A charged atmosphere enveloped the room as Medea confronted Caelus, her earlier sense of superiority giving way to a newfound understanding of the intricate web he had woven around her. The realization of his cunning maneuvers left her with a sense of both respect and caution.Turning away from him, Medea spoke with a measured tone, acknowledging the depth of his manipulations. "You recognized my otherworldly nature from the start. Your subtle enchantment disrupted my powers, leading me to you. You orchestrated the solar eclipse, induced my temporary blindness, and feigned assistance—all to serve your agenda. A shrewd move, I must admit," she acknowledged, her voice carrying a mix of acknowledgment and a hint of begrudging admiration.Caelus, an epitome of composure, maintained his calm demeanor, neither confirming nor denying her observations. Medea continued her assessment, revealing the layers of his strategy. "You exploited the vulnerability of my presence within a human body, a body that wouldn't withstand the impact of your spells. A calculated move to manipulate circumstances for your benefit," she accused, her words unraveling the intricacies of his machinations.As the truth began to sink in, Medea found herself grappling with a newfound understanding of the magician's motives. The revelation struck a chord within her, resonating with the echoes of her solitary quest for power and control. In Caelus's calculated machinations, she glimpsed a reflection of her own ambition—a mirror image of the relentless pursuit of dominance.Caelus's admission hung heavy in the air, his words carrying the weight of unspoken truths and shattered expectations. Medea remained motionless, her mind swirling with a tumult of conflicting emotions as she grappled with the implications of his revelation. She felt his presence draw near, a palpable tension threading through the space between them, like a veil of unease enveloping her senses.As he loomed behind her, his proximity casting a shadow over her thoughts, Medea felt a surge of disquiet ripple through her being. His presence, once a source of intrigue, now bore the weight of an unsettling truth. She recoiled inwardly, the warmth of his presence at odds with the chill that gripped her soul."I indeed orchestrated this intricate dance, but my original intent deviated from this convoluted path," Caelus confessed, his voice carrying the weight of unforeseen consequences. As he walked towards Medea, his presence became a palpable force, casting an unsettling shadow over her.Behind her, Caelus's gaze lowered, his words revealing a poignant twist to their shared narrative. "My initial expectations were different. I anticipated encountering the true Medea Falaguerra, not a manifestation of the devil. Not you."With measured restraint, Caelus's voice broke the silence again, his words tinged with a hint of remorse. "My intentions were never to entangle myself in the machinations of a devil," he confessed, his tone laden with the weight of unspoken regret. "I sought her, not the specter of darkness that now stands before me."With a pause in her breath, Medea contemplates the profound shift she has caused in the novel's storyline. The realization dawns that the real Medea's lack of memories of him stems from their yet-to-occur meeting. Their destined encounter unfolds as Caelus intervenes to rescue her from the brink of demise. The transference of Lycoris into Medea's body has wrought a transformative alteration in everything.That's why it feels off.As Caelus stood behind Medea, his mind ventured back to the moment when he first emerged from his 500-year slumber within the obsidian tower. The recollection painted a vivid picture of a dark, desolate space, the chill of solitude enveloping him like a spectral shroud. His awakening was marked by an eerie emptiness, a feeling of hollowness that lingered within the confines of his being.In the solitude of the obsidian tower, Caelus embarked on a journey of discovery, immersing himself in the knowledge of the world that had unfolded during his extended slumber. Five centuries had passed since he froze his heart, and the landscape of the Genovian Empire had undergone significant transformations. The reins of power had shifted, new rulers had ascended, and the empire bore the scars of temporal progression. Yet, amidst the changes, the one constant that endured was the unyielding greed of humanity.Stepping outside the confines of his tower for the first time in centuries, Caelus found himself drawn to the hushed whispers of two men engaged in conversation. Their words echoed tales of captivity and the youngest daughter of the Falaguerra family. The surname triggered a sense of familiarity within Caelus, and as he continued to eavesdrop, a memory from his distant past resurfaced.The memory unfolded like a tapestry, revealing a younger Caelus overhearing a desperate plea from his grandfather to a member of the Falaguerra family. The request was simple yet laden with gravity—to spare the obsidian tower from destruction. In exchange, the member of Falaguerra demanded a precious offering—the ancient tome known as the Book of Revelation, a relic crafted by Caelus's ancestors and passed down through generations.Intrigued by the lore surrounding the Falaguerra family and driven by a desire to retrieve the coveted book, Caelus meticulously devised a plan to rescue the youngest daughter from the clutches of her captors. He envisioned a strategic maneuver that would not only liberate the woman but also facilitate the reclamation of the ancestral relic, even if the odds hung precariously at fifty-fifty.However, fate had a different narrative in store for Caelus. As he embarked on his mission, he found himself face to face with a mysterious woman, her attire stained with the crimson hue of blood. Her piercing red eyes bore into his soul, emanating an unsettling aura that defied familiarity. The encounter struck a dissonant chord within Caelus, a realization that this was not the person he had anticipated meeting.Recollections of tales he had read from the book of revelation flashed in his mind, warning of the deceptive nature of devils. The narratives spoke of their ethereal beauty, a facade meticulously crafted to beguile and ensnare unsuspecting humans, all while concealing the insidious beast lurking beneath. The passage echoed in his thoughts, a forewarning that this enigmatic woman might embody the dual nature of a celestial deceiver and a malevolent entity."When you told me you are Medea, I realized you are not her."Medea pivoted gracefully to face Caelus, her crimson eyes fixated on him. "So, that's how it is," she uttered with a calm demeanor. Caelus, uneasy under the weight of her gaze, averted his eyes and began to distance himself from her as if attempting to evade the aura she exuded.Her crimson gaze bore into Caelus, seeking to convey a sense of sincerity that transcended the inherent enmity between their kind.Caelus, torn between wariness and a flicker of curiosity, met her gaze only briefly before averting his eyes. He couldn't afford to be swayed by her words, not when the stakes were so high and the consequences so uncertain."I don't want to make an enemy out of anyone, especially not with a devil," Caelus murmured, his voice laced with an undercurrent of resolve. "But if you seek the book, you'll have to deal with me first."Medea's response was tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and frustration. She sighed heavily, her features contorted with a weariness that seemed to seep into her very being. "How significant could this book be to incite such conflict?" she mused aloud, her tone tinged with genuine curiosity. "If it truly holds knowledge as significant as you claim, then consider it an exception. I will return it to you."Caelus, caught off guard by her unexpected offer, couldn't help but voice his skepticism. "And why should I trust you?" he countered, his voice tinged with a note of caution.Medea's eyes rolled in exasperation, a gesture that spoke volumes of her frustration with the situation. "I seek to understand this world better," she explained with a note of sincerity. "There's no need for me to lay claim to something that was never mine to begin with. The book holds no sway over me, nor will it serve my purposes."Caelus regarded Medea with suspicion, his gaze betraying his reluctance to entertain her proposition. Sensing his hesitation, Medea stifled a sigh of frustration. This human was proving to be more stubborn than she anticipated; she needed to expedite the conclusion of their conversation. With purposeful strides, she made her way to the edge of her bed, turning to face him with determination."This won't be a transaction, Cael," she asserted, her tone firm. "I'll assist you in retrieving your book from the Imperial Family without exacting a heavy price. All I ask in return is your aid in helping me return to my world. Do we have a deal?"Medea's proposal hung in the air, the tension palpable as Caelus contemplated her offer. After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "No, I'm afraid not," he replied, his resolve unwavering. "As much as I sympathize with your predicament, I cannot entertain such requests. If you seek a path back to your world, you'll have to find it on your own."With those words, Caelus summoned his magic and vanished before her eyes, leaving Medea alone with her thoughts and a lingering sense of disappointment. "Does he really think I'm jesting? How dare he reject me again. He must have a lot of nerve!"Medea's frustration was palpable as she paced towards her balcony, her movements fluid yet tense. She stood there, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the dawning sky, her gaze piercing the horizon. Letting out a weary sigh, she mused to herself, her voice barely above a whisper, "This place has been a ceaseless parade of interruptions since my arrival." Her sharp gaze narrowed further, reflecting a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "I wonder how many more will try to disrupt my path in the days to come?"The following morning found Medea in a sour mood, a cloud of irritation hanging over her as she roused from sleep. However, her day took a slight turn when a maid approached, offering the small comfort of a warm bath. Gratefully, Medea accepted and submerged herself in the soothing waters of the tub, seeking a momentary escape from her troubles.Amidst the tranquility of her bath, Medea's curiosity piqued, prompting her to inquire about the day's agenda. "Is there any matter that requires my attention today?" she asked, her voice echoing slightly off the marble walls.The maid, diligently attending to Medea with a gentle application of soap, hesitated before responding. "Nothing is pressing, my lady. However..." Her voice trailed off, piquing Medea's interest.Raising an eyebrow in anticipation, Medea encouraged her to continue. The maid obliged, "Another marriage proposal has arrived. I've taken the liberty of placing it in your office."Medea cut her off, a hint of exasperation in her voice, "I'll see to it later. Is there anything else of note?"The maid shook her head, "No, my lady. That's all for now."Satisfied, Medea leaned back, allowing the warm water to envelop her as her red eyes gleamed, catching the light. "Good," she replied, her mind already weaving through the tapestry of her day, plotting and planning with the precision of a chess master.After emerging refreshed from her bath, Medea was met by her maid, who was ready to assist her in dressing. The gown prepared for her was nothing short of magnificent, its fabric a deep, enigmatic black that seemed to absorb the light around it, only to contrast sharply with the striking golden embroideries that traced intricate patterns across its surface. Embellished with red jewels that gleamed with an inner fire, the dress was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, turning Medea into a vision of dark elegance. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, partially gathered and secured at the top with a jeweled accessory that added a touch of regal sophistication to her appearance.Feeling the weight of her responsibilities calling, Medea made her way to her office, the rustle of her dress a whisper against the stone floors. Upon entering, she was immediately drawn to the imposing sight of her desk, atop which lay a pile of envelopes, each sealed and awaiting her attention. With a small gesture, she dismissed her maid, desiring privacy for the tasks ahead.Settling into her chair with the air of someone bracing for an unwelcome duty, Medea reached for the topmost envelope, breaking its seal with a practiced flick of her wrist. As she unfolded the letter and absorbed its contents, her expression darkened, a scoff escaping her lips. The message within managed to sour her mood further, igniting her ire as effectively as her powers would soon consume the parchment."Marriage is a political tool for power and reputation," she murmured with disdain, her voice dripping with scorn. The letter in her grasp began to smolder, edges curling and blackening as her powers manifested, reflecting her contempt. She watched dispassionately as it was reduced to ashes, her thoughts dark. "These fools believe it would all last."Her gaze shifted, sweeping over the remaining envelopes with a mix of boredom and irritation. They, too, were likely filled with similar proposals, each one an attempt to use her as a means to an end. With a flick of her wrist, the envelopes levitated, suspended in mid-air by her will alone. A moment later, she unleashed her powers once more, flames enveloping the paper in a hungry blaze."The true power is something you humans fail to comprehend. After all, you still cling to the notion that power can be borrowed or bestowed," she declared, watching as flames consumed the last of the proposals, reducing them to nothing more than ash and smoke.