# 60
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At that time, Julia was preparing a drink for herf and Demeter. He was the one who had stood by her side these past few days, taking responsibility for the children, and being considerate of her situation.
Even between Julia and Demeter, there had to be some time for them as a couple. Julia's cider was a tradition they shared every year on their anniversary.
Demeter stared at the bottle, his face pale
“Is there a problem?”
Julia asked puzzledly, as she sat on the sofa after arranging her soft silk nightgown.
“…Am I forgetting something?”
His words stopped suddenly.
“Our wedding anniversary is definitely not today.”
“Huh?”
“Is it your birthday? No, it's not either...”
Demeter stared at the transparent bottle with the gold label, as if the shimmering golden liquid inside was a deadly poison.
'to remember! You have to remember what you forgot!'
But no matter how hard he tried, his mind, which always worked smoothly, came to a complete halt, as if he had turned to stone.
Demeter clenched his hands tightly.
“…Demetor?”
“I'm sorry, Julia.”
"What?"
“I can't remember. Was there something important today that I forgot? If so, I'm completely at fault, so...”
Only then did Julia realize what was on his mind, and she burst out laughing.
His pale face and stuttered words were very endearing.
If there was one thing she had done right in her life, it was accepting this man who had clumsily given her a bouquet in the past.
Even though she was just a young girl when she made that decision, she wasn't wrong.
“What are you talking about, Demeter?”
“I…”
“There is no special occasion today, so come and sit here.”
Only then did Demeter exhale with relief, and slowly sit down next to Julia, gradually regaining the color of his face.
She offered him a glass full of wine.
“……If today isn’t our special day, it might be someone else’s special day, right?”
"Hmm, maybe. I'm not sure."
Julia shrugged.
It was not yet the right time to talk about what was going on between Evelyn and Sertine.
She was aware that their looks at each other were not normal, but their relationship was not easy.
Even if Syrtain treated Evelin specially, and even if Evelin’s view of him was full of warmth, there was still a huge mountain between them called “Spillman.”
However, this cider gave them a special magic, a magic that allowed them to be more honest with each other.
She only hoped that this magic would apply to Evelyn and Sirtain as well.
“……Actually, I have something to say today.”
“Something to say?”
Julia's eyes widened in surprise, and Demeter nodded slowly.
“...Duke Spelmann visited me during the day. He made me an offer.”
Although he spoke for a long time and indirectly, Duke Spellman ultimately only wanted to say one thing.
To betray Sirtain and become at his side.
Demitor briefly explained the conversation he had with Julia.
“That bastard... he tried to use our children.”
"Exactly. That means he's willing to take advantage of anything possible."
Demeter gritted his teeth angrily.
“But I think I can use this to our advantage.”
“…Do you intend to become a double spy?”
Demeter nodded.
"This could be useful to Serten. I can thwart their plans before they are carried out."
“……But His Highness Certain is an unstable person. Your intentions may be misunderstood even if they are in his favor.”
“I'm ready for it.”
Demeter smiled bitterly.
He knew his friend well—the doubt he carried, the wounds he hid.
“But with you by my side, I think things will be easier. In fact, I see this as an opportunity for us. The fact that the Prince has entrusted you to Her Highness’s care means that he trusts you.”
This was a risky move, a double-edged sword.
That's why Demitor spent the entire day thinking carefully—what would be the most efficient option? What is the right thing to do?
“In addition, our relationship with Her Highness and my good friendship with His Highness Certain may seem like a positive point to Duke Spelmann.”
“...You have a point. However, I think it would be best to speak to Your Highness first.”
Demeter nodded.
“We must be careful in the coming period. If Duke Spellman finds out that I am communicating with Sirten……”
“Our whole plan will be over.”
“Exactly. So we need a secret and secure way to communicate with Sirtain.”
“I think I can manage that.”
Julia said firmly.
At that moment, Julia thought of Eveline—the only person who could move Cyrtain's feelings.
If Evelin became the bridge between them, the situation would be safer.
Julia was sure—
'Evelin will be on our side, no doubt.'
For some reason, Julia felt quite confident about this.
Julia was due for work at eight in the morning, and she had never been late a day in her life. Today was no exception.
“Good morning, Your Highness the Princess.”
“Yes, a wonderful morning indeed, Julia.”
They exchanged greetings in a cheerful spirit.
How nice it is to have someone you can talk to freely without caution or affectation, in a place where there are no others eavesdropping.
Only those who once experienced losing them know the value of these moments.
It was a perfect day by all accounts.
There are no guards standing near them to limit their movements, and no watchful eye monitoring their every action.
“I wish every day was like this.”
What was even more beautiful was thinking about the plan that would overthrow Duke Spelman.
Without his suffocating pressure, there was no need to fill her mouth with cookies whenever she felt stressed, or make artificial baby noises to please him.
'Is this what the world looks like when it's pink?'
“Did my gift yesterday suit you?”
“Huh?”
Her eyes widened in astonishment.
“Oh, you mean apple wine.”
She swallowed, feeling a sudden heat rise to her face.
I drank it all.
She shared it with two syristines...and they drank it together.
The cider was chillingly sweet, but it wasn't the only thing she remembered.
As soon as that memory came to her mind, the moment of their kiss the night before came back to her as well.
She remembered how their bodies were connected without the slightest distance, and how he was touching her skin with his warm fingertips, in a way that could not be forgotten.
“That's enough for today...”
Even the deep look he gave her when she pushed him away, when she couldn't bear the overwhelming feelings, came back to haunt her memory.
“How dare you look at me like that and then try to run away?”
His words echoed in her mind, along with the touch of his calloused fingers gently stroking under her eyes.
Then she remembered his kiss that had landed on her eyelids, slow and deliberate, as if it had been imprinted forever.
Her heart trembled violently.
She also remembered how she had promised him that there would be nothing but holding hands while sleeping, and then how it had ended in a close embrace until the morning.
“Her Highness?”
"Yes? What?"
“Your face is… so red.”
"W-What? No, I didn't do anything!"
Evelyn shouted with obvious emotion.
“You seem confused.”
“Who, me? No, impossible!”
Evelin tried to keep her expression impassive, but her tense voice gave it away.
Julia laughed lightly.
“I won’t ask you more, so you can stop making such a stern face.”
She pressed her cheeks, as if trying to wipe away the blush.
“I thought I was a brilliant actress, I had never been exposed before.”
Evelin raised the cup of water and began to drink greedily.
“Looks like I need to change the subject.”
Julia was smart enough to avoid further embarrassment.
She poured the tea back into her cup, then began talking. But her next words were anything but comforting.
“Her Poisoner, in fact, Duke Spellman recently visited my husband.”
Duke Spelman.
Will there ever be a day when you don't hear this name?
“What did he say?”
“He offered to join him.”
As Julia continues to explain the details, it becomes clear that Duke Spelman wants Roger on his side.
Roger was thinking of playing the role of a double spy.
As for Julia, she hoped that Evelyn would be the bridge that connected Roger to two sisters. Just like in the original story.
It didn't matter which path they took, their ultimate fate was the same.
She felt like her heart was about to explode