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Limited editions hold a unique value.

That value derives from their scarcity, adding an extra layer of allure—like a kind of illusion formed from the idea of a “limited opportunity.” Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. The fact that there’s a limited chance to obtain something means it’s precious, and a finite quantity can boost both the value of the item and the satisfaction it offers.

Consequently, when someone hears the term “limited edition,” they tend to feel an urge to acquire it, even paying more than what its actual value warrants. Logically speaking, it’s something they shouldn’t really have to pay that much for, yet they still adorn themselves with the luxurious facade of “limited edition premium” while dropping major coin on it.

And this resonates with Iserin’s venture into this matter.

Right now, the supreme secret that can only be savored in this moment feels like a “limited edition” to Iserin. And despite all the dangers involved, even more so than she usually would, it compelled her to take the risk.

For someone like Iserin, who always kept safety in mind when delving into secrets, this could be considered quite reckless behavior.

It’s a good thing she’s moving stealthily, as if her bloodmate, the rather beast-brained Iarin, found out, she’d blow up in fury and lay down the law with joint locks until Iserin swore off such antics. As for Ella, she’d likely lecture her with a serious face, and Asha would find an unpredictable way to make her cease her “dangerous activities.”

However, Iserin does have her excuses.

She couldn’t afford to miss out on this prime season to fully enjoy the delightful secret, making her self-justifications somewhat valid. Not to mention, no calamities had occurred during her undercover explorations of secrets so far—her clean record of “no accidents” could be deemed trustworthy evidence in itself.

From the vaults of power holders to the secret police station sets up by the Chinese public security, despite regularly entering places that would make anyone wonder how she succeeded, no one has ever noticed Iserin’s presence. Nobody suspected the plethora of secrets hidden behind her seemingly demure facade.

Even the folks who know about her skills—including her family—are in the dark about just how much she’s aware of and the kinds of things she could unleash with the secrets she’s amassed. And nobody has any clue about the degree of force she’s capable of exerting, thanks to the Grimoire tailoring her abilities to be even stronger recently.

Well.

To frame it positively, it’s confidence; negatively, it’s arrogance.

That’s the driving force behind Iserin wading into this.

Objectively speaking, the scales tip more towards “confidence.”

She’s soaked in the love from the Grimoire, allowing her to wield her powers with more finesse; the secret abilities she’s acquired through that power, the artifacts and divine objects she’s stashed away for crisis situations, and even the spells intended as last resorts—all are neatly organized within her mind.

Even in a pinch, most capable people could be taken down head-on, and even if things go sideways, she’s capable enough to slip away with ease.

Iserin believes, and the Grimoire also agrees, that she meets the minimum standards to dive into this secret. She may not be able to smash her way through the stronger individuals or groups involved with this secret, but at least she’s confident it won’t push her into a lethal corner.

“A secret that becomes more interesting the deeper I dig… it’s like a matryoshka doll…”

By the way, didn’t Ella, the adorable contractor friend, gift her a matryoshka?

“Hmm. Made with life force, this matryoshka combines artificial gems and solidified resin to create amber.”

Yeah.

To Iserin, that was akin to a matryoshka.

A dazzling and beautiful toy that resembled the jewel matryoshka Ella crafted during a gem crafting class not too long ago.

When it catches the sunlight, the yellow and blue of the artificial topaz sparkle brilliantly, while the red of the ruby dazzles like flames. The luxurious hue of amber shapes itself into the likeness of eyes, nose, and mouth inside the jewel. And when she gazes at the amber face, holding the matryoshka, she finds a tiny, secondary matryoshka hidden within.

A marvel of light crafted from jewels.

It’s a masterpiece she made not long after showing interest in crafting.

Yes, it was a piece of art.

It was a singular creation shaped with talents that even Ella herself would be surprised by. So remarkable that even a special instructor giving a gem crafting lecture was startled enough to ask whether she’d be willing to sell it to him.

But instead of selling it, Ella chose to gift it to Iserin.

Since it was Iserin who encouraged her to take the craftsmanship class, it felt right for this masterpiece to belong to Iserin.

Thus, Ella’s first created piece came into Iserin’s hands, becoming her treasured possession.

A deeply valuable item she secretly pilfered—and by that, I mean relocated to her display case—now occupying the prime spot among her prized possessions.

“Isn’t it beautiful… a matryoshka…”

Every time she encounters that treasure, memories come flooding back.

That fond, yet slightly shy face of Ella’s, giving her the matryoshka.

The time when Ella, whom she thought was much closer to Iarin, chose to hand the matryoshka to Iserin first rather than Aarin or Asha, is engraved in her mind.

Perhaps from the very moment she received the matryoshka, she realized that Ella was indeed her friend. It might have shattered her earlier perception of family tightly enclosed and recognizing others only barely within their boundaries.

The meaning of friendship resonated more deeply, expanding her social awareness little by little.

That’s why, whenever she sees the matryoshka,

Every time she glances at that shining jewel, it reminds her of a presence that’s invaluable to her.

Not quite at the level of Grimoire or family but still a cherished existence.

That object reminds her of that person just as prominently as it does the meaningful items she’s carefully arranged in her display case.

“The Fox Sphere… such an intriguing item…”

And whenever she thinks of someone, it’s only natural that everything connected to them comes to mind.

Iserin knows of Ella’s troubles.

Iserin understands Ella’s complexes.

Ella lacks much talent in special abilities, having been scolded time and again, falling short compared to her newly established older sister, Anastasia. Of course, that’s somewhat unavoidable since Anastasia possesses extraordinary talents… But seeing that the closest of kin is naturally a comparison point is less than delightful.

Particularly because of that temperamental Odilia, it’s no wonder that it leads her to despair as she compares her skills to Anastasia’s.

“Lately, she hasn’t been spouting off harsh words… just quietly remaining…”

Though it’s true that Odilia, as had typically been the case, didn’t give Ella as much grief.

After meeting Park Jinseong, Odilia has calmed considerably, and since returning from America, she’s become very mild-mannered.

So she hasn’t let loose her foul temper on Ella, but that doesn’t mean her presence has faded. Odilia is, in her very essence, a trauma to Ella, and just seeing her face brings back memories of scolding—all of which naturally causes Ella to shrink away.

That’s why Iserin harbored a desire to help Ella with the price of the matryoshka she received. It was a small gesture of goodwill to aid her in gaining confidence and improving her skills.

The Fox Sphere.

From her foray, it turns out that consuming the elixir has meaningful effects on life force. Wouldn’t gaining or learning how to create such an artificial elixir to gift it to Ella be wonderful?

And on top of that,

“It seems to be related to that dimwit Iarin and her friends as well…”

It’s also connected to her bloodmate Iarin, who’s increasingly acting more beast-like these days.

Hence, this situation was one that Iserin simply couldn’t pass up.

A secret that becomes more interesting the more she probes, a chance to prepare a gift for Ella, and the question that it might relate to Iarin.

It was an absolutely grand opportunity to resolve all these things…!

[ Truly kind, our little contractor. ]

Indeed.

That’s why the Grimoire authorized Iserin’s inquisitiveness.

The contractor who was nurtured with kindness was adorable, and Iserin’s awkward charms were endearing. The sight of Iserin acting on behalf of her friend was simply commendable.

[ Very well. Go ahead and investigate to your heart’s content. I shall lend you some power for your contractor’s sake. ]

Golden crown, golden crown. The golden thread sparkled brighter than the light of Venus, adorning the night sky with threads of clouds as decorations.

Silent hoofprints leave no shimmer behind, yet the glimmer of their paths holds nobility; indeed, even one step possesses ample worth.

The quivering red sand sways like hair, painting wonders, while the flowing lines and planes without a mane depict the design of the night sky’s constellations.

[ Contractor, contractor. It’s delightful to explore secrets, but be sure to carry out what I say well.

First, there’s a report about someone plotting to sneak into the Hongik Patriotic Group’s hideout in Gangseo to sell technology to Japan and emigrate…]

A soft and enchanting voice whispers.

[ …And after heading to the specified location I mentioned, secure a burner phone; then send a message to the contact marked ‘Dealer’ stating you’d like to conduct a drug transaction there. That designated location is one of the NIS’s safe houses, and we’ll lead one of their agents to naturally encounter the dealer…]

A renowned painting drawn with red sand.

[ …Hint that another faction has invaded the drug dealer’s hideout and the industrial spy’s home, causing them to conclude that there’s an informant or traitor among them…]

Words imbued with secrets.

[ …Thus, allowing the Hongik Patriotic Group and the NIS to keep tabs on their remnants and ward off from foreign agents knowing the purposes behind the skills of the Chinese capable individuals arriving here. Contractor, dear contractor. Can you do it? ]

“How bothersome… but not too difficult.”

[ That’s right. I devised this plan, so allow our beloved contractor to put in the effort. Have fun with the secrets! ]

Love for the contractor.

 

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