Translator: Nabi

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Chapter 6

The gazes of the High Priest and Rachel were focused on the portrait. As if surprise, their expressions became strange.

“Beatrice, do you like this person?”

“Yes, I like him.”

Dark black hair and red eyes. A handsome man with a cool face, where the word ‘ruthless’ is more appropriate to use with him, rather than ‘kindness’ or ’friendly.’

He has a look that would probably scare or burst ordinary children in tears, but it did not bother me.

The future villain, Duke Creighton.

The reason I chose this man was simple.

‘It is because he got a lot of skills.’

He is a man who has ambitions to become an Emperor. He is also a Duke of the Northern part of the Empire, so he has considerable wealth through mineral and jewelry mines. More importantly, he is excellent at handling people—to the point that he did not get caught by the other characters until he opened the summoning gate by signing a contract with the demons.

And most importantly, he has no connections with male candidates or the female protagonist.

‘I hate getting tangled up…’

The waste does not have to be a villain. Even if there is only a female lead and a man who is obsessive and possessive, the waste is established. (is there a better word for waste?)

Let’s reflect for a moment on my stupidity of the past when I threw unnecessary villains—No, this is not the point right now.

The bottom line is, he is the villain of the future, but apart from that, he is also the most attractive person.

He is a person who can live without lack for the rest of his life if he only breaks the thought of becoming an Emperor. In addition, the fact that he has an excellent ability to handle people means that if I behave well, I should not be thrown out or treated badly immediately.

‘I have a faith.’

Of course, if you look closely, other people’s abilities were high when they are capable. But, the most important reason I chose the Duke was to finish the story.

‘It was an unfinished world anyway. There was supposed to be a drain.’

If I were not possessed, it would not matter if I went to the ruins as planned, though I now became a part of this place.

Then, wouldn’t it be good for me to have a comfortable and peaceful world?

‘And, to do that, there must be no villain.’

At least, I have to stop the Duke from making a contract with the demons to open the gate and preventing them from trolling across the continent.

When viewed as a novel, it’s like, ‘Wow, it’s a big-scale terrorism?’ Or ‘it’s a bit cliché?’ However, in reality, it was a major incident where the massacre of civilians takes place…

And, there is a 99% chance that I will get caught up with the extras who were bound to die—Oh, maybe not? With the help of the Gods, my life may be spared, but the life and places surrounding me would be completely ruined.

‘I can’t let that happen!’

If that happens, then my peaceful future is out of the question. I will finish the story, anyway, though, in the meantime, there is no telling me not to suck honey, right?

‘So, we need to make adjustments so that nothing big or horrible would happen.’

To do that, I had to go to the Duke’s. If I go somewhere else, I will have trouble changing the future of the Duke.

Once I saw his portrait here, I thought that the Duke must have sent it because he had an idea, and presented the portrait to the High Priest.

“This person is handsome.”

At those words, the High Priest and Rachel met eyes.

“…If Beatrice wants it, then so be it.”

“It might take a while for the Duke to come. Beatrice, since it is time for a snack, shall we go eat? first”

“Yeah!”

I hurriedly nodded and took Rachel’s outstretched hand.

Hm. Will the Duke come here directly, or will I go to the Duke’s side?

‘Anyway, what is today’s snack?’

Strawberry cake came out yesterday, but what is it today? I did not expect much because it was a temple, but honestly, the snacks are so sweet and delicious snacks… I eagerly waited every day. Especially since I had to imitate a child, it was almost the only pleasure for me, since I had such limited things to do.

The choice was already made, and without realizing it, I started walking along with Rachel, feeling that my steps were getting lighter.

Snacks, snacks!

In the heavy silence, I clenched Rachel’s hand tightly as I swallowed dry saliva.

‘Handsome…’

Except for the eye color and hair color, there is no specific description of the Duke’s appearance… I see, he is also middle-aged. Although that was the only word I said about his appearance, I did not exactly describe what he looked like in the story…

‘This is a scam!’

Why is he so handsome?! It is crazy enough to get a positive score and have cold energy surrounding him as well! His body is also so fit that it accentuate the clothes that he is wearing so well!

‘If a character in a novel has a handsome attribute, it would be like this…’

He was the owner of such a great beauty that it made me really thought that way.

“So, did you send for me?”

My body trembled at the cold voice. It was not really something he said to me, though the coldness that soaked into the words gave me goosebumps.

“My name is Rachel, Sakpata’s servant.”

“You don’t need to introduce yourself.”

The Duke’s eyes, which had been leisurely open halfway, reached me. I had to put a lot of effort not to hide behind Rachel as his eyes, which resembled that of a beast that carefully plucks its prey, stared at me.

‘…Let’s not be scared—’

I did not go into detail but seeing that attitude, I had a strong feeling that I was taking on something I might not like.

However, should I whine because I am scared?

‘You might step on a landmine if you don’t move.’

Of course, I would not die because the Gods were watching, but I would like to avoid facing a difficult situation.

As I met the gaze of the Duke without avoiding his eyes, his eyes dropped.

“Isn’t the Duke well aware that there was an oracle?”

“Oh, yeah, I know. For those chosen by the child of fate, there is infinite glory and God’s blessing.”

Oh, my. This is not good at all. What use is God’s blessing to the person who makes a contract with the demons in the future and opens the gate? These Gods!

As I was screaming like that inwardly, the Duke and Rachel were making eye contact silently. Is it my illusion that sparks seem to pop out between them?

“I heard the story. I guess there was the same oracle in all the temples, regardless of the kind.”

If it is a God, is he asking if that God can increase the scale like that?

At that, the Duke’s gaze turned in this direction. Facing his gaze with my fists clenched, the Duke was silent for a moment before opening his mouth.

“There is no reason to spend any more time here in the temple. All right, let’s leave.”

“There is one thing you need to keep in mind.”

“And, what is that?”

As Rachel said without letting the Duke leave immediately, his eyes narrowed. Rachel looked the Duke in the eyes and said in a colder voice than before.

“God is watching. So, do not treat Beatrice lightly.”

“She is the one who chose me. So, how I act is up to me.”

“The child is innocent.”

“Isn’t she the child of fate?”

“Before that, she is still a child. She is only five years old right now.”

The Duke’s eyes sharpened. Although Rachel did not give him a glance, but bent her knees and met gaze with me.

“Beatrice, I have to go.”

“Rachel, will I ever see you again?”

At that, Rachel laughed as if in trouble.

“If the Duke permits, I will come to visit Beatrice sometime.”

I felt sorry for her after hearing that. Rachel is a good person—Friendly and good with children. And since she has taken care of me so far, it was a pity that we needed to part ways.

“Yes, I know…”

“I will still be at the temple in this city, still. So do not worry too much. Even if we cannot meet every day like we used to, we are in the same city.”

Saying so, Rachel smiled. It was a smile that looked completely different from the usual, as though she was trying to reassure me.

“All right. Goodbye, I will see you again.”

“Yes. Bye, Rachel.”

She then stood up and bowed her head to the Duke.

“Please take good care of Beatrice.”

As the Duke did not answer, Rachel kept her head down and did not lift her bent waist. Seeing her reaction, the Duke clicked his tongue.

“Get out of here.”

“Not until I hear the answer.”

“Am I going to have to drag you out?”

“I am not alone.”

Witnessing the Duke’s eyes twitch and tremble at those words, a red light flickered in my head. No—if Rachel is going to be stubborn here, my future would be troubled!

“Rachel, I’m fine.”

Rachel turned her head after hearing my voice.

As I met her worried gaze, I grabbed the hem of her robe and shook it gently, and said,

“It is okay. I will write to you.”

…So, please go now. Thanks for your concern, but now it is backfired.

Rachel pursed her lips. Eventually, she said, stroking my hair with her trembling hand.

“Really… you are such a good kid.”

It was a voice that seemed to contain a lot of emotions. Her eyes contorted as if she was about to cry, but Rachel continued with a labored smile on her lips.

“You have to stay well. I will definitely come to see you again.”

“Yes.”

As I nodded my head, she smiled. Rachel gave me a tight hug once before leaving the room. She simply greeted the Duke briefly on her way out.

As if not to weaken my heart, I let out a sigh of relief as the figure of Rachel, who had left without looking back, was obscured by the door.

That is a relief. I somehow avoided the landmines…

I barely managed to suppress my nervousness as I turned my head away. Then, I orthodoxly faced a cool stare that did not really match the eye color.

‘It is a sight as though a dagger is about to pierce through me.’

I swallowed my saliva at the gaze that immediately caught my eyes. Either way, the Duke stared me up and down as if observing and said,

“You are not at all oblivious.”

The phrase, ‘There will be a scene that has not existed in that situation,’ lingered on the tip of my tongue. Does the Duke know that children are more sensitive to negative emotions than he thought…?

‘Let’s just keep my mouth shut for now.’

I am optimistic enough that the Duke would not kick me out. Being greedy from the beginning is not a good idea.

“It is not bad to be quick-witted.”

Still, considering that it is not going too bad, there was still no warmth in his eyes.

“Be that way in the future. We will provide what you need—food, clothing, and shelter, but expect for anything more.”

“Yes. I will not bother you.”

As he quietly nodded, the Duke’s eyes narrowed slightly.

I finished my words,

“I will be quiet.”

“Good.”

Perhaps the answer was satisfactory, the Duke nodded. Then, he pulled the rope nearby.

“Did you call me, Duke?”

“Take the child away.”

The Butler bowed politely and approached me.

“Let’s go, Lady.”

I slowly turned his head to glance at the Duke, who was still looking here with a cold gaze. Well, I am glad that he did not turn his head away as if he was not interested, at least.

“Thank you for accepting me.”

With the utmost care, I bowed his back and said hello to my belly button, speaking slowly but clearly. Finally, I gazed up and observed his expression.

‘…There is no change.’

Well, people do not change easily. No, let’s not expect it in the first place… let’s live quietly and hold our breath. Then later, if the Duke still does not change his mind, then I will run away and save my life.

Determined, I made a promise to myself as I followed the Butler quietly. Because of that, I could not see the Duke’s red eyes fluttering in the wind.

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