“You’re making me choose?”

  Eirik froze, completely dumbfounded.

  Before he could even process what was happening, two pairs of eyes locked onto him, intense and unyielding.

  Elvynna’s cool, composed face betrayed a flicker of nervous tension—something rare for someone like her. Her eyes softened, as though she was exposing a part of her delicate emotions. She looked every bit like a girl standing before a crossroads, waiting for an answer after confessing her deepest feelings.

  On the other hand, Pixie beamed with a radiant smile, her large, sparkling eyes filled with unspoken promises. "Pick me," they seemed to whisper. Her cheeks, flushed with just the right amount of shyness, gave her an innocent allure that was impossible to resist—like a charm that could easily drive anyone mad.

  What the hell is going on here?!

  Eirik’s thoughts spun in confusion. Though it was disorienting, the fact that they were both fighting for his attention wasn’t entirely a surprise. After all, he possessed the legendary Eye of Divine Insight—a rare and fabled ability that had the potential to make its bearer one of the greatest magic users in history. If nurtured, it could unlock unfathomable power.

  But... how did Elvynna know about it? And why was Pixie involved?

  Eirik hadn’t yet considered the possibility that both girls might have been involved in a simulated version of his life—a scenario that should have been impossible. In every story he’d ever read, only the protagonist was supposed to have a system like that!

  Suddenly, Pixie leaned in, her eyes alight with mischievous twinkling.

  “Eirik-nii~! Over there, just past those trees—you’ll see my family estate, the Ravenshadow Manor.” Her voice was sweet and filled with pride as she puffed out her chest, radiating confidence.

  “In all of Aelsryel, there’s no estate more impressive than ours! It’s a symbol of power and wealth beyond measure.”

  Her words weren’t idle boasts. Ravenshadow’s influence ran so deep that its reputation alone had earned her a rare purple tag in the simulations. If even a fraction of their resources were available to Eirik, it would unlock boundless potential.

  “If you join us,” Pixie continued with a playful lilt, “you’ll become a high-ranking member of the Ravenshadow household—like family. You’ll gain access to unimaginable resources. With your Eye of Divine Insight, we’re the only ones who can help you achieve your true potential!”

  Eye of Divine Insight? Eirik’s heart skipped a beat. He really had that ability?

  Even Elvynna was momentarily taken aback.

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  This talent rivals my Regal Bone of the Ancients… she thought, her gaze hardening slightly.

  Though she herself had an extraordinary gift, Elvynna knew she couldn’t compete with Pixie’s promises. Unlike the Ravenshadow family, Elvynna had no wealth or powerful allies to offer. She was strong, yes—but she was alone.

  Her icy demeanor had always made it difficult for her to form close bonds. Pixie, on the other hand, was lively, approachable, and well-connected. Beneath their polite smiles, the tension between them was palpable—like sparks flying between two warring forces.

  Eirik found himself deep in thought.

  Truth be told, Elvynna was exactly his type—cool and elegant, like a fallen queen who had descended into the mortal realm. How could anyone not fall for her?

  That was why, in the game, he had chosen Elvynna without a second thought.

  But Pixie... Pixie was tempting in her own way. She was playful, endearing, and full of life. And her figure—well, let’s just say her assets were hard to ignore. She looked like someone pulled straight from the pages of a manga.

  If this were a choice between lovers, Eirik might have struggled. But this wasn’t about romance—it was about survival.

  Eirik wasn’t naive enough to think that two girls had fallen in love with him at first sight. No, this was about choosing a side, aligning himself with a faction. A job offer, in essence.

  As much as he admired Elvynna’s cold beauty, Pixie’s offer was far too appealing to pass up.

  Living in luxury, surrounded by the wealth and power of the Ravenshadow family—who wouldn’t want that? And more importantly, Eirik’s newly discovered talent would need immense resources to develop properly. Without them, he wouldn’t stand a chance against the impending threat: the Demon Tree Uprising.

  When the Demon Tree’s corruption spread across the North in a few years, even fleeing wouldn’t be an option. Without power, survival would be impossible.

  But with Ravenshadow’s backing, Eirik could immerse himself in magical study and prepare. Whether he chose to face the Demon Tree or escape its reach, he’d have the means to do so. And if he became strong enough, maybe he could help Elvynna in the future.

  Besides, the real Elvynna wasn’t the same as the one in the game. Whatever happened in that simulation didn’t matter here. Reality was different—and he couldn’t let those scripted events cloud his judgment.

  Eirik exhaled slowly, making his decision.

  “Sorry, Elvynna… I’ve decided to go with the Ravenshadow family.”

  Elvynna’s breath hitched.

  For a moment, she stared at him, disbelief flickering in her luminous eyes. Then, with a bittersweet smile, she whispered, “I see... I was too presumptuous.”

  She turned away, her gaze distant, and though she fought to maintain her composure, her voice trembled. Tears welled in her eyes, catching the starlight above.

  Why did it have to end this way?

  Pain and frustration gnawed at her insides. She wanted to scream, to lash out—but she held herself back.

  “He… he must not remember the simulation,” she thought bitterly. "To him, I’m just a stranger. How could I expect him to choose me over Pixie? The terms she offered were far too tempting."

  Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles pale and reddening.

  I won’t give up.

  Elvynna returned to her empty home, her heart heavy with sorrow. The courtyard that had once been filled with life in the simulation was now desolate. No peach tree. No little fox. And worst of all,

  no Eirik.

  The silence was suffocating. So lonely.

  Hugging herself, she gazed up at the pale moon hanging in the night sky, her vision clouded by the unshed tears.

  In the simulation, she and Eirik had planted that peach tree together. They had raised a fox as a symbol of their bond. She had believed that even without their memories, fate would bring them together again.

  But now...

  All of this—because of that damn Pixie!

  Had Eirik known that she retained the memories of the simulation, perhaps he would have chosen differently. After all, in that world, she had waited lifetimes for him. She had sacrificed everything to be with him, even across lifetimes.

  And yet, in this life... she was left behind.