Even the Devil Regrets it - Chapter 76

Aileen watched the scene unfold with quiet satisfaction.

No one in this household, not even Tristan, welcomed her background. That fact would undoubtedly affect her future position here.

She was not entirely convinced that Tristan truly loved her, but she decided to take advantage of one thing: he was soft toward the woman carrying his child.

If she did not act now, she could be cast out and have the baby taken from her as soon as she gave birth. She needed to prepare.

She did feel a little sorry for the Countess, but it was the Countess who had tried to throw her out first.

Aileen had no intention of giving up anything in this house. She planned to take everything.

“I’d like to rest now,” she said, tugging gently on Tristan’s sleeve.

Tristan, still facing off with the Countess, did not resist. He nodded and turned to Aileen.

“Let’s go to your room.”

As he supported her and led her out, Countess Barnett, overwhelmed with fury, threw a porcelain vase to the floor.

The crash echoed through the room, followed by the startled screams of the servants.

“My lady, are you alright?”

“She’s collapsed. Go get the physician now.”

Tristan heard every word, but he did not turn back. Aileen, resting quietly in his arms, allowed a faint smile to form on her lips.

Soon, trade goods would be shipped out to the Western Continent. In less than a year, they would bring in enormous profits. Aileen was determined to have the entire estate in her hands before that happened.

She would prepare thoroughly, so that wealth and power would be hers to command.

What happened today was only the beginning.

Melanie, who had become Juliana’s lady-in-waiting, adapted to the Grand Duke’s castle more easily than expected.

“This horned melon is actually a member of the gourd family. It’s related to the cucumber,” she said.

“Wow, you really do know everything, don’t you?”

Melanie was like a walking encyclopedia. Her knowledge spanned a wide range of subjects, and the other maids had gotten into the habit of asking her questions, always amazed by her confident answers.

“What’s so funny over there?”

Juliana entered the sitting room and saw the maids gathered around Melanie, chatting happily.

“Oh, Your Grace. We’ve prepared refreshments for you.”

“Melanie told us that horned melons are related to cucumbers.”

“Did you already know, Your Grace? That horned melons belong to the gourd family?”

Juliana found their chatter endearing. She pretended not to know, even though she did.

“Really? I didn’t know horned melons were from the gourd family.”

“You didn’t know either, Your Grace? Well, that makes sense. Horned melons mostly grow in the North, so you wouldn’t be too familiar with them.”

Juliana glanced at the small green fruit pulp in a dish, prepared so it could be eaten with a spoon. A soft smile touched her lips.

Being surrounded by them felt like taking a peaceful afternoon trip.

“You’re leaving this afternoon, right? We already sent your luggage ahead to the portal.”

Rosie, looking much brighter than she ever had in the Barnett estate, spoke up cheerfully.

They were heading to the capital for the launch ceremony of the Western Continent trade ship, which would take place two days later. It was finally time. The moment that would set the foundation for her revenge was right in front of her.

In her past life, Juliana had not attended the launch. It was around this time that she had withdrawn from society and secluded herself in the Everett mansion.

“Thank you,” Juliana replied, keeping her excitement carefully hidden behind a calm voice.

She had never looked forward to a social gathering this much before.

When she stepped through the portal, the outer walls of the imperial palace came into view. She had traveled like this a few times now, and the way it no longer felt strange made her chuckle to herself.

“I wish I could go back to the townhouse with you,” Braeden said, clearly dreading his upcoming meeting with the emperor.

Juliana glanced around quickly. Outside the Grand Duke’s circle, there could always be ears listening.

“You are the only Grand Duke in the Empire. You have to fulfill your duties.”

“Why do I have to be the Grand Duke in the first place?”

Braeden sighed deeply, clearly not thrilled about what awaited him.

When Juliana’s eyes met Lochlan’s, who had been standing behind them with a slight twitch in his eyebrow, he quickly hid his expression.

Juliana let out a soft laugh, then gently pressed her hand against Braeden’s back.

“Go on. I’ll have a lovely dinner ready when you return.”

Braeden was far more interested in what would happen after dinner, but he kept that to himself and responded calmly.

“I will be back before the meal begins.”

He leaned in and placed a light kiss on Juliana’s cheek before walking away.

“The Grand Duke is much more affectionate than I expected. I thought he would be frightening,” Melanie whispered.

Is he only kind to Her Grace? She tilted her head slightly, curious.

“Stop talking nonsense,” Juliana said, trying to cover up her flustered expression as she turned and walked in the opposite direction from Braeden.

Melanie and Rosie, who followed behind her, exchanged knowing glances and smiled as if they found her adorable.

Once Juliana arrived at the townhouse in the capital, she received an intelligence report through Atlante, who managed her connection to a discreet information broker.

She had entered a contract with the broker before her marriage and had been receiving regular updates ever since.

The broker had no idea who Juliana truly was. All communication went through Atlante, making secrecy easier to maintain.

The only downside was that she could not receive updates while in the North. To get any reports, she had to return to the capital. It was a minor inconvenience that had never caused problems until now.

“Oh no…”

Juliana murmured under her breath as she read through the latest report.

What is it? Did something happen?

Atlante hurried across the desk toward her, concern on her face.

“The butler is dead.”

What? You mean the butler from House Everett?

Atlante remembered the man Juliana had once met while disguised with a magical item. He had not left a particularly good impression, but he had seemed desperate to save his sick child.

“Yes. I didn’t expect much else, but it’s still real now.”

Was it an accident? Or was he killed?

Atlante started throwing out guesses like a detective, but Juliana barely heard them.

Felix. You really haven’t changed at all.

When she had received the real corruption ledger from Butler Martin, she had predicted that Felix would never let him live if he found out.

Even so, she had used him. It was a necessary part of her revenge.

Martin had committed many crimes. He deserved punishment. But his son had been innocent.

The report stated that Martin’s entire family had been killed.

He had handed over every last blossom of the rare flower because he wanted his child to live.

Even if Martin had to pay for what he had done, he had hoped his son could survive.

Juliana had believed that someone as cunning as Martin would have already smuggled his family out. But apparently, he had not been able to escape Felix’s reach. It felt like a cruel joke played by fate.

She let out a sigh and turned to the next part of the report. Following the news of Martin’s death came an update on House Everett.

The contents of the corruption ledger had been confirmed as fact, and an arrest warrant was expected to be issued soon. That was surprising.

“They verified everything this quickly?”

Juliana had planned to stir unrest in the capital by rallying families who held grudges against House Everett. She had not expected things to progress this rapidly.

“Is the judge unusually righteous?”

There are still people like that in this world?

Atlante gave a short laugh at Juliana’s muttered question. Was it really acceptable for something called the Tear of God to sound so cynical?

Juliana gave a faint smile. Atlante showed no hint of hope or trust in people, and somehow that made her sad.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by Braeden’s voice.

“It’s me. I’m coming in.”

He was back much earlier than she had expected.

Startled, Juliana quickly hid the report in her desk drawer. In her rush, she forgot about Atlante.

The door opened with a soft click, and Braeden stepped inside.

At that exact moment, his eyes met Atlante’s. She had been pacing across the desk, completely exposed.

Juliana had gone to great effort to keep them from crossing paths. She had never let this happen before, but now there was no time to move Atlante out of sight.

“You’re back earlier than I thought,” she said, forcing a smile.

Even though she knew Braeden could not possibly understand who or what Atlante was, she still felt nervous. Her throat had gone dry.

“A boring meeting is best avoided,” he said as he approached.

He walked right up to her and pulled her into his arms. The atmosphere between them felt heated, like he might kiss her any moment.

Juliana froze. She could not bring herself to return his affection with Atlante watching.

“Eden, not right now…”

She gently pushed his hand away. Braeden raised an eyebrow and studied her face.

Then he noticed something unusual in her behavior.

“I thought you were clever. Looks like I was wrong. I assumed you had enough sense to know when to stay and when to disappear.”

When Braeden made a sarcastic comment directed at her, Atlante could no longer hold back and burst out swearing.

What do you mean I should know when to stay or go? You perverted creep!

Juliana, who understood exactly what Atlante said, let out a groan and placed her hand on her forehead.

“I have no idea what she’s saying, but thanks for the compliment. Alright then, goodbye.”

With that, Braeden opened the window, grabbed Atlante, and tossed her out. Saying he “let her out” was generous. He had practically thrown her.

Screeeeech!

Atlante let out a furious screech as she flapped her wings and soared into the sky.

“Good. The nuisance is gone,” Braeden said with a triumphant smile.

Juliana looked at him and made a quiet decision to herself.

No matter what happens in the future, I must never let those two be in the same room again.

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