Silphiel figured that since the Hero had shown interest in the slums, he’d eventually visit there himself. Rather than let him witness the people’s suffering and imagine unnecessary things, it was better to be upfront with him.

And blame everything on the Demon Race’s invasion.

As a newcomer from another world, how could the Hero suspect anything?

He’d inevitably see the miserable state of ordinary folks during the war.

Silphiel just needed to keep telling Gao Ying that the Demon Race caused all this. Once they defeated the Demon Race, this world would naturally find happiness.

This lie was unbreakable!

The Hero only needed to focus on training to fight the Demon King. But as the Holy Maiden, Silphiel had far more to handle.

Silphiel heard Gao Ying’s slightly silly voice: “I’ll try my best, but I’m not sure if I can…”

She stepped forward, her aqua eyes gazing at him warmly. “Gao Ying, you’re the Hero. The Hero will surely save the world.”

Saving the world was truly Silphiel’s heartfelt wish. If the Demon King destroyed everything, what hope was there for change?

Silphiel volunteered to show Gao Ying the world, but their time together felt more like a lovers’ date.

“This is the Holy Capital’s pride, the ‘Street of Heaven.’ See that gemstone path in the road’s center?”

Silphiel played her guide role well. She blinked and said, “It’s called the ‘Path of the Sky.’ Look, Gao Ying—under the sun, gems embedded in deep blue ground shine brilliantly, like a starry night.”

Gao Ying looked over. The gemstone path beneath the fountain glowed with rainbow hues.

These were precious magic gems, used just for paving roads. Beautiful, yes, but pure extravagance.

Silphiel heard Gao Ying’s amazed murmurs.

After that, Silphiel walked with Gao Ying, explaining roadside vendors’ wares. Gao Ying showed huge curiosity about these ‘otherworldly’ items.

Like a big kid, this made Silphiel think him simple and easy to read.

Passing a shop, Silphiel even haggled with the owner over a few silver coins, arguing until her face flushed red—just like a housewife buying groceries.

Such scenes kept repeating during their stroll.

She noticed her ‘performance’ was working—the silly Hero had lost his initial stiffness. A good sign!

Silphiel aimed to show different sides of herself, making the lofty Holy Maiden title feel approachable. Unattainable admiration only pushed people away.

At a jewelry store, Silphiel spotted an exquisitely crafted hairpin. After buying it, she asked Gao Ying to put it on her. A reasonable request, so he agreed.

As soon as it was on, Silphiel’s face flushed slightly. “This gift from you, Gao Ying—I’ll cherish it dearly.”

Her shy expression was practically a confession of the Holy Maiden’s feelings for the Hero.

Silphiel’s advances were swift and skilled. On the surface, Gao Ying seemed smitten, but she sensed his heart wasn’t fully won. She needed to push harder.

But theoretically, it shouldn’t be like this.

Where had she missed a key detail?

“Gao Ying, wait here. I’ll be right back—just grabbing a couple of things.”

Frustrated by poor results, Silphiel needed to cool off before continuing.

In a quiet corner, Silphiel fumed inwardly.

What had she done wrong? Why wasn’t the Hero falling for her?! If he didn’t love her, didn’t become her devoted follower, all her plans were meaningless.

Logically, things shouldn’t have turned out this way.

Just then, the shopkeeper from earlier—a ‘background actor’—approached. “Holy Maiden, anything else you need?”

Silphiel shot him a cold glare, then kicked him flying into a melon stand. The man yelped and lay there, unable to rise.

After this outburst, Silphiel felt slightly better. She patted her cheeks, smoothing away the fierce look. The gentle Holy Maiden returned.

Calm now, Silphiel turned to leave—but spotted Gao Ying chatting with a noble girl!

They laughed and talked easily, igniting a surge of anger in Silphiel.

Hmph, what stray cat is this?!

Could the Hero prefer girls with big chests?!

She compared their bust sizes and felt an unprecedented defeat.

What’s wrong with being small?! Mine’s perfectly sized—one hand fits it neatly. Big ones just sag!

What a tasteless Hero.

—

Time rewound slightly.

After Silphiel stormed off, Gao Ying stood by the fountain, holding a cup of otherworldly bubble tea. He waited for her return.

The black pearls inside were said to be eggs from frog-like monsters—beauty-boosting and mana-enhancing. A high-end drink, popular with nobles.

Gao Ying casually tossed it into a nearby bin. Staring where Silphiel had gone, his eyes burned with raw hatred.

Now he was certain—he had truly returned!

This was where he first met Silphiel five years ago, autumn of Continental Year 776, about a year before the Demon Race’s full invasion.

Returning here, Gao Ying’s feelings were tangled. Back then, after a failed online romance, a heartbroken him was summoned here and met Silphiel.

He’d felt his heart saved. He fell deeply for her, devoted for five years.

As the Holy Maiden, she was kind. He’d seen her tirelessly aid refugees, grieving silently for those she couldn’t save. He remembered that moonlit night—she leaned on his shoulder, crystal tears streaming from her azure eyes.

She was gentle. On every uncertain journey night, she’d embrace him from behind, whispering comfort in his ear.

She loved her nation and people. Gao Ying loved her and believed she loved him. He’d confessed once, and she’d said—

“How can I think of myself when the world needs saving?”

Then, blushing, she added, “If… after everything ends, Hero-sama still feels the same… I… I’ll accept…”

“Then, let’s get married.”

Yes, they’d promised to wed after the war, back in her hometown.

Gao Ying never imagined it was all a lie!

This woman had deceived him for five years!

The deeper his past love, the fiercer his hatred burned now. One slap couldn’t quench it.

Not just Silphiel—those fake friends who conspired with her—he’d take revenge on them all!

“Silphiel, I told you this isn’t over. No—it’s only just begun.”