TOOCM 80

Chapter 80

“I see…”

Reina cleared her throat, unsure how to respond to Kaiden’s earnest distinction between her and Aiden.

Thankfully, he changed the subject. “So, why’d you come to the study?”

Recalling her purpose, Reina’s face turned serious. “I heard Dahlia still can’t control her aura.”

“No need to worry. Aiden was the same at first. Training will help.”

Kaiden seemed unconcerned, and Reina wanted to believe him.

She’d commissioned Aiden to make a magical tool as a precaution, so there shouldn’t be cause for alarm.

But seeing Aiden’s state today, she couldn’t keep it hidden any longer.

She had to prevent the brothers’ rift from echoing past tragedies.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, she spoke firmly. “No, Dahlia won’t be able to control her aura on her own—maybe ever. She might live in constant fear of her power erupting.”

“Why would you say that?”

Kaiden’s face fell, her words sounding like a curse on his niece.

Coming from someone who cherished Dahlia, it was especially shocking.

As if expecting his reaction, Reina continued. “I saw it using my divine power.”

She met his stern gaze.

Even mentioning her power, he wasn’t quick to accept it.

But uncomfortable truths had to be faced to be resolved.

Looking at him warmly, she went on. “Soon, Dahlia will lose control during training, causing an accident. At first, it’ll seem like a mistake, but it’ll happen more often. Aiden will realize it’s not just errors. Dahlia will grow increasingly unable to manage her aura.”

Kaiden’s expression grew grave, knowing she wasn’t speaking lightly.

“You mean she could experience aura overload?”

Reina nodded heavily, and he sighed. “Why is this happening…”

Aiden had already lost his wife.

If he learned his daughter might die from her own power, he’d lose his mind.

The Crensia family had a history of direct descendants succumbing to aura overload, one case reducing a villa to ashes.

Thus, heirs were taught control early.

Failure meant lifelong restraints, limiting aura use—not a perfect solution, just a safety measure to minimize collateral damage, leaving the user to bear the brunt.

Kaiden didn’t want such a cruel fate for young Dahlia.

“Hah.”

As he looked defeated, Reina gripped his hand tightly. “Kaiden.”

He met her eyes, his face a mix of emotions.

She knew what he was thinking—having to bind his niece in restraints and watch her forever was unthinkable.

Comforting him sincerely, she said, “Don’t worry too much.”

“…”

“I have a way.”

“A way?”

Hope flickered in his eyes at her words.

“Remember when I insisted on collecting the Medusa and golem cores?”

“I do.”

Her obsession had surprised him, an unforgettable memory.

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Unlike regular isolated beasts, variant Medusa cores absorb energy through a human host, converting it to demonic energy. Golem cores, conversely, use demonic energy to strengthen the body. By converting aura to demonic energy and reinforcing the body, we can prevent overload.”

“But beast cores are dangerous. Using demonic energy? Dahlia could become corrupted…”

“Demonic energy can be purified with a holy stone. By refining the cores with it, we can convert the energy back to mana, harmless to the body.”

Despite her confidence, Kaiden remained uneasy. “It’s not that simple. Purifying cores is incredibly complex. Even high priests struggle with variant cores.”

Variants were the toughest beasts, and her plan sounded like a fantasy to him, who’d battled them countless times.

“Even if a priest could purify it, it wouldn’t be in one go. We can’t get multiple Medusa or golem cores…”

Reina understood his concerns, by normal means, he was right.

Smiling, she said, “Have you forgotten I can see demonic energy?”

“Oh.”

“I can see it, so purifying it is easier for me than others.”

“Right, of course.”

He realized he’d overlooked her supernatural sight.

With her ability, purifying the cores they had was feasible.

In a daze, he asked, “So that’s why you were so focused on collecting them? You knew this would happen?”

“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I couldn’t be sure it would happen, so I didn’t want to speak prematurely. But I prepared just in case, and I’m glad it’ll help.”

“You’re…”

Kaiden was speechless.

Her power had saved them from crises before.

Without her, he couldn’t have protected the North as well.

“How do I even thank you…”

He’d vowed to protect her, yet she was safeguarding him and his family.

Her ability to fill his blind spots was not just lovable but awe-inspiring.

“Reina, I…”

Swallowing overwhelming emotions, he started to speak, but she gently hugged his shoulders.

“Just say thank you.”

“…”

“We promised to face everything together. Just as you protect me, I’ll help you overcome obstacles.”

Her touch, her gaze—everything was warm.

She was like a serene sea, calm on the surface but burning with passion within.

The more he knew her, the harder it was to pull away.

As his love grew, so did his fear.

He knew their relationship needed to evolve, but he clung to the present, afraid of change.

Holding her hand back, he said, “Thank you.”

Knowing the depth of that word, Reina smiled brightly.

“Oh, I’ve already purified the cores and commissioned Aiden for the tool. Dahlia’s early aura manifestation surprised me too.”

“You must’ve been anxious alone.”

“But there’s a solution. I’ll tell Aiden once the tool’s done.”

“Good call. If he knew now, he’d overwork himself.”

When Amy fell ill, Aiden had frantically sought cures like a madman.

“I just hope nothing happens to Dahlia until then.”

“Me too,” Kaiden agreed.