Olivia was perplexed as she looked at Anvhe, whose eyes sparkled with unwavering determination.

Yes, she was genuinely perplexed.

If only Anvhe were flattering her authority and power as the future empress or dedicating herself to the family, the conversation might have gone smoothly. Whether it was coercion or threats, she would have tried any means.

However, Anvhe truly desired nothing and was simply willing to entrust her life to Olivia.

It wasn’t a case of being saved and then being asked to hand over the bag; it was a situation where Anvhe offered not only the bag but everything she had.

Isaac and Anvhe were different.

Olivia had relatively willingly disclosed everything to Isaac, but that was only as far as he…

Thinking that far, the bewildered Olivia suddenly tilted her head.

Different?

The sole successor of Tarenga, one of the colossal pillars of the empire, and the position of someone of unknown origin from another country—there was as much difference between them as the sky and the earth.

But what did such things matter in the face of the worst calamity that might happen in the future?

If they couldn’t stop the ancient deity or couldn’t eliminate those running around for that deity, the continent would come to an end.

The worst outcome would be the purification of the entire continent, just like in the past.

Anvhe wouldn’t escape from that fate either.

So, for the sake of world peace, was there any reason to keep the truth hidden from her, who sincerely hoped to be of help?

“It will be dangerous.”

“It’s okay!”

“No, it’s not a question that can be answered so simply.”

“You won’t just leave me in danger, right!”

Meeting Anvhe’s gaze, filled with sincere belief, Olivia couldn’t help but smile.

Despite never having been involved in the past four lifetimes, she had such a personality.

Well, having engaged in an act of goodwill that had pushed her to the brink of death, she still readily extended her hand to those in need.

The heir to Tarenga with an innocent and sunny appearance, yet possessing a will stronger than anyone else’s.

Perhaps among those who decided to confront the ancient deity, she had the qualifications to charge forward without hesitation.

No, more than anything else, if someone who vowed to serve her believed in her so firmly, she must meet those expectations.

“Yes. That’s right. I won’t just leave Yeongae in danger.”

“Really?”

Looking at the child-like Anvhe who extended her chest, expressing that she agreed with all her might, Olivia said, “Okay. I’ll tell you. Starting with the deity we’re opposing.” Sugar rolled her eyes, anticipating that something important was about to be discussed. Although she heard the answer that everything would be told if she wanted, she still wasn’t sure if she should be in this position. Olivia, who noticed the child’s hesitation, opened her mouth.
“It’s also a story related to your family and the stigma. You could say you’re the person involved.”

At those words, Sugar pressed her stigma, biting her lower lip in hesitation. It was because Anvhe’s unfamiliar but warm and gentle hand tightly held hers. Despite being the warmth of someone she just met today, Sugar felt strangely ticklish inside, so she hesitated before finally holding that hand with a slight tremble.

Olivia, who had been watching cute kids doing cute things with a bit of hesitation, parted her lips.

“You’ve probably heard of both being ancient deities…”

Olivia’s story, which flowed from her mouth, was heard not only by Anvhe but also by Sugar, both of them tensely listening, not missing a single word. After a while, tears filled Anvhe’s eyes, and she eventually burst into tears.

“I, Your Highn… have experienced death several times… ugh… it’s difficult and pa… painful, uuuh.”

Anvhe, shedding tears as if following the prophecy or curse of Isaac, who knew if it was one or the other, sniffled and cried while Olivia, who had Anvhe crying in front of her, became even more perplexed than before.

She had no talent for consoling someone who was really crying.

While Olivia was contemplating what to do, Anvhe, who seemed to be holding back her tears, finally burst into tears, and at the moment when transparent tears fell down her cheeks.

“So I told you.”

Isaac, who unexpectedly appeared from her shadow, narrowed his fox-like eyes even more and smoothly handed a handkerchief to Anvhe. Anvhe, without any resistance, took Isaac’s handkerchief and wiped her face.

“Stop crying. There are rumors about something happening in the Princess’s palace.”

“W-What happened… ugh.”

“Oh dear, if you cry so much, your eyes will swell up.”

Initially pretending not to worry and casually speaking, Isaac, seeing Anvhe with teary eyes, sighed and took out two more handkerchiefs from somewhere.

While quietly observing the two, Olivia tilted her head.

When did they become so close?

Come to think of it, Sugar had also mentioned finding them together.