Chapter 89

89

"The soul of a dead human...?"

It wasn't just any death. They were all massacred at once to create a spirit. How could anyone do such a terrible thing...!

Somnia's anger was vividly transmitted to me, her contractor. I, too, felt a great shock and anger, trembling with both hands. The numerous faces protruding from the form of that spirit... Could they all have been real people who were massacred...?

'How... could they do such an unforgivable thing...?'

In Theodore's memories... the one who controlled the spirit was undoubtedly Owen's mage. This means that Owen and the Everett family were behind the creation of the spirit...

The Everett family massacred so many people...

“...Ugh!”

Suddenly, a strong urge to vomit overwhelmed me, and I clamped my mouth shut, retching. My heart raced, fast and unstable. I never imagined Owen could be so cruel.

'Human trash... no, not even human. A monster. ...A devil's spawn, even killing him wouldn't be enough. How can he bear such sins!'

My extreme hatred for Owen surged fiercely. The thought of seeing him tomorrow was terrifying. Having to call that devil 'big brother' and act obediently...

‘...It’s too horrifying.’

Goosebumps rose on my arms. I rubbed my arms with both hands and bit my lip, then suddenly turned to look at Theodore. He was still unconscious.

I was worried that something might have gone wrong with him. I asked Somnia again.

"Somnia, what about Theodore? Why isn't he waking up?"

His mental state is still unstable. It will take some time for his damaged memories to be properly organized.

“...”

I stared at Theodore, who looked like he was sleeping peacefully with his eyes closed, and fell into thought again.

Owen and that mage, the spirit created through cruel means... and the rifts.

‘...If the balance of magic and elemental power is disrupted, rifts occur, right?’

If there is a being created by magic that defies the natural order, wouldn't rifts occur around it? Abnormally dense magic would disrupt the balance with elemental power...

‘That spirit... caused the rifts. The frequent rifts in Veronice over the past few years...’

...were all the work of Owen and the Everett family.

‘I never thought...’

That the masterminds behind the rifts were really the Everetts.

A cold chill ran from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. ...If so, Camille Valentine's death... must also be the work of the Everett family.

‘Camille Valentine died trying to stop a sudden rift...’

That rift... was likely caused by the spirit controlled by the mage.

And perhaps, even the deaths of the previous Duke and Duchess of Valentine... could have been the work of the Everetts.

‘How old is that mage? When did he start helping the Everett family...? According to Charlotte's investigation, he joined Owen's ranks recently.’

All sorts of speculations swirled in my head, a chaotic mess. My intuition strongly shouted that all of this was the work of the Everetts, but I needed more concrete evidence. For example, capturing the mage and making him confess.

‘...First, I need to make sure Owen doesn't suspect anything.’

Owen was incredibly perceptive. If I showed any signs of distress while dealing with him tomorrow, he would immediately notice. I need to warn Theodore as well to avoid any issues.

‘The spirit was the one who made Theodore lose his memory...’

Just before Theodore's consciousness was cut off, the spirit attacked him. Before that, Owen's mage had attacked Theodore and injured his head.

‘Why did the spirit make Theodore lose his memory? To hide the fact that there were signs of a rift around it?’

That's likely. If Theodore had discovered the artificial rift, he wouldn't have remained silent.

Theodore would have tried to capture the mage and the spirit, and ultimately exposed the Everett family's evil deeds.

If it were revealed that the Everett family had been causing artificial rifts, a great upheaval would ensue. The kingdom would be divided, and other countries might invade under the pretext of justice.

For the Everett family, who wanted to keep the Kingdom of Francis under their control and benefit from it, this would have been a bad outcome.

‘But... why did Theodore lose his memory of me as well as the mage and the spirit?’

That question suddenly came to mind.

“Ugh...”

Theodore's pained groan reached my ears. I quickly turned my head to check on him. He slowly opened his eyes, frowning and clenching his teeth. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

“...Are you okay?”

“...”

When I asked, Theodore looked up at me with his blue eyes. His gaze was tender, like that of a wounded animal, but I was no longer affected by it.

“Lily...”

“Do you remember?”

“...”

Theodore looked confused and extremely distressed. He opened his mouth to look at me and suddenly a tear fell from his eye. I just stared at him expressionlessly.

Theodore spoke in a hoarse voice.

“I remember everything.”

“...”

“I remember everything... all the memories I lost...”

That meant he remembered the times when he was affectionate to me.

I just stared at him silently. Theodore straightened his back, which had been leaning against the sofa, and ran his hands over his face.

It was easy to read the self-loathing on his face.

“I know it's too late...”

“...”

“So I'll do whatever you want. For you, anything...”

He spoke as if desperately clinging to me, pleading with me. I knew what he wanted without asking. He... wanted to gain even a small piece of my forgiveness, just as I once wanted a small piece of his attention.

...I opened my mouth and spoke sincerely.

“...I don't want to forgive you.”

“...”

“If I forgive you, your guilt might lessen a little. But what about me? My wounds are still there.”

“...”

“Forgiveness... is not a virtue. It's just rationalization and deceit.”

Moreover, I was clearly born with a nature that could never forgive, even on my deathbed.

Whether it takes ten years or a hundred, I will definitely take my revenge.

So the only mercy I can show you... is to leave quietly without taking revenge.

Because I understand that you have lost so much to the Everett family... and that the original sin of the Everett family is the cause of our unhappiness, which made you hate me.

“...Don't ask anything of me, Theodore.”

“...”

“We are completely over. No longer husband and wife, lovers... nothing.”

Deep despair clouded his eyes. I turned my back on him. I walked to the door, grabbed the handle, and left the room, leaving him alone.

Just as realization and love came too late, forgiveness also came too late.

* * *

Morning came as usual.

After discussing with Theodore late into the night and not getting much sleep, I was very tired.

‘This is actually good.’

Owen and Hessen will be very pleased to see me looking so miserable.

‘If I can make them complacent, the chances of my plan succeeding will increase.’

I got out of bed and stood up, ready to start the day. It was 7:00 AM. Charlotte... is she still sleeping? She usually wakes me up around this time.

Just then, the side door opened, and Charlotte entered the room. She looked a bit rushed and very tired.

Charlotte was surprised to see me already awake and approached me, asking,

“Madam, you're already up? Did you sleep well?”

“Hmm... Did you sleep well?”

“No... I didn't sleep at all.”

Charlotte shook her head as she helped me up. I listened quietly to her chattering as we headed to the bathroom.

“Ever since I heard about that spirit from you yesterday, I've felt terrible, and I had nightmares last night. I couldn't sleep at all.”

Charlotte was very disturbed by the story of the spirit. She even cried, feeling sorry for the victims.

‘To honor their souls... the Everett family must be brought down.’

It was surprising to see Charlotte, who always acted for my sake, now showing her own resolve. I secretly hoped she would live according to her own will rather than for me. So that she could live well and not be too sad after I leave her side.

“What would you like for breakfast? Oh, by the way, happy birthday, Madam! I'll give you my gift later tonight!”

“...Thank you. Just give me something simple for breakfast.”

“No way! It's your birthday! I should bring you a feast for breakfast...”

I smiled faintly as I watched Charlotte chatter endlessly.

It would be nice if someone else could be with Charlotte... someone who could support her after I'm gone.

The realization that my days were numbered suddenly made me feel sad.

* * *

The strange seaside painting was undoubtedly sent by Owen to confirm that Theodore had indeed lost his memory.

I investigated who drew the painting, but found no clues. ...No wonder. The painting, which contained very subtle magic, was likely drawn by Owen's mage.

‘That's why Derrick couldn't find any traces of magic. The mage... is definitely not an ordinary person.’

“Madam, um... the Duke sent a gift.”

Charlotte's voice broke my thoughts. I paused, sipping my morning tea, and looked at the box she was holding.

...A gift from Theodore. It felt strange. To think I would receive a birthday gift from him. Now... I don't feel any joy at all.

I said in a bitter voice,

“Just leave it there. I'll open it later.”

“Oh, yes...! And there's a letter.”

Charlotte showed me a letter tucked between the ribbons on the box. Right, of course. I nodded calmly.

The gift box was placed on the console by the door. I stared at it blankly while sipping my morning tea. Theodore... must have known about my birthday. He knew but pretended not to.

‘...What a bad person.’

And now he's wishing me a happy birthday. After I no longer want his wishes.

But I don't want to lash out at him over this. It would just be a waste of emotion.

And I don't want to cause any unnecessary setbacks at a time when all my plans for revenge need to be perfect. Theodore... would feel the same way.

“...”

Yesterday, Theodore, upon learning the reason for his memory loss and gaining the certainty that the Everett family was causing the rifts, seemed to be seized by strong hatred again.

In the past, that hatred would have been directed at me, but now that he knows I'm not in league with the Everett devils, he just vents his anger.

Seeing this, I suddenly thought... Perhaps, you were pouring your hatred for the Everetts onto me, thinking I was their accomplice.

In other words, I was just a scapegoat.

‘...What a terrible thing.’

Even if you misunderstood me.

That misunderstanding was absurd.

Just as I felt a lump in my throat and gripped my teacup tightly,

Knock knock—

A soft knock came from the door, followed by a servant's voice.

“Madam, there's a message. The two young lords of the Everett family have just arrived at the Valentine Castle.”

“...”

Charlotte looked at me with a tense expression.

I stared at the door expressionlessly.

...It's here. Yes.

‘Just as I hoped.’

Seeing their faces again after so long, I will be able to vividly renew my hatred.

I put down my teacup and stood up. Approaching the mirror to check my appearance, I saw a woman with a cold smile and a venomous gaze.

Let's see.

Who will win in the end.

Owen, Hessen, and Father... the Everett family.

I will definitely send you all to hell.