🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 60
But that happiness from a curse orb never lasts long. It’s intense but fleeting—once it’s gone, all that’s left is emptiness and loneliness.
That’s why people get addicted to them. After experiencing that bliss, many seek out curse orbs again, desperate to feel it once more.
The problem is, the more you use them, the weaker the happiness becomes. To feel the same intensity as before, the user has to get stronger curse orbs and cast curses more often.
It’s almost impossible to use curse orbs without becoming addicted. Still, there are some who are good at hiding their addiction.
They cover it with heavy makeup and exaggerated behavior. Charlier was one of those people. Michaela too.
This guy isn’t one of them.
Tiago glanced at Leo walking behind him. Leo didn’t look like someone addicted to curse orbs. And if he was, he didn’t seem like the type who could hide it well.
Still, I should confirm.
—Creak.
Tiago opened the door to his room and gestured for Leo to come in.
Leo, trying to act casual, looked around. Tiago’s room was far more luxurious than his own.
What the hell… why is Tiago being treated this well?
As he stepped inside, a subtle, expensive scent greeted him.
Using such costly perfume just for the room? Does that mean he has real influence here in the palace?
Tiago spoke in a dry tone.
“Have a seat. Since we both just ate our fill, I won’t offer refreshments.”
Leo didn’t like his attitude, but he didn’t show it. Instead, he smiled faintly and sat down at the table across from Tiago.
He got straight to the point.
“I wanted to speak with you briefly… because of the curse orb business.”
Leo rested his elbows on the table.
“I’ve heard you handle the supply of raw materials for curse orbs. I want the exclusive rights to distribute them.”
Tiago stared at him steadily, expression unchanging. Leo, slightly tense, continued.
“I’m not asking for it for free. I’ve prepared ways to make it worth your while. I’ll pay you far above market price.”
Hearing that, Tiago smirked faintly and shook his head, looking amused.
“Leonard Marbo, do you think I’m short on money?”
“….”
Leo was momentarily speechless.
It’s not about money? Then why take such a dangerous business?
He couldn’t think of any reason other than profit.
Tiago looked him over carefully.
“My fortune is worth more than ten years of Shyro’s city taxes. And you think I’d hand over the exclusive rights to this business just for money?”
Now Tiago was openly looking down on him.
Sheltered noble heir who’s never seen the real world… no wonder Delphine isn’t interested in him.
Tiago’s gaze was sharp, as if stripping Leo bare layer by layer. Leo found it uncomfortable.
What is with this guy’s eyes…? If we met outside, without a title, he wouldn’t even dare speak to me.
Leo tilted his head down to break eye contact. Tiago just kept watching him.
After a long silence, Tiago spoke first.
“Have you ever used a curse orb?”
“Ah… n-no. Never.”
Leo’s voice shook slightly as he answered. Tiago’s eyes stayed cold.
Hmm. Doesn’t seem like he’s lying.
Tiago smiled faintly, but it was a cold smile.
“If you haven’t used one, that explains your ignorance. If I wanted money, I could make far more by buying a few more trade ships. Curse orbs may sell for high prices, but their raw materials are extremely hard to obtain.”
“….”
“Curse orbs are power. You were born the son of a duke, so you think power is your natural right. You have no idea how important it really is.”
“…!”
Leo bristled at that. It wasn’t true—his whole life had been a fight for power. Competing with his illegitimate brothers, struggling to inherit his father’s position—he had worked and fought for every advantage.
Does this man even know what he’s talking about? Or is he just running his mouth?
He wanted to hold his tongue, but he couldn’t.
“What do you mean I don’t know the value of power? Because I was born with it, I understand it even better. My life has been nothing but battles to seize it. Don’t talk about me like you know everything.”
At those words, Tiago’s other lip corner lifted in amusement.
Oh? Push Leo a little and he reacts.
He leaned back, laced his hands behind his head, and stretched broadly—like a dominant male showing who was in control.
Leo turned his head away slightly and crossed his legs.
He decided to end the conversation here.
“Thank you for your time, Tiago. Let’s leave it at that for today.”
Ignoring Tiago’s silent gaze, Leo reached into his coat and pulled out a rolled-up document.
“This is a new contract.”
One of Tiago’s eyebrows rose slightly.
“It’s a contract for exclusive curse orb distribution between your side and the Marbo family. Review it and give me an answer. My signature’s already on it—just sign your part and return it.”
“….”
Tiago didn’t even glance at the paper—he kept his eyes on Leo. Leo forced himself to hold that gaze.
“I’ve raised the amount so you won’t find it lacking. If you change your mind, let me know.”
Leo stood abruptly. Tiago didn’t move to see him out, only watching as he left.
—Bang.
Leo slammed the door behind him.
Tiago’s lips curved into a mocking smile.
“Heh. Interesting.”
—Clatter.
Without even opening the contract, Tiago shoved it into a drawer.
Delphine, you’ve grown, haven’t you?
Charlier smirked, thinking back to their earlier conversation.
She walked down a hall filled with fine paintings, sculptures, and jeweled decorations.
Doesn’t even know how dangerous the palace is… running around like that. This place never changes.
Even when it did, the changes were small and only for a few people. The palace’s absolute power structure never shifted.
Whenever she returned, Charlier felt small and powerless. With every step, that cold, familiar fear crept back in.
A place that wouldn’t care if someone like me died.
In the palace, she was always “someone like her”—easily replaced, unimportant.
She had never wanted to return. When she left, she’d been exhausted and broken. Her memories of palace life were almost all bad—either being cursed or lost in the haze of a curse orb’s effects.
Above all, she’d never wanted to be anywhere near Michaela again.
Michaela had sent curses her way countless times, nearly killing her, yet had never been punished—protected by the strength of her family.
That fear had kept Charlier from ever fighting back properly. Michaela was vicious and powerful enough to destroy her completely if she wanted.
But… if I get the chance…
Charlier wanted revenge on Michaela.
She didn’t even know whether she hated Delphine or Michaela more at the moment—but she knew she wanted revenge on at least one of them. Hurting someone and finding comfort in that thought—that feeling filled her now.
Both of them are insufferable.
For that, she would need Frederic and Leo. With their enormous wealth, they could help her. Her own Viold family was rich, but nowhere near their level.
Oh…?
As soon as she stepped into the east wing corridor, her face lit up.
What was his name again? Tiago?
There he was, standing in front of Delphine’s room.
She walked right up to him, wearing a smile like an angel and feigning surprise.
“Oh! What a pleasant surprise. You’re Tiago, right?”
“….”
Her bright, cheerful voice echoed through the quiet hall.
Tiago glanced at her and gave a slight nod.
“Why? Have we met before? You just feel so familiar…”
“Lady Delphine’s birthday party.”
Tiago cut her off with his answer. Charlier was caught off guard for a split second but hid it well, keeping her pleasant smile.
