No one eavesdropped from outside the door. It might have been a different story for Melkith El-Hayah, the White Tower Master. However, Carmen and Dezra here possessed the basic understanding that one should not pry into another's chamber.

After ensuring no one was outside, Kristina pulled Ciel by the arm. Still dazed and unable to gather her thoughts, Ciel could only allow herself to be led. In mere tens of minutes, she had shed more tears than she had throughout her entire life. Those minutes felt more excruciating and painful than the harsh training she had endured with the Black Lion Knights and Carmen.

She, who had never been slapped in her life, had just received two sharp ones. Those facts alone made Ciel's steps falter. Yet, Kristina did not offer her support. Instead, she shot a fierce glance at Eugene, who had risen to assist Ciel.

"Stay in the room," she ordered.

"But I can't just—" Eugene tried to reason.

"What Ciel needs now is not sympathy but understanding. And I assure you, I'm the one here who understands her best," Kristina said firmly.

Eugene was the reincarnation of Hamel from three hundred years ago. He couldn't avoid his past. Having lived since ancient times, Sienna couldn't fully understand Ciel, who was born and raised in this era. But Kristina was different. Even if Anise's spirit had taken residence in her body, as someone born and raised in recent years, Kristina was a person of this era.

[Kristina, do you intend to reveal my existence to her?] asked Anise.

‘Yes, Sister. Do you see an issue with that?’ Kristina confirmed her intentions.

[Not at all. Hamel has revealed his reincarnation. Why would I hide the fact that I, a spirit, am attached to you?] Anise adjusted her emotions and clicked her tongue. [Ciel is not one to spread rumors, anyway.]

‘I'm sorry,’ Kristina said sincerely.3

[Why...