The next day, Rachel boarded the carriage heading to Duke Bermund’s residence.

Though she still had two days to wait until he would visit her laboratory himself, Rachel decided to go directly rather than drag things out longer.

She had sent a letter asking if she could visit, and received a reply welcoming her anytime, so there was no reason to hesitate.

[Wouldn’t it be better to meet somewhere else? This isn’t like entering a monster’s den or anything.]

Creon grumbled, clearly displeased with Rachel’s decision.

Though he knew Rachel’s abilities better than anyone, he couldn’t help worrying about her entering the Duke’s stronghold.

‘Don’t worry. He won’t be able to do anything anyway.’

Rachel reassured Creon.

[How can you be so certain he won’t do anything?]

‘Because I’m making an official visit after sending proper notice.’

After this brief explanation, seeing that Creon still didn’t understand, Rachel continued.

‘What Duke Bermund wants is to seize the imperial throne. He’s been preparing for that for a long time. Now I’ve appeared as an unexpected variable, so he’ll be wary of me.’

[That’s obvious. From that Bermund Duke’s perspective, how uncomfortable must it be to face someone who knows the future?]

‘That’s why he’s asking me to go back in time once more, but unless I announce that the Duke is planning treason, he won’t touch me. Above all, people know I’m visiting the Duke’s residence. If he acts rashly, he might have to abandon everything he’s prepared so far.’

Finally understanding, Creon made a small purring sound. Rachel smiled silently and quietly closed her eyes. Before long, the carriage arrived at their destination.

The carriage door opened, and a hand wearing a white glove extended toward Rachel.

“Take my hand as you step down.”

It was Duke Bermund.

Rachel looked alternately at the Duke’s face and hand, then took his hand and stepped down from the carriage.

“I was waiting for you after receiving your notice. Welcome, Lady Pluret.”

Rachel responded to Duke Bermund with a smile.

“I didn’t expect you to come out to greet me personally. I’m grateful for such hospitality, Your Grace.”

“What’s a simple greeting for Lady Pluret? Now, shall we go inside?”

Duke Bermund began guiding Rachel into the mansion.

Upon reaching the reception room and taking their seats, refreshments were promptly served.

The sweet aroma was familiar.

“Bellin tea.”

As Rachel savored the tea’s fragrance, Duke Bermund smiled deeply.

“Bellin tea from Mount Madovel. As you recognized immediately, its aroma is exquisite.”

Duke Bermund lifted his cup and took a sip of tea.

“It has a calming effect on the mind and body, which should be beneficial.”

“Yes.”

Rachel answered briefly.

A moment of silence passed between them before Rachel was the first to speak.

“You know why I’m visiting today.”

Duke Bermund nodded in affirmation.

“I expected you to contact me earlier than the scheduled date, but I didn’t think Lady Pluret would visit in person. I look forward to the answer you’ll give me today.”

“But before that, there’s something I want to confirm. That’s actually why I decided to visit your residence.”

Duke Bermund, who had been looking down at his teacup, raised only his eyes to look at Rachel.

“You want to verify the memoir first.”

Duke Bermund immediately understood Rachel’s intention.

“Yes, that’s right. Before making my decision, I want to confirm the memoir’s existence.”

Though she had already decided what answer to give before coming, she still wanted to see it with her own eyes.

All this time, Duke Bermund had mentioned the memoir but never shown it to Rachel, so she needed to verify its existence at least once.

Duke Bermund nodded in understanding and beckoned to the butler waiting at a distance. The butler approached with quiet steps and bowed his head before the Duke.

“You called for me?”

“Bring the memoir from the study.”

“Yes, I’ll do so immediately.”

The butler bowed his head and left the reception room. Duke Bermund watched Rachel with a slight smile.

“Please wait a moment. He’ll bring it shortly.”

“Yes.”

Rachel answered briefly and looked around the reception room.

In the lavishly decorated room, there were five people besides Rachel and Duke Bermund. Three maids and two servants standing not far away, waiting.

After carefully examining the flow of mana, Rachel found no trace of sword training or magic among them. Having scrutinized them just in case, Rachel felt relieved and put down her cup.

Knock, knock.

Before long, there was a knock at the reception room door. Rachel’s gaze naturally shifted to the door.

“Your Grace, it’s Darren.”

“Come in.”

With the Duke’s permission, the butler who had left the reception room entered again. The Duke took the book handed to him by the butler and examined its contents first, then he looked up at Rachel.

“This is the memoir I mentioned.”

He showed her the book to confirm its existence. It was a book covered in brown leather.

“Is it really a memoir?”

“You still don’t believe me.”

Duke Bermund placed the book on the table and opened it for Rachel to see.

Inside was someone’s diary.

It was the first page of the memoir. It contained the raw grief of someone mourning a friend’s death.

Rachel carefully examined the first page of the memoir, moving only her eyes. The emotions captured in neat handwriting seemed to rush over her like a waterfall. The pain, sorrow, and self-blame of those left behind.

Having fallen into deep despair after Tervan’s death, Rachel couldn’t help but empathize with the contents filled with such emotions.

[Leroy Everhart…]

Rachel wasn’t the only one examining the memoir.

Creon, who had seen the first page through Rachel, murmured someone’s name in a heavy tone.

It was also the name of the deceased friend mentioned by the memoir’s owner.

‘…Was he your contractor?’

Rachel, who knew better than anyone the fate of Creon’s previous contractors, asked him as carefully as possible.

[Yes. This memoir seems genuine.]

Creon confirmed the authenticity of the memoir. Rachel nodded briefly and remained silent for him.

Only after some time had passed did Rachel take her eyes off the memoir. Then she looked directly at Duke Bermund.

“You said it was written by an acquaintance of the contractor?”

Duke Bermund nodded slightly.

“Yes, that’s correct. More information is recorded later, but if you wish to examine further—”

“No. I don’t think I need to see more.”

Rachel cut off the Duke’s words. Then she took a small deep breath.

He stared at her, unable to understand her reaction.

“You already know, don’t you? That I’m Creon’s contractor. I just confirmed with Creon whether the person mentioned in this memoir was his contractor or not.”

“And what did Creon say?”

Duke Bermund waited for her next words with apparent interest.

“He confirmed it. Leroy Everhart. A former contractor of Creon.”

Rachel said calmly.

Duke Bermund smiled, raising his lips like he had expected this.

“I see. Now that we have confirmation from the Time Demon Creon himself, there’s no reason to question its authenticity. Isn’t that right?”

Rachel nodded. The memoir was genuine. This memoir likely contained the information Duke Bermund knew.

“Then what will you do? If you want to examine this memoir in more detail, you’ll have to agree to my proposal.”

“You asked me to travel back in time, correct?”

Rachel recalled the Duke’s previous words.

“Yes, that’s right. For Lady Pluret, going back in time means losing nothing. You would confirm the contents of the memoir and gain an informational advantage by turning back time. But if you refuse, I plan to burn this memoir. So, what will you do?”

Duke Bermund smiled deeply, looking like he already knew Rachel’s choice.

Rachel looked at him expressionlessly for a moment before finally speaking.

“I refuse.”