Chapter 855: Change In Jade
Chapter 855: Chapter 855: Change In Jade
Unfortunately, no matter how carefully she inspected it, she couldn’t identify its purpose.
Eventually, she shook her head, a faint trace of melancholy appearing in her eyes.
“I’m afraid I don’t know anything about this card at all. I’ve never encountered anything similar, and I can’t tell you what it does.”
Hearing that answer, Ivy could only sigh and put the black card away.
Since even Catherine couldn’t identify it, she would have to investigate its secrets herself.
Meanwhile, Silas and Jade had been paying close attention to the castle’s facilities and the items available within the game-related system.
They were particularly interested in the method used to materialize equipment, protective gear, and other supplies.
Before long, both of them had returned with various pieces of equipment, including protective armor and several other useful items.
When they approached Ivy, their attention wasn’t focused on the items themselves but on how they had appeared.
“How did these things materialize beside us?” Jade asked, examining the equipment with curiosity. “We didn’t see anyone bring them here, so what kind of transportation method did the game use?”
Silas also looked intrigued, clearly more interested in the mechanism behind the process than in the equipment he had obtained.
Ivy stared at them for a moment before realizing that they were thinking about the problem from a completely different perspective than she had.
She had been so focused on the mysterious cards that she hadn’t even considered investigating how the game transferred objects into reality.
‘They’re much more observant than I am when it comes to these things.’
Eugenia, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn’t help chuckling at their curiosity.
“Of course, the game has a method of materialising items. That’s why the equipment appeared beside you. Just enjoy what you’ve received instead of asking so many questions, because I don’t have the patience to explain every little detail.”
Her irritated tone caught Jade’s attention, and Jade instinctively glanced at her with a curious expression.
“Are you experiencing any pain anywhere in your body?” Jade asked, his voice suddenly becoming much gentler. “If you’re uncomfortable, I can help you.”
Eugenia stared at Jade for several seconds, apparently caught off guard by the unexpected question.
A faint blush gradually spread across her cheeks, and she quickly looked away.
“There’s no need for that!”
With those words, she hurried out of the room, leaving the others momentarily bewildered.
Catherine watched her daughter leave with a thoughtful expression but chose not to comment.
Ivy couldn’t help recalling when Silas had told her that Jade had mistaken someone else for his soulmate; she hadn’t taken the matter seriously.
However, after observing Jade’s recent interactions, she couldn’t help wondering what had caused such a sudden change in his attitude.
‘Something must have happened while I was busy taking care of Catherine. Otherwise, why would Jade suddenly behave so differently?’
After Catherine led Ivy to her room and showed her the arrangements she had made, Ivy and Silas settled down together. Once they were alone, Ivy turned towards him with a curious expression.
“Silas, can you tell me what’s going on with Jade? Why has he suddenly changed so much?”
She was almost certain that something had happened behind her back, and Silas seemed to know more than he was letting on.
“Jade has learned about his past life from his former self, and now he feels that he needs to repay you for the mistakes he made back then. That’s probably why he’s been stopping himself from exploring his feelings or pursuing anything that might bring him happiness.”
Ivy frowned, trying to understand what he meant.
“Repay me for what? When did I ask for it?”
Silas sighed before continuing, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness.
“You know what Jade is like. He’s always been in poor health, but ever since he arrived here, his condition has improved considerably. Not only that, but he’s also started feeling attracted to the people around him. However, he keeps suppressing those feelings because he believes he doesn’t deserve romance or happiness after what happened in his previous life.”
Ivy stared at him in disbelief. After a moment, she shook her head, her expression growing serious.
“I never asked Jade to repay me for anything, and I certainly don’t want him to hold himself back from finding someone he likes. I’m already married, so why would I want him to tie himself down to me? Am I supposed to make him spend the rest of his life looking after me and my children after they’re born?”
Silas burst into laughter at her response before pulling her into a warm hug.
“Only you would think about it that way! Unfortunately, Jade doesn’t see things as simply as you do. He believes he should make amends by dedicating this entire lifetime to repaying you for the mistakes of his previous life. “
Ivy let out a helpless sigh as she leaned back slightly, creating enough distance to look Silas directly in the eyes.
“Honestly, I don’t even know how much of what happened in his previous life was truly his fault, but there’s one thing I know for certain.”
Her expression became calm and unwavering as she continued, making sure Silas understood that she meant every word.
“Jade of this life is innocent in this life, just as others deserve the chance to live without being condemned for their past. He hasn’t committed those mistakes in this lifetime, and even if he did make mistakes in his previous life, I’ve gained so much in this one that I don’t need him to apologize or repay me for anything.”
Silas looked at her quietly before finally nodding.
“That’s what I told him. He was contemplative and even feared that you would be upset, but when you acted all calm hearing about his encounter with another woman, he seemed to have become more open.”
“Oh? Good for him then. But he should also think things through before taking action.” Especially toward Eugenia.
Changing the topic, she asked, “Wait… when did you become so close to him?”
“It’s a secret.” Silas gave a mischievous smile, and his hand wrapped around her waist. “Anyways, let’s have fun. It has been such a long time!”
That evening, Catherine summoned Ivy once again.
When Ivy arrived, she found that both Silas and Jade were already present.
Catherine sat waiting for them, her expression composed but noticeably more serious than it had been earlier.
As soon as Ivy entered, Catherine gestured for her to sit down.
“Since everyone is here, I won’t hold anything back. There is an important event approaching that you need to know about.”
The others immediately turned their attention towards her.
“The event is called the Autumn Festival. It is an annual celebration held by the royal family to commemorate the struggles and contributions of ordinary citizens throughout the history of Planet Astra. Although the royalty often appears indifferent to the hardships faced by common people, this festival is considered extremely important.”
Catherine paused briefly, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.
“During the festival, the royal family is expected to demonstrate its appreciation for the people. Any prince or princess who makes a serious mistake during this period could face severe consequences, including being expelled from the competition for the throne. At the same time, the festival offers ordinary citizens an opportunity to distinguish themselves and attract the attention of the princes and princesses. Anyone who performs exceptionally well can use this occasion to establish a name for themselves.”
Ivy listened attentively, realizing that the festival was far more significant than an ordinary celebration.
Catherine looked at her thoughtfully before explaining the reason she had brought up the subject.
“Originally, I intended to have you use this opportunity to make a name for yourself. It would have been an excellent way to establish your reputation before entering the political arena.”
Silas frowned as he considered the timing of the event.
“But didn’t you say that Ivy should avoid appearing publicly for the next three months?”
Her delivery was expected to take place in approximately two months, and she would need another month afterward to recover properly.
“Wouldn’t participating in the festival put her at risk?”
Catherine smiled faintly, seemingly pleased that Silas had remembered her warning.
“Of course, I said that, and I still stand by it. The Autumn Festival will take place three months from now, which makes it the perfect opportunity for Ivy to make her public appearance after recovering. There is no need for her to rush into anything before then.”
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