SWMD 65

Chapter 65

In the slightly awkward atmosphere, Diana finished her meal and set down her fork.

“It was delicious, right?”

“Truly.”

Lueri had already returned to his usual self. Diana, who had felt a strange dissonance in his demeanor earlier, calmed her heart as well.

“Now, onto the next course.”

“Next course?”

“Let’s go.”

Naturally, Lueri took Diana’s hand. After walking for some time, they arrived in front of a jewelry boutique—an extremely luxurious and large one.

“A boutique?”

Why here of all places? Diana followed him, puzzled.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Lead us in.”

A man who appeared to be the owner of the boutique welcomed Lueri warmly.

They seemed unusually close, an odd pairing for a mage and the owner of a high-end boutique. Still, there was a clear familiarity between them.

The owner led the two into a small room—lavishly decorated, clearly reserved for high-ranking nobles.

“Please wait here a moment.”

After bowing, the owner left, and shortly after, boutique staff brought in traditional confections and tea.

“You’re wondering how I know someone like him, aren’t you?”

“…Yes, I am. How do you know him?”

It didn’t make sense. As a mage, Lueri had little reason to frequent such places. Diana looked at him curiously.

“The jewels here are special.”

“Special?”

“They’re imbued with magic. Naturally, the Magic Tower helped make them.”

Diana was still amazed when the owner returned, carrying a box wrapped in crimson velvet.

“Here’s what you requested.”

“Thanks, boss.”

Lueri confidently opened the box—and dazzling light spilled out from inside.

The brilliance was unlike any other jewel Diana had ever seen.

“How do they shine like this…?”

“Because they’re enchanted. Not only are they beautiful, but they also hold magical power.”

Lueri took out a green emerald ring, the same color as her eyes, and gently slid it onto her finger.

“Emeralds hold healing power. With a bit of mana, they can heal small wounds instantly.”

“That’s amazing…”

Diana’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the emerald on her finger. It shimmered just like her irises reflected on water.

“It’s a gift.”

“…What?”

Diana seemed to be spending the whole day surprised. She quickly shook her head.

“No. If anything, I should be giving you a gift.”

“Everything in this box—I prepared it for you.”

“I can’t accept this, Lueri. It’s too much.”

“They’re worthless to me if not worn by someone they suit. They’ll shine more in the right hands.”

With a clack, Lueri shut the box and pushed it toward her.

Diana hesitated, knowing how expensive such magical gems must be. Finally, she spoke slowly.

“Then I’ll just accept the ring. Only the ring.”

“Fair enough. Then just one more thing.”

He pulled out a necklace adorned with a deep blue sapphire, mirroring the exact shade of his eyes.

“Just this too, please?”

Unable to resist his childlike pleading, Diana chuckled and accepted it.

“Let me help you put it on.”

Lueri stood and swept her hair to the side, revealing her delicate neckline. With a gentle touch, he fastened the necklace, then handed her a mirror.

In the reflection, the sapphire glistened against her flushed cheeks.

“Sapphire symbolizes wisdom. It’ll help clear your mind.”

“…Thank you, Lueri.”

He smiled in satisfaction and softly took her hand.

“Let’s go out now.”

Outside, the sky had already darkened.

“It’s late. Should we head back?”

Diana began to walk ahead, but Lueri caught her wrist.

“Wait. Just one more place.”

“But it’s already so late.”

“There’s something I want to show you.”

Worried, Diana fell silent. If Calypso found out she went out with Lueri, it might cause suspicion.

“It’ll be quick.”

Lueri didn’t back down. Unlike usual, he didn’t withdraw after sensing her hesitation.

He clearly had a reason.

“…Alright.”

Diana finally nodded, and Lueri sighed in relief. Then he used teleportation magic once again.

Diana shut her eyes at the sudden shift in space.

“You can open them now. We’re here.”

They were now at the top of the Magic Tower—Lueri’s personal room.

“This is…?”

“My room.”

It was pitch dark, not a single candle lit. Lueri strode over to the large curtains and flung them open.

Through the wide window, the entire magical forest surrounding the tower came into view.

Ordinary people weren’t allowed in this area. It was filled with never-before-seen plants and trees. Diana’s lips parted in awe.

Colorful mana lights from magical plants drifted like butterflies or fireflies, filling the room.

“It’s beautiful…”

The words escaped her mouth before she could stop them.

“I wanted you to see this. You’ve looked so burdened and worried lately.”

His words struck deep in her heart.

Even if she vowed revenge, Diana was still just a woman. Since returning through regression, she had killed someone for the first time and constantly schemed. Her mind grew more and more exhausted.

Even though things improved after Aicel came back, the pressure of protecting her daughter weighed heavily.

It seemed all those feelings had started showing on her face.

“So, how was our date? You promised, remember? That you’d go on one with me.”

Lueri grinned, and something inside her wavered.

With this man… it felt like she didn’t have to hide anything.

Cautiously, Diana began speaking.

“There’s something I haven’t told you.”

She confessed everything. Lueri didn’t even flinch. He just calmly listened.

“It must be hard to believe, right…? Of course it would—”

“No.”

She tried to read his expression, but he was unreadable. Talking about turning back time was ludicrous—who would believe that?

Yet Lueri’s eyes gently softened.

“Thank you for telling me.”

Then he gave a bitter smile and hugged her tightly. Slowly, he patted her back.

“You must’ve had such a hard time… carrying this alone.”

Tears poured from Diana’s eyes.

It felt like every hardship she had endured was finally being comforted.

Stepping back from the embrace, she asked with tearful eyes:

“Why are you so kind to me?”

“Nuna.”

“You help me every time something happens. You believe everything I say. You even took me on this date…”

With Calypso, she was never treated as a woman. He only ever used her—and tried to kill her.

But Lueri was different. He treated her like she mattered.

He listened. He comforted her.

Without even realizing it, Diana began to hope—perhaps he truly had feelings for her.

Her mind told her no, but her heart kept fluttering.

She didn’t deserve it. Lueri was still young, not even married. She, on the other hand, was still bound by the chains of a failed marriage.

Even if it was one-sided love, she didn’t think she deserved to look at him as a man.

Diana’s wet gaze lingered on Lueri as he stepped close. He gently wiped her tears with his hand.

Her hot tears soaked his fingers. He wiped them away and softly said:

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Despite the pain on his face, he smiled warmly.

“When you like someone… you want to buy them delicious food…”

The word like made her eyes tremble like a breeze on water.

“You want to give them pretty things…”

Diana was speechless. She just stared blankly at him.

Lueri gently caressed her cheek.

“And you want to stay by their side for a long time.”

And finally, he confessed. There was not a trace of teasing—only sincerity.

“I like you. I really like you, nuna.”

“Lueri…”

Her heart pounded violently.

For the first time, Lueri’s playful eyes were filled with seriousness.

He likes me…

Diana blinked rapidly.

I… I like him too…

She was about to say something, but suddenly, pain shot through her head.

“Ah…!”

“Nuna!”

Just as she accepted her feelings, her head throbbed and she staggered.

Lueri caught her in his arms.

She had already lost consciousness. Frowning in pain, Lueri gently laid her on the bed.

He pressed a warm cloth to her forehead as her face contorted with discomfort.

He had known this would happen. But he couldn’t stop his heart from speaking the truth.

“Even knowing I shouldn’t… I keep wanting more. I’m sorry, nuna.”

Lueri sat on the stool beside the bed, clenching his fists.

Seeing Diana suffer hurt him more than anything.

Suddenly, he sensed something in the shadows near the bookshelf.

His eyes snapped open, no longer warm but sharp with a cold gleam.

Slowly, he raised his head.

“Having fun?”

Silence answered.

“I know you’re there.”

His voice lowered, growling like a beast.

“Come out, Eclipse.”

From the shadows, a black flame flared—and from it emerged a man with dark hair:

Eclipse.