The moment Olivia confirmed Greg's identity, the scales in Veronica's heart began to tip.
Though her expression remained as composed as ever, she had already begun reassessing the young man before her.
If even Olivia, a Grand Mage who stood at the pinnacle of the world, was willing to vouch for him-even stake her own reputation on it-then the matter could now be considered settled.
Everything they had said was true.
Veronica fell silent for a moment, then raised her final question:
"Since you already knew that Lord Greg was Lady Zane Hardy's reincarnation, why didn't you inform the Church of Light sooner? Had we known in advance, we would certainly have welcomed Lady Zane back with the highest honors and the grandest ceremony."
"Um, that's because..."
Olivia faltered.
She herself had only just "learned" that Greg was Zane Hardy's reincarnation and hadn't had time to consider that question at all.
She couldn't exactly say, "I only found out five minutes ago too," could she?
Fortunately, Greg took over the conversation in time.
"I asked Olivia to help me keep it a secret."
Veronica's gaze returned to him.
Greg continued, "I fought countless battles for Lady Seraphina, yet I never sought fame or fortune, nor was there ever a stain upon my honor."
He paused briefly, a hint of inner struggle appearing in his eyes:
"But now, I bear a shackle that even I cannot accept. So I hope you can give me a little more time. When the time is right, I will personally show you why I didn't return to the Church at once."
Greg had carefully thought through his decision to say this and deliberately leave a little mystery.
He was laying the groundwork for a plausible way to ask Veronica to lift his curse later.
The