This was already Eugene’s third time visiting the Samar Rainforest.0

When he had first ventured to the Samar Rainforest, Kristina had been the only one accompanying him. At that time, even counting it in the politest of terms, their relationship couldn’t have been described as close.0

During their surprising first meeting, Kristina had shown a fanatical streak as she talked about the revelation she had received from the Light. On the other hand, Eugene didn’t have even the slightest amount of faith in the Light, and he had also been feeling very perturbed after suddenly being recognized by the Holy Sword.1

So, there had been many obstacles in the development of their relationship.0

Eugene had thought that Kristina seemed suspicious while Kristina was left feeling dissatisfied with Eugene’s uncouth behavior, which she saw as unbefitting of the Hero or of the scion of a prestigious clan.0

Yet even so, the two had safely made it all the way through the Rainforest. Although they had barely voiced any of their hidden feelings or doubts, their journey, which hadn’t been a smooth one, eventually brought them a bit closer together.0

[It was quite the refreshing experience,] Anise whispered in a joyful mood.2

At that time, Anise’s consciousness hadn’t been separated from Kristina’s. She had been fused to Kristina’s soul, and it had been impossible for Anise to regain consciousness, even in her angel form, without a special opportunity enabling her to do so.0

Yet even with that, she still enjoyed thinking of their trip that time with Hamel.0

[Kristina, at that time, you really didn’t like Hamel, did you? Instead, wasn’t there a part of you that felt jealous of him?] Anise recalled.0

‘That’s… at that time, I was still very immature,’ Kristina admitted with embarrassment. ‘Because of that, my thoughts were very narrow-minded, and I wasn’t able to face Sir Eugene properly.’0

To be honest, that period was one of the darkest moments in Kristina’s life, leaving her with both shame and regret. Back then, with Kristina being the only one accompanying Eugene through this vast and dense rainforest, things had been… ...1