Lucina, Karl’s mother-in-law, gently lifted the gleaming golden pendant and cradled it in her palm.

Shaped like a radiant sun, this pendant was unmistakable to anyone on the continent.

It symbolized the sun, light, and the most revered Goddess of Light.

Holding it close, Lucina pressed the pendant to her heart and whispered:

"If life deceives you..."

Karl could never have imagined the profound shock trembling through Lucina’s heart upon hearing those words.

Jason’s words held weight. In this world, life was granted by the Church, bestowed by the gods—so "if life deceives you" meant "if the Church deceives you."

To speak such words to anyone else would be heresy.

But not for Lucina.

Because...

The Church had truly deceived her.

Once, she believed herself the exalted Holy Maiden.

Once, she believed herself the Divine Princess, worshipped by thousands.

Yet she never saw it—the Church named her Holy Maiden for a single, cruel purpose.

Forced to flee.

She altered her face, her name, everything—just to escape their hunt.

She was the Holy Maiden who defected.

She was the Church’s condemned traitor.

Gazing at the pendant that once embodied her faith, Lucina murmured:

"If life deceives you, do not be sad, do not be anxious!

In days of hesitation, remain calm."

She drew a slow, deep breath.

In that moment, she felt it—this poem was written for her.

Karl was telling her: stay calm. Do not despair.

She would face the Church.

She would confront the Church.

She would overthrow the Church.

But not yet. As the poem said—patience.

The day would come. These painful, waiting days would fade.

And someday, looking back, they’d feel like a tender memory.

Lucina tightened her grip on the pendant, then gently released it back into the jewelry box.

Only then did a sharp thought strike her:

"Could Karl... have seen through my identity?"

How? She left no trace!

Even former Church comrades failed to recognize her—how could Karl?

And how did he know the Church betrayed her?

Was she imagining things?

No. The poem was placed here. For her.

Lucina stood lost in confusion.

"Fine. I’ll watch him closely. If he walks the same path as me... that would be ideal."

She slid the box into the drawer and closed it slowly—as if sealing away a sacred memory.

---

Outside Mia’s room, Mia tugged Karl’s arm, pulling him relentlessly toward the door.

"Brother-in-law! Come in! Hurry! Stop hovering at the door—I can’t wait!"

Karl leaned sideways, fingers dug into the doorframe. "What kind of suggestive words are these?! Let go!!! I’m not going in!!"

He refused to be caught in a compromising situation with Freya again. Teetering on the edge of doom was unbearable.

Just as Karl struggled desperately, a pink-haired maid appeared.

"Nana! Save me! Mia’s gone crazy again!" Karl cried.

He thought Nana would stop her.

Instead, Nana pried his fingers from the frame and told Mia: "Miss, I can only help this far."

Dragged inside, Karl yelled: "Nana!!! I’ll remember this!!!!"

The door clicked shut—as if he’d vanished.

Mia locked it. "I locked it this time. If Sister comes, you’ll have time to hide."

"Listen to yourself! We’re innocent! I have nothing to hide!" Karl protested.

*Nothing happened*, he told himself.

Just... brushing her thigh under the blanket?

Just... seeing her unclothed??

Just...

Ummmmmmmmmm

WHAT THE HELL HAVE I EVEN DONE?!?!

Mia pushed his stunned form onto the bed, then nestled close.

"Brother-in-law... thank you. For today."

Her sudden sincerity left Karl flustered. He rubbed his cheek. "It’s... nothing. Jason really was awful."

Then Mia leaned to his ear, breath warm and sweet: "So... do you want a reward??"

Karl’s brows lifted. "A reward? What reward? If you don’t get me killed, I’ll thank my lucky stars."

Mia giggled. "How could I harm my favorite brother-in-law?"

"You make it sound like you have several." Karl deadpanned.

"Then say it—do you want it?" she whispered, lips nearly grazing his ear.

Karl flushed. "Tell me first."

"No way! Surprise is the whole point!!"

Curiosity warred with caution. *She’s just a girl. How much trouble can she cause?*

"Fine. Show me."

"Close your eyes."

He obeyed.

Then—a soft, fragrant touch brushed his lips.

Eyes flying open, Karl stared at Mia in sheer horror.

"So, Brother-in-law? Whose kiss is sweeter—mine or Sister’s???"

Karl’s mind went blank. Utterly blank.

THIS IS A SURPRISE?! YOU CALL THIS A SURPRISE?!

"Girl!! This isn’t a surprise—it’s biting the hand that feeds you!!!"