Suddenly, another realization struck Eros. If "He" knew his identity, why hadn't "He" struck him down immediately? Instead, the entity had deliberately left clues, guiding him to investigate and discover not only the divine presence but also the fact that his cover was blown.

  Logically, with such power, the entity could have kept him in the dark forever. Yet, "He" had left so many breadcrumbs.

  An audacious thought rose in Eros’s mind: This is a gesture of goodwill. That was why the clues existed. Once he realized the entity likely bore him no ill will, Eros let out a long, heavy sigh of relief.

  Simultaneously, an even greater question surfaced: What exactly was the purpose behind all this?

  Barbara had clearly reached the same conclusion. She spoke softly, "Though the identity of that existence remains unknown, it’s clear 'He' bears no immediate hostility toward you."

  Eros offered a bitter smile. "Even so, being watched by a total stranger who happens to be a God isn't exactly a pleasant feeling." He paused, feeling perplexed. "Isn't the authority of 'Concealment' supposed to be impenetrable even to Gods? How did 'He' find me out?"

  Barbara shook her head slowly. "I don't know. Under normal circumstances, you should indeed be invisible to them."

  "Forget it. What will be, will be. If it’s a blessing, it won't be a curse; if it’s a curse, I can't dodge it anyway." Eros sighed, giving up on the struggle. Barbara remained silent, sinking into her own thoughts.

  Having understood the entity’s "message," Eros didn't linger. After scrubbing any trace of his presence from the secret chamber, he began his return to the Ducal Mansion. On the way back, Barbara was uncharacteristically quiet, offering only clipped responses to Eros’s attempts at conversation.

  Back home, lying on his bed, Eros felt a bit bored. He had already tossed the "Gaze of the Unknown God" to the back of his mind. There was no point in worrying about an entity of that level; it would only ruin his mood. Besides, "He" had shown goodwill, so why stress?

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Future problems are for future Eros!

  However, he found it difficult to fall asleep. Undine, that "smelly younger sister," had been sleeping with Estelle these past few nights, leaving him without his usual "soft pillow." His gaze drifted toward Barbara.

  Barbara, noticing his mischievous and ill-intentioned stare, felt her gaze grow dangerous. "What are you planning?"

  Eros sighed dramatically. "It’s just... the stress of being watched by a God, you know? I can't sleep. Barbara, can I hold you? In this cold, cruel world, only you can bring me warmth and peace of mind."

  Hearing this, Barbara’s expression became strained. She looked away, her voice wavering. "Just... just holding?"

  "Yes! Just holding. I won't do anything else, I swear." Seeing she wasn't actually angry, Eros felt a surge of joy and quickly reaffirmed his promise.

  After a long silence, just as Eros thought he’d failed, he heard Barbara give a cold snort. "You are such a nuisance. I’m only agreeing because you can't sleep. Just this once, and don't get any ideas!"

  Her crisp voice tried to sound composed, but Eros could detect the underlying bashfulness. He was ecstatic but kept his face neutral. Barbara’s figure vanished from his soul space and reappeared on his pillow. She looked at him, her face flushed with a rosy hue, and said with forced bravado:

  "I permit you to hold me tonight."

  Before she could finish, she was pulled into a warm embrace. Eros buried his face near her neck and took a deep breath. Feeling the soft girl in his arms, a satisfied smile spread across his face. Finally.

  Barbara’s body was stiff, but she didn't resist. Before long, Eros had drifted off to sleep. Feeling his hot breath against her delicate skin, Barbara’s face burned. At the same time, she felt a twinge of dejection. When will I ever be able to grow like Tsurveyni...

  The night passed. The next morning, as soon as Eros opened his eyes, he saw Barbara’s stern little face.

  Seeing him awake, she said dryly, "Now that you’re awake, I’m leaving." Before he could even react, his arms were empty.

  It took him a moment to realize why she had left so abruptly—it was morning. Daylight. He cleared his throat and pressed the call bell by his bed. Soon, a maid entered with his clothes.

  Half an hour later, dressed and washed, Eros stepped out of his room. After breakfast with Estelle and the others, he and Undine took a carriage to the steam train station.

  Vocation time always flew by. It was Monday again—time to head back to the Academy. Calculating the days, the end-of-year practical assessment was drawing near. After the assessment would be the Resurrection Day of the Church of Reincarnation, which meant another holiday—and rumor had it, it would last for a whole month.