Louise and Jose’s wagon was at the very rear of the caravan. Slightly ahead, Selene and Richter, having dismissed the nearby merchants, were slowly making their way, observing their surroundings and exchanging information. Selene considered herself far from stupid.

  While she occasionally acted irrationally, her mind was mostly sharp. She knew what she should know, what she could guess, what she could infer, what she could say, and what she couldn't… She was aware of all this, but precisely because of this awareness, she didn't know what to say.

  That monster was watching them; revealing the previous two loop experiences would make it cautious… But Richter had said that while it could be explained as a "delusion" or some other mental illness, it was best not to underestimate the opponent's intelligence. Being too blunt was foolish; pick and choose what to say, and generalize what can't be said… Use incomplete information to mislead the opponent.

  Speaking of which, how did Richter know about the time loop?

  Which major deity corresponds to Crown V? The name offers no clue which deity controls time… The four primordial gods probably correspond to Crowns I through IV. Excluding those, and the relatively familiar God of Wisdom and God of Order, the remaining deities don’t seem to have any relevant authority…

  Richter, considering the convoluted experience, pondered for a long time before answering her question:

  “The concept of time is too vague for humans to grasp. The magical world even debates the existence of ‘time’ itself. Some argue that it doesn't exist; that so-called time is merely the manifestation of the movement and change of matter and mana. Others argue that time is a specific entity, existing alongside, or even above, matter, mana, and energy… I apologize for the slight digression; what I mean is that regardless of time’s existence, it only holds meaning for mortals. Gods and their apostles transcend all this. In a way, it can be said that they simultaneously exist in the past, present, and future. Thus, divine magic possesses similar properties.”

  Richter said, displaying the War God sigil on his right wrist.

  Even now, the War God sigil continued to vibrate; the divine enhancement was at its peak. He now possessed near second-tier physical attributes, and his control over his body had been greatly enhanced. He could consciously control organ movement, pore dilation and constriction… This further proved Selene’s statement, and the statement that “I was controlled, so I stabbed you in the back, but don't worry, I moved so quickly you didn't react, and you died instantly.”

  Richter, from Selene’s hesitant manner of speaking, suspected she was hiding something… Out of trust, he assumed she was telling the truth, but with some embellishments. She probably understood the gravity of the situation; the details she avoided were likely difficult and unimportant enough that he decided not to press her, to avoid embarrassing her.

  “Divine magic can be used like that?” Selene was taken aback. “But I remember you didn't cast it…”

  This was a carefully-constructed opening for her to explain herself.

  Richter’s expression remained unchanged:

  “So, how did I have time to cast that spell before I died so quickly?”

  Before Selene could become indignant, he smoothly moved to the next topic:

  “Of course, there’s a deity who controls time among the major deities—the God of Storms.”

  “…The God of Storms?” Selene held back her words for a moment, then asked after a few seconds. “Isn't he the deity worshipped by sailors who spend their lives at sea?”

  “What does a believer have to do with a deity?” Richter dropped his hands. “The Lord of Radiance is worshipped across the world, from emperors to beggars. What do they have in common? Are all the followers of the Goddess of Wealth merchants and rich men? Are all the followers of the God of Wisdom scholars who can endlessly discuss magical theories? People worship a deity not because they share something in common, but because they seek protection. Just as those in darkness yearn for light, and the hungry yearn for food… Similarly, it's perfectly reasonable for sailors who fear storms and those who sail to worship the God of Storms.”

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “…I still don’t understand why the God of Storms controls time. If so, shouldn’t he be called the God of Time or something?”

  Richter suppressed a smile, using a tone that irritated Selene, like he was teaching a child:

  “The God of Storms isn't called ‘God of Storms.’ Just as the Lord of Radiance in the Fourth Era was called the Goddess of Eternal Light, these noble titles are merely epithets used by people to refer to deities, indicating the powers they control… Just as the God of Wisdom can also be called the God of Paradox and Progress, the Goddess of Wealth in ancient times was called the God of Creation, the God of Fortune, and the God of Truth… The God of Storms is also the God of Time, the God of Convergence. If you hope for his blessing to quell the waves and storms, calling him the God of Storms is best.”

  Never heard of that, Selene murmured after a moment of silence, pursing her lips.

  “Having attended university and taken theology courses, you know a lot.”

  “…That's definitely better than being illiterate,” Richter said unconsciously, realizing his mistake and quickly adding, “Of course, a person's worth isn't determined by their knowledge… If you're interested, I can teach you.”

  “Are you saying someone my age wouldn't be accepted into the Imperial College?” Selene frowned.

  “Of course not, but you probably couldn't afford the tuition… No, that's not it. You probably wouldn't have the time or energy. Detective work and studying are both quite demanding; most people can't handle both. No, I didn't mean you're ordinary; at least, most people in The Divine Construct aren't as capable as you,” Richter struggled to rectify his previous slip-up, only making more mistakes in his fluster. “What I mean is… you don't need systematic, basic education, but rather supplementary knowledge in specialized areas. Me teaching you would be a more manageable arrangement for work and study…”

  “Oh, so you mean I can't even find a professional tutor? That I need to hire someone who’s already working hard, an overworked assistant?” Selene deliberately drawled, suppressing a smile.

  “Of course not—and I don’t find it tiring. Besides, tutors are often a mixed bag. While some are genuinely learned, capable individuals often find themselves unwilling to explain complex theological concepts clearly to students. This either leads to paying more for additional tutoring or using incomplete knowledge. This is undoubtedly detrimental,” Richter immediately retorted. “At least I’m confident in my knowledge in this area and have some teaching experience…”

  “Have you taught any female students?” Selene suddenly asked.

  “About two dozen of my peers…” Richter replied unconsciously, then froze, becoming increasingly flustered. “I was a teaching assistant—a top student in my third and fourth year hired by the Imperial College’s esteemed theology professor, not some family tutor. I had no personal relationship with those classmates…”

  “Ah.” Selene nodded. Just as Richter anxiously wondered about the effect of his long explanation, she suddenly spoke, “I remember Duquesne mentioning that the Chief Archmage at the Imperial College of Mittal a few years ago had the same name as you, that you attended the same school, were around the same age, and equally brilliant. What a coincidence.”

  “…It’s a remarkable coincidence,” Richter forced a smile, attempting to pass it off as a childish slip.

  “And why add that last unrelated sentence?” Selene also smiled. “That kind of remark is only used when speaking to someone close, or someone you’re trying to pursue, right? I’m not your parent, nor your close friend… So… could it be that you want…”

  Before Richter could respond, as he opened his mouth, Selene slumped, her voice low:

  “I’m afraid a woman like me wouldn't attract a gentleman’s admiration. After all, my figure isn’t great, my looks are just okay, I have no skills, and I spend my days with adventurers…”

  “No, no, no!” Richter was completely lost as to how the conversation had taken this turn, but he still blurted out, “Don’t put yourself down like that. It’s not that only well-mannered ladies, with every movement precisely following etiquette, possess charm and can be admired. Beauty and attractiveness are different; there’s no way to say which is better. Besides, your appearance is quite good; I believe few surpass you…”

  “So, you mean you don’t like the ladylike type.” Selene asked eagerly, seizing on the key point.

  “Well… to compare, I prefer someone more free-spirited, less bound by rules, someone who can adventure with me,” Richter hesitated.

  “Oh… I feel like I perfectly fit the gentleman's standards. Don’t you think so?” Selene grinned, drawing closer.

  “…”

  “Oh, almost forgot! Mr. Assistant is so subtle! You praised me just now but still didn’t answer my question… Mr. Assistant is so sweet,” Selene pretended to hide her face.

  “No—”

  “It’s because of my overwhelming charm that captivated Mr. Assistant at first sight! Oh, abandoning the old love and finding a new one so quickly; Mr. Assistant is quite fickle.”

  Selene finally couldn't hold back her laughter.

  Richter fell into complete silence.

  So, in the end, why, when exactly, did the conversation turn like this?

  Right now, he only felt a buzzing in his head.