Squeezing her hands, Liliana appeared unable to accept the fact. She had never thought that someone would turn her baby years into their darkest secret. It sounded ridiculous.
Although Klaus seemed to be deceiving Liliana here, it wasn't as it appeared. He was actually quite frustrated, displaying memories of his own infancy. Back then, he was defenseless, and the maid girls treated him like a toy. He hated it the most when others saw his vulnerable side.
On the other hand, the rest were curious about how Klaus could remember his past so vividly.
"I never thought there could be someone who remembers that far back," Jonathan scratched his chin.
"Maybe Klaus watched videos of himself as a baby. Anna used to record his baby days. I have a few back at the old house," Julia suggested.
"Really? Can I watch them?" Olivia asked.
The longer they listened to their conversation, the more irritated Klaus felt. He told them to be quiet, and only then did they hush. Their curiosity faded when Isabella changed the topic of conversation.
"So... is our debt settled now? Speaking of the 'Oath Apple' we ate earlier, what made us break the oath? You know, considering the death consequence is quite worrying."
Isabella stared at Klaus, biting her lip. She wasn't the only one who looked concerned; the others had similar expressions.
Taking a breath, Klaus calmed his mind. "Nothing will happen. You don't need to worry."
Naturally, they twisted their faces in confusion.
"What do you mean? I don't understand," Jonathan said.
Klaus sighed. "The apple is just a regular fruit. Honestly, it was my lunch. You don't need to overthink it. You won't die."
"WHAT!?" Jonathan and Isabella exclaimed simultaneously.
Klaus had no choice but to tell the truth. He didn't possess any special arcana or items that could enforce his words on humans. So, he came up with the idea of the 'Oath Apple' to deceive them into playing along with Liliana's game. While Klaus could use magic, he felt it was too excessive to employ it here.
After learning that the apple was just an ordinary fruit, instead of exhaling a sigh of relief, they became even more panicked. Jonathan and Isabella would rather die than have their secret exposed.
"Hey! Why are you saying this nonsense! What if someone else finds out?!" Isabella yelled, gripping Klaus by his collar.
He did nothing, letting her yell in his face. Klaus wouldn't defend himself when he was in the wrong. Meanwhile, Jonathan buried his face in his hands.
Ten minutes passed, and Isabella had emptied all her pent-up emotions. Klaus could only offer a guilty smile.
"Finally, you're calm. Now it's my turn to speak." Klaus took a breath. "Isabella, Jonathan. As I said, you don't need to overthink your secrets being exposed. Everyone in this room is a businessperson, except for that woman."
Olivia pouted as Klaus glanced at her.
"The foundation of business is trust," Klaus continued. "I won't sell you out, and the same goes for all of you. Do you agree?"
Isabella still appeared irritated, but she was willing to compromise. "Alright. I can't do anything more. I hope you're not lying this time."
Klaus smiled,getting the response he desired.
With this, their matter was settled. There was no longer any reason for them to linger in this place. After finishing their drinks, they all quickly bid their farewells. Klaus offered to take Olivia home, but she wanted to stay at her mother's place. Also, he offered Liliana a ride home, and of course, she declined it. He could see the disgust still etched on her face.
...
As Klaus descended to the building's entrance, he saw Isabella waiting alone for her driver. Seeing an opportunity, Klaus drew close to her without hesitation.
"Where's Jonathan? Why didn't I see him?" Klaus started the conversation with small talk. He knew Jonathan had left earlier.
"If you think we're close friends, you're wrong. We just like to compete. And yes, he has tried to fuck me a few times."
"But we know it will never happen."
Isabella giggled. "Exactly." She looked at him. "And if you think I forgive you just because you made me laugh, you're wrong."
Klaus pursed his lips. "You're right. I'll treat you a drink as an apology. How about that?"
"Why? You don't drink. I sense hidden intentions from you."
Klaus smirked. "It's nothing. I just want to discuss business. Literally, business."
Raising an eyebrow, Isabella looked intrigued. "Well, it seems my driver isn't showing up anytime soon. One or two drinks wouldn't hurt, I suppose."
"Let's go then."
The two of them left the gallery area. After walking a few blocks, they arrived at a hotel. Several couples were seen checking in at the reception. Of course, Klaus and Isabella weren't here to make love. They headed to the hotel bar.
The bar was dimly lit, with only yellow lights illuminating the room. Klaus quickly ordered drinks as they sat at the bartender's table. While waiting for their drinks to be ready, Isabella initiated the conversation.
"So, what do you want to talk to me about? Don't tell me it's about the election." Straight to the point. Isabella seemed to know what was on his mind.
"Hmm, do I look that obvious?" Klaus asked.
Isabella shook her head. "Not really. I'm just guessing. Liliana talked to me privately just like this before. Turns out, she's an agent from Jose Ancelotti's campaign team. She invited me to run for governor election with him. But I declined."
Hearing her story, Klaus didn't seem surprised. "I know. Jonathan told me, you already have your own plans."I think you should take a look at
Isabella raised an eyebrow. "You know that. But why are you still inviting me? Whoever you're working with, I won't accept your offer. I only want to be the governor, not the lieutenant governor. I already have my own team to run in the election."
Klaus grinned. "Good. Because that's what I need from you."
Naturally, the woman narrowed her eyes. She thought Klaus was trying to persuade her. But her assumption was off.
"What do you want?" Isabella asked, her gaze sharp.
"Well, this will be a lengthy discussion."
As the bartender brought their ordered drinks, the conversation began. Isabella listened carefully as Klaus laid out his thoughts. Time flew by quickly as they chatted. Unbeknownst to them, they had been engrossed in their discussion at the table for an hour.
Amidst their serious conversation, her smartphone rang. Isabella asked for Klaus's permission to answer it. After the call was done, she excused herself.
"Sorry, Klaus. I still want to talk to you longer, but I have something urgent."
"Sure, we can discuss it another time," Klaus replied.
As Isabella rose from her seat, she paused for a moment. "I just want to make it clear. I'm in."
After saying that, she left Klaus behind with the patrons in the bar. Watching her disappear into the crowd, Klaus leaned against the table with a smile on his face.
"I can sleep soundly tonight."
From the beginning, he came to this gallery just for one person, either Jonathan or Isabella. Actually, Klaus wasn't sure if Isabella would accept his offer, but fate was on his side.????????????????????????????????.????????????
Suddenly, he heard a woman's voice in his head.
<My, liege. Where are you?>
Naturally, Klaus stood up from his seat. It sounded so familiar, he recognized it immediately.
"Laplace?" he murmured.
Currently, Laplace was inhabiting Sylvia's body. If she was calling him, it meant Sylvia was awake.
…
The night grew late, but New York was still alive. Cars sped along the streets, and billboards illuminated the road. Klaus quickly summoned his driver after receiving a telepathic call from Liliana. His car sped through the night's bustle.
Arriving at the hospital, the lobby appeared deserted, with a few wandering staff members. Klaus hurriedly made his way to the room where Sylvia was.
The room was very dim. Klaus saw nothing but a woman sitting on the bed. Bathed in moonlight, she gazed toward the window. Her silver hair reflected the moon in the sky.
The woman turned to him. Her lips curved into a smile as she noticed Klaus standing in the doorway.
"You've come, my liege? I'm truly touched."
"It seems you're quite fond of that body, Laplace."
Since Klaus had awakened Sylvia, Laplace had been residing in her body. The fiery spirit had released itself to Klaus to help him complete the ritual. In other words, Laplace was controlling Sylvia's body. At least for the time being.
Klaus drew close to her.
Laplace seemed lost in herself, doing peculiar things in front of Klaus. Like taking a deep breath, moving her legs, or stroking her own hand.
"You really enjoy that body, huh?" Klaus asked.
The silver-haired woman smiled widely. "Yes, my liege. It feels amazing." She truly seemed happy.
However, the smile on her face didn't last long.
"But you can't take it over," Klaus said.
"Why?" Laplace asked, her eyebrows furrowing. "Didn't you promise to give me your body and let me live like a human?"
"Yeah. But that body belongs to my friend. I'll find you another one."
Laplace lowered her head. She had been eagerly anticipating having a human body and hoped Klaus would fulfill his promise to her. Unfortunately, Klaus had different intentions. If he had spoken, she couldn't argue with him.
Seeing her subordinate crestfallen, Klaus felt a twinge of pity.
"For the time being, you'll stay within her body. You can only control it when she's unconscious, and you must never attempt to communicate with her. Understood?"
A smile bloomed on her face. "Yes, my liege."
After giving Klaus one last smile, the silver-haired woman closed her eyes. Not long after, she opened them again. Her eyes widened.
"K... Klaus...?" Confusion was written across her face.
Klaus merely smiled. "Welcome back, Sylvia."
