Chapter 37 The Celestarium lit up , its paths forming a glowing ring . ST 55 vouchers Suddenly , four massive golden words appeared on the sky - like canopy overhead , their lines flowing like rivers of glittering sand . [ All Beginnings Have Ends ] Lorrayne gazed at her own image reflected on the starry vault , confused . Up until now , it had only displayed star patterns . She thought , Why is it straight - up writing words today ? And what the heck does " All beginnings have ends " mean , anyway ? ' She set the phrase aside for the moment and asked her second question . " How can I return to my original world ? " The writing on the canopy vanished , replaced by a fresh constellation - but this time , she'd have to interpret it on her own . A snake devouring its own tail , cycling forever , " Lorrayne muttered , her brow furrowed as she studied the stars . " The origin point overlaps the finish ... the start is the finish ... " The finish is the start ! " It hit her like a bolt of lightning , and everything snapped into place . Chronicles of Galland was a strategy game . She hadn't actually played it , but she'd seen the login screen . The intro laid out a tale of Galland Star torn apart by societal chaos , with warlords emerging and conflicts erupting left and right . Players started as petty lords , battling others for territory , founding city - states , and vying for ultimate power . But the reality she was stuck in didn't line up with that . Sure , the continent had its tensions , but it was mostly stable - no widespread warfare or smoke - filled battlefields yet . She thought , What if I've been yanked into the game world before it officially launches ? Maybe I can't head back until the game goes live : The game's start would be her endpoint here - and the beginning of her way out . Based on the brewing unrest across the land , full - blown chaos might hit in a decade or so . That was when players could pour in , run into her , and tip her off on how to log out . She just needed to stay alive until the game began . The idea got Lorrayne more pumped by the second . Home was closer than ever . This session felt weird , though - she'd fired off two questions without any mental fatigue . If anything , she felt like she could handle a third She thought , Has my inner mindscape gotten tougher ? You miss every shot you don't take , right ? Lorrayne figured she'd push her luck . " What do I have to do to stay alive ? " This time , the stars faded out , and a new phrase materialized on the canopy . If the Skin Vanishes , Where Will the Hair Cling ? ) " If the skin vanishes , where will the hair cling ... Literally , it meant hair couldn't stick around without skin to hold it - suggesting that without her bedrock support , she'd be toast . So what was that bedrock ? It didn't take long for her to figure it out . It was her fake identity . Her whole setup relied on posing as Highborns ; if that facade crumbled , she'd be as good as dead . PD Chapter 37 It was like lips and teeth - one couldn't survive without the other . Completely intertwined . She got the gist , but something about it bugged her . 355 vouchers That first result , " All beginnings have ends , " felt a lot like the second one's " The finish is the start ." She thought . ' Is this just cosmic redundancy ? Lorrayne pulled out of her mental space , shocked that she didn't feel the least bit woozy - in fact , she was in better shape than after yesterday's reading . No doubt about it : her mental power had seriously upgraded . Always the glass - half - full type , Lorrayne thought that if she kept improving like this , she might turn into a legit seer one day . Three or four days passed without so much as a hint of trouble . Every morning , she'd kick things off with a quick fortune check on her day ahead - and it always came up rosy . Lilian was back at the academy for classes , the Knights had found their own place , and even Athina had backed off , not bothering her at all lately . This is so dull . " Lorrayne sprawled in the small courtyard , heaving a theatrical sigh . People like her just couldn't handle it when things got too quiet - they were always itching to shake things up . " Bella , Roman , how about we open a bakery ? " Spices were too pricey to mess with , but bread ? That was straightforward . They'd plant it right across from the school , targeting those deep - pocketed Highborn kids . " A shop ? Awesome , let's do it ! " Roman danced around in excitement . " Our bread's amazing - people will be lining up for it ." Bella , though , hesitated . " But we'd need to rent a space and hire help . That's going to cost a fortune . " Since stepping up as housekeeper , Bella had been stressing nonstop about the family's money situation . Bills were stacking up , and she was scared stiff she'd mess things up and bankrupt Lorrayne . On a recent grocery run , she'd bumped into Fanny , the city lord's maid - they kept crossing paths at the same butcher shop and had hit it off over time . Yesterday , Bella had spilled her guts to Fanny , who then dragged her to meet the city lord's steward . The man was all enthusiasm , dishing out advice on managing a household . His big tip : Stay on top of the boss's finances and day - to - day stuff . But Lorrayne burned through cash like it was nothing . Bella wondered , ' How am I supposed to keep a lid on that ? ' Case in point : Lorrayne had already decided , no questions asked . " Troy , let's head to Academy Street and scout some shops ! " Troy dropped down from the roof . " When ? " " Right now ! " Bella watched them walk out , her anxiety cranking up another notch , While Lorrayne toured potential spots , Troy hung back , keeping within twenty yards - near enough to watch her every move without tipping off the locals He steered clear of most stores , Taverns being the exception . And truth be told , folks weren't exactly thrilled to see him walk through their doors anyway . Lorrayne vetted a bunch of places , but the owners weren't selling . The few that were available were cramped dives she wouldn't touch . She was on the verge of giving up when a sketchy young guy with a rat - like face sidled up behind her " Miss , hunting for a shop ? I've got one for sale - bargain price , tons of room . Want a look ? " 2/3 PD Chapter 37 Lorrayne gave him the once - over . " You don't strike me as a businessman . " 55 vouchvärs " Nah , it's on behalf of someone else . Two stories , prime street frontage , only one Gold Coin . Family's relocating and eager to unload ! " the sharp - featured man replied . Lorrayne shot a quick look at Troy , lurking nearby , and agreed . " Fine , show me ." " Right this way ! We'll cut through - it's just around the corner ." Chattering away, he guided her ahead , ducking into a deserted side street . Over at the academy . " Athina , you're still scheming to rope me in ? You think I'm an idiot ? " " I promise , no tricks this time . I'm just inviting you to catch a killer show , " Athina wheedled . " You can't stand Lorrayne , right ? She's toast any minute now - don't you want a front - row seat ? " Veyna shot her a wary glance . " Give me one good reason to believe you . " Athina's smile slithered like a siren's . " It's pure spectator mode ; no involvement required . How could I possibly be using you ? " I get that siccing you on her last time was pushing it , so I'm handling this one personally - to vent for both of us . She humiliated you- don't you want to twist the knife a little ? " Leaning in toward Veyna's ear , she murmured , " Wouldn't you love to watch that slut get her clothes ripped off and violated by lowlifes ? " Veyna's eyes lit up . " For real ? " Absolutely . I even hired a crew of filthy , decrepit beggars to pile on ." Athina's mouth curved slyly , her eyes gleaming with malice . " Alright , count me in , " Veyna said , wheels turning in her head . " But round up a crowd - let's turn this into a party . " 13/3 Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.