In a completely unexpected turn of events, Rina discovered my past life, but it passed without any major issues.

    Rina isn’t the type to reveal such information to anyone, and besides, suspicions of this nature were already circulating.

    She mentioned that this revelation helped her understand all the circumstances at once, which isn’t a bad outcome.

    Moreover, she even added a few policies based on the stories I shared, making this a significant gain for her.

    Time continued to flow amidst these developments.

    The event was progressing successfully, and the 28th volume of The Chronicles of Zenon was published without a hitch.

    [A cruel ending that struck readers who thought it was the finale.]

    [What seemed like the final hurdle was overshadowed by an even greater tragedy.]

    [The ending readers wish for Jin and Lily—how will it unfold?]

    [Will it end in tragedy like Kair and Elisha, or will a miracle occur?]

    As expected, the reactions flooded in as soon as it was published.

    Compared to the Seven Deadly Sins, the slightly one-dimensional archdemon Diabolos was defeated by Zenon and his party.

    While the plot itself could be considered straightforward, Diabolos unleashed his final outburst during the destruction of his vessel, firing a spike imbued with the vilest darkness.

    Everyone assumed the spike would target Zenon, but just before reaching him, it changed course.

    The direction it turned to? Lily.

    The twist was so abrupt that even Jin failed to react properly.

    [A spike imbued with vile darkness—can Lily purify it?]

    [Even the World Tree couldn’t withstand the demon’s corruption. For Lily, purification is near impossible.]

    [As long as the gods help them, there’s no need to worry.]

    [Didn’t Jin also awaken after being devoured by gluttony?]

    The Jin-Lily couple is deeply loved and immersed in by many readers, so the ending of Volume 28 left them in shock.

    Some feared they wouldn’t be reunited, while others reassured themselves that since Jin returned from death, Lily could too.

    The ending was so shocking that it slightly overshadowed the ongoing event.

    Given that most of the participants were fervent fans of The Chronicles of Zenon, their reactions were understandable.

    ‘I wonder how readers will react when Jin becomes the final boss.’

    While I understand their trepidation, unfortunately, Volume 29 won’t be released anytime soon.

    That’s because something more important than writing The Chronicles of Zenon is at hand.

    “So, Ariel, even if you can read someone’s mind, you shouldn’t say it out loud. Got it?”

    “Why?”

    “When people’s inner thoughts are revealed, they feel embarrassed or angry. It’s impolite.”

    “But if someone has impure thoughts about Dad, let me know secretly, okay?”

    “Alright.”

    The priority was educating Ariel.

    Marie and I were sitting with Ariel on the bed, diligently teaching her.

    Reading minds was fine, but she mustn’t speak about it aloud.

    However, if strangers harbor ill will or speak poorly about me, she was allowed to inform us discreetly.

    Ariel, being a bright child, would likely understand without question.

    “Why?”

    “What part don’t you understand?”

    “Why not just say it outright? They’re saying bad things about Dad and Mom.”

    I had momentarily forgotten she was still a newborn.

    Despite the various lessons we’ve imparted to her, her understanding of human relationships was limited.

    Whether it was a lack of awareness or simply dismissiveness, she would blurt out people’s thoughts verbatim if she read them.

    “Ariel, you’re not wrong, but saying it outright might make Dad or Mom uncomfortable. Do you enjoy causing trouble for us?”

    “No, I don’t like that.”

    “Then...”

    “Yes. Oh, but you can say whatever you want to your dad and me. This only applies to strangers, okay?”

    “...It’s hard...”

    Just the thought of it made Ariel shake her head, as if overwhelmed.

    Marie found her daughter’s reaction so endearing that she hugged her tightly.

    Ariel’s face ended up buried in Marie’s ample chest, but since she photosynthesizes, “suffocation” wasn’t a concern.

    “Seriously... How can a child be so cute and lovable? Seeing Ariel makes me want to have another child soon.”

    “Can you wait just two years?”

    “Do you really think we can avoid accidents for two years? I don’t.”

    What are you even talking about in front of the kid?

    Not that Ariel would understand, anyway.

    When Marie licked her lips seductively, I could only smile awkwardly.

    The more she taught Ariel, the more I could sense Marie’s desires subtly growing.

    “Mom. Can I say this?”

    “What do you want to say? Oh! Is it about the baby names Mom thought of?”

    “Yeah.”

    “Do you want to tell me?”

    “...No, I won’t.”

    “Alright. Alright. Let’s have a kiss.”

    Smooch, smooch, smooch!

    Ariel’s irresistible cuteness overwhelmed Marie, who left kiss marks all over her face.

    Ariel squinted and flailed her arms and legs to escape the overwhelming affection.

    Thanks to her innate strength, Ariel eventually managed to break free and crawled toward me.

    I naturally embraced her and lovingly patted her head.

    “Ariel, do you want to go outside?”

    “Outside?”

    “Yes. Technically, it’s not outside but to the mansion. You’ve never met Grandma, so it’s time to introduce you.”

    Even if Ariel’s existence is discovered along the way, it doesn’t matter.

    It’s a secret that’s bound to come out eventually, so revealing it a bit earlier won’t change much.

    Though, of course, once her existence is known, the world will undoubtedly be turned upside down again.

    I rubbed my face against Ariel’s soft cheeks, savoring the marshmallow-like sensation.

    “What about me?”

    “Marie, do you want a turn too?”

    “Yes!”

    “Come here.”

    Perhaps jealous of Ariel, Marie clung to me, rubbing her face against mine and showing affection in various ways, from gentle bites to cuddles.

    The problem wasn’t just the face-rubbing—her hand rested on my thigh, lightly caressing it.

    Everyone knows what that implies.

    Come to think of it, we hadn’t had much time together lately.

    Marie’s room is right next door, so we can leave Ariel with Adelia and my father.

    ‘Good thing I prepared a signal in advance.’

    With that, Ariel wouldn’t notice anything.

    As we basked in this cozy family moment...

    [Zenon will kill Jin! Just like the tragedy of Kair and Elisha, Jin and Lily will never be together!]

    ...a massive spark of chaos dropped into our already confusing lives.

    Who the hell is this? Are they a real prophet or what?