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The fierce gaze that pierced through me with a single look and the air of dominance that surrounds him were intimidating. Even his sharp features that seemed unreal by human standards were unnerving. His whole appearance was daunting. I was unintentionally tensing up when our eyes locked.

"Welcome the new Humility," God said, introducing the man to Jieun and I who stood speechless. "Now, get along well with each other."

After God left us, it was heavy silence that accompanied us. I was shrinking under his intense gaze. He was good looking... but in an unnatural and gripping way.

That grip was around my neck.

Jieun cleared her throat but it still cracked when she asked, "So do you know what you'll be embodying?"

He smiled and his entire aura shifted to a friendly one that I had to do a double take. "Yes, I was explained to in detail."

Detail? Maybe Humility was supposed to be specially prepared seeing how he was going to be the leader of Virtues.

"Oh," he gasped and bowed his head a little. "My name is Hyunwoo. I just used to be a normal guy and this is all so new to me actually. Are you two the ones who came before me?"

I was to be led by a commoner.

Somehow, it was a jab to my pride.

"Yes! I'm Jieun. I'm supposed to be Chastity."

I nodded. "I'm Bada. I'll be Temperance."

He eyed me and his gaze changed again. "Are you the princess I was told about?"

I pursed my lips, a little confused at his low tone. "Uh... I think? I used to be the princess of the kingdom of Leovalon."

He stepped closer to me with a deadpan stare. "I know when someone looks down on me."

I flinched and immediately felt exposed for my thought just a moment ago. It was not intentional. It had become my second nature, the thought coming to me on reflex as easy as breathing.

"Oh, but whatever will we do?" He snickered at my face. "I'm the one who's been appointed as Humility. You'll just have to get used to it and do whatever I say."

I frowned and pushed him away. "Do whatever you say? All Virtues are fundamentally equal. Where is the equality in what you're saying?"

He scoffed, still smiling. "Equality? You want to talk equality with me?"

I gawked at him. What was his problem? This whole situation was absurd. I was not about to have someone like him humiliate me.

"Guys...? God even said to get along well with each other just now," Jieun stammered beside me.

"Well, you can always choose to not be Temperance if you're so against me," Hyunwoo said, patting my shoulder as he walked past me. "They say you can do that before the meeting with the Seven Deadly Sins."

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"Are you questioning why he's the one leading you?"

"I..." I stared at God for a moment to organize my thoughts. "Yes. As a royalty who used to lead a kingdom, and as the first to come to Heaven, I thought why not me but him?"

He smiled. "You were chosen as Temperance for a reason. Your efforts and benevolence to provide for your kingdom's people are what defined you as a leader. Do you agree?"

Something clicked in my head and I breathed out, "I see..."

"Just like that, Hyunwoo had a special reason to be Humility... Also leading the Virtues does not mean controlling you all. Humility, as the beginning of all Virtues, is there to care for you all."

I tilted my head. "Caring?"

"Yes. Caring. All the Virtues' well-being is the most important matter to Humility. And a good leader doesn't rule by pressuring others or instilling fear, but by inspiring others to stand with them."

I had no words. Listening to that, I had to think again.

"Give him a chance."

I nodded.

"I will."

Perhaps there was more to him than I thought.

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"Temperance?"

Hyunwoo walked up to me and I answered, "Yes?"

He held my hand and we teleported to an empty field in a blink. I was at a loss of words. He could teleport?!

"Plant all these seeds in this field. Don't miss a single seed." He pointed at the heap of seeds in front of me and disappeared.

I had never been more speechless.

Before cursing him, I told myself to be calm and just do as he said. Luckily, the tools were ready and I started by digging into the soil.

"May I help?"

I flinched and looked up at an elderly man who smiled at me.

"What?" I chuckled and shook my hand. "I wouldn't want to trouble you."

He squatted down beside me and grabbed one of the tools before smashing the soil skillfully. "Nonsense! I used to work in the fields everyday. In fact, I love farming."

I could not grasp at that, so I genuinely asked, "Why?"

He chuckled. "Growing grains and vegetables that become food for others is a bliss, no? I was able to feed my children as well in my last life. And..."

I looked at him expectantly. "And?"

He smiled genuinely. "I just love farming."

I did not understand that at that moment. But the passion and fondness he had were clear and unmistakably reached me.

Watching him help me and enjoy doing so, I realized...

There were souls like that, too.

And maybe... every soul mattered.

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Although a little rude, she's accepting? 😮

Don't forget to vote, sweeties 🫶✨