This ti, Jenkins's question had nothing to do with sensitive ancient events. It was less a formal inquiry and more a request for an opinion:
"Of course, I understand... Here's the thing. In its final monts, the mirror tried to tempt into asking about the Savior's Emblem, 'Real Illusion.' Was this so kind of trap? I can't make sense of its actions."
"That's quite simple, esteed Lying God."
For the first ti, the Star Spirit opened the enormous, transparent to she held.
"According to the rules of the world, a Savior's Emblem belongs only to those who do not actively seek it. Had you asked, you would have violated that rule. From that mont on, 'Real Illusion' would have been forever beyond your reach, no matter the circumstances. I imagine you understand this principle."
A wave of realization washed over Jenkins. That certainly seed to be the case.
"Of course, there is one more thing I should ntion."
The Star Spirit seed unusually talkative today. The silver-blue, translucent book in her hands fluttered open, its pages turning rapidly before stopping on one near the back:
"If you remain interested in 'Real Illusion,' I can offer a few leads. This unique ability was passed down among mortal Enchanters for ancient epochs, but for certain reasons, it vanished completely three epochs ago. Clues might be found among ancient races or relics; I suggest you keep an eye out. After all, if fate truly favors you, it is bound to fall into your hands through so unforeseen event sooner or later."
Heeding the Star Spirit's guidance, Jenkins returned ho, lost in thought. While it was a sha he hadn't obtained 'Real Illusion' from the mirror, at least two major headaches—the mirror and the vampires—were now completely resolved.
Tomorrow, he would certainly face discussions about the Lying God's reappearance in Nolan, but for now, Jenkins could at least enjoy a full night's rest.
Of course, he couldn't forget to visit Ruen and let his friends know he was safe.
It was already the dead of night, yet when he appeared beside Alexia, he was surprised to find Princess Dolores and Julia there as well. This was clearly not Alexia's ho; it looked more like the royal palace, where the lights never seed to go out.
"I'm alright," were his first words. "It's all over. The bloodsucking monsters have all been wiped out."
The exhausted Princess Dolores finally sank back into her chair. Julia, who stood waiting at her side, imdiately poured her more tea. The princess took a large, unladylike gulp.
"We knew you'd succeed," she said. "We could see that enormous blood moon even from Ruen. It was absolutely terrifying..."
"I'm just glad it's all over," Alexia said. "I knew you'd find a way."
Alexia let out a long sigh of relief, then added:
"If you're wondering why I'm here, it's because our friend was terribly worried about tonight. It wasn't proper for her to stay at my place, so she invited to stay here instead."
"Is that so? Oh... I'm not sure what to say."
Jenkins nodded to Princess Dolores, who blushed in response. She then personally took the Vampire Buster he offered her. The artifact was of no use to him now; it was ti to return it to its rightful owner.
"Mr. Williams, how did you manage it? I heard Miss Miller say the situation was incredibly dangerous."
She asked in a small voice.
Jenkins couldn't answer that question. Alexia knew almost all of his secrets, but she didn't know his true identity or anything related to the gods.
He hesitated. He could only use the power of his lies twice a week, and he had already exhausted that power. Even if he hadn't, he felt a deep unease at the thought of deceiving his friends—especially Alexia. Ever since arriving in this world, he had shrouded himself in lies, cowering from prying eyes, but he had never truly liked living that way...
"The Lying God appeared," he finally said. "The power of a deity directly crushed the monsters' sche."
"Oh, I see."
Princess Dolores comnted, not reacting much to the news. She wasn't aware of the situation in Nolan before Alexia had left.
But Alexia knew better. There hadn't been any god involved when she left. For one to suddenly appear now was far too convenient, too coincidental.
But she didn't ask a thing, only offered Jenkins a warm smile. Whether or not she would ever learn the impossible truth, her smile was enough to soothe his frayed nerves. He knew, then, that he had found a friend he could trust with his life.
To satisfy Princess Dolores's curiosity, Jenkins used his Psychography ability before he left. From a bystander's perspective, he sketched the scene: the god beneath the blood moon, freezing a roiling sea of blood with a single punch.
Perhaps because he had been exposed to so much religious art during his ti at the church, the drawing had an inexplicable sense of the sacred, like a divine icon one might gaze upon in prayer.
"Heh, I suppose this counts as a divine self-portrait," Jenkins thought, "and one of myself in my saint form, no less."
He only realized it afterward, but it was for the best. Perhaps it might even have a minor warding effect against evil.
As they watched Jenkins's figure slowly fade until it vanished completely, a sense of anticlimax settled over the three won in the room. The feeling stemd from the tense and dangerous 'adventure' they had been a part of tonight, an adventure that had now co to an end.
They all had their own duties to attend to in the morning, and seeing how late it was, they decided to wash up and head to bed.
Even though Alexia was the princess's guest, friend, and tutor, she certainly couldn't share a bed with her. In truth, she wasn't overly concerned with the events in distant Nolan; her concern was for Jenkins himself. Rembering the look on his face before he left, she couldn't suppress a faint flicker of joy in her heart.
But she rembered she had one more thing to do. Before leaving the room, while Julia was off fetching the princess's nightgown, the petite woman deliberately posed a rather pointed question:
"Forgive if I'm being nosy, but you seem to care for our friend in a rather... particular way."
Sotis, Alexia felt she had a mischievous streak—just like Jenkins.
"Yes... I have very few friends. And Mr. Williams always seems to find himself in dangerous situations."
As expected, sixteen-year-old Dolores could only stamr out a reply, her face instantly flushing. No matter how maturely she tried to act, she was still just a young woman experiencing the first stirrings of love.
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