Chapter 233: Chapter 233

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

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

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

“May I tell you something else?”

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

“I’m sure you’ll like hearing it.”

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

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

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

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

The marquis switched to a different type of tea.

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

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

“What is this?”

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

Even without Verdic, Raymond had plenty of useful cards.

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

* * *

Could survival be possible in this lifetime?

This time, truly, could she survive?

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

Raymond felt a grim sense of hope.

* * *

“…Alright.”

Isella stood up abruptly and spoke to Zion.

“Not saying anything because it’s burdensome is more burdensome, so I’ll tell you. When in doubt, it’s better to say it. Money can handle the aftermath.”

She hadn’t told Zion everything, but talking helped her make up her mind. Zion shook her hand and encouraged her.

“I don’t know what it is, but I hope it goes well.”

“Yes.”

Isella had decided. It was best to tell Carynne.

No matter how unsettling Carynne was, not telling her would keep Isella feeling uneasy. It was right to tell her the truth and give her the chance to make a decision.

And she knew that she had enough allowance to handle the situation with Carynne. Isella tried to think lightly. It might not be such a big deal. She had a lot of money. She realized that the more she thought about it, the more it would bother her if she didn’t say anything, ultimately causing her more trouble.

“And Sir Zion, it’s okay that you don’t have money.”

“Thank you.”

“But it’s not because I like you immensely. I have enough to be generous.”

“I’ll make sure to like you more then.”

Isella didn’t feel too bad even if Zion liked her money more. She started to understand why. She preferred someone accommodating her rather than herself admiring someone else.

Carynne was still unsettling. She couldn’t understand why. But she was clear about Zion. As long as Isella had money, he would listen to her and love her, or at least, pretend to do so.

But Isella realized that this was enough for her. Men were meant to be controlled, not admired. What her father provided was not enough. Verdic didn’t understand Isella, and she didn’t understand herself.

Raymond had been an object of admiration. She might have loved him. But he had always made her uncomfortable. It was like wearing ill-fitting jewelry or riding a horse that didn’t suit her.

A good horse doesn’t always listen well. Verdic tried to give her a good man, but Isella realized she needed a man she could control. This realization came after breaking up with Raymond and meeting Zion.

* * *

She walked along a river tinged with golden sunset hues. It was more of a stream than a river, but it was perfect for a stroll and enjoying the breeze.

Carynne enjoyed the wind tousling her hair as she walked slowly. Swans floated on the river, chasing the bits of bread people threw. The capital was indeed better. There were many more people coming and going, and the variety of buildings and sights was abundant.

“What shall we do for dinner?”

“Well, how about we eat out later? I don’t particularly like the meals at the temple.”

“I see.”

Carynne watched Isella, who had been fidgeting since earlier, and wondered how long their walk should be.

“Did you meet Sir Zion? He was looking for you all day.”

“…Yes.”

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

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

Isella must have thought she was crazy at the hospital.

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

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

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

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

“Carynne… do you have any idea why?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

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

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

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

“…Why?”

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

“Do you think so?”

“Yes.”

Silence fell again. Carynne stopped walking.

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

“Wait. Let’s walk a little more.”

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

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

Isella stopped walking, and so did Carynne.

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

“Carynne, you’re…”