Chapter 03
“…Let’s skip introductions. I’m sure you already know who I am.”
Beloni nodded, seemingly unbothered.
Shanur didn’t bother speaking first; he only watched her. Those who came seeking him always found themselves at his mercy. As expected, Beloni was the one to break the silence, though she didn’t address Shanur directly.
“Marina, leave us.”
She spoke to the maid, who was still frozen in confusion. When the maid hesitated, Beloni glared sharply.
“Marina.”
“If anything happens, my lady, just scream. I’ll come right back.”
Listening to their exchange, Shanur leaned back lazily on the sofa. He thought to himself, If she screams, the maid won’t find her alive anyway. Of course, he didn’t say that loud.
The room was dimly lit, and the maid fumbled to open the door before leaving.
“Interesting. Aren’t you afraid of me?”
After the maid left, Shanur deliberately lowered his voice, growling like a beast. The sound reverberated, making Beloni’s hand, which held a teacup, tremble slightly.
Shanur had always disliked young noblewomen like Beloni, who came to him claiming they knew “the way.” They reminded him of naïve protagonists from silly novels, convinced they could tame a wounded beast.
“What’s the trend these days? A kiss? Or heartfelt words of love?” he asked indifferently.
Young ladies always presented one of two methods, and Beloni’s silence confirmed his suspicion.
“So, nothing’s changed. How dull.”
It had been two years, enough time for people to forget what he had done. Shanur mentally calculated what would happen if he killed her. He thought of the Marquis of Jerem’s family—killing her could send a strong message.
“I know how to break your curse,” Beloni suddenly said.
“Of course you do.”
“And to lift it, I need your help.”
Shanur burst into laughter.
“Help? What will you take? My blood like some shaman? Or perhaps my decayed flesh?”
“Blood? Flesh? What are you talking about?” Beloni was visibly startled, clearly not expecting such a suggestion. Shanur narrowed his eyes. If she was acting, she deserved an award.
“It’s nothing so gruesome,” she said quickly.
“Then what kind of help do you need?”
“Your… purity.”
Shanur blinked.
Before he could even react with anger, embarrassment, or ridicule, Beloni exclaimed as if realizing something.
“Oh, don’t worry. Not my purity—yours!”
Shanur opened his mouth but couldn’t speak. He had never been so furious in his life that words escaped him.
“Wait… don’t tell me,” Beloni said, her voice tinged with concern, “You’ve already lost it, haven’t you?”
“You—”
Shanur managed to choke out two words.
“Get out. Leave!”
I couldn’t hide my discomfort as I watched him, his breathing heavy with frustration.
So he’s already lost it? That was unexpected.
But if Shanur had lost his purity before the curse, it explained why he hadn’t broken it by the time I died in my previous life.
I had learned how to break his curse by pure chance.
In my past life, my family was on the verge of bankruptcy, and we had to forfeit our title as counts. To support them, I started a business in secret. Luckily, I had a knack for it and succeeded. During that time, I met someone—a distant relative of a powerful shaman. He was on his deathbed, but I helped him out of pity.
Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, and he passed away. Before he died, he left me with cryptic words:
“You are the only one who can save the beast. You must take his purity.”
At the time, I didn’t understand and had no chance to ask further. Only later did I recall that the Duke of Reinhardt was nicknamed “the Beast.”
Even so, I never thought the “beast” referred to Shanur. The stories of people claiming to know how to break his curse—and their grim fates—were infamous.
But after being reincarnated and fleeing my wedding in this second life, the shaman’s words resurfaced. I had nothing left and needed protection.
“Didn’t you hear me?” Shanur growled.
Startled by my thoughts, I quickly apologized.
“If what I said came across as improper, I sincerely apologize.” I bowed my head.
“It’s not you.”
“Oh.”
I adjusted myself and faced the direction of his voice.
“Look, I can’t reveal everything—it’s a trade secret—but I assure you this method will work. But… are you still pure?”
His breathing steadied, and after a long pause, he muttered, “…I am pure.”
“Thank goodness!” I sighed in relief, my anxiety easing.
“Now that the conditions are met, I can explain further. If you give me your purity, your curse will be broken. In return, I’ll marry you. But don’t worry—I won’t stay forever. After a year, I’ll leave without asking for alimony.”
I planned to use his name as protection while I built my fortune.
“But you can’t try this method with anyone else. It has to be me.”
I added this in case he considered disposing of me and trying the method with someone else.
“…Is that all?” Shanur’s voice was low and cautious, making his presence even more intimidating in the dark room.
Taking a deep breath, I knelt. The rug cushioned my knees, but they still ached.
“Please accept my proposal. I have no other choice. I ran away from my wedding today after punching my fiancé. You’re my last hope.”
He snorted, clearly amused.
“Your situation sounds pitiful, but what does that have to do with me?”
“You’re right. I have no rebuttal.”
My honest reply caught him off guard, and he laughed dryly.
“You’re too straightforward—it’s disarming.”
At least he wasn’t threatening me anymore. That was progress.
“Alright, I’ll sweeten the deal. I’ll serve as your loyal aide for a year.”
I groped in the dark until I found his hand and held it firmly.
“I’m more capable than I look. I’m quick-witted, resourceful, and good at making money. Plus, I value my life above all else.”
“…What?”
“I’d treat you as my savior. I’m terrified of dying, so I’d never betray you.”
Shanur seemed to consider my words, his silence stretching.
“Anything else?”
“One more thing.”
“Go on.”
“I’m beautiful.”
“…What?”
“You’ll enjoy having me around just for my looks.”
I guided his hand to my face, letting him feel my features.
His rough fingers hesitated, tracing my face with surprising gentleness.
After what felt like an eternity, Shanur finally spoke.
“Fine. Let’s see how this goes.”
Relief flooded me, and I smiled brightly.
“Thank you! I’ll never forget this kindness!”
