Their romance storyline only begins on the second playthrough

He hated that Lilith always did her own thing.

But he also knew Lilith's principles; she clearly valued the folk customs left behind by the Star God.

At this moment, Lilith ignored Rhodes' reaction and turned away without looking back, disappearing from his sight.

Rhode watched Lilith disappear with light, graceful steps. He wanted to go forward and confront her to demand the truth, but...

But in the end, he stopped himself.

Because the bird outside the window was pecking at it frantically, making a lot of noise.

He picked up the amulet, examined it carefully for a moment, and murmured to himself,

"Give me a talisman?"

He raised his head, remained silent, and looked at the bird by the window.

The whole story seems to have been revealed...

"This is so annoying, there's just too much to do... Once I've finished everything for today, I'll really test her tonight and see if my guess is right..."

……

...

Rhodes went downstairs and came to the central garden.

He put all the unpleasant things that had just happened behind him.

He arrived at the spot where he had killed the demon that had been upgraded three times the previous night and stepped into the flower bed.

In an instant, the scent of morning flowers and the cheerful laughter of nobles filled the air.

Yesterday, the quiet, deserted pavilion in the middle of the garden was filled with a dozen or so nobles. Some of them were even sitting scattered on the grass, chatting with each other.

The Duke's gardens were undoubtedly vast, so even with a dozen or so people inside, it still felt incredibly empty.

"Lord Rhodes!" At that moment, the red-haired maid Juno hurriedly ran to Rhodes' side.

"Juno, quite a few people came today."

"Yes, yes, because His Excellency the Duke is returning today, and there's a ball tonight, so we're giving these nobles a chance to discuss things beforehand."

So these are just the beginning... Once night falls, there will be even more people.

"Ah, I see."

Rod glanced slightly towards the center of the garden; no wonder it had been decorated today.

The garden had been divided up using special props, and crystal lanterns hung from the branches of the huge oak trees, sparkling brightly.

The silverware and wine glasses on the table, though not yet in use, were already arranged.

Rod said, "You can continue with your work. I'll just wander around by myself."

“Okay.” Juno nodded obediently, then immediately picked up the scissors and continued pruning the potted plant.

Rod walked toward the group of people.

"Professor Merrick has given me another problem. Who knows who she's disguised herself as to sneak in here again..." He rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

Chapter 51 The Dinner Early in the morning, Merrick arrived

Rhodes approached the group of nobles with the intention of uncovering the truth, and overheard their conversation.

Coincidentally.

They were talking about Ivina.

A noblewoman held her slightly thick wrist:

"The Duke is really pitiful. To be honest, there's no point in holding that coming-of-age ceremony for his daughter. It's just a way for everyone to secretly laugh at him for having a monster daughter, haha..."

"Anyway, we'll be eating and drinking for free for seven days, what's wrong with that? Let's not say things like that, after all, we've never actually met Miss Ivina."

The middle-aged nobleman stroked his beard, but then his tone became cryptic, "If we're really going to talk about it, why don't we just say whether you believe... the [Star God has fallen]?"

His voice was low and deep, but everyone instantly became alert.

This is because it is a topic that is currently explicitly forbidden to be discussed within the church.

[It is forbidden to slander the "deities." The "deities" have simply entered a deep sleep, which is why their feedback is weak.]

There are no gods in the world who can hunt us down. As the largest system, the masses should have self-awareness.

[Anyone who makes unfounded criticisms from now on will be executed without mercy.]

These three points were clearly written down by the Church and proclaimed by the Holy Maiden in the capital.

Therefore, no one dares to discuss this topic casually these days... After all, they don't want to believe that gods can die.

"Hush—! Viscount Luca, are you trying to die! You absolutely cannot presume to speak of our divine beings, don't you know that?!"

The noblewoman was clearly a devout believer in the Star God, and upon hearing these words, she immediately reacted with a scathing retort.

"The gods are noble and supreme beings, not beings that we lowly humans can even discuss!"

"Okay, okay... I know, I was just saying a few words because I heard some rumors, please forgive me."

"Getting back to the point, so Miss Ivina isn't going to attend this banquet at all?" Luca joked.

"nonsense!"

"But Mrs. Joanna, don't you think this is actually a very good opportunity?"

"Hmm?" Joanna said impatiently.

"His Excellency the Duke held this coming-of-age ceremony openly and without caring about his daughter's abnormal behavior. Don't you think he has another meaning behind it?"

"Just say it directly," Lady Joanna waved her hand.

"Of course, we should find a spouse who can get close to that young lady who is 'unapproachable'. In this way, we can both build relationships and solve our daughter's problem."

Luca said with a smile, "I wonder if there will actually be a story about a hero appearing."

"Hmph." Lady Joanna snorted coldly.

"Patiently communicate with a mentally ill person? And that mentally ill person can casually kill an existence that has been promoted to the third level or less?"

Given these conditions, which peer could possibly get close to that monster? If His Highness the Duke truly intends this way, it's utterly disgusting—finding an old man for his monster daughter.

"Haha, that's what they say." Suddenly, a man next to him interjected, leaning back comfortably in his chair.

"But if His Majesty the Duke truly intends to do so, then I think even so, many people would still try it..."

"You'd better not even think about it." Suddenly, a calm whisper fell.

Everyone looked at that figure—

She was a blonde woman like Felicity, but her figure was more voluptuous and mature, and her eyes were haughty.

"Why would Miss Freya say that..."

"Don't ask any more questions, that's enough." The so-called 'Freya' retorted, then stood up.

She seemed to have a purpose in mind as she walked towards a man—

And it was at this moment that all the nobles realized that there was a person standing behind them...?

What the hell?

So quiet, who are you trying to scare to death?

They cursed under their breath at first, but then, upon seeing Rod's figure clearly, they all shut their mouths tightly.

It's Rod Chiven Lance!

How did he end up here?

In an instant, all the nobles rose to their feet, imitating Freya's actions, and all walked toward Rhodes.

"Mr. Rhodes."

"Mr. Rhodes."

A chorus of greetings rang out, and Rod raised his hand to stop them from moving forward, saying:

"I need to have a chat with this lady. Sorry, I'll be leaving now."

He nodded to Freya, then walked toward the flowerbed area behind him, which was the secluded space that belonged exclusively to Ivina.

The nobles, however, were left behind, looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Miss Freya knows Mr. Rhodes?"

"No, shouldn't you be concerned about why Mr. Rhodes is at this banquet? I heard he was recently captured by a witch and is currently busy fighting against her at the Allied Forces headquarters."

"Huh? Those are all rumors... No, the real problem isn't here, is it?"

"Didn't you all notice how Mr. Rhodes managed to stand behind us so quietly?"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone was slightly taken aback, and then their hearts trembled.

Many of them are those who have been promoted to a higher position twice. How could this be?

……

...

“Professor Merrick,” Rhodes sighed and said to Freya.

As expected, at that moment, that neutral yet magnetic voice arrogantly spoke:

"The original owner of this identity was named Freya, the second daughter of Count Ryan Chena. I kicked her out and took over her identity."

"Rhodes, the message you're relaying is too vague. It's time to make it clearer."

Rhodes nodded:

"This time, I mainly need your help to resolve this crisis."

"You can't solve it? It's just a matter of taking a little girl away..."

"Professor Merrick, the power the witch has placed on Ivina is quite terrifying."

Among them are approximately two witches who have ascended to the fourth level, including Cecilia, as well as several who have ascended to the third level, and numerous ordinary witches.