"Just a nod, and it's all yours!" Violanda smiled at Eirik.

In that moment, Aelsryel fell silent, every gaze fixed on the tall youth. The world channel buzzed with excitement.

"Why even hesitate? Nod! If it were me, my head would be nodding off!"

"Master Alchemist, look at me! I'd do anything to be by your side!"

"Why am I not a gold card? I wish I had Eirik's talent!"

Instead of envying Violanda's cunning, many now envied Eirik. What a stroke of luck!

"How can I refuse? Master Alchemist, you must be my soulmate!" Eirik was dazed, eager to choose the alchemist. Aligning with her felt like unlocking a cheat code; clearing this game would be a breeze!

Yet, just as he was about to act, Eirik noticed a shadow in an inconspicuous corner of the illustration. Amidst the bustling crowd, all eyes on him and Violanda, one person turned silently away—Elvynna.

Her departure was a quiet sorrow, her back radiating an unmistakable sense of loss.

As she walked, she wiped her eyes with her hand, tears flowing like a spring she could no longer hold back.

In this game, Eirik and Elvynna had only just met. There was no reason for her to feel such heartache. The true pain lay in the real world.

"Is she crying?" Eirik was stunned.

He had always viewed Elvynna as strong—she rarely shed tears. Even when her Regal Bone of the Ancients was deceitfully taken by her grandmother and given to the royal family, she had remained stoic. Even in fierce battles, she never cried out.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

But now, for him, she wept.

"This is just a simulation!" he thought, but a realization struck him. "For me, it's a game, but for them... it seems different. Pixie's reaction yesterday showed she was influenced by memories, so Elvynna might be too..."

Eirik sighed, recalling how, in their first life, Elvynna seemed to mourn him for thousands of years, a system note stating,

"Not for glory, but to await your return in the cycle."

What loneliness must that have brought her?

Now, with a chance for renewal, Eirik's interest in her rekindled, yet Violanda's sudden appearance disrupted everything, leaving Elvynna feeling inadequate.

"Wow, I'm really going to be the bad guy here!" Eirik felt lost. Did he have to refuse the alchemist?

But Violanda had offered so much, and it was enticing! After a moment's hesitation, he looked at her with a frown.

"Master Alchemist, you mentioned valuing my talent, not my personal life, correct?"

"Of course! Do you still want to keep those maidens?"

With a charming smile, Violanda thought, Men! They say no, yet can't part with such beauties.

"No, no! You misunderstood! It's not about them. I've held feelings for one woman in Aelsryel for years. If you permit, I'd like to take her to Elaresar!"

"Who is she?" Violanda frowned.

"It's her—Elvynna!" Eirik declared.

Elvynna, who had been quietly slipping away, froze. She turned, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What did he just say... he's had feelings for me all these years?!"

In reality, Elvynna hugged her tear-stained blanket, her misty eyes suddenly sparkling. No wonder this ordinary guy dared to become my retainer—he's liked me all along! But how could I not remember?

Because he was just an ordinary person, I probably never noticed. A wave of guilt washed over her.

Meanwhile, the game continued.

"That woman you speak of, is it her?" Violanda's expression shifted slightly.

Wait, isn't that the woman Eirik aided in the first life?

Elvynna had once held the Regal Bone of the Ancients. Back then, she was quite notable, but now her bone had been taken and given to a royal princess. Violanda had initially dismissed her.

But Eirik's words made her reconsider.

"I suspect your talent can assist only one person at a time. Are you sure bringing her along won’t hinder us?" Violanda's tone turned serious.

If Eirik's ability could support many, why not share the wealth and build a magical army?

"I'm... not certain." Eirik hesitated, choosing honesty.

"Then let’s not discuss it further," Violanda replied, her voice icy.

What does this mean? I want you to assist me, and you want to bring someone else? If you give her a chance to become the strongest, I’d be left as a mere afterthought!

Realization dawned on Eirik. There are no win-win scenarios; he couldn’t betray Violanda. To choose either Elvynna or Violanda felt like an impossible dilemma.

Violanda's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the cart's railing, her gaze piercing. "So, have you made your decision?"

"…I’m sorry, Master Alchemist. I choose… Elvynna!" Eirik spoke softly.

Violanda, you’re amazing, but I can’t keep disappointing Elvynna. Sure, following you might grant me an advantage, but I can carve my path, with talent and determination.

"Eirik... rejected the Master Alchemist for me?!" Elvynna's heart raced. She could hardly believe her eyes.

Tears she thought had dried began to flow again. And in the world chat, chaos erupted!