Although he conducted an investigation around the Rose Palace just in case, the result turned out to be as expected. There was no way to express it other than saying the situation was incredibly complicated.

“If the soul of Pafuth is aware of this, the man who commissioned me might experience a second rampage. Turning the kingdom into chaos once again is certainly not what Gallio desires.”
“If he learns this fact, the man who commissioned him might experience a second rampage. Once again, the kingdom turning into chaos is definitely not what Gallio desires. To enjoy the pleasures he desires and live life, a safe playground called a kingdom is absolutely necessary.

‘First, after extracting the soul from the princess’s body, it would be better to use it as bait to get an even greater reward. With that man, it might even be possible to transplant my consciousness into another body.’

Although he appeared to maintain a youthful appearance, Gallio was already as old as a grandfather or even older than Elga. Having lived indulgently in luxury and pleasure, the last thing Gallio wanted was a young body.

He didn’t need an ordinary body. What he desired was none other than the body of Prince Wilhelm, the first prince of the kingdom.

Impossible by ordinary means, but a man who sold his soul to a demon might easily handle the transference of consciousness.

‘I should hide the princess’s soul somewhere and propose a formal trade. A contract with Pafuth is absolute.’

Most demons and humans easily broke promises. Surprisingly, demons were not like that. Because demons drew power from the demon realm through contracts.

The demon’s contractor, Pafuth, gained the same power as the demon by selling their souls and acquired the same weaknesses. That was breaking the promise with the one they made a contract with, leading to not just a simple death but complete annihilation of body and soul.

‘If the value of using me disappears, he will probably try to kill me and absorb my magic. I must not let anyone know that the princess is the owner of the soul he’s looking for.’

So, Gallio tried to progress the work slowly without catching the client’s attention.

Outwardly, he pretended to thoroughly investigate the territories of demons, while secretly continuing the groundwork to manipulate Charlotte and Wilhelm according to his taste.

But recently, his demanding client began to suspect him, and signs of change were appearing around him.

Eventually, Gallio sensed it.

Now, he could no longer postpone the work.

“To kill the princess… Moreover, to bring only her soul? What nonsense are you talking about, Gallio?”

“Exactly. Using this, you can easily suck up the princess’s soul. The usage is also simple. You just need to stab it into her heart.”

As Gallio shrugged his shoulders in response, Charlotte’s expression distorted in shock.

“It’s impossible. Unlike before, the princess is now surrounded by knights and guards. It’s not even possible to approach, let alone assassination.”
“I’ll help with that. In a while, there will be a hunting competition sponsored by the royal family. I will prepare everything for that occasion, so Charlotte, please refrain from going out for a while, citing health reasons. It will provide you with an alibi.”

At first, Charlotte thought it was an absurd idea, but she gradually became captivated by his proposal.

The reason for this problem arose from the beginning with Princess Bella.

If Bella could be eliminated, she wouldn’t have to suffer due to anything related to an assassin anymore. That thought gradually spread in her mind.

In fact, Charlotte was tormented by the obsession that Gallio’s suggestion was correct.

Her recent insomnia and nightmares were also greatly influenced by Gallio.

Without realizing it, she was thinking and acting according to others’ will, a result of one of Gallio’s mental abilities.

Eventually, Charlotte decided to assassinate Bella according to Gallio’s words.

And finally, the day of the hunting competition arrived.

Wearing rough and rustic clothes she had never worn before, Charlotte left the Refelga mansion early in the morning.

It was only half a day after she succeeded in thrusting a knife into Bella’s neck.

“I’ve been waiting, Princess. Today, you must give me your life.”

The owner of the familiar voice was none other than Charlotte.

I swallowed hard as I felt the chilling aura of the dagger seeping into my thin skin.

“…Charlotte. Why are you suddenly doing this to me? Did I eat something wrong?”

“Everything is because of you, Your Highness. Our family and I… We are all going through this difficult situation because of Bella.”

Confusion was evident in Charlotte’s response, muttered like an excuse.

Not only that, her hands were trembling poorly for someone who came to assassinate.

I couldn’t understand why she would do such a thing, but one thing was clear: Charlotte was not someone fit for such actions.

“Drop the dagger, Charlotte. You are not someone capable of doing such things. You are an ordinary person who would be happy and sorry for a small gift.”

“You don’t know, Your Highness. I’ve committed many wrongs. Allowing crimes, sending people to kill a young boy… I’m the worst.”

A distinct tremor was felt in Charlotte’s voice.

Something was off.

Is it normal for someone who came to murder someone with determination to show tears when emotions intensify?

“…You were the one who sent an assassin to Raven, Charlotte. Why did you do such a thing?”

“I… I had no choice. If I didn’t do that, if I didn’t obey his orders, Wilhelm, and my family would…”
Now, she even stammers when speaking.

Sensing that Charlotte is undergoing mental turmoil, I slowly reached out.

Then, I gently wrapped my hands around hers, holding the dagger.

She flinched for a moment, but Charlotte didn’t resist or attack me.

“Snap out of it, Charlotte. Did that man make you do this?”