It was a question she had heard before. It was similar to what Ryan had asked her just yesterday.

In truth, anyone who had researched magical beasts would inevitably ask about Rachel’s necklace.

“I know it’s an uncomfortable question. But I’d still like you to be honest with me.”

Edward’s voice was filled with concern.

Rachel hesitated briefly before unfastening her necklace. She then held it out to him.

“See for yourself.”

“…”

Edward hesitantly took the necklace. Then he carefully began to examine it.

[Good thing you made a fake one.]

Creon muttered as he watched Edward examining the counterfeit necklace.

‘…’

But Rachel didn’t respond to Creon’s comment.

[But why did you reveal the fact that you contracted with me to Duke Bermund, while keeping it secret from others?]

Creon asked Rachel, seemingly unable to understand.

‘What good would it do for them to know? It would only make them worry unnecessarily.’

Rachel thought there was no need to tell Ryan or Edward about the regression since they had nothing to do with the contract. Beyond that, she had decided that the fact she had regressed in time was something she alone should carry.

[But your necklace has already been exposed, and they know you’re looking for the Tears of Licorice. It’s inevitable that the people around you who want to help will eventually learn about the necklace.]

‘I didn’t expect to succeed.’

Rachel interrupted Creon’s words.

‘You know how many times I failed. This is the first time I successfully saved Tervan, so I didn’t anticipate these side effects. Until now, I was solely focused on saving Tervan.’

[True. Besides, until now, if things went badly, you could just turn back time.]

Creon nodded in agreement with Rachel’s words.

‘Duke Bermund was searching for you from the beginning, so it made sense that he would suspect and approach me after I suddenly distinguished myself. With someone like that, it’s better to reveal the truth than to lie and hide.’

Just as Rachel finished her explanation, Edward, who had been examining the necklace, let out a small sigh of relief.

“It’s not. That’s a relief.”

Edward confirmed that the necklace was not the seal stone of Creon, the Time Demon.

“Let me put it back on for you.”

Edward said apologetically. Rachel nodded obediently and turned her back to him. She gathered her hair and swept it to one side so he could easily fasten the necklace.

With careful hands, Edward placed the necklace around Rachel’s slender white neck.

Feeling the cool sensation against her neck, Rachel adjusted her hair and turned back to him. Edward smiled at her.

“I was worried because the necklace looked exactly the same.”

“That’s understandable. Ryan mentioned the same thing, actually.”

“Ryan?”

“Yes. His Highness the Crown Prince.”

When Rachel confirmed this, Edward paused momentarily.

Rachel’s mention of Ryan seemed too natural. This suggested that enough time had passed for them to be on a first-name basis.

Edward, who had no idea they had become that close, found his thoughts not functioning properly.

“Edward?”

Rachel called out to him when silence fell. Edward finally snapped back to attention.

“So His Highness the Crown Prince also recognized this necklace.”

“Yes. But you don’t need to worry. As you saw, my necklace isn’t Creon’s necklace.”

“I was quite surprised at first. The illustration of the necklace in the literature matched yours. I thought it must be my mistake, but when I saw it today, they really do look identical. I suppose His Highness felt similarly.”

“I think that’s the case.”

After Rachel finished speaking, an awkward silence descended. Edward wasn’t particularly talkative to begin with, so silences often occurred when they were together, but today felt different from usual.

Rachel could quickly discern the reason. She had already been suspecting that Edward might have feelings for her.

But since she couldn’t directly ask him about his feelings toward her, she had kept those suspicions to herself.

Now, however, Edward was stumbling over his words, surprised that Rachel called Ryan by his first name.

She considered telling him that her relationship with Ryan wasn’t as romantic as he might think, but Rachel quickly abandoned the idea.

After all, just as with Ryan, she had no intention of reciprocating Edward’s feelings.

If he misunderstood her relationship with Ryan and withdrew his feelings, that might not be such a bad thing.

Though she felt sorry about hurting Edward who had been so helpful to her, Rachel—having experienced firsthand how cruel it was to comfort someone with half-hearted feelings—judged it better to give no false hope if possible.

“How is Viola doing?”

Rachel changed the subject.

“Viola is the same as always. Though recently, she’s been trying to learn more about spirit magic every day, inspired by you. She seemed a bit listless lately, but thanks to that, she appears more energetic than usual. So thank you again for that.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Oh, could you tell Viola that water spirits might suit her better than other elemental spirits? Viola’s mana has good affinity with water, so she might be able to summon higher-grade spirits than with other elements.”

“You’re right. I’ve been thinking the same thing. I was actually considering giving her that advice, so I’ll definitely tell her.”

Though Viola’s achievements were currently overshadowed by Rachel’s growth, as the protagonist of this world, she possessed remarkable abilities.

Only Rachel knew the secret that Viola would one day become the contractor of the Water Spirit King, but with Viola’s current efforts, she would reach that level soon enough.

In truth, Rachel had once envied Viola.

It was during the time when she endured multiple deaths trying to save Tervan. If only she had possessed stronger power. If only she had offensive magic instead of supportive magic.

The reason she had suffered, beating her chest in agony so many times, was because she had realized how painfully weak she was.

Someone who could only use supportive or auxiliary magic was woefully inadequate to save Tervan as he faced the witch.

After frustration and despair, she had resolved to become stronger, but hit a realistic wall. Reality differed from games. No matter how hard one tried, there were limits that couldn’t be surpassed.

Unlike Rachel, Viola had contracted with top-tier water spirits several times in her memories. People praised and celebrated Viola for her outstanding achievements.

Sometimes, Viola even confronted Duke Bermund when he rebelled, causing him trouble. Of course, much effort lay behind her accomplishments, but Rachel had envied and resented Viola.

Because she herself didn’t possess the same talent. If she had possessed talent like Viola’s, perhaps she wouldn’t have had to experience Tervan’s death so many times.

However, that envy and resentment became Rachel’s driving force. Though she lacked talent, she instead had the power to turn back time.

It might have been slower, but through persistent effort without giving up, she had gained her current power.

Fortunately, her envy and resentment toward Viola had faded away.

“Come visit sometime. Viola seems hesitant because she thinks you might be busy.”

Edward finished speaking and stood up.

“I should get going now. You must be tired after coming back from your outing, and I’ve kept you here.”

“Not at all. You’re always welcome to visit, Edward. Let me see you to the door.”

Rachel also stood up and offered.

“Would you?”

“Yes.”

The two left the reception room and walked at a leisurely pace toward the mansion’s entrance.

“Thank you so much for the materials today. And for continuing to help…”

“I’m doing it because I want to. Besides, it’s good for me to review and study the books again.”

Edward finished speaking and smiled kindly at Rachel.

“Thank you. For everything.”

“It’s nothing. If I find more reference materials, I’ll send them to you. Is it all right if I visit then?”

“Of course. Anytime.”

Having received Rachel’s permission, Edward soon boarded his carriage.

The carriage slowly began to leave the mansion. Rachel stood in place for a while, watching the carriage disappear into the distance.