Faced with the Mirror Image’s heartfelt confession, Caelan fell silent.

There were some things that, if left unsaid, could be treated as though nothing had ever happened.

But once everything was laid bare, there was a very real chance they might not even be able to remain friends.

Just as the atmosphere was gradually turning awkward, Evelyn, standing off to the side, said coldly,

"I advise you not to spout nonsense. Otherwise, even if it means failing my mission, I will destroy you!"

"For me, it would only delay things a little. You understand that, don’t you?"

At this moment, Evelyn’s heart was already filled with fury.

If she hadn’t been worried about disrupting the rhythm of her star upgrade, she would have used her skill long ago and completely killed the other party.

It was only because Evelyn had always been rational enough that she had not chosen to make a move.

Yet on the other side, not only did the Mirror Image show no restraint whatsoever, she practically squeezed her entire body into Caelan’s arms, rubbing against him again and again with all her might.

"Evelyn, there’s really no need for you to keep hiding it. My birth itself is part of you. From a certain perspective, my appearance exists precisely to make up for your regrets."

"And besides... you’re so introverted and don’t know how to express your feelings. Clearly, Lord Caelan prefers girls like me. Moreover..."

At this point, the Mirror Image’s gaze swept back and forth over Evelyn beside her. Then she deliberately puffed out her chest.

"Moreover, compared to you, I have richer theoretical experience!"

The Mirror Image had originally planned to soften her stance. But when she saw Evelyn’s flustered, furious expression, she couldn’t help provoking her.

Watching the original suffer a setback was simply too amusing!

For a moment, the atmosphere among the three of them became tense once again.

Caelan gave a dry cough, trying to ease the mood.

"Evelyn, don’t get angry first. Actually, these things aren’t important, are they?"

"I think the priority right now is to complete your mission first. What do you think?"

However, before Evelyn could even answer, the Mirror Image directly wrapped her fair, jade-like arms around Caelan’s neck.

"Lord Caelan, please, you must protect me. I can do anything for you. I can wear your favorite black stockings..."

???

Caelan was completely stunned.

No, wait—how did the Mirror Image know he liked black stockings?

Could it be that his little secret had been discovered by Evelyn?

But... that shouldn’t be possible!

On the other side, Evelyn was both embarrassed and furious. The blush on her face was so deep it seemed like it might drip water.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Staff stood off to the side, constantly fanning the flames.

"Evelyn, you have to show something too! That brat Caelan is obviously about to cave. Shouldn’t you make some kind of gesture as well?"

"I remember before, didn’t you buy a lot of black—"

"Enough!"

Evelyn grabbed the Supreme Staff in one swift motion and directly stuffed it into her storage space.

Speaking of which, this was the first time she had ever treated the Supreme Staff so roughly.

After putting the Supreme Staff away, Evelyn seemed as though she had accomplished something extraordinary.

She let out a long breath of turbid air, then looked seriously at Caelan beside her and asked,

"Lord Caelan, no matter what choice you make, that is your own decision."

"As for me, I think after everything we’ve experienced together, there is no need to say anything more."

At this moment, there was no longer any nervousness on Evelyn’s cheeks. Instead, her face was filled with calm acceptance.

No one knew what kind of change had occurred in her thoughts during those few short breaths.

Just as Caelan was about to speak, the long-silent copied staff suddenly dropped a bombshell.

"Lord Caelan, I believe you should understand that the Supreme Staff has hidden many things from you, correct?"

"I am its copy. Everything it knows, I know as well! As long as you are willing to stand on our side, I swear to the heavens that I can tell you every secret!"

"Don’t you want to know why your younger sister became a Mirror Image?"

"Admit what’s in your heart. In truth, you’ve always been extremely curious. You’ve always wanted to know the whole truth, haven’t you?"

The copied staff was now constantly tempting Caelan’s thoughts.

Compared with the Supreme Staff’s aloofness, the copied staff behaved in a way that was even more willing to do whatever it took to achieve its goal.

At the same time, it was extremely confident in the bargaining chip it held.

The copied staff firmly believed that Caelan would ultimately choose to cooperate with it.

On the other side, Caelan also fell into a brief silence.

In fact, compared to the temptation brought by the Mirror Image, what could truly attract him was the condition offered by the copied staff.

After all, Caelan was genuinely curious about the secrets known by the Supreme Staff.

Especially that younger sister of his, who had appeared from who knew where. That matter made him waver even more.

So... what exactly should he choose?

On the other side, when Evelyn saw the hesitation appear on Caelan’s face, her heart immediately tightened.

"Lord Caelan, have you made up your mind?"

But even so, she still refused to believe that Caelan would truly betray her.

By contrast, the Mirror Image on the other side now had the smug look of a victor written all over her face.

"My dear original, don’t be so anxious! Lord Caelan has his own judgment. We should respect that, shouldn’t we?"

As she said this, the Mirror Image leaned even closer into Caelan’s arms.

"Lord Caelan, no matter what choice you make, I will accept it willingly."

On the other side, the corners of Caelan’s mouth couldn’t help twitching violently twice.

He had to admit, the Mirror Image’s ability to act like a scheming little green tea was really quite impressive. By comparison, Evelyn was clearly far behind.

So...

Caelan suddenly raised his head, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the Mirror Image and Evelyn.

The next moment, the expression on his face gradually became serious.

"I’m sorry, but at the moment, I haven’t decided which one of you I should cooperate with."

"Evelyn is my friend, but the intelligence offered by the Mirror Image is equally important."

At this point, Caelan paused briefly, then enunciated each word clearly.

"So... whoever performs better, I’ll help that person!"

Caelan’s words caused both Evelyn and the Mirror Image’s expressions to stiffen.

Deep in the Mirror Image’s eyes, a flash of anger appeared. However, she hid it very well, replacing the fury in her heart with coquettish behavior instead.

"Oh my, Lord Caelan, stop joking around!"

"If you—"

Before the Mirror Image could finish speaking, Evelyn angrily interrupted her.

"Caelan, you have truly disappointed me!"

"If you’re unwilling to help, I won’t force you. I’ll simply take it as me, Evelyn, having misjudged you!"

"But what do you mean by this now? Are you trying to freeload off both of us?"