<Wasn’t this a Strategy Game? Episode 124>

Eden’s eyes widened in shock at the sudden turn of events that made her heart drop.

‘What on earth is happening……?’

As she turned the ring, a massive statue began to spin, creating an entrance leading somewhere, just as written in the Prophecy Book.

This was completely unexpected. Jepar actually opened the entrance to the Secret Space himself.

“…….”

As Eden stood frozen, unable to speak, Jepar interpreted her surprise at discovering this hidden Easter egg as mere astonishment and smoothly smiled as he guided her hand in his.

“Please follow me.”

Eden, feeling helpless and completely taken over, stepped into the unknown space as he led her.

The space, illuminated by unquenchable torches, was larger than she had anticipated.

‘In here, Jepar’s weakness is……’

But as she heard the stone statue closing behind her, Eden realized once again that she had been blindsided by this game.

“These statues were made by the same sculptor as the ones outside.”

In this vast unknown space, there were another twelve statues. Moreover, all twelve statues were shedding tears.

From slightly weeping statues to those overcome with sorrow, cradling their faces in their hands and howling.

The statues stood three by three against the square walls, and it was obvious that behind each of the twelve statues, there would be twelve Secret Spaces connected.

She needed to find the ‘real’ door. That was the true Quest.

‘1 point…… I’ll definitely get it.’

While Eden ground her teeth in frustration, a glimmer of hope appeared above the empty space.

It was the same type of notification window that had popped up at the entrance of the Abandoned Hall and from the cabinets in the Imperial Palace’s underground storage.

If she got that right, she could instantly find the space where Jepar’s weakness lay!

Eden hurriedly read through the notification window’s text. This question seemed to be some sort of riddle.

“Shall we go this way, Saint?”

Before she could organize her thoughts, Jepar once again led her forward.

They arrived in front of a softly sobbing statue.

Instead of touching the statue’s ring or collar, this time Jepar placed his palm on the shoulder of the statue.

Then, once again, the statue spun, opening a new door.

‘Just like how Ibthan did it.’

It seemed that only Jepar could move the statues in this space. Hence, he confidently led her here.

Jepar didn’t know that she could also move the statues through other means.

‘So, the other method is just solving the riddle.’

Organizing her thoughts, Eden shuffled along as Jepar guided her. Meanwhile, their bodies came to rest on the concealed Portal.

“Gasp…….”

Distracted by the riddle, Eden didn’t even realize she had stepped inside the shining circle that was the Portal before feeling the sudden emptiness beneath her feet and stumbling.

Jepar calmly caught her waist, holding her steady.

In an instant, their surroundings transformed into a stretched-out night sky. Eden’s eyes widened in realization that she had just teleported.

“……!”

Unlike the dark, suffocating room that had no breeze, a surprisingly pleasant wind met her as she looked up to see an unbelievable sight.

“Oh my…….”

This was, truly, a fantasy.

The only beings present were Eden and Jepar, standing on a small, high hill, above which the brilliant Milky Way shimmered.

And the waves of colorful light flowing between them…….

“It’s the Aurora……!”

Just like many on Earth who traveled to Northern Europe to see the Aurora, it was also a proud spot on Eden’s bucket list.

However, it was far more beautiful than the vague images she had imagined.

The thought that such a thing was possible only because it wasn’t real floated through her mind, but even that thought quickly vanished.

Having unexpectedly achieved one of her enormous bucket list items, Eden forgot all about the previous circumstances and exclaimed with a racing heart.

“This is insane…….”

While it might have been slightly inappropriate for a Saint to express such awe, Jepar furrowed his brows ever so slightly, though he found it delightful to see Eden captivated by the night sky.

This place was a realm created by immense Magical Power. The effort that went into crafting this fantastical landscape, in terms of Magic Stones and a Mage’s labor, was beyond measure.

So it was only natural for anyone to be instantly captivated.

This secret and beautiful place was a luxurious space that had never been shared with anyone until now, but Jepar wanted to share this scenery with Eden.

Going forward.

“This is where I come when I can’t sleep, like tonight.”

At that, Eden finally tore her gaze away from the Aurora to look at Jepar.

Jepar still had his arm wrapped around her waist, bringing their bodies uncomfortably close.

His deep eyes revealed his flustered expression.

‘This is way too close…….’

Noticing the strange atmosphere, Eden attempted to subtly step back, but the hand around her waist didn’t budge.

“Um, Grand Duke…….”

“Actually, I suffer from severe insomnia.”

Jepar skillfully interrupted Eden’s words with a gentle smile.

“Ah……. I see. That must have been tough.”

“Yes, no matter what medicine I took or treatment I tried, it just wouldn’t get better.”

Eden felt a twinge of sympathy at his quiet voice. Until now, she had reckoned Jepar was a cold-hearted guy, but in the end, he was human too.

Being a powerful figure right after the Emperor and the lord of the Grand Duchy, he certainly had his own burdens.

All those things combined had spawned that insomnia. It was only natural.

“As my insomnia worsened, the sudden headaches have also become more frequent.”

Every bit as lethargic as this unrealistic scenery, Eden’s gaze remained fixed on Jepar, forgetting even the shimmering Aurora above her head.

“What I said about being at peace thanks to the gift you gave me was the truth.”

He smiled softly.

Then it hit Eden why he wore the brooch she gifted him every single day. It really seemed to help with his headaches.

‘Oh…….’ A sharp realization struck Eden’s mind.

「So I infused a bit of my Divine Power into it. It should help you if you ever get a sudden headache.」

「……How did you know?」

The moment he mentioned headaches, his gaze had turned icy.

「Yes. Thanks to the gift from you, I’ve been very well. Because of that, I’ve realized how essential you are to me, Saint.」

As Eden recalled the words she thought were mere polite exchange, her heart sank.

‘No way…… no way, so that’s why……?’

No, it was clear.

This was exactly it. Just as Asmun saw her as the sole healer from his painful burdens, Jepar, too, clearly thought of her as the only one who could save him from his torment.

The gift she had chosen to repay his kindness had now latched onto her ankle.

The choice of that gift had been entirely her will, meaning that she had also sparked the obsession that had arisen in Jepar.

‘What a catastrophe…….’

Regardless of how this situation ended up, her sincere feelings were embedded in that gift.

If it had properly manifested and eased Jepar’s pain, it was fortunate, but now it was hard to discern whether that was a blessing or a curse.

While Jepar’s pain had been alleviated, it was truly cruel that she couldn’t congratulate him for it.

“……I’m glad to hear that.”

When Eden awkwardly sighed in relief without properly looking into his eyes, Jepar stared at her troubled expression.

“These past few days spent with you, Saint, have been incredibly comforting.”

He said sweetly, his lips moving in a confession. Eden glanced at him again. There was not a hint of artifice or deceit in his sincere voice and gaze.

“The past few years…… no, in fact, I can’t recall. When was it I felt this comfortable?”

Eden knew his words were genuine.

She had overheard the servants gossiping about how long it had been since the Grand Duke looked so at ease.

Even if she hadn’t heard those conversations, it was easy to tell that the peaceful smile emerging now was sincere, contrasting the sharp, cold gaze she’d first encountered.

“So…….”

“…….”

“I really don’t want to lose this tranquility anymore.”

His pleasantly sweet voice continued quietly drifting off as his lips drew near.

Eden stared blankly at the handsome face approaching her before snapping back to reality and turning her head away just before their lips could touch.

“…….”

His lips brushed against her neck, halting just there. Feeling his warm breath on her neck, Eden shut her eyes tight.

‘I hoped this kind of situation wouldn’t arise.’

However, Jepar wore a face that betrayed none of his surprise at being denied a kiss. His composed expression seemed to suggest he had anticipated this development.

All he did was speak in a voice as gentle as the night breeze.

“……How can I……”

As he spoke, Eden felt his warm breath tickling her neck again.

She flinched, but Jepar still held her waist, looking her in the eye.

“Do you think I can make you believe my sincerity, Saint?”