Even the Devil Regrets it - Chapter 81

There was a way to avoid paying the twenty billion gold? Countess Aynard looked at Juliana with interest.

“What kind of method is it?”

She never once wondered if Melanie had been hurt or was in trouble. Her only concern was how to avoid responsibility. Seeing that, Juliana held back a bitter smile.

“Until the debt is fully repaid, Miss Melanie’s wages will be transferred directly to the ducal household. For that to happen, you will need to sign a document formally placing her under our care, not yours. She will not receive wages during that time, but we will provide her with food, shelter, and everything she needs, so there is no reason to worry about her well-being.”

The idea that this entire matter could be resolved through Melanie was a relief for Countess Aynard.

After all, it was Melanie who had caused the problem. Shouldn’t she be the one to take responsibility?

“You do not have to decide right away. Take some time to think about it. We will send the official document to your house shortly.”

“Yes, Your Grace. I will do that.”

Although she had already made up her mind, Countess Aynard pretended to hesitate in order to maintain appearances.

She clearly did not realize how suspicious it was to accept such a shocking proposal without a single word of protest.

When people are faced with problems they cannot solve, they instinctively search for a way out. In doing so, their true thoughts tend to show.

Not once during the entire conversation did Countess Aynard defend Melanie.

She had always boasted about Melanie in private, but this moment revealed just how hollow those words had been.

“Whatever decision you make, it is yours to make. But once it is made, do not go back on it. One noble house treating the ducal family lightly is more than enough. We do not need another.”

Braeden, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke.

The moment he mentioned House Everett, Countess Aynard’s face went pale.

It was not hard to understand why. The message was clear. If she angered the Grand Duke, her family could end up just like the ruined Everetts.

“Of course. There will be no change of mind. If you will excuse me, I will take my leave now.”

She quickly walked away, almost like she was fleeing. Her arrogant behavior and the way she had commanded the servants as if they were her own disappeared completely.

After a few more conversations with curious nobles asking what had happened, Countess Aynard reached her limit. She could no longer keep up the act and left early, using a headache as an excuse.

“Your Grace, that was you, wasn’t it?”

Melanie, who had been avoiding her mistress all evening, came rushing over. This was the first time Countess Aynard had ever left a banquet early.

“Yes. But do not worry. There will be good news for you soon. You will be free from House Aynard.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. I don’t even know how I can repay you.”

Tears welled up in Melanie’s eyes. Juliana gently comforted her, as if she expected her to cry at any moment.

“You will not be needed at my side tonight. Please, enjoy the banquet as much as you want.”

Juliana used a cheerful voice on purpose. Melanie blinked back her tears and smiled brightly.

“Yes, Your Grace. A banquet without my mother feels like a dream already.”

Even without the usual weight of her mother’s gaze following her around, Melanie felt light and free.

She had been stuck under the pressure of her family name for so long, but Juliana knew that underneath it all, Melanie was a bright and spirited young woman.

Juliana smiled with her.

“Good. I hope you truly enjoy yourself tonight.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

With her nose slightly red from holding back tears, Melanie gave a perfect bow and quietly walked away.

Juliana watched her leave for a long while.

“It seems like it is finally time for us to enjoy the banquet too.”

Braeden suddenly spoke, as if reminding Juliana that he was still there.

She had forgotten about him for a moment and gave a slightly awkward smile.

“Sorry. I have not paid enough attention to you tonight.”

“Then you can start now. Just focus on me.”

He offered his arm naturally and escorted her to the dance floor.

As the ducal couple stepped into the center of the room, every pair of eyes turned to them.

Under the dazzling light of the chandelier, they joined hands.

As the orchestra played and they danced, a true smile began to form on Juliana’s lips.

Not a polite smile. Not a rehearsed one.

A smile that came straight from the heart.

When she told Melanie to enjoy the banquet, she had not realized something important.

This was her first time truly enjoying one as well.

The day of the execution had come.

Because of the serious crimes committed by House Everett, the court had ruled for a public execution.

The marquess himself had collapsed in prison and was now in critical condition, so only Felix, the young heir, and his loyal retainers would be executed.

Juliana looked up at the overcast sky and let out a quiet sigh.

She had been torn about it all day yesterday. Was it truly right for her to watch Felix die with her own eyes?

She had finally made her decision.

Rising from her seat, she made her way to Braeden’s office. After knocking softly, she stepped inside.

“You came all the way here yourself. That is unusual.”

Although Braeden greeted her with warmth and stood up from his seat, his expression changed when he noticed how tense Juliana looked. He tilted his head slightly, confused.

“What is it? Did something happen?”

“No, nothing serious. I just have a favor to ask.”

Sensing the seriousness in her voice, Braeden gave a silent signal to the others in the room.

Lochlan and the other retainers of the ducal household quietly bowed and left.

“Tell me what you need.”

Braeden looked directly into her eyes, knowing Juliana would not use the word “favor” unless she truly meant it.

“I want to go to the capital for a short visit. I would prefer to go without anyone else knowing.”

As soon as she spoke, Braeden understood. She wanted to witness the execution.

He already knew today was the scheduled public execution of Felix Everett. He had avoided bringing it up, thinking it was not something she should have to see.

“I did not think you would want to be there for the execution.”

Juliana’s eyes trembled slightly. Braeden watched her in silence, unable to read exactly what she was feeling.

“I need to see it with my own eyes. Otherwise, I will not be able to believe it.”

Realizing her words were not enough, she looked up at him and added gently,

“When I return, I will explain everything. Why I wanted revenge. What my connection is to him.”

Braeden had wanted to protect her from this pain. He was ready to tell her that she did not have to speak if it was too hard.

But he also realized something else.

He wanted to know.

What had happened between her and Felix Everett? What kind of pain and revenge had she been holding in her heart?

For the first time, the demon who had once lived with nothing but boredom felt a deep desire to understand someone else.

So he set aside any thoughts of protecting her with silence and simply nodded.

“Alright. It will not be difficult.”

Wearing black cloaks, the two of them moved through space with Braeden’s power.

By the time they arrived, the square in front of the royal palace was already packed. People had gathered to watch the public execution at sunset.

The crowd made it easy for them to blend in without being noticed.

All around them, voices shouted criticism toward House Everett.

For years, people had stayed quiet out of fear, but now every hidden story and rumor was being spoken aloud.

“Do you want to go closer?”

Braeden gently stood beside Juliana, shielding her from the crowd, and asked.

“No. I do not need to be right in front. I can see well enough from here.”

Juliana’s only goal was to confirm Felix’s death. She did not care to be near the platform, only that she could see it clearly.

Before long, the imperial knights appeared, dragging Felix Everett forward in chains.

His navy blue hair, usually slicked back with pomade, was a mess.

His cold gray eyes had turned dull, like a sky just before a storm.

When he saw the rope, he began to laugh like someone who had lost his mind. He thrashed and fought, refusing to accept what was happening.

The knights moved quickly to restrain him, as if this was not his first outburst.

“What did I do that was so wrong? Murderers! You cannot just kill an innocent man like this!”

His desperate screams startled a flock of birds into flight.

The crowd shouted back, demanding the execution begin.

In the middle of all the noise and chaos, Juliana stood calm and steady, unaffected by the frenzy around her.

The executioner received the signal and placed the rope around Felix’s neck.

His face turned pale. His body trembled.

“Please, do not kill me. I am sorry. I was wrong. Please, let me live. I beg you.”

This man, who had always treated her with cruelty and indifference, was ending his life in the most pathetic and disgraceful way.

“Do you want me to cover your eyes?”

Braeden looked at her with quiet concern. His gentle offer made her smile for a moment, but she shook her head.

“Thank you, but I will be alright.”

Without looking away, she watched the moment Felix Everett died.

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