Even if that trust might lead her toward an unknown future.
She had no other choice.
Because she was already too tired.
Too tired.
Friendship Turns into Something More
Over the following year, Cocolia grew increasingly dependent on Jiang Mo.
She often visited Jiang Mo's residence and had him use his massage techniques from the Underworld to ease her fatigue.
In that simply furnished living room, Cocolia shed the majesty of the Supreme Guardian.
She changed into casual clothes: a fitted white dress with a cutout at the waist that outlined her graceful figure.
She took off her boots and changed into comfortable house slippers.
At that moment, Cocolia was no longer a lofty ruler, merely a weary woman.
She leaned back on the soft sofa and let Jiang Mo soothe her taut nerves.
Gradually, she began to confide in Jiang Mo.
"Those noble ministers have been arguing endlessly over trivial matters again lately. It's truly a headache."
"And the Underworld... that organization called Wildfire has been restless lately, repeatedly testing the Upper District's limits."
"But the Fragmentum's erosion is worsening now. I truly have no spare energy to deal with those vermin underground."
Cocolia's brows were tightly furrowed, her irritation plain on her face.
Jiang Mo merely listened quietly without saying anything.
The pressure of his fingers against her head was neither too light nor too heavy, just right.
After the massage, he took a rose Cocolia liked best from the windowsill.
The flower still carried morning dew, its fragrance elegant and fresh.
"Lady Cocolia, you bear the fate of all Belobog on your shoulders. Hard work is unavoidable, but excess is never good. Please take care of yourself."
The boy's gentle comfort and the flower's delicate fragrance miraculously eased the tension in Cocolia's heart.
She realized that before