You watched Aglaea's nervous expression, and your heart inexplicably quickened.

"Are you sure you want to?"

"Mm…"

As if you had made a decision, you slowly moved closer to her. Just as your lips were about to touch, you saw a flash of golden light in her eyes. That was her divinity resisting. But the next second, she closed her eyes and leaned in. The kiss was gentle and brief.

When you separated, Aglaea was panting, her whole body trembling.

"First time?" you asked.

She nodded, her face red. As a demigod, she had never allowed anyone to be so intimate. This kiss had almost exhausted all her courage.

In the following days, you continued to play the role of a couple. Aglaea gradually adapted to this identity, becoming more and more natural. She would bring you snacks while you worked. She would massage your shoulders when you were tired. She would naturally hold your arm in front of others. For a time, all of Ohema was talking about this romance.

Finally, the day of the Citizens' Assembly arrived. The square was packed with people. The Council's representatives passionately stated their accusations.

"Aglaea, she is no longer human! She uses the Golden Thread to monitor the entire city, lording over it like a god! Such an inhuman existence is not fit to rule Ohema!"

The crowd below was buzzing with discussion, and the atmosphere became increasingly unfavorable. Just then, you stepped forward.

"I have something to say!"

All eyes focused on you.

"Who are you?" A Council Elder frowned.

"I am Aglaea's lover," you said loudly.

Whispers rose from the crowd.

"I want to ask everyone here, would a god without humanity fall in love? Would she blush and be shy like an ordinary person? Would she secretly weave clothes for her lover late at night? Would she get jealous if her lover looked at another woman?"

Each question made people fall into deep thought.

"During this time, you all saw it," you continued. "She feels happy, she feels sad, she anticipates, she feels lost. Is such a person truly without humanity?"

Aglaea slowly walked forward.

"You are right, I have indeed changed," her voice was unusually calm. "After becoming a demigod, divinity did indeed erode my humanity. Sometimes, I even forgot the feeling of a heartbeat. But…" She looked at you, and for the first time, genuine emotion was undisguised in her eyes. "He made me remember what it felt like to be human. He made me understand that even a demigod can love and be loved. If even this feeling is to be denied, then I would rather not have this position."

The entire venue fell silent. Moments later, applause erupted like a tide. The vote result was without suspense; Aglaea continued to serve as the chief executive.

That night, on Aglaea's terrace.

"Thank you," she leaned against the railing, the evening breeze stirring her golden hair.

"You're welcome," you stood beside her.

"Not just for today's events," she turned her head, the moonlight illuminating her profile, "but for everything during this time." She took a deep breath. "Orion, I have something to tell you."

"What?"

"I love you," she looked directly into your eyes. "It's not acting, it's real. I know you still love Cifera, and I know I might just be a substitute. But even so, I still want to tell you—I love you."

Looking at her serious expression, you were at a loss for how to respond.

"Aya, I…"

"You don't have to answer me now," she gently interrupted you. "Give me some time, and give yourself some time. Perhaps one day, you will truly see me."

Her smile held a hint of bitterness, yet it was still beautiful. With that, she turned and left the terrace. Leaving you standing alone under the moonlight, your heart complex.

Late at night.

You lay in bed, your sleep shallow. Aglaea's confession replayed repeatedly in your dreams. Suddenly, there was an extremely faint sound in the room. It was a subtle sound you were very familiar with, one only a cat would make.

You instantly opened your eyes. You saw a gray figure stealthily moving towards the door. That back—Your heart pounded.

"Cipher?!"

You almost sprang up, your voice trembling from too much excitement. The figure visibly stiffened. She stopped in place, seemingly hesitating whether to disappear directly.

"Fei'er… is that you?"

Finally, she slowly turned around. You saw that familiar face clearly. Still the short gray hair, still those cat ears, still those eyes you had longed for day and night. It had been over a hundred years. She hadn't changed at all.

"Fei'er…"

You had too much to say, thousands of words stuck in your throat, and you couldn't utter a single one. You could only stare at her blankly, afraid it was another dream.

But Cipher's expression was completely different. She glared at you, her eyes burning with anger.

"Why?" Her body trembled. "Why did you do this?"

"What?" You were stunned. You were the one who wanted to ask her why. Why had she suddenly left? Why had she hidden for so many years? Why—

"This idiot Little Cat!" Cipher suddenly yelled, her eyes instantly red. "Bad Little Cat! Big bad guy!" Her voice was tearful, like a wronged child. "I'm never playing with you again! I hate you! I hate you the most!"

You wanted to go forward, to hug her, to ask what exactly had happened. But she had already pulled out the Coin of Flipping.

"Wait—"

The coin spun in the air. The next second, she vanished. Only you were left in the room. You stood in place, and without realizing it, tears had blurred your vision.

Why? Why did she suddenly come back? And why was she so angry? And those inexplicable accusations…

Then, you finally noticed something extra on the table. A letter. You tremblingly picked up the envelope; the handwriting was familiar. Tearing open the envelope, there was only a single note inside. The handwriting was naive and cute, just as it had been back then.

Little Cat, you're not allowed to date the Tailor Woman! Not allowed!! Never allowed!!! —Cifera