25.

Serenity immediately ruled out Wyatt. She couldn’t imagine how that lunatic would react.

With Clagen already suspicious of Serenity, that was out of the question, and Julia was impossible because she was someone who could betray her for her own gain at any time.

There was only one person left.

Dante Odrayen.

He could help Serenity navigate the Heirs’ quarters, and he was currently the only person who might approach her somewhat normally.

‘Let’s think positively.’

Serenity decided to assess the situation. It was also an opportunity to learn about the bracelet Julie was wearing.

Visiting Dante’s mansion, she could obtain magical potions for changing her features or hair color, which could be used later when going out. He was a magician, so he would know how to do it.

‘If it’s not just the patterns appearing on me…’

If she could wield the power represented by each element, she could easily kill Julie in an instant.

Fire, water, wind, earth. If she could harness the power of all four elements, it was entirely possible. She could ensure that no evidence remained of her killing him.

Of course, all of this would be possible only with Dante’s cooperation.

Serenity had already thought about the conditions she would propose to him. She decided to offer him only a very small part of what he wanted. She would need to maintain some leverage in their relationship.

“And I’m planning to tell one person, excluding my sister.”

“Who is it?”

First, to accomplish all this, she needed to arrange a meeting with Dante as soon as possible.

“He’s Dante Odrayen, a magician and the successor of the wind element among the four elements.”

“Dante Odrayen?”

“He’s visited our mansion several times, and he’s both a magician and a successor, so he seems most suitable to understand the current situation.”

“Indeed, the only ones who can delve into this issue are the Heirs of the elements.”

Information about the Heirs is only conveyed to the Heirs and those related to the royal family. Everyone knew this.

Cordelia immediately wrote a message and handed it to the attendant. She didn’t forget to include Serenity’s request to meet Dante.

“The patterns on your feet and arms can be covered with a dress and shoes, and it would be best to wear gloves to cover your hands. Let’s focus on taking care of your health, as it hasn’t been long since you woke up.”

Cordelia, caressing Serenity’s earlobe, opened her vanity and took out a pair of earrings. The round earrings were just the right size to cover the pattern on her earlobe.

“These earrings are enchanted, so they won’t hurt.”

The earrings were enchanted with a charm that could be worn on the ear without the need for piercing. Cordelia rummaged through the wardrobe and handed Serenity a black long-sleeved nightgown. When Serenity changed into the nightgown, the patterns on her body were completely hidden.

“Are you going to sleep in my room tonight?”

Serenity nodded.

Serenity thought to herself, ‘There’s no need to go back to the room and feel anxious.’

Eventually, Serenity lay on Cordelia’s bed with her. The warm touch felt comforting up close.

Serenity tightly held Cordelia’s hand. Cordelia’s hand was warmer and rougher than she had thought. The scars and rough calluses crossing her palm were impressive.

“Don’t worry and just sleep. Everything will be fine.”

Cordelia seemed to think that Serenity’s fidgeting with her hand was due to anxiety. Serenity smiled quietly. Despite the inappropriate situation for laughter, her heart felt at ease because Cordelia was by her side.

“It was a good decision not to go back to the room.”

With her eyes closed, Serenity fell asleep with a sigh.

* * *

“Dante Odrayen has arrived after receiving the message.”

Dante was quick. He had come to the mansion since morning, seeming like someone with no other business. Of course, Serenity knew well how busy Dante was. It was all the more fortunate that his eagerness showed, making it easier for her to bring up her story.

Returning to her room, Serenity picked up the document Wyatt had written and prepared to meet Dante. Cordelia helped her change into a dress. It was considerate of her to help her change clothes to avoid seeing the patterns.

“Make sure to bring something to cover the patterns when you leave work today. But is it really okay to meet him alone? Even though he’s the successor of the wind element, and you don’t know him well…”

“It’s okay. Please trust me, sister.”

“Alright.”

At Cordelia’s request to trust her, she nodded and hugged Serenity tightly. It was the first time Serenity had asked her to trust her.

“I have to go now. Let’s talk more after work. I’ll make time for it.”

Serenity hugged Cordelia once more before saying goodbye.

As Serenity entered the room, she could see Dante’s subtly puzzled face. It was difficult to look directly into his eyes due to his eyelids that were usually slightly lowered, making him seem bored. However, today, his eyes were clearer, indicating a different attitude from usual.

“Can you trust my sincerity?”

“Uh…”

“Yes, I read over the records.”

Although she hadn’t looked into the notebook yet, Serenity nodded anyway.

“Yes.”

Regardless, she had to make a deal with Dante. Serenity took out the document she had received from Wyatt and placed it on the table.

“What’s this?”

“It’s something His Highness the Crown Prince granted… First, please take a look at this magic circle.”

“A magic circle that’s a matter of life and death?”

Dante quickly recognized the utility of the magic circle as soon as he saw it, fearing that someone might not be a magician.

Dante brought the magic circle close to his nose and repeated looking at it from afar. He seemed incredulous that Wyatt had risked his life.

“His Highness the Crown Prince must be completely out of his mind. How could he risk his life like this?!”

“Now Dante, I’m about to demand the same thing from you.”

“…Pardon?”

Dante stared at Serenity with a dumbfounded expression. Serenity met his gaze squarely and spoke firmly.

“Showing sincerity and this issue are separate matters. I’ll tell you what I know about Julie.”

By examining Serenity’s body directly, he might find out how she regained consciousness from the state of being a plant-human. It was better to tell him some of Serenity’s memories.

“However, Dante, you must promise not to tell anyone about the secret I’m going to reveal. You must do your utmost to keep this secret.”

“…Did you say it’s a secret?”

As someone who didn’t know how having all four elemental symbols would affect her, Serenity did what she thought was best.

To ensure that only Dante knew this secret.

She would provide Dante with the information he wanted in exchange for his acceptance of this condition.

Although she didn’t know how much, she knew Dante was more eager than she thought.

“…You seem to be in some trouble.”

“I chose this path because you were the first to show sincerity.”

Serenity didn’t blink an eye as she lied.

Dante blinked. He wrapped his face in his hands, suppressing a bitter laugh.

“Do you think I’m going to do something crazy that would risk my life?”

“Yes.”

“…Even if I’m not Klazen, I understand that it’s a profitable deal for you, Serenity.”

“If you don’t like it, you don’t have to agree.”

Dante fell silent for a moment. It was the first time Serenity had approached him in this manner, and it confused him. In his life, Dante had always been the one in control, but in front of Serenity, he always felt urgent.

“I understand deeply that when you make mistakes in human relationships, you later become thoroughly regretful. I understand, and I will comply.”

Dante had no room for leisure. He had to finish the task now because Serenity might change her mind at any moment.

“Because I need to save Julie.”

As a magician, Dante quickly prepared the contract. He took out his wand and created parchment in the air. Then, Dante drew the same magic circle as the one in Wyatt’s documents.

“I, Dante Odrayen, shall not disclose Serenity Zeros’s secret to anyone. I shall comply with Serenity Zeros’s request to keep this secret.”

“It doesn’t matter if others find out. And while I can assist or comply with efforts to keep the secret, I won’t actively do anything.”

Dante’s wand brushed against his left index finger. Smart. As Dante’s blood fell into the magic circle, it emitted light.

“Serenity must also be involved.”

“Serenity Zeros declares that she will tell Dante Odrayen about Julie.”

As his wand brushed against Serenity’s finger, drops of blood fell. When Serenity’s blood fell, the glowing magic circle returned to black. Beneath the magic circle were engraved the names of Serenity and Dante.

“The contract is complete.”

Serenity carefully examined Wyatt and Dante’s magic circles to see if there were any other marks. Dante silently waited for her to finish her actions.

“Can I talk about the secret now?”

“Please do.”

Seated, Dante waited with a blank expression for Serenity to speak. Dante was confident. He might not know what Serenity’s secret was, but he was sure it wouldn’t be anything surprising.

Serenity lightly brushed Dante’s ear.

The familiar wind symbol was shining.

Serenity removed the earring given to her by Corelia.

Dante’s pupils gradually dilated as he stared at the bare earlobe. He took a sharp breath.

It was like he was seeing a ghost.

“…I must be seeing things. I’ve been staying up late these days, my eyes must be getting worse.”

Dante muttered.

“It’s not just your imagination, there’s more.”

“There’s more here? This isn’t the end of the secret?”

Dante was startled. Serenity, tilting her head, removed her gloves. The water symbol on the back of her hand was clearly revealed.

“There are two symbols…”

“Dante, would you mind sitting here?”

Dante sat down as if he were bewitched. His gaze swept over each of Serenity’s actions.

Serenity removed her shoes and showed the soles of her feet. Dante stared at her desperately, as if begging her to stop right there.

“It’s not over yet.”

“No way…”

Serenity took off her coat. The dress she was wearing had long sleeves, but they were transparent, revealing everything underneath. The fiery symbol on her forearm behind the dress sleeve was vividly visible.

A sardonic laugh escaped from Dante’s mouth as he confirmed everything. Ha… Ha… Laughing with a mocking tone, Dante soon stopped laughing and his face turned as if he was about to cry.

“Am I really insane?”