RCHR 16

Chapter 16

Rebecca carefully revised the contract and handed it to Julian.

Julian examined the contract thoroughly.

Then, with a satisfied smile, he picked up a lighter and set the contract on fire.

Rebecca’s eyes widened at the sight of the flames.

“What… is this?”

“Since neither of us will ever betray the other, it’s best to destroy the evidence. I will uphold this contract with my life. And if your life is precious to you, you won’t betray me either.”

Julian lifted the corners of his mouth. His eyes glinted golden through the drifting ashes.

He clasped his hands together and spoke playfully:

“Are you going to betray me?”

The mischievous—almost chilling—look on his face made Rebecca feel as though she had just made a deal with a devil.

It was as if he were daring her: try to betray me, if you can.

Rebecca couldn’t help but envy his confidence. She vaguely wondered if she had been born as Duke Johannes instead of Rebecca Obelia, could she have worn such an expression?

Snapping out of the absurd daydream, she answered:

“Impossible. I will uphold the contract with my life as well.”

“Good. Then the contract is done. So, what’s the first plan? Bringing down the Devonshire family is easier said than done. The Earl of Devonshire isn’t an easy target. He is the second most influential power in the empire after me and the Duke of Latranis.”

“I’m aware.”

Rebecca’s confident answer prompted Julian’s curiosity, and he quickly pressed her for more.

Rebecca smiled slightly at his obvious interest.

“Do you know what supports the Devonshire family?”

“What is it?”

“People.”

“People?”

“Yes. There are four pillars in the Devonshire family: first, the staff managing the estate; second, the vassals handling the family’s main businesses; third, the attendants providing information to the Earl; and fourth, the knights guarding the family. The key figures among these pillars are called the ‘hounds.’”

“Hounds…”

“They don’t act out of loyalty. The Earl knows every weakness of these hounds. They act solely out of fear, terror, and appropriate rewards. Therefore, they obey the Earl absolutely.”

“So, they’ll do anything dirty, huh?”

“Yes. Disobey, and something worse than death will happen.”

“Then handling these hounds is the key. How do you plan to do it? Once trained, a hound doesn’t betray its master easily.”

Rebecca laughed briefly.

“You’ve overlooked one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“As I said, the Devonshire family is supported by people. They aren’t real hounds—they’re humans like us.”

Rebecca toyed with her teacup for a moment before continuing.

“That difference is the decisive factor that will bring down Zeppelin. Zeppelin turned people into dogs. I will release that leash and destroy the prison called ‘weakness.’ Then, naturally, they will realize they are human and start shaking the Devonshire family.”

Julian was momentarily speechless, staring at her.

Her eyes were filled with absolute certainty, as if she had been contemplating this for a long time.

“Good. So, what can I do to help?”

“First, I’m thinking of setting up a small trading company. To understand the Devonshire family’s finances, it’s better to enter the market directly. Ah, and if you could find someone competent to act as the company’s head, that would be ideal.”

“Not difficult. But you seem to struggle just going out—how do you plan to run a trading company?”

“I already have a plan for that.”

Rebecca’s decisive answer made Julian burst into laughter.

“So, I just sit back and provide the money? Not bad. Money isn’t a problem—take as much as you need.”

“Thank you. I’ll update you with the general situation later via letter. And…”

“And?”

“Use a bit more than that while you’re at it.”

“Huh?”

Rebecca smiled slyly.

“I want to marry you, Duke, as soon as possible.”

There is a plant with black, claw-shaped leaves called the Devil’s Claw.

It was initially ignored because it was inedible and caused rashes at the slightest touch.

However, when used as a dye, it produced an unprecedented, exquisite shade of purple.

Soon, the Devil’s Claw gained attention.

This new color, called Devil’s Purple, drew acclaim from many nobles.

Its cultivation was tricky, and its rarity made it extremely valuable.

“So you want me to get this Devil’s Claw?”

“Yes, but it must be fresh leaves, not dried.”

“Unfortunately, fresh leaves are impossible to obtain unless you cultivate it yourself.”

“All we need is a greenhouse and a lab. If we have the seeds, I can bring someone capable of growing it.”

“Hmm. I assume this isn’t just for dresses. What’s its real purpose?”

“I know the Devil’s Claw has a new use.”

In her previous life, the Devil’s Claw was more valuable than diamonds because a botanist had discovered a special property.

Eating the fresh leaves could cause grotesque blisters for a month or three, depending on the person.

The blisters emitted a terrible stench and sometimes caused high fevers.

Yet when the blisters subsided, most chronic illnesses were cured.

The Devil’s Claw acted as a universal remedy, expelling toxins through its poisonous effect.

Rebecca had eaten these leaves with Zeppelin.

He had bought them at a great price, believing they would restore youthful skin.

Months later, Rebecca became pregnant.

She remembered Zeppelin’s horrified expression when he saw her blistered face.

Though he looked disgusted, he kept his distance.

Zeppelin occasionally had nightmares about her face at that time.

Back then, he knew she would become beautiful again, so he didn’t abandon her.

But now, things were different.

Before the Devil’s Claw’s properties were known, if Rebecca lost her beauty, Zeppelin would discard her as worthless.

Julian, listening to her explanation, looked puzzled.

“Divorce her just because she became hideous? But Zeppelin cared for you deeply—would he really do that?”

“Love and hatred are separated by a single sheet of paper,” Rebecca said calmly.

It was a truth Julian didn’t want to know.

Rebecca recalled her husband, whom she had loved her entire life, turning into a monster in an instant.

And his eyes, full of loathing, kicking her away.

“The only reason Zeppelin loves me is one: my beautiful appearance, which resembles him. I came to the Earl’s family as if sold. If even this beauty disappears, he will have no reason to hold onto me. I will be nothing but a burden.”

Julian was briefly speechless at her composed words.

To break the awkward silence, Rebecca laughed.

“No need to look at me with those eyes. Don’t we all carry a thorn in life?”

She implied that the curse she placed on Julian, like her miserable life, would be a thorn he would carry forever.

Julian quickly grasped her meaning.

He stopped comparing whose life was more miserable—his or Rebecca’s.

The realization made him feel ashamed.

Feeling awkward, he quietly sipped his tea.

Rebecca, aware of his feelings, played innocent:

“The Devil’s Claw’s properties are still unknown. Try investing. You won’t lose. And don’t ask the source—it’s a trade secret.”

She even joked.

Julian narrowed his eyes. In his mind, he began reevaluating her.

“I want to know more.”

At that thought, he smiled, as if discovering a fun new toy.

His smile was unusually innocent, and Rebecca stared at him, captivated.

He could be dangerous one moment, then return to the pure gaze of a boy the next.

Julian extended his large hand.

“Alright. We’re partners now. Let’s do well, Rebecca.”

Rebecca stared at his hand.

Had she ever shaken hands like this before? She couldn’t remember.

To shake hands as equals, rather than receive a kiss on the back of her hand, felt strange.

She smiled, overwhelmed, and took his hand.

“Pleased to work with you.”

“You’re later than I expected.”

Rebecca’s mood soured when she saw Zeppelin standing at the entrance as she returned home.

He had cut his hair short, revealing his sharp jawline and distinct features.

The staff’s glances at his handsome face were noticeable.

If she were the old Rebecca, she might have been mesmerized like them. But not now.

Perhaps because she had just seen Julian, Zeppelin looked more like a child awkwardly imitating a man.

He seemed smaller than usual.

“How is it? Did I cut it like you said?”

Not a real question—he knew the answer.

Rebecca adjusted her expression and smiled softly.

“Why ask? It suits you well.”

“I’ve been thinking while you were away…”

Zeppelin slowly approached, brushing Rebecca’s hair from her shoulders.

A shiver ran down her back.

“Since Alicia joined us, I feel I’ve been neglecting you. I thought we could have some time just for us tonight.”

He lifted her hair and kissed it.

Rebecca immediately understood his signal: they would share the same bed tonight.

Though she knew it was unavoidable, the thought was daunting.

Even this moment, pressed against him, was unbearable.

And now, to do… that in the same bed?

Memories of their past intimacy rose, making her feel nauseous.

She wished she could cut off her ears where his breath touched.

Kanna watched her with a firm expression.

“Understood, Rebecca? Then you’ll have to take off your plain clothes and look nice, right?”