After settling Castorice into her lodging, you brought her some daily necessities, as well as a few sets of clothes in the Ohema style.

"These are…"

"You can't keep wearing that cloak, can you?" You put the items down. "Try these on first to see if they fit. In a few days, Aglaea will send you new clothes she specifically wove for you."

Castorice held the soft fabrics, her eyes a little moist. It had been a long time since anyone had been so kind to her.

Two days passed. Castorice stood by the window, watching the people coming and going on the street. She wanted to go out for a walk, to see this legendary holy city. But as soon as her hand touched the doorknob, she pulled it back. What if the people here were also afraid of her? If her ability became known, what if it was like before?

Just as she was hesitating, a knock sounded.

"Castorice, are you there?" It was Orion's voice.

She almost flew to open the door. "Your Excellency!"

Seeing her excited expression, you smiled. "Are you ready? I'll take you to explore Ohema."

"Can I?" She was both expectant and worried. "I mean… won't people…"

"With me here, there's nothing to fear." You extended your hand. "Let's go."

Castorice looked at your hand, carefully put on her gloves, and then took it. Even through the fabric, having someone hold her hand already made her feel incredibly happy.

The first stop was kephale Plaza. The colossal kephale, bearing the dawn machine, stood in the distance, and devotees devoutly prayed towards it. People passing by bowed to you; no one showed fear towards Castorice. This gradually relaxed her.

Next was the Cloudstone Market. The dazzling array of goods made her dizzy. "So many things."

At the Ancient Relics Antique Shop, Xitaros enthusiastically introduced his collection. "This pottery jar comes from a city-state a thousand years ago; the patterns on it represent…"

Castorice listened intently, and you quietly watched her from the side. It was hard to imagine that this girl, as excited as a child, was burdened by a death curse.

At noon, you arrived at the Cloudstone Restaurant.

"What do you want to eat?"

Castorice looked at the menu, somewhat at a loss. "I… I haven't eaten in a restaurant for a long time…"

"Then let's order a little of everything."

When the delicious food was served, she tasted it in small bites, her eyes filled with happiness.

"Is it good?"

"Mm!" She nodded vigorously. "It's the best I've ever eaten!"

Watching her contented expression, a peculiar feeling arose in your heart.

In the afternoon, you continued to wander through the market. Castorice gradually became more lively, proactively sharing interesting things she saw with you.

"Your Excellency, look at that wind chime!"

"The flowers over there are so beautiful!"

Just as you passed a jewelry stall, she suddenly stopped. After much hesitation, she finally mustered the courage to speak. "Your Excellency Orion… can I… can I hold your hand while we walk?"

Seeing your puzzled expression, she hastily explained. "I, I just… want to feel a living person's warmth again… If it's inconvenient for you, just pretend I didn't say anything…" Her face was already crimson.

You subconsciously looked around. Were any of Aglaea's nymphs watching? Noticing your hesitation, Castorice's expression instantly dimmed.

"I'm sorry, I was too presumptuous…" She lowered her head, her voice full of disappointment. He still despises me, doesn't he… After all, who would want to hold hands with someone exuding the aura of death in public…

After confirming there were no nymphs around, you made a decision. "Alright."

"Eh?" Castorice suddenly looked up, unable to believe what she had heard.

You took off her glove and held her hand. It was cold, and slightly trembling.

"Is this okay?"

Castorice stared blankly at your intertwined hands, tears welling up in her eyes. "Mm… Mm!" She nodded vigorously, gripping your hand tightly, afraid she would lose it the next second. At that moment, she felt her heart beating so fast. For the first time since birth, she had felt like this. Is this… could it be love?

"…Thank you." Her voice was very soft, but it contained too many emotions.

In the following days, you often visited Castorice. You helped her familiarize herself with every corner of Ohema and cared for her daily life. And within these seemingly gentle interactions, you also inadvertently conveyed some ideas to her.

"Castorice, have you ever wondered if those divine revelations are true or false?" One day, you suddenly asked.

"Divine revelations?" She paused.

"I mean, the end of the Journey of Chasing the Flame, the so-called re-creation." You looked into the distance, your tone thoughtful. "If a new world truly comes into being, but there's no place for us in it, what then?"

Castorice frowned. "But… didn't the divine revelations say they would create a better world?"

"Who can guarantee that?" You said softly. "And even if the world becomes better, if the cost is the sacrifice of all of us… Is it truly worth it?"

Castorice fell silent. She had never thought about these questions.

"But Your Excellency Orion, aren't you also helping Lady Aglaea advance the Journey of Chasing the Flame?" she asked. "Why would you have such doubts?"

You smiled bitterly. "What she believes isn't necessarily correct. People need to learn to think independently, not to follow blindly. Even if that person is your lover."

The last sentence was spoken very softly, but Castorice heard it clearly. Her heart rate quickened again. Your Excellency Orion's "loved one," did he mean…? She dared not think further.

As time went on, Castorice's dependence on you deepened. You were the only one who could touch her. You were the one who brought her warmth. You were the one who made her feel "alive." She began to anticipate every meeting, began to care about your every expression, began to… fall in love with you.

Until that day. Castorice was at the market, picking out ingredients, planning to learn how to cook some dishes. If I could personally make something for Your Excellency Orion… she thought to herself as she selected the ingredients.

"Oh, isn't this the new Chrysos Heir?" An elegant and graceful woman walked over, smiling charmingly.

"Good day, Madam." Castorice bowed politely.

"Buying groceries? How virtuous." The woman looked at her meaningfully. "Are you making it for your beloved?"

Castorice's face immediately turned red. "N-no…"

"Hehe, young girls are just easily shy." The woman leaned closer, speaking as if in casual conversation. "Speaking of which, it seems I haven't seen you and Lord Orion together much lately."

Hearing that name, Castorice's heart skipped a beat.

"He must be very busy, after all, he has to help Lady Aglaea with so many affairs." The woman continued. "As Lady Aglaea's lover, he has a great responsibility."

Lover? Castorice felt a buzzing sound in her head.