Even the Devil Regrets it - Chapter 36

Because Juliana had been summoned by the Empress, both Cheryl and even Lochlan were on edge.

Lochlan, overwhelmed by the guilt of not being by Juliana’s side, found himself standing next to Cheryl, someone he would rather avoid, as they waited for Juliana to come out.

“Be honest, Juliana. There’s something going on with her, isn’t there?”

Cheryl narrowed her eyes and pressed Lochlan for answers.

They weren’t even supposed to be together. Lochlan silently cursed, glaring as he kept his thoughts to himself.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His response was vague, his face unreadably blank.

“So you’re just not going to tell me?”

Cheryl scoffed loudly through her nose. Of course, she hadn’t expected him to answer. She knew better than to think a servant of the Archdemon Belial would talk so easily.

“There was something strange about the energy at the engagement ceremony. And that crystal made from Belial’s thoughts was no ordinary gift. You’re all acting like a secret circle guarding Juliana.”

Everything about it felt suspicious.

Cheryl did genuinely like Juliana, but liking her and sensing that something was being hidden from her were completely different matters.

Even as Cheryl frowned and tried to piece everything together, Lochlan’s expression remained cold and unchanged.

“I have to admit, I’m getting curious.”

When Cheryl let her gaze wander greedily over Lochlan’s face, he took a step back with a look of pure disgust.

Just then, Juliana appeared, walking back from her conversation with the Empress.

“Were you waiting here because you were worried about me?”

She smiled innocently, unaware of how tense things had been.

“You’re smiling? You almost didn’t come out of there alive.”

“I’m just relieved you’re safe.”

Cheryl snapped in frustration, while Lochlan let out a quiet sigh of relief.

At that moment, Braeden arrived, having finished the preliminary match.

He was clearly out of breath from running. Cheryl frowned at the sight of him.

“You’re done already?”

Juliana looked surprised as she asked. Braeden ran both hands over his dry, tired face.

“Already? I was practically dying from worry because I couldn’t get here any sooner.”

As he spoke, Cheryl muttered a silent insult under her breath. “You? Worry? As if.”

Braeden didn’t hear her. His eyes were fixed only on Juliana.

He scanned her from head to toe, looking for any sign that the Empress might have harmed her again.

“There was nothing to worry about. I’m perfectly fine.”

Even though Juliana reassured him, Braeden couldn’t quite believe her. His eyes still held concern.

He had ordered shadow knights to protect her in case anything happened, but even with them around, he still couldn’t relax.

Humans are fragile. Braeden had lived for thousands of years and had witnessed just how easily human lives could be lost. For the first time, that truth unsettled him.

“We need to prepare for what lies ahead. Tell me everything that happened with the Empress, in full detail.”

Braeden offered his arm to Juliana.

He escorted her naturally, as if simply going for a walk, and led her out of the courtyard. With a casual motion of his free hand, he dismissed Cheryl and Lochlan.

The weather was perfect.

The sky was a clear, vivid blue, and thanks to the popularity of the jousting tournament, the freshly arranged landscaping was pleasing to the eye. As they walked, Juliana quietly began to share what had happened during her meeting with Empress Pamela.

Braeden listened as they strolled down a path styled like a garden promenade. He clicked his tongue thoughtfully.

“You know how to make tea that helps with anxiety?”

“Yes. It’s not anything special, but despite the simple method, it’s quite effective.”

Braeden hadn’t even known that Empress Pamela suffered from insomnia. Even if he had, it likely would not have changed his opinion. Whether or not she slept had nothing to do with him.

“Do you think she will keep calling on you to make it?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. It’s hard to say.”

Juliana smiled with an ambiguous expression.

Before their tea time ended, she had said something unexpected to Empress Pamela.

“If you are unsure who truly loves you, why not create someone who will?”

“What do you mean? How can I create someone who will love me?”

“The common people will gladly offer their hearts in return for kindness. If Your Majesty shows them mercy, they will return it with sincere affection and unwavering loyalty.”

Rather than hoping for love from someone who would never give it, Juliana had suggested that Empress Pamela seek the affection of her people instead.

Empress Pamela gave no reply. She only fell into deep thought, clearly pondering Juliana’s words carefully.

Braeden exhaled softly. He had picked up on the clever calculation behind Juliana’s seemingly gentle advice.

“You are cunning.”

“Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

When Juliana smiled lightly, Braeden let out a rare laugh.

People passing by glanced at them in surprise. It was the first time many had ever seen Braeden smile.

The fourth day of the jousting tournament arrived.

Everything had gone smoothly so far. As the reigning champion, Braeden had progressed through his matches with ease, winning decisively each time.

Today marked the beginning of the round of sixteen. All the remaining competitors were skilled knights and seasoned mercenaries, each well-known in their own right.

Because of their reputations, heated debates broke out in the stands over who would take the crown.

Several times, royal officials had to step in to calm the rising tension and control the growing betting frenzy.

Juliana was seated in the noble section of the stands, there to support Braeden in his match.

Around her, several young noble ladies had gathered. For days, they had been trying to sit near her. Now they were chattering cheerfully like a group of baby birds.

Juliana responded with polite smiles and light advice, mingling just enough to be approachable. As the conversation continued, her gaze drifted to a particular part of the arena.

Felix Everett.

He was one of the top contenders in the tournament and now, with the Duke of Ortis preparing for marriage, he was widely considered the most eligible bachelor in the empire. Naturally, all the young ladies around her were whispering and blushing at the sight of him.

But Juliana’s attention was not on Felix himself.

It was on the man he was speaking with.

Baron Karl Woodward.

His family had loyally served the Everett Marquessate for generations. He was known for handling dirty tasks without hesitation and was feared for his cruel nature.

Juliana’s shoulders tensed as a memory flashed through her mind. She remembered how he had looked at her in her past life.

Baron Woodward had always addressed her politely in public as the Marchioness. But the look in his eyes had told another story.

It was the look of a man waiting for his turn. The moment Felix grew tired of her and cast her aside, Baron Woodward believed he would be next.

A look filled with both contempt and greed crept over Juliana like a snake, crawling up her body and tightening around her throat.

What is going on?

Juliana knew all too well that Felix often used Baron Woodward to carry out disgusting and dirty work. On the surface, they acted like noble and refined aristocrats, but behind the scenes, they were involved in countless schemes and manipulations. Now that Baron Woodward had started to move, Juliana felt a wave of dread settle over her.

What made it worse was that the mercenary fighting on his behalf was no ordinary opponent. He was incredibly skilled, and he would be facing Braeden in the round of sixteen. The thought alone sent a chill down her spine.

Felix did not speak with Baron Woodward for very long. It was brief, almost like a simple exchange of greetings.

After they parted, Felix turned his head and looked directly at Juliana seated in the stands. A calm, confident smile appeared on his lips.

The moment she saw that smile, the blood drained from her face.

Without even realizing it, Juliana stood up from her seat.

“Oh my, Lady Barnett, is something wrong?”

“You look so pale. Are you feeling sick?”

The young noblewomen beside her looked at her with concern, but Juliana could not bring herself to answer. Only one thought filled her mind.

She had to find Braeden.

“Excuse me for just a moment.”

Juliana tried to leave, but before she could move, the trumpet sounded across the arena. It was the signal for Braeden’s match against Baron Woodward’s fighter to begin.

Juliana froze. She was too late. Her legs felt weak, and she stumbled slightly before sitting back down.

It is fine. Nothing has happened yet. He is the Black Reaper of the North. He is strong. He will be fine.

She kept repeating those words in her mind, trying to calm the fear rising in her chest.

Meanwhile, the two fighters had taken their places on opposite sides of the arena. The sound of cheering and shouting filled the stadium.

At the same time, the flag was raised high, signaling the start of the match.

Braeden could tell instantly that his opponent was experienced.

He was not especially big, but his body was well-balanced and steady. It was clear that he knew how to survive in real combat. This was someone who had fought to stay alive.

The hooves of both horses thundered across the ground. The lances crashed together with force, and a loud noise rang out from Braeden’s shield.

“What was that?”

After their first clash, Braeden raised his eyebrows in suspicion. Something was off about his opponent’s lance.

In jousting matches, the lances were usually hollow to avoid serious injury when they shattered. If a piece flew off in the wrong direction, it could easily cause harm. That was why all competitors were required to wear full armor.

The opponent turned his horse again and began his second charge. This time, as the lance came stabbing forward, Braeden deflected it with a sharp strike.

At that moment, the lance cracked and fragments burst outward in all directions.

Support Even the Devil Regrets it