Grimly nodding in agreement, Eugene acknowledged the heightened emotional rollercoaster she seemed to be riding, perhaps exacerbated by her pregnancy. Yet, as soon as their conversation ended, she found her eyes inexplicably welling up with tears, bewildering her.


    “Why is this happening? Maybe it’s best if I just stay in and spare you the difort of my tears and fuss,” Eugene mused, her voice tinged with frustration.


    Watching her eyes redden with moisture, Kasser felt a pang of empathy tug at his heart. Why did this woman possess no ws in his eyes? Each nce from her seemed to electrify his entire being. The sight of her smiling, her pregnant belly protruding, sent his head spinning with affection.


    “Eugene,” Kasser whispered, locking eyes with her before leaning in to kiss her tenderly. “I love you.”


    Eugene’s eyes widened in astonishment, her lips parting in silent surprise. “Ah…” was all she managed to utter.


    “I thought it was just a passing remark. Words can’t encapste emotions adequately. Yet, in the end, they’re all we have. I should have expressed it sooner, but I hesitated, and now…” Kasser trailed off, hisughter bubbling up.


    “Why are you crying again?” he teased gently.


    Eugene responded by pulling him into a tight embrace, clinging to him as tears mingled with her words. “I know. I’ve always known…”


    Though she couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment, she realized she had never doubted his love. While today marked the first time he had confessed directly, it felt as though she had heard those words countless times before.“You know, don’t you? You know… I love you,” Eugene murmured against his chest.


    Kasser’s hand pressed lightly against her back, his response tender and assured. “Yes, I know.”


    In his embrace, she appeared utterly enchanting. Kasser couldn’t see her, couldn’t hear the melody of herughter, and tomorrow, he wouldn’t hold her like this. A single day without her felt like an eternity. Yet, amidst the looming separation, an inexplicable lightness settled in his heart.


    “Everything will work out,” he murmured softly, his hand tracing soothing circles on Eugene’s back. “I may not possess your gift of foresight, but I have a sense that things will turn out alright. So, just rx, take care of yourself and our child.”


    With Eugene nestled in his arms, nodding in agreement, a twinge of regret tinged her heart. Yet, she also recognized the significance of her role in awaiting his return. It was a familiar tale of anticipation, with the promise of a joyful reunion and the resounding echoes ofughter.


    The following morning, as Eugene stirred awake at dawn, she found herself staring at the vacant space beside her. “He’s really gone…” she whispered to herself, a hint of self-reproach coloring her words. “You sleep so deeply, even on days like this.”


    For a fleeting moment, she felt overwhelmed by a sense of defeat. But soon, she gathered her resolve, clenching her fists with determination. There were tasks awaiting her, both for her own sake and for the greater good. With the ability tomunicate with the elders of the wanderers through Aldrit, her research into magic would elerate.


    In that moment, a gentle kick from within her belly reminded her of the presence of their unborn child. It felt as if the baby was offering a silent reassurance, urging her to persevere. With a burst ofughter, Eugene embraced the encouragement, her spirits lifting as she embraced the day ahead.


    ***


    The promation from the Holy Pce sent shockwaves through the Holy City, igniting fervor among devotees who gathered at the temple, eager to pledge themselves as soldiers in God’s cause.


    Amidst the chaos, the actions of the priests only added to the confusion. They diligently recorded the names of volunteer soldiers and solicited donations for military provisions. Those whose names made the list would earn the esteemed title of knights, with the promise of greater blessings based on their contributions. The crowd surged forward eagerly, driven by anticipation.


    Such direct involvement of priests in Holy Pce affairs was unprecedented, leading many to specte that Sang-je must be pulling the strings behind the scenes.


    Yet, amidst the frenzy, there were those who watched with caution. Most of the noble families in the Holy City fell into this category. Wary of the Holy Pce’s sudden call to arms against a vaguely defined evil, and heeding the warning issued by the Ars family, they refrained from rushing into action.


    After much deliberation, Pides decided to seek an audience with Sang-je. Though he had attempted to avoid Sang-je’s gaze, he recognized the need to gain his trust in order to delve deeper into the unfolding situation.


    “Your Holiness, forgive me for neglecting my duties as a knight,” Pides began as he stood before Sang-je.


    “It has been some time. Have you found sce through prayer?” Sang-je’s voice, though absent for a while, resonated with rity. Pides couldn’t help but feel a bitter pang, realizing the once divine voice now sounded mundane to him.


    “Yes, Your Holiness. Amidst my emotional turmoil, I learned of themencement of the holy war. Grant me the honor of standing at the forefront,” Pides implored.


    “I shall assess yourmitment to the cause,” Sang-je responded cryptically.


    Before meeting Sang-je, Pides had contemted how to earn his favor. Reflecting on Sang-je’s ability to manipte desires, as discussed in a conversation with Flora, and his decision to bestow ranks upon priests for the war effort, Pides resolved to present himself as a candidate with ambitions ripe for exploitation.


    “I pledge myself wholeheartedly to the divine will,” Pides dered, his voice resonating with the fervor of faith as he recited the familiar lines expected of a knight. Yet, as he reached the conclusion of his speech, he faltered, his hesitation palpable.


    Sang-je regarded him expectantly. “Continue.”


    Struggling against an invisible weight, Pides spoke with evident difficulty, as if wrestling with a profound inner conflict. “I have heard… after the war, blessings shall be bestowed ording to one’s faith…”


    Though elegantly phrased, the underlying question lingered: “Will my contributions be recognized?” A subtle curve graced the corners of Sang-je’s lips. He admired individuals of unwavering integrity, such as Pides. Throughout his interactions with countless humans, Sang-je had learned to value sincerity over cunning ttery. Yet, what intrigued him most was when such individuals began to acknowledge their own desires.