Chapter 68: Evangeline Retained Her Memories!
[The butler's mind pieced together the puzzle: Phantom Reaper, the codename you used in the Avatar Task Site, was after the avatar crystals that Evangeline had absorbed. And surely, the one avatar crystal the Solstice Family had offered as part of the reward was also on your radar.]
[Despite this, the butler knew better than to try and oppose you. He understood that offending you would be the worst mistake he could make.]
[After all, your status as the Uncrowned Emperor of Humanity placed you above even the leaders of nations.]
[He smiled politely, though his thoughts were anything but calm. 'The patriarch and heiress will have to deal with him,' he decided, gesturing for you to follow him inside.]
["Welcome, Mr. Sinclair," he said, doing his best to mask his inner panic. "Please, allow me to show you inside. The Solstice Family is honored by your presence."]
[As you followed the butler into the Solstice Family's stronghold, you couldn't help but sense the unease radiating from him, though he maintained perfect composure.]
[After all, if you wished, you could have dominated and ruled over humanity long ago—no one, except for the Forest God Kania, could stand against you.]
[This was why the higher-ups had given you the title of the Uncrowned Emperor. They knew they couldn't defeat you, and they no longer dared to challenge you.]
[As you followed the butler through the grand halls of the Solstice Family's stronghold, your mind wandered to the task at hand.]
[The walls of the estate were adorned with portraits and relics from generations past, showcasing the immense power and history of the Solstice Family. The servants bowed respectfully as you passed, though their nervous glances did not escape your notice.]
[Soon, you entered the main hall, where two figures stood waiting: the patriarch of the Solstice Family and their heiress, Evangeline Aurora Von Solstice. The patriarch, a tall, stern-looking man with silver hair and piercing eyes, stepped forward, offering a respectful nod.]
["Welcome," the patriarch began, his voice measured and formal. "It is an honor to have someone of your stature accept this task. I trust you are aware of—"]
[Before he could finish his sentence, Evangeline suddenly broke into a run, rushing past him and straight towards you.]
[Her sudden movement caught everyone in the room off-guard.]
[Without hesitation, she threw herself into your arms, hugging you tightly.]
["I've been waiting for you," she said, her voice filled with warmth and happiness.]
[You stood there, momentarily stunned by her actions.]
[Evangeline had always been described as cold and distant, yet here she was, clinging to you as if you were her long-lost love.]
[You could smell her intoxicating scent, feel the softness and warmth of her body pressing against you. Her embrace was firm, and you noticed her subtle inhale, as though she was taking in your scent, desperate to be close to you.]
[The patriarch, the butler, and the nearby servants were all visibly shocked by the sight.]
[They exchanged confused glances, clearly unprepared for such a display from Evangeline, who was known for her frosty demeanor.]
[The patriarch cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the situation, but words seemed to fail him.]
[Evangeline, meanwhile, showed no signs of embarrassment. Her eyes were filled with affection as she continued to hold onto you, but then she glanced around the room, her expression darkening slightly.]
[She wasn't embarrassed by the public display, but you could sense that she was worried about something. Perhaps, the revelation of something she wanted to keep hidden.]
[Without a word, she grabbed your hand, her fingers intertwining with yours, and before you could react, she began pulling you out of the hall. "Come with me," she whispered urgently, her grip on your hand tightening.]
[She led you through the long corridors of the stronghold, moving quickly. You could have easily resisted, but you didn't.]
[The sudden shift in her behavior intrigued you, and curiosity took over. Evangeline had never acted like this in the previous simulation, not even with the butterfly effect you had caused in the avatar world.]
[The halls blurred as she rushed you to her room, her pace quick and determined. You could feel the tension building between the two of you, but the reason behind her actions was still a mystery.]
[Moments later, you arrived at her door, which she opened quickly before pulling you inside with her. The door closed behind you, leaving the two of you alone in the dimly lit room.]
[Without wasting a second, Evangeline pushed you towards the bed, her movements filled with urgency.]
[You fell back onto the soft mattress, and before you could say a word, she straddled you, her eyes filled with an intensity that you hadn't expected.]
[Then, she leaned down and kissed you—deeply, passionately. It was as if all her emotions, all her longing, were pouring out in that single act.]
[You didn't resist. Why would you?]
[After all, you knew she was trustworthy, that she loved you, and you could feel that connection between the two of you. Still, her sudden affection puzzled you.]
[Why was she acting so lovesick when, in this simulation, you hadn't even met yet?]
[Unless…]
[The realization hit you as you lay there, locked in an intimate embrace with her. 'She remembers the goddess simulation,' you thought.]
[The kisses and the closeness continued for several minutes, the two of you lost in the warmth of each other's presence. The air was thick with affection, but neither of you took things further than soft kisses and gentle hugs.]
[Eventually, after Evangeline seemed satisfied, she pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting yours.]
["I've been waiting for you," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "I retained the memories of the previous timeline."]
[Her confession confirmed your suspicion, and you gave a small nod, understanding now why she had acted the way she did.]
[She looked at your expression, searching for something. "You also remember everything, don't you? Up until your death."]