Chapter 97

"Lilith... the mystery of Freud?"

Even as he asked, Gesualdo was somehow convinced in the back of his confused mind.

The handling of stoneware in Toisen, the method of creating Shiana, and the numerous actions in the town of Bunmini.

He had thought it was the advice of Frederick, the Sage Gregory, but it was actually due to Lilith's own knowledge.

However, if that were true, the mystery would only deepen.

"How on earth...?"

Considering Freud's achievements so far, an immense amount of knowledge would have been necessary.

It seemed impossible even with the existence of the Sage Gregory.

Moreover, Freud's development had started more than ten years ago.

"To be precise, it's not just my power. But the source of the knowledge is my... dreams."

"Dreams?"

"Yes. It might sound unbelievable..."

Lilith nodded firmly but began to hesitate, losing confidence.

Gesualdo, however, took her hand and smiled encouragingly.

"Since I met Lilith, every day has been filled with unbelievable things. I wouldn't doubt your words now."

"Jed..."

Despite his kind words, something felt off.

But pushing aside that feeling, Lilith decided to accept it and continued.

"Since I was a child, I've had many strange dreams. I would tell my mother about the dreams I had every day. One day, my mother realized that the dreams I described were real events."

"Real events..."

"Events that a child like me shouldn't have known, from places and times I couldn't have known. They were from the past or the future... and not just in our world, but in different worlds as well."

"Different worlds?"

"Well... the most shocking was a dream where dogs walked upright and conversed with humans. I also saw creatures I had never seen before—dragons, which only exist in stories in this world. So, I think the authors of fairy tales might have had dreams like mine. —But I digress. I'm sorry."

"No... I find it quite fascinating. So, you've been getting new manufacturing methods from the knowledge you've seen in these different worlds?"

"Yes, that's right!"

Even though it was a story that could be laughed off or dismissed as nonsense, Gesualdo accepted it as she had said.

More than that, he even made inferences from it.

Lilith's heart and voice soared with joy.

"Of course, Freud's development isn't just due to the power of the dreams I've seen. It's also thanks to my mother, who listened to my stories seriously, and my father and brother, who accepted and tried to use them for the country. And the cooperation of the chefs and farmers who experimented with my outlandish suggestions led to the current state of Freud."

"I see..."

Gesualdo's short answer was thoughtful.

He was carefully considering Lilith's words.

It seemed they had overcome the biggest hurdle, and Lilith felt a great relief.

While waiting for Gesualdo, who had fallen silent and slightly bowed his head, Lilith prepared for the next question.

But Gesualdo suddenly looked up, his brow furrowed.

"Is Lilith's body okay?"

"Excuse me?"

"You are often ill. Could that be the price of your power?"

"Price?"

Lilith was taken aback by the unexpected question, thinking he might not believe her story.

But Gesualdo continued, looking frustrated.

"If that's the case, can you not have these dreams? If having them makes you weak, such a power is not necessary. It's enough already."

"No, that's not true! I'm fine! Really..."

Gesualdo, not getting a clear answer, seemed to have come to his own conclusion and pressed on.

Not wanting to worry Gesualdo further, Lilith hurriedly denied it.

She hadn't expected Gesualdo to not only believe her but to care more about her health than the value or convenience of her power.

She had prepared for more practical questions, like what her greatest invention was or how she dealt with the aftermath of her dreams.

But the first thing Gesualdo asked about was her health.

"I... I should apologize for that..."

"There's no need to apologize. Are you really sure that seeing these dreams doesn't affect your health?"

"It doesn't. However, when I see what I call 'reality dreams,' I need more sleep. Sometimes I spend more than half a day sleeping, so I don't leave my room much, and that's why I'm considered frail. To avoid suspicion from those investigating 'Freud's mystery,' I thought it was wise not to deny it. But I'm actually very healthy. I've been worrying Jed about this for a long time... I'm sorry for lying."

"Healthy, huh..."

Gesualdo sighed in relief and smiled at the worried Lilith, shaking his head lightly.

"I've said it many times, but there's no need to apologize. Knowing that Lilith is healthy is the best news I could have. Are you really okay?"

"...Yes."

As she affirmed, tears fell from Lilith's green eyes.

Seeing this, Gesualdo was alarmed.

"Lilith! Are you in pain? Did I say something insensitive? Is there some curse that activates when you reveal this secret?"

Gesualdo was more flustered than she had ever seen him.

Seeing him babble incoherently, Lilith couldn't help but laugh softly.

She hadn't expected this confession to be the happiest moment of her life.

"...Lilith?"

Gesualdo gently asked, observing Lilith, who had started laughing after crying.

His voice was filled with concern, not anger at being laughed at.

Lilith hugged him tightly.

"Jed said you don't believe in curses. I don't believe in them either."

"But there are many mysterious things in the world, like Lilith's dreams."

"That's true. But I believe in miracles. And now, I'm truly happy because a miracle has happened."

"Miracle? What happened?"

Gesualdo's strong arms around her back and his gentle, low voice in her ear were all miracles to Lilith.

But if she said that, he probably wouldn't understand.

Lilith pulled back slightly and looked into his glowing red eyes.

"Jed really liking me... that's the miracle."

"You didn't believe it?"

Lilith gently cupped Gesualdo's cheeks, smiling.

Her smile was brighter than ever.

"No. I believe everything Jed says. Of course, there are things I can't understand and things I can't forgive."

When they first met, he had said some terrible things.

But Lilith had firmly countered and shown her disagreement through her actions.

She couldn't tolerate his self-deprecating words, but he hardly said them anymore.

"My family loves me. So do the maids Taina and Rese. The people of Freud Castle also show me kindness and serve me wholeheartedly. But I'm very selfish."

"Selfish? Lilith?"

Lilith was quite unique, but he had never thought of her as selfish.

Rather, despite her unparalleled status, she was remarkably humble.

She was devoted to the people and full of compassion.

Gesualdo had recently come to understand what Prince Eirum meant by "a rare treasure."

"I am loved by everyone. But I still wanted something special just for me."

"Something special just for Lilith...?"

"Yes. Someone who thinks of me specially and cherishes me. Can I be proud of finally finding such a person?"

It was a gentle question, but Lilith's gaze was serious and tense.

Her small, trembling hands on his cheeks conveyed her nervousness.

Gesualdo placed his hands over hers and smiled encouragingly.

"Lilith's small body isn't enough."

"Huh?"

Lilith's body was indeed small for an adult woman, but Gesualdo's words were confusing.

He tilted his head and kissed her right wrist.

Then, looking at the surprised Lilith, he smiled mischievously.

"Go ahead and be as proud as the Hottar Mountains. Even then, my love will overflow."

"Love?"

"My chest, my head, my whole body is filled with an exhilarating feeling. I don't know what to do. Should I run? Jump into a cold river? Even sparring with the knights doesn't help. But thinking of Lilith warms my heart, and touching her calms me. Yet, I still want more. It's hard to leave Lilith in the morning. I rush through my work at night to see her sooner. I feel murderous towards Filio for bringing new work. I think this must be love."

"Me too! Thinking of Jed makes me restless. Hitting my pillow doesn't help, and I want to shout from the top of the tower. But touching Jed is comforting... yet my heart races and my head feels feverish. I think it's a serious condition. I'm in love with Jed. But it's more than that. I love Jed so much, it's unbearable."

With that, Lilith pulled Gesualdo close and kissed him.

But the situation quickly reversed.

When Gesualdo finally released her lips, Lilith was dazed.

"Lilith"

"Y-Yes?"

"I'm happy that you confided in me tonight. Honestly, it's more than words can express. It was natural for you to keep it a secret, and I'm not angry about it. I feel honored that you trusted me. And knowing that you're healthy... I'm so relieved. It's really good."

"Jed..."

"Just don't overexert yourself. Live at your own pace, as you always have."

"Thank you..."

Gesualdo's words made Lilith's chest feel tight with emotion.

She had expected him to understand, but not to be so kind.

But when he asked his next question, Lilith hesitated.

Not wanting to ruin this comfortable moment, she denied it and hugged Gesualdo tightly.

Suddenly, he picked her up.

"Jed!?"

"I must be going crazy."

"Huh?"

"Even though I now have the 'mystery of Freud' that all the countries are desperate to know, it's not important to me right now. What's important is Lilith—Lilith herself. I never want to let her go again."

"Then... from tomorrow, can I sit on your lap while you work?"

"That sounds good."

"Really!?"

Gesualdo smiled, looking a bit embarrassed, and slowly walked towards Lilith's bedroom.

Lilith was so happy she didn't know how to respond, and blurted out something silly.

But Gesualdo nodded seriously.

His reaction tonight exceeded all of Lilith's expectations, making everything she had been worrying about seem ridiculous.

Even as she fell asleep, the expression on Gesualdo's face made her want to cry.