Chapter 130: Confession
You are no longer lost, and the subsequent events unfold as they did in the last reincarnation.
This year, Cifera found you.
"Sure enough, there's a Little Wildcat hidden here."
You looked at her smile, revealing her small fangs, and countless emotions welled up in your heart. This time, you will change everything.
In the years that followed, you and Cifera roamed Dolos, upholding justice. Your acting became more perfect by the day; even Cifera, who knew you best, couldn't detect anything amiss.
Afterward, you came to Okhema. You arrived at Aglaea's Weaving Workshop, "accidentally" stumbled into her house and got caught, were taken in by her, and then invited to join the Journey of Chasing the Flame… everything proceeded according to the predetermined trajectory.
But this time, when Cifera was about to accept the Divinity of Deceit—
"Wait," you spoke, stopping her. "I think… it's better if I accept the trial of Deceit."
"What?" Cifera's eyes widened. "Little Cat, what are you saying?"
"The Divinity of Deceit, besides requiring proficiency in deception… also requires proficiency in concealment," you said, looking at her. "And I… am more suitable than you."
Cifera wanted to retort, but Aglaea looked at you thoughtfully.
"Orion is right," she said. "Cifera is cunning, but her emotions are too outwardly expressed. But Orion… I have never truly seen through him."
Finally, at your insistence, Cifera agreed. You accepted the trial of the Deceit Titan and successfully inherited the Divinity.
Cifera looked at you worriedly. "Little Cat, are you alright? The feeling of becoming a Demigod…"
"I'm fine." You gently stroked her head. "With you by my side, I fear nothing."
Her face flushed slightly.
Subsequently, for the ultimate goal, you also had to temporarily act as the Savior this time. Okhema has only 300 years left; after that, the Black Tide will engulf it. That matter cannot be left undone, otherwise Okhema will not last until the moment the Trailblazer enters Amphoreus… you must take Cifera's place.
"The grace of kephale will forever protect Okhema," you declared to the gathered populace. The power of Deceit wove benevolent lies, making everyone believe them deeply.
You successfully deceived everyone in Okhema. But unlike Cifera, you did not choose to leave, because no one could see through your entire mind. Not Cifera, nor Aglaea.
In the first timeline, before the reincarnations, you concealed your purpose and ultimately betrayed the Chrysos Heirs—and until the very end, they had not detected any clues. You hid your deepest secrets very well, and the authority of replicating romance allowed you to remain unreadable. Now, having experienced several reincarnations, no one can guess what you are thinking deep down.
Only one person made you somewhat wary—Anaxa, the scholar of the Mind-Awakening Tree Court. Those sharp eyes always seemed to want to see through something, making you decide to keep your distance. Fortunately, you had no interactions with him to begin with.
In the days that followed, you became an important force in the Journey of Chasing the Flame. You used the Divinity of Deceit to help Aglaea resolve crises, you stood on the front lines against the Black Tide, and you became a hero in the hearts of the people of Okhema.
"Lord Orion, the Demigod of Deceit!"
"It was he who protected us!"
"He is the true Savior of Amphoreus!"
Cifera looked at you, surrounded by the crowd, with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. She was still that thief, while you had become a hero admired by thousands. The distance between you seemed to be widening.
Although Cifera had stepped down from the Journey, she never went too far. She was always near Okhema, occasionally running over to see you.
"Hey, great hero!" she would jump in front of you. "Are you free today? Come with me to pull off a few big jobs?"
And you would always put down what you were doing and go with her. Just like before.
Time flowed silently.
On this day, Cifera, holding an exquisite box, lingered outside your office. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. Another deep breath…
"Fei'er, what are you doing?" Tribbie, passing by, asked curiously.
"N-nothing!" Cifera replied, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "I just… I just came to find Little Cat about something!"
"Oh?" Tribbie's eyes flashed with understanding. "Then we won't disturb you~"
She smiled and left, leaving Cifera alone, conflicted.
Should I say it? Should I say it? But… I'm still a thief, and he's already the Savior… Am I worthy of him? No! Cifera, what are you thinking!
She slapped her own face hard.
We've been together for so many years, what's there to be afraid of! Even if he rejects me… we can still be friends…
Thinking of being rejected, half of her courage drained away.
Forget it, I don't care anymore!
In the end, she still pushed open the door. "Little Cat!"
You were at your desk processing documents and immediately looked up. "Fei'er? What's wrong?"
Cifera stood at the doorway, clutching the box tightly. You noticed she was dressed particularly elegantly today—her usually messy gray hair was carefully combed, and she even wore a small hairpin. She wasn't in her usual thief attire either, but a light blue dress.
"You today…"
"I have something to say!" Cifera interrupted you, her voice surprisingly loud. She walked up to you.
"Orion!"
You were startled by her serious demeanor. "Why are you suddenly using my full name…"
"Listen to me carefully!" She glared at you, her cheeks flushed. Then, as if having made up her mind, she closed her eyes and blurted out, "I like you! I've liked you for a very, very long time! Not the partner kind of like, but… but the kind of liking where I want to be with you for a lifetime!"
After saying that, her face was already as red as a cooked shrimp, but she still didn't dare to open her eyes to see your reaction.
[Inorin Note:
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