the monster sitting on the throne. Cade called Burke, who was still making a fuss. ¡°Secretary Burke.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Burke asked, round-eyed. It seemed that Cade had recovered his senses again. ¡°What kind of gift would a three-year-old like?¡± ¡°Pardon? What are you saying so suddenly?¡± ¡°Three years old.¡± Burke stared blankly at Cade. What was he thinking, all of a sudden? Cade laughed slowly. As he thought of seeing Abella, he gradually seemed to feel much better. * Abella, Enoch, Lorelia, and Simon. Rumors spread throughout the social world that they chose the Verlia Boutique. The story of Abella¡¯s spendings for their wardrobe began to spread. Abella did not stop the boutique madams from talking to the ladies or the young children. She was aiming for that effect. The Verlia Boutique was famous as a premium boutique among the luxury boutiques. So it may be why more rumors were circulating. Besides. What was the emperor thinking, sending Abella the imperial tailors? Perhaps it was a tribute to Amerigo¡¯s temporary master, who was hosting her first banquet after returning to Timur. Abella accepted the imperial tailors, as no nobles could reject the emperor¡¯s favor without reason. Madame Yeskina, the head of the imperial tailor, once ran the most famous Yeskina Boutique. Even now, many nobles envied Yeskina¡¯s design, so it attracted all kinds of attention. ¡®Cade¡­¡­.¡¯ What the hell were you thinking? Abella touched her forehead. The banquet was approaching tomorrow, but it seemed to be getting more complicated than something already clearly organized. Cade¡¯s favor and Arsene¡¯s offer. Two letters laid before her eyes. One from Cade and the other from Arsene. Arsene suggested that Abella wore his outfit, and Cade suggested Abella¡¯s new outfit. Abella had two opposing options. If Arsene were selected, Abella would not wear the imperial dress. The imperial tailor¡¯s design was not something that anyone could imitate. At first, she was thinking of accepting Arsene¡¯s offer, but Cade sent a letter following Arsene as if it were a competition. He said the imperial family would make the new dress. Was there any way to clearly show the support of the imperial family? ¡®The two of you, what are you thinking?¡¯ Abella raised Cade¡¯s letter. She had no power to reject the imperial offer, and she couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. It would help Abella with her gorgeous return. Arsene retreated indifferently. From his attitude, she guessed Arsene didn¡¯t seem to have any feelings left for Abella. It was just a remnant of regret and affection. That¡¯s what Abella looked like to him. And Cade¡­ It was too much to label it as a friendship between bad friends, and there was no emotion to name it as. Seven years ago, or before or after. What happened? Abella had been losing confidence in her own memories these days. She felt like something was broken. She didn¡¯t know where it was. Arsene, Abella, Cade. What was the relationship between the three? Abella thought there was only Arsene, but was that it? Why¡­ Did she feel used to Cade¡¯s awkward kindness? Abella gave a long sigh. For some reason, tomorrow seemed to be a long day. She was bitter and sorry that she couldn¡¯t be purely happy with little Simon¡¯s birthday because of her worries over her troubles. While Abella was struggling, the door of the office opened. ¡°What is it¡­¡­ aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡± ¡°Ah. Enoch.¡± Enoch, who was leaning against the door, came inside. ¡°Are you so worried that you can¡¯t sleep?¡± Naturally, Enoch, who took a seat on the sofa next to Abella, could glance at where Abella was looking. ¡°Look. Vincent was comfortable right?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Maybe.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± Enoch whispered as if to lure ants with sweet sugar. Enoch¡¯s intention to keep talking about Vincent these days was also strange. ¡°Are you homesick?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°No. I mean you. I think you¡¯ve been talking a lot about Vincent these days.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Chapter 50 Enoch rolled her eyes, glanced at Abella, and shook his head. ¡°Nothing. I was just saying that Vincent is better than Timur. You didn¡¯t say it was this foggy.¡± Enoch grumbled. ¡°Huff.¡± Timur was a city with frequent fog no matter the season. There was one more thing that made Abella worry. Abella had no intention of inviting Amerigo¡¯s close relatives tomorrow. However, Mrs. Amerigo opposed it. It was a common practice that went against the tradition of Amerigo. The reason was that even if they were struggling, it was necessary to give others the impression that Amerigo was still continuing its tradition. Perhaps the most strange thing was the deception of her mother, who gave birth to Abella. Why did she suddenly take their side? Abella never thought it was a pure kindness from Mrs. Amerigo. She frowned at the headache. Strangely, she felt like her headaches were getting more frequent these days. The doctor said it was due to stress and advised her to eat comfortably. Was that even possible¡­¡­ Abella pressed her forehead. ¡°¡­¡­.The fog of Timur is like the people here. I have no idea what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s often foggy.¡± Enoch sympathized with Abella¡¯s words. Even at this late hour, there was a thick fog. The streetlights that lit up the street were dimly visible. ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed now, Abella. You look pale.¡± Abella nodded her head. ¡°¡­¡­Abella. If you have a hard time, you can tell me anytime.¡± ¡°Thanks, kind Enoch Clemington.¡± Enoch smiled lightly. Having a conversation with Enoch made her feel a little refreshed. That was the power Enoch had. It must be thanks to his meticulous and friendly personality. Abella walked side by side with Enoch. Enoch brought her to the front of her bedroom and said his greeting. ¡°Good night.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Enoch hesitated for a while before he bent his back. Abella¡¯s pupils dilate. Enoch covered her cheeks with both hands. She had no idea what Enoch was trying to do. Enoch¡¯s deep blue eyes sank like the abyss. Enoch gently kissed Abella¡¯s forehead. ¡°I hope you have a good dream.¡± His lips touched very lightly. Enoch opened Abella¡¯s door. Enoch, who lightly pushed her shoulder, smiled brightly. ¡°Don¡¯t have nightmares.¡± Abella wrapped her hands around her forehead. The people of Vincent were open to physical contact. She was aware of that fact. However, this was¡­ Enoch¡¯s first contact with Abella. * ¡°Auntie!¡± ¡°Ack!¡± Abella screamed unknowingly and raised her body. A little kid jumped on her. Yesterday she slept really well, thanks to Enoch. The thing that attacked her was Simon. ¡°Auntie!¡± Simon, who was usually mature, couldn¡¯t hide his excitement today. Simon pulled Abella¡¯s hand. ¡°Simon¡­¡­?¡± Simon nodded his head loudly. ¡°Yeah! Simon¡­ Simon is going to escort my aunt today!¡± Thanks to Simon, who expressed his thoughts hard with clumsy pronunciation, Abella had no choice but to laugh. This little gentleman would escort Abella directly. She didn¡¯t know where he learned that. Additionally, he expressed his will by clenching his two adorable fists. Like Carlo when he was a child. Abella stroked Simon¡¯s head. ¡°Will you do that?¡± That would be one of the ways to solidify Abella¡¯s commitment to Simon ¨C to enter with Simon. She needed to show it clearly to the viper-like nobles who were filling the large banquet hall. Who was the next Amerigo? ¡°Yes!¡± With no idea of Abella¡¯s calculations, Simon nodded innocently. Abella swept Simon¡¯s forehead. ¡°Simon is protecting auntie!¡± She had adapted to that word now. Abella hugged Simon tightly. It was a pleasant morning to forget about the days filled with intense worries. * Yuri, tired of it, passed through the gates of the capital. She only had one idea in her mind now. She must pass it on to Abella once she uncovered all the truths of the past. However, the clue of the truth that the wizard gave Yuri was more than she thought¡­ After a long time, she turned to the place where the Amerigo mansion was situated. It stood proudly in the sunshine that shone on Timur. Amerigo¡¯s sign was distinctly visible from a distance. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± She was not sure if it was right to convey this to Abella. It was a shortcut to destroying Abella. Yuri sighed. Chapter 51 No secrets exist without reason. The same was the case seven years ago. There was a reason why the people expelled Abella and concealed the secret. If she combined the testimonies of the wizard, there were many people involved in this case. Yuri held onto the faint hope and concluded that it was simply impossible to guess based on circumstantial evidence. ¡®Later¡­¡­.¡¯ Not now. Let us think about it again when we were a little more sure. Let us not let Abella bear the burdensome price of truth just yet. Yuri tried to draw attention. ¡°Withdraw.¡± Mercenaries scattered among the people. And Yuri, like them, blended naturally between people. * Simon¡¯s birthday invited most of the nobles living in Timur. They wore the best clothes and bought expensive jewelry. It seemed more like a place to show off yourself than to celebrate Simon¡¯s birthday. Moreover, their concern was who would be Abella¡¯s escort. Abella made a completely different choice than they expected to avoid that gaze. She entered while holding Simon¡¯s hand. It was Simon¡¯s birthday, so it was very appropriate for the person in charge to do it. She had completely blocked out what could have been a rumor. Moreover, it was also a way to solidify the position of the successor. People have speculated that Abella, the devil who tormented her family, came to hand over the position to a child she had secretly hidden. Their tongues turned into a sword and slashed Abella and Amerigo. Abella had heard this from Yuri. When she visited before, some people were pounding their mouths about Abella¡¯s return. How unjust and ridiculous it was. But Abella couldn¡¯t express her dissatisfaction with it. This time, there would be gossip about her actions. That was why Abella chose to show herself like this. She meant to show that this child was none other than the next successor to Amerigo. ¡°Simon. Come here.¡± Simon, who had been toddling, held Abella¡¯s hand tightly. Warmth spread from Abella¡¯s fingertips. No one of Timur¡¯s birth came to Abella without hesitation and was so outspoken. She could count everyone from one to ten. They worried about whether their own self would be okay if they touched the cursed child. Even if they knew that it was useless, superstitions and customs were like that. That was why Abella was fascinated by Simon. Was it because of the purity of knowing nothing? She wondered as she saw him holding her hand like this. ¡°Auntie!¡± Abella¡¯s heart would also brighten when she saw his white smile. Abella stroked Simon¡¯s hair. Because of their height difference, she felt better to carry Simon and enter rather than hold his hand. The door of the banquet hall opened wide for the main character. The pouring interest and light pierced the two like an awl. Simon buried his head in Abella¡¯s arms. Perhaps it was too much for the child to bear. He exhaled his breath and leaned on Abella. He had complete trust and relied on Abella. Abella turned her gaze and looked in front of her. Arsene was among those watching Abella¡¯s steps with bated breath. ¡°Abella.¡± Arsene approached her and stood next to Abella. The engagement between the two clearly showed solidity. Even though the two couldn¡¯t match their clothes together. ¡°Arsene, thank you for coming.¡± Arsene nodded briefly. Arsene would have been a little more affectionate in the past, but now this was best. Many problems had yet to be solved between Abella and Arsene. And the Amerigo mistress, Lorelia, stood in front of Abella. She, who usually didn¡¯t even acknowledge Abella, pretended to know her now, probably because of Simon. Lorelia asked Abella to hand over the child, the one who she cherished. Abella reluctantly gave Simon to Lorelia, whom she had held dearly in her arms. ¡°¡­¡­Thank you.¡± Lorelia stiffened her head, hugged Simon, and avoided her. It was as if she feared Abella would do something to the child. Abella thought such a small action would not hurt her now. However, she could not help but feel that every word or action stepped on her heart. Of course, Abella was in a position that could not be held back by such lingering feelings. ¡°Lady Abella. It¡¯s been a long time.¡± ¡°Lady Kiara.¡± The herds of alligators targeting her were scattered here. Amerigo¡¯s nobles welcomed a sinner born on Skellus¡¯ day, Amerigo¡¯s prodigal. Wasn¡¯t it the return of good food to bite at any time? Chapter 52 Strangely, Simon had a high intimacy with Abella, who had just seen him. She didn¡¯t know if it was caused by Carlo or if it really was due to his favor for Abella. However, no matter how much Mrs. Amerigo blocked Simon, she couldn¡¯t stop him from heading to Abella. Additionally, Cade, who insisted that he would come at will, had not arrived. Cade, who became emperor, seemed to be a lot busier than his princely days. Although, this was fortunate for Abella. ¡°Auntieeeeeee!¡± Simon ran towards Abella and dangled on her leg. He stuck to her like a cicada, with such a perfectly smiling face. His face unmistakably resembled Carlo from his childhood. Abella hesitated, then reached out her hand. Mrs. Amerigo stood in front of Abella, who tightly returned Simon¡¯s embrace. ¡°Oh my God¡­ The child follows Lady Abella well.¡± ¡°Rumors say that Lady Abella chose Simon as her successor.¡± ¡°Hmm? No way. If that happens, even if Lady Abella gives birth to a child¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Shh. She¡¯s looking.¡± The gaze of Mrs. Amerigo glanced through the crowd. The interest in Abella seemed to be shifting to Simon. Although it was unpleasant, it did not seem to form a negative public opinion, so she had to leave it alone. ¡°Auntie, you know what.¡± Simon whispered into Abella¡¯s ear. ¡°Simon has something for my aunt.¡± The white cheeks turn red. Abella stared as if possessed. Someday. Some time, a long time ago. Carlo spoke with that look on his face. ¡®Carlo has something for my sister¡­!¡¯ What he held in his little palm was a sweet candy. He had left what he wanted to eat as a child and waited for Abella to come back. The things given to Carlo were never given to Abella. Clear discrimination was given to children born on Skellus¡¯ Day. Abella didn¡¯t really enjoy anything about Amerigo. ¡°Carlo¡­¡­..¡± ¡°It¡¯s from Dad!¡± Simon spoke firmly and opened his palm. In his little hand was Abella¡¯s favorite round candy. Sweet and sour strawberry candy. It was a food made by lumping small chopped strawberries into a circle and applying sugar water over its surface. Previously, Carlo had also waited for Abella to give this. Ever since then, it has become Abella¡¯s favorite candy. Abella rubbed her lips and grabbed the candy. It tasted the same as in the past. ¡°Thank you, Simon.¡± ¡°Hi-Hi. Auntie likes this!¡± ¡°Right. How did you know?¡± ¡°Simon knows everything!¡± Abella¡¯s insignificant conversation with Simon became precious. For Abella, Simon was sunshine, happiness, and memory at the same time. Abella rolled the candy in her mouth. Like Enoch. Now that she thought about it. As Abella picked up Simon, she looked for Enosh. All kinds of people crowded around Enosh, who had excellent sociability. He seemed to attract people¡¯s interest by talking about Vincent. Enosh and her eyes met. Wink¨C With a wink, Enosh smiled at her. ¡®¡­¡­I hope you have a good dream.¡¯ Why did she remember that now? Abella¡¯s cheeks blushed, and she turned her head around. It seemed that her body was staggering. ¡°Abella!¡± The startled Arsene supported her. ¡°Should I hold Simon?¡± ¡°No! I don¡¯t want you!¡± Simon shook his head and buried his head in Abella¡¯s arms. It was when Abella and Arsene¡¯s eyes met in confusion. ¡°His Majesty is coming!¡± An exasperated voice echoed through the hall. Cade always had impeccable timing. On the other day, when Count Gilmus came to her, and this time again, he saved Abella from this embarrassment. Thanks to this, there was no need to make excuses for Simon for rejecting Arsene. In fact, it was quite embarrassing for Abella to explain what she didn¡¯t know. With his lips puffed, Simon pulled Abella¡¯s hem. Abella struggled to hold Simon up. * ¡°Hurry up!¡± Cade wanted to strangle Burke, who insisted that he must ride a carriage. No, he already did. Burke was worn out like a fallen leaf on the floor and had his head stuck against the carriage wall. ¡°¡­¡­ Even if you do not hurry, Lady Abella will not disappear.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡± Cade cut it. He was so confident that he could miss Abella. Once. Twice. Three times. He no longer wanted to miss Abella. ¡°No matter how much you look at it, you won¡¯t be able to ride the horse while with a cold!¡± Burke insisted. In fact, everyone held back Cade¡¯s outing today, but they couldn¡¯t break his stubbornness. Cade decided to see Abella with his body, suffering from a fever. A devoted love indeed. Burke clicked his tongue. Chapter 53 In other things, when such a cold person got entangled with Abella Amerigo, his eyes would turn upside down like that. Not long ago, thanks to Abella accompanying the emperor to events, there were many talks generated. In particular, their visit to the opera. He had a difficult time preventing the rumors from spreading. Abella Amerigo was too noisy to be tied to the emperor. Either way, the emperor didn¡¯t even care. ¡°Sh*t¡­¡­¡± Burke¡¯s heart sank, and he banged his head against the wall of the carriage. ¡°¡­¡­Fortunately, the wall of the carriage is not broken.¡± Burke cleared his throat. ¡°You have to come back early today. Your attending physician¡­¡­ ¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how many times you¡¯ve said the same thing.¡± That¡¯s right. It was because you¡¯re like a child. Burke swallowed what he couldn¡¯t say. Soon they would reach the Amerigo mansion. So, there was no need to offend the emperor. Burke diligently followed after Cade, who opened the door and jumped out of the carriage. The eyes of those who recognized the emperor became focused. ¡°Your Majesty is coming!¡± The dozing attendant spotted Cade. He then raised his head and shouted hurriedly at the sound of footsteps suddenly getting closer. Cade always thought he had poor timing. Ever since he was young. And it was the same now. Naturally, Abella and Arsene were among the gazes that focused on him. Even with a young child in Abella¡¯s arms, they were standing side by side. With the child in her arms, it looked like a blessed family. Arsene by Abella¡¯s side. Damn it. Even though he expected it, he couldn¡¯t help but feel dirty. Cade walked slowly towards them. Abella¡¯s reflection in his open eyes was miserable. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Little Lord. Congratulations on your birthday.¡± Cade stroked the head of the little kid staring at him, then turned his gaze to Abella. It was a subtle expression, but it was a face that did not seem very happy. The only comforting thing was the dress Abella wore. The outfit he had presented. ¡°Lady Abella.¡± Abella smiled awkwardly at him, nodding her head. Cade had thoughtfully greeted her. ¡°Duke Sirius.¡± ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty the Emperor.¡± Again, Cade was late. * Count Gilmus nervously paced across the garden. ¡®Why are you so late!¡¯ They were supposed to meet here at 9 o¡¯clock today. In the distance, he saw the Duke of Sirius, Arsene, unhurriedly approach him. His sharp eyes were very different from Arsene. And so was the greed. Count Gilmus smiled brightly. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hello.¡± Count Gilmus said in an arrogant voice and laughed as his stomach twisted into a knot. The Duke of Sirius had absolute power, both in terms of status and power. He was not someone that Count Gilmus could rub against. The only thing Count Gilmus could count on was the weakness of Sirius he held. A weakness that would shake him. * On the right side of the banquet hall, there was a mountain of gifts brought by people to congratulate the little lord and Mrs. Amerigo, who was holding Simon. Cade leaned against the wall and looked at Abella. Arsene, of course, stood by Abella¡¯s side. Cade, instead, was surrounded by young girls who flirted with him, but he had no interest. Of course, besides that, there were not just one or two nobles who were eager to talk to Cade at least once. However, they were not as fearless as the young ladies who occupied Cade¡¯s surroundings, and because they knew Cade¡¯s sincerity, they couldn¡¯t get closer. Cade glanced at the drink in his hand. Ah. ¡®There¡¯s a way to get Abella away from his side.¡¯ Cade pursed his lips like a fish. He drew close to one of the young girls around him. Just one gesture was enough. Cade whispered languidly. ¡°Lady.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty! I¡¯m Aria of Count Isaac.¡± The cheeks of the woman shyly introducing herself were red. ¡°I have a favor to ask for you.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± ¡°Let me borrow your dress for a moment.¡± ¡°Yes, yes?¡± Aria raised her eyes to the words she couldn¡¯t understand. She curiously watched his beautiful face, hardened coolly. He slowly tilted the glass he was holding in his hand. That was definitely intentional. Aria¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, Lady. Go ahead and ask Lady Abella for a change of clothes. And you come directly to the Imperial Palace to get the reimbursement for this dress. It¡¯s very easy, right?¡± Cade whispered like a snake fluttering his red tongue. Aria nodded her head with clouded eyes, like a sailor possessed by a siren. Cade was overly handsome. Besides, he still knew very well how to deceive young ladies. ¡°Good.¡± Chapter 54 Cade twirled Aria around. Aria, whose shoulders were hunched over, had a rich fragrance of her flowers. It was completely different from Abella¡¯s perfume. To hide his frown, Cade bent close to Aria¡¯s ear and whispered. ¡°Can you do well?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡± It wasn¡¯t that difficult. She was afraid to talk to Abella, who was labeled as a villain, but it was so crowded that Abella could not harm her. Her parents asked Aria to find a suitable marriage partner, but unexpectedly the emperor was caught. Besides, she could go directly to Imperial Palace to receive the reimbursement for the dress. Aria¡¯s eyes, filled with her dream, became hazy. Aria proudly took her steps toward Abella. ¡°Lady Abella.¡± At Aria¡¯s call, Abella looked at her. It was the woman who stood by the emperor. ¡°Lady Aria.¡± ¡°I accidentally spilled a drink on my dress. Can you help me?¡± It was right for Abella to help. It was because Abella was the organizer of this banquet. As Aria said, her dress was all wet. What Abella prepared for today was pale pink peach champagne. It exuded a sweet scent. Furthermore, the marks left on the dress gradually spread out. It seemed too difficult for the noble family lady to wander around in this manner. Abella kindly guided Aria. ¡°Oh. There will be an extra dress for you to change in. Arsene, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± So Abella, who asked Arsene for his understanding, left with Aria. And that was the situation Cade wanted. Cade headed straight for Arsene. With a straight, wide stride. Soon, Cade stopped in front of Arsene and called him. ¡°Duke Sirius.¡± It was a strangely cold voice. ¡°I said it before.¡± ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Arsene frowned and was interrupted before he could continue speaking. ¡°Not knowing is also a sin.¡± Cade tapped Arsene¡¯s right shoulder with his index and middle fingers. At that moment, Arsene felt the eeriness of the red gaze full of deep hostility. Cade whispered as he leaned over Arsene. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you want to awaken from that ignorance now?¡± It was a low voice like a growling beast. * Yesterday was a really crazy day. However, it achieved satisfactory results. People would not worry about Amerigo anymore, and they would not talk about Simon and Abella. Additionally, the emperor expressed his support for Abella by attending a nobleman¡¯s birthday banquet. ¡®What a surprise.¡¯ Abella sighed languidly. Soaking her body in hot water in the morning seemed to have relieved her fatigue. It was a perfect banquet, except for Arsene, who suddenly said that he had to return due to an urgent matter. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She couldn¡¯t ask anything because of his hardened expression. Abella blinked her eyes. All kinds of desires were in full swing at the banquet hall yesterday. People left Simon behind and targeted Abella. Despite having a good relationship with Arsene, people acted anxiously to tear Abella and Arsene apart. Arsene was probably the best groom in the empire. On the other hand, Abella was a cursed child, so maybe it was natural. In particular, many noble ladies who were having a ritual in the age of marriage had been present. Of course, that did not mean that Abella was not as gullible as before. Abella had the Abella business. She wasn¡¯t a kid like before where she couldn¡¯t do anything. Having money meant that you had power and information. Abella was no longer weak. ¡®The strong prey on the weak¡­¡¯ Abella returned with what she had learned. To use their weaknesses to suppress them. It wasn¡¯t a very desirable way, but it was a useful way. Abella closed her eyes and pressed her face with her palm. Instead of being hurt, she chose the method to hurt others. It was a good finish in its own way. People no longer looked down on Abella anymore. In short, that was what it was. ¡°Lady Abella, my god¡­I feel like I¡¯ve come back after a long time. Jewelry like this is out of fashion in Timur.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. However, this jewelry was newly imported from the Kingdom of Carta, so this is a new item that is being introduced at my business. Oh, is it also at the Nivea business? Seeing that you first encountered futuristic objects like this.¡± Chapter 55 Everyone knew that the Nivea business was walking on the path of downfall. It was nothing more than a means to punish her for targeting Abella. At Abella¡¯s words, people began to point fingers at the lady, attacking all over the Nivea business. Blurring the issue like this was really nothing for Abella. How much effort did she have to survive in Vincent to become a successful businessman? Abella was no longer an enemy for the ladies. Their attention redirected to the existence of the Nivea business. The noble lady ended up running away with her glowing red face. Abella managed to become a socialite alligator by effectively using money, power, and information she had. *** She did not know when she would be bitten again, but it was not now. The most effective way to subdue nobles was to become a more powerful person. When you go to Rome, do as the Romans do. Now that she was in a jungle, she must obey the laws of the jungle. However, there was something she was worried about. The meeting between Gilmus and Sirius. It was strange that there was a point of contact between the two. Gilmus was carrying Amerigo behind him, but he wasn¡¯t a true count. Gilmus had no business skills, and the reason he had been a count until now was because he had been sucking Amerigo¡¯s blood. As far as Abella knew, the Duke of Sirius¡¯s family did not like Count Gilmus. It was even more so because they used to divide people by ability. But they were meeting secretly. Of course, it was something to be considered as strange. She didn¡¯t know what kind of story existed between them. However, it was worrying that Gilmus and Sirius had a separate meeting. Gilmus was a man who could do anything for power, and Sirius had the strength to accomplish it. She needed to know about the transaction between the two. Gilmus was kicked out of Amerigo some time ago, so she knew he was gritting his teeth. What was Gilmus trying to do with Sirius? Goosebumps ran along her spine. ¡°Don¡¯t trust Arsene.¡± What did Cade know, and what was he trying to warn of? Abella sighed. What was hidden in the truth of her past that she didn¡¯t know? Somehow she felt afraid of the truth due to these situations of her moving in unknown directions. Sirius and Gilmus. Why was it so disturbing? ¡°Lady Abella. It¡¯s nice to see you after a long time. Are you doing well with Arsene these days? That guy has been waiting for Lady Abella for a long time.¡± The voice of the affectionate Mrs. Sirius, who smiled like a bright rose and welcomed Abella, echoed in her head. The Sirius couple had been very friendly to Abella since her childhood. She wanted to believe that they would not have done any harm to Abella. However, after they handed over the title to Arsene, they would occasionally exert influence over both the political world and the other members of the Sirius family. Just because they stepped back didn¡¯t mean that they were powerless. It wasn¡¯t easy, but it seemed like she had to look into the details of the relationship between the two. * Arsene left, and Abella was alone. It was a situation that Cade created. The banquet yesterday was boring and tacky, but Abella stayed in her place until the end. Whether Arsene was next to her or not, Abella gleamed like a bright light. It was just like when she was a child and was at the academy. People pointed their fingers at Abella as a child of the curse, but Abella wasn¡¯t like that. Abella was a person who had a brighter light than they thought. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± After Cade placed down his sword, he took the towel handed to him and wiped off his sweat. The magic that he had not yet retracted flowed around him. That was the power that allowed Cade to take this throne. Cade had watched Abella¡¯s fall closely. People had previously been gossiping about Abella and Skellus¡¯s Day, but no one thought of dragging her down to the bottom. That was because the powerful protection of the Duke of Amerigo was behind her. Apart from Abella being emotionally hurt, no one was suspicious of Abella¡¯s Amerigo. However, it collapsed in an instant. Duke Amerigo¡¯s death due to someone¡¯s intention. It distorted everything. Abella left, and Cade erased her memory. His foolish magic failed, and instead of erasing Abella¡¯s memory, he messed up, but Abella didn¡¯t remember it clearly. Chapter 56 Cade asked slowly. ¡°Abella¡¯s informant met the wizard?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± He had anticipated that it would reach this far. The wizard had been feeling guilty about it since before, and he somehow wanted to apologize. Cade persuaded him that not going to visit Abella in person was the way to apologize. It would have killed her. Cade put on his outer garment. The cloth clung to his upper body. In the past, he had been too young. He had never killed anyone with a magic sword and had no courage to do so. So Cade had allowed those who were involved that day to survive. As a result, he was regretting that day tirelessly. ¡®I should have killed them.¡¯ Cade¡¯s red eyes flashed coldly. The misty fog settled down in the field. Was Timur¡¯s fog driving people crazy? Perhaps it caused people to be mad with desires and act irrationally. Now, he had to make another decision. Did they say it was Yuri? It was the name of the one who had a relationship with Abella in Vincent. He had to confirm her intention. If Yuri wanted to reveal the truth to Abella¡­ ¡®I¡¯ll kill you.¡¯ This time, he would close her mouth by death. Cade determined that Abella couldn¡¯t bear to find out the truth, and he couldn¡¯t push Abella back into such a mire. Oh, the path was unclear. Cade couldn¡¯t figure out the best way to deal with this situation. * Eventually, Arsene was disturbed by Cade¡¯s comment and had to leave first. ¡°Not knowing is also a sin.¡± He thought he had heard those words before. His mind was so complicated that he couldn¡¯t even stay there. Arsene rubbed his eyebrows. Due to the lack of sleep, his head throbbed with a sharp headache at the brightness before him. Although it was not a conclusion that could be drawn by worrying alone in one night, he couldn¡¯t sleep. ¡°Not knowing is also a sin.¡± What the hell didn¡¯t Arsene know? Cade had lived with such words since he was a child. Arsene couldn¡¯t forget it because they were words that Cade said often. He once asked what it was. But Cade only looked at Arsene with a weird look and didn¡¯t tell him anything. ¡®What the hell are you thinking, Cade.¡¯ When they were studying at the academy together, Arsene would talk to Cade often. But Cade became worse after their relationship became estranged. Arsene had been psychologically prepared for this to happen between two friends who liked the same person. Even though he couldn¡¯t say and do anything, Cade certainly liked Abella. In Arsene¡¯s eyes, Cade was nothing more than a child who stamped his feet to attract Abella¡¯s attention. The problem was that Abella was as young as he was. Of course, it went well for Arsene. Because Abella chose Arsene. In this series of events, was there anything Arsene didn¡¯t know? What the hell was the secret that caused Cade to be frantic each time¡­ ¡°Be careful, Arsene. You are the person who would lead Sirius.¡± Didn¡¯t his parents click their tongue with sad faces while looking at Arsene? And Abella¡­¡­. ¡°Arsene. Thank you for coming.¡± Arsene rubbed his eyebrows. His headaches had continued since Abella¡¯s return. Perhaps it was because the secrets hidden by the hazy fog that filled Timur were slowly trying to reveal its body. And Arsene could not be eliminated there. He beckoned to Hirden. ¡°Your Excellency¡± What should he do? ¡°Abella and Cade.¡± Arsene¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°And even my parents. Investigate everything that has happened in the past.¡± ¡°What area do you mean¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Everything. I want to know everything.¡± Only then would he be able to understand this clue. Arsene gave a long sigh. He once thought that upon Abella¡¯s return, everything would go back to the past. Especially between Abella and Arsene. Just like when they were engaged. But, what the hell did he miss? The second hand of fate was moving in a direction that he couldn¡¯t figure out. * Amerigo¡¯s mistress, Lorelia, pledged during this banquet that she also needed the strength to protect Amerigo. In front of Abella, Mrs. Amerigo was helpless, and Simon was taken away. Simon was a bright hope for Amerigo, but she couldn¡¯t just see him jumping into danger like a moth to a flame. Chapter 57 Simon liked Abella only because there was something called the pull of blood. Since Simon was so eloquent and smart, Lorelia directed all her expectations towards him. She couldn¡¯t make Simon end up like Carlo. What could be a weapon for Lorelia? She had nothing but a good life. A way to protect Amerigo and Simon. A way to protect Amerigo from those who were aiming for Amerigo and protect Simon from Abella. Laurelia hurriedly moved back and forth in her room. Crack¨C Her lips twitched. There was no other way for Lorelia. Only this. Lorelia beckoned towards her maid. ¡°Get ready to go out.¡± There was something that had to live on in secret. No one should know. * No matter how the banquet ended or what kind of afterimage was left, things had to return to normal. Abella, who was working in her office, examined the papers and touched her forehead. ¡°Oh my gosh.¡± ¡°Right? I was also surprised.¡± Enoch, who was sitting with his bottom to the desk, poked his tongue out. The face that chewed the candy was overly peaceful. But Abella wasn¡¯t feeling peaceful at all! *** In fact, Count Gilmus wasn¡¯t the only problem. Volot. There was a reason why the Count was anxious because he couldn¡¯t do anything about Abella. The more they dug up from Amerigo, the more nasty things would emerge like the sweet potato that came out of the sweet potato root. Among them, the worst was Volot. She knew from a long time that he was full of greed. However, she didn¡¯t expect this much. Volot sold people. ¡®He can¡¯t do this in the name of Amerigo!¡¯ Because he could not pay his gambling debts, he kidnapped the maids of the mansion and handed them over to the traffickers. She only heard that it was happening through an illegal route, but she didn¡¯t know that she would face reality like this. Abella¡¯s face was pale and her lips trembled. ¡°Is he crazy?¡± Such an insane baron asked Abella to marry him. When Abella recalled that memory, she got goosebumps once again. Abella ran through the papers once more. All kinds of illegality that Volot was involved in, and his circumstances, were revealed. Additionally, it was Amerigo¡¯s name that helped Volot escape the network of investigations so far. ¡°¡­ Will this be okay?¡± Enoch asked as if he was curious. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to report it voluntarily?¡± Abella struggled. ¡°I think it¡¯s better to sell only Volot to the imperial family than to be caught and have Amerigo investigated.¡± ¡°¡­ Since when have you been my advisor?¡± ¡°I am your aide, lawyer, advisor. They all work together.¡± Enoch smiled softly. ¡°Uh¡­ so, what do you suggest?¡± ¡°Rather than spend a lot of money and be accused, throw away Volot and take the honor.¡± Enoch¡¯s judgment was correct. As he said, the expected profit from abandoning Volot was higher. No, rather than getting the expected profit, Amerigo would suffer less damage. Well, now wasn¡¯t the time to discuss profits. This shouldn¡¯t have happened even on a humanitarian level. Volot crossed a line that should never be crossed. ¡°Good. Send a telegram to the imperial family.¡± They needed to request permission to meet the emperor. Abella tapped the papers with her finger. Was this how they would discard this man, Volot? Just because he was a son born in Amerigo, didn¡¯t he cause a lot of damage? Moreover, Abella¡¯s common sense could not understand Enoch¡¯s thoughts. Who was she to judge people? The days of slavery ¨C it was a very alien thing. It was incomprehensible to Abella, who lived in the era when slavery was abolished. Wasn¡¯t it such an immoral, unethical, and devilish thing? ¡°Enoch. Can¡¯t Volot be punished on a private level?¡± Abella gritted her teeth. Enoch looked at Abella, and his eyes lit up. Seeing her so angry, Abella seemed familiar to Enoch. Abella was a person who couldn¡¯t stand injustice, was passionate about injustice and was eager for work. And Abella was weak against the weak. Enoch reached out his hand towards Abella. ¡°Of course, it is possible. Especially if I¡¯m next to you.¡± Enoch gently raised the corner of his lips. Recently, he really thought that he was going to get diabetes because of Abella. Even at yesterday¡¯s banquet, he was so upset, and his mouth was dry. Chapter 58 Abella was next to Arsene and the equally jealous Emperor. Unlike Enoch, who couldn¡¯t do anything but be afraid that he might run to her side, their behavior was annoying as they leaned towards Abella. Eating soft candy didn¡¯t improve the dirty feeling. It seemed that he felt a little better when he faced Abella alone like this. Abella, without hesitation, placed her own hand on Enoch¡¯s palm. ¡°Good. Tell me how, Enoch.¡± ¡°We can avoid the law, too. It¡¯s a breathtaking transition between illegal and legal.¡± ¡°What is illegal and what is legal?¡± ¡°The illegal thing¡­ make Volot suffer the same way.¡± Enoch grinned. ¡°The law won¡¯t find out?¡± Abella, who was worried for a while, conceded. Enoch was right. It was legal as long as they didn¡¯t get caught, right? Volot would only become conscious after receiving the same treatment. ¡°I¡¯m going to go outside this evening. Enoch, how about you?¡± ¡°Abella¡¯s business is in place, so I want to go over there. It seems that the wood mainly used in Vincent doesn¡¯t seem to fit Timur. There is a company that wants to supply timber to Timur¡¯s furniture store through the Abella business, but I think there is a problem.¡± ¡°I think Timur has a lot of fog. Rather than changing the wood, it would be better to change the application agent that coats the wood. It¡¯s a bit toxic, but¡­ it¡¯s okay if you refine it well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good suggestion. I¡¯ll get that sorted and then go to the Abella business.¡± ¡°Good. And in Timur, we need to expand our territory a little.¡± Abella¡¯s eyes sparkled. Whenever she did what she loved, Abella always shone. Enoch stared at Abella as if possessed. ¡°Would you like to expand your territory?¡± ¡°I want to do a direct deal.¡± ¡°Hmm? Until now, you¡¯ve only been dealing with companies.¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­ How about receiving goods from other top companies and businesses and selling them in Timur?¡± It was an idea from the banquet, thanks to the case of Lady Nivea. For some reason, Timur¡¯s social circle was out of fashion, almost like it was closed. Despite being in the capital, Timur¡¯s conservative nobles were skeptical of accepting the new, while some of the most inland terrains found it hard to access imported goods. However, that was not what Abella saw in the eyes of the ladies. The jewelry decoration that the lady pointed out was a ring. A ring with diamonds around a large peridot. It was a very long time ago where rings were made by processing large gems. However, it has recently changed. Instead of only using large gems, diamonds would wrap around a central jewel. This method was new. They accused Abella of falling behind Timur¡¯s fashion, but their eyes on the ring were full of greed. They definitely liked it. Abella started her new thoughts there. ¡°Really? As before, it would be nice to distribute the goods to other stores.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good, but¡­ Enoch. Timur¡¯s conservative, right? Timur¡¯s shops will not accept groundbreaking new products. But, as boring as it is conservative, everyone is spinning the same wheel. Maybe there is a desire for something new in their hearts?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ There was a story that it was difficult to deliver items to Timur¡¯s store.¡± ¡°Also, we still only deal with handicrafts. They think the classic is the most beautiful.¡± ¡°Are you going to show that there¡¯s no need for that?¡± ¡°We can also cut the prices.¡± Enoch nodded. Abella¡¯s offer wasn¡¯t bad. Abella¡¯s idea was to sell directly if the distribution was too challenging. Until now, Abella¡¯s operation had served as an intermediary that connected top companies, businesses in other countries, and businesses in the country. It was not too bad to expand that area. Just as Timur needed a new wind, Abella needed a new wind. ¡°Good. So where shall we start?¡± At Enoch¡¯s question, Abella¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be best to do business with the nobles? Let¡¯s bring in dresses, jewelry, and shoes.¡± ¡°Good. These are the easiest items to sell.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s sort it by the vendor. Obviously, there will be people who prefer certain brands.¡± ¡°I think we have to start right away. I¡¯m going to choose a good position and hire people.¡± ¡°Ah. The location of the store is somewhere I¡¯ve seen, so let¡¯s go there.¡± She would have to see Count Gilmus roll over the floor with a stomach ache. Chapter 59 She felt it was inevitable that the meeting with Yuri was going to be postponed for later today. Abella smiled lightly. Talking with Enoch like this made her comfortable. Perhaps it was because they communicated well and had similar interests. Besides, it may be because they never quarreled since they met in Vincent. ¡°Thank you again today, Abella.¡± Enoch said, taking his coat. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re about to start something new all of a sudden.¡± Vincent was a city of opportunity and a city of meetings. ¡°Oh. When I first met you in Vincent, I didn¡¯t really want to think about it. You are a real hillbilly.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± Abella and Enoch burst into laughter at the same time. * It was late in the afternoon. Now, Abella, who was about to finish her job and go out to meet Yuri, saw the Mistress come to her. ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Mrs. Amerigo wandered around the door. Abella suggested the sofa, but she was turned down. It was a strong expression that she did not want to stay in the same space with Abella for long. Abella¡¯s eyes were silent. Abella was weak to the weak and strong to the strong. Mrs. Amerigo had always been weak, so Abella would also have to become small. Abella, who infinitely became smaller, held her hands together. ¡°Tell me, mother.¡± ¡°¡­ It will be Gilmus¡¯s birthday soon. The Count Gilmus family made a formal request, and they said they wanted to rent Amerigo¡¯s hall.¡± ¡°¡­ Of course, they would have requested to rent it free of charge. Mother was right. Are you going to take care of it?¡± Abella¡¯s question was like water flowing into a calm lake. Her mother was always generous. The only thing that Mrs. Amerigo was not generous with was Abella. Mrs. Amerigo was weak only to the strong. Although, the only one who could protect Mrs. Amerigo was now Abella. For Mrs. Amerigo, Abella would forever be weak. This time, Abella resigned again. *** This resignation that repeated every day gnawed at Abella. Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s gaze quietly turned towards Abella. Abella could already guess her response. ¡°I can¡¯t help it, can I? It¡¯s your father¡¯s blood.¡± Such an evasive answer. Even though she could escape with her own power, she didn¡¯t intend to do so and instead adapted to it. Then she blamed it on the other person. Abella seemed to understand it now. The fact that Mrs. Amerigo claimed herself to be unlucky. Mrs. Amerigo believed that all of her misfortunes originated from the death of the predecessor, the Duke. But that wasn¡¯t the case. Even when Abella¡¯s father died, her mother was still living in misery. ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t like it.¡± ¡°Abella.¡± At once, Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s face turned frightened. ¡°¡­ Do you really intend to crush the people of Amerigo? That¡¯s not right. After abandoning the family, I will be¡­¡± ¡°They are not family, mother.¡± ¡°Abella!¡± ¡°They are like parasites that eat Amerigo. What are you so afraid of?¡± ¡°You, you don¡¯t know¡­ you don¡¯t know how far they can go!¡± Mrs. Amerigo screamed as she trembled. Abella frowned at her. How far they could go¡­ Then. ¡°My mother doesn¡¯t even know. How far can I go?¡± Abella stretched her lips. ¡°Did it seem easy for me to spend my seven years in Vincent? I survived as a businesswoman. The businesswoman that mother despises so much. I made money. I survived from the bottom and returned.¡± ¡®Why can¡¯t you understand that, mother?¡¯ Abella sadly frowned. Mrs. Amerigo had to acknowledge who was the true powerhouse of this mansion. She had to know who was preparing to swing with the hilt of the sword. Otherwise, at this rate, Abella would be led by Mrs. Amerigo to listen to the ridiculous demands as if they made sense. Declined. She hated her own stupidity, but she hated Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s behavior. ¡°How far do you think I can go?¡± ¡°Abella!!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll show you, mother. How far I can go to protect Amerigo.¡± She would throw Volot into the abyss and destroy Gilmus. Other than that, if anyone touched Abella, she would not remain still. ¡°You said I am the devil. You also said that I am an unparalleled villainess in the world.¡± Mrs. Amerigo stepped back. Had it not been for Count Gilmus¡¯s pressure, she wouldn¡¯t have had a reason to stand here. Mrs. Amerigo swallowed her saliva. ¡°So let me do it. Like a devil, or like the villainess.¡± Abella slowly passed by Mrs. Amerigo. The side profile of Abella, who was wearing a hat, was as stiff as marble. The muscles around Mrs. Amerigo¡¯s mouth hardened. * Chapter 60 Since coming to Timur, there has never been a day when she was comfortable in her heart. What was the secret that Abella didn¡¯t know about and caused people to reject or worry about her? ¡°Sigh¡­¡± Abella touched her head. Additionally, Gilmus and the Duke of Sirius met. What kind of contact did they have? Gilmus was a man of malice to Abella. He wanted to take Amerigo from Abella and reclaim his shop back. Otherwise, Count Gilmus would be ruined. It was unlikely that Count Gilmus had moved for no reason in this urgent situation. She should also find out about the relationship between the two. Besides, she knew that Yuri went to meet the wizard this time¡­ ¡®What did you find out?¡¯ Abella was overwhelmed with worries. ¡°We have arrived, my lady.¡± Abella took a deep breath and got out of the carriage. Abella paid the coachman an extra and gave him a command. ¡°Can you find out the movements of Count Gilmus? In secret.¡± ¡°Yes, lady.¡± The coachman was one of those loyal to the Duke of Amerigo. In fact, the earliest rumors in Timur were from the employees. The number of rumors passed from their mouths to other mouths was enormous. So whenever they needed to look at something, they would employ these coachmen. Besides, the coachmen had few behavioral restrictions. They gathered in groups waiting for the owner to come in the carriage and shared leaf tobaccos. It meant that they would also gather around Amerigo¡¯s coachman to obtain and smoke leaf tobacco. When people gathered, stories would emerge. Additionally, high-ranking aristocrats frequently visited Yuri¡¯s restaurant. Even at a glance, Abella could see several carriages with the emblem of a famous family. Among them¡­ ¡°Cade?¡± Abella frowned. It was because the imperial carriage was also mixed in between. Only Cade was able to ride the imperial carriage currently. He had no brothers or sisters, and because he was the only child born for a while, the blood had become precious in the imperial family. The curse of Skellus also affected them. Six generations ago, an imperial child was born on Skellus Day. Fortunately, the child was the second child, and at the time the Emperor killed the newborn child. Since then, the seeds of the royal family have dried up, and Cade was the only child the Emperor saw from the Empress. So it must be Cade who got in the wagon. ¡®Why is Cade here¡­?¡¯ Whoever he was meeting, it was a suspicious move, so it deserved Abella¡¯s attention. Abella gave a long sigh. ¡°You won¡¯t believe me, but I¡¯ve never lied to you.¡± He had never told a lie. Assuming that all of Cade¡¯s words were true, there were a few things Abella could guess. ¡°Watch out for Arsene.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t trust him.¡± Arsene¡­ Did Duke of Sirius, Arsene, have anything to do with the things of the past? Abella swallowed her dry saliva. It was something she didn¡¯t want to even speculate about. Arsene had always been on Abella¡¯s side. He was the only one who held Abella¡¯s hand when no one was holding her, and he was the one who shared friendly warmth. That was why Abella chose Arsene as her fianc¨¦. Abella exhaled greatly. Hopefully, the truth waiting for Abella was enough for her to bear. Abella tried to turn her gaze and opened the door. ¡°Lady Abella¡­!¡± The waiter, who was waiting for her, quickly went after her and bowed his head. ¡°I have a room ready.¡± ¡°Please guide me there.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Abella looked through the closed doors with her eyes. Cade must be somewhere here. Abella¡¯s room, reserved by Yuri, was situated in the deepest area of the building, so along the way, Abella was able to look through all of the rooms. ¡®Cade, Cade¡­¡¯ It seemed that she could hear Cade¡¯s voice because she kept repeating the name. ¡°¡­Hey. That¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t Abella¡¯s illusion. Abella and Cade¡¯s eyes met. Cade frowned through the small open door. Then he smiled. ¡®Who are you seeing?¡¯ It looked like he didn¡¯t want to be noticed. Cade was honest and straightforward in words. He would keep his mouth shut about things he didn¡¯t want to say. That¡¯s why she thought he was an easy-to-read character¡­ Chapter 61 Cade greeted Abella with a glance, then reached out his arm and closed the door. She didn¡¯t see who he was meeting. ¡®If you want to hide it that much, I will be even more curious.¡¯ Abella swept her head. ¡°This is the place.¡± The waiter opened the door wide. Yuri had not yet come. Instead, warm teapots and teacups filled the empty room. ¡°The chef mentioned that this was before the meal, so we didn¡¯t need to prepare any desserts. If you have anything you need¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Yuri. Please call the chef.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± The waiter left, and Abella sat down. Her tea, moderately brewed enough to her liking, filled her mouth. Abella closed her eyes and felt the calm settle her complicated head. Yuri¡¯s strength was that she understood other people¡¯s needs well. And soon after, the door opened. ¡°Ah. The food preparations are a bit slow. I have instructed the assistant chef to cook it himself, so it will take time.¡± ¡°Yes, chef.¡± Yuri, who beckoned the waiter, opened the door and entered. ¡°Ah, Abella.¡± ¡°Yuri.¡± ¡°I came in a hurry because you arrived. I thought you had something to talk about, so I asked for a meal to be prepared.¡± Abella nodded her head as if she had done well. Yuri filled her empty cup and smiled lightly. ¡°Do you have anything to ask?¡± ¡°¡­for now, how was your visit to the wizard?¡± ¡°I heard something, but I still have more to find out. It¡¯s better to be certain than to be uncertain. Please give me a little more time.¡± Abella felt a slight sense of relief and disappointment. She smiled in vain. It was a relief. Was that what Abella felt? She didn¡¯t know why her feelings were so contradictory. Abella answered slowly. ¡°Good. Please do that.¡± ¡°And what do you want to ask?¡± Gilmus and Sirius. And Cade. Abella pulled out the things that bothered her. ¡°There seems to be some form of relationship between Gilmus and Sirius. Do you know anything?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Yuri shook her head. The faint pause between her answers bothered her, but she decided to believe Yuri¡¯s words. Even Enoch, who was frequently suspicious of others, believed in Yuri. Yuri wouldn¡¯t hide what Abella needed to know. *** ¡°Then find out what¡¯s going on between Sirius and Gilmus. The Duke and Count Gilmus met separately at Simon¡¯s birthday banquet.¡± ¡°Do you know why they met?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t hear the story, even though there weren¡¯t just one or two maids that I placed in the banquet hall. They must have been extremely cautious.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll find out.¡± ¡°Okay. And.¡± ¡°And?¡± Abella spoke slowly. ¡°Do you know who the Emperor is meeting now?¡± ¡°Now?¡± Yuri tilted her head with her eyes open. It was the easiest question Abella asked today. ¡°Hmm. Duke Sirius, Arsene Sirius. He¡¯s meeting that person.¡± Arsene and Cade. Abella roughly laid the cup down. After their relationship broke off, the two had never communicated with each other. But now they sat face to face. ¡®Did this change occur because I returned?¡¯ Abella rubbed her eyebrows like a habit. ¡°You don¡¯t know what kind of conversation the two are talking about, right?¡± ¡°If I know, will our restaurant be closed?¡± Abella laughed lightly at Yuri¡¯s mischievous words. Yes. * Enoch went to Abella¡¯s business and heard pleasant news. The new identification he requested arrived from the Clemington Kingdom. Not Enoch Clemington, but the ubiquitous Jackson Clight was the new name. ¡°What are you going to use this for?¡± Serene asked as she handed Enoch his new identification. Serene was a secretary to Enoch¡¯s personal affairs, but now she was assisting the Timur branch in Abella¡¯s business. Of course, her real affiliation was the Clemington royal family, and she just took care of Enoch by being his secretary. Serene looked around and closed the door of the office. ¡°Prince, the royal family keeps asking you to come back to the country¡­ How long will you be here?¡± ¡°Well.¡± ¡°Ah, priiinncceee! I have no more excuses! I gave them the reasons for a cold, pneumonia, a friend¡¯s wedding, a funeral for a friend¡¯s parents, and even the excuses of being busy. If I continue to do this, the queen will punish me badly!¡± Serene stamped her feet. Since he met Abella in Vincent, he had never returned to Clemington, so he deserved to go back to the royal family. However, Enoch looked at his new identification card and smiled. Chapter 62 Serene pounded her chest as if her insides were bursting and shook Enoch¡¯s arm. ¡°Ah! Prince!¡± ¡°¡­ Once Abella returns to Vincent. If she says so, I¡¯ll think about it.¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s about Abella again?¡± Well, what else could be the reason? The fact that Enoch stayed in Vincent and came to Timur. It was all because of Abella. He couldn¡¯t even confess to Abella, who seemed to have little room to spare because she had so much in her heart. Because he knew that once she turned around, she¡¯d never look back. All Enoch could do was only chase after Abella so he wouldn¡¯t miss her. He could breathe just by being in her shadow. Abella meant that much to Enoch. He always wanted to be with her. She was someone who he wanted to stay beside. She was someone he couldn¡¯t miss. ¡°That¡¯s an obsession, Prince! Rather, confess! You can take her with you as a princess, okay?¡± Serene sniffed and begged Enoch. If it went on like this, the Clemington royal family might send knights here directly. To take away Enoch. Then that would be the end for Serene. Even so, he was so stubborn and seemed to like Abella¡­ But Serene couldn¡¯t understand why he wouldn¡¯t say anything and just watched. Enoch poked Serene¡¯s forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy.¡± ¡°The courageous ones get the beauty. Prince, courage¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯s not a beauty obtainable with such courage. Serene, thank you for this.¡± As Enoch shook his new identification, he smiled. Serene pouted her lips and moved away from Enoch. Once again, she didn¡¯t know what excuse to give about the prince if they really sent someone from the Clemington royal family. ¡°Oh, and Serene, we¡¯re planning to expand the scope of the Abella business and sell directly. Is that possible?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not difficult since there are some businesses on the market already doing business. Anyway, brokerage trade is difficult in Timur. No store accepts outside goods well¡­ Amazingly, the capital is such a closed environment.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a conservative group. But it won¡¯t be too difficult, right? Abella is going to sign a contract with a new store. Serene, you can research the market trends and find out which items are most in demand and even the prices.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not a difficult task, but I find the prince most difficult.¡± Serene, who couldn¡¯t get rid of her regrets, said one more time. Enoch glanced at Serene and raised himself. ¡°But why do you need a new identification?¡± ¡°I have bonds to buy.¡± ¡°Is it about Amerigo? Can I help you?¡± ¡°It has to be someone who has nothing to do with the Abella business or Amerigo. It must be someone you can trust and a civilian who doesn¡¯t care if their face is revealed¡­ Is there anyone who can do that?¡± Serene rolled her eyes. Although she had many regrets, Serene¡¯s advantage was that she was also quick to adapt to new situations. At Enoch¡¯s question, Serene tapped her finger on her lips. She looked deep in thought. Serene tilted her head and opened her eyes wide. ¡°I do! Someone who deserves it!¡± ¡°So soon? There will be a lot of money coming and going. You have to be careful.¡± ¡°I think external funding is the best fit for such a job.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ll use the Clemington people. Someone will come to see the Prince from Clemington.¡± Enoch raised his eyes. Serene hesitated before continuing. ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to hurry and return before they came to find you¡­¡± ¡°Who is coming?¡± ¡°The chancellor disguised as a merchant.¡± ¡°Why would such a busy man come all the way here?¡± Enoch stuck his tongue out. ¡°It¡¯s all because of the prince. They say he will be flying on a magic airship, so leave your time free for three days time.¡± ¡°Three days? Why are you telling me this now?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¨CI just got notified too!¡± He came to take off a lump, but he returned with a new lump attached instead. Besides, it was the chancellor. He was a teacher who directly taught Enoch. No matter how distant the relationship was, Prince Enoch couldn¡¯t treat him recklessly. Enoch exhaled a long sigh and nodded. He was overwhelmed with Abella alone, and he seemed to have a headache about the fact that an overwhelming entity was coming. Besides, what excuse could he give to get away from Abella? ¡°Anyway¡­ okay. Serene, you did a good job.¡± Enoch put down the new identification he had in his hand. There weren¡¯t just one or two things to do at the Abella business, but he was tired already. * Chapter 63 Abella barely got out of the restaurant. It was because Yuri threatened that she could not leave until she finished her meal. She was much thinner than before. Abella fiddled with her own wrist. ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem that skinny¡­¡¯ Was it because she couldn¡¯t see it? Abella didn¡¯t see the shadow looming in front of her. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Oops.¡± Abella raised her head to the familiar voice. ¡°Cade?¡± Cade rubbed out the cigar in his hand and placed it into the trash can. He then lightly shook his body, brushed off the cigarette smoke around him, and walked up to Abella. Since he called her name, Abella couldn¡¯t leave freely and just looked up at Cade calmly. Cade¡¯s sharp nose and his red eyes caught Abella¡¯s gaze. Cade attracted people¡¯s attention in a different sense from Arsene. That was why the Timur socialites saw him as a man who people wanted to marry. But among the two, Arsene was also very popular. Cade was not short on anything but one. Personality. He smiled irkly with his handsome face, befitting that fame. Cade asked Abella. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to meet you like this. Do you come here often?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I come often.¡± Abella came to her senses and replied. She didn¡¯t know who would see them since they were outside, so she couldn¡¯t treat him casually. Besides, Cade kept confusing her. He made incomprehensible moves and said strange things. Last time, he said words that threatened to break down the things that Abella had once believed. Cade looked at Abella with a strange look. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°¡­ I heard that the owner of the restaurant is the owner of this building. I came because I wanted to form a contract for the store below.¡± Cade narrowed his eyes. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°¡­What are you thinking?¡± ¡°How stupid do you think I am?¡± ¡°What?¡± Cade snorted and shook his head. ¡®Why the hell are you talking so dubiously?¡¯ Abella silently wondered. ¡°¡­ I have thought that the greatest charm of the emperor is that he has no secrets and his frankness. However, it seems that the charm is being halved these days.¡± Cade burst into brief laughter. ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± ¡°It¡¯s funny to hear that you felt attracted to me.¡± Skeptically, Cade shook his head. Abella, astonished at his reaction today, faltered back. In fact, it was Cade¡¯s expression that surprised her. Of course, it was scary because a man with a sharp expression usually revealed his teeth like an animal. ¡°¡­uh. No. I shouldn¡¯t be like this to you.¡± Cade reached out his hand to Abella. A softened look caught Abella¡¯s eyes. A little while ago, a man who was angry at something was now looking at Abella with a normal face. *** Abella stared at Cade¡¯s hand. She was trying to grasp his intentions. However, Cade, who seemed to be impatient, quickly revealed his teeth causing Abella to freeze. ¡°Today, I came to meet Arsene Sirius. I had a story to tell him. Aren¡¯t you curious about what it is? It could be a story related to you.¡± What the hell was that¡­. ¡°What kind of conversation did you have?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Because you look upset. You seem quite angry¡­ What kind of conversation did you have?¡± Abella raised her hesitant hand. Although he was not always very nice, Cade wouldn¡¯t bite if the person didn¡¯t touch him. She wondered what on earth caused Cade¡¯s mood. Abella took the beast¡¯s hand without fear. ¡°¡­A little¡­ we had an interesting conversation.¡± Arsene and Cade had a clear difference in disposition. She was curious about the conversation that the two people would have as they secretly met. But she didn¡¯t think Cade would tell her easily. Abella went down the stairs, holding Cade¡¯s hand. ¡°Can I ask what kind of conversation it was?¡± ¡°Would that work? If that were the case, I would have opened the door earlier to let you in.¡± He was also proud to keep it a secret. ¡°¡­Then let¡¯s talk about something else. Why were you standing here?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you. To take you away.¡± ¡°I have a carriage too.¡± Cade frowned. ¡°Ah. Then I guess I wanted to see you one more time.¡± It was embarrassing, honestly. Cade nodded his head, convinced of his own words, and led Abella. In this case, it was Cade¡¯s side that should be ashamed. However, Abella felt ashamed, and she didn¡¯t know why. Abella laughed ridiculously. Chapter 64 Cade opened the carriage door and stopped as if it didn¡¯t matter. ¡°Ah.¡± Cade turned his head, frowning at her. ¡°I think I just smoked. Oh, I made a mistake.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Abella blinked her eyes. She couldn¡¯t figure out why he was saying he had made a mistake. Abella already knew that Cade was a smoker, and he only didn¡¯t have to smoke in front of her. She had seen Cade a few times when she was a kid, and he secretly smoked his cigars, so what was wrong with it? ¡°You hate it, the smell.¡± Cade sniffed his own hand for the smell. Then he turned his head towards Abella and pushed his body forward. ¡°Does the smell come from me?¡± A refreshing mint scent mixed with the heavy cigar scent came from Cade. It didn¡¯t suit him. Rather than being disgusted, she felt that it was naturally harmonized and made her mind comfortable. Abella shook her head slowly. ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯m glad.¡± As Cade looked at her with a strange expression, he stepped back and brushed his body. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful next time.¡± Next time? Abella couldn¡¯t get her tongue around how to naturally confirm when the next time would be. She got into the carriage through the door that Cade opened. There was a cool scent inside the carriage as if it wasn¡¯t from a heavy smoker. Abella sat across from Cade. ¡°Thank you for being so gentle today.¡± Cade lightly spoke to her and got into the carriage. ¡°Today?¡± ¡°You have never been so gentle to me¡­ Oh.¡± Cade shook his head. ¡°Nothing.¡± Then he turned his head away. Did this happen the other day? Abella frowned. Cade spoke as if it had happened several times. And that each time, Abella had refused. She had never been in this situation since she returned to Timur, so it must have been before she left. Abella originally had a bad relationship with Cade. And never had Cade ever invited Abella to ride in his carriage like this. Abella had Arsene, and he was supposed to be with her fianc¨¦. What the hell did it mean? ¡®Am I overinterpreting it?¡¯ Nevertheless, considering that Cade was a straightforward person, he would not have said anything that didn¡¯t occur. Abella let out a long sigh. Nothing was going smoothly. ¡°¡­Your Majesty. If you come out and enjoy a secret meeting like this, it would create a story¡­¡± ¡°Wait. Enjoying secret meetings. That¡¯s really unpleasant.¡± Cade¡¯s red eyes became distorted and sank. It was as if he was really offended and was going crazy. ¡°Pfft.¡± As Abella knew, there was still a bad relationship between Cade and Arsene. Enough for him to become agitated over this. At least she felt relieved by the familiar situation. ¡°Anyway. I don¡¯t know about the story you two shared, but if it¡¯s something I need to know at any time, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to do it in advance?¡± She was going to look at this straightforward beast gently. However, it didn¡¯t work at all for Cade. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to ever know about it.¡± Again, he was honest. ¡°So, I¡¯m trying to do my best to stop you from trying to find out.¡± Cade roughly swept over his messy hair and arranged it. They were approaching closer to Amerigo from the outside. ¡°¡­I hope you don¡¯t go to the restaurant often.¡± He obviously knew something. And it was, in a different way, a warning to Abella not to dig into past events anymore. Cade exhaled a long sigh and turned the conversation around. ¡°Did you say you took a new contract? Are you doing something for the Abella business?¡± ¡°I plan to open a store. I¡¯m thinking of selling things produced by other merchants and companies.¡± ¡°¡­Not bad. Timur is stagnant, so it would be nice to have a new breeze.¡± ¡°It¡¯s stagnant¡­ What do you think will be the best selling item in Timur?¡± No one knew the capital as well as the emperor. Little by little, Cade pointed with his thumb outside, where it started to foggy. ¡°Look, Abella. There are no poor people in this splendid capital. All prices are so expensive that they can¡¯t even put their feet on it.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Thanks to that, diplomatic envoys who visited the capital know that the Anstis Empire lives well. Just one step out of the capital will tell you that it¡¯s just an illusion.¡± ¡°¡­.illusion.¡± ¡°Sell expensive things. That would be nice in the shortest run. Nobles can¡¯t afford to miss out on the precious and rare.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Chapter 65 It was as Cade said. The poor did not live in the capital Timur. Those who worked for aristocratic families also lived in cities located outside the former capital. Timur¡¯s prices and house prices were huge. It was also because the nobles living in the capital largely rejected other classes. ¡®Short-term profit.¡¯ Abella asked, ¡°Then what should we do if we want to see long-term profits?¡± ¡°You should correct this deformed city. Don¡¯t you think?¡± Cade laughed. His expression looking out was cool. ¡°Buried in the fog, people live in isolation from their own prejudices. Is Charope all right like this? In fact, the place that earns the most money is a free city like Vincent. These are progressive cities. If we go on like this, Timur will be the oldest.¡± ¡°Are you thinking about something else?¡± Cade flashed his eyes. ¡°I have to mend this city. I¡¯m the emperor, and it¡¯s what I¡¯m most worried about. It¡¯s not easy¡­. Especially for people like you. I want to make it possible so that those born on the day of Skellus can become the empress or if they are born into the royal palace, they will not need to die.¡± Cade, who spoke his mind, smiled softly at Abella. The atmosphere around Cade, who had his elbows on his knees, was more relaxed. ¡®Was he a person like this?¡¯ Cade, whom Abella knew, was a man who was faithful to his own desires and instincts. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person to understand how to consider something carefully. Was the time of seven years that long? ¡°¡­So what can I bring and sell in the long run?¡± ¡°It would be nice to sell ready-made products. It¡¯s something that people of different classes can also buy.¡± ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m grateful.¡± Cade shook his head. ¡°We have arrived.¡± He shut his mouth for a moment. It was to reflect on the conversation he had with Abella. Fortunately, there seemed to be no such mistake. Abella had not figured out anything. ¡°Then see you next time.¡± ¡°¡­The time I spend with you is always short.¡± Cade recited before he opened the door himself and got out. It was a familiar motion that seemed like he often escorted her in the past. Abella thought that Cade sometimes showed a side of him that she could not understand. It had been more so these days. It wasn¡¯t a long conversation with Cade, but she felt like she had received dozens of riddles. ¡°See you next time.¡± ¡°I hope the next time is sooner.¡± Besides, like that¡­ Abella shook her head. She felt like she was getting used to it now. * ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Cade, who had been watching Abella move away for a long time, started the carriage. He pretended to be calm, but in fact, his head was bursting, and anger filled him. Cade abandoned Abella. She would never reach out her hand first until he gave her his hand. If it was for Abella, he did not hesitate. He was thinking of being satisfied just by seeing her sometimes like this. He hated when Abella retrieved the memories of her past. God gave only enough trials for humans to bear. If so, hadn¡¯t Abella already gone through all her own trials? Cade sighed. By the way. Arsene was different. Arsene had long thought that he was a different seed from Cade. Arsene¡­ ¡®If it¡¯s something you need to know, even Abella should know it. You have to let her decide.¡¯ He talked proudly like that. What Abella should know. Cade¡¯s mood was muddy. It was as if he was a good man and Cade was evil. ¡®Even if it¡¯s for Abella? She¡¯ll definitely do something if she knows about the past. It would be more serious than you think.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s Abella¡¯s responsibility to carry. And since I¡¯ll be with her, you don¡¯t have to worry too much.¡¯ He was still arrogant and hopeful. Even though he clearly warned him. Not knowing was also a sin. Cade rubbed his mouth with his palm. Obviously, there was a lot of work to be done today, but whenever Abella was concerned, his head became paralyzed. *** ¡°What should I do¡­.¡± What more could he do to protect her? Cade erased it from Abella countless times. He was going to erase it again and again. It was the only way to protect Abella with unskilled magic. Even though he was always pushed to the back. Chapter 66 ¡®Cade, I¡¯m going to marry you.¡¯ Cade chewed on his lips. ¡®Cade, I like you the best in the world. I¡¯m serious!¡¯ His head seemed to burst. No, maybe it was the heart that was likely to burst. The heart, which had already been torn to pieces and scattered on the floor, must be broken beyond recognition. Cade buried his face in his palm and gave a sad sigh. Enduring hardships? ¡®I don¡¯t think I can do it anymore.¡¯ Where the hell was his god? * Simon poked out his head. When he heard that Abella had returned to the mansion, Simon walked into the office. He nudged through the small gap of the opened door. Inside, Enoch and Abella were engrossed in a conversation, and they were unaware that Simon had entered. ¡®Ah, it¡¯s hard.¡¯ Simon laid flat on the floor and crawled. For Simon, who was still young, it was hard to walk on both legs for long periods. ¡°You mean you¡¯re taking three days off?¡± ¡°It¡¯ll be at the Abella business, though. I need time alone ¡­¡­¡± ¡°Rest.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask why I¡¯m resting?¡± He heard Enoch¡¯s trembling voice. ¡°You should have time to rest too. You haven¡¯t been able to rest since we came to Timur.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to ask what I¡¯m doing?¡± ¡°Should I need to know? Spend your time freely, Enoch. It must have become a routine to report to me since you¡¯ve been with me so much. There¡¯s no need to report why you¡¯re taking a break. I¡¯m not such a bad boss.¡± Abella¡¯s voice was filled with laughter. ¡®Auntie!¡¯ Simon moved his whole body eagerly. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go. There was a sound of desperation. The office was quite spacious, so he even ran where he needed to. And finally. He circled Abella¡¯s desk. Simon pulled Abella¡¯s sleeves. ¡°Auntie!¡± He finally succeeded! ¡°What? Simon? Simon!¡± Startled, Abella glanced at him. She saw Simon hanging from her sleeve. She squeezed the chubby cheeks, her eyes sparkling. ¡°How did you come here?¡± ¡°Auntie! Auntiiieee! I came to see you!¡± Simon, who responded earnestly with his clumsy tongue, stretched his arms towards Abella. Naturally, the conversation between Abella and Enoch was cut off. Enoch laughed awkwardly, breaking his lollipop and sticking it in his mouth. His eyes looking at Simon was subtle. Abella hid Simon from Enoch¡¯s gaze. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°No. I always thought the kid had good timing.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°No. Anyway, I¡¯ll be back in three days. Will you be fine alone?¡± ¡°Am I a child? Why do you ask?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m nervous about leaving you alone.¡± Enoch slowly tidied up his book. Now that he thought about it, it should be almost dinner time. He hated it when Abella skipped her meals. ¡°¡­¡­Do you want to date? Why are you so¡­¡­¡± Enoch sighed for no reason. Do you want to date? That was what she was talking about now. Abella¡¯s iron wall was the most powerful in the world. It could not be said straightforwardly, and Enoch knew how determined Abella was when she defeated people. Unless they were bound by blood or any form of ties, Enoch would fall from Abella if the branches were broken. ¡®That¡¯s not possible.¡¯ How had he endured it so far? But in return for forsaking Clemington because he wanted to stay by Abella¡¯s side, he now had to face the terrifying Chancellor. Enoch shook his head and said. ¡°Me? Work alone is busy enough. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Enoch swallowed hot saliva. ¡°I mean it.¡± It would be better to get out of here quickly. Enoch quickly ran out of the office. ¡°¡­He¡¯s weird these days.¡± Abella mumbled and hugged Simon. ¡°Auntie! Auntie eat! Let¡¯s eat together.¡± Simon laughed and rubbed his head into Abella¡¯s arms. Abella tapped his chubby lips. Then she raised her body as if she couldn¡¯t help it. She couldn¡¯t keep track of Simon¡¯s change. The weight seemed to change from day to day, indicating how well he ate and how much he was growing. Abella rubbed her lips against Simon¡¯s white cheeks. He smelled like a baby. ¡°But where is grandmother, and why are you here alone?¡± ¡°Yeah¡­ Simon is here alone! Grandma¡­ Di¨Cdining room!¡± She knew what he wanted to say. She kept seeing Carlo from Simon, who was trying to explain in a daze. It evoked tender and loving feelings. It was important to find out the truth of the past, but it was also the driving force for Abella to take Amerigo to the next level. Chapter 67 Abella wanted to pass on the perfect Amerigo to Simon, who was like Carlo¡¯s alter ego. As she walked with Simon in her arms, the thoughts about her past were wiped out and new thoughts poured into her. The amount invested in Arsene will come back in a little while. In the meantime, it would be enough to fill the hole caused by Amerigo¡¯s relatives. If so, what should she do with the remaining money? She must find something that would become Amerigo¡¯s business, not the Abella business. Abella breathed in Simon¡¯s baby scent that calmed her complicated mind. It smelled warm. Abella smiled unconsciously. Oh, there was something else she had to do besides business. The cockroaches that still ate Amerigo were still there. What was the conversation between Gilmus and the Duke of Sirius? ¡®No way, is he lending him money?¡¯ Gilmus has already lost the backing of Amerigo, so he wouldn¡¯t have any credit. ¡®Back to square one.¡¯ The events that were tailing her were burning in her head. Simon tugged Abella, who had been agonizing over it. ¡°Ouch!¡± ¡°Auntie, Simony baaa!¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Simon is aunt¡¯s an¨Cangel! Simon protects aunt!¡± What did a child know to keep protecting her? Abella burst into laughter thanks to Simon, who inherited Carlo¡¯s warm heart. At least the child seemed to give her breathing space. * Duke of Sirius. The predecessor Duke and Duchess gave the Duke title to Arsene and were leading peaceful days. They even took a step back from the crowded and noisy social world and acquired a separate mansion on the outskirts to spend the rest of their quiet life. Nevertheless, their influence in society was enormous. The only duke in the Anstice Empire. Besides, the only one to match Amerigo was Sirius. Thanks to this, Arsene¡¯s position in the social world was also rising vertically. The noble ladies were aiming for Arsene, even though they knew that Arsene was already engaged to Abella. The spirit of politics from the politicians could be broken as needed. For some reason, the Grand Madam Sirius stood by. And one day, not long after attending Simon¡¯s birthday banquet, the grand madam came to Arsene. ¡°Mother! I would have gone to you if you had called me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite a distance. It may seem close, but it¡¯s quite a long way to travel. My son, it seems like your face doesn¡¯t look too good. How are you?¡± ¡°Yes. As you requested, I ate well and slept well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful.¡± Grand Madam Sirius laughed brightly. Although the proposal Gilmus laid out to her was not bright at all. ¡®Please break Abella¡¯s engagement with the Duke of Arsene.¡¯ ¡®What do you mean, Count Gilmus? Although it is said to be a political marriage between the nobles, the promise is sacred. Besides, there is no reason for Sirius to disqualify Lady Abella.¡¯ ¡®But, doesn¡¯t Grand Madam owe me something? So this time¡­¡¯ ¡®You. How long do you think that weakness will remain a weakness?¡¯ ¡®Grand Madam Sirius!¡¯ ¡®I can reveal the secret with my own hands. Once revealed, it is no longer a weakness. Until now, I have been dancing to your tune¡­¡­¡¯ ¡®Is it because of the Duke? And this time again, you will be moving for the Duke.¡¯ As if a snake was crawling all over her body, Grand Madam Sirius trembled with disgust. The reason she had come alone, without her husband, was because she had to tell Arsene an important story. Arsene liked Abella a lot. That was the fact that the Grand Madam who gave birth to Arsene knew better than anyone else. It wouldn¡¯t be easy for her to persuade him to let go of Abella. She must understand Arsene¡¯s mind and dig into a place of weakness in order to persuade the child. Having finished her thoughts, Grand Madam Sirius swallowed her sigh. It was not that she didn¡¯t know what Count Gilmus was aiming for. The firstborn of the Count Gilmus family had been thrown into the marriage market these days. It must be a plan to marry Abella and his firstborn. It was the old customs of the aristocrats. And Grand Madam Sirius no longer wanted Arsene to get involved in such a thing. Arsene needed to get away from Abella and live his life. Grand Madam Sirius spoke gently. ¡°Son, if you have time, how about having lunch and chatting with me?¡± Arsene tilted his head at the more gentle voice but nodded. ¡°Yes, mother.¡± Their peace didn¡¯t last for long. * Chapter 68 Arsene couldn¡¯t hide his dark face after the conversation with Grand Madam Sirius. His face was dark as he could not sleep well yesterday. Even though he was on his way to meet Abella, he was not excited at all. The foolish heart used to flutter every time. ¡®Please break up with Lady Abella.¡¯ The words his mother said yesterday rang in his ears. Break up with Abella. ¡°Why¡­¡­.¡± Grand Madam Sirius did not tell him the proper story. She only repeated that it would be better to do so. She also added that it was dangerous. She didn¡¯t want Arsene to be hurt by Abella. But, on the contrary¡­ ¡°Abella will get hurt without me.¡± Arsene clenched his teeth. Why wouldn¡¯t people leave Abella alone? Abella was no longer at peace. ¡®Not everyone can be forgiven just because of your ignorance, Arsene.¡¯ Cade¡¯s voice intertwined with his mother¡¯s voice. What was right? Cade was certain it was for Abella, and Grand Madam Sirius was certain it was for Arsene. And now, if Arsene and Abella broke up, it would be Abella who would be hurt. So, was Cade wrong? Arsene scratched his head. In front of the stubborn Arsene, Grand Madam Sirius ended up crying. The fragile Arsene was forced to say that he would consider it, but he had no intention of breaking up with Abella. ¡°Arsene.¡± Had they not been able to face each other and smile? Today was the day he decided to go out with Abella and show her to the world. As if she was waiting for him, Abella, who was guarding the porch, called him. She wore a dress that matched her dark silver hair and purple eyes, a white dress full of pearls that exuded an air of mystery. Abella was one with an excellent eye and knew how to maximize what she had. Now, she resembled a goddess of the moon. His worries up until then flew away. Arsene reached out his hand like a foolish boy. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting. It¡¯s a little late.¡± ¡°Yeah. Sorry.¡± Abella shook her head, stepping into the carriage filled with Arsene¡¯s mature scent. * Arsene visited Abella before he had even finished his troubles with her. An unfamiliar stillness permeated the air. Since neither would speak first, the meal they shared was awkward. Although she had crossed the first mountain, it felt as though the next mountain was waiting. Her initial joy from Arsene¡¯s greeting dissipated like a bubble. When Abella saw Arsene, her worries deepened. She counted his intentions, pondering over his thoughts. All things stem from doubts. The little stone Cade threw at Abella had planted its seeds. ¡®Don¡¯t trust Arsene.¡¯ Abella secretively glanced at Arsene. ¡°Arsene, you look stressed. I can¡¯t even eat properly.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ no. I just have a lot of work these days.¡± However, Arsene put down the tableware as if he had no more plans to eat. Today they came to a new restaurant. Abella, checking the menu board, noticed that Cade was right. It was too expensive. Timur was unable to focus on luxury, so instead, they inflated costs of everyday things impossibly high. As Cade said, luxury was good for short-term profits, but in the long run, it was unreasonable. ¡°Abella?¡± Abella, lost in thought, came to her senses. ¡°Huh? Ah¡­¡­. Shall we drink tea when we finish eating?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± ¡°It looks like you have something to say to me¡­ I have something to say too.¡± ¡°Something to say?¡± Arsene waited for Abella to finish her meal. She told Arsene, who was free to go, stories about wandering in the market. Perhaps they were trying to fill the gap between them. The other day, there were so many stories to talk about. She didn¡¯t have to tell such mundane stories. Nevertheless, Arsene reminded Abella of the past. Arsene¡¯s kindness for the first time in a while made Abella unconsciously chuckle. ¡®Uh¡­¡­?¡¯ On another note¡­ Why was Arsene interested in her stories of wandering in the market? That was a little¡­¡­ Rather, it was something Cade would like. Cade had an eager ear for the news of Bondi Street and enjoyed gossip like this. No. Cade heard such a story from Abella¡­¡­. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°Abella?¡± Arsene dropped his utensils and reached out to the trembling Abella. Fortunately, Abella stopped herself from falling from her chair. Abella bent over from her sudden headache. Her head throbbed, and she felt sick to her stomach. Cade. Past. Arsene. Her. The more she thought about those words, the worse the throbs became. ¡°Abella!¡± Abella inhaled, curling up. ¡°Waiter! Call a doctor!¡± Abella¡¯s consciousness flew further and further away. * Chapter 69 Did she overdo it these days? It wasn¡¯t as though she would collapse unexpectedly like this¡­¡­. She actually said that after she came to Timur, she had experienced chronic headaches. Abella would occasionally take pills like Enosh ate candy. But what did she think about? She couldn¡¯t remember. The bed she lay on was supremely soft. ¡®Why are you sick? Do you know how surprised I was? Now when I go back, I might get my ass kicked by my father.¡¯ A playful male voice filled her ears. It was familiar¡­¡­. ¡®Who?¡¯ It happened the other day while she was incapacitated for two days because of a fever. When she opened her eyes, there was a man who sat in a chair with his legs crossed on the bed reading a book. His posture and voice was familiar. ¡®Who was it¡­¡­¡¯ She felt her mind steadily growing clearer. Abella¡¯s name popped up just before she was brought to reality¡­ ¡°Cade¡­¡­?¡± Abella opened her eyes. Someone talking to the doctor in the corner turned his head toward her. ¡°Abella!¡± Arsene ran in a rush. Arsene invoked Abella¡¯s memories of the past. This happened before as well. Arsene cared for sick Abella as her sweet and warm friend, lover, and fiance. ¡®¡­¡­ This has happened before.¡¯ Abella smiled, feeling her eyes moisten, and buried her face in the pillow. For some reason, she felt like her tears would escape. * ¡°I have something for your Majesty.¡± The Emperor was at a dinner with diplomatic envoys. No one was allowed to intervene at the Emperor¡¯s dinner, but there was an exception: the emperor¡¯s secret informants. Burke, who stood next to the emperor, nodded. It must have been urgent for the agent to come to Cade without asking for an audience first. Only the informants could handle such urgent matters in the present state, and among them were those associated with Abella. Cade nodded. The one who stood in the position of Burke¡¯s way was, as expected, an informant in league with Abella. He bowed his head, speaking in a small voice, but the surroundings were so quiet that all could hear. ¡°Lady Abella has collapsed.¡± The news fell to Cade as well, meaning that many of Cade¡¯s eyes were planted around her. Cade, raising his eyebrows during his meal, beckoned to Burke. ¡°Bring me that magician bastard.¡± ¡°Oh, Your Majesty¡­!¡± It was a diplomatic dinner, but the unstoppable Cade swore instead of eating. Burke shook his hand and glanced over the table. Some of the diplomatic envoys, despite knowing that Cade was quite fiery, dropped their utensils. Were they scared? Actually, Burke was too. Burke struggled with a futile smile. ¡°How about doing this after the meal?¡± Burke whispered desperately, his plea written all over his expression. ¡°The magician will be there even after you finish your meal.¡± However, Burke laughed awkwardly, realizing that he couldn¡¯t stall Cade any longer. After all, Cade was the only emperor of the Charope Empire. The diplomatic envoys who ran a long way to meet the emperor of Charope were unfortunate, but Cade had an absolute proposition that was more important than anything else, and it was none other than Abella Amerigo. He didn¡¯t know what relationship the collapsed Abella had with the magician, but he just hoped that it was not a big deal. Claiming he lost his appetite, Cade rose from his seat and stormed out of the dining room. Trailing after him, his servants urgently moved on, and the remaining envoys were left to Burke. Cade¡¯s behavior was, of course, quite impolite, but he was the emperor who ruled the continent, so there was no one to reprimand him for such rudeness. ¡°When will the next interview be scheduled?¡± ¡°I have something I must tell him.¡± ¡°I know that there is still the grain that was distributed to the northern granary in the past year! Now, as you know, our kingdom¡­¡± ¡°Tomorrow! He will see you again tomorrow. As soon as today¡¯s work is finished, we will send a messenger to the detached palace to schedule an interview tomorrow. I¡¯m going to tell the attendants to take care of this evening¡­¡± ¡°Who the hell is Abella?¡± Burke sharply cautioned him. ¡°Don¡¯t speak that name if you would like to meet His Majesty the Emperor again! Don¡¯t you need grain to fill the northern granary?¡± Even before, he watched Cade toss everything aside and run hastily. Burke clicked his tongue. The diplomatic envoy who came to his attention lost his voice. In fact, the one to be criticized right now was Cade, who broke his promise. However, since he was the invincible emperor of the land, nothing could come out of scolding him. All of the imperial castle were the eyes of the emperor. If so, the next subject of criticism was Abella, from their point of view. They desired information on Abella, the source of the emperor¡¯s sensitive reaction. A severe warning fell on them. ¡°Remember that His Majesty¡¯s eyes and ears are everywhere. That name is erased from your head from now on.¡± Burke grinned, slitting his neck with his index finger. Chapter 70 ¡°Otherwise, you would just be risking your lives for nothing. I hope you won¡¯t show interest and get hurt.¡± He meant to say, ¡°Don¡¯t be interested if you value your life.¡± He tried to get the thoughts out of their minds as much as possible. To Burke, it seemed like a simple method, but it must have been like an explosion button for death. Burke cleared his place and quickly ran after Cade. In the future, if he fell ill and lost the ability to walk, it would wholly be on Cade. Before Burke even opened the secret room used by the emperor, a shout erupted. ¡°What the hell did you tell me?¡± Trouble. He was in trouble. Burke shook his head, opening the door. As soon as he looked in, he saw the emperor grabbing the wizard by the collar and the informant standing to the side. ¡°Sire!¡± Burke closed the door and ran to grab the emperor by the waist. Cade pushed Burke out, growling and snarling at the wizard. ¡°Abella¡¯s memory might have problems, but didn¡¯t you say that there would be nothing wrong with her health? Why the hell did Abella collapse?¡± ¡°Your, Your Majesty¡­! Keuhk!¡± Cade held the wizard¡¯s wrist while the wizard took deep breaths. ¡°I heard that she complained of headaches more frequently! It started after she returned to Amerigo. Since I didn¡¯t see any other abnormalities in her health, it must be because of her memory. Is my reasoning wrong?¡± ¡°Your Majesty, let go so he can talk!¡± Burke hung from Cade¡¯s leg. As it was, the sorcerer¡¯s breath seemed to fail as Cade threw his body to the floor. That very wizard had taught Cade himself sorcery. Although he was of a similar age to Cade, he was a wizard who had been active in the tower as a prodigy since childhood. When he knew Cade was worried about Abella, he gave his assistance. Thanks to Cade¡¯s birth in the imperial family, he was born with a very low magic. Cade erased Abella¡¯s memories as the wizard told him. He helped her whenever she said she couldn¡¯t stand it and wanted to forget everything, but it confused Abella¡¯s memory, as it was changed three times. Three times. Meanwhile, Abella couldn¡¯t know what she had to remember, and she only remembered by adapting her remaining memories. Wasn¡¯t she getting sick because she tried to find out by force? Cade¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Did you forget what I gave up?¡± Cade threw the wizard. The magician fell on the floor and coughed, likely bleeding internally. ¡°You said you needed a price. I paid enough for it, and there was nothing about Abella at that price.¡± ¡°There, there is no perfect magic, Your Majesty!¡± Cade grated his teeth. ¡°You would have created the near perfect magic. Those were the terms of the deal you promised me, that Abella would shoulder nothing.¡± The wizard raised his head with teary eyes, half of his burnt, distorted face revealed. The wizard¡¯s eyes were filled with strange anxiousness. ¡°It¡¯s the most complete memory magic in existence! So, if you force yourself to remember it, you feel a headache and collapse! Proof that it¡¯s perfect¡­¡­.Heuk!¡± Again, Cade grabbed the wizard¡¯s collar. ¡°¡­¡­Good. If that magic causes trouble for Abella, you will not be forgiven. I have fulfilled the terms of the contract with you.¡± ¡°Yes, yes! Sire!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Cade straightened his back with a dry expression. His thoughts were complicated. He had gently warned Abella that it would be best to leave the past uncovered. It was really for Abella. The past that Abella wanted to forget was¡­. ¡®Will, will it end when I die¡­?¡¯ ¡®Cade, I want to forget everything. Otherwise, I wish I would die.¡¯ Her violet irises were covered, obscured by her swollen eyelids. Cade¡¯s heart seemed to be torn ten thousand times. Cade felt countless times that no matter how hard he tried, he alone could not comfort Abella. So he helped Abella by learning magic through a deal with the wizard. He hoped that peace would dwell on her. Cade leaned against the desk with a sigh. ¡°Keep reporting on Abella¡¯s condition.¡± Cade beckoned for the informant, his only source of information in Amerigo. The informant had been planted since Abella¡¯s departure, so he was quite knowledgeable. Additionally, he was put in charge of watching Abella ever since. An imperfect magic. It was the most perfect¡­¡­. The magic that was not actually perfect. He was anxious because he knew it. Cade leaned over and rested his arms on his desk. In fact, the one who was happiest to see Abella back was no one but Cade, but he was also the most anxious. The tug-of-war between happiness and despair dragged Cade to hell. ¡°If Abella seems to be in danger.. ¡­¡± The informant, hearing Cade¡¯s instructions, nodded. * Chapter 71 It was early dawn. A careful knock at her bedroom door woke Abella. It was normal for her to sleep late, so she was able to come to her senses with a sip of cold water. The maid, who had slept curled up by Abella¡¯s side, opened her eyes. ¡°Lady¡­¡­?¡± ¡°It looks like a guest came.¡± ¡°Aah¡­¡± The maid who yawned and raised her body helped Abella put on her gown and opened the bedroom door to none other than Enosh, who stood awkwardly in front of the bedroom. ¡°Enosh?¡± ¡°Apologies for the early call, but is your body okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± ¡°Your face is pale.¡± ¡°I have a little headache.¡± ¡°Have you met the doctor?¡± ¡°Who made you the fill-in doctor? I¡¯m alright.¡± Abella laughed lightly, as if the idea was absurd. Ever since her fainting spell, it was Enosh who gave a private room to the doctor so he could always reside in the mansion. The job was quickly completed. ¡°Since coming to Timur, you have been sick all the time.¡± Enosh said, dissatisfied. ¡°Is it because of the heavy fog?¡± Abella muttered. In fact, it was like the fog was in Abella¡¯s head. It was shaking everything she believed in. Nothing was clear, and what she had trickled through her hands like sand. Memories were empty as if they were punctured, twisting like they were manipulated. Maybe that was why she got a headache. She had many implications, but Enosh did not notice. Since Enosh was a stranger, he had no connection with what happened in Timur in the past. Perhaps that was why Enoch was more comfortable to be around. ¡°I guess so. Anyway, we talked about it the other day. I¡¯m going out today.¡± Abella nodded her head. ¡°I remember.¡± ¡°I think I have to go out early. I can tell the butler and go out but¡­¡­.¡± Enosh slowly reached out his hand, touching the forehead of the curled-up Abella who resembled a wounded beast. ¡°I¡¯m worried about you, and you were so strong in Vincent.¡± Enosh muttered dissatisfied. ¡°I¡¯m still strong.¡± Enosh clicked his tongue and removed his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t think you have a fever. Make sure to check your body condition with your doctor today, you know that your health is the most important thing, right?¡± ¡°Why are you so friendly these days?¡± ¡°Is it weird?¡± ¡°Yes. Is it time for our lawyer to get married? If you have someone to marry, bring it with me. I am going to¡­¡­¡± ¡°Shh.¡± Enosh put his index finger in front of Abella¡¯s chattering mouth, then clicked his tongue and shook his head. ¡°I think you better just keep your mouth shut. I think I will have a stomachache¡­¡­¡± ¡°What am I?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t know. Anyway, I¡¯m having a good day today. If there is anything, please contact the company.¡± ¡°Will you be at the company?¡± Enosh shrugs his shoulders and steps back. Abella shook her hand a little. She had not completely woken up, hence the drowsiness. Turning around, Enosh left. Once Abella was out of sight, Enosh popped a candy into his mouth and rubbed his stomach. Serin said he¡¯d get diabetes at an early age, but if he didn¡¯t eat them, he thought he would really have a hole in his stomach. Abella, Abella. ¡°Are your senses stuck on the soles of your feet? Or is it that it has dried up? Did it disappear?¡± Enosh muttered with a confused face. Usually, didn¡¯t she understand this much? Why didn¡¯t she seem to understand anything? Even if he confessed to Abella right now, she wouldn¡¯t be able to take it, so he hoped she would be aware of it¡­.. Enosh rubbed his stomach. ¡°Ah, my stomach hurts.¡± * Would Abella¡¯s sudden fall arouse Arsene¡¯s compassion? After Abella¡¯s return, Arsene, who seemed friendly and cool, changed. He became kind, as though he had been completely captured by Abella. Today was Abella and Arsene¡¯s political date. The day the two decided. As usual, it was over after eating in a private room, having a moderate conversation, walking the shopping street, and then returning home. However, Arsene came to pick up Abella. It was also something that had never happened before. Arsene¡¯s eyes, looking at Abella wearing a green dress and a light brown hat, were fluttering like a lake in spring. ¡°Arsene?¡± He was half-confident he was here for her. Indeed, Arsene was here to pick up Abella. Arsene, looking down at the cigar in his hand, turned his head and stared at Abella. The face with a light smile also looks sweet. Arsene greeted her, quickly putting the cigar in his hand into his pocket. ¡°Good morning, Abella.¡± A shadow fell over Abella¡¯s face. ¡®Don¡¯t trust Arsene, Abella.¡¯ A feeble pain, like a stabbing in her head, engulfed Abella. Abella gently touched her lips. ¡°Good¡­morning, Arsene.¡± Chapter 72 ¡°Is your body okay?¡± It was her first time seeing Arsene since that day. Abella nodded, pale. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I was just dizzy.¡± Arsene wanted to ask how many days she couldn¡¯t get up because of the dizziness, but he couldn¡¯t because he was still ruminating over Grand Madam Sirius¡¯ words when facing Abella. The Grand Madam did not return to her mansion residence, instead staying in the main residence in the Sirius Duchy, stating that she would not return until Arsene officially announced a breakup with Abella. When he asked the Duchess to explain her true reason, as always, she did not give a straight answer. ¡®It¡¯s for Sirius, son. When would I do anything that would hurt my son and Sirius?¡¯ That was how it went. Arsene couldn¡¯t get a proper answer from her. Even though they faced each other, their thought processes were different. Abella smiled awkwardly. ¡°Thank you for coming this far.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t unusual for a good fiance.¡± Arsene spoke tenderly. Despite whatever the Grand Madam said, Arsene¡¯s lingering feelings were still there for Abella. He chose to not let go even though he could. Now, there was no way he could let go. He intended to hold on. Arsene reached out to Abella. ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡± Abella put her hand on Arsene¡¯s. For some reason, the hand he held out to assist her onto the carriage struck a chord within her. Why was she now suspicious of the one who had always been by her side? She sometimes thought that way. She returned to Timur for no reason. Because of her, the lives of countless people were shaken. Indeed, Abella almost believed herself a devil. She struggled to swallow her sad sigh. In this case, she was resentful. God¡¯s tricks of fate always pushed Abella into paths without options. * It was that evening when Abella learned the full matter between the Duke of Sirius and Count Gilmus from a message from Yuri. ¡®I need that girl. Please break the engagement between Duke Arsene and Abella. Then, we will be able to promote Benjamin¡¯s engagement with Abella, since a person without a spouse cannot become a family head.¡¯ ¡®Why should I do that?¡¯ ¡®Aren¡¯t you indebted to me? It¡¯s a secret that no one would like to know.¡¯ The former Duke and his wife were caught in a secret from a despicable man like Count Gilmus. It was obvious that someone like Gilmus learned the secret because it was related. The former Duke and Duchess responded to Gilmus¡¯ request. If so, there really was a lie that obscured the truth. Thus, Benjamin was suddenly thrown into the marriage market. Arsene repeatedly confessed his guilt to Abella. All of the pieces were coming together. For some reason, the former Duke and Duchess were involved in the past, and perhaps¡­ That meant Arsene might not have been uninvolved. ¡®Truth may be better than ignorance.¡¯ Maybe Cade was right. There were painful secrets. The choice remained in Abella¡¯s hands. Would she open it, or was she unknowingly fooled? * Enoch listened to the words of Minister Jerome with one ear and tried hard to spill it with one ear. The treasurer of Clemington, who came to Timur with a sore knee because he was very worried about Clemington¡¯s youngest prince.. ¡°I volunteered for the delegation knowing that the prince would be like this! You want to start an international conflict, and you seem to have something to do with the emperor.¡± Enoch glared at Serin with a crooked look. Serin, who was wandering around her desk, glanced at her glance, quickly sat down and buried her head on the papers. ¡®That¡¯s right.¡¯ It must have been Serin who confessed to Enoch¡¯s deeds. Enoch replied with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s not true. I was thinking of asking if we could go to Clemington together in the future if we have the chance.¡± ¡°Prince!¡± ¡°Oh huh. You said your knees were bad, and you got angry for coming all the way here. It¡¯s too much on my heart. Quickly sit down¡­¡± ¡°How can I rest easy when the prince is enjoying such a dangerous deviance!¡± Hahaha. Enoch scratched his neck. Prime Minister Jerome, who was getting old but still as good, was ready to take Enoch to Clemington. Enoch glared at Serin, who suggested Jerome as her substitute. Somehow, that¡¯s just a means to call in Enoch. He couldn¡¯t erase the thoughts. Chapter 73 ¡°Whoo¡­ okay, okay. I will never cause any damage to the royal family. Rather than that, what is the reason for sending a delegation from Clemington this time? I know very well about the Charope Empire, so could it be helpful?¡± Enoch tried to turn his words around as best as he could. ¡°Humm¡­ Actually, the king wanted to entrust this to the prince.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°His Majesty the Emperor asks to send Princess April off to marry.¡± Enoch cracked his mouth open. The Emperor? ¡°¡­¡­Did April wrong the king or queen in some way?¡± ¡°What?¡± Enoch held his head. April was his youngest sister. Of course, he knew that April¡¯s marriage was inevitable, but in the end, Charope? ¡°This is an important matter, Prince.¡± The minister lowered his voice. ¡°There might be a war with the kingdom of Aiden soon. The marriage between His Majesty the Emperor and Princess April is a firm promise not to betray each other and will be a symbol of a simultaneous alliance.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­.¡± Enoch clutched his head again. If Aiden went beyond Clemington, the next would be the Charope Empire. Even the Charope Empire should keep Aiden¡¯s ambition at bay. So it was better off to surrender before handing over Clemington. And Clemington wanted to solidify the alliance through marriage with the Charope Empire. It was the marriage between the emperor and Princess April, so a person with a high status enough to take over the job would be needed, and it would be the judgment that Enoch in Charope is appropriate. However, the question arose whether the emperor would accept this marriage. It was April, although there were thoughts about the empire before¡­ ¡®Abella.¡¯ The clear greedy eyes for Abella that were revealed without hiding are on his eyes. Cade gazed at Abela with the same eyes as Enoch. That was also the reason Enoch suffered from stomach problems these days. ¡°The emperor will not accept it.¡± ¡°This is not an invitation, Prince.¡± Minister Jerome offered a letter to Enoch regrettably. It was a letter bearing the seal of the royal family. ¡°There was a royal order to make sure it came to pass.¡± Enoch chewed his tongue. Shit. He came to remove the lump but now it got stuck. * Abella couldn¡¯t sleep and walked through the garden. Nothing has been solved. Only layered secrets were connected to each other like thread and weft, covering Abella clumsily. Abella sighed for a long time. She could feel the leaves of grass passing by her thin shoes. The green shoots were crushed under Abella¡¯s feet. However, it would still grow back. Abella glanced at it with her toes. She hopes that her mind will fade away and rise again. When she learns the relationship between Gilmus and Sirius, it only complicates her mind. What are the weaknesses of Sirius that Gilmus caught? The Siriuses, as Abella knew, were right and fair. It was also the only family that did not reject Abella. Abella¡¯s father had searched for a place to pass on his family. In the process, he may have hurt and broken her father more than Abella. It was Abella¡¯s presence that hurt Amerigo¡¯s pride. It was Sirius who held hands when everyone turned away from Amerigo. Thanks to this, Abella was able to get engaged to Sirius without difficulty. As she chose. A problem between Sirius and Gilmus. Abella touched her head. A throbbing headache bothered her. The headache, which had started to subside, shook her as soon as Abella deepened her thoughts. Abella gave a deep sigh. As she continued to think more, she seemed to fall again. She felt like she had to do something about it in order to solve this problem. She must get a new headache medication from the doctor. It¡¯s obvious that this is because of her stress. It was when Abella made up her mind. Wheeik- A small whistling sound was heard. Abella pricked her ears. It was because it was a familiar sound somewhere. Abella walked after the whistling. It also sounded like a little bird crying. Abella stepped up and looked over the fence. ¡°Hi?¡± Cade, leaning slowly over his horse, waved his hand. He had a bitter smile. Abella opened her eyes wide. Cade was the person of this familiar whistle? Has this happened in the past? Abella swallowed her saliva. ¡®My memory¡­ is weird.¡¯ Abella noticed it on her own. What she remembers is different from what the people remember. Particularly when she talked to Cade, she could feel the gap. Abella¡¯s eyelids flickered quickly. Abella frowned. It seemed that her tears were falling. Something was strange. Cade is smiling and why does she feel like she¡¯s in tears? * Cade laughed hard. Abella¡¯s lips look sweet, and the way she looks at him. He knew it wasn¡¯t like before. She looked like this when Abella said she would be engaged to Arsene. Cade¡¯s heart seemed to burn black. Chapter 74 The people of the imperial palace believed in superstition and, according to the teachings of the temple, prevented the meeting between Abella and Cade. As a child, he had no choice but to come secretly to see Abella. For Abella and Cade, academy vacations were not very pleasant. Cade drove his horse to the fence. Then, Cade looked over the fence. He whistled in front of this fence again and again. Abella always lingered around here waiting for Cade. ¡®Cade! Why are you so late? I waited here for 30 minutes.¡¯ ¡®You¡¯re 30 minutes early¡­ Okay, okay! I¡¯m sorry!¡¯ The summer of the 13-year-old who had to raise his voice to catch Abella, who was sulking, just wanting to go back. ¡®Cade. Are you really going to marry me? I am a Skellus. Even His Majesty the Emperor hates me. I haven¡¯t even received the blessings of the temple that all nobles receive.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s okay. Father promised. If I do this well, they¡¯ll reconsider¡­¡­. I¡¯m still looking for the record of Skellus¡¯ Day.¡¯ ¡®Why that day?¡¯ ¡®You can look forward to it. I found an interesting record.¡¯ The winter of the 12-year-old who made sweet promises with Abella. All of that was done with this fence in between. Cade was trained as a knight, so his movement was agile, and he was able to do this many times over and over again. In addition, his strength was good, so it was easy to help small Abella climb the fence. They sat down on the wall with the moon above and talked about countless things. Now that his body has grown up, he can cross the fence with his horse even if he does not have to cross the wall. When he was this big, he thought Abella would be proud. However, he had nothing to do right now but look over this fence. As before, there was no grumbling Abella, no smiling Abella, no lovely Abella. Cade¡¯s feelings slipped through his fingers like a grain of sand. What¡¯s left here is Abella and Cade. It was only Cade¡¯s ugly feelings that had been burned to sand underneath. Even though he whistled, he couldn¡¯t believe it. It was like a ritual for Cade to comfort himself. On the night when he couldn¡¯t sleep, he drove his horse to Amerigo. Then he used to whistle around this area. Even knowing that Abella would not respond. If it allowed him to reminisce with some sweet memories, he¡¯s good with it. But¡­¡­. ¡°¡­¡­.Cade?¡± Abella responded to his call. Obviously, this was what he had been hoping and hoping for. Cade only realized it now, that it might be better off when nothing answered. He said he wanted it and he did it to himself, but when he saw her face that she knew nothing, his nose would sour. Cade tried to smile as usual. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I was just passing by. I couldn¡¯t sleep and went riding a horse.¡± ¡°I kept hearing the whistling sound here¡­¡­.¡± Abella asks as if strange. Cade struggled to find an excuse and bite the flesh in his mouth. No matter what excuse he made, he felt he would become more miserable. He was confident that it would be alright. Even if he erased her memories a few times, Abella will be by Cade¡¯s side.. When Abella held Arsene¡¯s hand and offered medicine, it still remained in his memory, like a stigma. Even at the moment, he looked at her with eyes hanging around Abella desperately. No, in fact, Abella remained in all his memories. Cade laughed bitterly. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t expect to see you like this. You said it. Don¡¯t trust Arsene.¡± ¡°I did.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t tell me what that means?¡± Cade stayed silent. ¡°Then can I ask other questions?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s something I can answer.¡± ¡°Promise me, you¡¯ll answer. Then I will ask.¡± This hasn¡¯t changed at all. Is it the magic of moonlight? It seems that the relationship between the two who stood on the edge has softened a little. Cade glanced at the sky and shook his head. ¡°Abella. It is you, not me, who is looking for an answer right now. And I¡¯m not good enough to be an underdog to Arsene¡¯s fianc¨¦e. So if you ask, I¡¯ll listen and decide whether to answer.¡± Cade said firmly. It was a remark with a slight sentiment. Abella sighed and nodded her head. Fortunately, nonetheless, there seems to be something she was curious about. Cade stared at Abella¡¯s face. ¡°¡­¡­ Count Gilmus and Duke Sirius met. It seemed that Duke Sirius¡¯ ancestors had a weakness for Count Gilmus. Did you know?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing I don¡¯t know about in the empire.¡± Cade softly admitted. ¡°Can you tell me what the weakness is?¡± Cade narrowed his eyes. Sometimes Abella was like a foal without reins. She rab without sanctions, and at some point, she hit a tree and seemed to shatter. He warned again and again. He said that the truth that Abella was trying to find out would not be sweet, he has been scaring the hell out of the wizard to get Abella out of the way as she was about to break. Even though it is the imperial law that wizards who are not listed in the Magic Office cannot use magic. He thought Abella would really die, so he couldn¡¯t help it. But now, she had come back in search of the past. Chapter 75 ¡®Is it the damn destiny?¡¯ Cade slowly opened his mouth. Abella did not stop even though she suffered to the brink of collapse. He doesn¡¯t like it when he has to believe the wizard¡¯s words that it was just the echo of the magic and nothing will happen to Abella. Cade sighed. ¡°You always put yourself in danger. You don¡¯t even know how dangerous it is to you.¡± ¡°What do you mean¡­¡­?¡± Abella¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°The price of knowing the truth will be expensive. But, no matter how many times I warn you, you won¡¯t stop.¡± ¡°Cade.¡± ¡°Your friend will get the answer soon. Until then, enjoy the tranquility, Abella.¡± No matter how much Cade blocks it, he can¡¯t stop all the truth from being revealed. This time, Cade decided to leave everything on its own. ¡°I have to go. You go in too.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Do you come here sometimes?¡± ¡°Why do you ask that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Because I am used to it.¡± It was sad that he was expecting to hear it without knowing that. Cade shrugged and waved his hand. It meant that he would go back now. Cade turned his back, leaving Abella in the early morning twilight. * She didn¡¯t think she could sleep. Abella sighed. Was she fascinated by the magical moonlight? It wasn¡¯t at all awkward to have a friendly conversation with Cade. It was rather familiar. ¡°Strange¡­¡­.¡± Abella clenched her teeth. Still, she got something from meeting Cade today. The events between Sirius and Count Gilmus are clearly linked to the past. Ah. Cade was also sure of Yuri¡¯s existence. Maybe he knows the source of intelligence Abella planted in the imperial family. ¡®There¡¯s nothing I don¡¯t know about in the empire.¡¯ If so¡­¡­ ¡°No way. Are you here because you¡¯re worried about me?¡± Abella¡¯s shoulders were drooping. If he knew everything that was happening in the country, he would have known of Abella¡¯s collapse. ¡°What¡¯s wrong¡­¡­¡± Why are you being so sweet, Cade? Since then¡­ She noticed one more thing. There was also a secret between Abella and Cade. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°What the hell has happened¡­¡­ ¡± Abella blankly looked up at the sky. The thick fog of Timur seems to make her confused. So did her memory look like this too? * Simon pulled the door. ¡°Kiing¡­¡­.¡± Early on, he woke up and was looking for Abella. Simon pulled the heavy door. ¡°Simon?¡± Abella found Simon running through the hallway. Abella opened her arms towards Simon. She was walking around the garden, and she was on the way back, thinking she had to prepare breakfast soon. Abella hugged Simon. ¡°Aunt!¡± ¡°Why did you get up so early? Are you hungry?¡± ¡°Aunt! Simon¡­eam¡­ I had a dream!¡± ¡°Dream?¡± Simon nodded his head. Abella rubbed her lips against Simons¡¯ plump cheeks, wringing her hands. Abella patted Simons¡¯ back. She doesn¡¯t know what dream he had. Often, Abella thought Simon spoke in a grown-up vocabulary. It seems like he was trying to stretch his tongue out to try to pronounce it correctly. Abella stared at Simon. Even though she knows it can¡¯t be, he¡¯s full of weird things, so she imagined it¡¯ll be weird. What did Simon¡­ ¡°What kind of dream did you have?¡± ¡°Ummm¡­ a scary dream!¡± It can¡¯t be. Abella laughed lightly. ¡°What kind of scary dream is it?¡± Simons puffed his lips and hugged Abella¡¯s neck. The smell of the baby sticks to the tip of her nose. Abella took Simon tightly and took her steps. Any complex thoughts seem to be simpler when she¡¯s with Simon. Is it because of the purity of a child? ¡°Umm¡­ a terrifying dream! Aunt was sick¡­¡­. Simon doesn¡¯t like it, no¡­¡­.¡± Simon rubbed his cheek against Abella¡¯s collarbone. ¡°Auntie is sick? I don¡¯t think so¡­¡± ¡°No, oh ¡­¡­ Simon will protect auntie! If auntie is sick, Simon will blow on it.¡± Abella burst into laughter. Simon looks exactly like Carlo. It would be like Simon if she shortened Carlo¡­¡­. Thanks to that, she used to be comforted when she saw Simon. Abella blinked her eyes. ¡°Since Simon says you¡¯ll protect me, it doesn¡¯t hurt at all. Simon would blow on it. Then auntie won¡¯t get hurt at all!¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Simon burst into laughter. She wiped Simons¡¯ hair. When this kid is big¡­ When he¡¯s old enough to carry this giant Amerigo. Just imagining after that seems to be making her stomach it. At that time, will Abella face all the truths? What choice will Abella make in front of the truth? Timur¡¯s fog blocked Abella¡¯s way, covering the truth. Cade. That Yuri will come to the truth The truth that Abella would know would drive her¡­ She was terrified and curious. ¡®I¡¯ll tell you after I find out more. When it becomes clear.¡¯ It would not be long. The day she will know everything. Chapter 76 Yuri knocked on the door. She knocked hard, but the door would not open no matter how much she knocked. ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re inside.¡± ¡°How could it be? They¡¯re just pretending not to be here.¡± Yuri muttered irritably and rattled the door knob. She didn¡¯t know how many times she¡¯d gone looking for them. It was not easy to hide her identity, but every time she got rejected at the door like this. However, she wouldn¡¯t simply go back today. ¡°I¡¯ll wait out here until you open the door! That¡¯s right! I¡¯ll do it!¡± Yuri raged and said aloud and sat down at the door. The mercenaries who followed her also shrugged their shoulders and sat around. Hearing the crackling sound inside, there had to be a person there¡­ Yuri breathed a deep sigh and touched her chin. She knew she had to meet the person inside, but they just wouldn¡¯t come out. She stomped her feet. Yuri was sitting. By her side was a mercenary who had visited this house many times. The mercenary asked, ¡°Who the hell is inside?¡± ¡°¡­The one who holds the key to the secret.¡± ¡°Which house are you from?¡± ¡°Amerigo, a person who is deeply related to Amerigo.¡± Yuri looked back again. * Both Abella and Enoch were deeply troubled with different thoughts. Throughout breakfast, they didn¡¯t exchange a single word. Obviously, Enoch went outside on a day off, but Enoch didn¡¯t have a comfortable face at all. Of course, that was the same with Abella. Enoch rubbed his forehead. ¡®Meet the emperor, prince. I will take care of what you said. Do I just need to buy the bonds?¡¯ ¡®¡­¡­ I¡¯d rather change it¡­¡­¡¯ ¡®The prince is really¡­.¡¯ It was an euphemism. Enoch exhaled. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to meet the emperor, but he would have an even harder time telling him the story. Enoch glanced at Abella. Enoch chewed on his candy again, feeling like a stomachache was coming on again. It seemed that the sweets for breakfast didn¡¯t sit well in his stomach. Cade¡¯s eyes fell on Abella. Even now, Enoch was receiving glares from Cade for being with Abella. Cade seemed to have already figured out everything about Enoch, while Enoch didn¡¯t know anything about Cade and Abella. Enoch took another bite of the sweet candy again. In addition, the difference in their status was also clear. Enoch was a prince, but Cade was the emperor who ruled the Charope Empire. ¡®This is the first time I¡¯m in such a disadvantage.¡¯ He didn¡¯t even think this would happen when he came to Timur. When he was wooing Abella¡­ he was confident at first. He was confident that he knew Abella best, and he thought he would one day naturally stand by Abella¡¯s side. However, Enoch seemed to be growing away from Abella. He has lived in his own good taste all this time. But he couldn¡¯t believe that he was now suffering from feelings of defeat and inferiority. Besides, what about Duke Arsene? He was gentlemanly in appearance, and his actions were also gentlemanly. When she went to see Arsene, he had witnessed Abella¡¯s fluttering face several times. Enoch lost long before he even started. Abella had some subtle feelings for Arsene. And Abella doesn¡¯t even see Enoch as a man. ¡®Ah¡­ it¡¯s really difficult.¡¯ Enoch lowered his head in tears. However, he was not in a position to disobey King Clemington¡¯s orders. Literally, Enoch was just a prince. Enoch turned to Abella. Abella, who was staring blankly in the air, blew out a breath. Enoch wanted to bring her to reality rather than let her worry about something she didn¡¯t know. ¡°¡­¡­Abella?¡± ¡°Uh, huh? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°What happened to Amerigo these days; did the profits increase a bit?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a little bit¡­¡± ¡°So I thought about a new investment. In fact, even if we set up direct sales, I think we need a product to focus on.¡± ¡°So?¡± He succeeded in getting Abella¡¯s attention. Enoch saw her sparkling eyes. When she talked about work, her eyes sparkled like that. It was this appearance of hers that he fell in love with. He was drawn to Abella¡¯s passion, before falling in love with Abella herself. Enoch laughed bitterly. She always made this face when she talked. A feeling of heat and defeat washed over him like a tide. Enoch repressed these feelings and opened his mouth to speak. ¡°¡­¡­Do you remember the other day when you unearthed a gemstone in Vincent?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Abella nodded her head. She came to know that in Vincent, she could make magic tools with gemstones that were mined in small quantities. She also found out that depending on the method of smelting the mined magic stones, the magical power could be amplified. And Abella¡¯s business played the role of intermediary between the smelting plant and the gemstone mining site. That¡¯s why she knew the smelting process and how to mine well. Chapter 77 Enoch brought it up. ¡°According to what I know, gemstones were also mined in the Amerigo estate.¡± Enoch was looking up Amerigo¡¯s estate and handed out the documents he found. ¡°Somehow, Timur is a conservative city. So, how about starting with an accessory that can amplify the magical power of a magic sword?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ magic sword?¡± Enoch nodded. ¡°¡­¡­magic sword.¡± Abella repeated. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do that. I know how to get the best publicity effect.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Fortunately, His Majesty the Emperor uses a magic sword. Just presenting the prototype will help promote it.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Enoch laughed bitterly this time. She was telling a business story, but Cade was brought up in the conversation. Enoch, who was always relaxed, was cornered into a tight spot. Now, just listening to such a story made him feel sick. Nevertheless, seeing Abella enjoying herself made him laugh unavoidably. ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯ll ask them to make one first. But will the emperor accept it?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡­¡± Abella shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I think so.¡± Abella¡¯s eyes faded. ¡°¡­¡­For some reason¡­¡­ I think he will take advantage of it.¡± * Now, meeting with Arsene had become obligatory. She just lamented that the week had come back. They ate like machines, eat the desserts while watching each other at the same time. There was nothing special today. They were eating in a private room, but the appetite was dry. Abella picked up and ate anything in order to clear the awkward air between Arsene and her. Arsene had his mouth shut like a clam, and no one knew what the hell he was thinking. Abella couldn¡¯t easily say anything because of her doubts. If so, it¡¯s best to tell the most distant story. Abella racked her brain to come up with a more formal and rigid story. ¡°¡­¡­I heard that you will open a hotel in a little while.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± It was then that Arsene raised his head, as if he had come to his senses. ¡°¡­¡­Yes. We¡¯re done hiring the employees and have invited guests to stay for the first time. In the near future, Amerigo will be invited as well.¡± ¡°Really? I have to go.¡± ¡°I sent three invitations according to the number of people¡­¡­.¡± Arsene looked at Abella¡¯s appearance. Abella, Lorelia, and Simons. That¡¯s what Arsene thought of Abella¡¯s family. He knew that Abella had a bad relationship with Lorelia, as well as how Lorelia thought of Abella. As a result, Abella had to leave Timur, and Amerigo had gone through all sorts of hardships. If he could narrow the gap between the two, wouldn¡¯t it be good? This was Arsene¡¯s conclusion after much consideration. Once Abella became a member recognized by Amerigo, no one in Sirius would be able to reject Abella. It would be an opportunity for the two families to create synergy. Her mother said to Arsene that it would be ¡°helpful for Sirius¡±. But what if Abella wasmore helpful to Sirius? During the time Abella was away, she would have been open to the curse of Skellus even in the minds of Lorelia and others. Abella was a talented person, so soon she will have more and more people wanting to connect with her¡­ Arsene¡¯s mind was complexly entangled in a causal relationship. However, the prerequisite for everything was that Abella and Lorelia reconcile. Wasn¡¯t it time for Lorelia to acknowledge Abella now? If Abella had really been a child of the curse, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to raise her business as much as now, and she wouldn¡¯t have ruled her family as she was now. He hoped Abella and Lorelia got closer. ¡°¡­¡­Hmm. Can I go with Yuri? Yuri was very interested in the hotel. You said the chef hired by the hotel is famous?¡± Arsene tried to hide his disappointment and nodded. He knew that Abella and Yuri, the kitchen manager, had a close relationship. Abella stirred the soup with a spoon. She knew doing so was not good etiquette, but she had no way to break the awkward air. She had the expectation that if she came to Timur, they might go back to the old days, but it was all useless. Their relationship began to distort when she thought of wanting to know the past. She felt like she could admit it now. She didn¡¯t know why, but there was something wrong with Abella¡¯s memory and there was something that Arsene was hiding. * It was Grand Madam Sirius who caught Arsene returning after going out. Arsene was summoned by Grand Madam Sirius, who gracefully tilted the teacup in the sunroom. ¡°You just went to see Abella, son?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.Mother?¡± ¡°I guess my son is still stubborn.¡± Grand Madam Sirius breathed deeply and slowly. There were some things that could not be done by manpower, like between Abella and Arsene. It was difficult to correct the relationship between the two because it was already twisted as it is going to be wrong. Arsene didn¡¯t know. ¡°¡­¡­ Mother¡¯s reason is unjustified. You thought Abella was cute in the past. Why are you suddenly opposed to her? Is that really for Sirius? Rather, there will be a side benefit from Amerigo. Besides, Amerigo has Simos, so Abella is not obligated to join the family.¡± That was reasonable. She thought it in her mind again and again, and it was logical. Grand Madam Sirius put down the teacup that she was drinking. Her cool expression collapsed. The hands of Grand Madam Sirius shook softly. ¡°It¡¯s not for me.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The reason why you can¡¯t do this is not for me or for Sirius, but it¡¯s for you, son.¡± ¡°What is that¡­¡­¡± Chapter 78 Grand Madam Sirius bit her lips firmly. Arsene gazed at Grand Madam Sirius who did not speak. It was because he couldn¡¯t figure out what she was talking about. What about him? Grand Madam Sirius got up with a bang on the table. ¡°If you can¡¯t change, you won¡¯t be able to do it, son. I have a reason, so I can¡¯t stand back. Next time, make sure to clear up the relationship between you two and come back. It will be good for you, my son, and for Abella.¡± Grand Madam Sirius turned and walked away. After that, only Arsene remained. * The plot against Abella was not limited to one Count Gilmus. Since Abella¡¯s return, her position has narrowed because it wasn¡¯t just one person. There weren¡¯t one or two who believed in Count Gilmus. The woman bit her nails anxiously and touched her lips. ¡°Why the hell are you not taking any action? Are you sure you want to see Abella taking Amerigo like this?¡± Clay Amerigo. She didn¡¯t take Amerigo¡¯s name off, even though she was married. It was because Amerigo¡¯s name was greatly valued in Timur. And Clay had another reason why Abella shouldn¡¯t be here. ¡°Mother. My uncle wants to do it on his own. He was about to marry Abella and brother Benjamin.¡± ¡°Is that possible? Isn¡¯t Arsene Sirious tough?¡± ¡°Do you know why the water is strong?¡± Clay opened her eyes wide at the words of her daughter reaching the clouds. How hard she tried to pass on Amerigo¡¯s name to her daughter. And Grand Madam Amerigo granted Amerigo¡¯s name to Clay¡¯s daughter. It was the result of constant pressure. Rather than giving her daughter Amerigo¡¯s name, Clay has been on the side of Carlo Amerigo for a while. And her daughter grew up brilliantly, according to Clay¡¯s expectations. ¡°It¡¯s strong because it gets in without a sound, mother. After all, it is water that breaks the rock.¡± ¡°Lila. Speak to me properly.¡± ¡°There must have already been doubts between Arsene Sirius and Abella Amerigo. Uncle Gilmus shakes up Sirius, and Abella isn¡¯t a stupid person. Emperor Cade won¡¯t stay still.¡± Lila moved the chess pieces on the table back and forth. Holding the chess piece in her hand, Lila laughed lightly. ¡°Abella and Arsene will be over even if mother doesn¡¯t do anything. And her mother wishes I can be the Duchess of Sirius.¡± ¡°But, Lila. Things don¡¯t always go the way you want. If you just sit and wait, you might miss everything.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re uneasy¡­¡± Lila rolled the knight over her palm. ¡°Try shaking Abella.¡± ¡°What is that¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to take Sirius, so I don¡¯t want to make a dent in it. But, Abella is different. It doesn¡¯t matter how much she gets hit. Besides, isn¡¯t it enough justification? She is a cursed child born on Skellus day.¡± Her bright pupils shone in the light. Clay looked at Lila. ¡°You mean reducing Abella¡¯s position in Amerigo? How?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to touch the business. If we think about it in the long term, that money will also help us.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°¡­¡­What about the people?¡± ¡°People?¡± ¡°It¡¯s spreading rumors about an epidemic. The epidemic spread to the Amerigo estate. It all happened because Abella was a cursed child. Buy a few people in the Amerigo estate and keep them out of the premises for a month. Those little changes will ignite the rumors.¡± It was a face lost without any guilt. * Clemington¡¯s prime minister perfectly fulfilled Enoch¡¯s request. He bought Gilmus¡¯ bonds and held Count Gilmus¡¯s neckline. Now it was Enoch¡¯s turn. If Enoch couldn¡¯t get the job done right this time¡­ he would get a headache. It was obvious that he would follow Amerigo under the pretext of the royal name. He was the chancellor of King Clemington, not of Enoch. It wasn¡¯t difficult to go out without Abella knowing. Enoch sighed and requested an audience at the Imperial Palace. With Prince Enoch Clemington¡¯s name and status, it seemed better to meet personally than to be an envoy. He doesn¡¯t like being grand¡­ In the event of a mistake, he and the chancellor secretly entering the country could be a problem. So, with the emperor, who already knew who he was, Enoch decided to act alone. ¡°Can I see him today?¡± ¡°It depends on His Majesty¡¯s mind¡­. schedule.¡± The attendant changed his words in a hurry. Enoch smiled briefly. The emperor of the Charope Empire seemed to do things arbitrarily. It would be the cause of the employee to change his words so dramatically. He was implicitly hinting at Enoch that he might not be able to meet the Emperor today. ¡®That¡¯s kind of you.¡¯ Enoch Clemington secretly asked for an audience, so he must be considerate. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll wait.¡± The employee nodded with an embarrassed face. Chapter 79 ¡°You just have to wait in the reception room for a while. Please wait there and the attendant will come to bring you over soon.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The attendant holding Enoch¡¯s request for an audience disappeared into the Imperial Palace. As he was walking through the hallway, another employee came to find him in no time. ¡®I wouldn¡¯t be able to act anyway, but the environment is quite strict.¡¯ There were dozens of knights surrounding Enoch now. Their eyes were poling as if he was stabbing them with a needle. It was really something¡­¡­. There were mixed evaluations of the Emperor of Charope this time. It was said that the things he was doing were not as elegant as the municipal servants, but the handling of his work was delicate and sophisticated. However, there were many who said he was insidious. Not only Charope, but among the things related to the situation of the empire, there was nothing that did not escape the eyes of the Emperor of Charope. In other words, he knew everything. If that was true, he might know that Enoch was coming today and that Clemington¡¯s chancellor had arrived. He wrapped his arms around himself in an unknown horror. ¡°Enoch Clemington, I will guide you to the reception room.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The road was desolate for some reason. Everything seemed to be watching him. * Currently, Abella had a lot of clutter in her head. She was looking at the information caught in the information network that had been built around Yuri. Once every morning. A thick, anonymous letter reached her. Why were there so many people showing suspicious behavior these days? Grand Madam Sirius was staying in her mansion. According to the maid who worked in the house, the Grand Madam wanted Arsene and Abella to break up. ¡°Sigh.¡± Abella chewed her lips. What kind of person was the Duchess of Sirius? She was a compassionate and affectionate person. However, Abella couldn¡¯t believe any of her own memories now. The memory errors that she had to go through many times drowned Abella in a swamp of disbelief. Uh. By any chance. ¡®Is Arsene related to the past?¡¯ Her heart thumped and sank down, her head spinning. Abella touched her head. The pain, now that she was used to it, seeped into her like a mist. ¡°That can¡¯t be true¡­¡± Abella¡¯s voice trembled. ¡®It¡¯s your fault, Abella¡­¡­.¡¯ ¡®There are so many things that are important to you.¡¯ Her head rang out loudly. The confused memory did not even remember the owner of the voice. It just seemed that Abella¡¯s heart would burst like a criminal on chains. Abella took a deep breath. ¡°You only need me.¡± The young voice that was glistening with madness was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Abella blinked her eyes desperately. ¡°What the hell is this¡­¡± Abella swallowed a groan with clenched teeth. She felt that it was impossible to roam her memory any more. Her head became muddy, and her unbearable headache was intensifying. At this rate, it felt like she was going to lose her mind and collapse again like before. Abella took a deep breath. After almost losing her mind, she forgot everything she thought of before. As if she had never thought of it in the first place. And now that the headache was slowly subsiding, only her memories remained. ¡°¡­¡­Is it just not going to exceed the limit?¡± For example, the limit of recalling all her past memories. Who the hell distorted Abella¡¯s memory? And for what? Someone of malice to erase his own actions or someone of goodwill to Abella¡­.. It would be to protect her. At this moment, she didn¡¯t know why Cade came to mind. Abella shook her head slowly and rummaged through the letters. In it, both useful and useless information were tangled together. Among them, what caught Abella¡¯s attention was the story of the smuggling of ¡°Clemington¡¯s chancellor¡± and ¡°Enoch Clemington¡± in the imperial castle. ¡°Now what could this be?¡± Abella frowned. She knew Enoch was Clemington¡¯s distant royalty. But after the chancellor entered the country, he went to the Imperial Palace? There could be no connection between the two cases. She knew there wasn¡¯t anyone to believe, but there must be something that even Enoch was hiding. No. In fact, even if she had to guess, she would have hoped he would not do that. Abella rubbed her chin. Enoch Clemington. The reason she believed in him without doubt was because Enoch had never had contact with Clemington. Abella wrote an anonymous letter. [Learn about Enoch Clemington.] When she received this letter, Yuri would clearly say, ¡®I see. In the beginning, you said you shouldn¡¯t believe people with such a surname, right?¡¯ Abella pressed her forehead firmly. She threw the letter into the fireplace. Chapter 80 ¡°Enoch¡­¡­.¡± It was an invitation from Arsene. Abella murmured as she pulled the invitation out of her desk drawer. Abella seemed to know how to make the perfect use of this invitation. Abella¡¯s finger tapped on the invitation. She took out the anonymous letter that had not yet been sealed and wrote a new sentence. [3 days later, in Hotel 1035, in the suite, Arsene.] She didn¡¯t know what power the dice she threw would do. She just had to wait and see. * Cade did not meet Enoch. What on earth was that about? Nor did he specify the next step. Clemington¡¯s chancellor seemed to have no intention of entering the country until he received an answer from the emperor¡­ ¡°What if he finds out that this old man is really¡­. smuggled?¡± Enoch sighed. Enoch could bet on the fact that Cade was aware of the prime minister¡¯s presence. It¡¯s just that the problem didn¡¯t seem to occur, so he¡¯d just have to wait and see. He had to meet Cade quickly for a discussion, but he didn¡¯t know when they would be able to meet. The next time he went, he couldn¡¯t guarantee that Cade would summon Enoch. Cade was now in the position of absolute power, and Clemington was a desperate underdog. What the hell was Cade thinking? He left Clemington and thought he had gone through many people wandering through Vincent. And Enoch himself had an eye for people. However, he really didn¡¯t know Cade. He knew Cade was a dangerous person, but he couldn¡¯t guess at all about the logic or reasoning behind Cade¡¯s actions. After his return from the Imperial Palace, he trembled with anxiety for no reason. The attendant waiting with him for Cade in the reception room stood still by his side without really doing anything. Then, at 6 pm, when all visitors had to leave, he was expelled. That was all, but Enoch couldn¡¯t erase the feeling that he was being watched for the number of times he had taken a breath, or even the number of times he had blinked. The atmosphere of the royal castle followed the character of the emperor. Now Charope is dangerous. Enoch concluded that Cade was a dangerous person. ¡°Abella¡­¡­. What kind of guy are you entangled with?¡± Enoch wiped off the cold sweat in his neck. * ¡°Your Majesty, Enoch Clemington has left.¡± Cade¡¯s red eyes dimmed as they followed the carriage that was driving away. He had clearly warned Enoch. Even so, he still posed a danger staying by Abella¡¯s side¡­. Cade¡¯s eyes were grim. Cade would beat Enoch again and again, until Abella fully doubted Enoch, who kept walking to the imperial family. Until Abela was far from Enoch. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Cade curled his purple lips. ¡°Burke.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡± ¡°What happened to the investigation the other day?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Are you talking about the research on Skellus?¡± ¡°Is there any progress?¡± ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s dangerous, Your Majesty. You¡¯ll lose to the Temple. The Temple had nailed Skellus Day as an unclean day, and so far it has been regarded as such. As a result, there have been several instances of blood flowing into the imperial family. To deny it¡­¡± Cade turned his body and stared at Burke. Burke shut his mouth firmly. It was because he noticed that murderous intent was floating in Cade¡¯s eyes. It had been a while since Burke had been with Cade. As Cade¡¯s playmate, Burke was caught off guard. However, if there was anything that he still didn¡¯t adapt to over that long period of time, it was Cade¡¯s obsession with Abella. Abella has been rejected since the other day because she was born on Skellus day. No one wanted to hang out with Abella, and Abella was neglected and alienated. However, Cade had started to show interest in Abella. At first, Burke stopped them. No matter if Abella was said to be Amerigo¡¯s next master, Cade was most likely to get into gossip if he hung out with her. However, Cade began to reject the temple. He said there was a secret to Skellus. It was dangerous enough to shake Cade¡¯s reign. Cade was conducting an investigation into Skellus¡¯ Day¡­ ¡°Burke.¡± Burke eventually surrendered to the cold voice. ¡°¡­¡­There is a priest who has been studying Skellus for a long time. Thanks to that, he was branded as heretic and was banished, but he is still working on Skellus. ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°He was exiled on an island under the Temple at the southernmost tip of Charope. The high priests insisted that it was to purify him, but it seems that there was a conflict in the temple as well.¡± ¡°I have to meet him.¡± ¡°Your Majesty! It¡¯s really dangerous. If you reject the temple, the people will turn their backs on you! You know how cunning they are!¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t just leave the troubles that have existed so far.¡± Chapter 81 ¡°Tell me you¡¯re lying. Actually, because of Lady Abella¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Shh. If you know, you should watch that mouth, right?¡± Cade pointed to Burke¡¯s lips with a scabbard. Burke shut his mouth and nodded his head. It was because he knew how sharp and powerful the sword in the scabbard was. That¡¯s why he was nervous when he learned that Abella had returned. Obviously, Cade was going to behave strangely! ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡­. You must move as carefully as possible. You know that, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been tolerating it until now. I didn¡¯t create any scandals with Abella, but rather she thought I hated her.¡± ¡°That¡¯s ¡­¡± It was natural when he dragged the pale tired Abella around like a doll, when she returned to Timur and entered the imperial city for the first time. Burke rolled his eyes. ¡°So that¡¯s fortunate.¡± Cade laughed confidently as if he knew everything. ¡°¡­ anyway. You have to be careful.¡± ¡°I got it. Your nagging grows more and more everyday. Am I married to you?¡± ¡°What a terrible remark!¡± Burke turned white and took a step backward. He was overwhelmed with Cade, who sometimes made lousy jokes. Cade laughed his head off as he watched Burke run away. ¡°Such a reaction makes me want to tease you more.¡± What nonsense. * Meanwhile¡­ Count Gilmus stood anxiously in his room. One of his bright white eyebrows was raised. Obviously, the Duke of Sirius accepted Gilmus¡¯ offer. However, there were still sightings of Abella and Arsene together. The predecessor Duke and Duchess Sirius could not easily meet Count Gilmus. Wasn¡¯t it a relationship that was followed by intimidation and conciliations in the first place? ¡®No way, have you betrayed me?¡¯ However, there was no way they can give up on Sirius. ¡°Father, they need time, too. It won¡¯t be that easy to persuade Duke Arsene.¡± ¡°Benjamin. Don¡¯t be so laid back. They could hit us in the back of the head. Isn¡¯t that true of all the nobles¡¯ nature?¡± ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean that you can get on Sirius¡¯ nerves, does it?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s enough for now.¡± ¡°¡­¡­. This needs to be approached more carefully, Father. Didn¡¯t you hear that Voloto was kicked out of that house this time?¡± ¡°What about Voloto!¡± Count Gilmus¡¯ beard trembled. One way or another, Voloto has been a cousin since childhood. He was not so sad as to the point of him going crazy, but it was heartbreaking. At Count Gilmus¡¯ question, Benjamin shrugged. ¡°Well, it was a gambling debt and the mansion. But, was Voloto the one who would fall down so easily? He made fun of Abella with his wrong mouth.¡± ¡°What power does Abella have, she is stupid. Who would side with the cursed girl?¡± ¡°But, doesn¡¯t Abella have strength and money? If Amerigo and Abella are in business, the hearts of the great nobles will also be bought.¡± ¡°¡­¡­At this rate, Amerigo¡¯s entire safe will be stolen.¡± Count Gilmus gritted his teeth. He was informed that the creditor had given up on taking money from Count Gilmus and that he had sold all the bonds. Count Gilmus was in a position to borrow money, so he couldn¡¯t complain. That was where he lost the halo of the Amerigo name. The things he thought he was holding in his hand seemed to slip away like grains of sand between his fingers. Where the hell did it all go wrong? Count Gilmus was Amerigo¡¯s eldest adult and had lived without any shortcomings. Since he was born three generations ago as the second son of the Duke of Amerigo, he did not inherit the rank of Duke. This was because the Charope Empire maintained the tradition of inheritance to the eldest son or daughter in the absence of serious problems. He was a little bit embarrassed and felt inferior to his elder brother that succeeded the Duchy, but he had a satisfactory life. Since Amerigo¡¯s successors often passed away at an early age with whatever kind of curse they had, Count Gilmus could survive alone and was able to enjoy all of Amerigo in times of upheaval. But then, after the cursed girl returned, everything was ruined. ¡®I should have killed her then!¡¯ Had it been so, Abella wouldn¡¯t be in this world. Count Gilmus gritted his teeth. It seems that the luck of the world was leaving him all. Count Gilmus had a deadly pale blue face. ¡°Benjamin, I can¡¯t.¡± Yes?¡± ¡°We have to use a different strategy. Isn¡¯t this Timur still conservative?¡± In Timur, words were spoken even when men and women were in one place. When one was caught in a free relationship, they were immediately dragged together. So, even if there were people that are attracted to each other, they would still try to avoid being noticed. The mere appearance of Abella and Arsene together was enough evidence for people to believe that their engagement was maintained. Count Gilmus¡¯ eyes shone meanly. Chapter 82 Now, Abella was drawing attention from everyone. She was the centerpiece of gossip, and everything she did, what she ate, and what she wore, was in the mouth of the Timur socialites. Just by rumors that Benjamin and Abella had come out of a hotel room, Abella¡¯s engagement would naturally be destroyed under the sanctity of the temple. Unless Abella returned to the temple and became a priest. When in trouble, even a mouse will bite a cat. But Abella was so unaware that she ran wild, so it was time for her to pay the price. ¡°Benjamin¡­ just do what I tell you to do.¡± Count Gilmus¡¯s voice became lower and lower. * Abella treated Enoch normally, as if nothing had happened. She hasn¡¯t figured out anything about Enoch, and until now, Enoch was Abella¡¯s ally. Abella watched Enoch munching the candy for a while, and then pulled out a hotel invitation from the drawer. Timur was closed off as it was a conservative place, so their laws did not apply to foreigners. They were marginalized people who were not accepted by the local community in the first place. Enoch was from Clemington, so it was natural, and Yuri was also an outsider from Vincent. They were not alienated like foreigners, but they were also not subject to Timur¡¯s laws. Even though Abella returned to Timur with Enoch, she and Enoch did not have a scandal. For them, Enoch was utterly a foreigner, so they didn¡¯t think that he would have anything to do with the daughter of a Duke of Charope¡¯s Empire. In this case, Enoch¡¯s pale wheat-colored skin helped. They were free of behavioral constraints because they were slightly different from those of the white and pale Charope people. So she was able to plan this as well. Of course, she was thinking of giving a little consideration to Yuri. Abella curled up the corners of her lips. One of the dice that she had already thrown rolled into Yuri. Now Abella was planning to roll a new dice to Enoch. ¡°Enoch.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Are you free in two days?¡± ¡°Why?¡± Abella waved the invitation. ¡°Because Arsene gave me an invitation to the hotel suite. The prospect is good, and it would be a waste to pass on this opportunity.¡± Enoch opened his mouth to say what he was thinking. Abella handed the invitation to Enoch. There were two options. Decline or accept. If he refused, Enoch would glide through Abella¡¯s lightly struck trap. But, if he accepted? Enoch would fall into Abella¡¯s own trap. Abella wasn¡¯t an idiot. If Enoch was really Clemington¡¯s high-ranking royalty, what was the reason for coming here with Abella? If neither money nor fame was a reason, she had to think about another reason. For example, love. And this was also a test for Yuri. Even Enoch deceived Abella, where was her guarantee that Yuri wouldn¡¯t? Yuri would just let Enoch go again this time. If¡­¡­ Abella laughed bitterly. ¡°How about it, Enoch?¡± Abella said softly. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it make you feel better after eating good food and sleeping in a good place?¡± ¡°¡­¡­. Alright.¡± Enoch bit Abella¡¯s bait. Now that the fish had set foot in the trap, the next part would be up to luck. Even Abella couldn¡¯t predict where the dice would fall. * ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Abella and Enoch raised their heads at a familiar and cute voice. The silence and the blinding sounds that had filled the office stopped altogether. Abella, with anticipation, stood in front of the office, holding her back. Click- A white and round face appeared through the door opening, unable to overcome the child¡¯s strength. The baby who made eye contact with Abella burst into laughter. ¡°Aunt!¡± ¡°How the hell did that kid get in here?¡± A brief absurd smile from Enoch came from behind. These days, there had been a lot of strange encounters with Simon. According to the story of the maids taking care of the baby, Simon, who had just started walking and running, used the mansion as a playground to play around and would disappear if they let their guard down for a moment. And every time Simon could be found in Abella¡¯s office or wherever she was. Chapter 83 It was common for him to disappear even after taking a nap, so the now accustomed maids would find Abella when Simon disappeared. It was the same today. With his drowsiness-filled eyes, Abella laughed as he dangled with the office doorknob. ¡°How did you get here again?¡± Abella smiled lightly and lifted the child up. Soon, the maids would come to pick up the child. ¡°Simon is here to see Auntie!¡± Abella smiled at the baby¡¯s bright voice. As a sign of fierce battle, Simon¡¯s white knee cloth was colored black. The mansion was divided around the central staircase. The east side was a living space and the west side was a work space for business. So, he had been walking a long distance with all his abilities. Simon¡¯s efforts of not hesitating to do such hard work every time, was nothing but cute. Abella pressed her lips to Simon¡¯s cheek. ¡°Is that so? Auntie also missed Simon!¡± ¡°Really~?¡± ¡°Yes! Really!¡± The child laughed like a flower. Simon was really a special kid. He was also the only one that Abella, who had no one she could trust, could lean on. Abella leaned her head against Simons¡¯ neck. ¡°Simon.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Will Simon protect Aunt?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Then auntie will protect Simon.¡± ¡°Wow! I like auntie! Auntie is my favorite!¡± There were no strings attached for a child¡¯s affection. It was given unconditionally without any measure. That had been a great comfort to Abella for now. Abella hugged Simon and nodded her head. ¡°Auntie also likes Simon.¡± How could she hate this warm child who was increasingly resembling Carlo? This child showed his affection every time he saw Abella. Abella took a deep breath.. Her complicated mind seemed to have cleared up. When she was with Simon, her fears would disappear as well. It still did. She was no longer afraid of her past nor the ugly truths spreading about Abella. To protect Simon, she had to wash away the dark spots of Amerigo clean. If she were to pass on the solid surname of Amerigo to Simon. ¡°Simon tells Auntie¡­¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I have something to give¡­ that Auntie likes!¡± Simon wriggled and uncurled his fist. Melted chocolate lay in his little hand. Simon gave out a chocolate that had been so melted that the shape could not be recognized. ¡°It¡¯s broken! It¡¯s delicious though, Auntie!¡± Abella burst into laughter. How could she reject the child¡¯s affection? Abella put the melted chocolate in her mouth. The sweet taste spread like comfort. Abella¡¯s favorite chocolate¡­¡­ Indeed, Simon looked just like Carlo. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Lorelia appeared behind the door. She had a stiff face, as if she had come directly to find Simons. ¡°Mother.¡± She had a face that was really hard to see even though they lived in the same house. An awkward atmosphere flowed between the two. * Amerigo¡¯s Grand Madam, Lorelia¡¯s mouth was dry. Even though she was eating, she was so nervous that she couldn¡¯t taste what she was eating. Abella and Simon, and even a young man named Enoch. Lorelia¡¯s nerves were on the brink because of stories circulating in the gossip magazines these days. It was speculative gossip that Abella might have been associated with Emperor Cade as well as Arsene. Somehow, there was a nice story that said it seemed Emperor Cade really hated Abella. Anyway, it was a third-class magazine that was sold for fun, so people read it. However, those stories would go up and down for a while. However, Lorelia knew it wasn¡¯t that feeling that Emperor Cade had for Abella. Her throat was sore. Nevertheless, because of her anxiety, she couldn¡¯t speak about Emperor Cade to Abella. ¡®What if Abella¡¯s memory returns after saying something wrong?¡¯ There was no place for that. When she first learned that Abella had lost her memory, Lorelia was relieved. The day Abella left, a boy with red eyes visited Lorelia and left behind an afterimage. Lorelia hid her trembling hands under the table. The boy knew everything. Laurelia¡¯s denial, anxiety, injustice and compassion, her last sense of inferiority that made her dirty. ¡®Don¡¯t forget that someone remembers it, Madam.¡¯ The polite but cool voice strangled Lorelia. She doesn¡¯t know how he got to know Lorelia¡¯s secret, but¡­ ¡°¡­Be careful of your behavior, Abella.¡± Chapter 84 ¡°What did I do wrong, mother?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the world chaotic? I¡¯m talking about what if.¡± Abella laughed as if it was absurd. It was Lorelia¡¯s side who had to be careful about her conduct. Why didn¡¯t she know that there could be nothing good to come out of hanging out with a guy like Count Gilmus? Abella turned away from Lorelia. The gap between the two had already become irreversibly deep. There were also relationships that were better off to turn away from than to have a conversation. Lorelia bit her lips hard. It felt like a solid wall had been formed between Abella and Lorelia these days. No matter how bad Lorelia was, Abella in the past, would come like a child who wanted to be loved, but she was now starting to turn away from her. Severely¡­¡­ ¡®They look alike.¡¯ Lorelia drank the water in a hurry. Her expressions, her gestures, and her actions that turned away from Lorealia all resembled him. Diego Amerigo. Diego loved Lorelia, but he didn¡¯t love her darkness. The feeling of inferiority that Lorelia showed was just turned away with that expression. Diego couldn¡¯t understand Laurelia, who was anxious and conscious of being seen by others. It was only after she knew that overcoming the difference of status with love only existed in fantasy fairy tales. She had come to this point because she couldn¡¯t let go of what she held already, but¡­ Lorelia grabbed the glass of water. Her sense of inferiority, which made her ugly, covered her stomach like a snake again. Her anger was directed at Abella, who resembled Diego, a natural noble. Rather than being sentimental or thrilled to see the mature Abella¡­ It seems that even the end of her affection is extinguished. Abella was becoming more and more like Diego. Lorelia hurriedly closed her eyes. This was because, no matter how bad it was, she didn¡¯t want to show off her feelings of inferiority against her child. Abella liked Lorelia like that. She could be calm now. Another scab sat over her wound, but this is fine. It was Simon who awakened Abella, who was in deep thought. ¡°Aunt?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Simon wants to eat that!¡± Abella held onto Simon, struggling with his short arms, and smiled brightly. She gave the child something to eat. ¡°There you go. Is that enough?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Simons nodded, shaking his chubby cheeks and moved the fork vigorously. Abella helped Simon move his fork as it didn¡¯t go the way he intended. As she was looking at the child, her dark thoughts seemed to go away. It¡¯s okay as it is. She just wanted want it to stay like this. * Thanks to the new business that Abella and Enosh started together, the Amerigo estates were also energized. In the Amerigo estate when Abella arrived, only ordinary farming continued, but commercial activities were dying. Of course, in the past, there was a time when Amerigo was also immersed in the land business. However, as if there were no red flowers for ten days, the business of the estates had declined, and Amerigo¡¯s heads turned to the outside. Amerigo was devoted to playing money. He invested in the business of another family and took over the shares of the business and took advantage of it. In fact, the heads of Amerigo thought that the land power of the estate was almost exhausted. Since the place was not remotely close to the sea, it was not possible to make money from fishery activities. Then, ore and special crops excavated from the land were all the resources that can be produced in the territory, but it had been a long time since there were no more minerals except for a few mines. That didn¡¯t mean that there wasn¡¯t a person in the estate who had the intention to develop special crops. However, Abella and Enosh discovered the use of minerals that were rolling around like stones in the mine. There were so many black stones that could be used. At first, there were only five wizards in one country, so it seemed that a mineral called magic stone would not have emerged. Because wizards could not appear without blood connection to the noble imperial family. Only five wizards belonged to the current magic control tower of the Charope Empire, the Magic Tower. And even though they were all far away, they were with imperial blood. Magic stones could only be used by those who could wield magical power. So, people other than the wizards did not turn their eyes to the gemstone. It was just a useless stone for the general public. However, Abella and Enosh dealt with the gemstone from a different perspective. Magical power was not only available to wizards. ¡®Magic swordsmen,¡¯ who had practiced swordsmanship for a long time, could also use it to develop certain types of abilities. It was not magical but was in the form of an aura. It was related because the appearance of wielding an aura and wielding a sword was like magic. Thus, unlike a natural born wizard, anyone could become a magic swordsman. The nature of the two powers was different. However, even though the nature of the two powers were different, the two powers were the same in that they were powers that ordinary people did not have. Chapter 85 So, it was revealed by Vincent that the magic stone could also be used as a magic sword. All of the magic swordsmen of Vincent wore accessories made of gemstones. This was because the use of the gemstone made it more convenient to operate aura, and in case of an emergency, it became possible to exert explosive power. In this way, another meaning was given to the gemstone in Vincent. ¡®The stone of luck.¡¯ Thanks to this, it was expected that the general public would know ¡°good luck,¡± and it was one of the most commonly sold accessories. However, the trend which had yet to spread like wildfire was hindered by the name ¡®magic stone¡¯, and the spreading effect was still sluggish. People in other regions, especially in Timur, did not believe that black stone had such power. Abella and Enosh disproved such beliefs. Amerigo¡¯s estate began a new start on the mine. Bang-! Bang-! ¡°Hey, there! There¡¯re stones over here!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just a stone. Call it the lucky stone! First, thanks to this black stone, I hope my wife gave birth to a third. Second, it would be nice if it was a daughter.¡± ¡°It was a dead stone until a while ago!¡± ¡°Amerigo is buying this lucky stone, so it¡¯s a little bit better.¡± ¡°No way. Mr. Jackson, who lives in the neighboring village, said there¡¯s an opening of a new way in the workshop.¡± The men chattered and sweated. Unusually, the black stone did not scatter smoke or dust no matter how much it was pounded. It just broke and the debris would bounce off often, but it was also quite large. As a result, the air in the mine was also on the cleaner side. It was natural that the faces of the miners who had lost their jobs were blooming. ¡°It looked like it would be worth living these days.¡± People were sympathizing here and there. As the workers in the mines got busy, their wives did too. Every day, the cost of living fell, and they were trying to find a new job, and they took out pots and started to cook new meals to bring to the workers in the mines. As a result, the grocery store was booming like never before, and the market was booming. A new wind blew over the dying Amerigo estate. ¡°What was Lady Abella called¡­ They said she was a cursed child. What curse! She was born with luck!¡± At the words of the general store owner, the fruit and vegetable store owner, who was fanning himself, nodded. ¡°I heard she was born on the day of Skellus. In fact, Skellus is also a god. Why would a god curse humans? It must be made up by people who like to talk.¡± ¡°Yes! Can this be taken for blasphemy?¡± ¡°This must be admitted to the temple!¡± The two burst into laughter. It was worth it because even the spider webs that were strung in the corners were about to fly away as people walked back and forth. There was a man who listened to the Amerigo estate. After looking at the estate for a while, he ran to his horse and stopped in front of the mansion. ¡°Mrs. Terman.¡± Chloe Amerigo. She was called Mrs. Terman by the rest of the world. ¡°Yes, what about the estates these days?¡± ¡°You know they started a new business by digging up black stones from the mine. Thanks to that, people are lively like never before.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Chloe didn¡¯t say anything for a while. The man standing in front of her looked at her. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± It was from Chloe¡¯s back that the voice was heard. Only then did the man notice that Chloe wasn¡¯t the only one in this room. It was only now that he found a woman sitting statically at the table and moving her hands. The man bowed his head and raised it. ¡°Lila?¡± ¡°Mother, won¡¯t mines cause many diseases?¡± Lila¡¯s voice is as soft as a spring day. But, for some reason, his neck got cold. The man swallowed without knowing it. ¡°You don¡¯t know what will come up from the deep, mother.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡­¡±Lila turned her head and stared at the man. There were some who could not participate in the changing trend like everyone else. And they would sell their own colleagues to Lila. Lila laughed brightly. ¡°Please pay the money, mother. He worked satisfactorily this time, so won¡¯t it be the same next time?¡± ¡°If you leave it to me, I will do anything!¡± Lila¡¯s smile brightened. Obviously the lady was clean and raised like a flower in the greenhouse, but he didn¡¯t know why she gave off a cold and vicious atmosphere like a snake. The man, whose chatter had cooled down, shook his head. How should he put it? It was like seeing an aged old man? ¡°It¡¯s not difficult. I just need a few people to be on my side.¡± However, the voice he heard was soft and fluffy. The man was afraid of the gap, but the man couldn¡¯t resist the gains he could get from Lila in front of him. Again a sweet voice fell into his ear. Holding a secret order. Chapter 86 Enoch looked up at the hotel with anticipation. He had waited for this day, and it had finally come. Abella had gone out in the early morning, but she would come here on schedule. ¡°Do you have anything you need?¡± The doorman asked Enoch, who was walking around in front of the hotel. In fact, he wanted to wait for Abella so they could go in together, but there were a lot of people coming and going, which made his plan more difficult. Because Abella was a celebrity of Timur. It seemed that the fog was thicker today. Enoch glanced outside and shook his head. ¡°No. I was waiting for my party, but I was about to enter.¡± Enoch walked through the hotel door first. He didn¡¯t know exactly why Abella invited him here today. That¡¯s because Abella didn¡¯t tell him, and Enoch didn¡¯t bother to ask either. Enoch alone made several hypotheses. 1. Abella was trying to arouse Arsene¡¯s jealousy by being with Enoch. 2. Abella became interested in the hotel. She wanted to start a new business and she wanted to attract Enoch. 3. She needed a place to work all night, but she was not good enough to go alone, so she called Enoch. 4. This was a really damn good thing, but now Abella was aware of Enoch¡¯s feelings and she too¡­ Enoch knew desperately that the last one was the least likely of the four. However, since Enoch¡¯s expectations were up to him, no one could stop them. Enoch checked in at the hotel with an invitation from ¡°Abella Amerigo¡±. The news came first to a person whom Abella couldn¡¯t have expected. * ¡°Abella that woman went to the hotel?¡± Tuk- That was probably the sound of Cade¡¯s severing reason. Burke quickly looked inside the office. Fortunately, he couldn¡¯t see anything that could be used as a weapon. Cade, a demon swordsman, turned into a monster the moment he picked up a small weapon. However, it was not possible to harm a person with only a fountain pen¡­¡­ ¡®What. Is it really not possible?¡¯ Burke clung to Cade¡¯s waist, leaping to his feet with a half-blown face. ¡°Where are you going!¡± ¡°Where I want to go.¡± ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s really not right to do this! People have to behave like humans!¡± Burke didn¡¯t even know what he was talking about, and he spit out words unknowingly. Cade stopped trying to run out, exhaling a cool energy. ¡°Behave like a human?¡± Contrary to what he said, the rich and smooth voice of Cade was chilling. Burke did his best to nod his head. ¡°I have never behaved like a human. What, it is hardly necessary to say.¡± Cade shook Burke off and strode out. ¡°Ahhh! Your Majesty!¡± Of course you haven¡¯t ever been human, but this is not it! Next to the screaming Burke, papers flew all over as Cade sped past. ¡°Uh huh hu hunnnggg¡­ Mother, I want to resign¡­¡± * And so¡­ It reached the current situation. Yuri breathed deeply in the frozen hotel room because it was hard to breathe easily. She didn¡¯t know how the hell she was sitting in a hotel suite with this configuration. She wasn¡¯t very interested in men, but she had fantasies about suites. If she came to such a good accommodation alone with a man, then she really wanted to be with someone she loved. The reason why she said fantasy was because it was a fantasy that passed through her imagination. There were two men who would share Yuri¡¯s first hotel stay. Enoch Clemington. And¡­ Emperor Cade. What kind of thunder out of the blue is this? When she got Abella¡¯s note, she thought Abella wanted to talk at a secluded place where no one could come in because she had something to talk about. However, Enoch was in the room. He greeted Yuri with a bitter smile. ¡°¡­¡­It¡¯s been a while, Yuri.¡± Yuri stiffly returned Enoch¡¯s greeting that broke the silence. ¡°Long time no see.¡± They thought back to how this happened. And the two slowly realized that this was both a trap and a test Abella had set. Once again, they faced the bitter truth that Abella was suspicious of them. So Yuri didn¡¯t say anything for a while and just sat at her seat blankly. It had to be something they did that was enough to raise Abella¡¯s suspicion of them. Chapter 87 Yuri had to dig up information about Enoch, and Enoch had to provide her information and see how Yuri used it. They put up two people as watchdogs for each other. She had no time to say that she was disappointed. As it was, she could lose Abella¡¯s trust altogether. Enoch spoke up urgently. ¡°I-I am the Prince of Clemington! I wasn¡¯t trying to hide¡­ I couldn¡¯t reveal it because I missed the timing. And after I said it, I didn¡¯t think Abella would take me here.¡± ¡°O-Of course! Why would she bring you here if you¡¯re so trustworthy?¡± ¡°¡­¡­I think she knew you were a prince, but then why did Clemington¡¯s chancellor come in?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s my job to find out.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Clemington is facing a war with Aiden.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°In the process, Clemington intends to seek Charope¡¯s help. So Clemington decided that we should be one with Charope.¡± ¡°By?¡± ¡°Marrying off April the princess.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­?¡± Yuri opened her mouth wide. April Clemington. The only precious offspring of the current King Clemington. ¡°That¡¯s not going to work¡­¡± Before, obviously, Abella asked about Emperor Cade, so Abella and Emperor Cade¡¯s actions overlapped. Abella clearly had some feelings for Emperor Cade. She didn¡¯t know what kind of name she should give to that feeling, but the subtlety kept getting on her mind. Abella herself seemed to be unaware of anything. While Yuri was in confusion, Enoch was keenly aware of one fact as he spoke. Abella knew that Enoch was a direct prince. ¡°¡­..Then, was it you?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The person who told Abella that I was a prince.¡± Yuri shrugged. That was her answer. ¡°Hoo. Then why are you here?¡± ¡°Because I didn¡¯t tell Abella anything. About what we found out.¡± ¡°Aha.¡± So she was really trying to figure out if Yuri was for her or was deceiving her. That¡¯s why they were in this situation, it was when the two were convinced. Quaang- ¡°N-no, noooooo!¡± The emperor, with an errand boy clinging onto his waist, opened the hotel door. He walked in with a ghastly face, and after checking the inside of the room, his face was relaxed like a spring day. ¡°Aha.¡± The emperor looked back and forth at the two and threw the errand boy to the floor. Then he pulled a chair over between the two and sat down. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s not a crappy combination, it¡¯s an interesting one. Let¡¯s hear what kind of conversation we¡¯re going to have.¡± The emperor stretched his lips and smiled. What the hell was that expression in this situation? Yuri wriggled her fingers. Cade was Abella¡¯s gift to keep the two from getting away with it. Although they didn¡¯t know it. * All of Abella¡¯s dice rolled in looking for their place. Abella smiled deeply as she received the report from the informant. The information network, which Yuri created for Abella, could be used in any form she wished. Therefore, even if one person was available privately for a while, Yuri might not know. ¡°There are three people in one room.¡± That¡¯s a very interesting picture. It was just such a pity that she couldn¡¯t watch it. ¡°Can I pay the hotel clerk to spy inside?¡± ¡°Yes, lady.¡± Only then would she be able to tell if the stories Yuri will tell her are true. Abella pulled out a heavy bag of gold coins from the chest of drawers and held it out. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Yes, lady.¡± After going to the informant, Abella¡¯s office was empty. She had no idea so far, but looking back now, working alone with Enoch in this spacious office seemed a little problematic. It wasn¡¯t until she recognized it, but not now. Did she confirm that Enoch had some vague feelings for Abella? Abella rehydrated her throat by sipping from the teacup. Enoch Clemington. She had no intention of drawing him into Abella¡¯s mud-like life. Even more so if he was the prince of Clemington. Enoch didn¡¯t know how he saw Abella, but Abella knew himself well. Abella wasn¡¯t in a position to cut someone off sharply. This time she came back to Timur and realized it more earnestly. If you don¡¯t put your heart into it at all, you¡¯ll have deep lingering regrets for those who you don¡¯t know. Even now, Abella had a delicate relationship with Arsene and Cade. Besides, cutting off Lorelia was not enough to beat her. Abella and Lorelia would coexist within this mansion. Unless someone left. Chapter 88 Then. At least it meant that Abella could not leave the Charope Empire. Did she not settle in Vincent with the intention of returning to Timur, even though she could have left Charope even when she had left at the age of fifteen? Therefore, she had no intention of going to Clemington. As Enoch was also beyond her boundaries; she wouldn¡¯t go deep into Enoch any more. Abella tilted her teacup. Although she might get a little tired, she thought it would be okay to have a young lady from an influential family as her assistant, acting as a buffer between her and Enoch. ¡®I¡¯ll have to find a suitable person.¡¯ She had to ask Yuri to pick out the characters and throw her words at Enoch. In fact, it was better to have other people inside if she thought about the future. The future when Abella stepped down from her position and Simon took it. All the more, knowing that Enoch had come to Timur because of his feelings for Abella. There was no guarantee that Enoch would work for Amerigo even after Abella left. Her mind began to scramble again. Originally, in this case, it was better to ask for help from Amerigo¡¯s vassal families, but it was confirmed that they could not be trusted. She¡¯d rather get it from another family. Or bring in strangers. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± It may be difficult to find it in Timur because it is closed, but that doesn¡¯t mean there was none. Abella stirred the teacup with the spoon indiscriminately. The good news was that Amerigo¡¯s business is going pretty well. A prototype of the magic stones produced in the mines of Amerigo was going to be released soon. At least she felt better when something that could be called Amerigo¡¯s foundation business was settling down. Did it feel like the burden on her heart has been eased? ¡®I need something more marketable.¡¯ Abella was in trouble. * It was a truly hellish night, Yuri could guarantee. It felt like the fantasy she had about the hotel suite was shattered and tossed at her feet. Blergh- Yuri was nauseated and ran out of the hotel first. She spent a night in the same room with the emperor, arguing all night. The guards around the hotel were strict as there was an emperor¡¯s presence. The emperor¡¯s aides had closed down all nearby rooms of the room they were using so that his steps were not revealed, and no one could even guess who the emperor stayed with in that room. Yuri was almost thrown out of the hotel like a piece of luggage. Yuri stared at the hotel with trembling eyes. She didn¡¯t know if Enoch would come out alive from within. ¡°Ha¡­ This was a really strange night.¡± Yuri bit her tongue. She flagged down a carriage passing by and got on hurriedly. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Amerigo mansion!¡± Yuri shouted with an evil voice. Abella¡¯s doubts about her must be completely removed. Before she got involved in something like this again! She organized the stories in her head that she had to tell Abella as soon as they met, and repeated them over and over. Obviously, Abella knew that Cade would show up. But how? In fact, the one with the most secrets was Abella herself¡­ The resentment quickly faded when she thought of the employment contract placed between Abella and Yuri. Yuri let out a long sigh and straightened her hair. The corners of Yuri¡¯s eyes, which were steaming overnight, were red. First, The emperor was crazy. That guy was crazy. No. This was not her report to Abella. Didn¡¯t Abella know that the Emperor had such a personality? Yuri let out a sigh mixed with tears. Suddenly, the view of Amerigo was getting closer. Yuri stepped out of the carriage. ¡°Open the door, Abella!¡± Yuri knocked on the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± The butler, who had been waiting for her, opened her main door. Yuri stared at the butler with wide open eyes and jumped inside. Abella, she guessed this too. What! Yuri clenched her teeth. * Lorelia tilted her glass. Even though it was early morning, no one stopped her. It was also time for Simon to sleep. Although the maids watched her with a frown on their heart, they did not stop Lorelia. The red wine that wet her lips and disappeared lord like blood. ¡°Haha. That father¡¯s daughter.¡± How did she look so cold? Lorelia touched her aching forehead. Under Abella¡¯s gaze, she knew that the enthusiasm and the affection were fading away. The process was as terrifying as it had been with Diego before. So did Diego. Chapter 89 Those who were born of noble blood could not understand Lorelia¡¯s inferiority complex and pain. Diego couldn¡¯t stand Lorelia¡¯s crouching at the relatives and spoke of his pride in Amerigo. However, Lorelia was a peasant girl. She said it was impossible for her to have her pride like Diego. She had no power to be proud of everyone and had no strength to overcome their intimidation. Amerigo¡¯s relatives practically treated Lorelia as an idiot. Some even thought of Lorelia as a parasite. Lorelia wasn¡¯t that strong-minded, so the situation was unbearably scary. Such a gap between Lorelia and Diego opened a rift between the two and made them drift further apart. Diego got to the point where he hated Lorelia, who couldn¡¯t protect Abella from them. ¡°Go to hell Amerigo, beggar Diego.¡± Lorelia chewed up the swear words. But Abella was starting to resemble Diego. She had the same eyes that gave her goosebumps. Lorelia gritted her teeth. How miserable. It was Lorelia who had done everything for Amerigo, who was treated like it was a natural by Diego or Abella because they were of noble blood. They crush Amerigo¡¯s coveted vassals or their relatives with their words. Lorelia couldn¡¯t do that. They had the pride of being Amerigo and did not bow their heads unless it was to the emperor. Lorelia bowed her head in front of everyone. The bloodlines of Amerigo! Even though Abella was born the same woman as Lorelia and she was born on the day of Skellus, she enjoyed her right as an Amerigo. This was also a right that Lorelia could not claim. The affection for the baby she bore in her womb was diluted long ago. The wretched sense of inferiority and the sense of entitlement, which Lorelia had endured with all her might, came out of nowhere. She obviously tried her best to stop them when they first tried to kill Abella. However, when she looked at Abella in full bloom due to Lorelia¡¯s sacrifice, her stomach was shattered. ¡°But do you still look at me like that? Are you ignoring me?¡± Lorelia said. Lorelia¡¯s hand trembled. This was why you shouldn¡¯t have married someone of a noble bloodline. Why was it only now that she realized that there was a reason why her parents stopped her? Lorelia, who hadn¡¯t had her fill of drinks, grabbed the bottle. She downed it all. Lorelia laughed. That¡¯s why. ¡®You should have died, Abella.¡¯ If so, you and I would be comfortable. Lorelia was lying on the bed. The reason why these dark and melancholic emotions were surfacing today was probably because she ran into Abella. Because of the girl who resembled Diego. Lorelia touched her feverish forehead. The sky sun round and round. Like her life, everything was a mess. * Abella greeted Yuri in a picturesque way, as she had expected everything. It was the same as when she first met Abella in Vincent. ¡°Hey! How could you do that to me! I still can¡¯t sleep, huh? Did you send the emperor?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t send him, but I knew he was going. Cade¡¯s informant is also in this mansion.¡± ¡°But you pushed me into that pit?¡± ¡°I think it was worth it.¡± Abella smiled brightly. She was still talking to Yuri in a soft voice, but Abella would still be weighing Yuri on the scales. Because she was that kind of person! She knew that Abella¡¯s environment growing up was not normal, but she pretended to be normal, but when she became crooked like this, Yuri panicked. Yuri groaned towards Abella when she realized it was useless and she flopped into the chair. This was also the same as when she first met Abella. Yuri was a clumsy informant, and Abella snatched such Yuri as her intelligence. She initially asked her to look for information. Up until the fifth time it would have been a very moderate deal. The problem started after that. Having reassured Yuri, Abella made a sixth commission. She asked Yuri to find out about ¡®Monaca Crowell¡¯. Monaca Crowell. That was Yuri¡¯s real name. Usually, when doing this kind of covert work, she would use a stage name rather than her real name, and Yuri took her sister¡¯s name and started using it. But she wondered how Abella got her name. While Yuri was preoccupied with Abella¡¯s dealings, Abella was searching about her. Like a beast waiting for its prey. She thought about it for a week, and when she went to find Abella on the road, she still remembered Abella¡¯s smiling face as if she knew it would. Abella was that kind of person, and a person never changes. Even now, Abella was playing Yuri in the palm of her hand. ¡°Now tell me what you have to say, Monaca Crowell.¡± At times like this, Abella used to reveal that she had the upper hand. Very strategically. Chapter 90 Yuri sighed and opened her mouth to speak. ¡°Enoch is second in line to Clemington.¡± Abella paused for a moment. ¡®More than I thought¡­¡­¡¯ She had guessed that Enoch might be a prince in the main descendant line, but she didn¡¯t think he would be that influential. ¡°He¡¯s the youngest prince of Clemington. But all the other brothers gave up their succession rights, and in the end, Enoch came in second place. The Crown Prince was too weak to give up even Enoch.¡± In conclusion, one day Enoch may succeed the throne. Life was a series of unknown events. Abella swallowed her sigh. This damn bastard. With a smile on his face, he has been deceiving Abella all these times. When did it start? When he first came to Abella for his job interview? Or when they start working together? Or somewhere in between? Had she known Enoch¡¯s identity and his feelings, she would not have brought him all the way to Timur. Abella was overwhelmed. She no longer had the confidence that people could meet her expectations. That was why she completely excluded Enoch from the list and treated him as such. Yuri opened her mouth again as if that wasn¡¯t the end of what she had to say. ¡°And¡­ the prime minister of Clemington smuggled in to propose an arranged marriage to the emperor.¡± Abella raised her eyebrows. ¡°An arranged marriage¡­?¡± ¡°Now you know the relationship between Aiden and Clemington. A war might break out soon.¡± ¡°They¡¯re asking Charope for help.¡± Yuri nodded her head. Abella took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. It was nothing. Abella and Cade had no close relationship, so it shouldn¡¯t matter if he married another woman. Abella repeated this and again. ¡®It¡¯s nothing.¡¯ But, that was really useless. The more she thought of Cade and Clemington¡¯s marriage, the more her heart began to pound. Eventually Abella set the teacup down completely. Yuri narrowed her eyes at the sound. Abella¡¯s presentations were always like eating a delicious dinner. Especially when it came to subtle emotions like this one. Abella would often make that kind of expression whenever a name came up. Like a child who didn¡¯t know what to do. Yuri realized that her intuition was right. ¡®It seems obvious that you have a crush on Emperor Cade. Why do you not realize it yourself?¡¯ Yuri thought. ¡°So Enoch was tasked with visiting Emperor Cade and getting his consent. That¡¯s why Enoch goes back and forth to the Imperial Castle.¡± Abella¡¯s face grew even paler. This gave Yuri confidence. She knew that Abella had a spring-like feeling. ¡°¡­¡­that¡¯s enough. Yuri, I¡¯ve always believe in you. You know that, right?¡±Abella smiled softly. Both of them knew this was a lie. Yuri had a similar kind of smile. ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°Ah. I have one thing to do. I¡¯m trying to get an aide, can you get me a useful one? I want it to be a woman.¡± That way, she can create more variables. ¡°Yes.¡± With that, today¡¯s conversation was over. If it was perfect, it was perfect because Yuri was as good as she always was and so was Abella. That kind of conversation. * Yuri left almost like she was being kicked out, leaving only Cade and Enoch in the hotel room. Cade looked at Enoch and smiled awkwardly. ¡°Well, now it¡¯s just the two of us. Didn¡¯t you ask me for an audience?¡± ¡°But I was rejected.¡± Enoch answered as bluntly as possible. Cade shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Because I thought I needed to alert Abella of you. But, I guess I didn¡¯t have to. You are already under Abella¡¯s suspicions. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here aren¡¯t you?¡± Enoch clenched his teeth. He wanted to deny it, but Cade was right. Abella tested him, and Enoch, the negligent, stumbled very nicely into her trap. Where the hell did he go wrong? Nothing was easy with Abella. Cade said what he wanted to say, as if he didn¡¯t care what Enoch was thinking. ¡°Then there is no need to bother you anymore. Because I¡¯m a pretty merciful person. Enoch Clemington, tell me. I mean about your business.¡± Enoch paused as he watched the man¡¯s terribly handsome lips move. He knew. The emperor knew everything. Enoch said the following in his casual, nonchalant demeanor and relaxed expression, with his shoulders stretched: ¡°¡­Prince Enoch of Clemington is presenting himself to the Emperor on behalf of the King.¡± Enoch stood up from his chair and was courteous. Now Enoch was speaking not as an international lawyer working with Abella, but as the Prince of Clemington, second in line to the throne. Chapter 91 ¡°Speak,¡± Cade replied lightly. ¡°¡­Now, I would like to inform you that the conflict between Aiden and Clemington has intensified and war is approaching. The kingdom of Aiden is a small country, but there are many warriors who are born from Viking blood. ¡°So?¡± If I could give one hit to that relaxed face¡­ Enoch gritted his teeth. He had grown to hate this. Enoch defined his feelings for Cade. ¡°If Aiden crosses Clemington, the next will be the Charope Empire, so I ask for your help.¡± ¡°Reinforcements. That¡¯s it?¡± Enoch wished he could just slap that cheeky mouth that asked knowingly. Enoch continued speaking in a suppressed voice. ¡°I also urge you to strengthen the alliance through marriage with Princess April of Clemington.¡± That was all Enoch had to say to the Emperor as Prince of Clemington. The emperor was smiling as he looked at Enoch without the slightest bit of agitation. ¡°What does Charope get out of it?¡± As if putting a mouse on the palm of his hand, he was testing Enoch and weighing Clemington¡¯s fortune. ¡°You will get an eternal ally. Also, Princess April is considered one of the best wizards in the kingdom, so it will definitely help.¡± ¡°To send Clemington¡¯s greatest power to Charope. I understand your determination.¡± It was a strategy to lose one and gain one. Charope had a very small number of wizards compared to the vast empire¡¯s territory. It was Clemington¡¯s judgment that there was no reason not to accept this offer. ¡°Definitely a good offer.¡± Cade rubbed his chin. ¡°But unfortunately, I will not accept the offer.¡± ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Enoch raised his head. Even though he came here on a whim of duty, he was still the prince of Clemington. He was fully aware that Clemington¡¯s fortunes were now on his shoulders. Enoch knelt on the floor. He was born a noble prince, and it was something he had never done before, but it was natural. There was no one in this world who did not bow his head in front of the Emperor of Charope. ¡°Please reconsider one more time. Clemington¡¯s fate is at stake. Think of the years that we have spent with the borders side by side for so long¡­ ¡°Enoch Clemington. Come up with a better suggestion than that. You are an excellent international lawyer. Think about what I want from you.¡± Enoch blinked at Cade¡¯s slow words. His blank head was spinning. What could Emperor Cade wish for? In front of him, Enoch was nothing more than a dwarf. As for what he wanted¡­ Enoch¡¯s mouth went dry. ¡®Ah.¡¯ There was only one thing Emperor Cade wanted. Abella Amerigo. Enoch could bet everything on that woman. But, he wasn¡¯t able to force someone to move her heart. ¡®Think more, Enoch.¡¯ Now about what was going to offend Cade¡¯s nerves the most. Abella was now¡­ ¡®Arsene Sirius?¡¯ Enoch raised his head. Cade¡¯s deep smile appeared on his dilated pupils. Since Sirius was a family of long-time public servants, he was an opponent that cannot be purged. No matter how high his status was as the Emperor. However, if someone attacked Sirius, that was a different story. Whether it was a grudge or some other reason, if Sirius was shaken by someone else. The Emperor would not miss that opportunity. And the Emperor was hoping that Enoch would act as the trigger. The Emperor rolled his eyes brightly. ¡°Good idea, Prince Enoch.¡± Got caught in a trap Enoch felt the trap attached to him grow stronger. ¡°If you do that, I will accept everything. I will make sure that Princess April is treated not as my wife, but as the Great Duke of the Charope Empire.¡± In the end, he was saying that he was going to skip all the good things. Enoch clenched his teeth. ¡°In return, I promise you Charope¡¯s infinite support for this war.¡± No matter how unfair and unjust, what Enoch could say now was decided. ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry. Your Majesty.¡± * Cade left the hotel first. This secret place is suitable as a secret meeting place. Soon, Cade¡¯s knights would collect Enoch and secretly drop him off at a suitable place so that no one could find out about today¡¯s meeting. Cade got into a black carriage that was waiting in front of the hotel. Even though he had spent the whole night awake, he had a clear mind. Chapter 92 He thought of what happened today. Abella knew Cade would be here. She had boldly used the emperor. But it didn¡¯t seem too serious at all, as Cade seemed to be quite obsessed with Abella. Cade laughed at himself and tousled his hair. And Abella knew Cade would keep Enoch and Yuri out of sight of the public. It was only natural for Cade that the invitation issued in Abella¡¯s name could not be defiled. If the rumors spread, Abella would become a woman who cheated on her fianc¨¦e and had an affair with another man. In the end, Abella used Cade for everything. Cade swept a hand over his face. ¡®Nothing has changed.¡¯ A bitter smile spread across his purple lips. Both before and now. Cade was the second. Everything was second. To endure the indescribable bitterness, Cade found a scapegoat. Cade hurled a tell-off at Burke, who was sitting opposite him. ¡°So. Did you find the priest?¡± ¡°¡­I searched for him, but he went into seclusion and refused to see anyone¡­¡± ¡°Burke.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring him in somehow.¡± There was always only one answer Burke could give. He was nothing more than Cade¡¯s magic wand. A magic that made even the impossible possible. As Burke lamented, Cade thought of Abella. He had been taken advantage of, but he wasn¡¯t upset at the fact. Rather, he hoped she got what she wanted with this. ¡®Such a pushover.¡¯ What would he do with something he was aware of but had no intention of fixing? * Enoch opened the door to the office and stumbled in. This was the first time he¡¯d ever ridden such a fast horse. He was also born as a prince and thought that he had been training his basic physical strength, but it was not comparable to the knights. He was able to walk properly only after a few minutes of nausea. Enoch said impatiently, ¡°I¡¯m here, Abella.¡± ¡°Enoch.¡± Abella smiled as if nothing had happened. However, Enoch saw the truth behind Abella¡¯s laughter. Yuri must have been here already. Since the secrets that Enoch had confided with ease had reached Abella¡¯s ears, it would be more accurate to say that the smile was close to a pretense. The trust that had been built up between Enoch and Abella had collapsed to the bottom. And it was Enoch who brought this on himself. It was stupid. He thought Abella wouldn¡¯t notice it. Wasn¡¯t this the same as deceiving himself because he was blinded by love? He was ashamed of himself. When Abella gave him the invitation, he had accepted without any doubt. It was so sad that he had such a desperate heart. He¡¯d been deceiving herself and, at the same time, he¡¯d deceiving himself, too. Enoch managed to tear open a candy and put it in his mouth. Abella watched Enoch¡¯s series of actions silently. She pretended she was fine, but the thoughts in her head were complicated. Had Cade accepted the marriage to the Princess of Clemington? In fact, Clemington was a large kingdom, if not as large as Charope, and there were many benefits to be gained from this marriage alliance. If Abella had been Cade, she would have accepted the marriage. However, if she made a more emotional choice rather than this rational choice, she hoped that Cade did not. Indescribable vulgar emotions attracted Abella. She knew she would look naive, so she couldn¡¯t ask Enoch about it. Abella hesitated a few times before opening her mouth. ¡°You can leave whenever you want.¡± Plop¡ª Enoch dropped the lollipop he had in his mouth. These cruel words, which made all his efforts so far in vain, pierced Enoch. ¡°Abella!¡± ¡°The story of the First Prince of Clemington being ill is famous. And the story of the prince in the line of succession who wanders around is also famous. I never imagined that such a great person would be by my side.¡± Enoch ruffled his hair recklessly. His heart was jumping like it was going to explode. He felt completely pushed out of Abella¡¯s life. Now, Abella would no longer treat him as she used to. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this,¡± Enoch whispered earnestly. ¡°I¡¯m talking about reality, Enoch.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t, Abella.¡± Enoch was at a loss for what to do, and walked in front of Abella. In front of Abella, who had a pale face, Enoch slowly knelt down. ¡°I was wrong¡­ So¡­¡± Don¡¯t look at me with such cold eyes, Abella. The reluctant, angry words that he couldn¡¯t bear to say were stuck in his throat. Oh, he knew why. It must have been his tears that were blocking his throat. Tears welled up and they fell onto his knees. It was the result of anxieties and fears that he suffered through the night. While Enoch was with Cade, he thought of Abella the whole time. Abella should have known the entire truth about him, but his face went white as he thought about what to do with her. Enoch wished Abella would know his heart, but he also knew that if she did, Abella would push him away. For Enoch, who had been struggling day by day with contradictory minds, this incident was like a nightmare that was too hard to bear. ¡°Enoch?!¡± Abella¡¯s surprised voice was heard. ¡°Why, Enoch?¡± Now she looked like Abella. The Abella that Enoch knew. Enoch embarrassedly wiped the tears with his hands. Abella turned around her desk and she sat down in front of him. ¡°Enoch¡­¡­¡± ¡°I was wrong¡­ Don¡¯t tell me to go, Abella.¡± Even though he felt Abella in trouble, Enoch couldn¡¯t stop. If he missed out now, he would be completely pushed out of Abella¡¯s life. ¡°Hmm?¡± Abella sighed as Enoch wept and begged like a child. Nothing was easy. Enoch did his job well, so it was right to have him around. But, was Enoch okay? Emotional discomfort was one of the factors that was quite stressful. Could Abella and Enoch handle the discomfort? The answer to that was unknown. Abella stared at Enoch with her curious eyes. It was funny that she wasn¡¯t conscious of his feelings until his heart was in too deep. Even though she knew she shouldn¡¯t trust anyone recklessly, she ended up believing in Enoch. She was at a loss for her own complacency. ¡°Enoch, are you okay?¡± This was the only kindness Abella could bestow at this moment. ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend I don¡¯t know your feelings.¡± It was also the last chance she would give. A chance to escape from this muddy Timur. An opportunity to leave this place as exhausting as a thick fog. Enoch could have chosen a better life than he had now. He was the youngest prince, but was second in line to the throne. Just by returning to Clemington, Enoch would be treated with dignity and would be able to lead a comfortable life. Why did he have to go down this thorny path? Abella¡¯s life had never been so easy and she couldn¡¯t understand Enoch right now. Why? ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± What was love? ¡°It¡¯s okay if I can be by your side.¡± Enoch smiled fondly. He felt like crying for some reason. How about pretending not to know about Enoch¡¯s kindness? The fact that he was a good person was a fact that she, who had been with him, knew very well. With Enoch, she would definitely be better off than she was now. He would take care of Abella and would do everything for her. Even if his love faded, he was still someone who would cherish Abella. She would be happy if she had him in this temporary world. However¡­ Abella had a lot of work she hadn¡¯t done yet. ¡°I didn¡¯t even expect it.¡± It was a voice of resignation. ¡°It¡¯s just my feelings. I have to bear my share. Just¡­¡­¡± Enoch murmured in a watery voice. ¡°I will be by your side. I won¡¯t ask for anything, I won¡¯t beg you.¡± Really, what was love? To be able to bring Enoch Clemington to his knees? Abella nodded her head slightly. Only then did Enoch, who looked so hurt, smiled. Chapter 93 Yuri let out a soft breath and got out of the carriage. It must have been an illusion that the fog was especially thick today. It was the custom of the people of Timur to wake up early in the morning and check the fog. And this is how it would be said. ¡®Ah, it¡¯s very foggy today. This fog.¡¯ When you say things like that, it becomes a habit. It hadn¡¯t been long since Yuri came to Timur, but in the last few years, it was quite foggy to see it stuck in her mouth like this. Yuri knocked on the door. ¡°I said I¡¯m coming! Now give up and open the door!¡± The mercenary, who watched Yuri¡¯s little hand fall without a hitch, pushed her away. He didn¡¯t know what happened the other day and yesterday that caused her to be walking around in such a daze. The mercenary clicked his tongue coldly and banged on the door. ¡°Stop bothering me now!!¡± ¡°Well done. Well done.¡± Yuri clapped. The mercenary looked back at Yuri as if it were ridiculous. It wasn¡¯t until their eyes met that Yuri gently lowered her hand and muttered. ¡°Continue with what you are doing. I¡¯ll have to call it a day.¡± Otherwise, she didn¡¯t know what would happen to Abella. Although Abella acted softly as if she believed in everything, she would occasionally awaken her presence with such force. There was a cool look in Cade¡¯s eyes as he looked back at Yuri. Before she left the hotel room, Cade warned her with stern eyes. ¡®Be careful with your mouth. Isn¡¯t that the only thing that ruins a person¡¯s life?¡¯ Yuri quickly rubbed her arm. She didn¡¯t think he was such a dangerous person. The selfless eyes that swept Yuri up and down were full of life. If on any day that Yuri did any harm to Abella, she would be stabbed to death by the look in his eyes. It was a strange look. Emperor Cade was also the same age as Abella, but he had the power and skill of a middle-aged man. The same was true of the informants that Cade has scattered throughout the empire since he was a child. They were everywhere and nowhere. No one had been able to pinpoint a single agent hiding in the mansion. The emperor built this elaborate organization over the course of his life. A little kid who was only 8 years old. As she followed the emperor¡¯s actions, she was able to discover many strange facts, one of which was that. The emperor was the greatest genius¡­ ¡®What is that?¡¯ It was not just information networks. Cade was crowned at a younger age than expected and had ruled the empire without a single mistake. Cade¡¯s goal was clear. Innovation. He was trying to fix Timur of its conservative and outdated practices. A new wind was blowing in Timur, where only the nobles stayed. The number of small inns in the outskirts was increasing. And the streets came in. A place that was left out and left in the wilderness. It was the commoners, not the nobles, who occupied it. A new class began to enter Timur, which was called the city of nobility. Holding the line of nobility, it went not only to small merchants, but also to peddlers. There was also often a night market. It started after Cade¡¯s reign and was gradually expanding its scope. The nobles still didn¡¯t notice. Unaware of the Emperor¡¯s will, they were just blind and helpless. What was the emperor¡¯s intention? Yuri¡¯s thoughts flowed backward like a salmon meandering along the river bank. In fact, this was something the noble would never have thought of. Timur¡¯s nobility was isolated by what they enjoyed. They thought that their wealth would last forever. But Yuri was different. She was from Vincent, a trader, and an informant. Yuri was able to see the country with a wider field of view. If she was right, Cade was probably¡­¡­ ¡°Yuri? What do you think?¡± Algorithms of her thoughts were cracked and broken. Yuri got out of her daze and lifted her head. It was Harold standing in front of the open door and calling her. ¡°Ah. The door is open¡­ Harold! Can¡¯t you let go of that hand?¡± At Yuri¡¯s scream, Harold put away the hand that was holding someone¡¯s neck. A pale, middle-aged woman who had been grabbed by Harold backed away from him. She was clutching her neck and clattering, seemingly to run away and hide in the house at any moment. Yuri clicked her tongue and quickly pushed Harold away. Chapter 94 ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I remembered that I¡¯ve been walking around without realizing.¡± ¡°But the door was opened¡­¡± ¡°Does it look like I opened it?¡± Harold winked. Yuri¡¯s face turned white. At their feet lay the door. The one on which Yuri was stepping was also a door that had remained intact until a while ago. ¡°I was confident it would be inside, so I ripped it open.¡± ¡°This is ille¡­!¡± ¡°There¡¯s no such thing for a mercenary? Just ask.¡± Yuri sighed and nodded her head. Harold was right. What were ethics and morals to them? All they needed to do was carry out their order. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Yuri asked with a smile. ¡°¡­I¡¯m okay, I think my neck is fine.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Yuri murmured and added. ¡°My legs are not feeling well from going back and forth here.¡± ¡°Why did you go to this far place¡­!¡± ¡°I need to know what happened with the case from 8 years ago. Now, why don¡¯t you come in and talk to me?¡± Yuri passed the middle-aged woman and went inside. The sound of Harold grunting and lifting the knocked-down door was heard, roughly obscuring the rest of the room. Yuri swallowed a sigh as she counted the money in her pocket. ¡°Where can I sit?¡± ¡°How on earth did you know to come all the way here?¡± ¡°At least I know you worked for Amerigo.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that!¡± ¡°Ah. And you were Abella and Carlo¡¯s nanny.¡± The woman¡¯s face turned white. Yuri murmured, ¡°Sit down.¡± All of a sudden, Yuri¡¯s tone had turned into a high-pressure one. The playfulness that had been thinking in her eyes until now had been erased, and Yuri beckoned her with her chin. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be kind to sinners.¡± The temperature gradually decreased as if it had dropped by 10 degrees. * There was a post horse galloping towards Amerigo. It was an old method that was not used often after the telegram system was introduced, but post horses were still used in rural areas. And Amerigo¡¯s magic stone mine were just as rural. The knight of the estate jumped off the horse. The country knight had the honor of setting foot in the Amerigo capital mansion, but now it didn¡¯t matter. The knight croaked and grabbed the butler. ¡°Cough! I need to see the Master in secret¡­!¡± ¡°Are you talking about the Lady?¡± ¡°Yes Yes!¡± The butler looked at the knight with distasteful eyes, checked the post horse, and nodded his head. Considering the letter in his hand as a lifeline, it didn¡¯t seem like an easy thing to do. The butler brought the knight inside. On the way, they ran into Mrs. Amerigo. ¡°¡­After that girl arrived, nothing special has come and gone in and out of Amerigo.¡± Mrs. Amerigo, who shrieked coldly, turned and headed to her room. The butler, who had expected her reaction, simply smiled bitterly, but the knight who was trying to be polite, stiffened. ¡°She drank too much so she had a slip of the tongue. Don¡¯t worry. No one here thinks of you that much.¡± The knight crouched and nodded his head. Fortunately, Abella welcomed the knight with a smile on her face. ¡°You have worked hard so far. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°¡­I have something to say to you, so I came to see you.¡± The knight passed the letter in his hand to Abella. Abella slit open the envelope with a knife and took out the contents. The letter, written in shaky handwriting, fell onto the palm of her hand. It was like Abella¡¯s heart falling. Abella opened the letter as casually as possible. It was a letter from Viscount Bellops, who managed the estate. Abella read the letter slowly. Abella read it all and she smiled bitterly with a pale face. Abella turned her head and looked at the butler. ¡°¡­it seems that my curse has spread to Amerigo as well.¡± ¡°Lady!¡± The butler called Abella in a mournful voice. ¡°It is a contagious disease, butler.¡± Abella murmured. ¡°It is said that a monster is coming up from the coal mines of Amerigo and eating people¡­ I started this work, so I am the source.¡± Abella touched her forehead with a trembling hand. ¡°I have to go to the royal palace right now. Now, send a priest belonging to the Amerigo family estate to check the facts.¡± ¡°Yes, lady.¡± ¡°You will have to move stealthily and quickly. Amerigo¡¯s reputation may be at stake.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The butler quickly went out to find the priest. Abella spoke kindly to the knight. ¡°Thank you for the important news. I¡¯ll tell the kitchen so you can go get something to eat and rest. The butler will guide you around the place.¡± ¡°Thank you, my Lady.¡± Abella nodded her head. Skellus seemed to have been cursed. Her misfortune was still terribly clinging to her like fate. Chapter 95 The news that had reached Abella also reached Cade. It was urgent news that an epidemic had spread in the Amerigo estate. Cade stared curiously at the messenger who had told him this. ¡®What has changed?¡¯ Cade slowly pondered the past. At this time of the year, he had no memory of an epidemic. The outbreak of an epidemic was a little bit later. Even now, the days were not too hot according to the seasons, so it was strange that a new epidemic had occurred. Subsequent plagues were also caused by decaying flesh of dead animals, not other problems, and not in Amerigo. If so, what had changed? Abella was the same before. Whatever it was, she jumped in to save Amerigo. Abella at that time did not have the Abella business, so she did not have the power and money to support it. All that was given to the desperate Abella was the vast territory that had already lost its land power. Abella began to search for minerals to pay off debts accumulated by Amerigo. It was all she had left. It was a magic stone that she discovered¡­ This time the order was slightly different, but he knew that Abella could make money with magic stones. He hadn¡¯t told Abella about the wider view. However, even in those days, Amerigo estate had no problems. Except for the fact that the coal mine, which had been abandoned for a long time, had to be built one by one since the foundation was weak. ¡®What the hell did I miss?¡¯ From the time he noticed that he had regressed. Cade used his extraordinary memory to protect Amerigo. He thought he had defended Amerigo as well as Abella. And he thought it could be in the future too. Abella didn¡¯t have to come to Cade. The place she spent her whole life may be with someone else rather than by Cade¡¯s side. His greed and his resentment rose, but he could stand it, as long as Abella would stay alive and not die. However, things were happening in a way that Cade could not have guessed. Cade¡¯s heart seemed to be shrinking from the anxiety. Obviously there must be something different about this. Otherwise¡­. Cade pondered the incident slowly. Abella was not the kind of person to be foolish. If it was not an epidemic, it would be revealed soon, and even if it was an epidemic¡­ There must be a reason when she played that odds, but if she was lying, he tried to guess the benefits she could gain. Abella. Amerigo. The magic stone business. The epidemic. Finally, the curse. Cade chuckled. It was because he knew what this was going to be. It was to undermine Abella¡¯s reputation. It was once again a vicious move to put Abella around the bridle of a curse. ¡°Who the hell is¡­¡± Cade clenched his teeth. There must be an answer among the things he missed. Among the vassals and relatives of Amerigo, those who could use their heads, and among others who had a grudge against Amerigo or who could benefit from this. The Amerigo¡¯s were those who could do little compared to their resentment and animosity. They were more accustomed to blaming and swearing at others than to using their heads, so there was no need to worry about them. There was only one person. Layla Amerigo. Except for that woman. Even in the previous life, she was a woman who was anxious because she couldn¡¯t defeat Abella. This time, it was obvious that she would. Layla Amerigo was the woman who thought she should have been born to Amerigo¡¯s direct line. Her hostility started from a feeling of inferiority, and was built up by jealousy and all kinds of ugly emotions. Layla loved Arsene Sirius. No, actually, he didn¡¯t know if it was love. With a twisted possessiveness, she wanted to have Arsene. Just because he was Abella¡¯s fiance, she wanted to have him. No way. What if she was back? What if she walked the same path? ¡°Shit.¡± He had a gut feeling that something bad was about to happen. Cade, having found a suitable theory, waved the bell. Burke, who was waiting outside for Cade, took the command. ¡°There is someone around Layla Amerigo right?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± He planted several informants around Layla, just in case. The quick-witted woman took out some, but a few remained. ¡°The time has come for them to do their job.¡± ¡°I will call them in.¡± In a secret way. Cade nodded his head. * Chapter 96 Cade accepted Abella¡¯s request for an audience. It was because he knew the seriousness of the situation, and just because it was late, he did not want to leave her in unrest. Abella greeted Cade, who appeared in a gown. Cade waved her hand as Abella bowed her head to honor the emperor. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I heard what this was about.¡± She didn¡¯t think he wouldn¡¯t know, so Abella straightened her body without embarrassment. The emperor sat first, followed by Abella. Seeing Abella¡¯s pale face, Cade sighed. He didn¡¯t know who did it for what purpose, so he clenched his teeth. Since the room she was guided to was a reception room operated privately by the emperor, Abella spoke at ease. ¡°I sent a priest. Maybe tomorrow evening the results will come out.¡± ¡°Could it be a contagious disease?¡± ¡°No matter what you think, it¡¯s low. The coal mines in Amerigo were not closed due to deaths or accidents. Naturally, the mineral dried up and closed. There is no reason for it to be an epidemic.¡± Besides, it was a coal mine on a high mountain. As the emperor shifted his position, the robe flowed down. Cade leaned back in the chair in a sluggish posture and motioned his hand at the maid. ¡°Bring the tea you have prepared.¡± There was something prepared in advance of Abella¡¯s coming. ¡°That¡¯s¡­!¡± Abella bit her lips tightly. It was because of Cade¡¯s unexpectedly extended hand. Cade carefully turned over Abella¡¯s hair which had been messy. And then he said in a sweet voice. ¡°You are not okay, Abella. You should drink some hot tea and calm your mind.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­¡± ¡°You look anxious, Abella.¡± Eventually Abella resigned and took the teacup. Cade was right. With her current anxious mind, she would not be able to do anything. She was already not thinking about it properly. Abella soothed her prickly heart with hot tea. ¡®It¡¯s warm¡­¡¯ This cup of tea may have been what she needed the most at this moment. The moderately heated tea seemed to warm even Abella. Abella exhaled a long breath and shifted her eyes down. Now everything became clear. Cade would have known that Abella would come. So he must have prepared a tea to her taste. Was Cade the kind of person who cared? Cade, as Abella remembered, was an indifferent and uncaring person. He was someone who could do anything for what he wanted. He was promiscuous, cruel, and ¡­¡­ However, he keeps showing her aspects that were different from her memories. It wasn¡¯t just Cade. Everyone was like that. Abella buried her face in her palm. As her anxiety subsided, her mind became complicated. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is an epidemic.¡± ¡°Then we should know who is doing this and for what.¡± ¡°Can you guess?¡± Cade was silent. Abella lifted her head at Cade¡¯s silence, which seemed to be an answer in and of itself. She could see Cade¡¯s eyes darkening as he looked at her. Cade¡¯s red eyes were fixed on Abella. She was caught in fear for an unknown reason and her heart started pounding. Still, Abella couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Cade. ¡°¡­¡­Cade.¡± ¡°Do you like him?¡± ¡°What?¡± Cade smiled faintly. He knew he shouldn¡¯t be asking questions like this, but he couldn¡¯t control himself. When he looked at Abella, all sorts of emotions ran through him. ¡°That man, you like him? Is it him this time?¡± ¡°Cade!¡± ¡°Arsene, then Enosh. Then who?¡± Abella¡¯s face turned pale again. Not knowing what to say, Abella bit her lip. She could see Cade¡¯s feelings for her clearly. But, after realizing it¡­ Abella shook her head. As if he would want her. ¡°No.¡± She denied Cade¡¯s questions and all of his doubts. ¡°Really?¡± Cade smiled sharply. ¡°No means no.¡± Cade wiped his face. Now the question was too messed up. He didn¡¯t have to push Abella. Cade took a few breaths before he whispered, ¡°Sorry. You can forget the question I asked.¡± ¡°I¡¯d better get going¡­¡± ¡°No. I won¡¯t make you feel uncomfortable again.¡± Cade grabbed Abella. With a pathetic smile on his face, and his earnest gestures, Abella slumped into the seat. For some reason, his heart ached. ¡®Stupid Cade.¡¯ A familiar taste lingered in her mouth. It was a day when he kept wondering about the secret that Abella did not know. Chapter 97 Cade kept his promise not to bring up uncomfortable conversations. ¡®Before, Arsene, this time Enoch.¡¯ What did that mean? After meeting with Cade, the problem of the epidemic became clear. It was said that someone wanted to undermine Abella¡¯s prestige. After all, even if it really was an epidemic¡­ ¡®This is something I don¡¯t want to assume even a little bit.¡¯ It was far more terrifying than Abella¡¯s prestige being undermined. If it was a new contagious disease that had not yet been identified, many people would die. It might not be a problem that would only involve Amerigo. Still, she felt strangely at ease. Cade seemed convinced it wasn¡¯t an epidemic. His gentle eyes and relaxed gestures when greeting Abella, being called to a private reception room instead of his office¡­ Cade was not taking the case seriously. And strangely, that reassured Abella. Ever since Abella returned to Amerigo, Cade had been consistent with his friendly attitude towards her. So she had the belief that he would never let Abella in trouble. Cade¡¯s easiness aroused the bizarre belief that nothing was going to happen to Abella. Abella was strangled. The moonlight illuminating the night poured into her bedroom. Even if she did this secretly, it would surely spread from one mouth to another. Even more so if this incident originated from someone else¡¯s intentions. Abella would be called the Seed of Curse, and the story of Skellus, which has been quiet for a while, would come back. Although the taste was bitter, it was not as scary or frightening as before. Someone would definitely be by her side. It was different from when she was a kid where she would cry and run away. Now¡­¡­ ¡®Abella, just let me be by your side.¡¯ Enoch, who was earnestly asking for it. ¡®I won¡¯t make you uncomfortable.¡¯ Cade, who said that while setting aside his pride as an emperor and held her. Finally, there was Arsene who did not let go of Abella¡¯s hand even though she did not know what secret was hidden by him. And¡­ ¡®Auntie, Simon will protect you!¡¯ There was also the little baby angel. So, Abella tried to be a little brave. She would face this issue and fix it neatly. There was about a week left until the priest returned from the Amerigo estate. As soon as the priest left, she selected a volunteer from among the family doctors and sent them down. If they found out that it was a contagious disease, they would send a post horse with imperial doctors and put a barrier around the village. After that, they would solve the epidemic through various epidemiological investigations and studies. The business of the Amerigo estate would cease and they would regress again, but she has the courage to overcome it nonetheless. Abella grabbed the glass of cold water. The chill of it digging into her fingers woke her mind. ¡®You can do it, Abella.¡¯ She comforted herself. And if this happened by someone¡¯s hand¡­ ¡®Don¡¯t let them off.¡¯ This time, she wouldn¡¯t just let them off. Wasn¡¯t the Abella of childhood and the Abella of today markedly different? She had power in her. Abella¡¯s purple eyes gleamed coolly under the moonlight. Anyone who touched Amerigo would have to be prepared to pay for it. * Abella was not the only one who could not fall asleep. Layla leaned against the railing and looked up at the sky. Finally, the score was thrown. There were several pitfalls in this work. It would be nice if things went well and Abella¡¯s prestige fell to the ground. If the story of the curse of Skellus spread again in the Charope Empire, Sirius would no longer be able to maintain his engagement with Abella. That was the primary goal, so it was not a bad conclusion. If someone interfered with what Layla was doing¡­ Layla put on a slick smile. Even if this failed, Laysa was fine with it. It was so different from before. Abella left the Empire after the carriage accident and she returned. She had power to wield. Besides, the emperor and Duke Arsene went to protect her for some reason. Was that all? There was also a guy named Enoch, who got on Layla¡¯s nerves here and there. She had an ominous feeling for some reason. When she learned that she had initially returned from the future, Layla thought God had given her a new chance. Layla remembered everything she did before, so she would be the winner this time around. However, before Layla even touched her, Abella¡¯s life had been turned upside down. Surely someone else must have intervened. Perhaps it was¡­¡­. A returner like Layla. She didn¡¯t know who turned back time, and she didn¡¯t know how it happened. Layla just used this situation to her advantage. Chapter 98 Layla¡¯s candidates were Arsene, Cade, and finally Laurelia. Who the hell was going to move? ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ If it¡¯s Cade, I¡¯ll kill him, and if it¡¯s Lorelia, I¡¯ll kill her too. However, with Arsene, it was a different story. Lovers who had returned from the future together. How banal and romantic. If Arsene and Layla were together, they might have Charope kneel at their feet. By that time, Layla would have taken Amerigo. Layla hummed. Which planted seed will move? She never let go of someone that took away her opportunity. Layla cast her gaze into the darkness. It moved. Then. Shall we wait and see who was the author who would jump over the virtuous lady¡¯s wall? * The next morning was bright. There was an aura similar to that of war in the office due to the news of the epidemic. Enoch thought Abella was going to be depressed. People would accuse Abella, saying she had done something wrong, as well as disrupt Amerigo¡¯s business, on which Abella had worked so hard to lay the foundation. Moreover, it was a long way to sell the magic stone crafts before the awareness of the plague was stripped away. Nevertheless, Abella¡¯s expression was bright. Enoch called Abella worriedly. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Abella nodded her head shyly. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I wasn¡¯t okay when I first heard the news yesterday, but I¡¯m okay now.¡± What happened yesterday? Abella dealt with all the measures she could take from the Duchy mansion and left immediately for the royal palace. If Abella had changed, it was most likely because of the emperor. That was annoying for him. Abella told Enoch she didn¡¯t want to leave any room. If Enoch revealed his feelings, Abella would cut him off this time. There were no second chances with her. He hated how meeting Cade affected Abella. Cade was something Enoch couldn¡¯t mess with. Furthermore, he also had to maintain an acquaintance with Cade for the kingdom. Clemington¡¯s Chancellor was dissatisfied with Enoch¡¯s achievements, but he returned, saying that was enough. Enoch was utterly the weak one in this relationship. Even if he wanted to choose a word, he couldn¡¯t come up with a satisfactory word right now. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s an epidemic, Enoch.¡± Fortunately, Abella brought it out first. ¡°If it was an epidemic¡­ if I did something wrong, it would have spread to diplomatic issues, right?¡± Abella rolled her eyes playfully. Enoch seized the opportunity that Abella offered. ¡°What diplomatic issues?¡± He accepted it with his usual playful tone. ¡°Prince Clemington is in Timur, and a plague breaks out in Charope? Could Clemington stay still?¡± Enoch chuckled. To appease the bitterness, he opened a lollipop and shoved it into his mouth. ¡°That¡¯s it. Even though I look like a young bastard, I¡¯m actually a prince. It must have been a real epidemic. Aww¡­ But you¡¯re ignorant of how you treat a precious prince like this.¡± Enoch chuckled as usual and put his arms around the desk. Abella smiled and followed Enoch. ¡°But how are you sure?¡± ¡°There is no reason for the epidemic to spread in the Amerigo estate. Both in terms of the season and in the state of the territory, I came to a new conclusion.¡± Cade didn¡¯t pinpoint the clear culprit, but¡­ Fortunately, Yuri was following Cade. She would soon find out who Cade suspected too. ¡°What conclusion?¡± ¡°It is a situation that was planned and directed to undermine my prestige. What do you think?¡± Enoch nodded slowly. Abella¡¯s words were right. The timing was good too. Was Abella starting her new business now? There were certainly people who could benefit from this. Enoch slowly recalled aspects of Amerigo¡¯s relatives. If one of them was the culprit¡­ ¡°Count Gilmus?¡± ¡°He¡¯s not that smart.¡± ¡°What about his son?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard to get lucky under silkworm.¡± ¡°Then Volotto or¡­¡± ¡°Still stupid.¡± Enoch questioned Abella¡¯s assertion. ¡°Does Yuri know?¡± Abella smiled bitterly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know, but she will find out.¡± It would be a long fight from now on. Even if it was frustrating and difficult, Abella had the confidence to endure this time. She didn¡¯t waste eight years at Vincent for nothing. Chapter 99 Yuri read the anonymous letter and burned it. ¡®Epidemic?¡¯ It was a real plague. Did she have to do this to Abella, who had already been persecuted? Abella saw this epidemic was caused by human beings. What Abella wanted her to find out was not about the epidemic, but the identity of the person who was behind this incident. ¡®I think the emperor knows.¡¯ Yuri had met face-to-face with such a person. He knew everything but kept it a secret. And Yuri felt that this was mostly to protect Abella. Yuri had a foreboding feeling that it would be impossible to find out the emperor¡¯s secrets. The Emperor saw and knew more than she did. Still, if she followed the Emperor¡¯s informants after they left, wouldn¡¯t she be able to find out the extent of the incident? Yuri summoned the restaurant errand boy. If she wanted to catch the emperor before he left, she had to move quickly. They wouldn¡¯t wait for Yuri! * Chloe gleefully opened the door to Layla¡¯s office. Behind Chloe was a servant who had been beaten and had his face disfigured. He was being dragged in by the hands of the others. Before she did this, Layla had told Chloe that she had to do a good job of keeping the house under control. She should keep an eye out for anyone trying to divert the house if this happened. Chloe wasn¡¯t very clever, but she did what she was asked. Didn¡¯t she still catch the spy and bring it back as Layla had wanted? Layla closed the book she was reading with a satisfied smile on her face. It was quite pleasant that she remembered the future. Layla had never been in a situation where she didn¡¯t for a moment deviate from her own expectations. The thought that someone might have returned like her was something she always had deep in her heart. So everything was within her expectations. Cade. Arsene. Or Lorelia. Even Abella herself. Layla painted a sweet smile on her face. Who could it be? To be suspicious of the ordinary Chloe¡¯s daughter, Layla. ¡°Layla! It was as you said. He¡¯s been caught contacting others and getting the money! He was leaking the movements of our family outside!¡± Chloe stomped her feet in madness. ¡°How dare you!¡± How dare he. Layla laughed. That was not right. In fact, didn¡¯t Chloe also hide many spies in the Imperial Palace to monitor the Emperor? It was safe to say that this was just called a red herring. However, there was no need to hurt Chloe¡¯s feelings. Layla moderately agreed with Chloe¡¯s words. ¡°I know right. How dare they peek behind the walls of the mansion.¡± Layla gestured at the servants who had brought him in. Layla walked lightly, and she stood in front of the spy. His eyes, filled with fear, contained anguish and pain. However, there was no loyalty in them. No matter who planted the spy, it must have been a low-level informant driven by money. Layla stood in front of the man. The man moved his gaze after her, which was roaming slowly. ¡°You sold your life for a few pennies.¡± With the book she was holding, she lifted the man¡¯s chin. ¡°Speak like a person who has no loyalty and no faith. Who moved you?¡± Chloe looked at Layla. She was too calm. No matter how nimble and clever one was, a lady of the family would not show that kind of figure. Sometimes it felt like Layla was older than Chloe. There was a sense of maturity in Layla¡¯s eyes. So Layla should be the most noble woman. Chloe couldn¡¯t understand why the men of the Empire weren¡¯t interested in Layla. She was much smarter and prettier than Abella. Layla was far better off than Abella, who was born on the day of the curse. There was only one thing that made Layla inferior to Abella: status. The only reason she couldn¡¯t bear Amerigo¡¯s name was because Chloe was born a woman and not a man! That was a pity. Chloe sighed in regret. Layla was leaving Chloe behind and rushing the spy. Layla¡¯s voice changed stealthily. ¡°I¡¯ll give you more money. I¡¯ll pay double the price of the information you were selling.¡± It was easy to hook such a sloppy informant. The man¡¯s eyes fluttered like a crow that rejoiced. He was already half way bought over at Layla¡¯s proposal. Who the hell said this poor bastard was quiet? Layla threw the bag of money she had prepared in advance into the man¡¯s arms. ¡°Now tell me. Who bought you?¡± ¡°¡­an employee of Amerigo¡­¡± Then was it Lorelia or Abella? Or a stranger? Chapter 100 ¡°It was the nursery teacher, Miss!¡± After the man spoke, he pulled out the money bag he was holding and checked the number of gold coins. Layla, who looked at him with contempt, swallowed a sigh. A nursery teacher? Amerigo¡¯s nursery teacher¡­ ¡®Simon?¡¯ How old was Simon? She remembered him being only three years old. If so, it might have been Lorelia or Abella, or, more broadly, the lawyer Abella brought in. It was too early to make a judgment. Layla threw another one of the bags into the man¡¯s arms. The man who hugged it haphazardly raised his head as if asking what she meant. There was no money without a price. ¡°Do you know who the nursery teacher is with?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. But¡­ I heard the nursery teacher call the person above her Nathan.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­?¡± Layla repeated blankly. Nathan. Nathan? Layla remembered this name. Nathan was the middle name Simon Amerigo received from the Emperor when he succeeded the title at a young age! Originally, the great nobility had a middle name, except for the first and last name, in the case of the provincial states. Just like Arsene had a middle name called Magnus. The middle name given by the emperor to the great nobles who would rule the empire together was a symbol of loyalty and of power and status. Therefore, no one could say the honorable middle name except for the Emperor! And Nathan was a name for Simon. Nursery teacher and Nathan. Nathan and Simon. Her heart thumped and fell. This was something that Layla did not expect. Simon was only three years old now. But, don¡¯t tell me¡­ No. Another returner might have used the name Nathan to hide their identity. There was no need to act rashly. ¡°Layla, are you okay?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m okay, mother.¡± Chloe had no way of knowing about the future, so she had no way of knowing about Nathan. Layla looked back slowly at her mother, who had a worried face. I¡¯m okay. So far, nothing had deviated from Layla¡¯s plans. She just needed to insert a variable called Nathan. ¡°What should we do? If you have more questions¡­¡± ¡°Kill him.¡± Layla answered with a silent expression. This time, there was no feeling of guilt on her face. ¡°M-miss!¡± ¡°If we keep him alive, it will be a setback.¡± Besides, she had no intention of spending money on such useless things. If there was one lesson Layla had learned from the future, it was that nothing good came from leaving buds behind. Chloe nodded her head. Killing a servant and sending him out was not a hard job. Like all the great nobles had, there were several useful prisons underground. What was so hard about locking them up until they died? ¡°You have to let the trusted servants do it. Give them two pockets of money for that man.¡± ¡°Yes, Layla.¡± After all, Layla should rise to the highest position. She was nothing for Arsene Sirius. Layla suited a higher position. Chloe¡¯s eyes lit up as she looked at her bold and beautiful daughter. She began to dream a little higher. * ¡°Oh!¡± Abella stumbled behind as she was hugged tightly when she came out of the office. ¡°Auntie!¡± Simon smiled wildly and clasped Abella¡¯s arms. It was really weird. Simon used to hug Abella when she was depressed or having a hard time, like he knew. No. Maybe Abella felt that way because she was depressed most of the time. ¡°Simon! Are you here alone again?¡± ¡°Simon is all grown up!¡± Simon nodded his head passionately. The little face that hugged Abella fiercely was lovely. Abella kissed Simon on the cheek and whispered, ¡°Our Simon is getting bigger and bigger. You¡¯re a lot heavier than before.¡± Simon made a very cute face in response. Abella forgot all about her misfortunes in the Amerigo estate and burst into laughter. Enoch, who had chased Abella out of the office, paused. It was lunchtime and he was about to go to the dining room. And, as always, the little kid took Abella. ¡°Where¡¯s the nanny or the nursery teacher; why is the kiddo wandering around alone?¡± ¡°Simon must have run away again.¡± Abella answered softly. Simon nodded as if it was true. ¡°Come here to see Auntie! Simon¡­ Simon is Auntie¡¯s strength! Be strong!¡± So he¡¯s saying he is my strength? Abella kissed Simon¡¯s cheek. Cute and lovely Simon. This kid made Amerigo a little more bearable. Simon burst into laughter and said the words he always used as a greeting. ¡°Simon protects Aunt!¡± My cute guardian angel. Abella followed Simon and burst out laughing. Chapter 101 The world was full of incomprehensible things. Cade laughed. The man he planted next to Layla survived. Because the victim was someone else. This allowed Cade to be sure of two things. First, Layla was in the same situation as Cade. She had returned from the future to the past. She knew as much as Cade did. And she had a lot of old and cruel tricks up her sleeve. Layla Amerigo. What kind of person was she? After Abella¡¯s death, Layla took over Arsene Sirius. How happy she must have been as a result of a long wait. Layla did not let her fruits stand still. Because of her insecurity and perverted lust, Layla imprisoned Arsene. ¡®What a great woman.¡¯ Cade rubbed his forehead. A tiring thing happened. He was okay with everyone else, though he hoped they would not be a returner. Unfortunately, the person turned out to be Layla. How badly had she tormented Abella while working at Amerigo? She was vicious in everything she did, whether it was because she had a lack of empathy or humanity. She slaughtered the knights who were escorting Abella to kill Abella. Layla didn¡¯t give Abella a break. Although she didn¡¯t get blood on her hands directly, she didn¡¯t hesitate to get blood on other people¡¯s hands. Perhaps Layla also contributed to Abella¡¯s death. ¡°Burke.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. You look uncomfortable today.¡± Burke spoke anxiously to Cade, who had been wearing that frowning impression since early morning. Cade and Burke had been studying together under the same teacher since they were children, so they sometimes got along casually. Burke was also the most sensitive to Cade¡¯s health and mood. Cade narrowed one of his fine eyes. ¡°What kind of character do you think Lady Layla is?¡± ¡°I called you, but you¡¯re the one to ask the question.¡± ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t that because you¡¯re worried about your beliefs? You don¡¯t look too good these days. You seem to be unable to sleep¡­ and the amount of food you¡¯ve eaten has also decreased, so the chef has begun to worry.¡± ¡°This is true.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders. ¡°I was short-minded and worried about you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what you really mean, does it?¡± Burke nodded sullenly. ¡°Now, I¡¯m at the point to resent Last Abella.¡± It all started when Abella returned to Timur. Like a clock that had stopped, started spinning. ¡°It¡¯s not Abella¡¯s fault.¡± Cade muttered. ¡°If you think about it, it¡¯s my fault.¡± It was Cade¡¯s fault for not knowing anything and stupidly not protecting Abella. It was Cade¡¯s fault for not knowing Abella, who was dying, and only talking about love. It was Cade¡¯s fault for only coming to his senses after losing Abella. Cade wiped his face dry. ¡°Then who is to blame? And you haven¡¯t answered Lady Layla yet.¡± ¡°I¡¯m thinking.¡± Cade clenched his teeth. What would be a good way? He couldn¡¯t harm Layla Amerigo for no reason. She wore the surname of a great aristocrat, and she hadn¡¯t done much in this lifetime. Cade rolled his eyes. Oh. A very mean and dirty method came to mind. And it was the most appropriate way. ¡°¡­I wonder if I should take Layla Amerigo into the harem.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Thud- The itinerary from Burke¡¯s hand fell and scattered onto the floor. Cade watched it with gloomy eyes. ¡°As if she¡¯s like me.¡± He could spy on Layla with her by his side, while giving her no other titles. That was the most important point. He could bring Layla into the palace and make sure she didn¡¯t see anyone. And he could increase the number of people spying on her. Oh, of course there were also other ways. One was to elevate Abella to the most noble position. However, although Cade could force Layla, he could not force Abella. It was even more so for Cade because he was a loser. He wanted to make her see only the good and the pretty, and only have her do what she wanted to do. ¡°And¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­if you want to say something more absurd¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying to get April Clemington to Amerigo and stay in the mansion.¡± Thud- Burke, who was bending over to pick up the itinerary, dropped it again. He looked up at Cade with a blank expression in his eyes. ¡®Are you crazy!¡¯ Wizards were valuable talents. Besides, wasn¡¯t April the princess of Clemington? They were in the process of renovating the mansion where he would welcome April, and out of nowhere, Amerigo? Burke looked at Cade, stunned. The wizard belonged to the tower and had to work for the empire. The person who Cade personally raised as a wizard was helping Cade¡¯s work, but¡­ But what about Amerigo? It was like he gave Abella the power to run privately. ¡°I have no idea what you are thinking¡­¡± Well. Cade¡¯s thinking revolved around Abella these days. He would do anything to save Abella. Cade told Burke. ¡°¡­Abella, ask the Lady for a favor and for April to enter the palace.¡± It seemed like there are a lot of things to talk about. Burke wept and nodded his head. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± He hoped Abella would stop Cade. * Enoch escorted Abella over and helped her get off the carriage. Today, they were going to check out Abella¡¯s new business, which was open. The people who greeted them who got off at the Timur branch stood right at the door. ¡°Lady Abela, Lord Enoch. Long time no see.¡± Serin said hello. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Serin, how have you been?¡± ¡°Good, Lady Abella! I think you¡¯re thinner. Oh God¡­ Come inside. The fog is too bad.¡± ¡°Timur is always like that.¡± Abella took off her hat and stepped into the branch. It seems that they had just moved to Timur, but Abella¡¯s business was settling in. The sophisticated consultation counter and the staff were doing their job in the right place. ¡°Is the number of transactions increasing?¡± ¡°Timur is probably a place that doesn¡¯t take in imported goods or goods from other regions¡­¡± ¡°I know. It seems that we are going to get new amenity supplies for the newly opened hotel in Sirius this time. Did you know that?¡± ¡°Oh! Yes. Anyway, that¡¯s why I prepared a list of those parts. Let¡¯s go to the office, Lady Abella.¡± As soon as she entered, Serin followed Abella, who rushed at her, as if Serin was accustomed to it. Abella was obsessed with work and could not see anything else. Enoch greeted the people at the business modestly and followed them. By the time Enoch entered the room, the story was already ending. ¡°Oh. And.¡± Abella looked at Serin and Enoch alternately. Serin made Enoch work with Abella. Because he was an employee who was brought in by her. ¡°Did you say you came from Clemington too¡­¡­¡± Serin was startled. ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Are you from the royal castle?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Because I found out that Enoch had a secret. I wonder what kind of person you were.¡± Serin shrugged like a carp, then shook her head quickly. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to be honest than to be caught already? Serin swallowed a gulp and opened her mouth. Fortunately, Abella didn¡¯t seem angry, and Enoch shrugged his shoulders as if resigned too. It meant she could say it. ¡°I was working as an assistant to Prince Enoch.¡± ¡°Right. So, do you know that Princess April will enter the country this time?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡± That was how it happened. How much did she know? Enoch shrugged his shoulders more this time. In fact, when she confided everything to Yuri, she was prepared for it. Abella was a thorough person, and would not miss a single thing. She had already calculated the new variables, so she would have her own version. Abella was speaking to her slowly. ¡°Great. I heard that Princess April will become the Grand Duke of the Empire. Perhaps all kinds of people will reach out to Princess April. Being a wizard who doesn¡¯t belong to the tower is attractive.¡± Those who belonged to the tower only moved in matters related to the empire and could not do it privately. However, it was a different story if you were a wizard living outside the tower. She was able to put in a personal request. ¡°Probably so.¡± Serin agreed. ¡°I hope we can get that attractive person first.¡± Oh. Enoch realized now why Abella had announced her intention to visit the branch out of the blue this morning. This was what she wanted to discuss in front of Serin and Enoch. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what networking is used for?¡± Abella smiled brightly. Her purple eyes stared intently at Enoch. Enoch sighed, opened his candy and shoved it into his mouth. His heart was pounding from the look in her eyes!! Even in front of person who wanted to use him. Enoch clicked his tongue. ¡°Serin, can we meet before she enters the Imperial Palace?¡± ¡°¡­Yes, it is possible.¡± Serin stared at Enoch with pitiful eyes. To be treated like a ¡®network¡¯ by someone you like¡­ That¡¯s why I said that you should go back, your Highness¡­ ¡°Then get ready.¡± Abella said softly. ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡± ¡°I trust Serin will do well.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Her mission was to exercise her acquaintance with April and somehow get her in front of Abella¡¯s. For her poor prince. Chapter 102 It was the first time he was so reluctant to invite Abella to the Imperial Castle. Cade stared blankly where Burke had been standing before he left. Layla Amerigo¡¯s evil deeds were spinning around in his head. That woman was a demon he couldn¡¯t get rid of. The thought of having such a woman by his side made his head ache. He began to worry about how it would affect Abella. What would Abella think? If she didn¡¯t respond, it would hurt, and even if she blessed him, it would probably hurt, too. Cade furrowed his brow. The headache that started after the name Layla was involved was gnawing at him. Because what kind of magic, brought the demon back. He would rather deal with the old-fashioned Layla. Cade began to write the letter, cursing under his breath. This had to be passed on to Clay Amerigo. She was a woman full of naive lust rather than Layla. Still, if you want her comfort. Cade had one more thing. He was not the only returner. There was one more person who had gone back in time like a salmon that swam against the stream. Keeping Layla in check meant that there was a high probability that she and Cade were allies. There was some comfort in that fact. Which palace should he assign her? He had no intention of giving the powers of supremacy. Giving her power was the same as giving power to the demon. Cade pressed down on the letter to sign it. Because it was not even a formal marriage proposal, it was just a letter saying for her to be the mistress, so some people might feel insulted while others might see hope. Madame Triel. Madame Lorian. All of them were the names of those who started as a Mistress and rose to the position of empress. Chloe would start dreaming of an honorable title through them, and she¡¯ll think that this wasn¡¯t too bad either. Cade set up a secret meeting place with Layla. A place that would attract everyone¡¯s attention and spread rumors. Fortunately, he was the emperor and a man with many connections. * The Emperor¡¯s invitation had arrived in Amerigo. It was an invitation letter with the official emblem of the imperial family. ¡°What about the Emperor?¡± Enoch asked with a slightly reluctant face. The formal invitation in Abella¡¯s hand touched his heart. No, in fact, the fact that Abella and Cade were meeting was heartbreaking. Abella handed the invitation to Enoch, who was muttering with a sulky face. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Enoch swallowed his candy and swallowed his sighs. Tears seem to flow with the candy. Abella did not have Enoch in mind, and was just lost in deep thought. The priest had not yet returned from the Amerigo estate. So, why should they meet? Even through the official route. Besides, it was such a hurry. ¡°It¡¯s tomorrow morning¡­¡± She really didn¡¯t know what Cade was thinking. It would be nice to be able to check out what was going on inside his head. A meeting with Cade couldn¡¯t be denied, but she had no reason to refuse anyway. As he said, Cade didn¡¯t do anything that could harm Abella. Not even once since she returned to Timur. Abella wrote the date on her calendar. She then wrote a polite reply to the invitation. Abella put down the pen and then lifted her head. It was because she was reminded of something she had forgotten. ¡°Ah. Someone Yuri sent was coming.¡± ¡°Who did Yuri send?¡± ¡°Huh. I said before that I might need more assistants.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡­.¡± Enoch nodded his head with a clouded look. Now it seemed that there was a large wall between Abella and Enoch. It hurt his heart that he couldn¡¯t easily get over that wall. Enoch pressed it down to ignore the pain in his heart. ¡°The letter of introduction is here.¡± Abella handed the letter in her hand to Enoch. Since they were going to work together, she thought Enoch needed to see it too. ¡°Louisa Kertin.¡± It was the first time he had heard this name. ¡°She said she was from Clemington. Do you know the name?¡± ¡°No. I swear it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°Really? I thought you knew.¡± Abella shrugged her shoulders and returned the letter of introduction and put it in the drawer. In fact, it would be better if they knew each other. It was more likely that something would happen between her and Enoch. Life was a game of odds. Abella was on the lucky side of the game. She could bet that Louisa Kertin would be of some help to Amerigo. * At that time, Yuri was meeting Louisa. Yuri looked at Louisa with a worried face. In fact, she had posted a job posting to all the strangers staying in Timur. And it was Louisa Kertin who took the first bait. She urged others to cancel their interviews, saying she was the right person. Chapter 103 Louisa spoke about her own abilities and experience, but it was for other reasons that Yuri acquiesced to Louisa¡¯s request. After she had already done her research on Louisa, she sent Abella the letter of introduction. Perhaps Abella would welcome Louisa¡¯s presence. She had asked Abella. She wondered why Abella wanted to bring in new people. From Abella, who was looking back at Enoch¡¯s seat with a strange expression, Yuri was able to fully understand her intentions. Yuri opened her mouth to speak. ¡°So you¡¯re saying you¡¯re Prince Enoch¡¯s fianc¨¦e?¡± ¡°Exactly, my ex-fiance.¡± Louisa laughed softly. Yes, well. But she asked, why does she want to go there? Doesn¡¯t one typically avoid their ex-fiance? Yuri threw puzzled looks at Louis. Louisa was an assistant professor at the National Academy in Timur. She gave up on it so that she could volunteer for this position. ¡°It¡¯s time to be honest, isn¡¯t it? Otherwise I may revoke the letter of introduction.¡± At Yuri¡¯s assertion, Louis opened her mouth as if there was nothing she could do. ¡°I asked for an engagement resolution. Enoch is a stupid idiot.¡± When was that story? ¡°It was when I was six years old.¡± That was a long time ago. ¡°At that time, I preferred studying ¡­ but now the bread I missed seems too big.¡± Missed bread. Louisa seemed like a tough person, too. Why were the women around Yuri so scary? Yuri stuck her tongue out. When Abella casually slapped her on the back of her head, and Louis was openly revealing her calculating inner feelings. Did she know Yuri¡¯s heart? Louisa laughed softly. She said Enoch was emerging as the next contender for the throne, so that meant she was greedy. It was doubtful whether Enoch would accept Louisa. Wasn¡¯t Enoch in love with Abella right now? Rather, if Louisa¡¯s goal was ultimately Enoch, it was a good thing for Abella. She didn¡¯t know if it was good for Enoch, but Abella didn¡¯t want to give her heart out in the first place. Enoch¡¯s sloppiness had created this entire situation. Abella was originally such a person. She had been emotionally abused in Timur all along. Abella therefore hated being forced on feelings, which she did not want. It was wrong to even be caught. Abella must have felt threatened by Enoch. Enoch would have known that too¡­ Yuri let out a sigh, expressing her pity for Enoch. Why was he so desperate? However, there was no change in the thought that this was Enoch¡¯s own initiative. * It was better to meet Abella than to write a letter to Chloe Amerigo. So Abella entered the palace in the early morning light. Although Cade had requested the meeting to be formal, she was guided to a private reception room. She was really puzzled. This time, she couldn¡¯t guess what his purpose was. Abella tilted her head in confusion. In front of her, there were tea and refreshments to drink, and the reception room, where Cade had not yet arrived, was decorated solemnly but warmly. ¡°¡­ His Majesty¡­¡± ¡°He will come. The inquiry has just ended.¡± At Burke¡¯s words, Abella nodded her head. ¡°I see.¡± Abella replied, and then added, ¡°By the way, do you know why he called me?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t tell you anything, Lady Abella.¡± Burke¡¯s reply was filled with strange hostility. Abella turned to Burke. There was no reason for him to act this way. Well, Abella¡¯s memories were jumbled up, so it was no wonder there was someone with hostility towards her. There was probably an event in the past that she didn¡¯t remember. Abella gave up on questioning him and turned her head away. It was when Abella was fiddling with the teacup that Cade arrived. ¡°Oh. I am late.¡± ¡°No, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Take it easy, take it easy, it¡¯s not comfortable to listen to.¡± Cade¡¯s face was full of fatigue. His eyes were dark as if he hadn¡¯t even slept. Abella hesitated before sitting across from him. Soon after, she placed a teacup in front of Cade. ¡°Why did you call me here¡­¡­?¡± ¡°I have two tasks.¡± Cade swept his hair and patted his neck. He pondered over and over on how he should begin. ¡°Which one would you like to hear first?¡± ¡°From the news that I don¡¯t want to hear.¡± Abella answered bluntly. In this case and in most cases, it was better to be hit first. Cade laughed bitterly. He didn¡¯t know if this is something Abella doesn¡¯t want to hear. He just hoped so. ¡°¡­I plan to bring Lyla Amerigo into my harem. She will be the first to fill as concubine.¡± Abella¡¯s pupils dilated. In her mysterious purple eyes, only Cade¡¯s new form was reflected. What did Cade look like in her eyes? It looked pretty painful to him. Chapter 104 ¡®Layla Amerigo as the Mistress¡­?¡¯ Of course, for Abella it was a name she had heard of. They were both of Amerigo¡¯s bloodline, but wasn¡¯t she the same age as Abella? People often liked to compare Layla and Abella. Although Abella and Layla were close cousins, Abella was born on the day of Skellus. That Layla as the Mistress? Thud- It was probably the sound of a heart sinking. It was as if Cade, who had never been on Abella¡¯s side, declared that he would be on the other side. Abella bit her lip. It seemed that all the clear thoughts so far were getting mixed up. Like her memory. She couldn¡¯t figure out what to say. Cade was in favor of Abella. Whatever his feelings, it was certain. But what did it mean to suddenly bring Layla into the harem? Why was he telling it directly to Abella? Meanwhile, Cade was closely monitoring Abella¡¯s reaction. He was relieved. He would have been broken-hearted if Abella had just been dumbfounded without any response, but she hadn¡¯t. Cade smiled painfully as he faced Abella¡¯s pale face. ¡®It seems like she wasn¡¯t that uninterested at all though.¡¯ It¡¯s like he was relieved by just that one expression. Cade covered his jaw with his hand. ¡°It¡¯s a strategic thing.¡± ¡°What can you get from Layla Amerigo? Layla knows that she only bears Amerigo¡¯s name; she¡¯s nothing.¡± Abella questioned and listened without knowing. She trembled like a deer in headlights at the thought that she might lose Cade who once sided with her. Facing Abella¡¯s dilated pupils, Cade smiled slowly. He was sorry to Abella, but he was not happy with Abella¡¯s reaction now. Cade was silent for a moment to control his own emotions. But despite his efforts, it was deeply immersed in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s to monitor the dangers Layla Amerigo poses.¡± ¡°What¡¯s dangerous about that kid?¡± ¡°Layla Amerigo is a card that Chloe Amerigo can use anytime. And Chloe is after you.¡± Cade spat out the excuses he had carefully prepared. After all, it was something that could not be easily understood except by those who had gone through the story of the future and came back. So, he decided that it would be better to bring up an understandable story, even if it was a little lacking. What touched Abella was, ¡®Chloe is after you.¡¯ That was right. Amerigo¡¯s relatives were eager to somehow drive Abella out and tear her family apart. It wasn¡¯t just Chloe. Even Count Gilmus and Voltoto had a dislike for Abella. Besides, nothing was clarified. If Cade reached out to help her, she had no reason to refuse. Even if it somehow hurt Cade. However¡­¡­ ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Are you okay? Are you okay with that? Bringing in a Mistress. It will affect your life in some way.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders. How would he explain that receiving those worries was enough? Abella would not know in what form Cade¡¯s obsession and affection were developing. ¡°It¡¯s okay. As long as I can protect you.¡± Abella¡¯s lips trembled. She felt like she could touch the clearly revealed emotions. However, this time, Abella turned her head, pretending not to know. Cade, noticing Abella¡¯s actions, swallowed his sigh and opened his mouth. ¡°And the good thing¡­ something you would have wished for.¡± He once again succeeded in attracting Abella¡¯s attention. ¡°You should take care of April Clemington.¡± Abella rolled her eyes. April of Clemington! Wasn¡¯t that what she was trying to achieve by pressuring Serin? She was the only wizard she could come into personal contact with. It was clear that she would be of great help in business as well. But he was just going to send April Clemington to Abella? It was almost understandable why Burke was hostile. Wasn¡¯t he giving Abella all the profits he could get from April? Abella shook her head. ¡°Is that possible? Why are you so¡­¡± ¡°Abella. You don¡¯t know how dangerous it is for you right now.¡± Cade bent over in front of Abella. He lifted the teacup to moisten his burning throat. Tea water, which he did not know what it tasted like, ran down his throat. ¡°If April Clemington helps your safety, I would.¡±Abella asked, curling her lips. Everything Cade said somehow sounded like a confession of love. Abella¡¯s eyelashes trembled. Abella had already known that someone would try to harm her. Abella had a gut feeling that the past carriage accident was not just an accident. If so, there was no way that the accident that killed her father would never happen again. However, the reason she hadn¡¯t taken any reaction so far was because she thought it wouldn¡¯t matter if she died like this. Abella was only now aware of the melancholy thoughts that swirled around in her mind. ¡®I don¡¯t care if I die¡­¡¯ So she jumped on with this body. without any safeguards. Abella quickly drank the tea. The revealed past may have some effect on Abella. Besides, the past threats could become Abella¡¯s current threats. She could have thought of such a thing, but had been ignoring it¡­ ¡®I wanted to die, me.¡¯ Abella chuckled. Cade was trying with all his might to protect the life she had abandoned. She could see it now. What did Cade¡¯s gloomy eyes and closed eyes mean? Abella couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°¡­¡­Thank you.¡± There seemed to be nothing else she could say now. * It didn¡¯t take long for the messenger from the imperial family to arrive at Chloe Amerigo¡¯s steps. Chloe looked at the letter in front of her, and curled her lips long. The Emperor showed an interest in Layla Amerigo. In fact, it felt like a great opportunity for Chloe, who had thought Layla would fit in a higher position. Layla was worthy of a shining crown. How many people started as the Mistress and sat in the position of the Empress? Layla would follow that path. Then Sirius would be nothing. Chloe called her maid over with a quick gesture. ¡°I will write a letter right now.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± She didn¡¯t even have to ask anyone. Layla would one day understand what this meant. If Arsene Sirius wanted her, she could be his mistress in the future. In this aristocratic world, there was nothing wrong with this. Chloe wrote the letter of permission with excitement. [Tomorrow at 10pm. In the hotel suite.] The fact that it was a Sirius hotel would be a better bait for Layla. Chloe organized the letter and handed it to the messenger. Considering that it came directly from the imperial family, this was definitely an opportunity, not a trap. Since Abella Amerigo was not good enough, the opportunity had passed to Layla Amerigo. ¡°Call Layla.¡± ¡°Yes, madam.¡± The new game played by Cade had began to move. * ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Have you been waiting?¡± Enoch nodded his head. In order to tell Abella about April, he hadn¡¯t left work and had been waiting for her. However, the expression on Abella¡¯s face when she returned was strange. She had a look that seemed both happy and sad. His heart pounded with anxiety. He had no idea what Cade would have said to have shaken Abella up like this. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Enoch couldn¡¯t even wait for Abella to speak. Living in the same mansion, Enoch was the most distant. Enoch said with a bitter smile on his face. ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­ huh? Serin managed to get in touch with April. Looks like she¡¯s on her way to Timur now. She will arrive within a week at the latest¡­¡± ¡°Aha.¡± ¡°I persuaded April. She promised to meet you first.¡± Abella nodded her head. A wound was engraved in Enoch¡¯s heart at the seemingly casual reaction. He waited for her with joy, thinking that if he told her this news, Abella would like him, but that was all she said. Abella really didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll have to pass it on to you too. Princess April will be staying in Amerigo for a while.¡± ¡°What?¡± It was something he hadn¡¯t heard of yet. Maybe even April, who was coming in the capacity of the Grand Duke, didn¡¯t know? ¡°It¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s command.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Enoch salivated. The candy that rolled in his mouth was now bittersweet. Why did he always think he was the fastest, when in reality, he was the slowest? Enoch was slower than Cade and Arsene. It felt like Abella had gone so far ahead to the point where he could no longer catch up with her. Enoch¡¯s frown deepened. Chapter 105 Excitement prevailed. The hotel of the Duke of Sirius, and the happy face of her mother. There was nothing that made Layla uneasy. It had been a long time since she offered a marriage proposal to Sirius. Even before Abella returned to Timur, Layla had sent proposal letters over and over again. It was no wonder she was never replied to, but it was unusual that she was answered now. There had been more than one circumstances that Abella and Arsene were still engaged. The two never looked happy during their time together. Moreover, when looking at Arsene¡¯s atmosphere, it appeared that Grand Madam Sirius continued to push for dissolvement. Arsene didn¡¯t strongly reject it, he just seemed to remain silent¡­ Wouldn¡¯t it be strange if Layla had a chance? She was the one who waited for him the whole time. Layla entered the empty room. She still had ten minutes left until ten o¡¯clock. It felt like the day was going by so long that it came out so quickly. Layla sat down on the empty chair. Starting today, her life would change. This was the Arsene Sirius that she had longed for. Her love turned into an obsession, and even became a regret, clinging and stuck to Layla. There was no one suited for Layla as much as Arsene. He was a friend of Layla. The perfect companion. Click- Was it 10 now? It was when Layla turned her fluttering face toward the door. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you like this, Lady Layla.¡± Cade stood there. Layla¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Now, now this is¡­! This is rude!¡± ¡°Rude?¡± Cade chuckled. The only way out from here was through the door. In addition, the gate was guarded by the emperor¡¯s guards. There was no way Layla could get out of here tonight. Just by staying in one room, imaginative nobles would imagine many things. Even if it was the enemy of the family. But Cade and Layla. Those who didn¡¯t know about the history between the two of them would say whatever they like. The two of them came out of the same room and had stayed overnight together. Lady Layla looked so tired the next day? Even unseen facts would spread like fiction. ¡°I think Lady is being rude.¡± Cade threw the letter he had brought in preparation in front of Layla. It was a letter from Chloe Amerigo to Layla. Reading the letter desperately, Layla¡¯s face gradually turned blue. ¡°I will not do anything by force. But, the Lady¡¯s mother allowed you to be my mistress. It¡¯s a strategic marriage, and it¡¯s not unusual in a noble society. Tomorrow, your palace will be set up in the Imperial Castle.¡± ¡°Your Majesty, this is my mother¡¯s arbitrariness¡­!¡± ¡°All nobles do. It is not unusual for a marriage to be held according to the wishes of the parents.¡± Cade looked over with an overbearing expression. A shadow was cast over Layla thanks to Cade, who stood pressuring her without even sitting in her seat. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ Please have mercy on me¡­¡± Mercy? It was Cade¡¯s mercy that kept Layla alive. Cade could hang Layla¡¯s head for involvement in Abella¡¯s death in the previous life. Still, he kept her alive because he wasn¡¯t certain that Layla had returned from the future. But not anymore, was it? Layla, who returned to the past with a monster in her arms, was sure to attack Abella at any time. Better to lock her up in the imperial palace before that and let Cade swallow her. Cade cast his cold eyes at Layla. ¡°But, Chloe Amerigo has already paid for this.¡± ¡°I will give it back.¡± Layla pulled herself together in surprise. Calm down, Layla. Apparently, the emperor had something to do with Abella. But suddenly he made such a request to Layla? He didn¡¯t seem to have any affection or feelings, so he was probably trying to gain something. What did the emperor want? It was definitely something he¡¯d want from Chloe¡­ ¡®Think about it, Layla.¡¯ The emperor almost branded Layla as a mistress tonight. It was a promise between the emperor and her family, so Layla had to obey. She would be locked up in the Imperial Castle and her movements would be restricted¡­ She would lose Arsene completely! ¡®Think of what to do, Layla!¡¯ Layla beat herself up. However, just because it was now did not mean that a solution came to mind. Layla bit her nails in impatience. This had never happened in the past. The other day, Cade had no contact with Layla. Why did such a variable suddenly arise¡­? ¡®Oh.¡¯ Layla raised her crooked gaze. Did Cade have secrets too? As her thoughts reached there, her heart grew cold. If he knew who Layla was in the first place, it would be easier to talk to. It was because Layla had done countless things in her previous life that humans would not be able to easily do. It could be that Cade was afraid of Layla, so he was trying to put a leash on her. ¡®No need to be afraid.¡¯ She was not afraid to even get blood on these two hands, let alone on Cade. Layla tilted her head. ¡°What do you want from me, Your Majesty?¡± Cade had no hesitation in revealing himself to Layla. Cade was confident he could hold Layla down. Cade bowed his back and rested on the table. He didn¡¯t want to lose Abella this time by acting stupid¡­ Cade was the one who would do anything he could to protect her. Cade murmured. ¡°I¡¯ll give you what you want. Lady Layla will get Arsene if you do as I please.¡± His dark red eyes sank and was terrifying Layla. What if she didn¡¯t do as he pleased? ¡°What will you do if I bite Abella, as I have done in the past? Will you kill me? For what reason? I haven¡¯t done anything yet, Your Majesty.¡± Layla bit her lips for a long time. She looked at the white teeth exposed between Cade¡¯s lips which looked like they were about to bite her off. However, it was not like Cade to back down from such a threat. Cade had lived for as long as Layla had lived, and he had already suffered all the despair. Cade¡¯s world had already collapsed and was floating at his feet. If Layla could bite Abella again too, Cade would have brought down this world if he stood to protect Abella. ¡°I won¡¯t do anything. But, what would matter if I tore a young girl to death during my reign? Will Amerigo even come out for you? Or was it that they wanted to set up a new emperor with a different surname in the conservative Timur?¡± Cade laughed. ¡°Other than that! Will the world fall apart? What are you?¡± ¡°Ahahah¡­¡­¡± Layla laughed out loud. There was no way she didn¡¯t know what Cade¡¯s weakness was. Cade collapsed after Abella¡¯s death. He only had one weakness, which was that girl. Arsene was no different. Arsene, acting as if he could do anything to take Abella, lost his energy at the same time as her death. He just lived like he was an inorganic, non-living creature. Layla seemed to laugh when she took Arsene who was like that. In Arsene¡¯s arms, who looked only at her, filled with all happiness, soaked in happiness. On days when she often pretended to be Abella, she could hear praises of love. It was such a life, and she dreamed of it again. To regain that happiness. But, Cade wouldn¡¯t be able to love like that. So Abella was Cade¡¯s weakness. ¡°You want to protect Abella, don¡¯t you? So you¡¯re trying to make me a mistress and bind my hands and feet?¡± Cade revealed his teeth. ¡°If you get it, you can crawl into the cage, Layla. I¡¯ll give you something bigger than what you want.¡± When the devil reveals himself, you must respond in the same way. And Cade was ready to be the devil she wanted. Cade brought his face closer to Layla, who was shaking her head in a strange way. Others say she smelled like sunshine, but Cade could only smell her corpse from Layla. ¡°What are you going to give me?¡± ¡°Throw Arsene alive. I¡¯m going to give you that bastard with a blank face. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, would I have taken Arsene?¡± ¡°No way.¡± Cade smiled brightly. ¡°You touched Abella, so why do you think I can¡¯t touch Arsene?¡± Cade moved away from Layla. As if Layla could run away at any time. However, the pouring words were not light at all. Cade whispered in a heavy voice. ¡°I can kill Arsene, Layla. If you don¡¯t touch Abella, I promise I won¡¯t touch Arsene either.¡± Layla gnashed her teeth. The most difficult opponent had returned from the future. Her head throbbed in pain. Layla had to admit that she had only one option. Chapter 106 Rumors spread that Layla Amerigo had spent the night in a hotel with the Emperor. This came from Cade, who had never had an affair with any woman. Thanks to this, there were even rumors that maybe Layla might become the Empress. And that was Chloe¡¯s chance. Layla seemed to be very angry with the rumors and Chloe¡¯s abandonment of her, but with time, she would understand Chloe. Chloe opened the door to everyone who looked over her wall. They were the ones who came to lay their spoon on Chloe¡¯s chance. They were hoping for a benefit when Layla became the empress. ¡®Finally our Layla is shining.¡¯ In the meantime, Layla¡¯s excellence had not been highlighted and had been oppressed by Abella. Even though Abella was not meant to go against Layla. With Layla¡¯s determination and her ability to read the current trend, she could have made Amerigo ten times larger. Besides, wasn¡¯t Abella cursed? While the story of the epidemic was spreading, rumors erupted that Layla had become the emperor¡¯s mistress, so the first issue was buried. That was a bit of a shame. ¡®Lucky girl.¡¯ It was an opportunity to completely bury Abella. And it must have worked with a trick she had in mind. Chloe thought of this and that and bounced the abacus egg. Chloe was recording bribes, such as cash and land papers, in her safe throughout the day. A hum came out of nowhere. The beginning was great, but the end could be even better. It was okay to say that she couldn¡¯t become the Empress right now. Wasn¡¯t there a precedent that most started as the mistress and ended up as the empress? Chloe could bet that Layla would be one of those precedents. ¡®Abella is over now. Kill yourself with something like Sirius.¡¯ It was regrettable that Chloe was excluded from the succession structure because she was born as the second daughter, not Amerigo¡¯s eldest son. What if Chloe was born as the eldest daughter and she became the head of Amerigo? Layla wouldn¡¯t have had to suffer like this. ¡®But it¡¯s okay now.¡¯ Layla would become the Empress. * The news of the epidemic seemed to sink to the bottom because Layla became the mistress. However, Abella did not forget about the incident. Cade said he would take Layla as his mistress for Abella¡¯s sake. She didn¡¯t know what kind of utility value Layla had, but if he didn¡¯t act like so, as Cade said, it would be revealed someday that she was a loss to Abella. Abella chewed her thoughts along with the meat. It felt as if her head had hardened. She almost forgot that Arsene was in front of her. ¡°Abella.¡± It was only after he called Abella several times that she came to her senses. ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Arsene smiled awkwardly. He didn¡¯t know when the relationship started turning like this. Now, Cade pressed and pressed Arsene to leave Abella and the Grand Madam of Sirius forced him to break up with Abella. Arsene was confused and repeated her thoughts. The will of Grand Madam Sirius was strong. Usually, when conciliating something like this, she would tell him to break up for Abella, but she said it was for Arsene. It was Arsene, not Abella, who got hurt. He couldn¡¯t even guess what the reason was. Now, he was only struggling to hold Abella. ¡°Abella, I heard that not long ago you saw an Opera with the Emperor.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ that¡¯s¡­¡± Abella smiled awkwardly. It wasn¡¯t because she wanted to see it; she was dragged away by Cade¡¯s coercion, but she nevertheless didn¡¯t have a bad time. Abella nodded her head. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± ¡°It¡¯s us pretending to be engaged. Let¡¯s go see it too.¡± In fact, Arsene may feel it a little too. Abella¡¯s eyes widened at the fact that the relationship between the two of them was reaching its peak. It was because she felt that the word ¡°pretending to be engaged¡± had a sharp edge. Did Arsene know how to say that? The Arsene that Abella remembered was a boy considerate of others and used a soft tone of voice. No matter how unreasonable he might be, he was not the type of person to bring out a tone of criticism against anyone. Abella bit her lips. Maybe this memory was wrong? ¡®Ha.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t figure out where she was supposed to start. What are the memories that Abella erased, and why was it so jumbled up? Abella nodded her head, clenching her teeth. ¡°Yes.¡± As she spent more time with Arsene, something might come to mind. As it was before this. Abella rubbed her temples to relieve her sharp headache. Now she couldn¡¯t even feel what the food tastes like. Abella chewed the meat that felt inorganic. The texture was as tough as rubber. ¡°What opera do you want to see? I heard that there was a new drama recently.¡± ¡°Anything is fine. In fact, I don¡¯t know much about opera.¡± Cade didn¡¯t ask Abella. He just did what he liked¡­ In the end, Abella found it all to her taste. She remembered that it was not too loud, but moderately calm, and the content resonated with her heart. Weird. She thought Arsene knew more about Abella¡­ Zzing- Abella lowered her head as she stroked her dizzy head. It was when Arsene reached out his hand towards Abella. ¡°Abella!¡± ¡®Abella!¡¯ The voices overlapped. Abella blinked her dim vision. It was Arsene¡¯s voice. Abella in the memory turned her head. ¡®Where are you going!¡¯ ¡®Stop chasing me, Arsene, I said I had a promise.¡¯ ¡®What kind of promise?¡¯ Arsene asked this while holding Abella¡¯s wrist forcibly. In his eyes, anger and an obsession that Abella had never felt before simmered. Well. Where was Abella going? ¡®You¡¯re going to meet Cade! Is that it!¡¯ ¡®Oh, really. Can¡¯t I see Cade? I¡¯d rather hang out with him!¡¯ ¡®Don¡¯t hang out with that bastard! You are mine. You should be by my side¡­¡¯ ¡°Abella!¡± Abella raised her pale face. She had a tired expression as if she was about to vomit because of what she saw in her memory. Abella continued stuttering, ¡°Ah, Arsene?¡± ¡°Yes. What¡¯s the matter? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Arsene, who asked with concern, was unfamiliar. The gap between him and Arsene in her memory was huge. In her memory, Arsene was only about 10 years old. However, he felt coercive and violent. She was about to burst into tears at the power that chased and pulled Abella as she ran away. Arsene? Not Cade, but Arsene? Abella bit her lip, confused. What the hell did Abella just see? ¡°Are you all right now? Shall I call the doctor?¡± Abella shook her head as she grew pale. ¡°I¡¯m okay, I¡¯m okay.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look good at all.¡± ¡°I think I should go back and rest.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Arsene kept his mouth shut with a dissatisfied face, but he had no choice but to agree. It was because Abella¡¯s condition was not so good. His anticipation faded. He actually thought he would be able to get Abella back when he heard about Layla and Cade. She¡¯d come back to the former Abella. But she seemed to have gone a step further. Arsene¡¯s hand did not catch Abella. As he tried to support her, she slipped out of his arms. Abella smiled awkwardly. ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m in a very bad shape right now.¡± She didn¡¯t even want his touch? Arsene clenched and opened his fist, looking down at the rejected hand. Why? He forgave Abella. She abandoned him and left, didn¡¯t he forgive and accept Abella? But why did Abella turn away from Arsene? Ah¡­ Was it because of Cade? Him or that lawyer? Arsene slowly opened and closed her eyes. Indescribable emotions were boiling inside. Arsene still liked Abella, but neither her or the ones around her helped Arsene. At least Abella shouldn¡¯t do this! Even for Arsene, who had been waiting for Abella for a long time. Arsene wet her lips. ¡°You want to go to Cade?¡± ¡°What?¡± Confused, Abella looked at Arsene. ¡°Are you rejecting me to go to that bastard?¡± ¡°Arsene!¡± Abella stepped back from him. It was only after seeing her shake her head with a terrified face that Arsene came to his senses. Oh no. ¡°I¡¯m¡ªI¡¯m sorry. Abella. I must have been blind because I was jealous.¡± Then he quickly painted a smile on his face. However, no matter how hard he tried, she didn¡¯t smile like before. Arsene sensed that something sleeping inside him had begun to wriggle. Perhaps this was foreseen. From the moment Abella noticed that she was distancing herself from Arsene as well. Abella turned her back without a word and walked away from Arsene. On her backside, Arsene read a fierce refusal. Arsene stared at her back with a strange expression. Somehow he got used to the image of her back. * It was that night that Abella heard that the culprit behind the plague was Layla. That day, Abella¡¯s definition of Arsene and Cade was completely reversed. Chapter 107 Cade had told Abella that it would be helpful for her to have Layla by his side so he could keep an eye on her. That was what this story was about. Abella laughed. What the hell didn¡¯t Cade know? How much did he know and from where? As soon as the priest arrived, an epidemiological investigation was conducted and it was reported quickly. The knight who went with the priest must have worked hard to reach the neighboring village where the urgent message could be sent. They reported to Abella that no one had been infected by the plague, and Abella sent this information to Yuri. Yuri, who was investigating those who visited the estate, identified the suspect in this case. She was following the emperor, so she was able to find out quickly. It was Layla Amerigo¡¯s work. Abella found out who was behind this, but she knew she couldn¡¯t do anything to Layla. Layla was of Amerigo¡¯s blood, and Chloe was of direct lineage to Amerigo¡¯s surname. Even if Abella punished Layla, it would be of no use if Chloe used a three-time immunity that only direct blood could use. It would be better for Cade to control Layla. ¡®Cade¡­¡­¡¯ Arsene¡¯s chilly feeling, coupled with Cade¡¯s actions, made her head complicated. It seemed that Arsene and Cade in her memory have been reversed. ¡°Haa¡­¡­¡± Abella let out a sigh. It was the same deep sigh that Enoch, who had become depressed these days, made. Enoch was also in the same situation as Yuri when he saw the urgent report. He couldn¡¯t even leave work until late at night due to the estate work, and then he received the urgent news altogether. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Enoch rolled the candy in his mouth. The sweet taste was bitter. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± In Vincent, Enoch was with Abella every moment, but now Abella had too many moments that he didn¡¯t know about. Enoch didn¡¯t know Abella¡¯s history with Arsene or Cade. Also, he didn¡¯t know what she was talking about and what she was thinking with them. It was all his own stupid fault. If Abella hadn¡¯t found out, he would have been able to still be her closest friend. ¡®No. That¡¯s not the only good thing¡­¡¯ Serin saw what Enoch was doing and said she was sorry, but he couldn¡¯t easily stop his feelings for Abella. Enoch sighed. It would be so heartbreaking for him to watch Abella¡¯s face and wait for her answer. ¡°¡­¡­Haa.¡± Abella lifted her head. Abella whispered with a bitter smile on her face. ¡°Something¡¯s going on, but I can¡¯t explain it.¡± ¡°Is it bad?¡± Abella¡¯s purple eyes shone eerily. Enoch stared at the countless emotions swirling in it. Enoch hoped she would share with him what she was thinking. No matter how painful and difficult it might be, Enoch was willing to be with her. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t even know. Let¡¯s talk about this later.¡± ¡®I knew it.¡¯ Abella¡¯s refusal was now familiar. Enoch shrugged his shoulders and sat down in his seat. This time, the priest sent an urgent message and a small gift to Abella. Although the message said that it was an epidemic, it seemed that work was still going on inside. The result was in Abella¡¯s hand. It was an accessory like a talisman that could be attached to a sword. She thought it would have been better to talk about this. It was something that could lead to clear and concise conclusions. ¡°Enoch. Look at this. It looks pretty good to me, what do you think?¡± ¡°Me too. It looks less glamorous and noble than Vincent¡¯s. I think it¡¯ll work for Timur¡¯s conservatives.¡± ¡°Right?¡±Abella chuckled. There was still a dark cloud on one side of her heart, but she was happy that she did this one thing properly. The plague may have spread to the Amerigo estate. It was like hell when the story came and went. Abella put it back neatly in the packing box. ¡°¡­I¡¯m going to send it to Cade as planned.¡± ¡°Are you going to the Imperial Palace?¡± Abella nodded her head slowly. She would have to face Cade again. He was not as repulsive as he used to be, but¡­ An ugly thought crossed her mind. If she offered Cade a gift for his mistress, you will be able to scrape the inside out cleanly. Cade was obsessed with Abella for some reason. She doesn¡¯t like the fact that Cade took in a mistress even though she knew it was necessary. Abella chuckled. She never thought she would have such an ugly side. To Cade, who had nailed down that bringing in a mistress was all for Abella. Abella fiddled with the jewelry. Chapter 108 If she had Yuri in this place, she would have enchanted it with something like an eavesdropping magic and sent it to the imperial court. ¡®I¡¯d rather see that.¡¯ It was probably the fastest way to uncover the truth Cade hid. ¡®I¡¯m thinking about all sorts of things.¡¯ Abella closed the box. ¡°Cade will be the best way to promote. A person who has a magic swordsman, a lover and a family. Everyone will try to buy this.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Enoch reluctantly agreed. It was because Abella¡¯s expression was as bright as before as she told the story of the business. Enoch swallowed the bitterness and wiped his face. * Layla¡¯s entrance into the palace was done quickly because she didn¡¯t need a ceremony, and she didn¡¯t receive a title either. After three days of spending time in the hotel with Cade, Layla entered the Imperial Castle. The cool Imperial Castle felt like an iron cage holding Layla. The emperor had chosen a very suitable place as a prison for monsters. She could feel the gazes watching her from the walls all around. Layla bit her lip. ¡°Damn¡­¡± Cade could not be killed, nor could he be used arbitrarily. Cade could, if he wanted to, get rid of what Layla wanted. Then he would bury it under Timur¡¯s mist. Layla bit her nails until they bled. ¡°Miss Layla.¡± ¡°What?¡± Layla asked in a sharp voice. ¡°The items from the Emperor have arrived. Would you like to see it?¡± Layla chuckled. The emperor wore a mask that said he favored Layla and made her his mistress. What was this? ¡®Are you going to use me politically?¡¯ Layla¡¯s eyes gleamed fiercely. The noblemen of Timur were stubborn people who saw and heard only what they wanted. They opposed everything the emperor was doing. Of course, in the end, the emperor always won, but the antipathy towards each other was accumulating. The emperor threw his prey, Layla, to them. Even if the emperor only showed affection with Layla, the maggot-like nobles would be drawn to Layla. They would begin to imagine her as a centerpiece, anticipating the next generation of a child who may be born from Layla. The emperor would cover them up and try to wipe them out at once. ¡°Hahaha.¡± She had forgotten. There was one more. Besides Arsene, there was Cade, a more dangerous demon because of that innocent face and his pretending to be ethical. However, Layla was defeated and she had no strength to deny it. Layla nodded her head with a cold face. ¡°Bring it in.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness .¡± Now she had to figure out a way to survive here. Layla clenched her teeth. Everything that Layla was trying to do failed because of the variable called Cade. Cade slyly buried the rumors of the plague by bringing in a mistress, while the estate washed away the plague¡¯s name. Moreover, Abella¡¯s business was showing signs of success. Arsene would do anything to win Abella¡­ ¡®I have to make him my own.¡¯ There were certainly weaknesses in this fortress as well. And for the most part, it was driven by money. Layla painted a smile over her cold face. ¡°You¡¯re doing a great job.¡± ¡°No, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡± She would have to slowly observe everyone to see who was a slave to money and stand by Layla. The emperor offered to let Layla keep Arsene if she kept quiet. Well. The emperor would¡¯ve rather killed both Layla and Arsene and minimized the risk. * Cade tilted the glass with a languid expression. All of his memories were so vivid that it often made him nauseous. It was even more so when he met Layla. Today was the day Layla entered the palace. Her palace was chosen to be the furthest. A place where she could neither easily get out nor enter, the prison would bind Layla and let her live in the mud. With a flock of flies twisting around her. He didn¡¯t think that Layla would keep quiet. Some of the attendants could be brought over to her side. But Cade couldn¡¯t have thought of what Layla thought. In the past, Cade and Layla kept each other in check, attacking and defending repeatedly. ¡°Call the Magic Tower Master.¡± And Cade had a few new paddles. The paddle he grabbed in his hand as soon as he returned. Cade¡¯s dark red eyes subsided gloomily. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± And the Magic Tower Master, who was too greedy for his position, was a good hand to use. Abella was coming tomorrow morning. He couldn¡¯t just bring Abella to this imperial castle full of poison that Layla weld. ¡°Your Majesty, the High Priest is coming to Timur.¡± Cade put on a deep smile. Chapter 109 The high priest in the temple usually belonged to a group called the truth-seekers. ¡®The one who pursues the truth.¡¯ It was a name they gave themselves, and it started with the high priest Lacust, who was searching for the truth about Skellus. They believed that Skellus was a god of darkness, but not necessarily an evil god. They were the ones who interpreted the darkness as a medium of rest as the consideration of the gods for humans. And Cade believed there was some truth to that statement. Skellus was now rejected, but in the old days, Skellus was also revered as the sun god. There were temples to commemorate him, and many believers who went to offer blessings. However, at some point, the balance was broken. Cade needed a powerful blow that could turn it around. At least to free Abella from that bondage. ¡°¡­¡­Ah. I heard that High Priest Lacust is arriving soon¡­?¡± ¡°Are you talking about High Priest Lacust? Where is he now?¡± Cade chuckled. ¡°As soon as the messenger sent by His Majesty arrived, I followed him. It seems that the rumors that he was still imprisoned by the repression of the temple were correct. He¡¯ll be here soon¡­¡± ¡°After all, it was a political battle in the temple.¡± ¡°It appears to be so. The Emperor¡¯s orders cannot be disobeyed even in the temple. Lacust also seems to see this as an opportunity.¡± Cade¡¯s eyes deepened. He touched his chin with his palm. In the end, Skellus day was deeply related to the politics of the temple. They were divided into those who thought Skellus was a heretic and those who thought he was not, and they continued to fight, and eventually those who thought he was not would be defeated by the popular sentiment. That must be the reason why Lacust was imprisoned. This would have been particularly easy in this conservative Timur, as temples and customs tended to take precedence according to what the people believed. So, let¡¯s look back on the past. What if there was a political strife within the temple even at that time, and eventually the followers of Skellus were defeated? Cade wiped his face. This was going to be a pretty big deal. It could have overturned the entire temple. What if on the day of Skellus, the child was not born well because it was literally due to the consideration of the dark god¡¯s rest? What if the children of that day, who were destined to be born, were rather unfairly killed? Among them were the royal family. There was a precedent for an empress who was deposed after giving birth to a child born on Skellus Day, and even innocent children of the imperial family had to secretly change their orders. ¡°¡­a problem that could end the temple.¡± ¡°It appears that way. Isn¡¯t this a problem that can be entangled with treason? Even the nobles would be upset. Nobles¡­ Children born on Skellus Day were usually kept hidden or killed. There were not one or two unjustly dead fetuses¡­¡± Burke wiped his face. It was a conclusion that could be drawn after reading the related reports on Lacust¡¯s actions. Cade let out a long sigh. And there was a victim by his side as well. Abella Amerigo. And even Cade was a victim. Cade was the first to discover Abella. When he was young, he did everything he could to get Abella¡¯s attention, but that was a cute little kid¡¯s joke. Things like scaring Abella or throwing flowers at her. But, when he managed to get Abella¡¯s attention, he eventually succeeded in hearing sweet words from her. His heart was already content. Moreover, even in the imperial court, they did not welcome her presence. Cade was worried about his disadvantage because of Abella. Abella was hit and broken. When Abella gave up everything and chose Sirius; when the foolish Cade missed her. Numerous moments remained in Cade¡¯s mind. But if it was all their pranks, it was a useless thing to do. ¡°Damn¡­¡± Cade leaned back slowly with mad red eyes. His taut shirt was menacing. Cade put a hand on his thigh. He had the look of a predator about to bite the nape of his prey. Burke took a step back. ¡°It is possible only if you have all the justification.¡± He spoke as if he already knew what Cade wanted to do. ¡°The justification¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. You need to have evidence.¡± ¡°Ahhh¡­ I¡¯m still rational, Burke, because I don¡¯t want to bring Abella any stigma.¡± ¡°¡­Yes, I am very relieved. And¡­ hmm. Since Lady Lyla has entered the palace, shouldn¡¯t you go to her palace?¡± Burke looked into Cade¡¯s eyes and said. Chapter 110 That¡¯s right, he had to go to the concubinage. Meanwhile, Burke thought Cade was the problem. How far did he stay away from women? It would be the first time in history that an emperor had kept his virginity. ¡°That is also true. This. This. And take all of that. And when Lacust arrives, make sure to come to me at any time.¡± ¡°¡­Why am I taking these?¡± ¡°Why are you taking it? To help you spend a long night together.¡± ¡°Then Lady Lyla¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Shh. Do you really want to know about the Emperor¡¯s night situation?¡± Burke held back the word ¡°crazy¡± to himself. It was the Emperor¡¯s night. It was an area he didn¡¯t want to know at all. Burke licked his lips. He didn¡¯t even know why he was doing this. What the hell was so amazing about Lady Abella? Burke sighed and grabbed what Cade had pointed to. A bunch of papers were placed in his arms. ¡°Burke? And, of course, the Emperor¡¯s night affairs must be well controlled, right?¡± ¡°¡­Yes, that was also my job. With this document, I will take on the role of an evil aide tormenting His Majesty the Emperor.¡± ¡°Perfect.¡± He didn¡¯t know why Cade¡¯s compliments weren¡¯t so pleasing. New lights were lit to illuminate the Imperial Palace. A red light was lit in the palace where Lyla was staying, and a bright orange light was lit in the office where the sleepless emperor¡¯s aides were gathered. The night of the Imperial Palace secretly rolling in the dark had just begun. Everyone was looking into each other¡¯s eyes. Their minds were occupied the entire night with figuring out which line to stand in while observing Cade¡¯s movements. At dawn the next day, the still silence could not be broken until the emperor¡¯s guest arrived. * ¡°I don¡¯t need you to come like this.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen. There is no reason to not do a play like this.¡± Cade grinned. Lyla¡¯s eyes swarmed with venomous poison as she glared at Cade. Her situation became the same. In front of the emperor, the noble girl was nothing. Lyla was humiliated and forced to kneel on the floor. It was the seat appointed by the emperor himself. ¡®You sit there and figure out what you should and shouldn¡¯t do.¡¯ What to do and what not to do. It was obvious that this had to do with Abella Amerigo. ¡®Do you think I¡¯m going to give up on this?¡¯ Abella, who caused this to happen, must be put to death. Lyla shrewdly shook her head and looked up at the Emperor. ¡°¡­Are you paving the way now?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°I wondered if you might be cleaning up your surroundings while waiting for the day when Lady Abella will become the owner of this imperial castle.¡± That was the conclusion that Lyla reached after being imprisoned in this palace. The emperor was using Lyla to organize the noble forces, and trying to clean up this imperial castle for Abella. Lyla looked into Cade¡¯s eyes, smiling like a fox. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to meet face to face with a smile.¡± Cade pulled off Lyla¡¯s smile. A chilling rage fell upon Lyla. ¡°Besides, whatever I try to do with the Lady, is that something you should be concerned about? You¡¯re just a tool to me¡­ You¡¯re also trying to get something out of me, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What do you say I get?¡± Lyla snapped back. He thought it was amazing that she was trying to use it so confidently. ¡°You will know the subject. Wouldn¡¯t it give you the strength to think about what to do and what not to do, and give yourself a chance to survive?¡± Cade wondered why he had to have such a pointless conversation with her. Actually, it was just the two of them right now. It would have been more convenient to kill Lyla by accusing her of some trivial matter. Cade clicked his tongue. ¡°¡­Don¡¯t bother me, Lady. Since Lady fell into my hands, there are many things I can do with you. In this room, I could fall down from eating the food that the Lady gave me.¡± Lyla¡¯s face turned pale. This was why Cade was dangerous. This man had a vicious side that didn¡¯t choose any means. And Cade showed it off against Lyla. His mad eyes would never turn to Abella! And Lyla was convinced that her guess was correct; Cade¡¯s goal was to make Abella the Empress. Damn it. She would really be used to mop the floor and then be get rid of. A chill ran down the back of her neck. Chapter 111 ¡°The fog seems to be getting worse.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say such nonsense. If it gets worse, will you be able to see the front?¡± A petite person appeared among the chattering aristocrats, pulling out a cigar. It was a woman caught carrying a large suitcase. The woman opened the door and entered the Abella business, which was taking off these days in Timur. ¡°It¡¯s a foreigner again this time.¡± ¡°How confident are you?¡± ¡°Since Abella¡¯s business came in, the influx of foreigners has increased, hasn¡¯t it? Besides, didn¡¯t you see the suitcase?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not Timur.¡± ¡°¡­¡­. Timur is going to be a mess.¡± With displeasure, the nobles rubbed their cigarettes out. Strangely, these days, the number of foreigners in Timur had also increased¡­ The number of shops also seemed to be increasing. They didn¡¯t know if that would be a good thing for the younger generation of socialites, but it was definitely not a good thing for the older generation. When change occurs, it means that their status also changes. The nobility disappeared, and only a floor of cigars and cigarette ashes remained in the empty space. * ¡°Wow. This is Timur.¡± April breathed in deeply with a bright smile. The infamous mist she had only heard of seemed to fill her chest. When April opened the window wide, Serene was surprised and closed the window. ¡°Princess! You have to be careful here¡­ This is not Clemington!¡± Serene, who had turned white, rolled her feet in front of April. April grew up so freely. Since she was a child, she was regarded as a wizard of Clemington, so it made her have more experience and more authority than ordinary princesses. ¡°What¡¯s different about Timur?¡± ¡°Did the Chancellor not explain?¡± April stuck out her tongue. It was clear that April had run away from the chancellor who was holding her. Didn¡¯t she appear alone even now, casually? It seemed that the temper that had been unstoppable from the old days was still there. ¡®Brother and sister¡­¡¯ Serene grinded her teeth and sat April down. April was due to go straight to Amerigo today to unpack her luggage. She was due to have the conferment of the title on Friday, three days after she faced the Emperor the day after tomorrow. It was a schedule that must be adhered to as it was set by the Imperial Family¡­ ¡°Wow! What else is this? I want to see!¡± She didn¡¯t know if it was possible. Serene closed her eyes tightly and then opened them. In fact, April was a young lady who had just turned 20, and she was at a curious age. Serene placed her hands on her waist. ¡°Princess! Are you really like this? After this, you will see His Majesty the Emperor!¡± April shook her head with a pouty face. ¡°So?¡± ¡°¡­ Timur is a conservative place. You must not act recklessly.¡± ¡°What is the category of recklessly?¡± April rubbed her chin as if bored. ¡°Everything the Princess did in Clemington is not allowed to be done here.¡± ¡°What?¡± April shrugged her shoulders. ¡°¡­you said it was an interesting place. Mother cheated me.¡± The intention was understandable. April¡¯s trip to Timur was essential to keep the Aiden Kingdom in check, but April¡¯s belligerent personality meant she was going to push them all away. It would have been better for her to be sober and send her to Timur. And only Serene, who was carrying the bomb-like April, was sad. Serene sighed and put her hands on April¡¯s chirping shoulders. ¡°Listen well.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Who is Princess April most afraid of?¡± ¡°¡­¡­That¡¯s. Brother Enoch?¡± April mumbled quickly.. Enoch was the only one who scolded April, who was able to do anything thanks to the love she received from a young age. In addition, he was very strict. Even now, she felt like crying when she thought of Enoch scolding her for destroying his favorite ship model. April muttered sharply and lowered his head. ¡°It is Prince Enoch who said that Emperor Cade was the scariest and most fearful person.¡± ¡°What?¡± April opened her eyes and swallowed. ¡°That¡­ isn¡¯t he, didn¡¯t I almost have to marry him?¡± April covered her cheek with both palms. April, who opened her mouth wide in shock, shook her head quickly. She thanked her lucky stars a hundred times, a thousand times that the marriage was called off. ¡°Yes. And you¡¯ll see that person in two days. So, are you ready to hear what I am about to tell you?¡± April nodded her head. * A message that April was arriving in Amerigo soon reached Abella as well. Enoch shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s going to be lively now.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°¡­If April is a little crazy, please understand. It¡¯s because she grew up as the kingdom¡¯s only princess.¡± Enoch munched the candy, feeling some sort of stomach ache. He was not compatible with April, who has been rude and has been acting like a mess since the old days. To stay in the same mansion with April like that. The emperor entrusted April to Abella, so it was inevitable¡­ ¡°Aren¡¯t you being too harsh with your sister?¡± Abella smiled softly. ¡°For a while, I plan to leave Princess April to Louisa.¡± ¡°Since when did you say she was going to start to work?¡± ¡°The place she was going to work now has been cleaned up.¡± ¡°That would be so¡­. Louisa will arrive today too.¡± Enoch rubbed the back of his cool neck for some reason. April and Louisa. What kind of synergy would the two people from Clemington create? Abella observed Enoch¡¯s expression and swallowed a laugh. Yuri delivered some very interesting news. It was a story about a new assistant that came this time, and there was a long history intertwined between Enoch and Louisa. Clearly, Louisa would create a huge resonance between Abella and Enoch. * Louisa Kertin and April Clemington. It was in front of the gates of Amerigo that the two met. ¡°Huh¡­¡­? Louisa?¡± ¡°¡­¡­April?¡± Louis, who raised her hand to ring her bell, turned her head. She saw someone she thought she would never see in Timur. It was none other than the jewel of Clemington, April. ¡°Louisa!¡± April burst out laughing and hugged Louisa tightly. Louisa smoothed over the hair of the childish April. ¡°How did you get here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s complicated¡­ What about your sister?¡± ¡°Because I work here.¡± ¡°Really? That is great! Actually, brother Enoch is here too. This place is full of people I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s a little tricky.¡± She had a bright face that was not at all like that, but Louisa smiled softly. She knew that April had such a bright personality, so it didn¡¯t even feel awkward. Louisa rang the bell. Soon the gates were opened, revealing the majestic boulevards of Amerigo. The sunlight was pouring through the swaying leaves. ¡°Wow¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­I heard that Amerigo is a venerable family, but¡­¡± Louisa swallowed her saliva. She, who had only heard of Amerigo, was finally seeing it for the first time. April grabbed Louisa¡¯s arm and hugged her. They returned the carriage they had been riding in and walked alone along the long boulevard. Fortunately, the servants sent from the mansion carried the luggage when they heard that Louisa and April were coming. It was a mansion as if something secret was about to happen. ¡°Sister¡­¡­¡± April was comforted by Louisa. In the distance, it seemed that a familiar figure could be seen. Enoch, who came out of the front door, was standing there in anxiety. And next to him was a small figure. ¡°Brother!¡± April raised her hand and called out to Enoch. Louisa took deep breaths and followed April. Although he was said to be her scariest older brother, Enoch was also one of the people who cared deeply for April. April jumped up and down in Enoch¡¯s arms. ¡°April!¡± ¡°Brother, long time no see! How have you been? Mother said that if you ran away from home, you should never come back, and she would even take your bed away!¡± ¡°Who is running away? Is Mother doing fine?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± April hugged Enoch¡¯s neck and nodded her head. Enoch patted April on the back and tried to turn his head back. ¡°Still so pampered. Abella, this is April.¡± At that moment, the woman behind Enoch appeared. She was a woman with a three-year-old baby in her arms. April jumped out of Enoch and looked at the two of them alternately. April pursed her lips. ¡°Uh, huh?¡± ¡°¡­what are you going to say?¡± It was time for Enoch to shut April¡¯s mouth in anxiety. ¡°¡­Did you have an accident? So you didn¡¯t come back? Maybe that baby is brother¡¯s baby?¡± April, worthy of her fame, struck Amerigo with a thunderbolt as soon as it arrived. Before anyone could speak, Simon, who was in Abella¡¯s arms, burst into tears. ¡°N, no!! That is not Simon¡¯s dad!! Simon¡¯s dad is even cooler!!¡± Abella opened her mouth blankly. What the hell was this? It was a situation that even Abella never expected. Chapter 112 Enoch was a bit calm. He had the ability to judge all situations soberly and derive the best results. However, the April that Abella saw did not resemble Enoch at all. She doesn¡¯t care in the slightest what effect her words would have. The nanny walked in holding Simon, who burst into tears. Even in that situation, April was only asking Enoch for an answer. ¡°Brother, huh? Is that what it is! Do you know how many noble girls bet on Brother now?¡± Enoch removed the excited April. ¡°Stop it, April.¡± ¡°Stop what! Just looking at Louisa here¡­!¡± ¡°April! Should I say again not to be arrogant? This is Timur! You could do damage to Clemington by acting like this. Don¡¯t you think so? Where do you think this is!¡± This was the first time she saw Enoch get so angry. Enoch, who had been lounging around with candy every day, had a layer of his leisurely skin peeled off, that didn¡¯t seem a little more serious. Abella was now thinking about April¡¯s utility. It was good to take advantage of such a belligerent and direct personality. Abella raised her lips. She seemed to know when to dig into April. A way to make April, who would grow into a fairly influential person in Timur in the future, be on the same side as her. Abella quietly observed the situation. She stepped forward. ¡°Princess April. I am Abella of Amerigo.¡± Clemington¡¯s princess. And Abella was the princess of Amerigo. The princess of the empire held the same status as the princess of the kingdom. At Abella¡¯s dignified attitude, April flinched back. April was suppressed by the aura and the intimidation that she felt in Abella. Because April was a 20-year-old lady who had just arrived in Timur and Abella was a seasoned lady. In addition, April swallowed her saliva in the atmosphere of Abella¡¯s mysterious appearance and her excellent eyes. Maintaining the tension between the two with an appropriate title. ¡°Please stop this strange misunderstanding, princess. Enoch and I are not like that.¡± By mentioning Enoch¡¯s name, she revealed her friendship with the next Crown Prince. Abella laughed softly. ¡°He is my nephew, and he will be the head of Amerigo in the future.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± April, who was running wild like a pony, bowed her head. ¡°I see. I must have misunderstood.¡± April¡¯s earlobes were red. ¡°Fine. And did you say Louisa? Nice to meet you. I am Abella Amerigo. I was looking forward to seeing someone who would work for me in the future.¡± Abella reached out her hand with a dignified attitude. ¡°I¡¯m excited because you seem to be more intelligent than I expected. I look forward to your kind cooperation in the future.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡­! Princess Abella.¡± Louisa took Abella¡¯s hand. Louisa, too, had just realized who the owner of this dominion was. Abella brought these people together. No matter what Louisa wanted and tried to do, she would not be able to escape Abella¡¯s hand. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s all go in and talk slowly. We can¡¯t keep guests like this. The two bedrooms have already been prepared. These children will guide you two.¡± Moreover, Abella appeared to have full control of the mansion. Two maids, who had been quietly standing behind Abella, stepped forward and introduced themselves. They said that in the future they were the maids who would be dedicated to Louisa and April respectively. That means that the two recruits belonged completely to Abella. ¡®It won¡¯t be easy.¡¯ Louisa swallowed her saliva in a strange feeling. It seemed to convey the sense of intimidation she felt when she first entered the mansion. ¡°Yes, princess. I look forward to your kind cooperation too.¡± April, unable to bear being ignored, interrupted. And Abella took her hand kindly. * Enoch liked Abella with an anxious expression. It was possible to guess what Abella was thinking, since the foolish April showed herself openly. Abella would use April to get everything she wanted. As always, April would be Abella¡¯s hand. As her brother, he was worried, though. ¡°Abela. April is¡­¡± ¡°Are you saying she¡¯s still young?¡± Abella, who stopped on the way to the office, turned her back and smiled. ¡°Still, you seem worried about your sister.¡± ¡°She is immature.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Abella nodded her head. ¡°I¡¯ve already seen it all. Enoch.¡± Abella rolled her eyes sweetly. When her voice became sweet, Enoch couldn¡¯t win against her. Abella took a step closer to Enoch. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Enoch. You are my¡­¡­¡± Enoch, possessed by those purple eyes, swallowed a gulp. He didn¡¯t know what to say, but strangely, it seemed that goosebumps were growing on the nape of his neck. He wanted to avoid this position, yet there was a lot of anticipation. Enoch was leaning toward Abella without realizing it. ¡°You are my friend. right?¡± Enoch¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Best friend. Would you do something bad to your best friend¡¯s younger sister?¡± Abella shook her head slightly. Even if Abella wanted April¡¯s heart, it looked like he should have given her permission. Enoch¡¯s heart fell to the floor. Best friend. He doesn¡¯t know why the words ¡®best friend¡¯ cut him to pieces. His heart, which had been inflated with hopeless expectations, was shattered, even though he knew it would be like this¡­ Enoch licked his bitter mouth with his tongue. ¡°I know. She¡¯s just impatient. The kid is a mess¡­¡± ¡°What a mess to see a precious wizard. I think I can be good friends with April.¡± Friends with April. And friends with Enoch too. Even now, Abella deliberately drew a line between the two of them. Enoch politely stepped back. ¡°I believe you, Abella. I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡± What Enoch swallowed may have been tears from a rotten heart. Abella turned her back slowly, as the rotten heart was pooling around his eyes. In fact, this was not so easy for Abella. However, today¡¯s event has already happened. April has planted ¡®hope¡¯ in Enoch. It was a story in which Abella and Enoch seemed close enough to make such an illusion about the two, and they got along well. It can also be hope in a situation where someone has regrets. Even if Enoch didn¡¯t realize it right now. Abella didn¡¯t want to leave Enoch like that. ¡®In my own way, I like you.¡¯ Abella complained. Enoch was a good person. As she had thought before, she thought that life with Enoch wasn¡¯t bad if it wasn¡¯t for her curse. However, this was Timur and she was Abella, so it was an impossible dream. Besides¡­.. ¡®It¡¯s for you. Everything.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t there someone who bothered her heart? ¡®Abella, welcome back.¡¯ Two of them. Abella let out a sigh. Why was life so difficult? * It was ¡®compassion¡¯ and ¡®sympathy¡¯ that Abella chose to make April be perfectly on her side. Those people who grew up seeing only the bright side of the world were prone to being vulnerable to that. Abella instructed the maid to share her story. Abella wanted April to know about Abella¡¯s ¡®misfortune¡¯ as she dealt with April before dinner. The maid was performing her duties perfectly on her own. ¡°So¡­ you mean Princess Abella is going through such a hardship?¡± ¡°Yes. She went through all sorts of hardships because she was born on the day of Skellus. Besides, that was the reason why she left for Vincent.¡± The maid covered her face with a handkerchief. She didn¡¯t forget to shake her voice as if she couldn¡¯t overcome the sorrow. This time around, Abella put a lot of effort into choosing the maids to watch over Louisa and April. They did not betray Abella, and they were quick-witted. Abella was hoping she would get the two of them completely on her side. ¡°Is that so¡­? Oh my gosh. Even though she was born as a princess¡­¡± Tears welled up in April¡¯s eyes. ¡°She lost her father when she was young, and she became even more lonely. Her mother also hates Princess Abella¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Those words were the best material to stimulate April, who had never been hated. April, who always received only joy. April, who never thought anyone would hate her. Wasn¡¯t Abella the opposite of April then? ¡°Oh my God¡­ there was a story like that. How pitiful¡­¡­¡± And yet she became such a wonderful person. The intimidation and elegance she had felt in Abella earlier was not a lie. No matter how great the wounds hidden in it are. April¡¯s heart completely turned to Abella. April was a person who favored justice. One should be strong for the strong and weak for the weak. April surrendered to Abella¡¯s weak gentle aspect. ¡°I should be nice to her!¡± April naively vowed. When the maid realized that her mission had been successful, she smiled under her handkerchief. Going forward, this would greatly contribute to April¡¯s judgment of Abella. ¡ª Note: I¡¯m sorry if it¡¯s confusing that the two women are titled ¡®princess¡¯. But it actually sounds different in Korean. So April¡¯s title is a Royal Princess (??) which belongs to the Royal Family. While¡¯s Abela¡¯s title is Princess (??) even though she¡¯s the daughter of a Duke, derived from the ?? (Duke). But they both are princesses when tled in English, just one is a Royal Princess. Chapter 113 Click- When she opened the box, the reason Abella entered the palace today was beautifully packaged. The amethyst reflected in the sunlight was glistening. Abella ran her finger across the cold surface. It feels like her complicated brain is cooling off. Lorelia secretly called Abella last night and told her not to offend the ¡®tradition¡¯ by adding more strangers to the mansion. Did she know that it was not Abella who was offending the tradition? Lorelia seemed to be very envious of Lyla becoming the emperor¡¯s mistress. Thanks to that, Chloe was attracting power these days. She said to Abella, ¡®Why don¡¯t you stop doing useless things and choose to be favored by His Majesty the Emperor? Wouldn¡¯t that help Simon¡¯s future?¡¯ Lorelia acted like an impatient person as she couldn¡¯t scratch Abella. Abella glanced at the magic stone and the ornaments. All of this felt pointless. In fact, it was not Abella who should be blamed for it. It was the accusation that Lyla deserved, and the accusation that those who were desperate to bring down Abella. ¡°Hooo¡­¡± Abella leaned her back against the chair. She didn¡¯t like being in the mansion, so she was on her way out with her aide, Louisa. Louisa was talking with the royal servant. The emperor¡¯s schedule was suddenly twisted and delayed, so it seemed that they were asking for her understanding. By the way, Louisa¡­ Enoch was still unable to remember Louisa, unlike Louisa, who expressed a belated interest in him. Her mind was entangled like a skein. Arsene¡¯s quietness was probably due to the hard-headed Grand Madam Sirius. According to the spy that Yuri planted in Sirius, she was told that the opposition of Grand Madam Sirius was growing more and more severe. ¡®He is a noble man, but he is suffering a lot.¡¯ Abella smiled bitterly. Everything was tightly intertwined like a spider¡¯s web. Count Gilmus began working under the scene to get his first and eldest son into Abella¡¯s next seat when Lyla became the emperor¡¯s mistress. Was there an impatience that even Abella could become the emperor¡¯s mistress? The only good news to hear was the fall of Voloto. ¡®He¡¯s living as a beggar. Maybe he will die soon?¡¯ Yuri¡¯s smiling face as if she was relieved was impressive. Anyway¡­ ¡®That bad temper.¡¯ And Count Gilmus. It wasn¡¯t long before she could cut out Gimus completely. His business had already begun to decline, and his bonds were all in Abella¡¯s hands. Even if Abella asked for reimbursement, Gilmus would have to end up on the street. Lastly, Chloe Amerigo. Others were only small fish that would be thrown out with these large fish. The ambiguous one was Chloe. How could she get rid of Chloe, who had become an issue in the social world as Lyla became the emperor¡¯s mistress? She hoped there would be no such noise in Amerigo, where Simon would rule in the future. ¡®¡­Should I hit Gilmus first?¡¯ The reason the rotten roots were left as they were was because of the stench that would be released after the rotten roots were removed. There was a big thief named Gilmus, and the other little fishes were holding their breath. What if he was pulled out? The problem could only be complicated when Abella¡¯s business had not yet been established in Timur. It was clear to Abella that Sirius would break this engagement. Wasn¡¯t Arsene a good son who followed his parents¡¯ wishes from before? Maybe¡­¡­ It was hard to believe her messed up memories¡­ Abella swallowed a long sigh. After losing Arsene, Abella was thrown into the social marriage market. Even if she was a temporary master, the master must have a spouse, whether engaged or married. ¡®¡­I¡¯d rather use Gilmus¡¯ eldest son appropriately and throw it away¡­¡¯ She didn¡¯t think it would be bad to bring in a dog to cut off its tail. Come to think of it, what did Arsene have to do with the past? When she was with him, memories she had forgotten would come up one by one. It was not easy to put them together because there were only fragmented scenes. It was when Abella touched her throbbing head. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°¡­ Your Majesty?¡± Startled, Abella jumped up. However, the door leading to the outside had already been closed. Cade beckoned lightly. ¡°Relax.¡± Then he pulled down the tie that was squeezing his neck tight, and sat across from Abella. She was used to the relaxed, messy look. Abella wondered if she had something like that in her own fragmented memory. Although she didn¡¯t remember anything. ¡°The granaries in the West were destroyed by a landslide and a brief emergency meeting was held.¡± ¡°¡­is everything okay?¡± ¡°I opened the warehouse of the nobles who lived nearby.¡± ¡°There would have been a lot of backlash.¡± ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s okay. Eventually, they opened their warehouse.¡± Chapter 114 It must have been quite a difficult process. Cade pressed and rubbed his eyelids, which were closing from fatigue. The meeting, which started early in the morning, did not end until 10 am, so it was natural. Cade raised his bloodshot eyes. ¡°Amerigo can help too.¡± ¡°¡­I have already decided to open the doors of grain warehouses in each province. You will be notified soon too.¡± Abella nodded her head. Cade smiled faintly. ¡°Did you have breakfast?¡± ¡°No. Anyway, the attendants will be bringing sandwiches soon. Would you like to eat, too?¡± ¡°Good.¡± Come to think of it, Abella was also running on an empty stomach. It was because she had lost her appetite as she had not eaten anything since yesterday she faced Laurelia. ¡°But what did you come here for?¡± Cade asked bluntly. There was a strange coexistence of anticipation and excitement on his face. Abella looked at Cade blankly. Come to think of it, Abella had never come to Cade in the first place. Besides, she had come this time because she had a business. How was Cade so far? Time and again she thought of Cade, who had come to Abella to help her. There was a strange sense of guilt. So Abella¡¯s voice became more cheerful. ¡°I¡¯m here to give you something, Cade.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Cade opened the box Abella had held out. It was a simple and luxurious accessory that even men could wear. Cade put a smile on his lips. ¡°¡­This time, it¡¯s an ornament produced in the Amerigo Territory. It¡¯s made with magic stones, and it¡¯s an item that can help magic swordsmen. I don¡¯t think you need it, but¡­¡± ¡°In other words, it¡¯s a gift, right?¡± ¡°What? No, not that¡­¡± Abella stumbled over her words. It seemed that the words that used to come out well were now stuck. It might have been because of Cade who was smiling with a sunny expression on his face. The bright smile that bloomed on his face was as beautiful as a flower. ¡°¡­a gift with a purpose, Cade.¡± ¡°It¡¯s still a gift.¡± Cade said stubbornly as he lifted up jewelry and looked back and forth like a child. Abella¡¯s cheeks were hot. It seemed like she knew Cade¡¯s intentions to accept an impure gift innocently. It made her feel everything without directly conveying any emotions every time. She couldn¡¯t refuse. Abella rubbed her red cheeks with her palms. ¡°Thank you, Abella. I will definitely wear it.¡± Cade¡¯s red eyes widened tenderly. ¡°Can I engrave your name here?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°I think it would give me a little more strength.¡± Cade begged like a child. ¡°For those who wield swords, luck is really important. Abella.¡± His low voice shook Abella¡¯s heart. Actually, it wasn¡¯t an unreasonable request. He was just going to engrave her name on the jewelry¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll do it without anyone knowing.¡± Eventually Abella nodded her head. ¡°Don¡¯t beg me with such a face¡­,Cade, you¡¯re mean.¡± ¡°You are using me instead.¡± That¡¯s true. ¡°Go eat. I feel really good right now. I think today will be a happy day if you even eat with me.¡± There was no strength to win against that friendly struggle. It¡¯s rare that someone needed Abella because of her affection. * ¡°Mother!¡± Arsene raised her voice. Despite Arsene¡¯s response, who did not raise his voice well, Grand Madam¡¯s Sirius¡¯s reaction did not change. ¡°Dissolve your engagement.¡± Arsene¡¯s patience was about to wear out thanks to Grand Madam Sirius who insisted on repeating the same words for weeks. ¡°¡­¡­why¡­¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I say it was for you?¡± ¡°I cannot live without Abella.¡± Arsene was brainwashed. Madness brimmed in the eyes buried in his palms. Seeing this, Grand Madam Sirius swallowed her sigh. Arsene¡¯s obsession with Abella from his childhood went beyond the limit. When she proceeded with Abella and Arsene¡¯s engagement she thought it went well. Rather, it stabilized Arsene¡¯s obsession. However, it was impossible to misunderstand, and Arsene tried to possess all of Abella. If Abella didn¡¯t go his way, he returned to his house and mutilated the pets. Grand Madam Sirius removed all the animals from the mansion. The child l became sensitive, snarled and screamed at the maids who raised their voice even a little, and Grand Madam Sirius reduced the number of servants in her mansion. A frugal and simple Duchy of Sirius. Arsene, who often behaved like a crazy child, was difficult for the Grand Madam to handle. There were days when she wanted to give up everything. But, from one day on, Arsene changed. Like someone who had lost all his memories. She thought it was a miracle. She thought everything was fine now. Arsene was often showing his old eyes as if the miracle was going to break. ¡°Arsene, please¡­¡± Grand Madam Sirius buried her face in the palm of her hand. It was her who wanted to beg him not to do that. Chapter 115 Grand Madam Sirius stuttered and opened her mouth. ¡°Stop it.¡± It was true that she had tried to stand by as he had forgotten everything. She felt it was not necessary for her to intervene and separate, as Abella was still engaged to Arsene, as if she knew nothing. However, the situation was reversed. The emperor intervened between Arsene and Abella. In fact, if Abella wanted to keep her relationship with Arsene, it would be Sirius¡¯ desire. ¡°Think of what you did, Arsene.¡± ¡°Mother, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Arsene said with a confused face. However, the deep blue madness contained in the depths of his eyes was visible to the eyes of Grand Madam Sirius. Grand Madam Sirius lowered her thin fingers that were covering her face. It might be better for her to confide in everything and dissuade Arsene rather than making fun of Abella with a face that didn¡¯t know anything like this. She was afraid that Arsene¡¯s memories would come back one day. After his obsessive possessiveness towards Abella was gone, even Grand Madam Sirius was able to breathe. His abnormal behavior also disappeared. He no longer slaughtered living creatures, and she no longer had to wash away blood. She never forgot Arsene, who smiled over the cat¡¯s blood, and her fears remained, but she was able to act like any other lady. However, his obsession with Abella had faded, not his heart. Arsene sometimes went and committed accidents, unable to contain his essence. ¡°¡­you killed him.¡± ¡°Mother?¡± ¡°You killed Abella¡¯s father¡­you were involved in the murder of the previous duke, Arsene¡­¡± Grand Madam Sirius¡¯s voice cracked. On Arsene¡¯s white-washed face, his eyes lit up. Grand Madam Sirius sighed. It seemed that greed would not cease until Abella was devoured. Tears streamed down Grand Madam Sirius¡¯ cheeks. ¡°What are you talking about¡­ I couldn¡¯t have done that, Mother.¡± With a soft face without agitation, Arsene glared at Grand Madam Sirius. She realized that it was all forgotten by Arsene. She was by no means reassured by it. His memory may have been lost, but his essence was still there, and it was seething inside. The devil was smacking his lips. * At that time. Yuri was also getting closer to the truth. Abella¡¯s nanny, who seemed unlikely to speak until forever, opened her mouth. ¡°It wasn¡¯t aimed at the Duke in the first place.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°¡­ it was to kill Lady Abella.¡± That was somewhat of a guess. ¡°But what happened?¡± ¡°There were not one or two people involved in this. Most of those who were at the villa that day are involved. They wanted to kill Abella and lift the curse.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± The curse. It was something that Yuri, who was born and raised in Vincent, could not understand. In Vincent the custom of the Day of Skellus was left as a trace, but to say that it was cursed would be superstitious. It was just that people¡¯s lives don¡¯t come and go. Was there a superstition over human life? ¡°All the troubles that occurred in Amerigo went to Lady Abella, and in the end they conspired to kill Lady Abella.¡± ¡°Who agreed?¡± ¡°¡­Most of those who inherit the blood of Amerigo.¡± ¡°And?¡± The nanny laughed at Yuri¡¯s question. ¡°Are you asking even though you knew?¡± ¡°Maybe I¡¯m asking because I want to deny it.¡± ¡°¡­Laurelia Amerigo, Grand Madam Amerigo, also lent a hand. The Grand Madam did it to protect the firstborn, not Amerigo.¡± Her heart sank. Was she going to protect her child by driving the other to their limbs? What kind of feeling did Abella, who had such a Laurelia as her mother, have? She wondered if she should be grateful that Abella, who had been burned so, had matured normally. She was glad that Abella escaped to Vincent. At first, she wondered what the hell was going on and why the little child ran away from home. But, looking back now, she was glad that Abella ran away from Amerigo. Someone else was plotting the murder. She didn¡¯t even know how to tell Abella about this. It was truly fortunate that Abella was still alive. Yuri thought that was the end. However, the nanny opened her lips as if that was not the end. ¡°There, Lord Arsene of Sirius also gave a hand.¡± ¡°¡­¡­What?¡± Yuri rubbed her dizzy head. Arsene from Sirius? Why would he? Didn¡¯t he like Abella? With a respectful and kind face, he was well-reputed in Timur. Of course, Yuri had already finished investigating Arsene. But why was Arsene¡­? It felt like her eyes were fading to black. Then for Abella, what should she believe and whom should she depend on. ¡°¡­¡­Why?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the details. However, I only know that the two families joined forces to cover this up. The name of Lord Arsene of Sirius has been completely shrouded in secrecy.¡± The nanny smiled with a reluctant expression. ¡°Then they gave generous compensation to the people involved and expelled them all. So that no one returns to Timur. I¡¯m living here because it¡¯s a parasite-like life¡­ Everyone must either die or live in the shadows.¡± In the end, they did not hesitate to commit murder to cover up the truth about it. The Duke fell into the trap to kill Abella; Abella survived and the Duke died. Abella lived for a long time with the stigma of being her father¡¯s killer¡­ ¡®She devoured her father and even her brother, so now¡¯s taking Amerigo?¡¯ These were the words of people pointing their fingers at Abella. But that wasn¡¯t it. Abella was a victim. Yuri clenched her teeth. She was not meant to be treated like that! A blue rage simmered in her chest. When she thought of the nerves of Grand Madam Amerigo who brazenly raised her head and the bloodline of Amerigo, who was living in Timur, it felt like her blood was gushing upside down. ¡°Lady Abella ran away, and her secret was forever buried. Those who knew the truth kept their mouths shut.¡± ¡°Or died.¡± Yuri murmured, and the nanny nodded her head. ¡°Seeing that Lady Abella survived and the others died in sin, the seed of the curse would be right¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!! There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t say about the things that drove a normal child into her limbs!¡± Yuri hit the table. Yuri jumped up and pushed the nanny against the wall. A mercenary stood behind her and pressed the nanny. The nanny who had spoken well, kept her mouth shut in the menacing atmosphere. ¡°The-the cursed child!¡± ¡°Curse? What curse!! That curse will be you!¡± Yuri let out a yell. Young Abella¡¯s earnestness seemed to be grasped in her hand. Abella really ran away to live on. Abella had to find a way to survive when other people at her age contemplated their future in the arms of their parents. Damn curse! Stupid Timur! Those who were stagnant and obsessed with outdated thoughts did not even know what their errors are. Yuri scratched her brain. ¡°Keep an eye on her. You never know when she will be used.¡± The mercenary glanced at Yuri and nodded. How could she tell Abella that the mother who gave birth to her tried to kill her? Yuri¡¯s chest collapsed. * It was a pretty pleasant day. Cade served dinner to Abella in return for the gift. Cade was pretty eloquent. He knew a lot, and he knew how to say it in a fun way. When she spoke with Arsene, the awkward feelings vanished. Come to think of it, Arsene was kind and gentle, but he wasn¡¯t a good talker. ¡®How was it when he was young?¡¯ The jumbled memories tangled together and confused Abella. ¡®Was Cade this kind of person?¡¯ Abella¡¯s hazy gaze turned outward. How would Abella define Cade and Arsene when her buried truth was revealed? She couldn¡¯t even guess who was the one who forcibly changed her memory and where the puzzle pieces that couldn¡¯t be put together were scattered. Abella walked through the gates of Amerigo. ¡°Abella.¡± Arsene stood alone in the lobby, as if he had been waiting for her. ¡°Arsene¡­?¡± ¡°I heard you went to the Imperial Palace, so I was waiting. I was hoping we could have dinner together.¡± Arsene smiled brightly as he stretched his splendid blonde hair matching the sunshine. There was a friendly smile that matched his sweetly curved eyes. This is the face of Arsene that Abella knew. ¡°I want to talk about our marriage.¡± Arsene had tightened his leash towards Abella. It felt like the cobwebs around her were being pulled tight. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°Marriage¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Yes. We¡¯ve been engaged for a long time, so I think it¡¯s worth considering.¡± For some reason, her heart sank. The reluctance climbed up from her feet. Abella forcibly swallowed her stomach up. At the end of Abella¡¯s bewildered gaze, Arsene was smiling. Standing in the sunlight, he looked as if something had come out of the dark for some reason. Abella stopped breathing. Chapter 116 Arsene¡¯s thoughts flowed slowly like a river. Among the many emotions roaming his head, the one that stood out the most was the intermittent cry of Grand Madam Sirius. ¡®You killed him!¡¯ Arsene laughed. The unbelievable truth sometimes struck people in the back like this. Arsene put back his raised body. He heard what seemed to be the sound of the sobbing Grand Madam¡¯s voice. It had to be some kind of bad joke. How could Arsene do such a thing? ¡®You were the one who wanted to kill Abella, Arsene.¡¯ Was it to keep this secret she said it was for him? This secret that would shake Arsene¡¯s collar. However, it fit too tightly to deny that it was not. It felt like the missing pieces were finding their place. The friendship between Sirius and Gilmus and the strange attitude of Grand Madam Sirius. Other than that¡­¡­ ¡®Not knowing doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not a sin.¡¯ Cade¡¯s cold whispers. Cade seemed to know about Arsene¡¯s crimes. Arsene rubbed his face slowly. ¡°I¡­¡­¡± He thought of Abella. She was the only one who he gave his heart to completely, when he was young and now. Abella was always first to Arsene. And the fact that he could miss Abella at any time. A hungry wolf was easygoing, he was not a wolf. His obsession with Abella grew a step further. A prince-like appearance lit up the smile of a man who was a gigantic beast on the inside. All the complicated things were done. The important thing was that Arsene decided to have her. On the way, he went to Amerigo. It was to make a gentlemanly proposal. ¡°Let¡¯s get married, Abella.¡± * Abella breathed in. Arsene, with a soft face, was gently forcing him. ¡°Abella. You¡¯ll give me time, right?¡± His eyes gleamed as if not to forget what Arsene sacrificed for Abella. Moreover, their engagement was still protected by imperial law. It was not something that could be broken by only one¡¯s consent without a cause for adhering. As Arsene said, it was true that they needed a story whether they decided to marry or break up. Abella nodded her head reluctantly. It was time for the evening twilight to gradually descend on the earth. With Arsene¡¯s help, she maintained her engagement, which enabled her to become a temporary head of household. Had it not been for Arsene, she would have had to find another alternative. She had to pay for his help. Abella got into Arsene¡¯s carriage. Abella¡¯s feelings of drowsiness warned her, but she tried to ignore it. There was still a faint belief that Arsene would never do harm to Abella. ¡®Don¡¯t go, Abella! Don¡¯t leave me!¡¯ It was because the harmless boy who held her with a weeping face still remained in her mind. It would be fine. Abella closed her eyes, leaning in anticipation of her hazy past. Arsene was not the one to do harm to Abella. She struggled to convince herself that. She didn¡¯t want to question her memories of the past and Arsene¡¯s warmth, who held out his hand when she was sick. After denying that, everything about Abella seemed to collapse. Arsene¡¯s carriage carrying Abella moved silently. There was definitely an eye on the carriage. * It was one of the pleasant days. After Abella gave him a gift, had a luncheon with him, and he ate the perfect dessert, she left the palace. So, the smile never left Cade¡¯s lips, and Burke was in a good mood. It was the case until he touched Abella¡¯s gift as he looked outside, which was just getting dark. However¡­ ¡°Your Majesty.¡± His secret informant hastily prostrated before Cade. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± It was an informant attached to Abella. From here, something started to twist. Cade set down the jewelry in his hands. The warmth he felt from the cold stone began to fade away. Cade¡¯s movements were terribly slow. ¡°¡­Lady Abella has been kidnapped.¡± Just like that accident. Cade stopped breathing. And the series of exhalations were noticeably slowed down. There was no sign. ¡°No way.¡± Cade said in a soft voice. ¡°Is that possible?¡± Once more. But, it was like a painful acknowledgement. Abella Amerigo was kidnapped. ¡°The kidnapper seems to be Arsene Sirius.¡± Arsene, who had been living in the mansion for several days, suddenly left. According to an informant he had attached to Sirius, he said Arsene had a shoutout with Grand Madam Sirius. The Grand Madam burst into tears and Arsene came out with a neat face. Cade stopped. The Grand Madam was always the same. Arsene and Grand Madam Sirius were at odds. Abella was moving the wheel she set, and it seemed that she was gradually talking about a new business. It was also the day that the princess, who had been delaying the entrance to the palace with the excuse of bad luck, finally decided to enter the palace tomorrow. The princess, who seemed to like Abella quite a bit, said that she would stay in the mansion for a while. Cade agreed. He wanted the princess to become Abella¡¯s shield, so he had no reason to refuse. Besides, she wasn¡¯t the only escort he had hidden around Abella. But how? ¡°In what way?¡± Cade asked slowly. ¡°¡­Duke Arsene was determined and evaded the escorts. It looks like they changed carriages in the middle.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± It seems that the devil bastard couldn¡¯t stand it and did something. Cade knew the madness hidden beneath his friendly green eyes. When he confirmed that Arsene couldn¡¯t remember anything, he thought it was better. Where did he miss something? And Cade always had one thing he missed. ¡°Please ask for Lady Lyla, Burke. And you release the informants to track down where Duke Arsene¡¯s carriage has gone.¡± Cade said sullenly. Tap, tap, tap. The sound of shoes, different from Abella¡¯s, quietly resounded in the desolate castle. ¡°Lady Lyla. You still can¡¯t. There seems to be one story left.¡± ¡°Is there anything else I should tell you?¡± Lyla said sharply. The door closed at Cade¡¯s glance. As Cade and her are alone in the back room, she felt like she was out of breath again. Lyla glared at Cade angrily. ¡°I thought Arsene couldn¡¯t remember the past. But why didn¡¯t I know it was weird? The Arsene of the past and the Arsene of today are quite different.¡± Obviously, Cade and Lyla were far apart, but their lives were conveyed as if there were only one span left. Lyla¡¯s face turned red and then blue. Cade looked like he was seriously thinking of killing Lyla. A sword was drawn from the man¡¯s waist as he slowly got up. Cade pulled out his sword in a natural motion like flowing water and placed it on the desk. The sword that was within reach at any time flashed blue in the light. Could she catch that before Cade? Could she use Cade with that? None of the questions could be positive. Lyla swallowed her saliva. ¡°What prank did you pull, Lyla?¡± ¡°¡­I just erased his memory! I can¡¯t wait to see him remember Abella.¡± Lyla let out a shrill scream. Cade smiled darkly. ¡°How did you erase his memory?¡± ¡°¡­¡­I gave him a potion. It didn¡¯t just erase his memory of Abella. It cut everything all out!¡± Lyla¡¯s lips trembled. Even though she had done something illegal, she was proud of it. Thanks to that, Arsene seemed to have forgotten everything. However, where the side effects appeared, Arsene¡¯s personality changed. Still, it seemed to have lessened his obsession with Abella, so Lyla thought she was fine. However, the incident happened the same as in the past. The Duke of Amerigo was dead and the secret had sunk to the surface. Again, Arsene was involved in Abella¡¯s death. Cade was also aware of the side effects that imperfect potions could cause. His memory may not have been erased. Otherwise¡­. ¡°It¡¯s a mess.¡± Cade scoffed. All when Arsene acted like a gentle sheep was acting. Arsene, whom he thought had changed, did not change at all, and he was only aiming for his prey while holding his breath. He even deceived Cade. Maybe something could have triggered it. Cade traced the memories of this time of his life. ¡®Cade, I think Arsene is starting to look like you. He told me stories he heard at the market¡­ he jokes¡­ and he smiled well, it¡¯s weird, right?¡¯ What Abella asked curiously passed by. What had been missed by Lyla ended up being all connected like a spider¡¯s web. Arsene played someone. As if he had deceived himself and became a completely different person. He may have been seeking Abella¡¯s favor. A pure desire and obsession for someone was concentrated inside of Arsene. Cade touched the desk. ¡°Damn¡­¡± He thought he didn¡¯t miss anything this time, but in fact, he was missing the most important thing. Arsene Sirius. That person. ¡°¡­You should tell me everything you know about Arsene, Lady Lyla. Until we find Abella.¡± ¡°What is going on?¡± ¡°Arsene kidnapped Abella. Both of them are missing now.¡± ¡°L¡­lies!¡± Lyla¡¯s mouth was stiff like a carp. ¡°Unfortunately, it is true. So you have to cooperate.¡± Chapter 117 Abella blinked. She fell asleep as soon as she got into the carriage. It was a strange thing for Abella, who never put her guard down. What¡¯s more, there was a sweet scent emanating from the carriage. Abella¡¯s eyelids trembled. Arsene was sitting across from her. Abella squeezed her eyes shut before Arsene looked back. She was not sure about Arsene. And even in this situation now. This was not a place Abella knew. It must have been that she had gone out of Timur. In Timur, there was no forest so thick that light did not enter. The carriage rattled on unmaintained roads. ¡°Abella.¡± Arsene¡¯s voice was sweet. The fact that there was no change in the voice in this situation raised goosebumps. Abella curled her toes. Her heart was pounding strangely. It was as if a silent danger was squeezing Abella¡¯s neck. Her eyes were sore. She was afraid. The strangeness Abella felt was caused by fear. It must have been because he was someone she had known for a long time and whom she thought she had loved for so long¡­ She was afraid. Arsene did not threaten Abella and did not force her into the carriage. But Arsene seemed like he was someone that could harm Abella at any time. Abella tried to keep her composure. ¡°I know you woke up.¡± Her breath stopped. ¡°Your breath has changed. People are so naive. If you just close your eyes, you think you¡¯re pretending to be asleep. In fact, everything from breathing to movement changes. Oh, and the heartbeat.¡± The way he mumbled as if singing was also the same as the usual Arsene. Abella slowly opened her eyes. ¡°Look.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Arsene.¡± Abella¡¯s lips trembled. Blood was running through her hand as she grabbed her dress. Her heart was beating fast. As Arsene said, her whole body was now contracting with tension and fear. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead. Where was this? Where were they going? What lies awaited them at the end of this road? There were many things she wanted to ask, but she couldn¡¯t. Abella struggled to even pull her lips up. What Abella had learned and mastered was of no use now. It was too much for Abella to just endure this moment. ¡°Yes, Abella. Now you are looking at me.¡± Arsene ruffled her hair. ¡°You¡¯ve been neglecting me for so long. How sad and painful. It¡¯s been a long time since I had that feeling. All of those feelings¡­¡± Arsene rolled her eyes and smiled softly. A friendly smile crept across his face. It was still Arsene. Arsene, who told her that he had been waiting for her, the long hours, and the feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu Abella had to feel the whole time, was only standing out now. ¡®Ah¡­¡­¡¯ That look. The eyes looking at Abella were different from before. It was so unfamiliar to her to see those eyes that showed raw emotions. No. Was it really that unfamiliar? Abella grabbed her head. It felt like her heart was beating in her brain. Mixed memories flooded Abella. Buzz, buzz. Arsene¡¯s words faded away and her forgotten past came flooding in. ¡®Abella.¡¯ A voice calling Abella tenderly. ¡°You¡­ was it you?¡± Abella wrapped her head. Arsene smiled brightly. Arsene got down from his chair and knelt in front of Abella. Then he placed his hand on Abella¡¯s lap. It was just a light touch, but goosebumps rose. ¡°Yes. I thought it was me too¡­¡± Arsene reached out and stroked Abella¡¯s cheek. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. I thought it was me who had you¡­¡± The cold body temperature shocked her. It¡¯s like being cut by a cold blade. Abella¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°It was Cade who had you.¡± Abella¡¯s body trembled. Her jumbled memories began to find her place as if the seal had been lifted. ¡®Abella.¡¯ He gazed at her affectionately. It was Cade¡¯s. He erased her memory¡­ ¡®Huu¡­ Cade, I think I¡¯m going to die. I really¡­ What should I do? I want someone to rip my memory out.¡¯ It was Cade. It was Cade who brought Abella to life. Abella pushed Arsene away without realizing it. Her fingertips seemed to freeze. ¡°Abella.¡± Cade¡­ Light poured into Abella¡¯s expanded purple eyes. Transparent tears flowed down her cheeks. ¡®What are you¡­¡¯ How did he feel that he was holding Abella? Abella closed her eyes slowly. Arsene was getting closer. His cold lips like a reptile touched her forehead. * Lyla shook her head. Her heart shriveled. The magic potion had worked properly. Arsene lost all his memories, and his obsession with Abella seemed to fade. But why? She hadn¡¯t been able to breathe properly since she got into the rumbling carriage . It was because of the pressure emanating from Cade, who sat across from her. Lyla chewed on her lips. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know which of the four villas they went to. So, if you would rather let me go¡­¡± ¡°Lyla. You think I¡¯m stupid. I can figure out what you¡¯re thinking. You¡¯d better say it right. I¡¯m going to put Arsene and your life in one boat.¡± He threatened to kill both of them if Arsene did any harm to Abella. Lyla clenched her fists. Now they were on their way to the villa where Arsene had left when he had fled after Abella¡¯s death. ¡°Abela is unstable. The curse of Skellus ruined Abella. No. Should I say the people screwed her up? They blamed Abella for everything, using the curse of Skellus as an excuse¡­ and eventually murdered Amerigo¡¯s Master.¡± Up to that point, life was the same. ¡°The people who had gathered to kill Abella drove Amerigo¡¯s Master to death.¡± Cade spoke in a soft voice. It was just a list of meaningless words. Lyla clenched her teeth in fear. ¡°Do you remember how Abella died in her last life?¡± Lyla nodded her head slowly. How could she not remember? It would forever remain in Amerigo¡¯s stained history. ¡°She committed suicide.¡± In a voice that sounded like her throat was strangled, Lyla murmured her response. Cade smiled. It was. Abella committed suicide as if she had no regrets. Abella¡¯s corpse was smiling, even though she herself drove herself to death. As if it was more comfortable that way. Abella left Cade as if she would rather die as everyone wanted. Wailing like a beast, he hovered around Abella¡¯s corpse. Pink cheeks, white face, and smiling lips, it seemed as if she would stand up again and call out Cade¡¯s name. ¡®A-A¡­ Abella! Abellaaaaaaaa! Please, please¡­ Please, open your eyes!¡¯ His heart pounded. The curse of Skellus brought even Abella to death. ¡®Skelus is not a curse. The god of darkness was a god who loved humans very much. Not having a baby on Skellus¡¯ Day is¡­¡¯ The high priest¡¯s words overlapped. ¡®It is unlikely that many people who have received God¡¯s blessing will be born. Children born on Skellus Day are born with blessings from generation to generation. They will blossom into a family with outstanding talents and attract people with their beautiful looks. Since they lack nothing, it will buy people¡¯s envy, but it will also be bearable if it is the price of blessing.¡¯ Cade swallowed a beastly cry. The high priest¡¯s serious gaze seemed to be rebuking him for letting Abella go because he couldn¡¯t resist the new emperor¡¯s scolding. Cade sighed. ¡°¡­hopefully Arsene is at our destination.¡± ¡°¡­what are you going to do with Arsene?¡± Lyla rubbed her cold sweat on her dress. Cade was not afraid of death. He was a man who could slaughter even his entourage if necessary. The only weakness of Cade¡¯s was Abella Amerigo. ¡°Yes. What should I do?¡± Cade raised his lips cruelly. If they couldn¡¯t erase the memory and they couldn¡¯t break that damn obsession anyway. If he couldn¡¯t have it, he would kill it. That was Arsene¡¯s way. So he took part in killing Abella, and now he kidnapped Abella. If Abella rejected Arsene to the end, he would kill Abella without any guilt. He wanted to own her death. ¡°Huh? Lady Lyla, what do you think?¡± ¡°¡­keep your promises. You promised to keep Arsene alive and give him to me.¡± Lyla¡¯s voice trembled indefinitely. ¡°If you can¡¯t keep him on a leash properly, you shouldn¡¯t expect it.¡± ¡°If I erase his memories again¡­ I¡¯ll lock him in the mansion¡­ He¡¯ll never see Abella again.¡± Lyla said earnestly. She didn¡¯t seem to recognize herself that was having twisted corners. Imprisoning someone and leaving them by her side like an animal with their memories erased. That would be the way of people like Lyla and Arsene. What a perfect pair. Cade smiled coldly. Actually, it didn¡¯t really matter. If only Abella could come back safely! Cade grinded his teeth. Chapter 118 The carriage was running without stopping. Arsene¡¯s breath was felt in the secret room. Abella¡¯s memory was slow, but it was returning without stopping. Abella exhaled in the suffocating atmosphere. ¡°I think we have arrived.¡± Arsene opened the carriage door. ¡°Ah.¡± Abella let out an exclamation. This was a place Abella knew. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Abella exhaled in a hoarse voice. There was poison in her eyes as she stared sharply at Arsene. Why the hell did Arsene have to bring Abella to this place? Arsene shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m always crazy, Abella.¡± Goosebumps rose on Abella¡¯s neck at the sound of his languid whispering voice. Abella opened her eyes with painstaking effort. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so nervous. I am not going to do anything to you.¡± Arsene¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°¡­Why are we here?¡± ¡°To think about what to do.¡± Arsene smiled softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do with you either.¡± Arsene grabbed Abella¡¯s hand. Arsene whispered to her as he pulled her out of the carriage into his arms. ¡°I want to cherish you, but¡­ I want to destroy you, Abella.¡± Abella trembled with a pale face. Her memory was starting to become complete. Arsene was originally like this. He was no different from his childhood days. He was a person who thoroughly ruined what he couldn¡¯t have. Be it a sword, a book, or a toy, or even pets. If he thought he couldn¡¯t have it completely, he broke it. Sirius did their best to hide Arsene¡¯s antisocial tendencies. There were doctors who had been called in to treat Arsene. None of them could cure Arsene. Arsene¡¯s antisocial tendencies were innate and could never be fixed. It was best to isolate him and keep him away from people. However, Arsene was the one who should inherit Sirius in the future. He was not someone who could live in isolation. In the end, Sirius hid Arsene well and presented him to society, and Abella entered Arsene¡¯s eyes. It was unknown what made Arsene drawn to Abella. Abella was dark and hopeless. Because she was born on the day of Skellus, she suffered all kinds of persecution from her family. Was he attracted to such darkness? He may have thought that the cursed Abella was suitable for the demonic Arsene. Abella swallowed a sad sigh. Abella closed her eyes tightly from the dizziness. ¡°Yes, rather¡­¡± Abella swallowed her words. This villa was the last. It must have been Duke Amerigo¡¯s birthday. At that time, they gathered here after Duke Amerigo, who had come down to the villa for work. Abella ran away from everyone. ¡®Is she that kid? The cursed child.¡¯ ¡®Someday she¡¯s going to eat her family. Isn¡¯t that a curse that can¡¯t be endured?¡¯ ¡®Yes. They should have killed her right when she was born¡­¡¯ It was disgusting. The day was being played again. The sound of people talking filled her head. Young Abella couldn¡¯t stand it, and she fled aimlessly in search of an empty place. ¡®Abella?¡¯ It was Cade who held Abella. ¡®Are you okay?¡¯ That Cade, whom Abella thought had drifted away from her after she got engaged to Arsene. She seemed to have shunned Cade because she didn¡¯t even remember the memories at the time. Nevertheless, Cade did not let Abella go. He followed her. ¡®Abella. It¡¯s dangerous.¡¯ ¡®Go away! I¡¯m going alone.¡¯ Cade calmly persuaded Abella who was crying. She was confused. Cade kept coming into her life. It was obviously Abella who chose Arsene, but her heart kept drifting to Cade. Arsene kept acting weird and Cade was warm. That may have been why Cade was reluctant. ¡®¡­I¡¯ll just stay quietly by your side.¡¯ In the end, Cade stood by Abella¡¯s side. He tenderly comforted Abella who had hid in the corner, curled up her body, and burst into tears. Abella bent her back. ¡°Ugh!¡± Abella shut her mouth and moved away from Arsene. A bloody fishy smell pierced her nose. Abella¡¯s nightmares were rising amid the sound of the grass bugs. ¡°You look distressed, Abella.¡± Arsene spoke slowly and asked for a cigar. A fishy smell was mixed with the strong, foul-smelling smoke. Abella stood behind, glaring at Arsene with tearful eyes. It was when Cade returned to the mansion to appease Abella. Abella was stubborn. She¡¯d rather go home. Duke Amerigo, who knew of Abella¡¯s affliction, decided to go with her. It was a dark night and it was raining. Still, Duke Amerigo couldn¡¯t turn away from his pale, weary daughter. Everyone agreed to Abella leaving. Perhaps if Abella hadn¡¯t decided on her own, would they have put her in the carriage somehow. The duchess, pushing Abella¡¯s back, must have smelled of death. The mother who turned away from Abella while holding her brother in her arms. Abella could not bear it and fled from there. ¡°Ha¡­¡­¡± Abella exhaled a hot breath. Her stomach clenched in disgust, and the corners of her eyes lit up. The carriage accident happened unexpectedly. It must have been natural because it was the death everyone had been hoping for. The memory of that day came to mind vividly. * 8 years ago. ¡°I want to go back, Father. ¡­ Please let me go.¡± It was only in front of her father that Abella could act so childishly. Her mother didn¡¯t even look at Abella, and the cold disgust in her eyes was enough to make Abella feel it. She always seemed to think that Abella was going to eat someone. So Abella had never acted like a child or whined in front of her mother. Chapter 119 ¡°Lass.¡± Duke Amerigo stroked Abella¡¯s head. A sweet and pretty child. Abella grew up unaware of her mother¡¯s affection, so he wanted to love her more. So he took her with him wherever he went. It was for this reason that he was stubborn and announced Abella as Amerigo¡¯s successor. He said Abella had grown up without any problems and showed no signs of the curse. Still, those who feared Skellus Day were reluctant to listen to Abella. Like Abella¡¯s mother. He had only one daughter, because of Carlo, but for the Duke, Abella¡¯s pain was his pain. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go with father. It would be better if we go first and have dessert with just the two of us.¡± ¡°Good! Let¡¯s do that, father.¡± The Duke wiped the face of his daughter that was stained with tears. In front of the Duchess, she pretended to be an adult at all cost, but when he saw her like this, she looked like a 15-year-old child. So he might be taking her around more. ¡°Father will sing you a lullaby until you fall asleep.¡± Duke Amerigo, who stroked Abella¡¯s head, bowed his head and whispered to her. The papers he was holding in his hands were put down. ¡°Go and pack your bags, Abella. In fact, Father was just about to finish his work.¡± ¡°Yes, Father.¡± A fifteen-year-old girl¡¯s vitality shone from Abella. When she entered the Duchy of Amerigo, it was fading away. Just hearing her mother¡¯s voice triggered Abella to start that. Abella ran out, and Duke Amerigo smiled bitterly. It was not the child¡¯s fault, but it was regarded as the child¡¯s fault¡­ Duke Amerigo took a deep breath and arranged the papers. ¡°Your Excellency.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go and take care of the rest. It seems that urgent matters have been dealt with.¡± ¡°I see, Your Excellency. But, it is already evening. You should depart tomorrow morning¡­¡± ¡°It has been a long time since the road was repaired. You shouldn¡¯t be worrying.¡± ¡°It will start raining soon.¡± ¡°I must hurry before it rains heavily.¡± Eventually, the duke¡¯s lieutenant gave up and raised his hands. He knew that Duke Amerigo was weak-hearted for Abella, so he tried to stop him. Eventually, the carriage was prepared for Duke Amerigo and Abella to return. With the people seeing them off, Abella quickly got into the carriage. ¡°Hurry up!¡± Duke Amerigo got into the carriage at Abella¡¯s call, who was wearing a hat and beckoning him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± At his command, the coachman whipped the horse. ¡°Giddy-up!¡± A light mist of rain began to fall over the carriage, which was starting to rattle. However, it was not dangerous, and no one could foresee the accident that day. ¡°How much further do we have to go, Father?¡± ¡°Well. 3 more hours to go. Haven¡¯t we just passed the Silverotti Forest?¡± Abella nodded her head and then buried her head in the book she was reading again. Duke Amerigo also closed his tired eyes. He endured the rattling of the carriage and organized what he had to do when he got back to the mansion in his head. ¡°Your Excellency.¡± At that moment, the coachman¡¯s voice was heard. Duke Amerigo opened a small window leading to the coachman. ¡°The rain is getting heavier, Your Excellency. We will return to the safe road.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Hearing it was raining, Abella opened the window facing outside. ¡°Wow. father. It¡¯s raining really beautifully.¡± ¡°Is rain pretty? Isn¡¯t it scary?¡± Abella climbed up on her chair, and she knelt and stretched out her palm to catch the rain. ¡°Yes. I like rain. It was raining the day I was born. Father said the rain congratulated me as I am a child who deserves to be loved.¡± ¡°Yes it was.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I like rain.¡± Abella smiled brightly. But, who knew that smile would be her last. Bang! ¡°Father!!¡± ¡°Abella!¡± Amerigo¡¯s carriage, which was turning at the crossroad, exploded out of nowhere. It wasn¡¯t a big explosion, but it was enough to drag the carriage down the cliff. ¡°Abela, come here!¡± Duke Amerigo forced Abella into his arms. ¡°Your Excellency!¡± Fortunately, the carriage was the only thing that rolled down the cliff, so the coachman¡¯s voice was heard from above. Abella buried her head in the Duke¡¯s arms. ¡°Fa, father¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It will be fine.¡± Duke Amerigo whispered in Abella¡¯s ear while absorbing the shock of the carriage rolling down the endless cliff with his whole body. ¡°Father is fine.¡± Like that. ¡°Huuuu, Father¡­huuuuh¡± But how could Abella not know what would happen next? The carriage, which had been rolling down with a bang, broke in half and only after the two people were thrown away, they fell to the bottom of the cliff. Abella hugged the bloodied Duke Amerigo and burst into tears. ¡°Fa, father! No, huh? Father¡­ Huwaaaa¡­ Open your eyes!¡± ¡°Abella. Hey.¡± The duke stretched out his trembling hand to Abella. ¡°This is an accident¡­ Abella, this is an accident.¡± The Duke took a deep breath and said desperately. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Abella. It¡¯s not your fault¡­ My dear daughter, do you know how much this father loves you?¡± ¡°Huwaaaaaaa¡­¡± In the meantime, the scratch on Abella¡¯s cheek hurts his heart, so the duke stroked Abella¡¯s cheek. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± That was the last moment of Duke Amerigo. ¡°Father!¡± Abella¡¯s magical power, which had been sealed, exploded, and Duke Amerigo¡¯s body disappeared in front of her magic, leaving nothing behind. Forever. It was the moment when the victim of the accident became the perpetrator. Amerigo¡¯s villainess, monster, and demon was born that way. Devouring her father. Chapter 120 That¡¯s how her father died. They didn¡¯t think it would hasten her father¡¯s death. They guessed that Abella could not overcome the insults and wanted to go back to her house, and they did something they shouldn¡¯t have done to the carriage. They really wanted to kill Abella. Including Arsene, who was in front of her. ¡°It would have been better if you had died. I wouldn¡¯t have to be obsessed with you anymore.¡± Arsene smiled coldly. Abella stepped back with a sense of dread. Is there a law that says that a person who has made up his mind once should never make up his mind twice? It seemed that Arsene could break her slender neck whenever he wanted. Even his blue eyes seemed to be frosted. How did she forget this? From early on, whenever she saw Arsene, she felt a sense of rejection coming from him. When Arsene¡¯s eyes met her, she couldn¡¯t do anything; she was like a young bird before a snake. She could only stiffen and wait for Arsene¡¯s gaze to pass. However, Arsene knew what kind of feelings he had for Abella, so he wouldn¡¯t cross the line. After running away from Arsene, Cade comforted her. ¡®It¡¯s okay. What would he do to you?¡¯ When Cade told her nothing would happen, it really seemed like nothing would happen. The friendly side was Cade. Cade was the one who saved Abella. It was also Cade who always held out his hand. And¡­¡­ ¡®It was also Cade who erased my memory!¡¯ Abella chuckled in vain. She begged in Cade¡¯s arms. She wanted to forget everything, her mother¡¯s exterior, the cold beatings, and the heartbreaking pain. It was too much for an 8-year-old girl to endure. And how he did it, Cade erased her memory several times. She always felt like she was being fooled, but in reality, it wasn¡¯t Cade who was fooled. Instead of erasing the painful memories as Abella wished, she had even forgotten about him. He gave himself up to give Abella what she wanted. ¡°You should¡¯ve died.¡± Arsene pulled on Abella who nearly tripped over a stone. Arsene awakened her who was in her thoughts. The cold hand touched Abella¡¯s cheek. ¡°You should have died when I killed you.¡± Arsene whispered sweetly in Abella¡¯s ear. The hand stroking Abella¡¯s neck with his fingers made her breathing stop. Will she die? Is she going to die this time? Abella looked at Arsene with unfocused eyes. ¡°Abela Amerigo, you see me at last. You used to turn to Cade when you looked at me. I wanted to pluck out these two eyes¡­¡± Arsene smiled softly. ¡°After you became my fianc¨¦e, you still followed Cade. I thought you lost your memory.¡± ¡°Ar¡­ Sene.¡± Arsene planted his lips on Abella¡¯s cheek. Her heart seemed to stop at the cold body temperature, like that of a snake. Abella stiffened. An instinctive fear of death continued to move her as she struggled to be confident in front of Arsene. Numerous thoughts came and went. Carlo. Simons. and Amerigo. Enosh and Yuri. Finally¡­ ¡®Cade.¡¯ It seemed a little sad to think of leaving them behind. However, she had lived a life without any regrets. Abella was only going back the way she came: alone. She felt sorry for her father who gave his life for Abella. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to die sometimes? ¡°Do you want me to give the names of those who conspired for your death?¡± Arsene whispered viciously. It was nice to see the light and passion of life slowly disappearing from Abella¡¯s eyes. He wished it would completely fade away and disappear. Arsene curled his lips up. ¡°Huh? I wonder what kind of face you will make, Abella.¡± Abella¡¯s eyelids trembled. It was utter malice. ¡°Your mother also took part in your death. Besides that¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to point it out.¡± Even after regaining her memory, it was not impossible to guess. Most of the people present there must have instigated Abella¡¯s death. Even this man in front of her! ¡°I like that you are smart. There¡¯s no need to talk too long.¡± Arsene hugged Abella. Arsene spoke to her slowly as he patted Abella¡¯s back, gasping for breath. ¡°At the end of the day, I will be the last of you, Abella. If I can¡¯t have you, I¡¯d rather¡­¡± Arsene¡¯s voice cracked low. ¡°¡­Completely destroy you.¡± A cool dagger brushed against Abella¡¯s neck. As if it was going to pierce through. It was time for Abella to open her mouth. ¡°You¡¯d better take that hand off, Arsene.¡± An uninvited guest appeared. Tears welled up in Abella¡¯s eyes. Why are you always¡­ Behind me? ¡°Cade.¡± Arsene murmured. * He was anxious. He had a person follow Abella, so it was easy to track them down. It was obvious what Arsene was thinking. If things didn¡¯t go his way, he was sure to kill Abella. He was a pervert who would be happy to have won the last place. Cade clasped his hands. He trying not to show it, but in fact he was nervous. Abella. She was the only one in the world. The only one for Cade. He didn¡¯t even want to imagine life without her. That would be too¡­¡­ Cade chuckled. ¡°Damn it.¡± Lyla turned her head, bewildered. Abella would easily give up her own life. She would choose her own death if the situation came to something that she cannot bear. No need for Arsene to push Abella into hell. It was none other than this damn world that ruined Abella so much. Skellus Day was cursed due to a conflict within the temple. It was for the same reason that those who followed Skellus lost their places and left. In the end, in order to take over her power, was it not necessary to drive Abella to her death. Even if all the misfortune was attributed to Abella. Basically, humans were weak. However, using that weakness as an excuse, Abella should not have been put on the guillotine. His mind was complicated. It was too dangerous to kill them all. People would swear horribly at Abella. Demon, villainess, and human-eating monster. They would talk about her. Even now, wasn¡¯t this a situation where she couldn¡¯t avoid being criticized by people for things that weren¡¯t her own fault? Actually, let¡¯s be a little more honest. What was the difference between Arsene and Cade? Cade wanted to keep Abella locked up in the safest place. To not let anyone threaten her, or put her in a situation like this. To show her only good things, let only happy things happen, and only be in his arms. However, he couldn¡¯t do that. If he did so, it was obvious that Abella would wither like a flower. The wildflowers that bloomed along the boulevard were suitable to describe Abella. So Cade didn¡¯t do it. The difference between Cade and Arsene was there. Cade, who loved Abella enough to cut off his own greed, and Arsene who couldn¡¯t control his lust. ¡°¡­Tell me, Lyla. Why did Arsene kidnap Abella?¡± If it were Arsene, he would want to have Abella fully. Her body alone was not enough. He also needed her heart. The whole heart. Lyla squeezed her eyes shut and shuddered. ¡°He wants to kill her. He¡¯ll try to kill her. If he can¡¯t have her, he¡¯ll kill her.¡± It wasn¡¯t surprising, but he asked for confirmation anyway. Cade laughed briefly. ¡°Damn Arsene Sirius.¡± ¡°¡­¡­He¡¯s the head of Sirius. Even if you are the Emperor, you won¡¯t be able to handle it.¡± That¡¯s right. Because that¡¯s the law of this world. If the emperor does his own thing, will this country run properly? There were a lot of bridles used for Cade as well. Lyla was relieved. Cade was an opponent that could be communicated with. He was not as reckless as Arsene Lyla opened her mouth to convince Cade. ¡°You¡¯d better give him to me. After I marry Arsene¡­¡± ¡°Mistress.¡± Cade arrogantly spit on Lyla. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You better not try to run away from my sight, Lyla. I don¡¯t feel really good right now. Your position is mistress, and you have to do it well.¡± Cade smiled fiercely. ¡°There is no such thing as next time. You want Arsene?¡± Cade laughed. ¡°You can¡¯t handle him. Just like before.¡± Lyla bit her lip. She knew that he was right. Had she been able to stop that crazy beast in her past life? Despite Lyla¡¯s efforts, Arsene didn¡¯t get any better. He was still chasing Abella, and in the end he died on his own accord. Arsene was a freaking jerk to the end. Cade remembered those cruel eyes that slit his wrists in front of Abella¡¯s graveyard. It was an obsession that he couldn¡¯t let go even in death. ¡°Ah. We have arrived.¡± Cade tapped Lyla on the shoulder. ¡°Stay still. Don¡¯t forget that there will be someone guarding you.¡± Cade glanced at Lyla, then got on and left in the carriage. Abella and Arsene were in front of him. Cade opened his mouth with a ferocious force. ¡°You¡¯d better take that hand off her, Arsene.¡± Chapter 121 Cade removed the leaves from the top of his head. Abella and Arsene could be seen in front of his completely brightened field of vision. The appearance of Arsene pressing up against Abella clearly caught his eye. Lyla followed Cade¡¯s back. Because none of Cade¡¯s escorts wanted to be left to escort Lyla. Lyla pouted her lips as she¡¯d never been treated like this, but it was hard for her to ask for anything from Cade. Cade threw the scabbard at Arsene, who did not fall away even after seeing him. The scabbard, which had already lost its contents inside, flew away and knocked Arsene away from Abella. ¡°I told you hands off, Arsene.¡± ¡°Cade¡­¡­¡± Abella¡¯s voice was wet and scattered. Cade was completely contained in her dreamy purple eyes that seemed to shed tears at any moment. Cade noticed it intuitively. Abella had regained all her memories. The way she looked at Cade was different. There was a mixture of tenderness and guilt. The love between them made Cade¡¯s heart flutter. Cade trembled. Abella regained her memory. He doesn¡¯t know what triggered it. Just as the wizard said, it may have been born through an imperfect magical rift. Cade shrugged. ¡°Come here, Abella.¡± Cade held out a cautious hand. Arsene watched what Cade and Abella were doing with curious eyes. Cade and Abella. On the surface, there was no couple that got along so well as them. But, would they be able to continue? Cade was the emperor of this country. As an emperor, he had to live in more oppressed bondage. Could Abella handle it? Abella was born on the day of Skellus and was bound by a bridle. In order for Abella to become an empress, she must deny the history of this empire. ¡°If you go, will something change?¡± Arsene laughed. ¡°Do you have to be hurt? Why are you jumping into that fiery hell?¡± Cade, who was listening quietly, laughed. There was no need to make such excuses to Arsene. It wasn¡¯t important to Abella right now, and it wasn¡¯t something to discuss with Arsene. Abella retreated and she pushed Arsene behind her. His scent faded. And the fear has faded. It was comforting to know that Abella and Arsene are not alone here. Cade wouldn¡¯t let Abella die, so she figured she could get out of here today. Abella took trembling steps. ¡°This will not be the end, Abella.¡± Arsene declared bluntly. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to give up.¡± The devil of the past had returned. And Abella had regained her memory. Cade smiled bitterly at Abella¡¯s pale expression in front of him. Lyla, who followed him, took her breath. ¡°Lady Lyla.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Your Majesty.¡± ¡°You¡¯d better go with me.¡± Cade was right. Lyla knew just how dangerous Arsene could be if she reached out her hand now. Without any means of protection, she could not stay by Arsene¡¯s side. Arsene was crazy. Cade spit out at Lyla, who was still hesitant. ¡°I don¡¯t think it would be bad for you to die here at Arsene¡¯s hand. Then I¡¯ll have a reason to put that guy in jail. Choose.¡± Lyla kept looking back. Arsene smiled as he stood in a drowsy position and pulled a cigar into his mouth. His eyes were stuck on Abella. Lyla bit her lips. Why was it Abella again this time? Why! Lyla stomped her feet. However, there was only one choice she had. Lyla got into Cade¡¯s carriage. * Enoch let out a long sigh. It was a strangely disturbing day. Dark clouds filled the sky with no rain and the wind blowing was unusual. Enoch rubbed the goosebumps on his arm. ¡°Brother?¡± ¡°April.¡± ¡°Why do you look like that?¡± April tilted her head. Even siblings who did not have a good relationship with each other were bound to become close in times of crisis. The two made a temporary reconciliation in this special situation. ¡°I don¡¯t know why.¡± Abella went out with Arsene. The mansion¡¯s servants testified to Enoch, so it was probably right. Arsene was the head of Sirius, so there was no doubt that Abella would not be in danger. Were there only one or two protecting Arsene? No need to be anxious. So¡­¡­ ¡°Hmm. Brother.¡± April smiled brightly. Then, out of tune, she clung to Enoch. April asked, waving his arm. ¡°Do you like Abella?¡± ¡°What¡­¡­?¡± Enoch asked blankly. ¡°I mean you, brother. Do you like Abella?¡± Louisa¡¯s hands, who was guarding the office with them, stopped. ¡°You are talking nonsense.¡± ¡°Brother is talking nonsense. It¡¯s very awkward right now.¡± April burst into laughter. Enoch turned his head with a blush. There was no strength to refute April¡¯s words. ¡°But I was rejected.¡± ¡°Kehmm¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why Brother can¡¯t go back to Clemington even though they were looking for you.¡± April laughed like a quick-witted fox. Enoch drooped his shoulders as the secret was revealed at once. Looking at Enoch¡¯s back, who had lost his strength, April groaned. Then she patted his back. ¡°I¡¯ve known it since the girls would cry. I knew that one day my brother would cry.¡± ¡°April.¡± Enoch called April with a warning. ¡°It¡¯s no use calling my name so terrifyingly. I am not afraid of you now.¡± Enoch let out a long sigh. How did he become a fool who couldn¡¯t hide his feelings from April? Enoch blinked at the side where Luisa was. She was working hard to make sure she couldn¡¯t hear the conversation between April and Enoch. Enoch turned slowly. Nothing would happen and Abella would be back. So he didn¡¯t have to worry. Rather, he would regret himself for the time he spent so pathetically. Only after so much of consoling himself, Enoch was able to walk away. * Abella trembled and rested her head on Cade¡¯s shoulder. It seemed that she didn¡¯t even have the strength to support her body. A green bruise was forming on the nape of Abella¡¯s neck. It was Arsene¡¯s mark. He knew without asking how he held onto Abella and scared her. Cade clenched his teeth while holding Abella¡¯s hand. Abella¡¯s face was pale. Now she was going through her memories of her past. Then she sighed. ¡®That¡¯s right, I killed them.¡¯ Her father and also Carlo. It was true that they were killed by Abella. Her father died while protecting Abella, and Carlo died while taking her father¡¯s place. What if her father had not died and Carlo had not inherited his place prematurely? Carlo would have never been exposed to the sickness. ¡®Really I killed them.¡¯ Abella covered her mouth. She had not eaten anything but still felt nauseous. ¡°Uhukkk!¡± Cade gently stroked Abella¡¯s back as she bent her back. His eyes were as warm as a spring day as he looked at Abella, who was painfully nauseous while unable to vomit. ¡°Abella.¡± And behind it was a deep worry. Cade was still suffering from nightmares. Because he knew what choice Abella would make in the end. There was no way he could undo the magic once it had been broken. Abella¡¯s memories would remain and would continue to haunt her. ¡®My mother tried to kill me¡­¡¯ Haa. Her mother, who put her out into the world. Everyone seemed to wish for Abella¡¯s death. Seeing that even the head of Amerigo was driven to death in order to kill one Abella. Who would be next? Enoch? Simons? Or Cade? Abella was taking the lives of those around her, so it would not be a futile speculation. Abella clenched her fist. The purple eyes gleamed coldly. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± Cade patiently called Abella¡¯s name, who was silent. She seemed to be engulfed in anxiety. ¡°it¡¯s okay.¡± Abella shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s really okay.¡± They would always point the sword they aimed at Abella to Simons. Just as they had no hesitation in killing her father. So before that she had to get rid of them. Abella¡¯s hands trembled. Sirius too. Amerigo¡¯s relatives. ¡­her mother too. Abella swallowed a smirk. ¡°It will be okay.¡± This was her commitment to herself. Perhaps noticing Abella¡¯s precarious state, Cade pulled her into his arms. Abella, handled like a broken doll, rested her cheek against Cade¡¯s chest. Lyla, who sat crumpled up against the wall, glanced at it. Lyla chewed on her nails. ¡®Shit.¡¯ Arsene¡¯s memory returned. That relentless obsession would haunt Abella until she died. Just like it had in her past life. Lyla glanced at Abella again. Then. As Lyla lifted her head, she met the eyes of a cold beast. White teeth flashed between Cade¡¯s smiling lips. It was a raw, unrefined smile that could bite Lyla at any moment. Lyla quickly turned her head away. She had to make a new plan. To get Arsene in her hands. Chapter 122 Abella wiped her lips. She washed away the things that were staining the corners of her mouth. However, Abella¡¯s empty eyes did not fill with life again. Abella seemed to have exhausted her heart. She was unstable. Cade forcefully grabbed Abella¡¯s hand. It was Abella¡¯s heart that he was attached to. ¡°Abella.¡± Abella turned to Cade with a pale face. Cade was the only thing contained in those transparent purple eyes. Her eyes were clear without any emotional fluctuations. The carriage stopped before Cade could say anything. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± It was Abella who said she was okay this time, but she wondered why she didn¡¯t seem alright at all. Cade rubbed his dark eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s get off together.¡± Cade said stubbornly. Lyla, crouching on the inside, turned away from them as if invisible. Taking Cade¡¯s hand, Abella got off the carriage. She felt dizzy from riding in the carriage all day. And as she leaned on Cade¡¯s arms, Arsene¡¯s voice echoed in her head. ¡®Abella. I will never give up on you until the end.¡¯ The voice seemed to seep into Abella. In fact, she was so frightened that her body trembled. If it was Arsene, he would do anything to get Abella or break her. In the process, Abella might also lose her loved ones. Rather, it seemed that it would not be bad for her to hand herself over to Arsene. Wasn¡¯t it better for her to lose herself than to lose her loved ones? Noticing what she was thinking, Cade stopped Abella. ¡°Abela. I will protect you until the end.¡± It was the opposite of what Arsene had said. ¡°I will protect you.¡± Tears welled up in Abella¡¯s purple eyes. Was that up to him? Abella opened her mouth and closed it. She wanted to ask, Then what if you get hurt? Cade bent his waist to Abella¡¯s height. Cade did his best and smiled affectionately, making eye contact with Abella. ¡°I will protect you. That¡¯s why I will protect myself too.¡± Cade nagged Abella. ¡°Let me do that.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Then what should I do?¡± ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Cade smiled affectionately. ¡°Just stay there. Don¡¯t think about anything.¡± Abella stared blankly at Cade. Don¡¯t think about anything and stay here. Cade knew what Abella was thinking. She wanted to sacrifice herself so that others wouldn¡¯t get hurt. Of course, life with Arsene would be hell. Arsene didn¡¯t like Abella talking to other people, and he hated her making eye contact with others. Every day would be like a thin ice sheet. Abella would probably live locked up in a room and wither away. ¡°Abella.¡± Cade urged Abella once more. He probably wouldn¡¯t go until she gave her the answer he wanted. Abella lifted her lips up, laboringly. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I will stay here.¡± Cade then released Abella. His eyes contained mixed emotions as he watched her back as she walked to the front door. He had no idea that Arsene would move so quickly. Moreover, three of the knights he had protecting Abella were seriously injured. Cade touched his forehead. The dense trees were swaying. Amerigo¡¯s magnificent gardens were under his feet. What should he do? If the monster was thought to dominate the game and went out of control, Cade needed to think about the information that he knew and what he found out by interrogating Lyla. A peaceful meadow and the western sky descending on it, a flower garden full of hyacinths and a white swing. These were the words little Abella whispered to Cade. She wanted to live in such a house. With a beloved husband and cute child. She said that if she lived like that, she might be able to forget all her bad memories. However, the present Abella seemed to have forgotten her dream. Cade ruffled his hair. To deal with the devil, you have to be the devil. The devil had woken up anyway. From now on, the question was how to ¡®kill¡¯ the devil. Arsene Sirius would never give up easily. Cade climbed back into the carriage. He pretended to be calm because he was in front of Abella, but Cade had a storm brewing in his head too. ¡°Lady Lyla.¡± All Cade could do for now was to pursue Arsene and reduce the risk. And cut off the devil¡¯s limbs to give Abella true freedom. Of course, there were other issues as well. Amerigo¡¯s relatives. He had to get rid of those who were ignorant and acted like parasites. ¡°I have work for you to do from today.¡± ¡°I ¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Lady Lyla. Don¡¯t think you have a choice. You are not a noble Lady anymore, but my concubine.¡± Cade was talking with his eyes. It was a cold warning that if she didn¡¯t do her best, she would die. Lyla clenched her teeth. How the hell did she come to this? She thought she was in control of the chessboard, but in fact there was another master. Lyla let out a sigh. ¡°There is only one decision-making authority, so what I will say is decided. What can I do to help you, Your Majesty?¡± It was a very distorted voice. ¡°What do you think Arsene is thinking from the lady¡¯s point of view? I¡¯m trying to figure it out from there. Of course, you better not lie.¡± ¡°¡­ If I was Arsene, I would hold my breath and lay lowl. Until the world forgets me and becomes vigilant.¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°And then I will do other things. Abella loves Amerigo, and I will target Amerigo.¡± ¡°Amerigo?¡± Then the range was widened. Abella¡¯s attachment to Amerigo was limited. Otherwise¡­ she might try to protect Amerigo¡¯s honor. ¡°I¡¯m going to get rid of the useless ones first.¡± Parasites of Amerigo. Those who were willing to sell Amerigo for their own benefit and tarnish Amerigo¡¯s honor. Lyla curled her body a little more in the coldness. It was almost impossible to see what Cade was thinking. Wasn¡¯t he the same as Cade anyway? He would do anything to protect Abella. There wouldn¡¯t be anyone but Abella in his eyes. The seriousness of his risking the lives of others would not be divided by whether Abella cared about them or not. In the end, the most endangered one might be Lyla herself. ¡°Let me help with that too.¡± Cade raised his eyebrows as if puzzled. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be looking for a way to live? After cleaning up, send me and Arsene abroad.¡± Cade paused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°I promise.¡± That, too, would be a futile promise. Lyla helped Cade while at the same time, knowing that she had to find her own way in without Cade¡¯s knowledge. Despite traveling in the same carriage, Cade and Lyla¡¯s thoughts bloomed in different directions in the small carriage. * ¡°Abella!¡± Enosh jumped down from the second floor as if rolling. As soon as he heard the sound of the carriage, he left the work he had been doing. The strange uneasiness grew and did not subside until Abella returned. ¡°Enosh?¡± ¡°Have¨Chave¨Chave you been well?¡± Enosh looked into Abella¡¯s eyes and asked. Just in moderation, not overdone. So that Abella did not feel burdened. Abella smiled with a weary face. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m back, Enosh.¡± ¡°¡­Your face is pale.¡± He struggled to swallow the question of what had happened. However, that was futile. Abella¡¯s form was starting to crumble. ¡°Abela!¡± ¡°Oh my gosh!¡± April, who was chasing after Enosh, shouted. Then he ordered her maid to bring the doctor. Simons was the first to hear April¡¯s scream. ¡°Aunt!!¡± Simons ran and clung to Abella¡¯s arms. Simons¡¯ small face turned white. The guests of the mansion ran out, worried about Abella. But, even in the midst of everyone¡¯s commotion, Lorelia did not come out. She just tilted the teacup and sat picturesquely at the table. ¡°Madam, the lady¡­¡­!¡± ¡°There is nothing to fuss about. It¡¯s not like the kid is dead. Bring Simon. If she gets a curse on him, it will be a big trouble.¡± Laurelia whispered quietly like a still life. The maid, who had run to inform Laurelia of the situation, clenched her mouth. She then walked back through the door she had entered. Lorelia smiled bitterly. Look at it. Her ugly heart was fully exposed on her face. She didn¡¯t do anything wrong. The kid was at fault. There was definitely a time when she wanted to save Abella. However, for Laurelia, her own well-being was more important than that. If she could be at peace by killing Abella, if she could no longer receive Amerigo¡¯s rebuke¡­ Laurelia would do anything. So she got involved in killing Abella. To protect herself. And that excuse became Abella¡¯s curse. ¡°You¡¯re cursed, so you deserve to die!¡± That was the indulgence that Laurelia gave to herself. Chapter 123 Abella did not wake up. Enoch had to deeply realize his powerlessness. It was an experience that made his hair stand up. Abella was pale enough that they would not be surprised if she ran out of breath at any moment, and her fever did not go down either. April even said that Enoch was going to collapse first. April used healing magic on Abella, but Abella did not get any better. April shook her head. ¡°She is not sick. Magic won¡¯t work unless she¡¯s sick.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do, Enoch.¡± April smiled awkwardly. Enosh flopped down on the chair. The fingers that he ran across his face were trembling. April sighed. ¡°She will be fine.¡± That was the only consolation that April could offer. Enoch¡¯s helplessness was also transferred to April. The color does not return to Abella¡¯s blue lips. ¡°¡­and then, what can be done about it?¡± It was none other than Louisa who broke the situation. Louisa took off the robe she was wearing and draped it over her arm. Louisa brought the answer to Enoch and April, who were guarding Abella¡¯s room. Behind Louisa, a man with dark hair and red eyes and an old man with a bent waist entered. ¡°Your Majesty¡­?¡± Enoch pouted his lips. There was only one person in this country who had dark hair and bright red eyes. It was only Cade. Enoch and April quickly followed suit. Cade strode in and sat down by Abella¡¯s bed. His face was cool as he watched her carefully. Cade brushed Abella¡¯s hair. Her hair, damp from sweat, was tangled between his fingers. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± Cade¡¯s voice was also low. It had been days since he dropped Abella off the carriage, and she had been like this the whole time. Cade bent his waist towards Abella. He was on the verge of burning with the heat he felt from Abella. ¡°You have to get up, Abella.¡± Cade whispered softly. Cade raised his head and beckoned to the old man. ¡°Take care of Abella.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± The old man who came with Cade was the royal palace¡¯s doctor. The best doctor in the country who treated only the emperor and his immediate family. Sir Berald approached Abella¡¯s side. Cade stepped aside to the side so that Berald could see her at ease. Enoch watched the process with a puzzled look. Louisa pulled Enoch away. She seemed to want them to go outside. Enoch¡¯s eyes darkened. There was nothing he could do. Abella was dying, and Enoch did nothing while waiting for Abella to come back to life. Because Enoch was a stranger, he had no choice but to do so. Because he was neither a prince nor anything here. However, Cade took care of the situation in one fell swoop. Amerigo¡¯s doctor couldn¡¯t heal Abella, so he brought in the royal doctor. It must have been possible because Cade was the emperor. Enoch couldn¡¯t just watch the door close in front of his eyes. ¡°Louisa.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How did this happen?¡± Enoch¡¯s voice hardened. Luisa¡¯s eyes looking back at Enoch were filled with criticism. ¡°Then, like Prince Enoch and April, should I have stood there and done nothing?¡± ¡°Louisa.¡± Despite the warning tone, Louisa didn¡¯t even budge. ¡°What do you mean by saying my name like that? I just wrote a letter to the royal family. And the Emperor responded to the name Abella.¡± ¡°Aa¡­¡­¡± What Louisa said was so true, he couldn¡¯t argue with anything. April stood next to Louisa and said. ¡°That¡¯s right. Louisa is right.¡± ¡°The Emperor¡¯s reaction was really quick. Enoch. Why didn¡¯t you think of the Emperor? There must have been someone to turn to for help. Why didn¡¯t you contact him earlier?¡± Enoch grew pale. He was tired of looking at the door with lifeless eyes. He actually struggled as he thought of Cade. Seeing Abella, who was not conscious, he even thought about asking someone for help. And as a matter of course, Cade came to mind. However, he did not contact him. Although he knew it, he ignored his own thoughts. If Cade really saved Abella¡­ It was a useless sense of inferiority. Still, he was biased towards such feelings and pretended not to know about the idea. He was disillusioned with himself. ¡°Because I¡¯m stupid¡­¡± Enoch blamed himself. Those eyes, which were always shining brightly, dimmed as if they were dead. He almost killed Abella. Because of his inferiority complex. Enoch sat down on a chair in the hallway. His eyes were hot. ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Enoch realized; love without concessions or consideration is not love. * Abella wouldn¡¯t wake up. Arsene tilted the glass. He had been consuming alcohol for three days but was not drunk at all. The eyes when Abella looked at Arsene could not be forgotten. Her face was terrified, as if she had seen a monster. ¡°Too weak.¡± Arsene muttered slowly. People would try their best to protect Abella, but breaking their efforts was as easy as folding a finger. Abella pretended to be strong, but was weak enough to be broken down with only a finger. It must have been that she had chosen to commit suicide because she was feeling so upset. Enoch wet his lips with alcohol. Arsene, reclining in his chair, rubbed his chin with his finger. Abella would wake up. In that case, Arsene would just have to think about how to hunt Abella. Arsene would lock her in and breathe her in until his thirst was quenched. To make people stop staring at her charming purple eyes, and only call Arsene with her cute lips. Just thinking about it made him feel full. Arsene¡¯s laughter crawled across the ground. Ah. Arsene wanted to see her eyes wet with tears. It was exhilarating. His fingertips were tingling. Knock, knock. ¡°Come in.¡± As Arsene¡¯s imagination was branching out, someone knocked on the door. ¡°Arsene.¡± ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°¡­Were you still doing this?¡± Grand Madam Sirius sighed. ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, do you want me to find out? I know someone in the royal palace. No matter how much they take care of Abella, the royal doctor will come back in the evening. It¡¯s a meticulous process, but there should be a corner to wiggle.¡± ¡°Mother. I¡¯m not worried about Abella right now. I will destroy Abella with my own hands¡­¡± ¡°Shh!¡± Grand Madam Sirius shot sharply and clenched her teeth. ¡°Speak like a normal person. Think and speak like the others.¡± She had noticed that Arsene had regained his memory.His eyes were different. However, Grand Madam Sirius still couldn¡¯t give up her greed. The greed that Arsene could perhaps live like a normal person. Expectations that Arsene won¡¯t hurt anyone. Those things were mixed together. ¡°What would a normal person say? That they were worried? Want her to get well soon?¡± Arsene said slowly. As he continued, Grand Madam Sirius grew pale and tired. ¡°Does it make any difference if I lie like that? Oh, do you feel at ease?¡± ¡°Arsene! Fine. I¡¯d rather you lie! Try pretending to live like other people!¡± Grand Madam Sirius exclaimed hysterically. From the moment she heard the news that Abella had collapsed, she had a gut feeling about this moment. Arsene¡¯s nature would not change, and one day there would be an accident. What was she supposed to do? He exhibited abnormal behavior when mentally assessed as a young child. The psychologists and doctors she called at that time shook their heads. They said there was no cure for antisocial personality disorder, that all he needed to do was learn to empathize and monitor the feelings of others, but Arsene¡¯s case was a little more special. The child was obsessive. Once something caught his eye, he had to have it; otherwise, he destroyed it. He didn¡¯t like it when his own things were put in the hands of others. Grand Madam Sirius took Arsene¡¯s hand. She took the glass of wine from his hand, put it down, and burst into tears. ¡°Normal people pray for Abella¡¯s recovery at times like these.¡± ¡°I am not, Mother. I hope Abella will be ruined.¡± Arsene whispered sweetly. He carefully removed the hair of Grand Madam Sirius who looked up in vain. He even wiped her face wet with tears. The touch was so kind, but there was no emotion in Arsene¡¯s eyes. Grand Madam Sirius¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°¡­¡­Normal people¡­¡± ¡°I am not a normal person. I am different from them. I am¡­¡­¡± Arsene stretched his words. ¡°I am¡­¡­¡± His face was cold. It was so cold that she couldn¡¯t even guess what he was thinking. Arsene murmured slowly. ¡°I could be the devil, as someone says. Actually, it was me who was cursed. Not Abella.¡± Arsene smiled. ¡°It was good that Abella was cursed. At first, I was interested because she was the devil. But now I know she¡¯s not like that. Now ¡­ I just want to have her.¡± A thin stream of water ran down Grand Madam Sirius¡¯ cheek. There seemed to be no way to save Arsene. Chapter 124 Cade swept Abella¡¯s hair. It would have been weirder to regain those harsh memories and stay sane. No matter how strong Abella was on the inside. Cade was accompanied by the high priest, not the imperial physician. It was because it seemed that divine power would be more helpful than medicine to those who were tired in mind and body. Besides, it seemed like it would be good to examine Abella¡¯s condition, who was born on the day of Skellus. According to the words of Magic Tower Master, when the magic that has been stacked up like this is simply destroyed, it must be possible to have the power to resist magic. Cade was guessing that it might have been due to the influence of Skellus. Cade was holding his breath as the High Priest examined Abella. And he asked impatiently when the High Priest stepped back. ¡°High Priest.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°What about Abella?¡± The high priest turned around. The old man¡¯s face had a kind smile. He had a face that was too calm for a person who had been defeated and exiled in the conflict within the temple. Cade frowned. Of course, the high priest had a face like that the whole time, but it was worse today. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± And the high priest opened his lips as if to return Cade for the strangeness he felt. ¡°Lady Abella is under extreme care by Skellus.¡± The high priest¡¯s voice was strangely muffled. It looked like it was going to crumble at any moment, but it had a deep longing in it. It was the voice of the man who found the embers in the ashes that had been extinguished. The high priest¡¯s eyes gleamed with flames. He pretends to be kind, but the truth is, he is boiling. ¡°Extreme care by Skellus?¡± Cade laughed. ¡°Yes. Skellus helps. Lady Abella was under the protection of Skellus, so the magic wasn¡¯t perfect.¡± Didn¡¯t Skellus kill her? It was a question he wanted to ask, but now he can¡¯t. He doesn¡¯t know what Skellus¡¯ grace was, but it didn¡¯t look that great. Especially since he had already suffered Abella¡¯s death. Cade asked sternly. ¡°Therefore. How is Skellus caring for Abella?¡± It was a voice full of ridicule, but the high priest didn¡¯t care. ¡°Because she was born with a body full of divinity, she will soon be restored to health.¡± ¡°A body full of divinity¡­¡± Cade and the High Priest¡¯s hypothesis were correct. A child born on the day of Skellus is not cursed, but divine. There is no way for such children to drive others into misfortune. After all, Abella was the victim of the political games of the temple. Cade rubbed his lips. He went to the high priest¡¯s seat and sat down beside Abella. Abella¡¯s pale face hurts his chest. Her white, cracked red lips were dry as if they would never be able to live again. ¡°Even in this way, she is receiving the protection of Skellus.¡± ¡°Because even the power of God is not perfect.¡± ¡°Nothing is perfect. So, what are you going to do from now on?¡± It was a quiet question. Inside it was the implicit question of what Cade could do for Abella. The high priest shook his head. ¡°I will do my best to help Skellus find the right place. In addition, we will punish the temples that have deceived the people and desecrated the empire to honor the victims.¡± ¡°Good. The high priest must keep his word. You will turn Skellus into a god and let him build a new temple. With the support of the imperial family.¡± It was a statement that shook the religious world. After Skellus was branded a heretic, all temples were abolished. But the imperial family built a temple dedicated to Skellus. It was the same as recognizing Skellus as an official religion, not a heresy. It was also what the priests of Skellus, who had been persecuted, longed for. To restore honor and regain the status of a priest again. ¡°God will take care of you too.¡± ¡°It must be as you say, High Priest. I am never merciful when it comes to Abella. I will make her the empress.¡± Cade¡¯s red eyes flashed. His eyes were sharp like a viper that would not let go once bitten. The high priest swallowed his saliva. If he fails to keep his orders, Cade will take revenge on the High Priest and his followers. ¡®Never merciful when it comes to Abella¡¯ Eventually, Cade threatened to turn the religious world upside down if this happened. The priest was stepping into risky work. However, it was also true that it was as fascinating as the danger. Skellus will stand proudly on the streets again. Wasn¡¯t it the high priest¡¯s lifelong wish? He had no reason not to accept this deal. ¡°Yes, yes. your Majesty.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Cade touched Abella¡¯s forehead. The fever still hadn¡¯t gone down. The high priest said the fever would go down naturally, but Cade wanted Abella to be at ease right away. Cade frowned and gestured his chin at the High Priest. ¡°Then, shall we do everything we came all the way here for today?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± The High Priest bowed his head deeply. * ¡°Go back first.¡± Cade lightly patted the high priest on the back. He looked back puzzled, but Cade had already turned his attention away from him. Cade and the attendants who accompanied him put the high priest in the carriage. The Emperor was left behind in Amerigo. From here on, it was an area the high priest was not interested in. ¡®The world will turn upside down.¡¯ Holding down his pounding heart, the high priest burst out laughing like a madman. All those who persecuted him and insulted Skellus, he will see them all crawling on the floor. The temple was the den of politicians. They do not hesitate to attack priests who worship the same god in order to gain power and profit. Divinity had long since departed from them. To hide it, the Skellus Day is raised a little more. In order to make it appear that the divinity remains, misfortune is pronounced on children born on the day of Skellus. It was possible to reform the temple that had survived that way. There was no reason not to be happy. * Cade remained in Amerigo to meet Enoch. Cade, who did not leave even after the business was over, was led to the parlor. He was just a dangerous opponent to throw away. Because Cade was the emperor who ruled this country. And when Cade gave orders as if Amerigo was his domain, they couldn¡¯t refuse. Both Enoch and April were called into the drawing room. ¡°Greetings, the Emperor of the Empire.¡± ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty.¡± Enoch and April followed in turn. Cade, who was sitting in an arrogant position, gestured with his chin. ¡°Sit down.¡± Enoch¡¯s cheekbones blushed with contempt, but he couldn¡¯t resist. He was a staunch underdog in front of Cade. ¡°Are you Princess April?¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± April lowered her head more deeply. Although the tone did not seem polite at all, April could not refute it. She knew without even asking. Cade was a dangerous person. His posture with his hands on his lap with his hands together matched like a painting. He looked great on the outside, but the blood flowing from his dark red eyes seemed to slaughter April at any moment. ¡°At Clemington, you¡¯ve implemented the terms well and will be rewarded for it. Reinforcements are ready for Clemington.¡± ¡°¡­¡­thank you. Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be moving the troops on the border, so they won¡¯t arrive late in Clemington.¡± Cade said lightly. In fact, it had already begun to move, so there was no such thing as a military secret. So Cade said lightly. And those who would fill the empty border had already arrived at the border. The army guarding the border was not as good as the elite knights of the Imperial Knights corps, but they were counted among the best. This means that the Empire also took this issue seriously. As Prince Enoch, this was something to be thankful for. He was in charge of this matter. ¡°¡­Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Because I have to keep my promise. I hope that Clemington will keep their promise to be at the forefront of the Empire.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders. Next, his slow gaze turned to April. ¡°Grand Duke April.¡± ¡°Wh, what?¡± April, surprised to hear that she is the Grand Duke, raised her head. ¡°There was no conferment ceremony, but the princess was awarded the rank of Grand Duke from the moment she entered the empire. So, I will ask the Grand Duke. Do you know why I made you stay in Amerigo?¡± It was a voice that had subsided without any lightness until now. Cade¡¯s face hardened. Fear stood in April¡¯s round eyes. ¡°Ah, ah¡­¡­¡± Cade raised his lips as he looked at April, who couldn¡¯t even answer. ¡°It was meant to protect Abella. Well, that¡¯s your value. Keeping Abella Amerigo safe.¡± This was the reason why Cade did not tell her to return and remained in Amerigo. To give April the right thing to do. ¡°Once again, if something like today happens, you will have to pay the price.¡± Cade spoke slowly but clearly. April realized that it was the truth. Chapter 125 A cool breeze spread all the way to her fingertips. She felt the powers that had been encroaching on her darkly lifted off and her vision cleared. The cool energy gradually spread and helped Abella¡¯s inner powers. And Abella woke up. ¡°Abella.¡± Cade smiled faintly. ¡°¡­Cade?¡± ¡°Welcome back.¡± Cade, who was sitting on the bedside, gently took Abella¡¯s hand. Abella¡¯s purple eyes twinkled. It felt like she had a long dream. She found her past in it. And now it was clear whose hand to hold. This is what Abella had been longing for for a long time. Abella grabbed Cade¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you for waiting.¡± Abella smiled. Complicated emotions were still brewing in her. The memories she retrieved were so heavy and dark that Abella could not hold it alone. She was still contemplating. ¡®Do I deserve to be alive?¡¯ ¡®Am I really the seed of disaster?¡¯ ¡®I should not have been born when I saw that even my mother drove me to death.¡¯ However, she didn¡¯t want to show those feelings in front of Cade, who had repeatedly sacrificed for Abella. So Abella did her best and smiled. for Cade. * Lyla bit her nails. ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Blood was flowing. Lyla wrapped her blunt fingers in a towel and sat down on the bed. When she first found out that she had returned with all her memories, Lyla thought that she would be able to put the world under her feet. Of course, Arsene was also in that world. In her past life, all she had longed for was for the devil¡¯s shell to be shattered, but all she had in her hands was a broken rag (the lit tl is rags/mop but it was more of a broken person/ruined/no longer human, since rags kind of get dirty/ruined over time). Arsene, her object of obsession has disappeared, leaving only debauchery, meaningless, and no longer harmful. That wasn¡¯t what Lyla wanted. As soon as she realized that she had returned, she gave Arsene a drug to lose his memory. And soon Abella left. It was Amerigo¡¯s relatives who helped move and expel Abella. It wasn¡¯t that hard for her to use Chloe and instigate Gilmus. Up until then, Lyla thought her plans were going well. But. The future changed by her continued to change over and over again. It was back to the starting point again. Arsene regained her memory, and the madness was still directed at Abella. Besides, it wasn¡¯t just Lyla who returned. Cade, who could lock her in this mighty imperial castle, was also a returner. Cade was controlling Lyla by force. She was completely cut off from the outside world. At least, the handmaidens who she had a connection with, occasionally delivered news from outside. Lyla stared at the floor with an anxious gaze. ¡°Think about it, Lyla. Think¡­¡­¡± In this case, it seemed that she would lose everything she wanted while trapped inside. The look in his eyes as Cade looked at Arsene contained clear murderous energy. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be like this¡­¡± Remember. How to keep Arsene alive and put him in her hands. Shouldn¡¯t it be enough to erase Arsene¡¯s memories again? It won¡¯t be difficult to get the drug. It¡¯s difficult to give Arsene the drug. This time she will have to feed him twice as much as she did last time. Now, she would get even the broken devil in her hands. Better than losing him altogether. If she ran away with Arsene, who had lost his memory, everything seemed to be resolved. To a very, very distant place. Her head, already engulfed in anxiety, couldn¡¯t think of any more, and Lyla thought it was best. This method, which she had previously excluded, would be her only breakthrough. Lyla had a pale face and beckoned to the handmaid, who took a bribe from her. ¡°Tell His Majesty the Emperor that I want to see him.¡± * Grand Madam Sirius was unsuccessful in convincing Arsene. She went back to the estate lonely like a defeated soldier. She gave up on Arsene. Arsene had a cause anyway. Abella and Arsene¡¯s engagement is intact. Even if he pushed the marriage, there was no one who could legally stop Arsene. Even if it was the emperor, the sacred promises could not be broken at will. Arsene shook the bell and called the butler of the mansion. ¡°¡­I have to write a marriage proposal to send to Amerigo. Ask the priest at the temple.¡± ¡°Yes, Duke.¡± Arsene smiled softly. Even the temple has received money from Sirius, so they will have no choice but to help proceed even if it was a forced marriage. And there was someone in Amerigo who could help Arsene. ¡°And prepare a letter for Grand Madam Amerigo.¡± The shameless woman who wants to survive by selling her daughter will help Arsene. Even in order not to expose her own secrets. * Cade went back. Abella has returned to the front line despite the disapproval of her surroundings. Louisa kept her mouth shut, concentrating on her work, and Enoch looked at Abella in his spare time. Then he finally opened his mouth because he couldn¡¯t stand it. ¡°Abela.¡± ¡°Enoch?¡± ¡°¡­¡­Talk with me.¡± Abella nodded her head with a pale face. Before Abella or Enoch could say anything, Louisa took turns looking at the two and left the office. She was actually listening to the two¡¯s conversation, pretending she wasn¡¯t interested. ¡°What about?¡± Abella put down the papers she was holding in her hands. Enoch clenched his teeth. Abella¡¯s face, which was definitely thinner than before coming to Timur, struck Enoch¡¯s heart. ¡°¡­are you okay?¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°You were kidnapped.¡± ¡°I came back in less than a few hours, is that a kidnapping? Not even a day has passed.¡± ¡°It was Duke Arsene.¡± Enoch said in a cracked voice. Enoch believed that Arsene liked Abella. But can he do that to the person he likes? Leaving trauma behind? The love Enoch knew was not like that. Was the feeling of liking her becoming an excuse for crime? ¡°Enoch¡­ this is¡­¡± Abella chose her words. She didn¡¯t know where to start her story. She doesn¡¯t know much about Arsene either. When did it start to get messed up? From the moment she knew it, Arsene had been obsessed with Abella. Enoch seemed to think of Abella as a bird that could pop in his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± Abella answered honestly. She doesn¡¯t know how to treat Arsene, and she doesn¡¯t know how to get away from him. The messed up relationship was heading for catastrophe, but Arsene still had a cause. Arsene told Abella to get married. ¡°Let¡¯s run away, Abella.¡± Enoch said seriously. ¡°Clemington does not believe in the curse of Skellus, nor does it have Arsene. We can restrict his entry at any time. Arsene won¡¯t be able to touch Clemington¡¯s royalty. You can be free there.¡± Enoch¡¯s heart raced. That was the best move Enoch had in mind. Abella let out a sigh. At the sound of her breathing, Enoch¡¯s heart stopped again. ¡°Abella¡­¡­?¡± ¡°Is that really freedom?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry you. I have no intention of living with you for the rest of my life. Enoch, I made it clear. I¡¯m not going to do anything for you, and now this won¡¯t be your chance.¡± Abella cut Enoch coldly even at this moment. She was always like that. She hated him coming over the line she had drawn. Abella didn¡¯t want to be anyone¡¯s pain anymore and she hated the act of asking for hope. Even now, Abella simply cut off the hope Enoch had unconsciously held. ¡°¡­Abella.¡± ¡°One last thing, Enoch.¡± Abella¡¯s purple eyes lit up with a dazzling light. Although she woke up after a long period of illness, Abella¡¯s intimidation and beauty were still there. Enoch was enamored with her, as he used to be. Enoch swallowed the sobs inside. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Never cross the line again. Then I won¡¯t see you anymore.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Yes¡± Enoch smiled softly. ¡°And you don¡¯t have to worry. There must be a way.¡± There was always a hole to protrude. Just as Abella left for Vincent without anything and took the success with her hands. This time too, there must be a way to get out of Arsene and regain her freedom. Apart from that, the festering inside won¡¯t get better. Abella bit her lip. She asked herself countless times. ¡®Do I deserve to live?¡¯ Abella¡¯s eyes trembled slightly. What the hell did she do wrong that she get pushed the corner? Amerigo felt like a dress that didn¡¯t fit Abella, and even Simons was like a shackle that entangled her. Abella sincerely¡­ ¡®I want to leave.¡¯ To a place where no one knows her. Neither Vincent nor Timur. She wanted to die alone, where she no longer had to think about Amerigo. That was the serenity that Abella wanted. Chapter 126 Cade was planning to overthrow the temple in support of the high priest. In order for Abella to live here in Timur, the most important thing was to end the political battle in the temple and have them admit their past mistakes. Cade wanted to live with Abella. Lyla¡¯s handmaiden came to Cade, who was having a discussion with his aides and the high priest. Cade sent the others away and summoned Lyla according to the handmaiden¡¯s words that said she wanted to meet the Emperor. ¡°Lady Lyla. You said you wanted to see me?¡± Cade asked sternly. ¡°¡­ Emperor. I would like to offer you one suggestion.¡± Leila licked her chapped lips. She didn¡¯t get enough sleep, so her bloodshot eyes and scruffy face seemed unlike a beloved Mistress. Cade¡¯s aides looked back at her with eyes of anticipation about Lyla¡¯s invitation for an audience. Why was she having useless expectations? Cade clicked his tongue and nodded his head towards Lyla. Lyla, who had not yet sat down, trembled at the insult. However, in front of Cade, Lyla was no different from a mouse in front of the cat. With a word from Cade, Lyla could lose her life. ¡°I will give Arsene a drug that erases his memories once again.¡± Cade paused. As he looked at Lyla, his eyes gleamed indifferently. ¡°A drug that erases memories? Like before?¡± Cade laughed. ¡°If that was perfect, Arsene would have left Abella already. Lady Lyla, you already lost this.¡± Cade relaxed his body and sat back on the chair. ¡°If that was possible, you would have already succeeded without going roundabout so far. Was it true that Arsene really lost his memory? Was it? Then why didn¡¯t you have Arsene? Why is Arsene still circling around Abella?¡± Lyla staggered and pointed at the table. Cade shuddered coldly. ¡°So I came up with several hypotheses. I wondered what Arsene was thinking. Arsene lost Abella. And he thought that it shouldn¡¯t be like this. This is how he cleverly realized that he could neither destroy Abella nor have her.¡± ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡­¡± ¡°So what do you think Arsene would do? He decided to pretend he lost his memory. Imitating others and acting like a normal person.¡± Cade smiled. She had often felt that Arsene was imitating Cade¡¯s behavior. However, pretending not to know was to find out what Arsene was up to. However, when Lyla brought out the story about the drug to lose one¡¯s memories, Cade was able to derive the causal relationship. ¡°Lady Lyla. You are more naive than I thought. In my past life, I thought that there was no one more evil than Lady. I guess this means that Lady also has innocence?¡± ¡°Then¡­ are you planning to kill Arsene?¡± Lyla asked vehemently. ¡°It is not for Lady Lyla to know what I am thinking. Lady only needs to do her job well.¡± ¡°I would rather you send Arsene and me to another country. If you expel me¡­¡± Cade sighed slowly. He was unfamiliar with Lyla, who tried her best to save Arsene. What was Lyla like in the previous life? She was the one who helped drive Abella to her death. Lyla instigated Amerigo to press Abella and drive her to the very end, choosing death. Then she was desperately clinging to Cade. Ah. Lyla noticed it too. How vain was death. Watching Abella die, and watching Arsene collapse. Lyla also had something to fear. Cade smiled broadly. ¡°Unfortunately, Arsene is the only Duke Sirius. He couldn¡¯t even leave a successor, so I can¡¯t help him.¡± ¡°Then¡­¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to devour Sirius. What do you think, Lady Lyla?¡± Cade asked slowly. Cade¡¯s plan was to bring down Sirius and drag Arsene into the mud. No detailed plans had been made yet. It was because he was too full to pay attention to Abella now. Lyla held her breath and nodded her head. She couldn¡¯t prove her worth this time, so there was no guarantee that Cade would meet her next time. Besides, Cade often went back without even seeing her when he went to Lyla¡¯s palace. The opportunity was now. What should Lyla propose to save her and Arsene as well? ¡°¡­I will destroy Sirius. Instead, just give me Arsene.¡± ¡°What a tragic love.¡± Cade laughed. ¡°This time, you will have to succeed, unlike before. It¡¯s better not to rely too much on magical powers.¡± ¡°¡­¡­I will keep that in mind.¡± Lyla shook her head. It was a complete declaration of defeat. * It had been a week since Arsene¡¯s proposal to the temple arrived in Amerigo. Abella had recovered her health quite a bit in the meantime. She had come to the point where she no longer made people worry. ¡°Miss Abella.¡± Louisa called Abella with an awkward face. As she went down to the first floor, she had received a letter from the butler sent for Abella. But everywhere she looked, it had an ominous aura. Gold leaf in a white envelope. Plus, it was from the temple. Abella raised her eyebrows and received the letter. ¡°Thank you, Louisa.¡± In the marriage proposal that came in Arsene¡¯s name, the brand of the temple was stamped on it. Thud- Abella¡¯s heart tumbled to the edge of hell. The letter discussed their engagement and ordered the marriage of Abella and Arsene. Judging from the fact that the name of the high priest was written on it, these were shackles. Abella could not refuse the temple¡¯s orders. Arsene had pinpointed her weakness. She was born on the day of Skellus, and it was thanks to the protection of the temple that she lived until now. If the temple didn¡¯t protect Abella, she might have been devoured by the curse and gone crazy. So Abella couldn¡¯t go against the temple. Her throat was parched. Abella set down the proposal letter with a pale face. Louisa, who was looking at her, opened her mouth that had been shut. ¡°I haven¡¯t been here in a while, Miss Abella.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Abella answered in a hoarse voice. ¡°But you had been in Timur for a long time. Timur is a conservative group, but they were particularly harsh on Miss Abella.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes. I agree with Enoch. Miss Abella, if you wish, please go to Clemington. This is a place where only monsters who won¡¯t stop killing people live. It is full of beasts whose eyes twinkle in the fog.¡± In fact, from Louisa¡¯s point of view, she should be displeased with Abella, whom Enoch liked. However, after watching her for several days, Abella was a very pitiful person. Rather, she wanted to protect Abella. As Enoch said, if Abella went to Clemington, she would have a slightly better life than she had now. Louisa thought it was better for Abella to go to Clemington, regardless of Enoch. ¡°But, my roots are in Timur.¡± ¡°What¡­¡± ¡°I mean, I can¡¯t break my promise to Carlo, Louisa.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a promise¡­¡± ¡°I have decided to protect Simon until he takes over the mansion and becomes a great head.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can find someone to replace me¡­¡± Abella shook her head. ¡°I cannot betray Carlo. He is my only younger brother.¡± Besides, he was a child who always stood by Abella¡¯s side, as no one approached her. Noble children of the same age were talking about the curse passing on Carlo, but Carlo didn¡¯t budge. Like the current Simon did, he spoke with his fern-like hands outstretched. ¡®I will protect Abella. Don¡¯t worry!¡¯ Oftentimes, Carlo also struggled with the coercion of the adults, but he did his best to protect Abella. Even at that young age. The smile on his face as he looked back at Abella still remained in her heart. If it wasn¡¯t for Carlo, she couldn¡¯t leave. Abella¡¯s lips drew a curve. ¡°Thank you for the suggestion though, Louisa.¡± Louisa touched her forehead. ¡°Are you going to get married?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know yet.¡± ¡°I wish you won¡¯t. This is my personal wish. And this.¡± Louisa put the file folder down on her desk. ¡°This is a request for reimbursement to Count Gilmus. Please check and tell us what you need to correct.¡± ¡°Thank you for your effort.¡± Abella went through the papers. Her job was her job, and Amerigo was Amerigo. Abella continued to drive the rats out for Amerigo. After driving out the big rat named Count Gilmus, the next one was Chloe. Just having Chloe change her last name would suffice. Even with that, she wouldn¡¯t be able to exercise her right to Amerigo. After confirming the contents, Abella stamped the seal of the head at the end. She was still the temporary head of Amerigo. Chapter 127 After Lyla returned, the meeting resumed. ¡°Lady Lyla is going to bring down Sirius.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Burke¡¯s eyes widened. Duchy Sirius? ¡°When did Lady Lyla say this?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Cade murmured. He didn¡¯t know when it would happen, but Lyla would somehow get it done in the near future. Cade promised to cooperate with Lyla in part. Lyla would pour out everything she had and she would obtain Arsene. ¡°But how are you sure?¡± ¡°Because love can become an obsession.¡± Lyla was obsessed with Arsene. Just like how Arsene was obsessed with Abella. Lyla would try to take Arsene. Wasn¡¯t she someone who came back from the future for that purpose? Cade didn¡¯t trust Lyla, but he did believe in her obsession for Arsene. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. Anyway, Burke, attach a man to help Lady Lyla with her work for a while.¡± ¡°¡­ I wonder about Lady Lyla¡¯s motives, your Majesty.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it love?¡± ¡°Lady Lyla has another loved one¡­?¡± ¡°Even the mistress can have a loved one.¡± ¡°¡­ Or are you trying to destroy Sirius because of jealousy?¡± Burke was shocked. That could be said to be true to some extent. Cade was trying to bring down Sirius because Arsene was obsessed with Abella. Arsene wouldn¡¯t let Abella go unless she died. Cade shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Are you thinking of Lady Abella as Empress?¡± ¡°Burke.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Do you want to be emperor instead? You keep guessing my heart.¡± ¡°How is that possible!¡± Burke shook his head quickly. After Burke, who shut his mouth, Cade¡¯s target was the high priest. ¡°How long will it take to overthrow the temple?¡± Cade asked sternly. The cool, shining eyes were staring straight at the high priest. The high priest bowed his head. ¡°I am estimating about six months before we can bring a victory to our side.¡± ¡°Even while receiving the protection of the imperial family?¡± Cade asked, frowning. ¡°¡­We must dig into people¡¯s hearts¡¯ now, Your Majesty. The scary thing about religion is that it moves people¡¯s hearts. Already, the Bishop is positioned with deep-rooted trust in the people. Even six months later, all you have to do is shake up their firm beliefs. For now, the first thing to do is to instill doubt in them. Maybe Skellus has a cause.¡± ¡°What is the best cause?¡± ¡°It must be Lady Abella demonstrating her divinity.¡± Taking advantage of Abella and stripping her off? Rather, it could have touched Abella¡¯s trauma. Besides, what would happen if Abella finds out that the Skellus day was nothing more than just tricks. While doing this for the sake of Abella¡¯s peace, he could not help but feel anxious. As he tried to change the future, in the end, it was no different from his previous life. When he did something, he became unable to predict the future. The best Cade can do was change the future. Abella¡¯s scheduled death. ¡°¡­I will consider that matter. But, can Abella demonstrate her divinity? In what form does that work, and at what cost?¡± ¡°It varies from person to person. However, since divinity is usually a divine power, it does not require a price. The body becomes the medium to borrow power from God. How it manifests itself also varies from person to person. Lady Abella is not yet aware of her own power, so I can¡¯t even guess anything either.¡± Cade snorted. Even he was cautious to even mention Skellus to Abella. It seemed better to know the secrets of the Skellus Day through Cade than to know through other routes. There was a saying that the one who gets whipped first is better. (An idiom meaning, ¡°It is better to go through a very difficult and painful situation as soon as possible if one has to go through it anyway.) ¡°Ho.¡± It was obviously the second time, but why was nothing so easy? That was when Cade was rolling his head around like that. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± The servant, who had run quickly, reported. ¡°¡­Duke Arsene of Sirius has sent a proposal to Lady Abella. It is said that the seal of the temple and notarization have been completed, Your Majesty.¡± Cade¡¯s face hardened coldly. Silence fell in the office. After a while, Cade opened his mouth coldly. ¡°High Priest.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°You have to hurry up. The temple looks boring, so you need to stir it up.¡± The High Priest bowed his head. His voice was so cold that it made goosebumps rise all over his forearms. It wasn¡¯t long ago, but he knew. How dangerous Cade was when he had such an expression and voice. * Abella sent a request to the temple. It was a request stating that she did not want to marry and that she was considering breaking it up if possible. She needed a spouse to continue her temporary head position, but that shouldn¡¯t be Arsene. She thought she didn¡¯t know before, but now she knew all the secrets. Arsene was the one who tried to kill Abella and at the same time contributed to the death of the previous duke. He was no less than an enemy of Amerigo. ¡®Ah. That¡¯s not it, isn¡¯t he more of an Amerigo?¡¯ At that time, the only people who did not wish for Abella¡¯s death were the former Duke and Carlo. Abella¡¯s request was also formally written with the help of Enoch, and the knight of Amerigo took it to the temple. ¡°It¡¯s really eventful.¡± Enoch said, rolling the candy in his mouth. ¡°Yes.¡± Abella shook her head. It was not unusual for Enoch to react like that as the incident has continued since returning to Timur.. ¡°I guess it¡¯s because of me.¡± Abella mocked herself. Did she really have the power to attract misfortune? ¡°No. That can¡¯t be true. It all happened because of those greedy people.¡± ¡°Thank you for thinking that way.¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious, Abella. You are someone who can protect, not someone who can harm.¡± Abella struggled to smile at Enoch¡¯s comfort. * Lorelia walked around the room. The appearance of this mansion these days was strange. ¡®Did I get caught?¡¯ Lorelia unknowingly bit her nails. When she married the duke, it was a habit that she was forced to stop. But now, Lorelia was alone in her room. The safest place. No one could get Lorelia out of this room. Lorelia was Amerigo¡¯s Grand Madam and she was worthy of respect. The Amerigo¡¯s elders and servants still despised her¡­ that was why she came this far. It was all thanks to that damn old man that she took part in killing Abella. Gilmus was unaware of his place. He wanted to make his eldest son Benjamin the duke. In such circumstances, her husband appointed Abella as his successor, which eventually earned Gilmus¡¯ wrath. Gilmus plotted to kill the successor in order to overthrow him and teach Amerigo¡¯s master manners. Most of Amerigo¡¯s relatives took Gilmus¡¯ hand. Perhaps Timur¡¯s mist drove people crazy, and they instigated the death of a 15-year-old child. In the process, Sirius also added a hand. So Lorelia persuaded herself. ¡®Yes, this is justice and is the right thing to do.¡¯ ¡®She was born in Skellus, so she was holding my ankle and neck.¡¯ This was a secret no one should know. Who would be proud of those who took part that day? As a result of that incident, Amerigo lost a strong leader, and since then, the relatives have come to knead Amerigo according to their own taste. When Abella tried to overthrow the evils, this kind of division would arise again. [You have to kill Abella this time. Hand her over. For Simons.] Gilmus was boldly commanding her whether he still saw Lorelia as a shy little lady. Besides, she just needed to kill Abella and have Simons succeed the title. They will get a scarecrow on their hands. Gilius¡¯s letter contained all such greed. [Otherwise, I am thinking of proceeding with the marriage of Abella and Benjamin. I wish we could discuss this.] Lorelia sighed. Even though Abella and Sirius were engaged, the attitude was as if it didn¡¯t matter at all. [Have you not forgotten that I have your secret?] There was also that dreadful threat. Lorelia chewed her lips. She had been living as a scarecrow until now in order to cover up the truth that she tried to kill Abella. Even if Gilmus lost his fortune and became a toothless tiger. Unlike Lorelia, who was afraid of carrying the same secret on her back, Gilmus was bold. Lorelia threw the letter at the fireplace. She then said with a sigh. ¡°Bring the child.¡± ¡°Yes, madam.¡± Her maid backed away. Lorelia¡¯s eyes looking into the flame were darkly gloomy. Chapter 128 Grand Madam Sirius betrayed Gilmus. The fact that Arsene announced his marriage to Abella at the temple spread throughout the capital. Knowing this, Gilmus sent a letter to Grand Madam Amerigo because there was such a thing as a ¡®shortcut¡¯. This was not a city like Vincent, but Timur. Free love was not tolerated in Timur and no one was allowed to deviate from the custom. Even if those were not for strangers, people who have made Timur their hometown. ¡°Damn bitch!¡± Now it was clear. Who was it that threw Gilmus, who was doing well, into the mud and pushed him into such a situation? Abella was a curse and a disaster. Even though she married Benjamin he planned to poison her after that. Who would add garbage as the daughter-in-law of the family? ¡°I knew right away that she was going to devour our family! She died long ago, but it¡¯s like she came back alive and was a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing. I have hated her eyes since she was little.¡± Gilmus clenched his teeth. This would not have happened if Abella had not returned to Timur. He was probably opening up a new shop and making money by now. Hopefully, he could have a young one in his hand and roll it. Bullying a 3-year-old kid like Simons would not a work. Grand Madam Amerigo arrived as Gilmus could not contain his anger and was smashing all the furniture in his office. A peasant woman with the title of Grand Madam. ¡®It¡¯s unacceptable.¡¯ It was full of things he didn¡¯t like. ¡°Count Gilmus.¡± Lorelia bowed her head and greeted him. Simons was in her arms. The child in Lorelia¡¯s arms glared at Gillius, and the momentum was formidable. For a young child, he had great spirit and boldness. ¡°¡­¡­ Abella picked up the child and ruined him. He doesn¡¯t even know the traditions and doesn¡¯t know manners!¡± ¡°¡­Forgive me. Simons, shouldn¡¯t you say hello?¡± Simons didn¡¯t even listen. In fact, she was forcefully holding Simons, who struggled along the way saying that he did not want to come here. Simons¡¯ nanny and tutor were against it, but Lorelia was tough. It wouldn¡¯t be good if Gilmus changed his mind and even targeted Simons. Lorelia had no power to stop Gilmus. ¡°Simons!¡± Lorelia consoled Simons, but the boy didn¡¯t look back. Gilmus clicked his tongue and waved his hand. ¡°Fine! That¡¯s not what¡¯s important right now.¡± Count Gilmus flopped into his chair. ¡°As I wrote in the letter, I want Benjamin to marry Abella. Of course, Abella doesn¡¯t fit Gilmus¡¯ class. But, how glad that Benjamin said he would.¡± ¡°But, I understand that Abella¡­ received a proposal from Sirius.¡± ¡°What does that matter? Lorelia. You just have to do what I tell you. The only answer you can give here is that you understand!¡± Lorelia clenched her teeth. In the first place, she didn¡¯t want to hold Gilmus¡¯ hand. Lorelia should not be seduced by a nobleman who whispered like a viper and offered to save her life. Gilmus was no less than an old beast. It was the same the first time Lorelia came to Amerigo. Gilmus reigned as Amerigo¡¯s elder, trying to control Lorelia with his hands. The naive and foolish Lorelia became a loyal servant of Gilmus and came this far. And now that Lorelia¡¯s weakness rested upon Gilmus, Lorelia couldn¡¯t break free from that bondage. Her breath trembled intermittently. ¡°Bu, but Sirius is not going to sit still.¡± ¡°What if they don¡¯t stay still? What are they going to do with these things? Are you saying they¡¯ll steal a child who¡¯s already married? Or is it that they¡¯ll turn a blind eye and reveal secrets? They can¡¯t do anything either!¡± Gilmus said boldly. In fact, if there was one thing that bothered him, it was the friendly relationship between Abella and the emperor. It should be assumed that Cade moved when Abella was touched. However, even the emperor would not be able to deal with Abella, who has already become another man¡¯s woman! In particular, Cade was the emperor. This was the perfect trick. Gilmus rummaged through the drawer and threw a vial at Lorelia. Lorelia picked it up as it rolled at her feet. It was a subtle color between purple and black. The seemingly ominous liquid was swirling in the bottle. ¡°It¡¯s a sleeping medicine. You can mix it with Abella¡¯s food and feed her that. After that, Benjamin will take care of it.¡± ¡°What¡­¡± ¡°Put Benjamin in your carriage and go back.¡± ¡°But, uncle!¡± ¡°Is it any different since the damn bitch of calamity does not open the gates of Amerigo? Get Benjamin in your carriage and go back! Ah. And leave the child here.¡± Gilmus smiled meanly and gestured to Simons. ¡°Uncle!¡± ¡°Leave Simons behind! What will the little one learn from Abella! He must be properly educated to rule Amerigo!¡± In the end, it was like saying that Amerigo would be put into Gilmus¡¯ hands. Lorelia, who met Gilmus¡¯s eyes, stepped back. Simons was Lorelia¡¯s hope. No, he was Amerigo¡¯s hope. Lorelia swore in front of Carlo¡¯s grave that she would always protect Simons. She lost her husband and had to bury her children in her chest. But now she was going to lose Simons? It seemed that she knew without even looking at how Gilmus would treat the child. ¡°I can¡¯t do that, Uncle.¡± She seemed to understand why Gilmus continued to demand that Simons accompany her. On the contrary, leaving the child, who was afraid of being alone and did not want to come, with Abella seemed to be better. Lorelia shook her head. ¡°You can¡¯t. Amerigo¡¯s successor must grow up in Amerigo!¡± ¡°Lorelia, how arrogant! What does a country girl like you know!¡± Gilmus blinked at the servants. It was a signal to take the child immediately. It was when Lorelia was about to struggle. ¡°Father.¡± Benjamin entered the office. Benjamin glanced at the mess, and spoke to Gilmus with a smile on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Father. How well have we taken care of Grand Madam Amerigo.¡± ¡°We must have taken care of you.¡± ¡°So, I think you can leave Simons here. After all, if I marry Abella, I will take care of him anyway.¡± Lorelia turned pale and looked at Benjamin. Gilmus thought for a moment, then nodded his head. ¡°It¡¯s not bad either. What are we going to do with a child who can¡¯t do anything ?¡± Gilmus gestured to Benjamin. ¡°Go in Lorelia¡¯s carriage. Hide, then go and act according to plan.¡± ¡°Yes, Father.¡± Lorelia, who was dragged out by Benjamin, shook her arm. Benjamin got into Lorelia¡¯s carriage, with no hesitation in the slightest. ¡°There is nothing you can do even if you stare so fiercely. Father has already decided, so shouldn¡¯t Grand Madam follow too?¡± It was clearly a downgrading gaze. Lorelia clenched her teeth. If she betrayed Gilmus, they would tell Abella of Lorelia¡¯s sins. Abella would drive out Lorelia, and when that happened, her life would be in vain and disappear. She didn¡¯t want that. Lorelia continued to lead a mainstream life. Even now, she was Amerigo¡¯s Grand Madam, commanding many people beneath her. Lorelia had already known the taste of sweet power. And to spit out that sweetness, Lorelia had already gone too deep. Lorelia carefully grabbed the vial that was resting on her palm. ¡°¡­If I make this happen, will Simons not have to leave the mansion?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right, Grand Madam.¡± Lorelia glanced at Simons. She was upset when she saw Simons¡¯s reddish face as he sat in her arms. What was wrong with this little one¡­ Lorelia would do anything if she could keep Simons. ¡°I will. So, you have to move as planned.¡± ¡°Yes, Grand Madam.¡± Lorelia exhaled a breath of relief. ¡°Simons¡­ nothing will happen.¡± The Grand Madam whispered sweetly and patted Simons on the back. The child in Lorelia¡¯s arms, who had kept his mouth shut the whole time, blinked his wide eyes. ¡°This Grandmother will protect you.¡± Lorelia whispered softly, then squeezed Simons into her arms as she held him. * What Simons did after his return to Amerigo was to call in his tutor who usually took care of him. The tutor came to Simon¡¯s playroom and closed the door behind. [I have to stop what will happen today.] Simons quickly pressed the cloth to the floor and moved his pen. Although his writing speed was slow, it was much easier to convey than to use vague words. ¡°What are you talking about, Young Master?¡± The tutor sat down beside Simons with a serious face. [Gilmus is trying to play some dirty tricks. You have to be careful with what Aunt Abella eats. It¡¯s not poison, it¡¯s a sleeping pill, so it won¡¯t be detected in the silverware.] ¡°Yes, I understand. I will pass the word on to the maids whom I had previously bribed.¡± Simons nodded his head anxiously. This was not enough. Simons moved the pen once more. Chapter 129 unedited Gilmus¡¯ defeat was ignoring Simons as a child. In the past, Gilmus has done everything he can to get what he wants. He has often killed others to get what he wants. Pushing Benjamin into Abella¡¯s bedroom to Gilmus would be no big deal. ¡°Grandmother!¡± The next place Simons headed was to Lorelia¡¯s room. Laurelia hid Benjamin in the sunroom next to her own bedroom. And there was also Lorelia. Lorelia¡¯s expression darkened as she hugged Simons. Simons knew how to use his age. He was only three years old in appearance, so no one was wary of him. As if there are no people who are wary of small animals. Just like Gilmus, who confessed all of his conspiracy in front of Simons. ¡°Simon. Why?¡± ¡°Bad dreams¡­ Bad dreams¡­¡± Mumbling like a child, Simons dug into Lorelia¡¯s arms. He was really giving up everything he had to act like he was 3 years old. Lorelia patted Simons on the back. Simons closed his eyes and the conversation that had been cut off began to resume. ¡°¡­It won¡¯t be enough for me to get out of Abella¡¯s room. So, someone will come from the temple. What the Grand Madam has to do is open the door to the priest.¡± ¡°I cannot open the door without Abella¡¯s permission.¡± ¡°Abela is only a temporary head, but isn¡¯t the Grand Madam the Mistress of this family? There¡¯s no way you can¡¯t open a single door.¡± Benjamin pretended to be kind to coax Laurelia. People used to say to Benjamin, who was obscured by the greedy Gilmus, ¡°It¡¯s good because he doesn¡¯t look like his father.¡± However, Benjamin was also Gilmus¡¯ son. Even Lorelia knew that Benjamin¡¯s greed was more than Gilmus¡¯s, but not less. When Gilmus got the job done, Benjamin perfected it and put an end to it. A wicked man was born as the son of a wicked man where he planted the seeds. Lorelia looked at Benjamin with a still gaze. ¡°¡­¡­yes.¡± However, Lorelia had no other choice. As always. * Sweat welled up on Simons¡¯ tiny palms. He should have known them from the time Gilmus called them. He should have thought that the viper that lurks inside the old man will choke them. Simons walked diligently. A cold sweat ran down his little back. In Lorelia¡¯s arms, he took a reasonable amount of time and overheard all their conversations. Now was the time to move for a refreshing revenge. Simons walked diligently and arrived at the destination. ¡°Aunt!¡± ¡°Simon?¡± Abella hugged Simons up with a startled face. She heard the news that they had visited Gilmus today and knew it. She doesn¡¯t know what was going on there, but she found out that Lorelia was still living like the ghost of Gilmus. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t wonder what kind of deal Gilmus had offered and how Lorelia would have reacted, but she¡¯d hear it anyway. But it was Simons who cleared Abella¡¯s curiosity. ¡°Aunty! A man as big as this later! Guest!¡± Simons twisted his tongue as far as he could. It was difficult to use the sentences as it was the tongue of a child who couldn¡¯t pronounce properly, but he did his best. Simons beckoned and uttered one last word. ¡°Benjamin! Guest!¡± Abella and Enosh¡¯s eyes met. Benjamin was not among those who visited the Amerigo mansion today. As the eldest son of Gilmus, Benjamin was also known in the social world. Had he visited, the butler would have known. That would mean that Benjamin was secretly riding in Lorelia¡¯s carriage. Children do not tell lies, so there is no way that information is wrong. To be secretive means that there is something to hide. What is Benjamin trying to hide? Abella put together the information she had gathered so far, one by one. Gilmus persuaded Sirius to break the engagement between Abella and Arsene. Gilmus is now under pressure from Abella to repay the debt. Gilmus has been buzzing around in social circles for a while now that she should marry Benjamin. Gilmus thinks of Abella as a pocket of money. Gilmus wants to use Abella to take over Amerigo. Gilmus was going to break Abella¡¯s engagement and force her to marry Benjamin! ¡°Damn, that means!¡± It was an assumption that anyone could infer. Enosh hit the desk with his fist. No matter how well Abella¡¯s commerce is, and a good temperament as a businessman. It wasn¡¯t that she¡¯s not a woman. There was no way she could defeat Benjamin by force. So Gilmus only has to shove Benjamin into Abella¡¯s bedroom. He would have thought so. ¡°Tomorrow a guest too! Aunt! Guest!¡± ¡°Guest?¡± ¡°Yes, guest!¡± Simons screamed, kyaa, and nodded his head. ¡°Scary guests keep coming.¡± Then he said as if upset. ¡°A guest from the temple! What did Simon do wrong, Aunt?¡± Fearing the temple was a common characteristic of young children, so it was a valid statement. And Enosh and Abella understood the meaning of the temple. Abella laughed. ¡°You have prepared quite a bit.¡± ¡°Abella, what are you going to do?¡± Enosh jumped up in anger. Louisa was the same. ¡°How can he use such a mean and disgraceful thing against a woman! He must have abandoned all his noble qualities.¡± Louisa trembled. Abella thought that Louisa, Enosh and maybe even April would help with this. ¡°What should I do with this?¡± Abella raised her lips smoothly. Enosh swallowed a gulp as the purple eyes gleamed coldly. Although Abella is mostly gentle and warm, she never forgives the enemies who threaten her. Whether Abella¡¯s inner side is on the rise or not, she doesn¡¯t show on the outside. ¡°¡­if they can¡¯t come in¡­¡± ¡°Then everything they¡¯re already prepared will be useless.¡± Abella pondered for a moment before calling the maid. ¡°Request to bring Grand Duke April.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± It was Abella¡¯s turn to overturn Benjamin¡¯s game. * The meal went smoothly. Lorelia was feeling uncomfortable for it was too peaceful. Abella took the drug for her meals. Abella will go to sleep without waking up once she goes into the bedroom until the morning as soon as she takes the drugs. After that, everything will go smoothly, so there is no problem. By the time she realized that this mess was someone¡¯s trick, it would have been too late and Abella would not be able to change anything. When that happens, Count Gilmus will grant Lorelia her freedom for a while. Everything was going well. ¡°Mother.¡± But Abella called for Lorelia. ¡°¡­Abela.¡± ¡°I think dinner today is really delicious.¡± Lorelia thought Abella¡¯s voice was smooth. Laurelia looked around to clear her dizziness. Enosh and April were eating together. It¡¯s also not unusual. If so, where did Lorelia¡¯s anxiety and weirdness come from? ¡°¡­Since when have you been talking about such a thing?¡± ¡°I know, right. But for today, I want to do it.¡± Abella cut the words skillfully. It was an elegance that didn¡¯t go against the dinner etiquette at all. It was an innate elegance that Laurelia can not even covet. ¡°Mother. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever understand my mother for the rest of my life.¡± Abella lowered her voice and whispered. ¡°At first, I tried. Mother¡¯s feelings of inferiority, pressure, and Amerigo¡¯s relatives. I thought everything would strangle Mother. I wanted Mother to be happy. But when I found out that my existence was interfering with Mother¡¯s happiness¡­¡± Look, this is weird. Laurelia put her tableware down. Abella is not the child to tell these stories to Lorelia. Her heart pounded and dropped with a thud. She has to go right away, warn Benjamin of this threat she feels, and get him to run away¡­ ¡®My body doesn¡¯t move!¡¯ Abella laughed softly. ¡°It¡¯s not just my mother who knows how to use drugs.¡± Abella set the subtle blue bottle down on her table. ¡°April made it in a hurry. So it won¡¯t be long, but until tomorrow morning, Well¡­ You don¡¯t have to look so frightened. Unlike Mother, I have no intention of killing Mother.¡± ¡°Ah, ah, ab, abella!¡± ¡°It¡¯s just paralytic. Get a good night¡¯s sleep until tomorrow morning.¡± Abella rose from her seat. The despair was vivid in Lorelia¡¯s eyes that was followed with a bewildered face. She was caught. Abella knows all about Lorelia and Gilmus¡¯ plans. What is Benjamin going to do? The priest who was supposed to come tomorrow? And Count Gilmus¡­? Lorelia was able to answer the questions the next day. * ¡°Kya, kyaaaaaaaagghh! What, what is this?!¡± With a scream that wakes her up in the morning. Chapter 130 Two figures, who were asleep in the room, woke up to the sound of the maid¡¯s scream. ¡°Uh, uwaaaaaahh!¡± Benjamin rolled down. It must have been that he had closed his eyes in Lorelia¡¯s sunroom for a while yesterday, but how did this happen? Benjamin pulled the blanket up with a puzzled look on his face. People flocked to the screams of the maid standing by the door. Among them were Lorelia and Abella, both pale. ¡°How¨Chow did this happen!¡± And then a man in a white priest¡¯s uniform appeared. ¡°What, what¡­ ¡­ ! Benjamin?¡± He stammered Benjamin¡¯s name. ¡°¡­¡­ This. Lord Benjamin. I don¡¯t know when you visited Amerigo¡¯s home, but you are causing such a scandal.¡± Abella muttered as she solemnly folded her arms. Pale purple eyes looked at the movement in the room. The man who had been sleeping next to Benjamin woke up. ¡°Ummm¡­ ¡­ .¡± Even in this situation, he was asleep the whole time because of how thick the nerve cord was, and now he had come to his senses. The man looked around and yawned loudly. ¡°Yaawwnn¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Who¨Cwho the hell are you!¡± ¡°¡­¡­Lord? Don¡¯t you remember me? It was none other than the Lord who called me to the bedroom yesterday.¡± The man said it as if he was embarrassed. The priest of the temple drew a sign in front of him. Homosexuality was rejected by all gods worshiped in the Empire. Only Skellus defended homosexuality. He has a broad mind. Thanks to that, even those who practiced homosexuality hid it quietly. People would say that the curse of Skellus has spread. Even now, they were already pointing their finger at Benjamin and talking about being cursed by Skellus. How many mouths lived in Amerigo? This rumor would soon spread throughout Timur. A story about Benjamin would rise in the fog. Abella glanced at Benjamin and turned. ¡°Take the man with you when you go. We can¡¯t just watch the curse of Skellus stick to Amerigo¡¯s mansion, can we?¡± At Abella¡¯s cool words, Benjamin¡¯s face turned red. He wanted to counter it, but there were too many people in this place. Even the priest of the Great Temple witnessed Benjamin¡¯s heresy. There was no way out for Benjamin. Abella passed by Grand Madam Amerigo. She was a heartless mother who sacrificed her daughter over and over for her own comfort. Abella¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Even her voice could not reach Abella. She might have wanted to ask, how did this happen? However, Abella simply returned back what she nearly suffered. Most of Amerigo¡¯s employees were sympathetic to Abella. It had to do with the butler¡¯s attitude and the butler, who had been taking care of this mansion for decades, took Abella¡¯s side, so the employees naturally had a tendency to lean toward Abella. The maid, whom Grand Madam Amerigo had bought, was accidentally caught by Simons¡¯s teacher, who went to the kitchen and she was behaving strangely. For some reason, it seemed that God was on Abella¡¯s side. How could such a great coincidence be on her side? So she instructed the trembling maid to pour the medicine into Benjamin¡¯s teacup. Benjamin had no idea that this would happen, and he drank the tea without any doubt. Benjamin, who was sleeping in Lorelia¡¯s sunroom, was moved by the family¡¯s servants. And one of the servants, who was about to retire, voluntarily climbed into Benjamin¡¯s bed. And April set the mood appropriately with magic. It wasn¡¯t that difficult to undress a man who had been sleeping on drugs all night. It was such a complete play. Everyone agreed and was an accomplice. It was only the Duchess and young Simons who did not intervene. It was the first incident in which the entire Amerigo was on Abella¡¯s side. She did virtually nothing. She only overturned the battle between Count Gilmus and Benjamin. They didn¡¯t realize their mistake and pretended that it was all Abella¡¯s fault, but it already happened. They were the ones who called the priest. In addition, the priest used to show a very paroxysmal attitude towards the traces of Skellus, so even if the priest was on Gilmus¡¯ side, this matter would not be brushed off. Since I was given back as much as I received, there was no reason to keep the resentment. ¡°You look happy after a long time, Abella.¡± ¡°It¡¯s really fun.¡± Abella shrugged her shoulders. Now, Benjamin would have done this though. What would Arsene do? For Arsene, such a lowly trick would not work. ¡°Enoch. Find Arsene¡¯s weakness.¡± ¡°Weakness?¡± ¡°To catch the devil, you have to become the devil.¡± That was Abella¡¯s conclusion after much deliberation. Arsene was also in the villa mansion. And there was only one person who caught Abella leaving. It was Cade. If so, then there was only one person who did not take part in it. ¡®Arsene¡­¡­.¡¯ She knew from a long time ago that he was pathologically obsessed with his possessions. She had seen a dog or a cat that Arsene tore to death. So Arsene¡¯s actions didn¡¯t really hurt Abella. However, it was an opportunity to learn that Arsene was a person who could pose a threat to Abella. Her heart was broken. Abella held her accusation. Timur itself was like a monster that could eat Abella. The only people who were on Abella¡¯s side here were Amerigo¡¯s servants and Cade. Gilmus¡¯ dirty tactics didn¡¯t hurt her, but it did shatter her heart. ¡°¡­¡­ Count Gilmus is going to file for bankruptcy soon.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°He¡¯ll be sitting on the streets. He¡¯ll be running around to get a small mansion, but then you should go ahead and offer them a mansion. I¡¯m sure he wants to grab some straw, so he¡¯s going to sell his soul to the devil.¡± ¡°Are you really going to give him a mansion?¡± ¡°No way. In return for collecting the young children, I will send him to the northern mines.¡± This was the mace that Abella threw down at Gilmus. The northern mining farms were literally uninhabitable places. It was a place where coal used throughout the empire, including Timur, was mined. Abella arranged a way for Gilius and Benjamin to die. So Gilmus would come to an end. ¡°I have to go see Yuri this afternoon.¡± Abella wondered what else she would hear from Yuri. Yuri would organize her memories that she had regained. The reason she decided to do something she had not been able to do until now was because she realized through this incident that the nature of people would not change just because Abella avoided it. There was no way that the bad relationships from the past could be resolved now. Arsene had sent Abella a marriage proposal, and Gilmus pushed Benjamin in to jeopardize her life. In order to prepare for anything else to happen, she had to find out what information Yuri might have. * ¡°¡­ ¡­ I was waiting.¡± Yuri said in a heavy voice. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Yuri knew what Abella was going through. She had heard from Enosh, and it was Yuri who searched and sent a medicine that was good for her body. Rather, Abella burst out laughing at Yuri¡¯s somber expression. ¡°You look like you¡¯re dying, why?¡± ¡°I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t make that face, Yuri.¡± Abella rolled her vain gaze to the side. The elegance of her tilting the teacup was rather felt as a defense mechanism to protect herself. Abella¡¯s stomach was more scorched than Yuri had expected. ¡°Because you don¡¯t know¡­¡­.¡± Yuri groaned and was choked up. The reason she couldn¡¯t visit Abella or tell her story was because she hesitated that it might be better that Abella didn¡¯t know about her cruel fate. However, she was visited by Abella. Yuri couldn¡¯t deceive Abella, so she¡¯d have to confide in everything she knew. Abella put down the teacup. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know more than you say, Yuri.¡± Abella said in a low voice. ¡°I¡¯m just here to put an end to my guesses and guesswork.¡± Abella turned her still gaze to Yuri. ¡°¡­¡­ My mother and Amerigo¡¯s family members. And even Arsene Sirius.¡± Yuri¡¯s face turned pale. She knew what the sequence of words Abella uttered meant. ¡°A¨CAbella¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I know to some extent. So you don¡¯t have to feel guilty. You don¡¯t have to look like that.¡± The indifference and bluntness ripped Yuri¡¯s heart. It felt like her heart was shrinking. Everyone in Timur united to kill Abella, so why did Abella look like that? Yuri pouted her lips and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you crying?¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to cry for me.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ If you are tired, you should cry, you idiot!¡± ¡°Just because I cry doesn¡¯t mean they will look back on me. Crying does not mean that the father who died will come back.¡± Abella had a sad smile on her face. She didn¡¯t know why that figure was seen by Yuri as a crying figure. Yuri burst into tears on Abella¡¯s behalf. Chapter 131 ¡°Why are you doing this to me¡­¡­.¡± Benjamin came back to Count Gilmus, huffing. The servant who stuck to him dropped him off on the way and gave him money. That was enough for him to live on for two months, so he would be quiet for a while. The people of Amerigo were thoroughly regulated. They had also given some money to the priest, so the priest would keep his mouth shut for a while. In the meantime, he should get married. It didn¡¯t matter if it wasn¡¯t Abella. Before a filthy scandal covered Timur¡¯s skies, before Benjamin was branded as Skellus. That was enough. How difficult would it be to buy a bride in Gilmus¡¯s name? It was when Benjamin opened the door with an urgent face. ¡°You idiot!¡± A newspaper flew into his face with a roar. Benjamin¡¯s cheek was wounded and he picked up the fallen newspaper. ¡°My friend brought a newspaper to be published tomorrow morning! How the hell did you get the job done!¡± It was only for a moment that the proud son became the protagonist of the scandal. The newspaper revealed everything that had happened this morning. Someone¡¯s testimonies piled up one after another, tying Benjamin with a net that he couldn¡¯t get out of. Benjamin left a deep trace of Skellus along with the stigma of being a homosexual. People would point to Benjamin as the curse of Skellus in the future. Since he shared Abella¡¯s blood, they would say that he carried the same curse. ¡°You idiot!! If you show that in front of a priest, the temple will reject us! You¡¯ve dragged Gilmus through the mud, not just your life!! I¡¯m going to have to sell this mansion and pay off the debt. The eldest son is useless¡­¡­ !¡± ¡°Father made me do it!¡± Benjamin shouted. ¡°Do you think that I am comfortable right now? Who is it that made me look like this¡­¡­! Would this have happened had you not sent me to Amerigo? It¡¯s not me who ruined my life, it¡¯s Father!¡± Benjamin rolled his feet. He shouted till his face was red. He thought he had everything sorted out, but it looked like he was even covering newspapers. It was like Benjamin¡¯s life being dragged into hell. He had seen clearly what Abella had been through. Abella was like a living corpse. She was not alive, and she was not dead. Benjamin and Gilmus were also involved in making Abella like that, so he knew it well. But overnight, the perpetrator, Benjamin, also became a victim. ¡°From now on, you will live on the remnants of Skellus! Who would want to interact with someone like you! When I asked Abella to be your bride, you only carried that bitch¡¯s curse? This is too much!¡± Gillius ran wild and turned his body around. Benjamin staggered and sat down. The fact that the newspaper had already been published meant that it would be distributed all over the country. Newspapers that had been printed were ordered immediately. The scandal would spread to the entire country, including Timur, tomorrow morning. As long as Benjamin was living in Timur, the way out of the scandal seemed far away. ¡°Damn, damn it¡­¡­.¡± Where the hell did it get messed up? * Just because Yuri cried didn¡¯t change the past. The truths of her past that Abella heard were no different from what she had guessed in advance. Abella laughed. Some people say they drink and smoke to forget their suffering. Abella had no such refuge. Abella had to pay special attention to her conduct because she was born with the mark of the Skellus. She could not misbehave for a moment and she had to correct her manners. Even if she did, if she had even the slightest misbehavior, she would get all the swearing. So Abella had been protecting herself. But, as of today. She needed something to lean on in times like this. Her heart kept breaking. The story Yuri told continued to play in her mind. Guessing and being certain were two different things. ¡°¡­¡­ Father¡­¡­.¡± Why the hell did he have to die? If this was the case, then Abella really killed him¡­¡­ ¡°Haa.¡± First to return the carriage, and the road she walked alone was long. Abella now felt as if she was walking a long life alone. Will this road ever end? Her broken heart couldn¡¯t let her tears flow. Abella wiped her face. The people passing her, and the carriages. Among them, no one recognized Abella or talked to her. Abella was completely isolated by herself. And it was rather convenient. She thought so¡­¡­. ¡°Abella?¡± It looked like she was just waiting for someone to call her. Chapter 132 Abella turned her head. A long figure stood under the streetlamp. The man who was tilting his head said confidently, ¡°Why are you out here alone? It¡¯s dangerous.¡± The man who frowned and hurriedly snuffed the cigar in his hand, revealing his face from the darkness. ¡°¡­¡­ Cade?¡± ¡°Yes. Where are you going? You don¡¯t look well.¡± ¡°I¡­¡­. was just walking.¡± She didn¡¯t want to say anything. And she had the certainty that even if she didn¡¯t say anything, Cade would know. Only after Cade ruffled his hair to get the cigar scent out did he come to Abella. ¡°You can smell it, but please bear with me for just one day.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Have you ever smoked a cigar?¡± ¡°Just¡­¡­. Sometimes.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders and held out his hand to Abella. ¡°Come here. I will take you.¡± ¡°I want to walk.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll walk you home.¡± Cade grabbed Abella¡¯s hand and pulled her closer. Like he was pulling her out of the dark. ¡°What happened to your face?¡± ¡°I? I am perfectly fine.¡± Abella wiggled her hand. However, Cade did not let Abella pull her hand away. He rather tightened the bond by interlacing his fingers between hers. Then he looked down at Abella and smirked at her. The hustle and bustle of the city dispersed like the background, and Cade¡¯s boyishness stood out. He always appeared like this when Abella needed him. It was said that if coincidences overlap, it was fate. Abella¡¯s eyes clouded. In fact, she may have been waiting for someone to hold her like this, to call her, to treat her kindly. Maybe it was because it was Cade, so it was more emotional. Cade was the only person in the villa who held Abella. He was the only one¡­¡­. Tears streamed down Abella¡¯s cheeks. Salty tears wet the ground. Cade froze like ice, and he opened his mouth as if nothing had happened. ¡°I came out today because I have something to look into. I can¡¯t trust the nobles. If you want to remove the mist from Timur, don¡¯t you have to remove their palms first? Timur was too old. Only the people of Timur know that they are sinking slowly because of custom.¡± Cade¡¯s voice continued quietly. It was a string of words that really meant nothing. It was just to hide Abella¡¯s cry. Cade gave strength to his hand, which was holding Abella. Like he would never let her go. ¡°It seems to be getting better little by little. Little by little, new forces are coming in. I¡¯m going to put them in the center. I threw out the useless and made space. At first, it¡¯s a small job, but later, you won¡¯t know, right? If it doesn¡¯t work out, I¡¯m thinking of relocating the capital.¡± Cade has reduced state secrets to casual chatter. However, Cade couldn¡¯t stop anything from becoming useless in front of Abella. ¡°Abella. If what I¡¯m doing succeeds, you won¡¯t have to live such a suffocating life anymore. No one will talk about the Day of Skellus. Once the bridles on you are lifted, you will be able to do whatever you want.¡± Abella held her breath and wiped away her tears. Cade¡¯s words flew into her ears like scattered mist, unable to seep through. Nevertheless, Abella was comforted by Cade¡¯s body temperature and his voice. Cade did not stop talking about things like taking care of her. It would be dangerous for him to wander around alone like this as the emperor, but he just kept by Abella¡¯s side. Eyes watching them will be hidden here and there. There was no way that Cade was sent by the guards alone. Nevertheless, Abella felt ¡®comfort¡¯ rather than ¡®monitored¡¯. Abella was protected by them. So she cried to her heart¡¯s content. The long road had an end. Her feet were swollen and her legs were numb. It was the first time she had walked this long since the day she fled from Timur. Nevertheless, Abella felt regret. Cade pretended to know Abella¡¯s tears when she arrived at Amerigo¡¯s mansion. He wiped Abella¡¯s tears with the back of his hand. ¡°Are you done crying?¡± At the sound of the sweet voice, Abella pouted her lips and nodded her head. ¡°Yes.¡± No questions asked, that¡¯s all. Cade smiled softly with the moonlight behind him. Cade straightened Abella¡¯s hat. ¡°¡­¡­ Are you going to the Imperial Palace now?¡± ¡°Then. Can I stay here?¡± Cade asked mischievously. ¡°You can if you want.¡± Abella finally let out a small laugh. ¡°¡­¡­ Thank you, sincerely.¡± Abella let Arsene go. Arsene, which she was holding, was nothing but an illusion of hers. He was the enemy Abella had to drive out with all her might. And Abella let Amerigo¡¯s relatives go. It wasn¡¯t difficult for her as she had never been deeply in love with them in the first place. Chapter 133 Weren¡¯t they the ones who had been impatient to devour Abella from the moment she was born? They wouldn¡¯t stop until the moment Abella ran out of breath. Finally Abella let her mother go. Completely. She was Abella¡¯s mother, of a bloodline inferior to that of others. Eventually she killed her father and even tried to kill Abella. In this way, Abella was rightly cursed by her. How many people would be ruined if she killed one of hers? Abella smiled blankly. Abella let go of everything. * ¡°Aunt!¡± Abella blinked her eyes at the feeling of something shaking. She cried yesterday, so her eyes were swollen and she couldn¡¯t see right in front of her. ¡°Auntiiiieeee!¡± Simons did his best to shake Abella. His tiny body dug into Abella¡¯s arm. Abella slowly opened her eyes. ¡°Simons¡­¡­ ?¡± ¡°Yes! Aunt. wake up.¡± Abella got her body up while holding Simons. She blinked her eyes blankly. The sun was shining on the white blanket. Fresh lights that seemed to scatter at any moment were circling around Abella. Her heart was light, the weight that Abella was carrying was gone. All that was left for Abella was Simons¡¯ weight. They say Abella was a curse, so yes, she could be a curse. It was just that Abella should live as Abella had done. ¡°Up we go.¡± Abella stepped her feet under the bed, holding Simons. A newspaper lay on Abella¡¯s table. The newspaper headlines, as expected, were not about Gilmus. A hand was made to keep the Gilmus and Benjamin scandal from going off the headlines for a while. To prevent everyone from seeing Gilmus¡¯ scandal and lending him money or supporting him. ¡°Aunt! Breakfast! Let¡¯s eat!¡± Simons hugged Abella¡¯s neck. The first contributor of the day was Simons, no matter what anyone said. The baby who was only 3 years old was brilliant. Abella showered kisses on Simons¡¯ face. ¡°My baby, who do you resemble to be this smart?¡± ¡°Aunt! Dada! Moma!¡± Abella hugged the cuddly Simons in her arms whose pronunciation was not so good. Simons only needed to grow up to be able to protect the family. Abella buried her face in Simons¡¯ hair. * After breakfast, Abella went out with Enoch. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°We have to break the marriage, Enoch.¡± ¡°How?¡± Abella smiled. The atrocities committed by Benjamin and Gilmus gave Abella the answer. There was an absurd way to reject Arsene¡¯s proposal. She should get married first. Abella found her answer there. Benjamin coveted Abella¡¯s bedroom, but Abella decided to settle it legally. ¡°I will buy people. You must be a legal witness, Enoch.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It is not difficult to get married. All you have to do is submit the marriage vows. Even at a small temple in the countryside, you can even sign a marriage vow.¡± ¡°Therefore?¡± Enoch rolled his eyes. ¡°What?¡± It was shouting enough to make the carriage roar. Abella smiled calmly in front of the startled Enoch. ¡°It is not! How can you get a wedding in a blitz like that?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be better than marrying Arsene? That doesn¡¯t mean I can give up Amerigo like this.¡± ¡°I¡­ ¡­ .¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just a temporary contract.¡± ¡°Still¡­¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, Enoch.¡± Abella repeated the words that it was okay. Enoch sighed as he looked at Abella¡¯s smile. He realized that he would never be able to stop Abella. The carriage carrying Abella and Enoch stopped in front of Yuri¡¯s restaurant. As she left the restaurant yesterday, she asked Yuri for something. Yuri promised it would be done in a day and she told Abella to come by this morning. So she came. Abella looked up at the restaurant. ¡®There¡¯s really nothing I can¡¯t do.¡¯ After putting everything down, she felt more at ease. Even her own greed seemed to disappear. In fact, this would have been a little easier if Abella had given up. In the first place, Abella was afraid of being caught up in the scandal, and she had regrets about her life, so she had done nothing. Abella set her feet towards the restaurant with a light heart. Yuri greeted Enoch and Abella with an awkward face. ¡°Are you ready?¡± ¡°Are you really going to do this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be like this.¡± Abella shrugged her shoulders. It was not like this but it was supposed to be. Abella was at a dead end. This was the only option she had. Enoch has his life and Cade has his life. Giving it to Abella would be a nuisance to them. If that¡¯s the case, she¡¯d better find a new person with the right interest. Abella opened the door to the secret room that Yuri beckons. The handsome young man who had been waiting for Abella stood up. An awkward posture and an awkward expression. And for some reason, even a crouched posture, as if it was shameful. He seemed to know well why he was here now. ¡°Hello, Jack.¡± Abella smiled softly. Enoch sat down next to Abella with a displeased face. Jack sat back down. ¡°¡­¡­ Hello.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you like this. I hope we can build a good relationship in the future. Because¡­¡­ We are about to get married.¡± Abella was the only one who looked light and fresh in this place. Enoch was dissatisfied with her decision. Jack sold his family register to Abella to pay for his son¡¯s medicine. Unlike Yuri, who only sighed. ¡°¡­¡­ About the price¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I plan to support you until the child grows up safely and he can finish his studies and find a job. Enoch. The lawyer here will guarantee our promise.¡± At Abella¡¯s words, Jack¡¯s expression changed. Yuri only talked about the cost of his son¡¯s medicine. But, it wasn¡¯t only that, she would look after his son until he could grow up safely. Jack swallowed his saliva. This wasn¡¯t something Jack could refuse. Jack hesitated and said. ¡°¡­¡­ My deceased wife will understand.¡± ¡°I think she will, Jack.¡± In loyalty to his deceased wife, he raised his infant son alone for five years. All that was left was a trivial title of nobility, and he spent all the extra money on his son¡¯s medicine. A hand of salvation was extended to Jack. Abella put the contract and marriage vows on the table. ¡°Now then, shall we get married?¡± Enoch clicked his tongue low. * It was that afternoon that Abella visited the temple. The priests flocked to the news that the cursed symbol had visited the temple. Abella¡¯s purple eyes and platinum blonde hair. Abella did as she had been told. The priests did not come close to her, stayed a certain distance from her, talking about the transfer of her curse. What was in Abella¡¯s hand was a proposal letter from Arsene. Enoch escorted her. As expected, Enoch, who was famous within Timur, was also attracting attention. A small priest who was pushed by the priests stopped them. ¡°What did you come here for?¡± ¡°Priest.¡± Abella smiled brightly. ¡°I have come to fulfill this marriage proposal. Can you guide me to the high priest?¡± ¡°That, that, that¡­ ¡­ .¡± The priest stammered at her, being cautioned by the senior priests that Abella should never be allowed to enter. Enoch stepped forward in front of the crying priest. ¡°Hello, Priest.¡± Enoch smiled softly and opened his mouth affectionately. ¡°Look at this.¡± Enoch pulled out a candy that always fills his pocket and held it out. The young priest¡¯s eyes widened. In the temple, everything from eating to wearing was restricted because they had to refrain from material desire. So it was not unusual for a young priest to swallow his saliva like that. ¡°You can eat. It¡¯s just candy, Priest.¡± ¡°But¡­¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. This is the cost of errands. Instead, the priest just needs to deliver the words to the high priest.¡± Enoch smiled sweetly. ¡°I beg your pardon¡­¡­ ?¡± ¡°That Enoch Clemington came to the temple to donate.¡± The young priest hesitated and then nodded his head. The senior priests told Abella not to enter, but he didn¡¯t tell him not to accept offerings. Moreover, it was clear that the high priest would have the two of them come inside if they were to accept donations. ¡°Good.¡± Abella and Enoch nodded. * It was Abella¡¯s responsibility to break the marriage with Arsene. It was Cade¡¯s job to control Arsene¡¯s ruthless behavior. Abella, who had visited the temple, headed to Arsene Sirius¡¯ mansion. She, of course, learned a lesson from the past, and she did not come alone. It was Enoch and a neat young man who accompanied Abella. His age looked similar to Abella, but his eyes were worn out. It was the result of Abella¡¯s busy day today. The temple had to acknowledge Abella¡¯s marriage. As the local priest¡¯s brand was stamped on it, the high priest had no choice. Abella said to Arsene, who looked at her with crooked eyes. ¡°I¡¯m married, Arsene.¡± As if she was very happy. Chapter 134 Arsene¡¯s face hardened. His obsession was one-dimensional. If he couldn¡¯t have it, he would destroy it and somehow get his hands on it anyway. Arsene scanned the face of Abella, Enoch, and the man who claimed to be Abella¡¯s husband slowly. ¡°Ha? Abella, are you serious?¡± ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m lying?¡± Abella grabbed Jack, who was frightened and was about to step back. A cold gaze fell onto Jack. Since he had already received the money, Jack could not betray Abella. What lay between them was none other than the life of his son. Jack hid his trembling hands behind his back. ¡°No.¡± Arsene smiled. His lips were pulled up smoothly. ¡°You can¡¯t lie about this. You must have obtained permission from the temple. You must have done your best to turn my proposal into useless scraps of paper. You don¡¯t have to, Abella.¡± Abella shrugged her shoulders. Enoch stood slightly in front of Abella, blocking Arsene¡¯s view. Arsene had a completely different feeling from the first time Enoch saw him. At first Enoch thought Arsene was a kind and good man. But, was it all acting? Did he have a double personality? Amidst all his thoughts, Arsene¡¯s eyes lit up with murderous energy, and Enoch crossed his arms unknowingly. ¡®Oh, how creepy.¡¯ Was it because of Timur¡¯s mist? There seemed to be a lot of crazy people in this city. ¡°As for their marriage, I am a witness.¡± ¡°There are people who come forward as witnesses like this. This is why I can¡¯t help but believe it. Right, Abella?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Abella moved Enoch and stepped forward in front of him. ¡°So, I want you to withdraw the marriage proposal.¡± He had already finished talking about meeting the high priest and making the wedding proposal. Arsene had now come to inform her about the marriage and to negotiate with her. ¡°Abella, what if I kill the man? Oh, no.¡± Arsene came closer to Abella. Enoch tried to stop him, but Abella stopped him first. ¡°What if I kill you? Do you think I can¡¯t?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already done it once, how can you not do it again? You will kill me, Arsene.¡± Abella placed her hand on Arsene¡¯s left chest. ¡°And you will regret it for the rest of your life. So that this chest of yours will be torn apart.¡± Abella took a step back and took Arsene¡¯s hand and placed it on her neck. ¡°You¡¯d better kill me, Arsene. I also have no regrets.¡± Abella smiled brightly as if she was sincere. Arsene, reading the madness hidden in the calmness, stepped from Abella. He realized that his threats were never going to work. ¡°Are you going to kill this man? Don¡¯t work too hard, Arsene. Then I¡¯ll get someone else. And if you kill him again, I will find another husband.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­ Abella.¡± ¡°Cade is watching you, Arsene. Do you think you can cover the mouths of the people you kill forever, no matter how serious it is?¡± Arsene ruffled his hair. The overflowing gloom and murderous energy seemed to swallow Abella. Enoch pulled Abella behind him. ¡°If you have more to say, please let me know, Duke. I am Enoch of Clemington.¡± Arsene received the lawyer¡¯s business card from Enoch. Arsene ran the business card between his fingers. ¡°Enoch of Clemington. Abella, you¡¯ve got some good backers.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I warned you enough, Arsene. I hope you don¡¯t lose everything because of me alone.¡± It was her greatest consideration for Arsene, whom she had once loved most. * Cade chuckled. ¡°Is Abella married?¡± ¡°Yes, yes, Your Majesty. It seems that approval was easier since the high priest was in the temple.¡± Cade contorted his face. He actually knew that for Abella, this was the best. But, at the same time, it was a flaw for Abella. No matter what purpose it was, she was a nobleman with a married history. Cade grabbed his forehead and let out a long sigh. It wasn¡¯t that he had accused Abella of being flawed that made him angry. He was angry with himself for being powerless enough for her to make such a decision. At the same time, making such a choice, he was angry at the feelings that Abella would have embraced. ¡®Are you thinking of giving up on this life?¡¯ Cade bit his teeth. He turned and pressed against the window sill. The veins on the back of his hand turned white. Burke held his breath at Cade¡¯s momentum that seemed to be able to break the window sill at any moment. For Cade, who lost his temper simply by getting entangled with Abella, the news seemed a bit troublesome. It was marriage. He never imagined that she would be getting married in such a secret in the blink of an eye. ¡°¡­¡­ What is Lyla doing?¡± ¡°Lady Lyla is digging behind Sirius. Among other things, she seems to want to reveal that Sirius was involved in the assassination of Duke Amerigo.¡± Chapter 135 Layla picked a good material. Well, since the members of Amerigo took part in the assassination of the predecessor Grand Duke, there was no way that Lyla was unaware of what Sirius was doing. Cade wiped his lips. It was the first incident that Cade could not prevent by returning. If he prevented the death of Duke Amerigo, he could also prevent Abella¡¯s suicide, he thought. So he went after her to the villa and did all the things, but it was unstoppable as it had to happen. Young Cade was alone, and Amerigo and Sirius had joined hands, so there was no way he could have stopped it. Nor could he run before Abella and Duke Amerigo and cry out that they were trying to kill Abella. Who the hell would believe him? What if Cade intervened with the Duke and in turn, Abella died? So Cade had no choice but to watch Duke Amerigo walk to his death. So Cade was a perpetrator too. The death, which he knew but could not stop¡­¡­. Cade clenched his teeth. ¡°Help Lyla to focus on bringing Sirius down. Feel free to hand over the information we have. Letters, witnesses, and even the amount of money between Sirius and Count Gilmus.¡± ¡°Yes, Your majesty.¡± Burke shook his head. He backed away and Cade rested his forehead against the window. It seems that his reason was returning to the cold feeling. Abella, once again, did not hesitate to throw her own life away. And it was likely that she would make the same choice in the end. At first he was confident. He knew the future, so he would surely be able to save Abella. He thought he would be able to stop her from making such a choice and succeed in their unfinished relationship. However, it was all arrogance and conceit. Cade was only a human being, and he wasn¡¯t great enough to twist the wheel of destiny. As scheduled, Duke Amerigo died and Carlo died. ¡°Think about it, Cade.¡± Now what could he do? He really couldn¡¯t miss Abella like this, can he? There was no way that one opportunity given by luck would come again. Cade got his body up. As if the dumb head had stopped, he was not thinking. There was only one thing he had to do right now. ¡°Get ready to go out.¡± Cade, who changed clothes from the attendant, went out with excitement. * Her mind was at ease. Arsene accepted her declaration of dissolution. She became a married woman in one day, but she was fine. There were no fantasies about the wedding, and she made it clear that this was the best option. Abella flopped on the bed. It was like she was falling asleep easily because she was comfortable. What happened today felt like a dream. Arsene fell to Abella¡¯s intimidation. In the future he would not bother to get engaged and marry anymore. She was right in her calculations that he would rather let Abella go than to bring down Sirius. Abella blinked slowly in her eyes. ¡°Married woman¡­¡­. It¡¯s nothing much?¡± Abella raised her hand. Still, her fourth finger was empty, and only Jack and his son had entered her family register. If Jack and his son had a high title, they would have chosen to share the surname rather than transfer the family register, but due to their low title, Abella¡¯s family register was used. It was for her to continue as the temporary head of the family. Enoch took care of Abella¡¯s paperwork to avoid legal entanglement. Even though he was against it, he was the most eager when it came to work. Abella smiled softly and dropped her hand. It didn¡¯t matter if she did this kind of marriage dozens of times anyway. Abella decided not to have any regrets. She only looked at Simons. To protect Amerigo, and to hand it over to Simons. The moment Abella was about to fall asleep. Knock- Knock- There was a continuous sound of knocking on the window. Abella got up and stared at the balcony. ¡°¡­¡­ Cade?¡± She saw Cade shrugging his shoulders as he climbed the tree. He beckoned to the balcony window to open the door. Abella put on her robe and headed towards the balcony. Cade also ran from the tree to the balcony. ¡°Abella.¡± Cade called her with a voice cracked in the dawn breeze. He grabbed Abella¡¯s hand without saying a word. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Cade smiled with a blank expression on his face, not knowing what to say. ¡°I heard about it.¡± Cade muttered in embarrassment. ¡°Cade, I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Are you going to leave me like this? No matter how uninvited I am.¡± Abella left a place for Cade, who struggled hard to smile. Cade passed by Abella, who stepped aside. Chapter 136 He smelled of the wind. Abella lowered her head, then lifted it up again. She did not know why Cade came all the way here at this hour. The reason why he crossed the strict Amerigo fence. Abella closed the door to the balcony and drew the curtains. ¡°¡­¡­ I think it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve been in your room since I was a kid.¡± Come to think of it, this was Abella¡¯s private bedroom. The most secret place. Abella, with her cheeks blushing unknowingly, leaned against the balcony window. She watched Cade walk around her bedroom. It was nothing special, but what was he looking at so carefully? It was when Abella was contemplating when she should call Cade that Cade first turned around and sat down at desk. At first, she thought Cade would sit on Abella¡¯s bed, and the heart that had sat down found its place. ¡°I never thought you¡¯d be in this room either.¡± Cade shrugged his shoulders and reached out to Abella. Cade said to Abella, who was just staring blankly at him. ¡°Take my hand, Abella.¡± It was then that Abella realized that Cade was never okay with Cade. The anger in his eyes, which was pretending to be peace, and the coolness that contradicted him chilled Abella¡¯s backbone. Abella shook her head unknowingly. ¡°Abella.¡± Cade laughed softly. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Abella walked over as if possessed. She exercised the power of belief in Cade¡¯s words that it was fine, and seemed to be true. Abella walked over to Cade and she took his hand. Cade pulled Abella towards him. Abella was made to sit on Cade¡¯s lap without realizing it, and she trembled. Cade buried his face in Abella¡¯s shoulder. Cade inhaled and exhaled his breath slowly. ¡®Alive.¡¯ He felt relieved. It was before Abella made the wrong choice. It was before Abella left him forever. Cade whispered in a growl-like voice. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± ¡°No idea¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Are you going to throw yourself away casually? Because you are a person who has no regrets.¡± ¡°What¡­¡­.¡± His heart sank once again. Cade¡¯s breath tickled Abella¡¯s neck, and the strange words he said shook Abella. A person who has no regrets. Cade pinpointed Abella. She was someone who could throw her life away whenever she wanted. Cade pressed his lips to Abella¡¯s neck. Abella¡¯s eyes widened at the touch. He held Abella firmly before she pushed Cade away. ¡°Then¡­¡­ Then.¡± Abella clenched her teeth at Cade¡¯s subdued voice. It was confusing. What was the cause of Cade¡¯s anger? Was he jealous now? Why was he talking about regrets? Cade had pinpointed Abella, but she had no clue about him. Cade ruffled Abella¡¯s hair to the side. ¡°Then. What if I mean something to you?¡± Every time Cade¡¯s lips moved, it seemed that a hot fire was left on Abella¡¯s neck. For some reason, she felt like she was being eaten by Cade. Cade smelled of wood mixed in the wind. ¡°¡­¡­ Are you jealous?¡± Abella asked quietly. ¡°Jealous? Abella. I¡¯m not jealous of such a shield. What makes me angry is¡­¡­.¡± Cade raised Abella. His gaze shifted up and down. Cade pushed Abella to the bed. He got on top of Abella. The fingers that brushed Abella¡¯s hair were infinitely tender, but there was no warmth in his eyes. But, for some reason, what was the reason Cade¡¯s eyes felt sore? Abella, unable to think of pushing Cade away, placed her hand on his cheek. ¡°That you are always thinking about death.¡± Cade whispered softly. Abella¡¯s pupils dilated. Every detail of her inner self was exposed, which she had never revealed to anyone. Cade was so right that she couldn¡¯t even say he wasn¡¯t. Cade grabbed Abella¡¯s hand and pressed it down. ¡°So you throw your life casually. You have no expectations or fantasies about the future. There¡¯s nothing you want to do. You just want to silently support Amerigo and hand it over to Simons as Carlo asked.¡± ¡°Cade, you¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Have you ever thought about what to do after that?¡± Abella was silent. She had never done anything other than the thought of leaving. Did Abella have any wish other than simply to be free and in a place where there was no one else? It was then that Abella realized that the freedom she had been longing for, was ultimately her death. Cade was perfectly aware of what Abella could not have guessed. Chapter 137 Cade smiled brightly. ¡°Look. You¡­¡­. Then I thought about what it would be like to be your regret.¡± Cade patted Abella on the shoulder. Abella¡¯s indoor dress was exposed through the gown. Her body temperature could be felt through the thin fabric. Cade tilted his head towards Abella. ¡°Are you going to refuse?¡± Abella¡¯s eyelids trembled. She had never thought of this moment. Who would want to touch the cursed Abella? To normally fall in love, kiss, and make love with someone. It was nothing more than what she dreamed of as a child or her fairy tale. Cade kissed Abella¡¯s eyelids. The warm body temperature stayed there for a long time. ¡°¡­¡­ I love you, Abella.¡± Cade spoke out the sincerity that he had never told before. ¡°Beyond what you can imagine¡­¡­¡± Abella¡¯s tears flowed down. Even though her mother never told her that she loved her, Cade said it without any hesitation or fear. Abella muttered in a suppressed voice, ¡°The curse will pass on.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter though.¡± It was more effective than convincing Abella that there was no curse. A friendly consolation that he didn¡¯t care in any situation. ¡°What if you die?¡± Cade smiled softly at Abella¡¯s remark. ¡°Will you still be by my side at that moment?¡± Abella nodded her head without answering. ¡°Then it¡¯s okay.¡± Abella covered her face with her palm. His hot body temperature touched her lips. Cade opened his lips to Abella¡¯s and slipped inside her. Abella cried the whole time, and Cade tenderly comforted her all night long. Until her tears are gone. Until the moment when the dawn rose and he secretly left. * Burke did his job well. He handed over all the information they had to Lyla, as Cade had commanded. Lyla, as Cade expected, pointed to Gilmus. ¡°Sir Burke.¡± Burke, who had been caught by Lyla, unable to return home late at night, lifted his head at Lyla¡¯s call. ¡°I need Gilmus. Can we secure Count Gilmus?¡± Burke nodded his head. ¡°He¡¯s a beggar sitting on the road anyway.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to use Gilius to catch Sirius. No matter how downgraded he may be, he was a noble in the past, so his words will work in court.¡± ¡°Yes. Do you need anything else?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ If you go to this address, you will find a middle-aged woman living there. She is the one who will be the second witness.¡± ¡°Can I ask who she is?¡± ¡°She is a woman who previously worked as a nanny in Amerigo. If you give her money, she will do anything.¡± ¡°If we use her, she will do harm to Amerigo as well.¡± ¡°What does Amerigo have to do with me?¡± Lyla smiled sharply. It was wrong for her to hold Amerigo in her hands anyway. It didn¡¯t matter if it was broken because it couldn¡¯t be hers. Burke shook his head at Lyla¡¯s sharp reaction. ¡°His Majesty will not allow it.¡± Even if he killed the woman, Cade was not going to do anything that would harm Amerigo. Lyla frowned. Because she knew what Burke was saying. ¡°Ha. I don¡¯t want to let go of anything. Alright. While we¡¯re at it, we can clean Amerigo too.¡± Lyla frowned again. ¡°She is a woman who witnessed everything. Let¡¯s limit those who took part in the case. Instead of bringing Grand Madam Amerigo to court, Amerigo can cut off her tail.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I think we need to check that part in advance.¡± ¡°See also if we can proceed with the divorce of Grand Madam Amerigo and the predecessor Duke.¡± It was something neither Abella nor Cade could do, so Lyla had to do it. If she could save Arsene by taking down Sirius and cleaning up Amerigo. ¡°Then Madam Chloe¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Layla blinked her eyes. She was a name that Lyla had completely forgotten. Was there any way Chloe didn¡¯t get swept away while cleaning Amerigo? But, that was all of Lyla¡¯s reaction. Lyla said as she shrugged her shoulders. ¡°It does not matter. You get what you paid for, huh?¡± She said this in a cool tone with no emotion mixed in. Burke shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Lyla in disbelief. Lyla and Arsene. The two were perfectly compatible. *** She became a married woman and she spent the night with a man who was not her husband in the family register. Something Abella could never have imagined had happened in her life. Abella buried her face in her palm. That didn¡¯t mean it erased what had happened last night. He had secretly left the room again, just like when he had come in secretly. Chapter 138 No one knew what happened in Abella¡¯s room yesterday. Only the maid, who looked after her in her entourage, would have noticed her strangeness, but she would keep her mouth shut for Abella¡¯s sake. It was an unprecedented shock, but the day started as if nothing had really happened. But. Even if a person died, the gears of the world would not shift. It always went back to where it was placed. And it was today that the doors of Count Gilmus¡¯ mansion were locked. They scraped away everything inside that had monetary worth and sold it. The servants were fired, and the Gilmus people were punished in the order they were supposed to. Benjamin and Count Gilmus would live a life less than a worm in the future. ¡°Abella.¡± Enoch held out the key to Abella, who was staring out into the distance. ¡°It¡¯s the key to Gilmus¡¯ mansion.¡± The owner of the bond was Abella, and the mansion, the greatest asset, fell into Abella¡¯s hands. Abella gripped the cold key. Her mind seemed to be calming down. ¡°How do you feel?¡± It was the day when Count Gilmus, not just Benjamin, was completely wiped out from the noble lineage. Abella smiled softly and nodded her head. ¡°Not bad.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ It is just like you.¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°You were never a loser to others in Vincent. You always played a winning role. And I always like you to win.¡± She could see what Enoch was talking about. In fact, since she came to Timur, Abella had been acting like a fool, eaten by the curse. Gilmus was the first to be killed by Abella¡¯s sword. ¡°They have to pay for what they have done. I don¡¯t want Simons to inherit a rotten Amerigo. I will cut them all out.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help. To the best of my ability.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help too.¡± Louisa, who sat still and was doing all she had to do, raised her right hand. At first, Louisa was brought in to create a new resonance for Enoch. But within just a few days, Louisa began to immerse herself in something, like someone who had forgotten Enoch. And for some reason she sided with Abella. ¡°Thank you, Louisa.¡± Louis nodded her head with a determined look. ¡°At Vincent, even a low-ranking person like me does not suffer such absurd discrimination. I¡¯ve been taught to correct what¡¯s wrong. And I¡¯ve learned that it¡¯s better to cut out those who can¡¯t communicate better. So cut it out.¡± Rather than Enoch, Amerigo¡¯s chronic problems seemed to provoke Louisa. The biggest factor was learning about Abella¡¯s past. She had been rejected and persecuted just because she was born on the day of Skellus. Either way, it was not a bad conclusion. She got a new assistant named Louisa and April. * The high priest who received Cade¡¯s orders was actively working. The temple was divided into three sects. Those who rejected Skellus and sought to gain power from it; those who believed in it, and finally, those who were neither this nor that. Neither sect survived the last conflict and remained in the Temple. The High Priest tried to draw them into their side and turn them into a force. In institutions such as the Temple, where trust and belief are the main pillars, people who spoke one voice were more important than others. They now occupy their place and have won the conflict, but it was because they have made them believe in the curse of Skellus. Thanks to many priests with the same voice. The high priest made a plan to slowly encroach on the temple from the inside out. ¡°Priest Beros.¡± ¡°High Priest.¡± Priest Beros, who accepted the meeting today, bowed his head in front of the high priest. ¡°When I heard that you had disappeared from exile, I was in awe. I wonder, did you hold hands with His Majesty the Emperor?¡± ¡°The Emperor had doubts about the legitimacy of Skellus.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Even if the High Priest wins, the temple will pay a great price. There are too many victims of Skellus.¡± ¡°It will be so. But, wouldn¡¯t it be better to correct the mistake even now? We must stop innocent children from losing their lives. Skellus didn¡¯t curse them, he gave them a blessing. If we kill God-blessed children like this, we will be cursed.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s all sophistry. The temple has already lost divine protection. After all, aren¡¯t they the ones who make a living with this kind of infighting? It might be better to promote the safety of the temple.¡± Chapter 139 unedited ¡°The reason we lost the protection of the gods is that the temple began to pursue profit and value their own safety. It is because faith is obtained by stimulating the public by hiding behind the stigma of a curse that is not true.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I will not deny it.¡± The high priest presented the data he had gathered in front of the priest Beros. Beros was one of those who could still speak in the temple. He declared neutrality and survived, but he was also a true believer. ¡°It might be better to atone for now and start over. It might be possible to regain the lost protection of the gods. Isn¡¯t Skellus a merciful and kind god?¡± ¡°The temple will not be forgiven. Flowing blood is dripping onto the floor of the temple. The imperial family will certainly demand responsibility for this. Don¡¯t forget that the blood of the imperial family is mixed with it, High Priest.¡± ¡°The Emperor will not scandalize us for it.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ That would be an opportunity for the Imperial family to become stronger than the prieshood.¡± ¡°If we tell the truth, the priesthood will be greatly undermined. The Emperor has decided to move on to it.¡± ¡°Why¡­ ¡­ .¡± ¡°It must be because there is something more serious.¡± The high priest glanced at Beros and asked. ¡°Have you ever seen Lady Abella Amerigo?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Not long ago, she went to a temple. She came to receive the official recognition of the marriage sanctioned by the local temple after the proposal from Sirius.¡± ¡°What did she do?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ She had the blessing of Skellus. I had never seen such a splendid divinity before. She has the protection of Skellus. In the temple that holds the lost god, Abella is cherished.¡± All the priests who were there with their eyes open saw them. It was the high priest there that separated Abella from the confused priests that day. ¡°It was Timur, not just the temple, who helped downgrade it to a curse and make her life muddy. Lady Abella is a representative of our victims. After seeing her , can we still argue about the temple¡¯s interests?¡± At the high priest¡¯s words, the priest kept quiet. Actually, there was nothing wrong with that. If she had been born with such divinity, she should have been protected by the temple and raised in the most noble way. There was a story that if people who embrace the divinity are neglected, disaster will come to the country. If it goes like this, it might really do great harm to the Empire beyond Timur. ¡°¡­¡­ Think carefully and decide.¡± ¡°Have you met any other people besides me? What decision did they make?¡± ¡°They will follow the will of their respective gods.¡± It was an ambiguous word. Beros sighed and stood up from his seat. Again, there will be upheaval in the temple. ¡°Soon¡­¡­. Something will happen to help you decide.¡± Beros stopped. However, the high priest did not speak any further. He just saw off Beros with a cold face. * They were under pressure from the temple. However, since the imperial power was higher than the priesthood, so they had no choice but to follow Cade¡¯s orders. They have only one task. It is to instill doubts about Skellus. Changing the deep-rooted distrust, anger, and fears of people¡¯s consciousness. And the first newspaper article was published. [Divinity was manifested in the child born on the day of Skellus.] It was a title that grabbed people¡¯s attention from the very beginning. In particular, the eyes of the conservative and old-fashioned Timur people. And the newspaper was passed on to Lorelia. ¡°What is this¡­ ¡­ .¡± ¡°This is today¡¯s newspaper, Grand Madam. Miss Abella told me to give it to you.¡± The maid bowed her head and went out. Lorelia read the newspaper article with a pale face. It was an article that pointed out Timur¡¯s mistakes and criticized people¡¯s clumsy and narrow-minded way of thinking. The curse of Skellus was not initiated by God, but by humans. Lorelia¡¯s lips trembled. Each letter of the newspaper article seemed to pierce Lorelia¡¯s chest. Lorelia rejected Abella in the name of the Skellus curse and has been tormenting her ever since. She tried to kill her even though she was her daughter. But now, why? Laurelia tossed the newspaper and knocked over the table. ¡°Uhh, uwaaaaahhhh!¡± It was better when she believed that Skellus had cursed Abella. Chapter 140 Lorelia walked around the room. With Abella sending this article to Lorelia, she must have known something. Does she know that Lorelia was involved in the day¡¯s events? That day, Lorelia turned away from the child and bribed the nanny to persuade Abella to get into the carriage. Abella and Carlo¡¯s nanny were people who would do anything for money. Even if it means killing a child who they breastfed. Carlo slept in a third-floor bedroom and Abella was tucked into the wagon. Of course they knew Abella was going to die. Amerigo¡¯s bullies didn¡¯t even want Abella to live. They blamed all the misfortunes on Abella and therefore insisted that the child¡¯s death was justified. At that time, Lorelia was exhausted. Her husband turned away from her and Amerigo was pressing Lorelia every day. They somehow squeezed Lorelia to get something from Amerigo. Even with Lorelia pulling all of the budget allotted to her and Abella, she had to give them their request. She wanted to be recognized. As Duchess, she wanted to be part of the rightful Amerigo. Therefore¡­¡­. She joined them. Lorelia took a peek inside her terrifying self. In the end, the truth that her selfish greed drove her child to death, sealed deep within Lorelia¡¯s heart and held her breath. ¡®I knew¡­¡­.¡¯ In fact, she knew that Abella was not a cursed child. It was the child who, even when Lorelia turned away from, held herself with her fern-like hand with a broad smile. Abella was a child who could smile like the sun. The child smelled of sunshine, not a curse, and was like a normal little baby. It was Amerigo who made Abella cursed. After their misfortunes were overlaid on Abella, the plausible curse was completed. ¡®I¡­¡­.¡¯ Lorelia rubbed her face with her palms. Her husband is right, Lorelia is wrong. Her husband, who thought she should find a way to keep the child, rather than tossing it at them, was right. Her husband did not turn away from Lorelia. Putting her scattered memories together, her husband did not ignore Lorelia, but rather he was exhausted. After convincing and appeasing Lorelia, who was trying to make the child a living sacrifice for Amerigo, he is exhausted. The dazed Lorelia ripped open her heart. The thin fabric was taut as if torn. ¡°Uhhh¡­ ¡­ .¡± Something like the cry of an animal came out. Lorelia sat her body crouched on the floor. ¡°Uuuuuhhhhh¡­¡­ !¡± Why the hell is it so messed up? ¡®My dream is to have children like rabbits and live in harmony.¡¯ Where did the innocent country girl, Lorelia, go? Could it be that Cinderella, who married the prince, and the happy ending did not exist in reality? Lorelia was soaked in remorse. Lorelia wanted to do well, but it didn¡¯t work out for her, and she failed. She has no children, no family, and no husband. She couldn¡¯t keep anything. Now may be the time to admit it instead of ignoring it by turning a blind eye on it. The tears ran down Lorelia¡¯s cheeks and dried up on her face. Isn¡¯t the time that is considered the latest was the earliest Compared to the days ahead of Abella in the future, it may be so. A newspaper article shook Lorelia¡¯s soul to the roots. It was trivial. lines, but the reason Lorelia was so shaken may be because she was aware of it herself. Her heart, which had been shaken all along since Abella¡¯s return, finally collapsed. With Lorelia. * Abella and Enoch saw the newspaper article as well. Her breathing was difficult and her stomach felt like it was twisted. The newspaper article presented the historical basis for Skellus day, the records of the previous high priests, and various other evidence. If this had been published as a small article, it would have just been buried and disappeared, but it took up headlines in daily newspapers and gossips. And they presented evidence of the divine manifestation of children born on Skellus day. It was argued that it was the temple¡¯s trickery that the Skellus Day began to be rejected. The names of influential priests were also mentioned in order to sway the conservative Timur people. Abella read the same article more than 5 times. ¡°¡­¡­ Abella.¡± Enoch called out Abella¡¯s name. He can¡¯t even guess her mind. Abella, who has lived her whole life like a criminal because of the name ¡®Skellus¡¯. Even her family rejected her and threatened her life. But was it all a joke by the temple? Just because of political battles, so many children died right after birth? Abella¡¯s lips trembled. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks She couldn¡¯t even breathe properly, so she sat down on her seat and got up repeatedly. ¡°Ha¡­¡­.¡± When Abella barely exhaled, her pale face was wet with tears. If she thought she had survived one day, the next day will crumble. She has now reached a point where she cannot expect tomorrow. The hopes that Abella held had disappeared like a bubble the next day. But it was all like a sandcastle built on a lie. ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯d rather believe that I¡¯m a curse¡­¡­.¡± Abella stuttered. Rather, if Abella is the culprit of the curse, and that is why she is hated and should be killed. She could at least understand. After understanding people¡¯s fears and selfishness, she was at least at ease with it. Now she doesn¡¯t know what to believe and what to understand. Abella commanded the maid with her bright blue eyes full of malice. ¡°Bring the newspaper article to Mother.¡± Abella¡¯s lips trembled. I want you to look at this. The daughter, whom her mother tried to kill, is in fact unfairly framed. How will she pay for her father¡¯s life? Who pays for her own life? Sand castles piled up in Abella¡¯s heart and then collapsed repeatedly. Her revenge, malice, and evil piled up, then washed away again. It seems that the vain times, which were holding Abella, are gnawing at her. Enoch hesitated, then he hugged Abella. Abella now seemed like she would scatter and disappear if he didn¡¯t hold on to her. Abella¡¯s intermittent breathing broke Enoch¡¯s heart. Timur was hiding a monster in the mist. The monster Timur hid was nothing other than human beings. * He thought about it countless times before posting the article. How to make Abella know this in the most ideal and realistic way? How can Abella accept it? But, he concluded that Abella would not accept it easily. Abella has been fooled all her life. But now it¡¯s not a curse? Even Cade wouldn¡¯t even have accepted it. Heavy rains have soaked the ground since morning. ¡°Burke.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Burke stood before Cade with an anxious expression on his face. It was crowded with people outside. People who read the newspaper article were flocking to the temple and the imperial castle. It was mostly Timur¡¯s people who either lost or watched the babies born on the day of Skellus get cursed. It was expected confusion. People will ponder over the mistakes that were done, the anger and despair. The temple will be shaken from its roots. The priesthood will be weakened and the faith of the people will be broken and collapsed. A new religion may be born. The high priest was taking advantage of the time to build a temple dedicated to Skellus and plan to gather people anew. Having raised the question like this, the next step is to grow it without ending the question. Witnesses must continue to appear, victims and cases must emerge. The growing embers will spread to the central temple and devour them. ¡°Prepare to make a statement in defense of the high priest.¡± ¡°When is the estimate?¡± ¡°In the next week. Now is the time to watch the fire spread a little more.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± Cade, who instructed Burke what to do, got on his horse. ¡°When are you coming back?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ When the rain stops.¡± Cade answered slowly. Cade chose to report the facts to Abella through the newspaper so that he could only convey the facts without any selfishness or suspicion. Cade wanted Abella to accept the facts and make her own judgement. So that her life is no longer played by anyone. So that Abella could get out of that yoke and come out on her own. ¡®Abela¡­¡­.¡¯ He prayed earnestly that Abella could walk through the mist and get out of this brutal ordeal. The rain that hit his face and wet his hair felt like Abella¡¯s tears. Amerigo was crouching, holding her breath. Cade let out a long sigh in front of Amerigo¡¯s mansion. He didn¡¯t think Abella would open her door anyway. Cade stood in front of the low wall, and he climbed over it familiarly. Knowing the horse would return to the Imperial palace on its own. Cade, squeezing water from his sticky clothes, moved her steps. The lights were on in Abella¡¯s bedroom. The gloomy, twinkling light somehow feels insidious and frightening. His heart raced. ¡°Kyaaaaakk! Miss!¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only He thought that maybe this rain might go on for a long time. Cade¡¯s heart sank into the abyss. It may have been arrogance to be able to change fate. Perhaps it was hypocrisy in itself to change the already set future and make Abella a better life. In fact, it was Cade¡¯s selfishness that wanted Abella to stay. Reforming the temple for Abella? ¡°F***ing idiot.¡± Chapter 141 He should have been honest from the start. Even so, he wanted to create an excuse to keep Abella by his side. Abella was unstable. Her memories were not perfect, and even her mind was exhausted from the trauma that had accumulated over and over again. It may have been best for Abella to leave Timur and settle down alone.. Talking to Abella when he doesn¡¯t know what her greatest need was¡­. Cade was a big hypocrite. Cade clenched his teeth. Abella seemed to pop into his head countless times. Thud- Thud- Thud- Blood dripped from Abella¡¯s back, her pale lips, and her tightly closed eyelids repeated over and over again. He vowed never to lose Abella again, and ended up doing the same again. Cade banged his head on Abella¡¯s bed. There were shouts and muffled voices coming and going. The priest repeatedly stressed that Abella needed to be stable. It was up to the patient if she would wake up. But from where they heard the news, Amerigo¡¯s worms ran like crazy. It was they who were shouting and fighting outside. ¡°I have to see her face right now! I am her aunt!¡± Evil voices could be heard all the way inside the bedroom. Cade laid his head back on the bed. Abella was asleep, motionless. There was no sliver of warmth from her; she was like a doll made of marble. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then the temporary Head¡¯s seat will be vacant! Therefore!¡± ¡°Everyone get out of here!!¡± Enoch¡¯s shouts were also heard. In addition, there were tears mixed with screams and shouts of those who were trying to protect the mansion. And none of them belonged to Grand Madam Amerigo. Thud- Cade banged his head against the bed once more. The area where his head laid was hollowed out. Cade looked back at Abella with a dark, somber expression on his face. It may have been a curse that was holding up Abella. Abella struggled in Vincent to prove she wasn¡¯t cursed. Then she returned to Timur and tried to keep Amerigo among those who pointed fingers at her, calling her a curse. For Abella, the trace of the curse of Skellus was her death and the basis of her life at the same time. Cade didn¡¯t understand Abella. He simply thought that Abella¡¯s life would be much more comfortable when those who pointed at her were gone. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Cade¡¯s voice cracked like a wild dog from hell. Cade let out a grim laugh at her. The sunken red eyes were gleaming with murderous energy. ¡°What hell¡­¡­. What hell did you live in?¡± Cade¡¯s trembling hand caressed Abella¡¯s head. A small wheezing breath was the only comfort at this moment. Abella did not die. She was not dead, she was alive. Cade slowly got his body up. Cade¡¯s slow act as he opened the door and left, gave some unknown madness. ¡°Gasp¡­¡­!¡± ¡°His Majesty the Emperor¡­ ¡­ ?¡± ¡°Your Majesty, why are you here¡­¡­.¡± Amerigo¡¯s dogs, who were talking loudly, kept their mouths shut. Then they looked into each other¡¯s eyes and took a step back. All the nobles knew that Cade was someone who would do anything to achieve his motives. And right now, Emperor Cade seemed to want to kill them. ¡°Well¡­¡­.¡± ¡°You guys are really not polite.¡± Cade was talking slowly. ¡°Right now, the head is resting inside, so why are you flocking here and barking like a group of dogs?¡± Enoch and Louisa stepped aside. Cade reached out his hand. What was closest to him was now a young man who might have just turned 20. ¡°Kugh!¡± Cade¡¯s hand gripped his throat and the man gasped and let out a breath. Cade¡¯s red eyes gleamed with murderous energy. The man pressed against the railing grabbed Cade¡¯s hand and shed tears. ¡°Help, help me!¡± Cade tilted his head. ¡°Help you?¡± Cade repeated those words once more. Abella had said that earnestly countless times since she was born. Please help me, I¡¯m not at fault. No, it¡¯s my fault. Such earnest words were not recognized by anyone here. They were cruel people who could offer Abella as a curse sacrifice for immediate profit. But, why? ¡°Help me, Your Majesty! Please, please¡­¡­. It¡¯s my son. my one and only¡­¡­.¡± Cade laughed out loud. The old lady, who was horrified by the eyes looking back at her, stepped back. Cade pushed the man further behind the railing. Yes, they were only on the second floor. Even though he wouldn¡¯t die just because he fell from here, he was trembling in fear and begging for mercy. But when Abella did that, what did they do? Were they stupid people who knew pain but didn¡¯t know when others were in pain? ¡°Now you understand these words. Everyone shut up and get out of here quietly.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. I will¡­¡­. Your Majesty, so¡­¡­.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Cade tilted his head. If they said this now, wouldn¡¯t they really cross the walls of Amerigo? Time and time again, they would crawl over the fence and gnaw at Abella. The only thing he knew how to do was to kick them from Amerigo. Cade pushed the man down the railing with the power of his hands. ¡°Ku, kugh!¡± His hand were on the man whose eyes rolled over. Boom- Cade put him down. Ah, now it seemed that the noise that had been bothering him in his head had stopped. Cade muttered to Amerigo¡¯s worms, who were weeping in tears. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? He¡¯s dead.¡± Cade glanced downstairs. He saw a man clutching his legs and crying like a child. Look, he¡¯s fine. Cade smiled and looked back at the nobles. ¡°Go back.¡± Those who had gathered rushed down the stairs in confusion. He wasn¡¯t dead, but it was clear that he was thrown down with a murderous intent. Fearing that it might be their turn next, they ran away. Enoch, who was watching the situation, sighed briefly. ¡°¡­¡­ Is Abella okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m hoping she¡¯s okay.¡± Cade smiled as if he was fine. However, he just confirmed that he wasn¡¯t fine. Cade was obviously crazy. Casually throwing people off the second floor was not something anyone could do. And then. ¡°Ha, ha ha ha ha ha!¡± Laughter was heard. ¡°Arsene.¡± ¡°Look. Cade. You¡¯re no different, are you? All humans live with a cruel and dirty inside. Still, you¡¯re just pretending to be stubborn and covering it. Just like you.¡± Arsene came up to the second floor with a bouquet of red roses. It was so quiet that Arsene¡¯s murmurs could be heard by everyone. Cade showed his teeth towards Arsene. A murderous energy different from before was shot towards Arsene. ¡°Don¡¯t act like a watchdog like that, Cade. Because I have no intention of doing anything to Abella.¡± Arsene handed a bouquet of roses to Enoch. ¡°Actually, Cade. Compared to them, I really haven¡¯t done anything.¡± Arsene shrugged his shoulders lightly. ¡°Do you really think I am the only devil?¡± Cade sharpened his teeth. ¡°After all, you and I are the same.¡± Arsene passed by Cade. Cade grabbed Arsene¡¯s shoulder as he was about to enter through the gap in the open door. ¡°But not you.¡± Arsene grabbed Cade¡¯s wrist. Arsene clenched his teeth to Cade, who frowned and didn¡¯t back down. ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯ll see if she¡¯s okay.¡± ¡°You were trying to kill Abella, too, Arsene. But you¡¯re coming now, don¡¯t be hypocritical.¡± ¡°I¡­¡­.¡± Arsene took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ve only imagined it, I haven¡¯t experienced it.¡± Arsene¡¯s lips, who looked fine, were trembling. ¡°I never thought it would be like this¡­¡­. That I would feel so miserable and like a beggar¡­¡­.¡± Arsene¡¯s grip on Cade¡¯s wrist grew weaker and weaker. Arsene looked up at Cade with empty eyes. ¡°Really¡­¡­.¡± Arsene rubbed his face with his palm. He thought he wanted to kill Abella. He thought that if he could not have her, he would rather destroy her. However, he realized that he had never imagined that he had never seen Abella. Arsene also realized that he would not have lived this world without Abella. Arsene clasped Cade¡¯s shoulders and exhaled harshly. ¡°¡­¡­ Is she alive?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Is she really alive?¡± Cade pushed Arsene away. Really, this guy or that guy. How could there be so many hypocritical and bastard-like things? They didn¡¯t know until Abella became like that, and was talking about their own superiority. They trembled like a dog in the rain in winter, imagining that Abella might be dead. Cade opened Abella¡¯s door wide and pushed Arsene on the back. ¡°Idiot.¡± Those self-pitying murmurs may have been directed at himself. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Arsene opened his eyes. She looked like she was sleeping soundly. ¡°I replaced the priests and doctors. At first I thought Abella might die.¡± Cade was talking bluntly. Cade¡¯s face, leaning against the door, was vivid with deep fatigue. He had barely slept a wink, going back and forth between the Imperial Castle and Amerigo. Chapter 142 ¡°There was a lot of blood and the wounds were deep. Her leg was broken and had to be fitted. And I thought she might really die because a branch pierced between my ribs.¡± It was as if the gruesome scene of that day was unfolding in front of Arsene. Arsene stopped entering the room. He felt like he was going to stop breathing, so he couldn¡¯t take one more step. Arsene¡¯s body trembled. ¡®What¡¯s the difference?¡¯ Everything he never had before was ruined. And without her, Arsene lived well. He lived a life with no regrets. But why was Abella different? It was like that before. After making plans to blow up the carriage, he was afraid she would die, so he couldn¡¯t even step out of her villa. It was terrifying to hear of Abella¡¯s death. ¡°You really almost lost Abella.¡± Cade whispered into Arsene¡¯s ear. ¡°It¡¯s too early to be reassured because she¡¯s not dead. Aren¡¯t humans really fragile beings? If it¡¯s not this time, it could be the next time, and if not then it could be the time after. Arsene. Can you really stand it without Abella?¡± It was a voice like the devil that possessed Arsene. Cade¡¯s red eyes darkened. It seems that Cade was also affected by Timur¡¯s mist. His violent hatred and anger flared up. It was only the difference between revealing it or hiding it, and Cade was clearly obsessed with Abella. The ease and kindness he showed was only limited to Abella. He wanted to kill Arsene. Since Abella decided to return to Timur and continue her relationship with Arsene, no. He¡¯s been like that since Abella gave Arsene occasional glances. It is a human habit to live with the devil in mind, so Cade was engulfed in intense hatred for Arsene. It still was . Had it not been for Arsene, would Abella have been in such a condition? Had it not been for Arsene, would he ever have been competing for Abella? Wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to protect Abella from the dumb curse of Skellus? ¡°¡­¡­ Go, Arsene.¡± Cade asserted. ¡°Lady Lyla will help you. Go.¡± Arsene chuckled. The eyes looking back at Cade were dark and dead. There is nothing left of life. Cade had seen the same look in his previous life. After Abella¡¯s death, he looked at him in the mirror, and it was the same with Arsene¡¯s eyes that he had often encountered. He had goosebumps for some reason. Cade struggled to ignore the feeling and said. ¡°Otherwise Sirius will be shut down. I¡¯m going to get you out of Abella¡¯s side by any means.¡± ¡°What will happen if I leave?¡± Arsene murmured. ¡°Will Abella be okay? Does it mean that she doesn¡¯t have the Skellus curse? Do you think the people of Timur will forget about the Day of Skellus?¡± ¡°No.¡± Cade answered. ¡°But, it would be more helpful not to have someone like you who can¡¯t even control the monster inside of you than to be there. You still want to kill Abella, don¡¯t you? Even though you don¡¯t want to lose her.¡± Arsene clenched his teeth. Cade knew Arsene correctly. He was obviously afraid of Abella¡¯s absence, but he wanted to kill her just as much. The heart was still there to destroy what he couldn¡¯t have. The contradictory twists filled Arsene. Arsene passed Cade by. ¡°I warned you.¡± Cade¡¯s low voice reached Arsene¡¯s ears. * It was late that night when Abella woke up. She had no pain anywhere. It seemed that she was not seriously injured, given that she was able to move without difficulty, but the pain that spread from her heart was squeezing Abella. ¡°I lived.¡± Abella muttered in despair. Fortunately, no one was in her room. She didn¡¯t want to show anyone how ugly it looked, so she was relieved. Abella covered her eyes with her palms. She couldn¡¯t take it anymore when the floor underneath her collapsed. The moment she threw herself from the balcony, she had no regrets. She wasn¡¯t even afraid of death. Rather, she was afraid that she would survive¡­¡­. Tears flowed as hot as the burning pain. ¡°Huuuk¡­¡­.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Then, why has Abella been subjected to such harsh disgrace? Her family, who tried to kill her, and her mother. Why did Abella have to lose everything? There was no one on Abella¡¯s side. She felt as if her heart had been pierced by a deadly sense of loss. Abella pulled the blanket. She was not confident to throw her body back to death. She was not afraid to die, but she was afraid to live again. Abella sobbed as she crouched down like a wounded beast. Her broken foot was still there, yet there was no place to stand. * Simons tilted his little head and turned the bookshelf. As soon as he was born, he realized that he had returned. At first, the mind of the young child did not notice the fragmentary of his mind. However, as time went on, Simons realized that it was his future. There, Abella committed suicide. Simons lost the fence that had protected him the whole time after his parents passed away. Simons doesn¡¯t know much about Abella¡¯s death. However, he understood why Abella made that choice. The curse of Skellus, those who want to kill her, and those who, against it, try to save Abella. Meanwhile, Abella gradually fell apart. He vowed never to let something like that happen again. By the time Simons gradually adjusted to his memories of the past and began to walk on his two feet, he slowly put his plans into practice. The first thing he did was to find someone to move for him as a young boy. To protect Abella. But this time too. ¡®Aunt¡­¡­.¡¯ He failed. Abella was breaking out from Simons¡¯ gaze. As usual, he reads books with the help of the teacher, but a vortex is raging inside her Simons. ¡®Father, what should I do?¡¯ Simons let out a long sigh. And it was then. ¡°Simons.¡± Grand Madam Amerigo came to visit. * She knew that the mansion was noisy. Abella had attempted suicide and the servants were hushing, but a doctor from the Imperial Palace was taking care of Abella. The Emperor also comes and goes every day, so how can the mansion be quiet? Grand Madam Amerigo¡¯s hand had been holding crumpled newspapers for the past few days. ¡°¡­¡­ Miss Abella is awake.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± Lorelia gasped and exhaled. She might have been better off dead, but she wondered why Abella came back alive. Lorelia pressed her head. Her mind was mixed up and she felt nauseous. She thought it was better for Abella to die, but she was glad she was alive. It seems that the maternal love she thought she had abandoned still remained within Lorelia. Abella attempted suicide and Amerigo¡¯s bullies contacted her over and over again, but Lorelia never responded. They have been threatening Lorelia over Abella and Simons. However, Abella is no longer a weakness for Lorelia. It¡¯s not a curse isn¡¯t it? Although it has not yet been definitively announced, the names of influential figures have been repeatedly discussed in newspaper articles, indicating that this was a known fact. She can¡¯t even anticipate what Amerigo¡¯s burden will say again. This rotten Amerigo. What kind of muddy fantasy has Lorelia been trying to protect? Not knowing that her fingers were all rotting away. Losing her husband and one of her children wasn¡¯t enough, she nearly lost Abella as well. Only then did Lorelia realize. That Abella is also her child, whose weight is not different from Carlo. That she hadn¡¯t really imagined losing Abella. Lorelia¡¯s fingers trembled. ¡®Should have died.¡¯ Rather¡­¡­. ¡®I should have died.¡¯ It was she who should have ridden the carriage instead of Abella, and it was she who should have died in the duke¡¯s place. Then she would have been able to break this damn bridle early. After Lorelia¡¯s death, Amerigo¡¯s burden has no one to press on anymore. They cannot threaten young Simons, and Abella won¡¯t be afraid of them in the first place. In the end, Lorelia was the problem. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Lorelia put down the newspaper in her hand. Lorelia opened the door, stepped on the floor with her feet. A door that had never been opened since she saw the newspaper article was opened. The handmaids guarding in front raised their heads. They said, taking a step back from Lorelia, whose eyes were shining brightly. ¡°Grand Madam Amerigo.¡± The bloody title pierced Lorelia¡¯s heart. Chapter 143 Lorelia came to Simons to say her final goodbyes. But the moment she met the face that resembled Carlo, tears burst out. Simons even resembled Carlo in his warm heart. Carlo had spoken to Lorelia over and over again. ¡®You must not do that to Sister.¡¯ ¡®Mother, it¡¯s not Sister¡¯s fault!¡¯ However, Lorelia ignored Carlo¡¯s words. ¡®Listen to Mother, Carlo. What if you are in danger?¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m doing this for you.¡¯ ¡®I told you not to hang out with your sister!¡¯ Rather, Carlo moved further away from Lorelia. Even though she struggled with the heartbreak and frustration, her son and her husband, who were far away, did not come back¡­¡­. Lorelia ended up blaming Abella for all this. She began to think that without Abella they would be back again. Because it¡¯s easier. It was more comfortable blaming Abella. ¡®That was why¡­¡­.¡¯ She shouldn¡¯t have taken part in the killing of her daughter, no matter what Amerigo¡¯s bullies threatened to do, and why did she intervene so guiltlessly? Lorelia¡¯s depths were all covered up. Lorelia hoped that her misfortune was Abella¡¯s fault. So may Abella take away her misfortune¡­¡­. In the eyes of innocent Simons, Lorelia met Carlo, and behind that, she faced her filthy mind. Lorelia shuddered and collapsed. Simons stared at her without a word. Complex emotions lingered in the gaze, poking over Lorelia¡¯s back. Lorelia thought as she crouched. ¡®I don¡¯t even deserve to die.¡¯ It was not for Lorelia to even find peace in death. Lorelia must apologize to Abella and survive in this unforgivable hell. It wasn¡¯t until Lorelia reached Simons that she realized that that was what she was supposed to do. ¡®Carlo¡­¡­ Did you mean to say that now?¡¯ Her sweet son may have wanted to save Lorelia from the wretched hell. Simons patted Lorelia on the shoulder. A warm energy radiated from the place the small palm touched. ¡®Don¡¯t cry, Mother.¡¯ She thought she can hear Carlo¡¯s voice. Lorelia slowly closed her eyes. * It was immediately after Abella got up from bed that Amerigo, who had been soaked in silence, woke up. Abella ordered the servants to redecorate the house from the inside out. She firmly commanded the knights and employees of Amerigo. Never again to let those who have the Amerigo last name pass through the gates of this mansion. On the surface, Abella seemed to be in very good shape. ¡°¡­¡­ What you gave Emperor Cade seems to have worked. Every time I put in sword decorations in the newly opened shop, they are selling like crazy.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°Timur is weak against such superstitions.¡± Abella smiled softly. ¡°Then shall we place more orders?¡± ¡°Good. I think it would be good to hire more craftsmen.¡± Abella¡¯s pale face was halved during her time in her sick bed. Small face, large eyes, chapped lips, and slender cheeks. Enoch frowned, upset. ¡°Today¡­¡­. Would you like to go out for dinner? Getting some fresh air will make you feel better.¡± Enoch cautiously suggested. It was an offer with the intention of being rejected. Abella left no room for Enoch and since then has eaten alone. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Ah, what?¡± Enoch rolled his eyes. ¡°Alright.¡± Abella answered sarcastically. It was clearly a smiling face, but it felt as if the transparent eyes were going to pierce Enoch. ¡°Are, are you going to Yuri¡¯s restaurant?¡± This was an almost certain question. He would have guessed that Abella would have dinner with Yuri since she couldn¡¯t give Enoch time alone. Abella shook her head slightly. ¡°No. If possible, let¡¯s go outside Timur.¡± Strange. It¡¯s really strange. Abella accepts dinner with Enoch so easily? Louisa, who had been sitting quietly, glanced at the two of them and looked down at the paperwork again. In contrast to the confused Enoch, Luisa and Abella did not respond. ¡®Am I the weird one?¡¯ Enoch swallowed. * There was no particular intention in accepting Enoch¡¯s proposal. She just thought it would be good. Everything Abella had believed was a lie and her world was falling apart. Abella had lost even keeping her value. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only No matter what feelings Enoch had for Abella, or what expectations he had for Abella, it was no longer Abella¡¯s business. She had already warned him enough and refused him. And she really wanted some fresh air. Somewhere other than the misty Timur, mixed with those who did not know her. Abella sighed as she leaned her forehead against the carriage. Enoch wanted to go out with escort knights layer by layer, just in case. In fact, Enoch¡¯s concern that Amerigo¡¯s bullies could attack Abella¡¯s carriage at any time was not wrong, so she accepted it. As she didn¡¯t want any more emotional exhaustion on her. Chapter 144 The scenery passing by outside was starting to get brighter. It was out of Timur¡¯s mist. ¡°Haa¡­¡­.¡± It felt like her inside was open. ¡°¡­¡­ Abella.¡± ¡°I want to leave.¡± Abella murmured. That was all. Enoch looked at Abella, who kept her mouth shut without saying anything, and covered his forehead with his hand. Seeing Abella like that, Enoch was also upset and his heart seemed to burn to black. He doesn¡¯t know what to do. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just throw it all away and leave.¡± Enoch asked in a low voice. Abella smiled brightly instead of answering. Can she? No matter how Abella¡¯s circumstances changed, she still had the goodness that Carlo had bestowed upon her, and her promises to him were as solid as rock. Simons wasn¡¯t ready yet. He still needed Abella. Abella closed her eyes. It seems that Carlo was drawn like an afterimage. Her one and only brother. ¡®Sister. I wanted to see you. How have you been?¡¯ He affectionately asks her regards. ¡®Are you eating well? If you lose more weight¡­¡­.¡¯ His voice seems to be coming at her. Obviously, if it was Carlo, he would say so. So the more reason she couldn¡¯t. ¡°I still can¡¯t because I don¡¯t yet have a sense of selfishness.¡± Abella answered slowly. Enoch couldn¡¯t hold his breath again this time at the vague answer. To soothe his bitter stomach, Enoch opened a candy and put it in his mouth. The sweet taste lingered in his mouth, but his mouth was still bitter. * It was that afternoon that Cade went to visit Yuri. ¡°Still, if you know more about Abella than I do.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I know nothing, Your Majesty.¡± Yuri denied Cade¡¯s words. In fact, Yuri knows Abella from Vincent, but she doesn¡¯t know about Abella from Timur. Abella in Vincent was a dazzling and shiny person, but Abella in Timur¡­¡­. ¡°I just¡­¡­. thinks she is dying.¡± Cade snorted. ¡°What if I send Abella back to Vincent?¡± ¡°She won¡¯t go back. Until she fulfills her purpose of coming here.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Cade stroked his forehead. As Yuri pointed out. If it was Abella¡¯s stubbornness, she wouldn¡¯t leave until Simons grew up and took over Amerigo. Cade got up and stood in front of the window. As his breath deepened in his suffocating heart, a cloud of steam formed on the windowpane. Like the mist that covered Timur. He had come to Yuri with the intention of grabbing the last rope. At this rate, there was no guarantee that Abella would never attempt suicide again. The child will just rot away, sitting on Amerigo. Cade clenched his fists in helplessness. ¡°¡­¡­ Do you know what Abella likes?¡± ¡°I do not know. Abella in Vincent loves the sun¡­¡­. She likes to sing¡­¡­. She also liked to dance. She also liked to go to good restaurants¡­¡­.¡± Cade pressed his fist to his forehead. It was like the old Abella Cade knew. If Abella¡¯s season was a bleak winter now, her season was originally a refreshing summer. Cade sighed and rubbed his face. ¡°What next? And now what did she like?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think she likes anything right now.¡± Yuri spat out the truth. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t be happy to eat, and she wouldn¡¯t be happy to play¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Shit.¡± Cade murmured curses. What he thought were things to help Abella turned out to be nothing in the end. So, what has he been running for all this time? Public opinion turned their face upside down, revealing the ambivalence as he wanted. People flocked to the temple to demand an investigation, and Cade pressured the press to continue publishing articles about that. It was becoming more and more resonant. According to the high priest, many of the neutrals in the temple are coming over their side. As Cade arranged, Skellus would regain its original status. But, Abella¡­¡­. They said you wouldn¡¯t be able to fully understand others until you stepped on their shoes. That¡¯s right. Cade didn¡¯t understand Abella at all. All of what he was thinking and what he was hoping for was all Cade¡¯s own misinterpretations. Will Abella be okay when he takes off the shackles of Skellus? Shit. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Stupid Cade. * So is she by his side now? Arsene had to admit. The fact that he lost fiercely in one game against Abella. It may be arrogant to compare her life to a fleeting game, but for Arsene it was. Chapter 145 Simply subjectivizing what you can have, destroying what you cannot have, and searching for the next target. Abella was the only person Arsene couldn¡¯t have and at the same time couldn¡¯t destroy. It was because there were many guards in hell protecting Abella, and he was aware of it himself. If Abella was completely lost, even Arsene wouldn¡¯t be able to survive. So Arsene had no choice. For Arsene, who lives inside a monster that he cannot control himself. He has no choice but to leave However, it may not be in the form Cade wants. He had no intention of carrying an annoying hump on his back like Lyla. Lyla¡¯s feelings are hers. Arsene thought coldly. * He didn¡¯t expect it to be sweet, but he never thought it would be so bleak. Abella said nothing throughout the meal. Though he was rather happy that she has a looser face and better complexion than when she was in the mansion. Enoch took a sip of the water. He couldn¡¯t say anything, because if he said anything, Abella¡¯s poise and calm would be shattered. It was when Enoch was spying on Abella, as she continued her meal, not knowing what the taste of the food was like. Abella, who had been quietly eating her meal for a while, burst into laughter. ¡°What, what?¡± What did he say now? Enoch smiled awkwardly. ¡°Ah¡­¡­. No, Enoch. Just because it¡¯s funny. What is your fault that you were dragged by me to eat this uncomfortable meal? And what did I do to you?¡± Abella shook her head. As she leaves Timur¡¯s misty area, her mind seems to be clearing up. Abella¡¯s transparent purple eyes reflected the light and gave off a lustrous luster. ¡°Eat comfortably, Enoch. Because I think I¡¯m fine now.¡± ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Really. Is there some kind of magic on Timur? I couldn¡¯t even come to my senses, but I¡¯m a little better now.¡± Perhaps it was because Abella was far from her misfortune and despair. Abella chewed her food, slightly with a face regaining her composure. ¡°¡­ ¡­ Seeing you smile like that makes me a little relieved. It¡¯s like when I was in Vincent.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Enoch started eating, which he couldn¡¯t do properly at that time. It felt like a taste of food he had never felt before. ¡°Vincent? Maybe it was better then. At least it was fun.¡± ¡°But you said you wouldn¡¯t go to Vincent.¡± ¡°I have already been exposed.¡± Abella said lightly. Then she said with a smile. ¡°I have to run away to a place no one knows about. But if I go to Vincent, anyone can come and find me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Clemington is fine too. I¡¯m not asking you to come with me.¡± Enoch waved his hand. Abella glanced at the corners of his reddened cheeks and shook her head without saying a word. ¡°If you go to Clemington, no one will chase you¡­¡­. Crossing the border is an easy task. Especially those of great status.¡± ¡°If you think that way, maybe Clemington will be fine. What kind of place is your hometown?¡± ¡°It has the sea on three sides. So, wherever you go, there is a salty fish market. When you come to Clemington, you must try the seafood. They cook freshly caught fish on the spot.¡± Abella listened to Enoch¡¯s story indifferently. Enoch was a man with a hometown and a place to return to to tell stories like that. Even the envious her felt miserable and pitiful. However, instead of expressing her thoughts, Abella just kept her usual expression. ¡°Seafood? I want to eat it too.¡± ¡°There is a restaurant specializing in shrimp dishes. When I go there, even the chef recognizes me. It¡¯s near the capital and the taste is really good. And when you walk on the beach, there is a place where you see a white sandy beach, and the sparkling sand is really worth seeing.¡± Like how Enoch holds a candy, he tells stories of the things he loves. While Abella continued her meal. Enoch was in love with Clemington. The food in Clemington, the people he can meet there, and many more. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only It was a sentiment Abella had never had before. If people were to ask if she loves Timur¡­¡­. Rather, it would be correct to say that she was scratched to the bottom of her emotions. She never thought she would be so envious of someone¡¯s mediocrity. When Abella finished her meal, Enoch¡¯s plate was only half empty. Abella glanced at it and listened. Abella felt like she was being normal as she was listening to Enoch¡¯s story. It was as if she had just dreamed of being in Timur. Chapter 146 ¡°It¡¯s fun to ride a boat. Sometimes, if you go out on a boat, a pink bull whale will jump out of the water.¡± ¡°That would be spectacular.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. And the island to the north is fine. There aren¡¯t many people there, but there is a lot of really beautiful scenery.¡± Abella wiggled her feet and nodded her head. No matter what was inside of her, she had a very normal face. She got the hang of it. How can she pretend to be okay? How can she endure until Simons grows up and takes over Amerigo? Finding Abella¡¯s Nostalgia. Enoch¡¯s nostalgia was literally his hometown. However, Abella¡¯s nostalgia¡­¡­. Abella blinked her eyes. Where would it be? She doesn¡¯t have any good memories left. Neither Vincent nor Timur, after all, was just creaking in Abella¡¯s memory like a worn-out station. ¡°And any other place other than Clemington is fine, Abella. Your world is really small. Down there is a fantasy island where mermaids sing, and up there is a northern snowfield. It is said that when you look at the white snowy field as if you are going to be blinded, your head and heart will be clean.¡± Enoch had many other stories to tell, but only one left an afterimage on Abella. Northern snowfields. She heard of it. If you go further beyond the habitable land, you will find a clean snowy field. The light reflected on the snowy field that leaves no trace due to the snow falling every day is dazzling, and walking there makes you forget who you are. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to go there. Abella smiled brightly. ¡°There are great places.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Abella nodded her head. If there is a goal, a person is bound to go on in life. She decided to take comfort in imagining herself going to the snowfield without anyone knowing. * Cade got nothing from her conversation with Yuri. Yuri was like a child lost in her way. ¡®Abella might even abandon me.¡¯ That was Yuri¡¯s last confession. Cade smiled wildly. Timur¡¯s evening view with the rain showers was passing by out the window of the carriage. Abella might abandon Yuri away. And Cade might be the first to be abandoned by him. The day he comforted Abella and held her in his arms a while ago felt like a dreamlike illusion. That night, he couldn¡¯t sleep and watched Abella go to sleep. In order to capture the image that he will never see again in his eyes. Cade knocked on the coachman¡¯s seat. ¡°To Amerigo.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± He¡¯s not sure if he¡¯ll be able to meet Abella, but it was kind of a habit. To go to Amerigo only when he was anxious and longing for her. Fortunately, he was lucky enough to meet Abella today. Wherever she had been with Enoch, they encountered Cade¡¯s carriage on the way in. Alone with Enoch. Imaginations from which the word derives aroused Cade¡¯s filthy jealousy. However, it was also held back tight. It was because Abella got off the carriage without much hesitation and crossed over to Cade¡¯s carriage. ¡°Cade. I didn¡¯t expect to see you like this.¡± Abella was smiling. As if it was useless that Cade had been distracted all day. Abella sat down affectionately next to Cade. ¡°¡­ ¡­ Are you all right?¡± ¡°Ah. Me? Of course, I¡¯m fine. I am not a child.¡± Abella rested naturally on Cade¡¯s shoulder. He was not sure why it¡¯s infinitely happy but also unsettling. Cade looked down at Abella¡¯s hand. She is so white and small that her hand, which rests on the back of his hand, is pale. ¡°Can I ask where you have been?¡± ¡°I went to get some wind. And I think it worked pretty well. I calmed down a bit.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ If so, that¡¯s good. Abella, this¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Cade.¡± Abella got her body up. Then she placed her hand on Cade¡¯s cheek and pulled him towards her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about that. I¡¯ve already thought enough and understood. I know what you were thinking.¡± ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Shh.¡± It was strange. Abella was smiling, but the strangeness in her eyes continued to fuel Cade¡¯s anxiety. Abella kissed Cade¡¯s lips. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°Rather than that, let¡¯s do something fun.¡± It was a whisper worse than the devil¡¯s temptation. Abella grabbed Cade¡¯s neck and hugged him. ¡°I wish you would.¡± It was also a friendly command. Cade clenched his teeth and lowered his lips to Abella¡¯s neck. At that moment, the light in Abella¡¯s eyes went out and came back. The carriage with Abella and Cade ran down the road and stopped on a small hill. It was a day when stars were falling from the night sky. Chapter 147 The coachman, who received the money from Cade, made a bonfire in front of the carriage and left. He was due to return at dawn the next morning. It seemed that Cade could hear Burke running from the Imperial Castle, but Cade lightly ignored it. It was most important for Cade to be by Abella¡¯s side, who was anxious and about to break. Abella said she wanted to do something fun and Cade did what she wanted. His body temperature, which had risen, was cooled by the night breeze. Before arriving here, the picnic bag containing the sandwich that the coachman had bought was already empty. Abella rested her head on Cade¡¯s bare shoulder. She¡¯s wearing his cloak, so he doesn¡¯t know if she¡¯s cold. Cade, like a person who practiced swordsmanship, was not very cold. Abella, who had been staring blankly at the bonfire, raised her head. The stars outside the carriage were twinkling like jewels. ¡°It¡¯s romantic.¡± Abella muttered a little. Cade followed Abella and raised his gaze. ¡°¡­¡­ When you die, you become a star in the night sky. That¡¯s what my father said¡­¡­ My father must be watching over me over there, right?¡± Abella muttered softly. The stars reflected in the transparent purple eyes were shining sadly. The Duke tried to appease Abella until just before his death. When she regained her memory, she completely remembered the words the Duke had said before his death. It was just before he stopped breathing. The Duke made a promise to Abella, who broke down with tears. He would be a star and he would surely watch her. He said he would never leave Abella¡¯s side. Abella laughed softly. ¡°He will.¡± Cade answered. His heart was trembling with fear. As if drowning in water, panting for breath, hoping for someone¡¯s salvation. The thought that Abella might once again make the wrong choice, and the strange feeling, held Cade like a leash. However, Abella pretended that she was okay, and Cade had no choice but to sympathize. Otherwise, it felt like the things that made up Abella would crumble. Cade kissed the back of Abella¡¯s hand. The words he wanted to say pooled and formed a well in Cade¡¯s heart. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°Today, I went out of Timur with Enoch. I went to a crowded restaurant and no one recognized me.¡± Abella muttered the words. It seemed like she was just listing her thoughts rather than having any intentions. Cade bit his lips tightly. Again, there were things he wanted to refute. Couldn¡¯t she have been with him other than Enoch? He wanted to ask if it had to be Enoch, the person she had to go through hard times with. However, in the current situation, these words only mean selfishness and filthy jealousy. Cade pressed Abella¡¯s hand to his lips. He wanted to feel Abella¡¯s body temperature and shut his own mouth. ¡°After that, it felt like nothing had happened. It was when I went to Vincent. The tragedy of my life was so terrible that I thought the world would be miserable too, but it was not.¡± Abella blinked slowly. When she first went to Vincent, she thought it was like Timur. Even there, people might point fingers at Abella and avoid her. Abella did not go to live in Vincent, but because she thought she might die there. But the people of Vincent were not interested in Abella¡¯s misfortune, and they gave back as much as she had given them. The fruit shop man who is kind to her, the fish market lady who distributes fish every day, and the lady at the direct sales store who brings clothes to Abella. Besides that, many people cherished Abella. It was then that Abella found out. The tragedy she suffered was nothing in the world, and not everyone was just pointing fingers and blaming Abella. It was quite impressive that she lived as a person and not as a curse. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Abella found out that there was a life like that too. And she forgot that fact the moment she came to Timur, the memories, which she thought she would never forget, were blurred in her mind. That was Abella¡¯s curse. Timur¡¯s curse that made her even erase all her happy moments. Timur was so cruel that it wouldn¡¯t stop until they pushed Abella into ruin, and she was shaken countless times. However, the moment she left Timur, she experienced the intense memories of her once again. Abella was too small for the world. Her misfortune was nothing more than passing gossip to others, and she didn¡¯t remember anyone talking about it. Chapter 148 ¡°If you look closely, that star is big. It looks small from a distance. So do i. My unhappiness only feels big, but when I go out into the world, it¡¯s really small. So I just try to think that it¡¯s small.¡± That was Abella¡¯s choice of escape. Pretending to be okay and burying it, just thinking about one goal. ¡°¡­¡­ So are you okay?¡± Cade didn¡¯t understand most of what Abella was saying. Only Abella could feel the danger of those who were holding her tight. Cade grabbed Abella¡¯s hand. He was definitely holding it, but when he was holding it, it seemed like it was going to come off. ¡°I wanted to be okay.¡± Abella whispered softly. She lowered her gaze, looking at the sky, and Abella kissed his shoulder. She will be able to stand it. Isn¡¯t there a man who throws off his emperor¡¯s duties like this and sits next to her and watches the stars together? Cade had no thoughts on leaving Abella and no matter what the answer she picked up. Abella just wanted to live in the present. ¡°Then it might be okay.¡± Abella whispered as if dying. Cade pulled Abella and pushed her body back into the carriage. The clothes lying on the floor were wrinkled under Abella. ¡°Yes. It will be fine.¡± Mumbling like a brainwashing, Cade lowered his lips. * There was nothing wrong with the Duke and Duchess Sirius . If they were to blame, it would be that they gave birth to a son who lacked humanity and raised him with affection. To protect their son, they condoned his crimes and sacrificed others, but how could that be a fault for the nobles? It was the central nobles of Timur who did even worse things. They were rotting and stagnant in Timur. It was on a lazy afternoon when Arsene requested an audience with Cade. It was the afternoon when it was announced that Layla had brought in Count Gilmus and was preparing for a trial. Cade accepted Arsene¡¯s request. Arsene¡¯s face, in the meantime, was white. ¡°Duke Sirius.¡± Cade called Arsene coolly. Waiting for Arsene to make a choice was not because he saw Sirius, who had been loyal to the country, and then forgave him. Arsene bowed his head in front of Cade. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty.¡± Cade glanced at Arsene, then put a strong cigar into his mouth. It was the strongest of all the things on the market, and the strong smell soon filled the room. It wasn¡¯t long before Cade started biting it back in his mouth. Cade started smoking cigars again early in the morning when he had been spending time outside with Abella. Arsene¡¯s face, regardless if it was rude to smoke cigars indoors, was silent. It was the face of a person who had already made all the preparations. ¡°After making a decision, you must have come to see me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ From the beginning there was only one conclusion. Leave Sirius alone. This is a family that will be fine if I disappear.¡± ¡°Why? Now, do you feel compassion or filial piety?¡± ¡°If I had known that, I wouldn¡¯t have done this. I¡¯m just trying to put it all down. Don¡¯t let me leave any grudges for the imperial family.¡± ¡°It sounds like a threat.¡± Gray smoke filled the space between them. Arsene laughed. ¡°Are there any intimidating posts? Or is it just a plea to let go of everything. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do if you find another excuse.¡± ¡°It is a threat.¡± Cade smiled mischievously and pressed the cigar into the ashtray to turn it off. ¡°You always seem to forget your duty. In the end, I am the only person who can press and kill you.¡± ¡°But, you can¡¯t do that, can you? Because Abella hates it. And Abella will be sad.¡± If there was a difference between Cade and Arsene, that was it. Cade can¡¯t do anything bad because he is afraid of Abella. However, Arsene has to do what he wants to do, even if it is outside Abella¡¯s eyes. That gap made the difference between the two. Cade didn¡¯t deny it, and he glared at Arsene. ¡°So there are people like me who have nothing to worry about. I will never come back. I won¡¯t tell you where I¡¯m going, so don¡¯t even try to follow me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ How about Lady Lyla? If that woman loses you, she will be more than capable of bringing down Sirius. She is a woman just like you.¡± ¡°I will take care of her.¡± Arsene shrugged his shoulders. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°How?¡± ¡°Anyway, if it weren¡¯t for me, the emperor would have killed her, so I¡¯ll lend you a hand this time.¡± Arsene¡¯s eyes were empty as he spoke about the death of someone. Like someone who has lost everything. Cade realized. Inside Arsene, he knew that Abella was already dead. Chapter 149 The fire that carried the imperial family on its back spread widely. Devotees flocked from all over the country to form a doorstep in front of the temple, and they demanded an explanation of the temple. However, they chose silence because internal divisions had reached a critical level. Just like when they made Skellus a symbol of curse. ¡°Priest Beryger! This way.¡± The high priest in charge of the temple forbade private meetings, but mutual contact was already taking place under the water. ¡°So, are you talking to those outsiders?¡± The priests of the School of Skellus, who lived outside under the protection of the imperial family, were openly referred to as outsiders. In fact, it was because the priests knew it. It wasn¡¯t really God¡¯s fault that Skellus was expelled from the status of the imperial god, it was the temple¡¯s trickery. It was a secret that had been kept for hundreds of years in the temple. However, knowing the weight of the repercussions that the truth would bring, most chose to keep their mouths shut. Often, some people talked about the current situation as a curse from God. They said that because they abandoned God arbitrarily, they would receive a natural punishment. Priest Beryger cynically thought that it was also man-made. ¡°I have been contacted.¡± ¡°What did you say? As you all know, I am not of any conviction. I just need to be able to end my life in this one-man temple!¡± Trian, who summoned Priest Beryger, stood still, unable to hide his nervousness. A few decades ago, those who took the lead when expelling the outsiders out of the temple, had only a personal goal. Beryger looked at Trian with a blank look. Even if the Skellus School was accepted anyway and took the upper hand in the temple, they would not be able to expel all those who were inside. It is not possible to completely abandon the tradition and history of the empire that the priests have kept. No matter how much the devotees were outraged, none of them demanded that the temple be closed. The temple was a pillar. Once the temple, which has been serving as a spiritual supporter, is completely excluded, there is no place for them to lean on when they are having a hard time. In the first place, believing in the temple¡¯s words and killing or abandoning the children born on the day of Skellus, didn¡¯t it come from a sincere belief? And a small number of believers were arguing that the current situation was also Skellus telling a lie in order to destroy the empire. Nevertheless, it was an undeniable fact that the great power of the temple would be replaced. Beryger said to Trian. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°Of course I know.¡± In a slow tone, Trian brushed off Beryger. ¡°I decided to convey my will to those outsiders? I will join you in opening the gates of the temple!¡± ¡°Of course I think that it doesn¡¯t matter to the outsiders.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter?¡± ¡°Except for the hard-liners who do not recognize Skellus, it seems like they are in a position to accept it. It also means that except for those who are at the top right now, the rest won¡¯t be expelled.¡± ¡°Is that really true?¡± ¡°They said so. It seems that the emperor also highly appreciates the loyalty and devotion the temple has shown. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll never forsake us.¡± ¡°Skellus helped us¡­ ¡­ !¡± Beryger smirked. Those who criticized Skellus not so long ago are now praising Skellus. Even if it is hypocrisy and pretense, they will eventually survive here. * Everything went smoothly. As Cade had planned, Timur¡¯s mist was gradually clearing. Even the older nobles who were upright will now change little by little. As Cade arranged, new forces were slowly coming up to Timur. It won¡¯t take long for them to occupy a central position. After opening the closed door of Timur and making Vincent as the second capital, it accelerates a bit¡­¡­. ¡®Then¡­¡­.¡¯ Cade rubbed his forehead. His ideal as an emperor was gradually coming true. Cade¡¯s reign will be called the Age of Turning, or the Revolution. However, the ideal of human Cade¡­¡­. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only It was collapsing. ¡®Abella is definitely not okay.¡¯ She was enjoying her daily life with a casual face, but apparently Abella was falling apart. With a smile on her face, she tried not to show off to others, but those who watched were choking in the heart at the precariousness of the present state. Amerigo fell into silence. Chapter 150 Obviously, the business was going well, and thanks to the funds at the Abella merchants, it was gradually regaining its status as before. However, those who use Amerigo¡¯s last name were afraid of Abella and fell into darkness, praying for her fall. He had heard stories of Chloe going around her little company and swearing at Abella. Of course, Abella would have heard of it. Still, Abella shows no interest. She just kept quiet and kept her place. ¡°Ha¡­¡­.¡± Cade sighed in frustration. This is his second life, and the only thing that has improved is his achievements. He still found it difficult to deal with people and even more difficult to love. In particular, Abella was the biggest challenge for Cade. ¡°You look deeply concerned, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I know. I don¡¯t know how to deal with the current situation.¡± Even if he just pretends to not know and closes his eyes¡­¡­. ¡°Are you talking about Abella?¡± Burke asked. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Recently she looks fine. She is also solidifying her position in the social world¡­¡­. Her reputation among people has also increased. They no longer openly call Lady Abella the devil anymore right? So don¡¯t you think she will be okay?¡± ¡°Everyone thinks that way, but she was actually getting sick.¡± Cade laughed bitterly. ¡°¡­¡­ Mental illness is not something that anyone can cure, Your Majesty. Isn¡¯t your own will the most important thing? So, even if Your Majesty says she is in so much trouble¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Anyway.¡± Cade stopped Burke. One¡¯s own will is important. However, Abella¡¯s will was already broken and crumbled and scattered like dust. Abella looked like a person who was no longer willing to get up on her own. She was just living with the light that was about to go out. Abella became affectionate with Cade. She embraces him with her arms wide open and she whispers his name tenderly. They also shared the bed more often. She was like a really sweet lover. Even Cade seemed to fall into an illusion. That Abella was in love with him. But, Cade knew better that she wasn¡¯t. Abella never once told him her love, even if by mistake. Even saying she likes him. Cade rested his forehead against the window. It felt as if the chill had penetrated her bones, but it was still a cloud in his head. Cade let out her deep sigh. He was getting greedy. The greed that wanted to spend his entire life with Abella by his side. She will surely collapse if Cade catches her. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks She¡¯ll stay for Cade with the same lifeless face she has now. Without any will or hope. Is that something a person who truly loves Abella can do? ¡®It¡¯s no different from a prison without shackles.¡¯ Cade scanned his mouth with his tongue. The inside of his mouth, where the freshness lingered, somehow felt bitter. Inside him, a monster whispered vulgar words. ¡®If she lives, she is alive. Just tell her to stay.¡¯ ¡®Do whatever you want. She has no will anyway?¡¯ ¡®If you live like this, you will get married and have children. Isn¡¯t that living? Will she change her mind then?¡¯ These were words marked by Cade¡¯s greed and victory. However, none of the words was for Abella. Cade bit his lip. He placed his clenched fist on his heart. ¡®Should let you go?¡¯ Wherever she wants. To a place where there is nothing. A place that only Abella could think of herself. It felt like his heart had been split in half and was spitting out blood. A large chunk fell to the floor. A wave that shook Cade¡¯s abyss spread throughout his body. His hands were trembling. ¡°Ha.¡± His barely exhaled breath rushed outside and fogged into the window. Now he thought he had barely held her hand, but that seems to be the correct answer. Tears welled up in Cade¡¯s eyes. Even just assuming their parting, it seems like his feet were collapsing¡­¡­. His heart was whispering. That¡¯s the only way to keep Abella alive. * Abella looked blankly outside as the sun went down. ¡°Abella!¡± At Enoch¡¯s call, Abella slowly turned her head. Then she smiles. Despite her mechanical smile as before, it didn¡¯t have the slightest bit of vitality. ¡°Why did you call me?¡± Still, the fact that an answer came back relieved his heart. ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s time for dinner. Why are you losing your mind like this? Wake up, Abella.¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only ¡°I know¡­¡­. When did the time come like this? Oh, did Yuri say that she is also coming today?¡± ¡°Yes. You invited her. What¡¯s wrong with you these days?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Abella shook her head. Then she pushed Enoch on the back. ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner. Hurry up! We will be late.¡± Chapter 151 unedited Arsene promised Cade that Lyla would die. And Arsene really meant to keep that promise before leaving Abella¡¯s side. Thanks to that, Arsene had to cross the threshold of the wretched imperial castle once more to meet Lyla, who resided in the concubinage of the imperial palace . He had no intention of returning to the imperial capital anyway. He had no regrets at all, even if by Lyla¡¯s murder he would be branded as a murderer. Arsene slowly walked through the Imperial Garden. The rustling of the grass stepped on his feet somehow makes him feel sentimental¡­¡­. ¡®Did I have this kind of feeling too?¡¯ Did he go crazy with the shock the other day? Arsene¡¯s strong self, which had not collapsed in front of his parents¡¯ tears, may have easily collapsed in the face of Abella¡¯s death. ¡®I was such an easy person.¡¯ It¡¯s not even funny. Despair and frustration that satisfies hunger, and a sense of emptiness after that. A sense of emptiness, as if his heart was empty, took hold of him before he could feel the satisfaction of having filled his hunger. It was more of a feeling than hunger. He felt as if his heart was cut out and he was cut out of the world. Arsene laughed the whole time and slowed down. Still, thinking it¡¯s the last time, he thought he was feeling a little more relaxed. Arsene naturally pulled out the cigar. He walked through the garden and saw sharp glances at him that was trying to smoke, but Arsene didn¡¯t care. He was leaving anyway, okay? With such a light heart, he spit smoke into the air, sprinkled ashes on the floor and trampled it. He wished that the imperial palace would be destroyed by the time he left. He can¡¯t say he doesn¡¯t feel that way. After all, he doesn¡¯t have the slightest bit of affection for this empire. ¡°Here you are, Duke.¡± The servant who had been glaring at him distastefully the whole time stopped. Arsene smiled softly and threw the cigar he was biting on the floor. Then he stomped his shoe to put out the smoke, and passed by the rude attendant. Thinking it was just as unlucky as the master of the imperial castle. Lyla¡¯s palace was pretty deep, perhaps to prevent her from coming into contact with others. Arsene raised his head. He also remembers Lyla. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡®Finally¡­¡­ I have you, Arsene.¡¯ His memory did not come back from the beginning. Was it the alcohol and drugs he drank just before going back to the past? Arsene grinned. Lyla certainly had a resemblance to Arsene. She longs for what she can¡¯t have and is content to get her hands on it and destroy it. And when she eventually loses it, she shows the stupidity of letting go. Lyla will follow Arsene to the end. Just like in the future that has now become his past life. This time he nearly lost Abella, before he remembered the events of his previous life. The sense of loss and emptiness he felt when he really lost Abella. Arsene reached the threshold of the concubinage. Arsene may not be the only one who has memories of his past life like this. Most likely, most of the characters who took a different path from their previous lives had a high possibility of having memories. And one of them will be Lyla. It has been a long time since they met. ¡°Lyla.¡± Arsene looked at Lyla and smiled softly. He looked at her pale face, and he guessed that she would be running a cute thought in her little head. Arsene went to the fireplace and fumbled the flames. Then he naturally pulled out a match and lit the cigar. ¡°Arsene, no¡­¡­. Duke.¡± ¡°Call me Arsene, Lyla. It¡¯s nice to meet you like this, so be comfortable.¡± Arsene said in a light singing tone. Lyla rolled her eyes. If he can see what she¡¯s thinking, it means that Lyla has suffered enough for Arsene too. ¡°Why do you roll her head like that? You can just ask. It will be the last time, but I will answer anything you want.¡± Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Lyla bit her lips tightly. ¡°¡­¡­ You look like you know what I¡¯m going to ask.¡± ¡°Then do you know what I am here to do?¡± ¡°You said that you would listen to everything I say, so will you grant my wish?¡± Arsene turned his back from the fireplace to see Lyla. It seemed unsettling that he couldn¡¯t let his hand stand still as he stood around the seat. Chapter 152 ¡°Your wish? You are like me Then, shall we talk?¡± Arsene approached Lyla threateningly. It was definitely the moment she was hoping for. Lyla¡¯s eyes fluttered with eagerness. At any moment, she stretched out her arms and hugged Arsene, whispered her love, and her heart was pounding as she wanted to show her heart. Even though she had a strong heart for the role, she couldn¡¯t do it because she was afraid of Arsene¡¯s rejection. Lyla knew it intuitively. Arsene remembers all of the past. Arsene had the face of a man who made decisions with determination now that he had something in mind. Lyla wiggled her fingers and her eyes lit up towards Arsene. ¡°What are you talking about? Will you kill me or will you take me? I want to die at your hands. You destroy everything you don¡¯t have. So it¡¯s okay for me to be one of those things, Your Excellency.¡± Lyla whispered in a sweet voice, as if dreaming. Whether it was because he didn¡¯t want to have it because he was lazy, or because he didn¡¯t want to have it because he couldn¡¯t, anything that could die at Arsene¡¯s hands was meaningful. Lyla took a step closer to Arsene, and she grabbed his hand. She then placed his hand on her neck. ¡°Kill me.¡± With an expression that resembled Arsene more than anyone else, Lyla whispered so. * 8 years later. Eat, sleep, work. She lived her day like that. Then she occasionally met and spent time with Cade. Enoch was forced to spend three months of the year in Clemington due to a reminder from Clemington. And Simons grew as time passed, and as Abella was tearing down. Grand Madam Amerigo left Amerigo on her own. She had returned to the neighborhood, where she had previously lived without anything. Grand Madam Amerigo became Laurelia with a light face. And Simons is now 11 years old. Shorter than her targeted time, but mature and precocious, Simons has grown a lot more in eight years. The boy who vowed to protect Abella had grown up to be able to really protect her. ¡°Auntie!¡± Simons smiled softly and waved his hand to Abella. After training, his hands were full of spring. Simons, holding a bouquet of white flowers, ran towards Abella. ¡°Are you going out?¡± ¡°Yes. I have an appointment, so I¡¯m going to go for a while.¡± Abella smiled brightly. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks ¡°This is a gift, Auntie. Then I will be waiting patiently, so please buy me a delicious cake.¡± ¡°Yes, Simons. You must study hard.¡± Simons nodded his head excitedly. Enoch walked from the training ground with a candy in hand. He was sweating profusely as if he had participated in the training center. ¡°Enoch.¡± ¡°I never thought I¡¯m going to be a babysitter. Leave Simons alone. It¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve been out. Are you meeting the emperor?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Abella nodded her head. Cade had been alone for a long time. The nobles insisted that Cade should also have an empress, but Cade dismissed all of the opinions. After Lyla¡¯s death, the concubinahe remained empty. Abella and Cade had already known each other, so rumors were circulating that she would become the empress, but neither of them had any intention of doing so. For the last eight years, Cade has been Abella¡¯s loyal lover. Enoch and Simons escorted Abella to the carriage. Abella gave a glance outside with indifference as she rode in the carriage. Enoch renounced his throne. It was such a great event that Clemington¡¯s royal family was shaken, but he was tough and insisted from the beginning that he was not worthy to be a king. In the end, Clemington¡¯s royal family, defeated by Enoch¡¯s stubbornness, had no choice but to adopt a bloodline from a very distant branch as the successor. Enoch became the child¡¯s guardian. It goes without saying that Abella had a huge influence on his choice, but she bit her mouth in a position where she had to pretend she didn¡¯t know. Because Enoch insisted it wasn¡¯t because of Abella until the end. And Arsene¡­¡­. Left. He disappeared suddenly. Sirius, who lost their head, was also in trouble, but fortunately, the former Duke and Duchess Sirius were strong enough to withstand the storm. They were working hard to select a new successor. On the one hand, they may be waiting for Arsene, who has suddenly disappeared. The temple is¡­¡­. The temple eventually succeeded in reforming. A replacement was made to suit Cade¡¯s taste. They could no longer intimidate people over Skellus, and Timur was also freed from the curse. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Still leaving nothing but scars. And Abella¡­¡­. Abella¡¯s purple eyes dimmed. She now, Was preparing for the end. Chapter 153 unedited ¡°Does the meal suit your taste?¡± ¡°You ask the same thing every time at a restaurant I have been coming to for eight years.¡± ¡°Because you don¡¯t eat the same menu every day.¡± Cade smiled. Abella said as she continued her meal. ¡°I believe Yuri knows my taste best. I have known her for over 10 years.¡± Cade nodded his head in response to Abella¡¯s light reply. Repeating these useless questions and trying to put words on the silent Abella was done out of anxiety. It felt like his heart was shriveling when he saw Abella ate inorganically without saying a word. Even though she had obviously been with him for eight years, he felt like Abella wasn¡¯t here. During that time, Cade had to constantly be aware. All Cade can do for Abella is let her go. The temple reform was successful, and Timur also changed. The monsters that lived in the mist shut their mouths, and a new force filled Timur. After consulting with the lord of Vincent, he succeeded in making Vincent as the second capital. However, he failed to win Abella¡¯s heart. Cade is called a cruel and merciless iron-blooded monarch, but to Abella, the correct term would be a useless idiot. He was always preparing for some day. The day Abella would leave him. Cade pulled his lips up and said to Abella. ¡°Where do you want to go after dinner?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ A place where you can see Timur in its entirety. Let¡¯s go to the hotel.¡± Abella said calmly. After Arsene¡¯s departure, Sirius and Amerigo restored their relationship. The Sirius couple have aged 20 years in just 8 years. They were focusing their energy on raising a successor to replace Arsene. Still, the hotel that Arsene completed and left was providing a great potential for Sirius. Arsene asked a few things before leaving Sirius, one of which was that he stated that the room for Abella on the top floor was always empty. ¡°¡­¡­ the view at night is good. Would you like some wine?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± It looks like she¡¯s going to pass safely today. Cade stroked his chest. * Abella sipped the glass of wine with a dazed face. If she looks at it from here, she can see far away. Fortunately, the room Arsene had left for Abella was facing north, giving the illusion that the snowy field could be seen through it. The white mist of a blizzard that rose over the pure white snowy field. That was Abella¡¯s destination. The utopia that Abella had dreamed of and endured. A place where no one knows Abella and she knows no one. Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks Abella tilted her wine glass. Th red alcohol is like the demon¡¯s blood that deceives her. Abella blinked her eyes. Soon Abella will be there as she dreams. She had already made plans with a private lawyer that will transfer all her fortune. The papers bearing Abella¡¯s seal were notarized and lay asleep in the lawyer¡¯s vault. After Abella leaves, the lawyer will take care of things. She finished her thoughts there. ¡®Carlo, I think I¡¯ve done my best.¡¯ Right? He will smile and hug her with his. The precocious and smart little kid was soon to the point where he could make business decisions with his own will. With Enoch and Luisa by his side, he can learn to work over the years and become a mature head. Abella closed her eyes and pressed her hand to the window. The northern end. What will Abella find there? It is unknown. That day, Abella had one last warm night in Cade¡¯s arms. * Abella put the envelopes on the desk, which she had been fiddling with for a while. It was her last letter to Simons. The little kid that had always promised to protect Abella might burst into tears when he learns she¡¯s gone. He was tender-hearted and she couldn¡¯t leave without saying a word for Simons. Abella looked around the room with sentimental eyes. This is where she spent most of her time in the last eight years, her study. Amerigo¡¯s office seemed to put pressure on Abella¡¯s shoulders, and she was at least comfortable with the study, where she often stayed during her childhood. 8 years ago. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only It must have been after Skellus regained its status. The air of the office, the traces of her father, and the traces of Carlo began to weigh on Abella. His father died to protect Abella, but his death was in vain. The curse of Skellus has disappeared without a trace. However, it was not that Abella had a clear will for life. She was sorry, but Abella did not even know why she had to live. ¡®God said there are no coincidences.¡¯ Chapter 154 5-6 minutes 24.11.2020 unedited To Abella, it was apparently a coincidence caused by a divine mistake. Without that, she couldn¡¯t live whole life, barely surviving day by day like a doll whose heart was so empty. Abella let out a long sigh. Her sighs may have piled up in the study, forming layers like dust. Abella touched the corners of her desk, which had worn and rounded off over the years. She spent eight years here, and strangely, she did not regret it in the slightest. She rather seemed relieved that she was leaving now. She was freed from the weight of Amerigo and could leave as free as a bird. Abella lifted her tear-filled eyes. ¡°Carlo¡­¡­.¡± It was time to let go of Amerigo, who she had cared for with all her might in the place of her dead brother. She is tired. She had worn out her feelings and it was hard for her to hold on any longer. She is grateful that she can leave Amerigo without any regrets. Carlo will be proud of her, so there will be no shackles to hold her foot. Abella placed the rectangular envelope in plain sight in the middle of the desk. It was the letter she wrote down the week before, hesitating all morning long. When Cade dropped Abella off at Amerigo at dawn and returned home, the first thing she did was find the letter and read it again. Abella prays that her will can be fully communicated to Simons. ¡®To Simon.¡¯ She was sorry, but this was Abella¡¯s best. At dawn, when everyone was asleep, Abella disappeared in the bleak autumn in the pre-booked carriage. No one knows She didn¡¯t tell anyone where she was going. * It was Simon Amerigo, who found Abella¡¯s letter after his morning training and ran to the study in search of her. ¡°Auntie! Auntie!¡± Simon knocked on the study and called Abella. ¡°Are you still sleeping?¡± Simon tilted his head and opened the door to the study. He has never seen Abella wake up so late in eight years. Even if she came home at dawn, this time was definitely the time she would be guarding her study. Simons glanced around the study. He thought he could feel the warmth that Abella left behind¡­¡­. The study was strangely cool. It was now early winter, so the fireplace, which was always on, was turned off. Simons put his hand on the fireplace. As if feeling the warmth was an illusion, he felt a cold sensation that seemed to freeze his palms. Simons swallowed his saliva in a strange sign, then squatted down and ignited the embers. ¡°¡­¡­ Auntie, your hands and feet will be cold.¡± Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks If Abella had returned, the butler would have been the first to light fireplaces here and there. It was strange. Simon¡¯s heart sank. The bluish eyes of the still immature boy looked at the study. Even the furniture, which had been stained with Abella¡¯s hand stains, seemed to be empty. Simon¡¯s face darkened. It was a strange foreboding. A rectangular envelope lying on the desk caught his eye. Simon opened the letter with trembling hands. The letters ripped open and poured out as if they were Abella¡¯s heart. [To Simon] It was certainly a friendly call, but Simons¡¯ heart seemed to be cut mercilessly. Simon¡¯s trembling eyes read the letter aimlessly. Simons pursed his lips. Simons knew this feeling. He felt this way in his previous life when Abella left. [Simon, I love you.] The long letter that ended like that meant one thing. Abella left. To a place no one can find her. Again, Simons lost Abella once again. But, the last eight years must have been hell for Abella. Just to endure that time, Abella did her best. He knew. Now that he has to let Abella go. This time, he knows he has no reason to take Abella any more. Then, then¡­¡­. Simon swung the door open. ¡°Hannibal!!¡± The boy¡¯s voice calling for the butler while running fast was sharp. ¡°Young master?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Hire mercenaries right now. I am looking for my aunt.¡± Simon handed the letter he was holding in his hand to Hannibal. He will definitely put Abella back in her place. The letter fell from Hannibal¡¯s hand. Simons¡¯ hands trembled. He couldn¡¯t get his hand on the thought that Abella had disappeared. His heart seems to go up and down dozens of times. He¡¯s half thinking that he should let her go, and half thinking that he should find her. ¡®Never look for me. This is my last request.¡¯ Simon ignored the last sentence with his eyes tightly closed. Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only Abella must return. To the place where there are people who love her. ¡®Auntie¡­¡­.¡¯ Simon¡¯s tears welled up as if he had become a child again. Tears he hadn¡¯t seen since he promised to protect Abella. Simons whispered eagerly. ¡®Please come back.¡¯ Chapter 155 unedited Abella disappeared. She disappeared without leaving a trace, just like a person who never existed. Cade was rather surprised that he wasn¡¯t too surprised about it. Like someone who knew it was going to happen, or someone who was preparing for it. Cade laughed. Why was he so calm when he hears that Abella has disappeared and Amerigo is doing their best to search for her? But, by what means were they looking for someone who has made up their mind and disappeared? Timur¡¯s mist would cover Abella. Abella was a person without purpose or goal. Since in the first place she never brought it up, people were left with no idea where Abella had even gone to. Abella would have left as soon as she could. And someday. Maybe she¡¯ll come back to Timur if she¡¯s willing. Cade slowly sat down in his chair as he listened to the report flowing in and out of one ear. Suddenly, Burke screamed. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Cade turned to Burke who had a pale face. ¡°What a cold sweat¡­¡­! I need to call the doctor!¡± Burke, who was not finished after looking at it, hurriedly left the room. He thought that he had prepared his mind because he had guessed it. He made the arrogant mistake that he was even prepared for Abella¡¯s absence. However, when he found out that Abella had left¡­¡­. Cade looked down blankly at his palm. Wasn¡¯t Abella the one who, just last night, held this hand of his and gave him her body temperature. Cade let out a long sigh. And at the same time. ¡°Ha.¡± Tears burst out. Cade buried his face in his palm. It seemed that it would not matter if he was dragged to the underworld by a swamp-like floor like this. Abella¡¯s absence was heavier, scarier, and more painful than he had expected. It thoroughly shattered his arrogance, revealing himself as he shed blood. Cade shed a murmur ¡°Abela¡­¡­.¡± She had done the same thing before. Abella went away and returned as a cold body. There was no guarantee that she wouldn¡¯t do it again this time. He thought he had to let Abella go because she wanted to, but it was because he was still afraid of her death. What was she thinking? Abella doesn¡¯t have to think of Cade. It was enough for her to think about living right now. ¡°Abella¡­¡­¡± He repeated his thoughts again, but there was no answer. And she may be gone forever. * It was the first step. As she had heard, the pure white snowy field remained untouched by anyone. No, even if it was invaded, the snowy field would recover overnight. As if no one had invaded. And as if no one could harm or hurt them. Abella stamped her feet on it. It was a path she threaded thoughtlessly. She had enough money to sleep and eat, but a few months would be all she had. Life was going on, and basic food, clothing, and shelter were needed to sustain life. When she came here she thought something would be different. ¡°It¡¯s still real¡­¡­.¡± Abella swallowed a sigh. Worrying about food for tomorrow and worrying about her way home. The resolution of the past, which thought it was okay to face her end here, had long since faded. When she came here to prepare for the end, it seemed that she had a will for life. Was this the last struggle? Abella laughed and walked through the deep snow making her legs heavy. The snowy field was beautiful. The spectacle of sunlight reflecting off the light was a spectacular sight that could not be seen anywhere else, and the vast nature that made Abella into a tiny dot was great. Abella was just a small piece of dust compared to this place. Her thick snow shoes were soaked and wet. The flat plate she was wearing under her feet could not be seen as if gone, and the beautiful scenery quickly became Abella¡¯s torment. The snow up to her knees made it difficult to walk, and her cold teeth trembled. She had no idea. Abella walked just to live. All she could hope for was a warm bonfire and a cup of tea at the end of the road. Abella walked constantly. She long lost her path, and few people visited the snowfield, so she had no one to rescue her. Often the snow-dwelling people¡¯s eyes passed Abella, but they were a closed race to strangers. Abella was alone for several days, it was lonely. And at some point she realized. That the pain she¡¯s been through is nothing. Compared to life, compared to living, it wasn¡¯t that painful. It was only after she suffered from extreme hunger and cold that Abella realized. Chapter 156 unedited ¡°You¡¯re hungry, Abella.¡± Abella beat herself up and licked her lips as she froze in the cold. At first she thought that she had nothing to change here¡­¡­. She had already changed. By the things like pain, fatigue, cold, and hunger that shake life and death. The new version of Abella, who had been walking constantly, slowly collapsed. ¡°¡­¡­ I can¡¯t walk any more.¡± What comes to mind right now. ¡°Cade¡­¡­.¡± He was still the only one. Like it or not, he was always on her side. Abella closed her eyes. * ¡°¡­¡­ I think she collapsed.¡± ¡°I said she was lost, big brother!¡± ¡°Still, strangers are dangerous!¡± ¡°Then let her die like this?¡± The girl who got off the sled ran towards the woman who had fallen. The boy who could not stop his sister had to follow after her. It is true that strangers are dangerous, but as his sister said, they did not learn to turn away from the dying. The boy was confused and picked up the woman. He had been watching with an anxious mind for several days, and if it wasn¡¯t for them, the woman would have frozen to death. From tomorrow onwards, a fierce snowstorm was scheduled to hit the north for a month. It was a roar that signaled the start of a long cold wave. For a while, even the peoples of the north would not even dream of going down. Even now, they were busy repairing the house and buying food to prepare for the cold wave. He ended up joining the military for that situation¡­¡­. Still, life isn¡¯t what they want it to be. It was unavoidable. ¡°Kiya! Hurry up!¡± ¡°Big brother, get on quickly!¡± The boy, Timur, got on the sleigh, hitting his grumbling sister¡¯s head. Timur. Fog. That was the boy¡¯s name. A sleigh carrying Kiya and Timur crossed over the snow. The northernmost people live in the northernmost part of the country. It was where the temple of the gods was. The only place in the north that retains warmth and produces flowers and fruits. The abandoned Temple of Skellus was there. Kiya¡¯s voice, urging the dogs leading the sled, split the snowy field. * A month has passed since Abella disappeared. So far he hasn¡¯t been able to find any clues. He searched through memories of the past to the places Abella had mentioned, the places she could go, and the last place she had stayed in her previous life, but to no avail. Amerigo and Yuri were the same. Enoch and Cade, who naturally met at Yuri¡¯s restaurant, shook their heads at the same time. They had a gut feeling that they wouldn¡¯t hear any news from each other. The two sat facing each other at a table. Cade opened his mouth. ¡°¡­¡­ What about Simons?¡± ¡°Fortunately, it is enough to protect the family. He has been working hard to prepare.¡± Enoch replied weakly. Simons has taken over Abella¡¯s work since Abella¡¯s disappearance, and he¡¯s been more proficient than expected. Rather, he is showing his most mature appearance. ¡°¡­¡­ He said he didn¡¯t want to look stupid when Abella came back.¡± Enoch added. Simons had hopes that he would still be able to find Abella. Abella did not go abroad. It was procedurally difficult for Abella, a high noble, to go abroad. She¡¯s in this Empire, yet Amerigo has been looking for her, yet she¡¯s nowhere to be found. ¡°Then I must be an idiot.¡± Cade laughed. He was in a situation where his attendants were worried because he was not able to properly carry out his state affairs. He couldn¡¯t eat properly and couldn¡¯t sleep, so it was natural. Truthfully speaking, it was not going to be easy. The doctor recommended that Cade calm down, but that was the hardest thing. It was like he was chewing on grains of sand and sleeping on a cushion of needles when he thought that Abella might die. If she were to die alone this time in a place no one knows¡­¡­. ¡°¡­¡­Can you find her?¡± Enoch asked with a brooding face. ¡°Everyone is asking me.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who spent the most time with Abella? You were also Abella¡¯s lover¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Lover?¡± ¡°Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I know nothing about her. I just looked into Abella¡¯s eyes, and she was shuddering. There wasn¡¯t even a moment when I thought I had her in my hands. She was just a prisoner I was obsessed with.¡± Cade did it himself. In the meantime, he finally realizes that he has not properly won Abella¡¯s heart as well. ¡°I just¡­¡­ It was nothing.¡± Chapter 157 Abella blinked. ¡®Where am I?¡¯ Was she really dead this time? Then this place would be hell. Abella laughed. Even though she said it wasn¡¯t her intention, how many people died due to her. Abella will never be able to set foot in Heaven. That means there will be no one to meet Abella even after she dies. Her father and Carlo. Since they are not people who can do harm to others, they must have gone to heaven. Abella fell into complete solitude. That¡¯s when she thought about it. ¡°Wow! The guest has woken up!¡± A young girl¡¯s voice was heard. Abella jumped to her feet as she suddenly felt as if she had been pulled out of the cold water into reality. A child¡¯s voice so vivid could not be heard from hell. Abella looked around. ¡°Where is this¡­¡­.¡± Soon after, the door opened and a boy, an old man, and a little girl who looked similar in size to Abella entered. ¡°Are you awake? You¡¯ve been lying in bed for a whole week.¡± ¡°I¡­¡­.¡± Her voice doesn¡¯t come out well. Abella cleared her throat and made a perplexed face. ¡°Kiya. give her water Your voice probably doesn¡¯t come out well. Your throat will be sharp. You¡¯ve had a fever all week. The doctor said you also had sores in your throat, but you¡¯ll get better soon.¡± ¡°Yes, Grandpa!¡± The girl who answered bravely helped Abella drink the water. ¡°My name is Kiya! That older brother is Timur!¡± Timur¡­¡­? Abella looked at the boy with a pale face. Timur. It was the hometown from which Abella had fled. It was a prison, shackles, and Abella¡¯s everything. Where Abella had everything she loved and hated. There are none who use the name of the empire as their first name. She must have come to the north¡­¡­. She heard of foreigners living in the north, but there was no information about them because they had very little contact with the outside world. Perhaps noticing Abella¡¯s confusion, the old man gently spoke out of her. ¡°This is Snow Country. A small town in the northernmost part of the Empire. It is also called the abandoned village of gods.¡± Abandoned village of gods. She had heard a brief explanation about it in history class. When the Temple of Skellus was demolished, only one was left, to avoid the wrath of the gods, and because it was located at the northernmost point, out of reach of human hands. ¡®Is there anyone living here?¡¯ To stay still in the temple¡­¡­. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Anyway, the verdict on Skellus has been reversed. Abella scolded her own foolishness and asked the old man. As the sharpness disappeared, a certain amount of voice could come out. ¡°How did I get here?¡± ¡°The children found you and brought it back. I don¡¯t know what you came here for, but it will be difficult for you to leave for a month. A snow storm is blowing.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I see.¡± Abella rolled her eyes down. Snow storms in the north were famous. Then it meant that no one would come here to find Abella. It might have been better. Did Abella not come to a place where no one knew her as she had hoped so much? ¡°¡­¡­ You will soon be able to see the village chief. If you¡¯re lucky, you might even meet Skellus.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Now, did you say Skellus?¡± Abella asked in a hoarse voice without realizing it. Skellus! Can she meet God? Could it be that this was the village where the followers of Skellus lived? The other day, when Skellus was expelled, she heard that some of his followers suddenly disappeared. She thought they had run away from it all, but rather, they got entangled. It was when Abella bit her tongue at her own terrible fate. ¡°It is. I didn¡¯t say this was an abandoned ¡®God¡¯ village. In fact, it is the closest place to heaven, where Skellus resides.¡± It was words beyond comprehension. God is an imaginary being, and weren¡¯t they created by the will of people? If there was a God, he couldn¡¯t have been so cruel to Abella and her family. The old man swallowed a sigh as he saw Abella pursed her lips with a pale face. Chapter 158 ¡°¡­¡­ Timur is a child with a vision. He was born on the day of Skellus and blessed. So the name was also given by Skellus himself. Timur said that traces of the God still remain on the guest.¡± Abella¡¯s gaze turned to a boy named Timur. The boy shook his head. Born on the day of Skellus and blessed by God? Ah¡­¡­. Although they are in the same situation, Abella is a symbol of the curse and Timur has been blessed with God¡¯s grace. Is there such a thing as unfair? Abella¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°Where can I meet him?¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Skellus. The God.¡± Abella¡¯s voice trembled. Since they were children born with God¡¯s grace, was it possible that the children didn¡¯t leave Abella, an outsider? Transparent tears welled up in Abella¡¯s purple eyes. The old man let out a deep sigh at the sight of the fluttering eyes. It¡¯s not often that people like these exist. There were many people who came to the North who had been persecuted because of Skellus. Therefore, most of the inhabitants of the Snow Country rejected strangers. Because they weren¡¯t the only ones who suffered because of them. ¡°¡­¡­ Most of them are in the temple.¡± ¡°Can I see him? The story I want to hear¡­¡­. No, I have a story I want to tell him.¡± Abella grabbed the blanket. ¡°First, take care of your body. Timur, speak to the guest. Kiya.¡± ¡°Uhhh¡­¡­. I will be here too¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Kiya!¡± ¡°Hing¡­.¡± The sullen child was led out of the room by the old man¡¯s hand. Timur and Abella seemed to have a story to share, so the two left the place by saying that they would bring food soon. Timur pulled out a chair and sat down. Then, seeing that he changed his posture, Abella seemed uncomfortable. ¡°¡­¡­ Before you see Skellus, I have something to tell you.¡± The boy opened his mouth sullenly. ¡°¡­¡­ You must listen¡­¡­.¡± Apparently, he was concerned about Abella¡¯s condition. Abella lifted her hand that was holding the quilt painstakingly. Abella said, hiding her trembling hands behind her back. ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s all right. Tell me.¡± ¡°There is evidence that the guests have already used divinity.¡± ¡°Can you explain exactly what that means?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I don¡¯t know the details either. God¡¯s grace comes in different forms. I have eyes to see things differently, and the other who lives next door can heal wounds. I don¡¯t know what power you have, but¡­¡­. I know now that only the traces remain.¡± Abella took in her breath. Did she ever use divine powers? When? And if only traces remain, does it mean that she can no longer use the power of God¡­¡­ ? Abella placed her hand on her chest. She doesn¡¯t know what kind of power she used, but her heart was beating terribly. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°Skelus may or may not give you the answer. And he may or may not give you back your power. I¡¯m telling you this in advance¡­¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Most of the people who come to Skellus like the guest wanted to ask for more. But most of those people never came back.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ You mean they die?¡± Timur looked into Abella¡¯s eyes and nodded his head. He was a seemingly ordinary boy. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that the boy was concerned that she would end up like the rest rather than feeling awkward. Timur tried to avoid Abella¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t meet. So¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not asking God for anything. But, I may not come back.¡± Abella smiled brightly. ¡°Could it not have been that Skellus led them to a utopia rather than death?¡± Timur would not understand that death would also be her rest. Abella thus opted for a softer language instead of the word her death to appease the young Timur. ¡°¡­¡­ Maybe it is. But, I want the guest to come back. Whether it takes a week or two weeks.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The fact that you have come this far is proof that Skellus has arranged for the guest.¡± Timur laughed bitterly. ¡°I want you to know that Skellus is a blessing, not a curse.¡± Abella smiled softly. It was because she knew what the boy meant. The proof that Skellus was a blessing was that he wanted her to come back here. Timur seemed to believe in and love Skellus deeply. She couldn¡¯t hurt the heart of an innocent child. Timur looked too young to say that Skelus was a curse in Abella¡¯s life. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll try. To come back.¡± Abella¡¯s purple eyes flashed. She will see her end in this unexpected place. Skellus gave life to Abella, but he will have to take it this time. Whatever she wants! Chapter 159 unedited He caught Abella¡¯s whereabouts Cade¡¯s agents moved faster than Amerigo, so it was fortunate. It was better for the imperial family to secure Abella rather than Amerigo to secure Abella. In fact, there are people crazy about Abella there, so she might be able to see them when she enters Amerigo. As long as Simons has a memory. Cade smiled bitterly. ¡®Abela doesn¡¯t know anything, so he must have been fed up with it.¡¯ He must have felt frustrated because he had been surrounded by those who were fussing over Abella¡¯s safety. Simons really risked himself for Abella¡¯s safety. He couldn¡¯t stand the slightest bit of tiredness or frown on her face. It was as if he had put on a sweet nephew¡¯s mask and pressed on Abella and forced her to be happy. He got news of Abella ahead of Simons, so now it was time for Cade to give it some thought. What should he say when he meets Abella? Should he bring her? If she doesn¡¯t want to come. If she doesn¡¯t want to return to Timur anymore. Can Cade give up everything and stay with Abella? He wondered if Abella wants him to do it. Even he wasn¡¯t certain of that. As Cade moved his steps, he fiddled with his brow. There was not even a proper successor in the country yet, and whenever Cade disappeared, there wasn¡¯t one or two who went there to revert to the former regime. Although Cade was seemingly cynical and skeptical, he loved the country. But it¡¯s really only for Abella¡­¡­. ¡°Your Majesty, Your Majesty!¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Cade, who had accidentally shoved his nose into the door, blinked his eyes. Before he knew it, he had arrived in front of the Magic Tower Master¡¯s door, which he was aiming for. The wizards who had flocked to see Cade dispersed. Cade swung the door wide open. ¡°Your Majesty?¡± ¡°You must send me to the North.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± The wizard¡¯s mouth opened at the request that appeared out of the blue. He knew Cade was always making ridiculous requests because Cade made him the Tower Master, but¡­¡­. The North. ¡°Do you want to know what kind of place it is ¡­ ?¡± ¡°Why the North? It¡¯s like a place where people live.¡± ¡°Now is the time for the snow storm. No one wants to pass. Besides, the northern part is a place where the gods¡¯ divinity rests heavily. It is not a place where magic can penetrate.¡± ¡°Divinity?¡± Cade frowned. ¡°The high priest who has taken over the temple this time must know, Your Majesty. The northern part is actually the land inhabited by the gods. All the related materials were destroyed because the priests from the previous time were quiet, but those who know, know it. The northernmost part is where Skellus resides.¡± Cade missed the doorknob. Skellus¡­¡­ ? What kind of connection is there between Abella and Skellus? It is unknown why fate led Abella to the north. Cade¡¯s face turned white. Burke looked at Cade, who looked like he was about to collapse at any moment. When Abella meets Skellus, no one can predict what she will think and what decisions she will make. If Abella takes the extreme choice again¡­¡­. Cade grabbed the wizard¡¯s collar with a choking face. ¡°Is that important? How much money have I invested in this damn tower. Take me to that god right now.¡± ¡°Cough! Cough! Your majesty!¡± ¡°Right now.¡± Cade glared at the wizard with glistening, viper-like eyes. Until the wizard nodded his head with a bright red face. * Abella was able to be guided to the place where Skellus was, as she wished. Timur still seemed to want Abella to just go back, but Abella couldn¡¯t give up. How would she go back with Skellus in front of her? She has been living a life that is not like a human being, trapped in his shadow. Living not like living. Abella wanted to get an answer this time. Abella stepped forward fearlessly into the temple where deep darkness fell. With each step, a thick darkness penetrated Abella. However, it was a warm and cozy darkness rather than fear. It¡¯s like it was hugging Abella and comforting her. So when she reached the very heart of the temple, she could find an altar shining white. A dark-haired boy was sitting cross-legged on the altar lying in the dark. Chapter 160 ¡°¡­¡­ Cade?¡± ¡°Oh dear. Do you see me like that?¡± At the sound of the cheerful voice, Abella took a step back without realizing it. Rather than a god, he had a smile like an evil spirit. However, Skellus jumped up and landed right in front of Abella. ¡°Hmm. I was expecting how different it would be this time.¡± Skellus smiled with a youthful face. The boy with dark black hair and red eyes certainly resembled Cade, but the energy she felt was unfamiliar. ¡°You¡¯ve come back completely broken again, Abella.¡± What was he talking about? As Abella was about to open her mouth to ask a question, Skellus snapped his finger. Her mouth did not open as if sewn up. Skellus lifted his finger once more, and light returned to the temple where darkness had descended. Skellus beckoned the speechless Abella to the table. ¡°Sit down.¡± When Abella sat down timidly, the conversation began. ¡°I think you said you wanted to be happy, but you don¡¯t look very happy.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Have I been here before?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Skellus grinned as he held his chin. ¡°You came to me to get everything back. You were born on the day of Skellus and lived a cursed life, so you want everything back. It¡¯s all my fault.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I can¡¯t remember.¡± ¡°It was also your intention. You were born with the power to turn back time, Abella. What I¡¯m talking about is the story of a past life. No, to be precise, it was before you went back in time.¡± Confusion appeared on Abella¡¯s face. Does going back in time mean regression? ¡°You thought that if you could turn back time you could have a better life, you came to me and did it. With all your memories erased.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Wouldn¡¯t that be of no use?¡± ¡°You seem to have a slightly different opinion. You erased your memories and left the memories of others in their place.¡± ¡°Are you saying that everyone but me remembers the past?¡± ¡°No. Some have lost their memories, of course. Your power wasn¡¯t perfect. So I¡¯ll ask again. Are you happy the way you want?¡± Abella shook her head slowly. Was she happy? ¡°No.¡± She wasn¡¯t happy at all. Still, Abella was unhappy and resented Skellus, and she was hoping for a new life. If that wasn¡¯t the case, she was just hoping to get rid of this past one life. Skellus asked strangely. ¡°Why?¡± Abella bowed her head in silence. Perhaps Abella knew why she had erased her memories and left the others¡¯ memories behind. The Abella of the past was not as courageous as the Abella of today. The courage to remember the present and be happy. However, Abella also failed this time. Is it because those who remember the past made the wrong choice? ¡°Now, stop blaming others.¡± Skellus¡¯s voice coldly struck Abella. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop doing stupid things and start caring for your own life?¡± Abella looked at Skellus blankly. Stupid things¡­¡­ ? Someone else¡¯s fault¡­¡­ ? ¡°Have you ever thought of that? If you hadn¡¯t run away. If you had made a different choice. If you weren¡¯t afraid of my shadow from the start. Well, those kind of nonsensical thoughts.¡± ¡°This¡­¡­. It wasn¡¯t my choice. I was hated because¡­¡­. I was born on the day of Skellus¡­¡­.¡± Skellus looked at Abella, who stuttered, pathetically. He then shrugged his shoulders. ¡°How dare you say something like that even after making a mess the second time. Abella, you said happiness is what you make it yourself.¡± Skellus¡¯ voice was strange. It was like whipping Abella, but also comforting her. Tears welled up in Abella¡¯s eyes. ¡°There are a lot of people worse off than you. Still, you¡¯ve got a good chance. Didn¡¯t you have the strength to get another chance? Yet you erased your memories. Are you going to say that it is also because of me?¡± Skellus asked mysteriously. ¡°I, I¡­¡­. I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°What. Are you going to use another excuse this time? Abella, I have no intention of giving you a long time. Will you blame me again this time? So do whatever you want.¡± Skellus snapped his fingers in front of her, bewildered. ¡°You can turn back time any time. The choice is yours again this time.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I wish for this¡­¡­.¡± Abella said in a hoarse voice. ¡°You don¡¯t even have the courage to die, Abella.¡± Skellus tilted his head. ¡°I am afraid that your dead father will resent you. You¡¯re like a coward.¡± Abella opened her mouth blankly with a pale face. Unknowingly, tears fell down her cheeks. Chapter 161 Cade could not go directly to the temple of Skellus with the power of the wizard. He could only move magically to the outer borders allowed by outsiders. He left behind those who discouraged him, and Cade came here with only two escort knights. Burke, who took on the role of the emperor¡¯s deputy, which he did not want to, may be crying and cursing him. Burke bragged that he would usurp the throne, but if Cade hadn¡¯t made this choice now, he was likely to regret it later. Cade made his way through a snowstorm that made it even more difficult to open his eyes. The knights blocked Cade as much as possible, but it was not a snow storm that could be avoided. Even though it was close to the village, they couldn¡¯t even enter because they weren¡¯t allowed. ¡°Shit.¡± Cade chewed the curse with his teeth. There¡¯s Abella somewhere over there¡­¡­ In an anxious mind, he slashed the barrier with the scabbard. The transparent barrier that completely blocked the inside from the outside trembled. He couldn¡¯t give up here. The wizard said that it is better not to oppose the power of the gods, but if he still has to break the barrier, he needs to find a weakness. All barriers have weaknesses. Cade pulled up the cloth covering his mouth with rough hands. It was to prevent his lips from freezing. Thankfully, the wizard gave him clothes to stop the cold wave, but he couldn¡¯t stop the snow storm that blew into his face. Cade tapped the barrier with his scabbard and looked at the barrier with a hawk¡¯s eye, focusing on where the reaction came from. That was when he went around the barrier to some extent. ¡°Cade?¡± Cade lifted his head at the voice calling him. * There was nothing wrong with what Skellus said. Abella, who staggered out of the temple, slumped down on the stairs. She didn¡¯t die inside as Timur had feared, but Abella was thinking that she might have been better off dead now. The pain and sense of defeat derived from the truth God had uncovered was pulling Abella¡¯s ankles. Her life belongs to her. Don¡¯t think that her pain is the hardest. ¡°That¡¯s so true¡­¡­.¡± Abella laughed. No matter what Abella went through, the reason the world rolled as if nothing had happened. It was because there really was nothing like a coincidence that happened in this world. Because Abella is only a small and insignificant being as the dust of the world. Abella buried her face between her knees. What the hell has she been thinking all this time? After leaving for Vincent in order to become the subject of her life, as soon as she returned to Timur, she eventually lost her way. In the end, Abella¡¯s happiness was shifted from hers to someone else¡¯s. She never wanted a life like this. Delegating her happiness to others, being resentful, and pushing her own life into grief. ¡°Why are you like this, Abella¡­¡­.¡± She was disillusioned with herself. She can¡¯t even guess where it came from. Not knowing Abella¡¯s body was freezing, she burst into tears. She couldn¡¯t even look back at herself because she was resentful and hateful. In the end, it was Abella herself who pushed her into the darkness. ¡°Stupid Abella¡­ ¡­ .¡± Moreover, according to Skellus, it was none other than Abella who decided to repeat this life. She was afraid to hold onto the memories herself, so she eventually drove it to others. Abella let out a cry like a beast. At this rate, she can¡¯t even resent Skellus. In fact, Abella knows there are far more unhappy people than her. Can such misfortunes be compared to Abella¡¯s? Why didn¡¯t she think of moving forward, making herself the most unhappy person? Deep footprints were imprinted in front of Abella, who cried silently. The large shadow that covered her seemed to cover even Abella¡¯s tears. Abella, who had been crouching for a long time without noticing a presence, slowly raised her head. It was none other than Cade, reflected in her blurry vision. ¡°¡­¡­ Cade?¡± How could he be here? ¡°¡­¡­ There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t do because of you. right?¡± Cade laughed bitterly. Cade, who sat on his knees in front of Abella, brushed her cheek. It hurts his inside to see hot tears dripping onto his fingers. What else could have made Abella cry so much? As he wiped it away, tears dripped down on Cade and his cold eyes. Like the melting snow, Cade¡¯s rotten heart seems to have melted and pooled in his body. Abella frowned. She couldn¡¯t see anything because she didn¡¯t even have time to look around. Chapter 162 Abella bit her lip. In the end, the most selfish and avoiding person was Abella herself. In Cade¡¯s eyes, there was an image of Abella. In his tender eyes, Abella found deep wounds, loneliness, and despair. While he embraced Abella, Cade was also broken. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡®What, what have I done¡­¡­.¡¯ What did she do? Abella burst into tears like a child. Abella didn¡¯t just devour herself but the people around her as well. Like Amerigo, whom she hated so much. After all, Amerigo was Abella¡¯s root, and they were also her blood. Seeing that she did the same thing. * Cade returned to Timur¡¯s house carrying Abella, who only cried her tears and said nothing. He warmed his body for a moment by the warm fireplace and sat his weary body in the chair. ¡°May I know what happened?¡± Cade asked the old man with gloomy eyes. The old man, who was preparing the soup, glanced at Cade and sighed. A snow storm is blowing, and he doesn¡¯t know why strangers are coming. The old man was a man who loved the unchanging snow country. Cade followed the old man tenaciously with his gaze. His eyes showed a will that he would not look away until he found an answer. Cade chased Abella like a sunflower chasing the sun. If Abella had even the slightest problem, it seemed that he would not be able to live. At Cade¡¯s silent insistence, the old man finally opened his mouth. ¡°Did you not hear anything from him?¡± ¡°Him¡­¡­.¡± Cade frowned. It may be about the person who made her come here. Arsene Sirius, who is known to have disappeared without a trace. He was here ¡°Are you talking about Arsene?¡± The old man nodded his head. ¡°He came here five years ago and brazenly stuck here. Since meeting him, Skellus seemed to condone him staying here. I don¡¯t know what terms he put up, he just said that he would one day leave. He¡¯s been searching all over the snowy country, so he must know what he needs to know.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ We are not very close friends.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡­ The guest was on her way to meet Skellus.¡± ¡°Are you talking about God when it comes to Skellus?¡± He had already heard the story, but Cade asked to confirm. He needs to make sure of every variable, so that he can guess what Abella was thinking and what she¡¯s going to do. He doesn¡¯t know what Skellus was talking about, though. Cade let out a sigh. He was tired of himself for not being able to give up, but he doesn¡¯t think he can live without Abella. If she breathes, he can breathe, and if she lives, he can live. So he must somehow hold on to Abella. ¡°Yes. The guest had a sign of God.¡± Cade knew the story about that. Abella always evades when he brings up the story of Skellus, so she doesn¡¯t say anything, but it has already been mentioned by the priest about her divinity. Did she eventually show her divinity? Cade bowed his face. He doesn¡¯t know what is still bothering Abella. If there is a cause, he¡¯ll have to get rid of it, but Abella was just eating herself away a little. In the end, Cade was driving himself to the ground because he couldn¡¯t do anything with her who was as precarious as a glass that would shatter. ¡®What did you miss, Cade?¡¯ So that¡¯s it. If you kill God. So will Abella get better? It was when he was thinking bluntly. ¡°It would be a good idea to talk directly with the guest. No one knows what God might have said. It¡¯s just that some have come to the god Skellus¡­¡­ After that, some became well and left, But there were also those who often sought refuge.¡± Cade laughed. In the end, what is the conclusion? Refuge. Abella may have come here after all to pursue her destiny for that purpose. There was nothing he could do with human power. Cade just struggles¡­¡­. It was when Cade was digging into the endless floor and was whipping himself. Arsene opened the door and entered. ¡°Would you mind sharing dinner with me too? Kirpa.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Come in.¡± The old man sighed and gave way to Arsene. Arsene brushed the snow off his head and took off his coat. He patted Cade¡¯s shoulder and sat comfortably next to him. The poisonous eyes of the day before were now the faces of someone who found his peace. And Arsene gave Cade the answer. ¡°Cade. All the keys are held by Abella.¡± Arsene and Cade looked at each other. Cade, not understanding Arsene¡¯s words, tilted his head. Chapter 163 In fact, meeting Arsene here was not a pleasant situation. Arsene was there where Abella had arrived aimlessly. Isn¡¯t this the fateful situation people are talking about? The fact that it was Abella and Arsene who were in such a situation was gnawing at Cade¡¯s nerves. It¡¯s amazing that he can still have these feelings even now. How many years has it already been? It is foolish to himself that he has never put Abella down in his heart during all that long time. Cade did it himself. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Besides, Arsene knows but Cade doesn¡¯t. It also wasn¡¯t something very pleasant. ¡°Literally. All the secret keys were held by Abella.¡± Arsene shrugged his shoulders lightly. Time in the Snow Country made Arsene mature. He learned to let go of his greed and learn to let the world flow in detachment. Arsene was not welcomed here from the beginning. In fact, even now, Arsene was a stranger in the Snow Country. He was one of those passersby, and he had not been escorted by Skellus, but he had been called upon by him. The passersby were people in Snow Country who received their names directly from Skellus. They were not restricted by worldly customs or laws and were free. Arsene met Skellus only once here. He gave Arsene the secret answer. That it was none other than Abella, who turned back time. However, this time he still hasn¡¯t found any answers. ¡°Are you saying that Abella turned back time?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Not everyone was happy and they were just barely living a stagnant life. ¡°She wished for a better life and she wished that everyone would be happy. But Abella did nothing. And this time Abella has another key.¡± Cade frowned at Arsene¡¯s explanation. Another key was the same as saying that Abella could turn back time. ¡°Whether to use the key or not is Abella¡¯s choice.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ What were you doing here?¡± ¡°I was waiting to die.¡± Cade stared at Arsene with curious eyes. It was because he could not find any regrets in Arsene, who gave a blunt sentence. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking a lot.¡± In a snowy country where it snows all year round, there was little that could be done. He wasn¡¯t accepted as a member of the village, so he couldn¡¯t fit in with them, and all he could do was pass the time meaninglessly. ¡°I thought about what choices I would make if I went back to the past now.¡± ¡°Did you regret it?¡± Arsene smiled softly. ¡°Regret. Of course I regret it. I regretted being part of Abella¡¯s misfortune and not having another choice. In the end, there is nothing left in my hands, so what is it that makes me so inferior?¡± Cade noticed a previously peeled veil of poison and obsession from Arsene¡¯s eyes. As if the thick snow of Snow Country stole Arsene¡¯s shell. ¡°What about you? Do you regret it?¡± Cade raised his lips to the candid question. Regret. ¡°I regret it. I regret not making a better choice. I didn¡¯t care about anything else because I struggled to win Abella¡¯s heart. I could have made a better choice for Abella. I could have pulled the Duke¡¯s carriage and prevented Carlo¡¯s death.¡± Cade mumbled bitterly. Despite returning with all his memories, he did nothing except what he had done for Abella. There was no great reason, such as being unable to defy fate. It wasn¡¯t Abella¡¯s business, so he didn¡¯t want to intervene. If only he had thought with a wider view. If only Cade could use the opportunity given to him in a better way. Could the present result have been avoided? ¡°It¡¯s my first time coming back¡­¡­.¡± Cade smiled softly. That smile was just sad without a trace. ¡°While I was wandering, Abella was getting unhappy. It was a rescue signal from Abella that we got back.¡± She was about to die, so she would have wished for life, and Skellus granted her wish. There was no manual for what happened suddenly. Cade¡¯s earnestness was immature, and no one could change fate. It¡¯s not that he was desperate or lacked effort. It¡¯s the first time he came back, so he was not experienced and he was not sure what to do to change my destiny. This time, only regret remains. ¡°In the end, I failed again.¡± ¡°We all failed.¡± Arsene corrected it. ¡°I couldn¡¯t do what I really should have done because I was blaming others. I blamed the curse, blamed Abella¡¯s heart, and was greedy for what I didn¡¯t have.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I failed from the moment I started blaming others instead of myself.¡± Cade didn¡¯t say anything to Arsene¡¯s words. Chapter 164 The sound of Kirpa, Kiya, and Timur talking was heard from the kitchen. The old man¡¯s stable voice, mixed with the innocent voices with nothing to worry about, somehow stood out. Cade drew his head down without saying a word. Cade was in a hurry. He didn¡¯t have time to look around her, thinking he couldn¡¯t miss Abella again, so he just went straight ahead as he looked at Abella. compulsively. With an excuse that it was for Abella, he didn¡¯t tell her anything. He didn¡¯t have a choice In fact, he may have been more afraid ofAbella. He feared that Abella might leave Cade once she found out all about it. And eventually Cade lost Abella. Arsene glanced at Cade, lost in his thoughts, as if he wasn¡¯t expecting an answer, and bit his lip. ¡°It looks like it will snow more.¡± Arsene, who checked outside, got up. There was no more role for Arsene to play here. ¡°I¡¯ll just go back.¡± ¡°What about Abella?¡± Arsene shook his head at Cade¡¯s heavy question. There was no place for Arsene in Abella¡¯s life. His entitlement for meddling with Abella was then lost, which drove her to her death. He didn¡¯t admit it and just struggled all this time. Because he doesn¡¯t want to admit that he helped ruin Abella. Arsene answered slowly. ¡°Now I have decided not to put any meaning to anything. I wish Abella a speedy recovery.¡± Empty, lifeless eyes grazed Cade. As Arsene was about to leave, Kirpa from the kitchen came out, wiping his hands on his apron. He asked, holding Arsene. ¡°¡­¡­ I didn¡¯t say I was going to eat.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will eat it, Kirpa.¡± Arsene shook his head and threw himself into the late evening¡¯s fierce snowstorm. Cade grabbed his head. Arsene seemed to have his mind eased. No, he seemed to have given up. Cade wiped his face with a bitter smile. * Abella blinked her eyes. The voices that were being heard were cut off. Abella, who had been listening to the story while holding her breath, grabbed her forehead and exhaled a long breath. It was only then that she noticed. The fact that she hadn¡¯t been able to breathe properly until now. ¡®I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­.¡¯ Arsene said that he regretted it. The past, when he did not hesitate to drive her to death in order to take Abella. Abella rolled her eyes down. What kind of arrogance does he have? He believed that others could make Abella happy. So does Abella regret it too? Of course she regrets it. She regrets putting off the weight of her memories on others, and regrets not trying to improve herself. She just sat there, ran away and avoided the gaze of others. When she returned to Timur, she never had a social gathering and she minimized her interactions with others. Unbeknownst to her, Abella was pushing herself into solitude. She never made an effort to get better. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Damn it. ¡°I regret it.¡± It feels like her heart is split in half. ¡°I¡¯m sorry too¡­¡­.¡± Abella buried her face in her palm. What the hell was she doing? If only she had another chance. If Abella turns back time this time too. She¡¯s not sure she¡¯ll do well this time around. Didn¡¯t Cade tell her? It was the first time so it was still a mess. ¡®Every time you turn back time, 15 years are shortened. If you touch time one more time, 30 years will be reduced. You¡¯re cutting down on your life force to get new opportunities.¡¯ Skellus boldly warned Abella. 30 years. It had no value. Wouldn¡¯t it be better for Arsene to live to pass the time and die, rather than for Cade to live in regret for the past, and for Abella to live without dying? If she could be happy even for a short time, wouldn¡¯t it be worth sacrificing 30 years? A pitiful light lingered in Abella¡¯s purple eyes. She wiped the tears from her skinny face with the palms of her hands. She found the answer in an unexpected place. The key that Abella held will be another opportunity for them. Abella opened the door and came out. There was a savory smell coming from the kitchen. Cade greeted her as he sat alone at the table. Abella seemed to know that the smile on his hard-skinned face didn¡¯t look happy in the slightest. Chapter 165 ¡°Abella, are you awake?¡± Abella nodded her head. Cade¡¯s tired face came into her eyes. A disorganized expression and an atmosphere that was not strange even if he collapses at any moment. Cade was as tired as Abella was. Abella sat across from Cade. Kiya came out of the kitchen and looked at the two of them, and then ran back inside. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to eat!¡± The chirping voice faded away. She was sorry to Kirpa and Timur, and was disturbing the three-family dinner time. Abella smiled bitterly. ¡°How did you get here?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Well. I came after you.¡± ¡°You have work to do.¡± And although Cade looks indifferent, he was in love with the Empire. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person to throw his work away and come this far. Although he looked rough, he was sincere and attentive. ¡°There is something more important than that.¡± Cade¡¯s eyes, which met Abella, were blazing as if they had been ignited in flames. Cade leaned his body closer to Abella. ¡°You are more important to me, Abella. I will follow you to the end wherever you go. I ¡­¡­. Abella, I cannot live without you.¡± Although it was a blunt confession, Abella could not read the emotions that were boiling in it. ¡®It¡¯s because of me.¡¯ It was none other than Abella who made Cade, who was always proud, like that. Cade said in a sighed voice. ¡°I don¡¯t know what else to do now, Abella.¡± Cade was exhausted and it was Abella¡¯s fault. Abella¡¯s weakness had brought Cade down to that point. Abella¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do to hold you.¡± Cade vomited his heart out. Cade¡¯s shoulders trembled as he buried his face in his palms. ¡°I think I¡¯m crazy, Abella. The thought of letting you go, even though I know I should wish for your happiness, it breaks my heart. I am anxious and sick.¡± Abella¡¯s gaze wandered through the air. ¡°What can I do, Abella?¡± Abella placed her hand on Cade¡¯s trembling hand. Cade, who always looked only strong, was now looking weak, it broke Abella¡¯s heart. ¡°¡­ ¡­ Be happy, Cade.¡± ¡°When you are happy¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I want you to be happy.¡± ¡°I want you to be happy too.¡± The conversation like a turntable wasn¡¯t boring at all. Rather, her heart ached at Cade¡¯s affectionate feeling. It seems that her past foolishness, when she thought there was no one, seems to emerge more. If she had just looked around without being stupid, could she have avoided the current misfortune? The time that has already passed has left scars for everyone, and the time that has passed was too long to fathom the future. The white gray hair caught between Cade¡¯s hair, who was in his 30s, disproved that time. Amerigo had to lose Carlo and her father as Abella was not going to do anything. If her father, who was a strong shield, had not died in the accident, he might have been able to envision a better future. If it was her first time to return and was clumsy, then it might be different. Even if it was a vain hope, it was also the best option Abella could do for everyone. Abella¡¯s eyes turned dark. Cade, who still prays for her happiness, remains in her mind to the point of being foolish. Timur said. The choice was always Abella¡¯s. ¡°¡­¡­ My happiness belongs to you, Abella. I smile when you smile and cry when you cry Maybe it¡¯s an obsession. Maybe it¡¯s my lingering feelings. But¡­¡­.¡± Cade¡¯s sighs trembled intermittently. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me, Abella.¡± It was then that Abella found the tears welling up in his eyes. Cade was falling apart because of Abella. ¡®What have I done.¡¯ Cade¡¯s shattered heart could be seen wandering around his eyes like fragments. The dark red eyes staring at Abella were in danger as if it would break at any moment. As expected, Abella wasn¡¯t the only one who was in a mess. Cade pressed his lips to the back of Abella¡¯s hand. It seems that his exhausted heart was being conveyed. Abella swallowed her tears. ¡°Cade.¡± Abella rested her own forehead against Cade¡¯s forehead. His body temperature was transmitted to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I only know this way.¡± ¡°What?¡± Abella smiled softly. She¡¯s already messed up with tears, so her sincerity may be conveyed, but she did her best to smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Cade.¡± Abella whispered in a low voice. A glimpse of Cade¡¯s anxious face over a hazy field of vision. Time is also what Abella has to pay for turning back time. Ten years¡¯ worth of her life will be cut iff. Chapter 166 Since Abella doesn¡¯t know how many years her life will have, it¡¯s impossible to predict how long she will have left. If Abella was given 60 years, she would have only 40 years left. If Abella has 100 years left, she will have 80 years left. However, what is certain is that she will never regret this choice as much as she does now. This time it is. ¡°You¡¯re going to be happy, Cade.¡± Abella gently pushed Cade away. She knew how to turn back time. Abella¡¯s risking her life as collateral¡­¡­She still has to risk her life. Skellus gave her her poison as if to urge Abella to make a choice. As she approaches death, it seems that the memories of her past come back. Even then, Abella may have reached this place, the North. She must have met Skellus, taken the poison and made selfish choices. She drank the poison in one gulp. A burning sensation in her throat burned through her entire body. Abella whispered to Cade, who looked at her with bewildered eyes. Maybe I. ¡°I think I loved you, Cade.¡± So, she must have been dangling from the edges of Cade¡¯s trousers, embarrassed, at a subject she couldn¡¯t even catch. Abella smiled loosely. ¡°What is this¡­¡­.¡± This time, she won¡¯t be foolishly blaming others for her happiness. Abella swallowed the thank you she couldn¡¯t say as her breath faded away. May I come to you in search of happiness¡­¡­. Abella ended her second life, that was a mess. * There was no grand goal. She just wanted to be a happy person this time. So that no one is unhappy with her choice. Enoch, who was caught up with her, becomes king according to his destiny, and Arsene becomes the Duke. If it wasn¡¯t for Abella, they would have been able to find happiness. If Abella hadn¡¯t left a room for Arsene because of her stupid choices. If only she hadn¡¯t brought Enoch to Timur. Enoch may have been surrounded by children like rabbits. Arsene may have met a lover and lead a similar life. And¡­¡­. Cade becomes an impeccable emperor. He was going to find a relative of an imperial family and make them his successor. That was something that could endanger the country? Maybe she won¡¯t have to listen to such nonsense. The three will be able to regain the rights they had lost because of Abella. Abella blinked her eyes. The pain, which seemed to burn her body, was gone, and a cold wind blew around her. ¡°Miss, are you awake? Madam is looking for you.¡± The voice of the maid¡¯s chatter could be heard. Abella went up to her feet. A bright light was pouring through the window. The room Abella was lying in was the room she had used in her childhood. ¡°You have to get ready and go. It¡¯s your birthday soon, isn¡¯t it? Obviously that¡¯s why she was calling.¡± Abella slowly raised her body. Guided by the maid, Abella stood in front of the mirror. The maid had put these dresses in front of her and asked which one she liked the most, but she didn¡¯t hear anything. ¡®I¡¯m alive.¡¯ Abella patted her face. She looked in the mirror, and she looked like she had just been eight years old. Tears welled up in Abella¡¯s large eyes. Abella pushed the maid away and opened the door wide. As she ran with all her might, she opened the duke¡¯s office. A heavy oak scent pierced Abella¡¯s lungs. ¡°Abella¡­¡­ ?¡± The duke, who was leaning his body, turned towards Abella. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Fa, father¡­¡­ !¡± Her father was alive. Abella¡¯s heart melted on her father¡¯s face, shining through the floating sunlight, with a kind smile and lively expression. It seemed to melt away the words that had been hanging on to her like shackles. The bitch who devoured her father. The villainess. The bastard who killed her father and survived. Such nonsensical titles. Abella fell into the Duke¡¯s arms and wept for a long time. Abella succeeded. Skellus had given Abella another chance. ¡°My sweetheart. My treasure. What happened?¡± In the arms of her loving father, Abella found her belated peace. Abella hugged the duke¡¯s neck. Happiness belongs to Abella. It was also her job to protect the duke, knowing the future. If the duke was willing to jump on his limbs to save Abella, this time she will save him. Abella vowed again and again. And¡­¡­. After that, Carlo, and then. Cade. This time for the people who always wished her happiness. Abella whispered to the Duke. ¡°I had a terrifying dream, Father¡­¡­.¡± Now, she put the story of the past deep in her heart and closed it so that she could dismiss it as a dream. For happiness. [End of Main Story] Chapter 167 After story. A new beginning was also a series of choices. However, this time, she clearly knows which was the correct answer. Abella turned around with a bright smile on her face. Again, here, it was the villa. People still accuse Abella of being cursed. Abella was still alone in the crowd for her father¡¯s birthday. But, she had Cade. Cade was still hovering around Abella. Cade never leaves Abella alone. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m dizzy.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because it goes round and round like that. Then can¡¯t we just turn in the opposite direction?¡± Cade lost all his memories. Just as Abella had hoped. ¡°Then let¡¯s go together, Cade.¡± Abella held out her hand to Cade. For the first time, Abella reached out her hand to Cade first. Cade grabbed Abella¡¯s hand. Cade, who grabbed Abella¡¯s hand, burst into laughter. ¡°Abela, do you think you are okay?¡± ¡°I think I¡¯m fine now.¡± Whatever accusations people threw at Abella today, she seemed to be okay. Abella held Cade¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°As long as you are always by my side. You won¡¯t leave me, right?¡± ¡°If you want.¡± Abella took a deep breath. ¡°I am not a cursed child, Cade.¡± ¡°Sure. You mean you just found out? I keep saying that. You are not a cursed child. Because people misunderstood.¡± Cade agreed. Cade raised his body from the bed and looked at Abella. She, who couldn¡¯t erase her melancholy, was now smiling brighter than anyone else. whether what changed Abella¡¯s heart. ¡°There must be a way to clear people¡¯s misunderstandings.¡± ¡°Of course. I will help.¡± All he has to do is follow a path that has already been set. It was a path that Cade had already walked once. Abella only needs to find the records of Skellus and find evidence of the temple¡¯s antagonism. She also knew the priest she had to follow. Abella reached out and touched Cade¡¯s cheek. His face was warm and bright, after all of the agony and pain had been removed. Abella whispered. ¡°I love you, Cade.¡± You, and your past and all of your future. Cade was pushed back. Cade crouched down with her cheeks blushing and looked at Abella with widened eyes. He then clapped her lips as if he doesn¡¯t know what to say. Cade in his childhood was a little different from the one in the future. He was a little smaller, soft and emotional. And even cute. Abella pulled her child¡¯s cheek. Cade¡¯s cheeks were as soft as dough. Her mind was a little more relaxed. * ¡°The devil bitch!¡± ¡°You are cursed. My mom tells me to never hang out with you.¡± The girls embracing the dolls circled around Abella, repeating the same words. Abella sighed and looked over the children¡¯s faces one by one. Those kids probably don¡¯t even know what they¡¯re talking about, and they¡¯re talking exactly what their parents said. Parents are the mirror of the child. ¡°Then you must have been cursed too?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°So did your father.¡± And these cute and clever children are descendants of noble families. They naturally listened to people who had more power than their parents. Abella shrugged her shoulders. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Kids who say bad things are really cursed.¡± Abella glared at them and made a cold face. as if it was the truth. The children were pushed back by Abella¡¯s momentum. When she says something like that with a serious face, it feels like the truth. Abella took one more step towards the children. ¡°So do you really want to be cursed?¡± ¡°No, no!¡± ¡°You are weird!¡± The weird things were their parents. Parents who poisoned their children. Abella smirked and turned her around. In the children¡¯s eyes, the arrogant Abella, who is silent and speaks coldly, will begin to look great. She wondered why she was afraid of this. Abella swallowed a sigh and ran away from the children. Her father, who was standing in the distance by the doorway, opened his arms to Abella. ¡°My Abella!¡± Abella hugged the duke tightly. ¡°Dad, did you just see it?¡± ¡°Of course, my daughter. You did a good job. You were never cursed or anything. Do you trust this father?¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Abella buried her head in the duke¡¯s arms. That¡¯s right, it was tonight. The day Abella and the duke rode in the carriage, and her father met death in her stead. But, that night. No one rode the carriage and no one died. That was the first time Abella had changed the future. Chapter 168 If there was a string to hold on to, there was also a string Abella had to put in place. It was a string that Abella had to put on Arsene. Arsene was also staying at this villa. Just as Cade hovered around Abella, Arsene was also hovering around Abella. Arsene was always behind Cade. As if waiting for another chance to come to her. ¡°Abella.¡± Arsene, who met Abella¡¯s eyes, smiled brightly. Abella turned away from Arsene, who stepped forward as if he was approaching her at any moment. If it had been before, she would have accepted Arsene. She would give him a smile and chat like a friend. Arsene¡¯s obsession may have been caused by Abella. Abella passed Arsene. The former Abella needed Arsene. Because she could find comfort in this loneliness and solitude. It may have been Abella¡¯s selfishness that was holding Arsene. ¡°Abella!¡± Arsene chased after her and caught her. What was in Arsene¡¯s eyes was pure desire and affection. And greed for what he didn¡¯t have was mixed with it. Abella pushed Arsene away. ¡°Arsene, let me go.¡± ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Abella pursed her lips with a pathetic expression. She had a face that looked like she was about to burst into tears. ¡°You must go. You must go to those who are looking for you.¡± ¡°Why? Won¡¯t you hold my hand?¡± Abella shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that I won¡¯t hold your hand, it¡¯s that I¡¯m letting you go. Go to those who love you, Arsene. This is my place and your place is there.¡± ¡°I do not know what you mean¡­¡­.¡± ¡°You will find out sooner or later, Arsene. But, don¡¯t forget. The people who watch over you. When you¡¯re with them, will you become nothing?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t! I like you, Abella.¡± Arsene took Abella¡¯s hand and let out his feelings. It all started with love. The desire to love and be with someone. It was a matter of what form it was expressed in. Abella remembers the affection she received from Arsene. Abella remembers the moments when he saved her from loneliness and solitude. Abella looked at Arsene one last time. Arsene was crying. He rubbed his face like a reluctant child. How many moments had to pass before such a pure feeling was distorted and destroyed. It may have been Abella who pulled out and exposed Arsene¡¯s twisted appearance. Because of the hopeful torture that Abella inflicted on him. ¡®I will take all these memories with me. The times you and I were together.¡¯ Abella grabbed Arsene¡¯s hand, and she let it go. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Arsene. I have someone I like. It¡¯s fun and nice to be with him. I feel like he has become a really precious child.¡± ¡°I, I can do that too!¡± ¡°But, you¡¯re not the one I like, Arsene. I know you are a good person. Find someone who loves you, Arsene.¡± Abella¡¯s tone of voice is mature. Arsene shook his head and stomped his foot, as if not wanting to understand. Abella watched it to the end. She had never drawn a line and cut off Arsene like this. Abella was afraid that she would be hated. She has been tormented by a fear that Arsene will hate her after she pushes him out. She wanted to be loved. She wished that at least one of them would love her more. But now she know that such selfishness can mess someone up. Abella remembered the ruin she had caused herself. ¡°Arsene, go back.¡± Arsene knew Abella would never look back. Even if he cries and screams and makes a fuss, she will turn away. Abella doesn¡¯t like Arsene. This was a complete rejection. Arsene rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and burst into tears. His painful and aching first love was ending. Arsene can¡¯t even remember the past. As Abella let her Arsene go, so Arsene let her go. * The next morning, Arsene left. It was to take Arsene, who had a fever all night, to the doctor in the capital. As Arsene left, he gave Abella a look of regret, but she didn¡¯t even wave at him. All the rooms there were cut off. Abella and her family also left the villa the next day. When she had to return alone, Abella came back together. The Duchess got off the carriage and brushed past Abella. Chapter 169 unedited There was a string that she couldn¡¯t grasp no matter how hard she tried. That was the Duchess. Abella let go of all her lust for the Duchess. Abella also placed a string that she should not have grasped in the first place. She vowed not to even walk to Vincent, just in case. It was so that she would not come into contact with the relationships she should not have entangled. So Abella¡¯s childhood went smoothly without any problems. Abella laid down her successor right. The Duke dissuaded her and Cade said she didn¡¯t have to, but it was her choice. Abella¡¯s line of succession passed to Carlo. Although Carlo was dissatisfied with Abella¡¯s choice, he was not a child who would neglect his duties. Carlo quickly established himself. Abella did the things she couldn¡¯t enjoy before. ¡°Carlo! Congratulations for the wedding.¡± ¡°Sister.¡± Carlo pulled Abella into a hug with a smiling face. Abella¡¯s determination with her successor is to find a way to save Carlo and his wife. It was disease that took them away from the world. Abella invested almost all of her fortune to figure out a way to cure the disease. People pointed out that the cursed villain was wasting her family money on worthless things, but it didn¡¯t matter. Because Abella always had people on her side. What else does she have to fear? Abella patted Carlo on the back. ¡°You punk.¡± ¡°Sister should have gotten married first. Is the emperor still silent? Shall I go and figure something out?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do useless things.¡± Abella burst out laughing. While Abella was preoccupied with the medicine, Cade was once again trying to lift the curse from her. Abella gladly provided Cade with the information she had. The temple and the imperial family are necessary evils to each other. It was more correct that Cade was involved than Abella was involved. So Cade was quickly approaching the answer. Cade was hoping that the day the curse was lifted from her, he would propose to Abella. These were really ordinary days. * Enoch became the king¡¯s heir. Arsene had a wedding ceremony with a young lady from the western estate. Judging by the rumors that Arsene was having a hard time, she thought that the young lady was not normal either. The young lady, who was recuperating in the Western countryside due to health problems, wants to raise sheep in the mansion? ¡®How are you going to raise sheep? The Duke¡¯s castle has no vegetation to do so.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t really intentional to hear Arsene raising his voice with exhaustion. It was the day of Arsene¡¯s engagement ceremony, and she heard this while going out to get some air. ¡®My father promised. If I come to the capital and marry you, he will let me raise sheep! He promised! I¡¯m going to bring it!¡¯ She was a bold and cute Count¡¯s Lady. The count of that house said that if her daughter had said so, he could even make a possible from the impossible to comfort her. The last story was that Arsene had started making a ranch on a small estate he had bought on the outskirts of the capital. Arsene was doing well. And Cade was still passionate about Abella. In the evening he sneaked out of the Imperial Castle and snooped against Amerigo¡¯s wall. Cade crossed Amerigo¡¯s wall with familiarity. ¡°Abella.¡± ¡°Is it okay for an emperor with a high stature to snoop against the wall like this?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ You can marry me.¡± Cade said with a sigh. The Duke may faint if he finds out that Abella, who hasn¡¯t been engaged, is secretly meeting Cade under the wall like this. Duke Amerigo only knew that Abella was a gentle and kind daughter. He was sincerely heartbroken with Abella¡¯s tragic love. The Duke never forced Abella to engage in political engagement or anything like that. He simply hoped that Abella could bear the pain she is suffering for her love for Cade. Duke Amerigo was opposed to Abella and Cade. He can¡¯t push Abella into hell where her end is obvious. She can¡¯t let the duke find out about her secret affair with Cade, so he jumps over the fence like a feral cat every time. ¡°Are you confident that you will get your father¡¯s permission? I am not.¡± Abella said firmly. Her only weakness was her father. ¡°¡­¡­ I fear Duke Amerigo the most.¡± Chapter 170 Duke Amerigo over the emperor. Cade took a deep breath and walked with Abella through the secret shadows. Time would pass quickly if they shared small stories and listened to it all day. It was around the time when the moon that had illuminated them was about to tilt. ¡°Now you have to go to sleep.¡± ¡°A little bit more. Aren¡¯t you sad?¡± Cade asked in a sullen voice. ¡°That¡¯s too bad. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­.¡± Cade pulled Abella. Cade hid Abella behind a large tree. Cade placed his hand on top of her and lowered his head. ¡°Lies. I¡¯m the only one who gets frustrated every time.¡± Abella smiled briefly and wrapped her hand around Cade¡¯s neck. Surprisingly, Cade had a childish side to himself. This may be Cade¡¯s true face. His nature curled up in worn out emotions. Abella liked this brightness. Abella whispered as she pressed her lips to Cade¡¯s, who was bewildered. ¡°You really think so?¡± ¡°A-Abella!¡± Abella plunged her tongue between Cade¡¯s hoarse lips. As if Abella was about to rip Cade out of his mind, she sucked at him. Cade sighed and let a moan out into Abella¡¯s mouth. ¡°Does it still look like I¡¯m sorry?¡± Abella asked, panting. As Cade frowned at her, he pulled Abella¡¯s waist towards him. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Cade called her name. He rested his forehead on Abella¡¯s neck, restless, with a face about to collapse at any moment. Abella held Cade, who was holding her and hugging her without saying a word. ¡°I love you.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Cade bit Abella¡¯s neck. It was his retaliation for brutally not returning an answer. Abella burst out laughing as she whispered to Cade. ¡°I love you, too.¡± Now she never hid her feelings or her love. It was because she now knew that the time that had passed would never return. Abella chose Cade, and she intended to take responsibility for the choices she made for the rest of her life. She would love him and cherish him. ¡°Next year, I will be able to clear your name. After that, I wouldn¡¯t have to have a secret love affair like this.¡± Cade clenched his teeth and shuddered. His hand roamed Abella¡¯s back. ¡°Ah. Next year¡­¡­ Next year my nephew will be born. Would it be really cute?¡± ¡°Abella!¡± ¡°Okay, I got it. I am looking forward to next year too.¡± Abella murmured in a happy voice. Next year, she would be able to meet her lovely guardian angel again. The thought of meeting her cute nephew made her excited again. Everything was going smoothly, as Abella had hoped. Ah. Lorelia left. A place where she has neither the position of the Duchess nor the pressure around her. She didn¡¯t look back at Abella until the end of her departure. She was concerned for Carlo and hinted at pity at the Duke, but she did not look back at Abella. Maybe that was a Lorelia-style consideration. Abella had become a little more free. Lorelia left without revealing her destination. She would never come back. ¡®I don¡¯t know if I should have done that in the first place.¡¯ When Abella gave out the bitterness, she hid it deeply. Lorelia wore the guise of a Duchess, and had been tempering herself endlessly. The arrogant elders in Amerigo would never have accepted her. As if they were still rejecting and insulting Abella. ¡°Abella, what are you thinking?¡± Cade asked. ¡°That I want to be with you.¡± Abella replied calmly. Cade bit Abella¡¯s lips, as if knowing that it wasn¡¯t. ¡°For real!¡± ¡°Because if you lie, you will get a mark. What are you thinking about? Maybe another man?¡± ¡°I¡¯m too overwhelmed by you.¡± Abella kissed Cade once more. * The long-awaited child was born. The baby born to Carlo and his wife got the same name again. Abella remembered the loveliness of this child. He reached out his little hand and opened his little mouth, saying with affection, ¡®Auntie, I¡¯ll protect you! I¡¯m your guardian angel!¡¯ Abella tickled the child¡¯s plump cheeks with her fingers. ¡°Uunngg¡­ .¡± Perhaps this child, who used to spit words more mature than his age, was also a person with memories. Thanks to the foolish Abella, even this little child had to bear the burden. Bright eyes resembling Carlo followed Abella¡¯s fingertips. Laughter erupts as the child moves to reach out and grab her hand. Abella called out the child¡¯s name. ¡°Simon. Simon Amerigo.¡± This time, it will be possible to pass on a brilliant future to Simon. This time, Abella will protect this child and Amerigo. Chapter 171 The child¡¯s lips twitched as if he knew his name. ¡°Uu-uung.¡± ¡°Sister.¡± Carlo placed a hand on Abella¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Carlo. How are you feeling?¡± Abella asked something she had never asked before. ¡°What does it feel like to be a father? What are you thinking?¡± Abella grinned as she spat out the questions in a row. ¡°How did it feel to become an adult before this sister?¡± ¡°Oh, Sister!¡± Carlo quickly turned his blushing face. He now noticed that Abella was making fun of him. ¡°When did the bed-wetter Carlo grow so big? Congratulations, Brother.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that again, Sister. Bed-wetter. Simon will hear!¡± ¡°They all grow up like that. Carlo, next time¡­¡­.¡± Abella messed up Carlo¡¯s hair as she clouded her words. She had to tiptoe because of the height difference, but this would be the last time. Because her younger brother has surpassed Abella to become an adult. Carlo grunted and turned his head to fix his hair. ¡°What next time?¡± ¡°Next time, you¡¯d better have a daughter. If she looks like your wife, she¡¯ll be really pretty. Now that you have a son, shouldn¡¯t it be fair to have a daughter next?¡± ¡°What do you mean by that!¡± Carlo burst out laughing. ¡°I¡¯m speaking in your interest, Carlo.¡± Abella stabbed Carlo in the chest with her index finger. ¡°For me?¡± ¡°Yes. Simon will only be on his mother¡¯s side? So, shouldn¡¯t you also have at least one of yours?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I have Sister.¡± Carlo murmured in a grouchy voice. When she saw him with this kind of image, he was like a childish child, but already demonstrating his abilities as the head of the family. Was there anything as useful as the passage of time? Abella said playfully. ¡°Who said that? That I¡¯ll be on your side.¡± ¡°Sister?¡± ¡°I¡¯m on Simon side. Then I¡¯ll be on your wife¡¯s side.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Haa. That¡¯s unfair.¡± Carlo and Abella burst out laughing at the same time. Startled by the sound of the grown-ups¡¯ laughter, Simon whined and reached out his hand. Ellowen, who was watching the child, cuddled the baby. As she held the baby in her arms, the sound of her calling out Simon¡¯s name, and whispers of baby-soothing fell into Abella¡¯s ears. This was the scene Abella had dreamed of. She had thought that she would enjoy this kind of happiness until she found out about Carlo¡¯s death. Duke Amerigo, intrigued by the joy of seeing the baby, opened the door and entered. The person who had previously shouted, ¡®My daughter, Abella!¡¯ was now shouting Simon¡¯s name. ¡°Simon! Simon!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not such a tender name, Dad!¡± Carlo protested. However, Abella knew he would soon whisper Simon¡¯s name with a melted face. That was also the case in the letters he sent her to her. He used to say he didn¡¯t like the soft name of Simon, and yet he sent her such letters like ¡®My Simon did a flip today, sister.¡¯. ¡°This punk. Stop disturbing us and go away.¡± Duke Amerigo clicked his tongue and pushed Carlo¡¯s forehead away. Carlo, who had a dissatisfied face, made a face that could not be helped. In front of Duke Amerigo, the child¡¯s father or the head of the family was of no use. And so was Abella. It seemed that all of the past she had lived in was scattered like a bubble. Abella loved the scenery she had created. And the choice that gave her courage. * ¡°I want to be a father too.¡± ¡°What?¡± Abella had a surprised face at Cade¡¯s sudden announcement. Cade, who had rolled over the bed, embracing her, buried his face in the pillow. He didn¡¯t look like a stranger who had invaded Abella¡¯s bedroom over the walls of Duchy Amerigo. ¡°I want to have a daughter just like you, Abella.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ Simon is not a girl.¡± Abella shook her head, knowing what Cade was talking about. Cade pursed his lips and pulled Abella¡¯s hand. Cade bit her fingers in revenge, sighing and laying her straight on her back. ¡°You don¡¯t want to?¡± ¡°What. Were you serious? Are you telling an unmarried lady you want to have a child¡­¡­.¡± Cade pulled on Abella. ¡°The head of the temple will change soon. Skellus will be freed from his false accusations and will return as a legitimate god again. A memorial service will be held nationwide for the children of Skellus who died. To comfort the bereaved families who have fallen victim to political games.¡± Chapter 172 ¡°The prestige of the temple will fall to the ground.¡± ¡°They deserve it¡­¡­ No, I am not talking about that now, Abella.¡± Cade kissed Abella¡¯s neck. He rubbed his face against Abella¡¯s hair as he continued. ¡°There will be no more barriers to stop us. Now there will be no one who will criticize me for loving you.¡± ¡°Therefore?¡± Abella whispered as she wrapped her arms around Cade. ¡°Let¡¯s get married, Abella.¡± In the end, what he wanted to say was this. The words that had been said so far were the introduction for the present. Abella turned around and kissed Cade¡¯s lips. It was after a long while before Abella whispered, tickling Cade¡¯s cheek. ¡°Say more.¡± ¡°Marry me, Abella. Be my bride. Stop torturing me now and be my savior.¡± Cade pleaded. She only heard these words after repeating two lives. Abella nodded her head with a face that looked like she was about to cry. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I love you, Abella.¡± ¡°I love you too, Cade.¡± Cade rolled on her bed, hugging Abella. ¡°Ah! Finally!¡± He then burst out exclaiming and laughed. This was what he has been looking forward to for a long time. ¡°When do you want it?¡± ¡°I like spring.¡± ¡°Okay, then next spring.¡± ¡°I want to wear a yellow wedding dress.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not allowed. It¡¯s been a long time dream of me to see you in a white wedding dress. Give it up.¡± Abella looked at Cade with a smirk and nodded her head. As if she had done a great favor for him. ¡°Okay. You can do it however you like. And I don¡¯t want to have a wedding in a temple.¡± ¡°I agree with that.¡± Not knowing how time flew by, they exchanged stories about the marriage. Abella bit her lip, hiding her tickling inside. Abella would finally become the bride of the man she loved. She didn¡¯t know how long she could be with Cade. Skellus said she wouldn¡¯t be given too much time. She will surely pay her price for turning back time. Nevertheless, Abella wanted to live with Cade, even if she only had one day to live. Abella burrowed into Cade¡¯s arms. His scent was infused on her. She also liked this. It was when Abella was about to close her weary eyes. ¡°Ack! Duke!¡± ¡°Abella!!¡± Abella rose to her feet with a wide awake face away from her tiredness. It was the same with Cade. ¡°I have to open the door right now!¡± ¡°Duke! Wait, wait¡­¡­ !¡± It sounded as if the maids taking care of Abella were trying to stop the duke with all their might. Duke Amerigo cried like a roar. ¡°It must have been a male voice! Even I heard that while walking in the garden!!¡± It was the howl of a wounded beast. Abella and Cade made eye contact. Cade rolled down from the bed and headed straight to the balcony. Abella quickly cleared the trail of his stay. She then looked for a book in the guise of a virtuous daughter. The duke opened the door and came in and questioned her several times with a suspicious face, but Abella naturally pulled it off. With a face as if the world had collapsed, the duke gave Abella a full speech about how dangerous men were. Abella burst out a happy laugh in front of him, who was serious. ¡°For God¡¯s sake, Abella.¡± ¡°But, it¡¯s funny. Father, I am an adult!¡± ¡°You will always be my baby. Whoo¡­¡­ Anyway, I¡¯m glad nothing happened.¡± The duke stroked Abella¡¯s hair and left the room. Inwardly, he vowed to make a decision on that punk Emperor. * Cade succeeded in reforming the temple. The temple no longer condemned Skellus as a heretic and no longer referred to children born on the day of Skellus as being cursed. The people of the Empire who watched the reformation of the temple threw stones at the temple and poured out abusive language. They were the ones who lost loved ones because of politics. After the faith was broken, all that was left was a grave stained with tears. So Abella became free. That day, Duke Amerigo forgot his appearance and embraced Abella and burst into tears. He protected his daughter, who he had almost lost. Abella had regained normalcy. And she got a new title. ¡®A symbol of good fortune surviving adversity.¡¯ ¡®The Guardian of Amerigo.¡¯ ¡®The savior of shameful history.¡¯ Those were unfamiliar names. She was a villainess and a devil, and in an instant, she became a person who saved the country¡¯s disgrace. They were acquired because she survived the stained history. The people who pointed fingers at her took pity on Abella. Abella endured the long pain because of what she had to do. Chapter 173 It was incredibly easy. Abella, who became ordinary, prepared an event for Cade. She didn¡¯t think it was that great. All she wanted to do was do something memorable, even just once, for Cade, who had always been on Abella¡¯s side throughout her three lives. A day that would never be wasted even if it was left in her memory for the rest of her life. ¡°Abella, how about this?¡± Duke Amerigo, who wanted to share everything with his daughter, waved the ribbon in his hand. Seeing the pink ribbon fluttering in the air, Carlo snatched it up. ¡°It¡¯s too childish. Is Sister a child now?¡± ¡°Carlo, you! Your sister didn¡¯t like pink very much when she was young.¡± ¡°But why is it pink?¡± ¡°She might like it now.¡± Abella, who turned away from the bickering Duke Amerigo and Carlo, pulled out a purple ribbon. This was a much better choice than pink. ¡°Ellowen. Is this even better?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the same color as Abella¡¯s eyes, so it has a meaning.¡± The maids skillfully decorated the greenhouses with the ribbons Ellowen and Abella chose. As summer approached, the lily of the valley filling the greenhouse swayed in the sky among the purple ribbons. ¡°How did you come up with this idea? I think he will really like it.¡± Ellowen smiled with her eyes. Abella saw Ellowen for the first time in this life. She was the one who was with Carlo for the rest of her life, and at the same time she gave birth to Simon. She was also someone Abella had heard of countless times through Carlo¡¯s letters. Carlo tried not to show it off, but he loved Ellowen. Just like Abella loved Cade. Abella succeeded in protecting Ellowen and Carlo. Because there was no disease without medicine, they succeeded in making a cure before their disease developed. Simon was now three years old, but Carlo and Ellowen were still alive. Ellowen was a much nicer person than she had seemed in the letters. She was such a pretty person that everyone couldn¡¯t help but fall for her when she smiled. It was Ellowen who had the heart enough to protect Abella who was being pointed at with a warm heart. As Carlo assured in the letter, Abella fell in love with her as soon as she saw Ellowen. Abella smiled following Ellowen. ¡°There are many things I want to do, but because I am a person who has so much. So, I wanted to present a memory to that person.¡± ¡°Abella is such a pretty person.¡± Ellowen whispered to Abella, and lifted a flower engraved from among the laces lying on the table. ¡°Would it be nice to look cool in summer? Let¡¯s use this cloth, Abella.¡± ¡°Good idea. Without Carlo and Father, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to finish it today¡­¡­. Thanks to Ellowen.¡± ¡°Carlo is helpless in this respect, right?¡± Ellowen laughed out loud. She had a sweet smile for a mother of a three-year-old child. Ellowen took Abella¡¯s hand and waved it. Beyond the cheerful Ellowen, Carlo and Duke Amerigo, who were still struggling, were reflected. Anyway, the two of them were still there. They were by her side as Abella had hoped. Abella smiled softly. Preparations were coming to an end. The scented, purple candles that the servants had carefully purchased were placed in the glass greenhouse. The scent of flowers that gently pricked her nose, the gentle breeze and the sound of insects on a summer night was about to fill the greenhouse. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± A maid came running to her with a more excited face. It¡¯s cute to see the maid gasping for breath and beckoning outside with a hot face. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Yes! Then I will send everyone around away. If you need anything, just ring the bell, miss!¡± The maid, who was often trying to step back, stopped for a moment. She then turned her body and cried with twinkling eyes. ¡°Miss, you can do it!¡± Abella nodded her head. Cade arrived shortly after the maid left. Unlike her previous life, Cade¡¯s face had a relaxed smile. Before, Cade looked tired and older than his age, but now Cade was a cheerful young man. This was how Abella felt the power of the things she had changed. ¡°Abella, I was wondering because you asked me to come here. What is all this?¡± Even as he asked this question, Cade had a flushed face. Redness filled his fair cheeks. His dark hair covered his forehead, and his red eyes shimmered like a star. Being a quick-witted person, there was no way that he could not have noticed what Abella was trying to do. Cade just wanted to make sure. Chapter 174 Abella fiddled with the red dress she was wearing for today. She looked like a coveted rose blooming in a purple feast. It was the dress she requested specifically to match Cade¡¯s red eyes. ¡°I have something to say, so I called you, Cade.¡± Abella agreed to pretend Cade didn¡¯t know. Because she didn¡¯t want to ruin his excitement and her expectations. Abella held out her hand to Cade. ¡°Something you want to say?¡± Cade laid his own hand on Abella¡¯s hand. He was going to pretend he didn¡¯t know until the end, but when he saw Abella trembling, he also trembled unknowingly. Cade took a deep breath and tightened his hand that was holding Abella¡¯s hand. His red eyes darkened. Abella slowly sank on her knees in front of Cade. She had always been receiving from Cade. Abella didn¡¯t know why she took it for granted. Cade was just doing his best for Abella. He was also young and only a human. He was definitely not someone Abella could lean on all the time. Abella pressed her lips deep into the back of Cade¡¯s hand. A warmth radiated from the burning hand. It seems to leave a fire mark on her lips. ¡®Cade is nervous too.¡¯ Abella lifted her head and blinked at Cade¡¯s taut chin. ¡°Cade, you said. When the day comes when we can be blessed, let¡¯s get married.¡± That¡¯s what Cade said to Abella in the not-too-distant past. Cade whispered to Abella an eternal bond over the downfall of the temple and the restoration of Skellus. ¡°Remember?¡± ¡°How can I not remember? I was looking forward to that day.¡± Cade answered Abella¡¯s question. ¡°And I made up my mind that day. If that day comes, I¡¯ll propose to you first. I¡¯ve only been taking from you, Cade. So I wanted to do something for you too.¡± ¡°I¡­¡­.¡± Before Cade could speak, she put the ring on his finger. It was a ring that was warmed by her body temperature. A small lump of carbon that lit up the summer night with a dazzling light settled on Cade¡¯s fourth finger. ¡°I¡¯ll say it first, Cade.¡± Abella spoke firmly, and she kissed Cade¡¯s fingertips. ¡°Let¡¯s get married. We are really getting married.¡± Abella muttered, struggling to hide her tears. Cade seemed to have pushed the flooding past that she didn¡¯t even remember. All of the feelings permeated her. This time she was able to achieve a result she had never achieved before. ¡°Abella¡­¡­.¡± Cade called her in a repressed voice. ¡°I will make you happy for the rest of your life. You¡¯re the emperor and you have everything, so there¡¯s not much I can promise you. But, Cade. I will do my best for your happiness.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I will always be with you wherever you go. I promise I won¡¯t leave you alone. Even if death separates us, my heart will always be by your side.¡± The wind blew through the open window. The gentle scent of jasmine swept over them. It was kind of a dreamy night. Abella¡¯s eyelids trembled. ¡°So let¡¯s get married, Cade. We will be one forever.¡± However, there was no reply even after waiting for a long time. Abella raised her head. ¡°Are you crying? Wait, Cade. why are you crying!¡± Abella burst out laughing. Even the tension was shattered. Abella hugged Cade like a child. ¡°I have to keep this a secret. The Emperor of the Empire is in tears!¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of you¡­¡­.¡± Cade muttered in a hoarse voice to his nose and face buried in Abella¡¯s shoulder. ¡°So you¡¯re not getting married?¡± ¡°I am!¡± Cade answered as if never to think about anything else. * Cade and Abella¡¯s wedding was a grandiose ceremony. The wedding hall was full of people blessing the two. This time no one was against Abella. Just as Abella and Cade wished. ¡°Are you happy?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± At Abella¡¯s question, Cade smiled with a face blooming like a flower. She was now able to answer that she was happy without hesitation. Abella¡¯s choice, as she turned time around, was right. Everyone was smiling at Abella¡¯s choice. Her shortened life was not wasted in the slightest. A total of 20 years¡¯ worth of her life had been taken away, so Abella didn¡¯t know how much time she had left now. Abella decided to live for Cade, even for the rest of her life, that she would do her best for him. ¡°Let¡¯s have a baby, Cade. Let¡¯s have just three children who look like us.¡± They would be the pillars holding Cade up even after Abella left. Cade was a kind hearted person and he would fall in love with the kids. With that affection, Cade would live in the world Abella left and he would come to her side in a very distant future. Chapter 175 Abella pulled Cade¡¯s neck while hiding all of her innermost thoughts. ¡°Abella!¡± The bride¡¯s wedding dress was pressed against the bed, making a rustling sound. Abella laid Cade down on the bed. Her hair, which the servants carefully made, was pressed into the bed and messed up. Abella lowered her head and pressed her lips to Cade¡¯s. Abella whispered as she pulled down the hem of Cade¡¯s shirt. ¡°It¡¯s three.¡± It was a whisper that signaled a long night. * Abella fulfilled the life plan she had set out. On the first night of her wedding, she conceived a child. Giving birth to her child was a first for Abella, who lived three lives. She also felt the fetal movement of the child swimming in her belly, which inflated like a giant balloon. ¡°Here, Cade.¡± Abella took Cade¡¯s hesitant hand and placed it on her. The strong baby kicked Cade¡¯s palm. ¡°The baby¡­¡­.¡± Cade looked back at Abella with a startled face. It was not the first time he felt it move, but he had the same reaction every time. Was it because this was his first child? Abella clasped her fingers in Cade¡¯s. ¡°Why are you surprised every time?¡± ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s fascinating. Is there really a child in there?¡± ¡°There is. There will be a child who looks half like you and half me.¡± ¡°How can you guarantee that?¡± ¡°Look at Simon. You think he looks like Carlo, but if you look closely, he also looks like Ellowen.¡± ¡°That¡­¡­.¡± Cade agreed. Babies were really amazing. When he was young, they thought he was a Carlo counterpart, but as he grew little by little, a resemblance to Ellowen began to stand out. So did Simon¡¯s sibling. The baby, who was born earlier this year, was named Yuella. The baby was named by Abella herself, and Yuella was also born on Skellus Day. But now, no one talked about Yuella as a symbol of curse. Rather, people were merely praising the grace of God that Yuella received. ¡°Do you want a daughter or a son?¡± Abella brought up the question that she had been putting off. ¡°A daughter. I want a daughter who resembles you.¡± Cade murmured in a sighing voice. It was because all the ladies who saw Abella¡¯s stomach were saying that this imperial child was a son. And Abella, for some reason, lived with the words that a son was about to be born. Cade touched Abella¡¯s stomach with a sad look. ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want a son. just¡­¡­ It is a wish.¡± ¡°It might be a daughter next time.¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± With Cade smiling, he gently lowered his head over Abella¡¯s stomach. Abella caught the scene that warmed her heart. Things that she could not have imagined in her previous life were taking place for granted in this life. Abella stroked Cade¡¯s hair. The warmth and affection in his eyes were all real. Abella took Cade¡¯s hand and kissed the palm. It was hard to move around with a bloated stomach, but it was always nice to show affection like this. Abella decided not to spare her feelings any longer. ¡°Did you name the baby?¡± ¡°No¡­¡­ Not yet.¡± ¡°Why? You bragged that you could name it.¡± Abella asked playfully. She poked Cade in the side, wondering why he still didn¡¯t. Cade muttered awkwardly. ¡°When I see the baby¡¯s face, it may immediately come to mind. But now I don¡¯t know yet. I want to give the baby a name that suits them best¡­¡­.¡± ¡°What are the candidates? There must be candidates.¡± ¡°¡­¡­ I think it must be a son.¡± Cade spoke with a slightly gloomy face and then put his finger up. ¡°Windelhart, Chase, Chewinster. These are three candidates I had in mind.¡± ¡°I think everything is fine. I am most attracted to Windelhart.¡± ¡°Then shall we do that?¡± ¡°That¡¯s good too.¡± Abella nodded her head like a puppy. As such, Cade¡¯s worries disappeared without a hitch, and the first child¡¯s name was chosen as Windelhart. It must have been the day when the rain of flowers falling outside the window had stopped. Cade and Abella¡¯s first child was born. * ¡°Windelheart!!¡± ¡°Call me big brother!¡± Windelhart sighed and lifted his little sister in a flash. Abella had one more child than she had planned. It was because all three children were born as sons. For the depressed Cade, Abella eventually succeeded in giving birth to a fourth child, a daughter. People said it was all through Cade¡¯s long-cherished wish for a daughter. ¡°Lyrica? , come here.¡± Cade knelt down and extended his hand to Lyrica. Unlike Windelhart, who was already 17 years old, Lyrica was only 6 years old. Windelhart would often stick his chest forward and claim that Lyrica was raised by him. Lyrica was a copy of Abella. The purple eyes and the hair, as if woven by the stars. Cade¡¯s eyes blurred. Cade saw Abella through Lyrica. It had been three years since Abella left Cade and the children. Abella died the same year Lyrica was three years old. She was as aloof as someone who had been waiting for her death. Even with her body, which was suddenly debilitating. She told Cade over and over again, like a habit. ¡®Cade. You must never come to me until Lyrica gets married. You have to enjoy it as much as you can and then come to me.¡¯ It became a spell to keep Cade by the children¡¯s side. For Cade, who had no reason to live in a world without Abella, she gave him a new motivation. Cade stopped his young daughter and measured her height. ¡°How tall are you, my daughter.¡± ¡°Daaad! Big brother hit me in the head!¡± Lyrica pointed to the top of her head, where Windelhart had hit. Cade lifted his body up as he kissed Lyrica¡¯s cheek as she asked for a hug in a childlike manner. ¡°Windelhart, apologize to Lyrica.¡± Windelhart quickly said in envy, seeing Cade, who spoke solemnly. ¡°My little sister, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Hmm! Lyrica will forgive you because Lyrica is kind.¡± Lyrica said softly. Today was the day they went to see Abella. Abella slept forever comfortably in happiness. And it was Windelhart¡¯s birthday. The beginning of summer when the flower rain falls. Taden and Herrington, who were really late, ran up the hill with bouquets of flowers. Abella wanted to rest in a place overlooking the whole of the Imperial Castle. Cade granted her wish. Perhaps because of that, on warm days in the sun, he felt like Abella was watching over him. Abella didn¡¯t want others to be sad because she was gone. So, on the day Abella left, they chatter, joke, and laugh more. ¡°Sleepyheads. Can¡¯t you come faster?¡± Herrington and Taden sped up when Windelhart taunted them. The bouquet they had prepared for Abella waved in the wind, but Cade just burst into laughter. Maybe Abella did too. A little late that morning, everyone gathered in front of Abella¡¯s place. ¡°Mom! Windelhart hit me!¡± Lyrica jumped out of Cade¡¯s arms and hugged the tree, giving her own chattering. Lyrica believed that Abella had been reborn as a tree. Even if Windelhart said that couldn¡¯t happen because the tree had been there for so long, Lyrica didn¡¯t seem to accept it. ¡°Mother, I¡¯m innocent.¡± Windelhart whispered softly. It was a voice so low that Lyrica couldn¡¯t hear it, but Abella probably heard it. ¡°Wah, Mom. Sorry! Because Herrington is late!¡± ¡°What are you talking about, Taden? You woke up late!¡± Cade lightly clasped the heads of the two quarreling younger brothers. ¡°Both of you are late, but you talk a lot.¡± ¡°Fa, Father!¡± ¡°Father!¡± The two shouted at the same time as if it was unfair. However, while puffing their cheeks, the two did not respond any further. Cade smiled as he watched the children chattering nonstop. Abella had promised Cade. ¡®I¡¯ll make you happy, Cade.¡¯ And she kept that promise. Like Abella, Cade would live happily ever after. Later, he would return to her side. [End of the After Story]