A new ritual was about to begin, and Chris headed to the study in the manor that belonged solely to his wife, to notify her, as usual, to go to the basement of the estate.
Upon entering the study, Chris quickly saw his wife, Vanessa, engrossed in writing something, her brows furrowed and the pain in her eyes was undeniable.
She had been anxious and worried as of late, unable to relax her brows, as though pondering some profound matter.
"Chris?"
Vanessa gently lifted her head.
Chris slowly approached, reaching out to caress his wife's hair, gazing into Vanessa's beautiful eyes, wanting to understand what tormented her so.
"Chris, I know what you want to ask."
Vanessa, as if telepathically in tune with Chris, knew what lay deep in his heart, her smile bitter, her eyes filled with defiance, pain, and sorrow.
"I've just suddenly realized the reason I can't make further progress on the 2nd Rank."
"It turns out, I have changed without realizing it."