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"This isn't our first time, but for me, it feels like it is.I can't remember it." He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his expression softening. Abril laughed, finding him adorable in his concern for her. "A kiss in the mess? You're making me feel emasculated." "Then let's not waste time," he replied, a hint of urgency in his tone. "Why don't we convince the first guardian to collaborate with us?" "Yes, that seems like a good idea," Abril agreed, her mind shifting from the moment to their mission. They made their way to Cassiel's room, where they found him waiting."I was beginning to think you two would never visit me at the same time," he remarked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Cassiel has discovered what appears to be the location of the Gates of Hades," Alessandro informed her. "What do you want to do?" Abril asked, her curiosity piqued. "In this place, there are stone columns with strange engravings," Cassiel explained, his voice serious. "What do you think they mean?" "What is the purpose of these inscriptions? They don't speak to us," Alessandro mused, his frustration evident.Cassiel hesitated for a moment, then replied, "We've done everything possible to help you. If you want Abril to continue treating us, we need to understand what we're facing." "Nobody knows where to find the Gates of Hades," Cassiel continued. "What we might find is a place filled with monsters guarding it. There's nothing there except those columns, and they might drive you mad." Abril frowned, her determination unwavering. "We need to cure whoever lives behind those doors so they can save our world. Why are you so hesitant?" "Sometimes, it's better not to know," Cassiel warned."It could increase the risk for you." "Increase the risk? We're up against a force we don't understand," Alessandro countered, his voice rising. "We need to know what we're facing and where the battle will be. Talking in circles only leads to dizziness and exhaustion." Cassiel sighed deeply. "These are recorded instructions on how to open the doors. You'll need the Keys of Hades." "To open these doors, a ritual must be performed on a specific day, under certain conditions," Cassiel added. "What kind of conditions?" Alessandro pressed, his interest piqued."If you need the blood of a guardian," Cassiel replied, his tone grave. "That's why you were hesitant. You were afraid we wouldn't be able to open the doors," Abril said, realization dawning on her. "Darkness can corrode anyone, even a guardian. That's why I decided only a guardian should know how to access the depths of Hades. It's a place only they can enter," Cassiel explained. "If there is darkness, we wouldn't be able to open those doors," Alessandro stated firmly. "Consciously, you wouldn't do it, but if you were overwhelmed by darkness, you might.That's why I made this decision," Cassiel said, his voice steady. "You can think of it as you wish, but remember, you are a double-edged sword. On one side, you can protect the world; on the other, you can destroy it." "Then until Cira retrieves the Keys of Hades, we won't be able to open them," Abril concluded. "The inscriptions on these columns are in the angelic language. Even demons can read them, just as angels can," Cassiel added, his eyes narrowing. "But they might take time," Abril cautioned."If Cira were to open the Gates of Hades, she could steal their memories and learn everything contained within. The doors will inevitably open, but it may be delayed. We need to gather our strength and prepare." Liona had been lost in thought for several days since her arrival at Laios, feeling more like a servant than a princess. Cira had ordered her to comply with every demand. "I didn't come here to serve," Liona said, her voice firm as she cut vegetables, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Do you hear my voice?" Cira asked, her tone sharp.Liona dropped the knife, her thoughts racing. "I feel like a princess, but I can't help but think about what to prepare for her." "Distract yourself, and we can read together," Cira suggested, her expression softening. "Princess Cira, you look much better, but you still seem pale," Liona remarked, concern creeping into her voice. "What's wrong?" Cira asked, her gaze steady. "Nothing, princess! Just ask me if you need anything," Liona replied, forcing a smile. "Then, if I'm still not ready to retrieve the Keys of Hades, we'll be here for a while," Cira said, determination in her eyes.Liona enjoyed the moment, a flicker of hope igniting within her.