“Do you know?”

Rachel’s eyes widened at the word “Demon” that Edward had mentioned.

Even though she hadn’t directly brought up the Time Demon, Creon, Edward seemed to have figured out that the Tears of Licorice connected to a demon.

“Not in detail. Do you remember when I mentioned at the Magic Tower that I’d heard of something called the Tears of Licorice somewhere before?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Rachel didn’t need to think long about it. Finding the Tears of Licorice remained her top priority, so everything related to it stayed etched in her memory.

That included the comment Edward had casually made during their visit to the Magic Tower.

When Rachel quickly nodded in agreement, Edward smiled consciously and continued speaking.

“Fortunately, I remembered seeing a reference to the Tears of Licorice in some document, so I went back to check. Luckily, my memory proved correct.”

Edward narrowed his eyes, trying to recall something. Rachel waited for him to continue.

“The document described it as a special jewel that grants the wishes of demons.”

“That must be it. Was there any more detailed information?”

Rachel asked with interest, but Edward shook his head.

“That’s all that was in the book I read. This might be overstepping, but Rachel, are you sure you’re okay? Even if you’ve received help, if it involves someone connected to a demon, I think you should exercise caution.”

Edward’s gaze filled with concern.

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Rachel answered gently to reassure Edward.

For ordinary people, the word “demon” carried negative connotations.

Rachel herself had hesitated countless times before making a contract with Creon.

However, the Creon she had encountered behaved more human-like than anyone else.

[Hmph.]

Creon snorted, clearly displeased by Edward’s words.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll handle it well, Rachel. I’ll let you know if I find out anything more.”

“Thank you, Edward.”

Even if Edward’s information seemed trivial for now, the fact that documentation about the Tears of Licorice still existed marked a significant discovery.

Rachel had doubted whether the Tears of Licorice, which Creon sought, actually existed. If it were real, someone would know about it, and at least one mention should appear in some record. Yet, despite extensive searching, she found nothing, leading her to question its existence even more.

However, Edward confirmed today that he had seen a document mentioning the Tears of Licorice. It described the jewel as capable of granting demons’ wishes, proving that someone else knew about it besides Rachel.

Moreover, the document referred to it simply as a demon rather than specifically the Time Demon, Creon. This suggested that the information applied to demons in general, not just Creon.

“This might not be related, but…”

Out of nowhere, Viola joined the conversation between the two. Both Rachel and Edward turned to look at her.

“Did you know? About the flower.”

“Flower?”

“Yes, the red spider lily.”

“…?”

Viola looked at Rachel with wide eyes, seemingly surprised that she didn’t know.

“You don’t know?”

Rachel shook her head at Viola’s question.

“You’re looking for a jewel, so it’s probably unrelated, but the word Licorice actually names a flower.”

“And?”

Edward pressed Viola to elaborate.

“Well, I just thought… since the name matches, maybe there’s some connection.”

Viola blinked awkwardly, appearing embarrassed.

“No, thank you for telling me. Honestly, I don’t know much about the Tears of Licorice, so even information about the name holds value for me.”

“Really?”

Viola smiled in relief, glad that Rachel appreciated her input.

After that, the conversation shifted to light gossip. Viola initiated most of it, while Edward and Rachel occasionally asked or responded.

Meanwhile, Rachel mulled over the information Viola had provided.

‘What do you think, Creon? Do you think it could relate to the flower?’

There had to be a reason why the name included a flower. Unsure how it might help her find the Tears of Licorice, Rachel decided to ask Creon.

Creon let out a groan, deep in thought. Rachel waited patiently for him to finish.

After a long pause, Creon finally spoke.

[I don’t know. I’ve never approached it this way before. But since we’re looking for something in jewel form, the name similarity probably represents just a coincidence.]

‘You think so?’

Rachel bit her lower lip uncertainly before eventually agreeing.

If Creon, who had searched for the Tears of Licorice for centuries, couldn’t find a connection between the two, it likely remained unrelated.

‘That’s disappointing. I thought it might provide a clue.’

[It can’t be helped.]

‘But with so little information, can I really find the Tears of Licorice?’

Rachel doubted whether she could locate something that even Creon, trapped in a necklace for a thousand years, had failed to find. Though Creon hadn’t had the opportunity to search properly, the lack of known information suggested that Rachel might also fail to find the Tears of Licorice.

[…]

Creon didn’t respond to Rachel’s question.

Rachel interpreted his continued silence as bitter acknowledgment of their situation.

She felt pity for Creon, who might never escape his curse, even after all this time.

‘I shouldn’t have said that. I’ll find it.’

[…I’m counting on you.]

Creon’s voice sounded unusually heavy and subdued.

“By the way, Rachel.”

Viola called out to Rachel, interrupting her conversation with Creon.

When Rachel looked up, Viola hesitated before speaking.

“My birthday is coming up soon, and I’m planning to hold a ball like I always do. Would you come?”

Viola’s tone sounded uncharacteristically cautious as she asked Rachel.

Rachel calculated the dates, realizing that time had flown by.

“Now that you mention it, it’s about a month away.”

Her sense of time had dulled, and she had completely forgotten about Viola’s upcoming birthday.

In the original story, this day marked when Rachel and Viola’s relationship took a dramatic turn after Tervan’s death.

Following Tervan’s death, the Hestein family had hosted a grand ball to lift Viola’s spirits, only for Rachel to ruin it.

But now, that wouldn’t happen.

Everything had been set right.

Even so, Rachel understood why Viola watched her so carefully.

“You’re worried because of me and Tervan, aren’t you?”

Viola hesitated before nodding.

“Yes.”

Rachel sighed, trying to clear the frustration in her chest.

But Viola misunderstood the sigh.

“If you’re uncomfortable, I can celebrate with Tervan separately. Just let me know.”

“You’re not planning to invite Tervan?”

“…No.”

Rachel answered in a faint voice.

“How could I not invite you? Rachel, you’re my best friend. Tervan will understand.”

Viola’s explanation sounded like an excuse, and Rachel chuckled, shaking her head.

“No, I don’t care if Tervan comes or not. It’s your birthday. You shouldn’t worry about me or Tervan.”

“…So it’s okay to invite Tervan?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

“Thank you, and I’m sorry, Rachel.”

Viola whispered, her shoulders slumping.

Rachel simply shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“Rachel, would it be alright if I escorted you to the ball?”

Edward suddenly asked.

“You, Edward?”

“Don’t you want me to?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, Rachel hesitated, and Edward asked again in a low voice.

It wasn’t unusual for someone to attend a ball with a partner, so Edward’s suggestion wasn’t entirely out of place.

In fact, Tervan had always escorted Rachel to balls in the past. Now that their relationship had soured, Edward’s offer showed his consideration.

After some hesitation, Rachel nodded.

“No, I’d be honored if you did.”

“Good. I’ll come pick you up early that day.”

Edward smiled brightly.

“We should get going. We’ve stayed longer than we intended.”

Edward and Viola stood to leave shortly after 3 p.m.

“Edward.”

Rachel called out as she walked them to the entrance of the Rose Castle.

Edward’s warm gaze settled on her.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could I borrow the document that mentions the Tears of Licorice sometime?”

“Of course. Is it urgent?”

“No. Next time, when you come for Viola’s birthday, could you bring it then?”

Edward readily nodded at Rachel’s request.

“Sure.”

“Take care on your way back, Edward, and you too, Viola.”

Rachel saw them off.

“See you next time, Rachel.”

Viola waved cheerfully at Rachel.