In the tranquil garden center, the two faced each other in awkward poses. Only the flower-scented breeze brushed Kevin’s delicate face, and his wind-tousled silver hair grazed Gali’s handsome cheek. Then she had to speak.

“Alright, Brave Sir, what do you want to tell me? Or are you planning something since we’re alone here?”

Her tone openly mentioned unspeakable things, utterly unafraid of Gali resorting to force. She even swung her legs leisurely.

“Don’t worry, Miss Kallen. I mean no harm—just want to talk.”

Gali gave a helpless smile and straightened Miss Kallen’s chair. He stood quietly beside her, eyes gentle.

“Is that so? Go ahead, Brave Sir. I have time now.”

Kevin slumped in his chair, pale blue eyes glancing at Gali before looking away. His tone was clearly bored.

Since escape was impossible, he might as well be blunt to stop Gali from causing more trouble.

“Miss Kallen, I’ve fallen for you. Will you accept my proposal? If you agree, I’ll handle everything else.”

Gali spoke firmly to the “Manna” before him, voice sincere—not a hint of jest. He seemed in complete control.

“Oh, is that so?”

To rid himself of Gali’s nuisance, Kevin decided to be utterly merciless. His tone turned serious.

*Forgive me, Gali. This is the last time.* He gently touched his cheek, murmuring.

“Brave Sir, are you attracted to this face, or to me as a person? We’ve barely met. You don’t even know what food I like, what I enjoy doing, or what clothes I prefer.”

He slowly stood, an invisible pressure radiating from him. He stepped toward the dazed Gali, words sharp as blades piercing his fragile heart.

“Brave Sir, I did a little research. Your late wife looked very much like me. Could it be that’s why you like me? It makes me sick.”

The luxurious garden fell silent. Only Gali’s solemn expression and Kevin’s relentless words created a subtle dissonance.

“If that’s your reason for proposing, forget it.” He placed a hand lightly on his ample chest, ignoring whatever emotion crossed Gari Barodale’s face. He spoke with righteous indignation.

“Because I am Kallen Kaslana. I will never become Manna Suhuali. I’ve said my piece. Anything else, Brave Sir?”

Kevin took a deep breath to calm down. He’d spoken too passionately, leaving him breathless.

Though harsh on Gali, it was the most effective way. He just hoped Gali would face reality.

Besides, Manna Suhuali was long dead. To treat him as a replacement—who could accept that? Wait, I’m a man, aren’t I? Never mind. Not the time.

“I… I’m sorry, Miss Kallen. I didn’t think it through.”

Gali apologized sincerely. His handsome face held no smile, radiating loss. He seemed to realize his mistake and left quickly in silence.

“Ah, was I too harsh?”

Watching Gali’s retreating figure, he murmured. A sense of guilt inexplicably arose. Probing old wounds really wasn’t his style.

“Sorry, Gali. I’ll make it up to you next time.”

“Miss, I’m here.”

Soon after Gali left, Hanna’s robotic voice sounded—more lifeless than a doll. She carried a tray of exquisite dishes.

The fragrant breeze whetted Kevin’s appetite. A faint smile appeared as he pushed all worries aside.

Bliss… drooling, but his gaze never left Gali’s direction.

“What am I thinking?”

Gali stopped abruptly in the corridor. He slammed his hand against the smooth wall—a cracking sound echoed. Confusion and bewilderment filled his face.

Why didn’t Manna Suhuali recognize him? Had he mistaken her? Everything matched perfectly. Why? He slid down the wall, voice tinged with self-mockery.

“What’s wrong with me? Manna is dead. Why, why?”

Gali placed his scarred hand on his handsome face. His voice cracked with tears. He was more vulnerable than ever—even the Demon King hadn’t made him this desperate.

“Why did the light reappear in my life? A misunderstanding is worse than never seeing it at all.”

His despairing voice echoed in the empty corridor, unanswered. Well, almost—Kevin, mouth full of food, heard it but cowered in a corner, trembling.

“Gali, I—”

He fell silent, pondering. How could Gali, a man who smiled in dire straits, be so fragile now? It must have started after Manna’s death.

After an internal struggle, he decided to comfort Gali. His harsh words had caused this.

He’d spoken so severely; Gali probably wouldn’t bother him again. Old friend, don’t blame me. It was necessary.

“Sigh.”

He sighed softly. The click of high heels on tiles grew louder. His eyes reflected Gali, slumped in a corner—devoid of his usual might, like a lost puppy.

Gali was immersed in sorrow, the pain of losing his wife vivid. Despite numbing himself with alcohol for so long, it all burst out now.

“Here, take this. You look pathetic.”

Kevin pulled a clean handkerchief from his sleeve and silently handed it to the nearly catatonic Gali. He stood quietly beside him.

“Thank you, Miss Kallen. You didn’t have to bother.”

Gali sensed someone nearby and instantly regained his composure. As the Hero, he couldn’t show weakness to others, except family.

“I was too harsh. I apologize.”

“No, it’s my fault. Coming to propose with such thoughts—I’m scum. Please let me make amends.”

Gali seemed to remember something. He reached into his suit for a token of apology but fumbled. A plain ring slipped out.

Gali’s expression shifted slightly—likely because of the ring. He started to speak but held back.

Kevin just wanted to end this. Gali had calmed down; he probably wouldn’t trouble him again. Great.

“Alright, alright. Satisfied, my Brave Sir?”

He bent down slowly to pick up the ring. He slipped it on—a faint blue light flashed, weakly connecting with the ring on Gali’s hand.

Kevin didn’t notice anything amiss. He even showed it off to Gali.

Gali saw everything. He was initially surprised, then a barely perceptible smile appeared—relieved.

This ring was meant for Manna Suhuali’s engagement. Only she could wear it. Something had changed; his perspective needed to shift.

“Miss Kallen.”

“? What is it?”

Kevin was confused by Gali’s sudden move. He stood still. Gali gently took his fair hand and spoke earnestly.

“I sincerely apologize for earlier. I admit I saw you as my late wife. But—”

He paused, looking up. His eyes held only Kevin’s reflection. The wind carried remnants of the past, along with tears in his eyes.

“Miss Kallen, you’re right. From now on, I, Gari Barodale, will pursue you as a suitor. As for why I fell for you—it was love at first sight. How does that sound?”

“Eh? Eh? What’s going on?” He quickly pulled his hand back, voice full of disbelief.