"...Frost?"

"I think it’s a bit too common. I know a few of them back in my neighborhood."

"Then... Amari?"

"Hmm... Soren Amari... Ethea Amari. It has a nice ring to it. What’s the meaning?"

"It means... ’eternal’ or ’unfading’ in an old dialect."

"Unfading... I like that. Let me add it to the list."

"...Velen?"

"Hmm. Let’s scrap anything starting with a V."

"Alright... Then Caldwell?"

"A bit too stiff. Sounds like a family of bankers. What about Skywalker?"

"..."

"Alright, then... Parker?"

"No?

"..."

"..."

Just like that, the duo spent the next two hours filtering through the digital registry, crossing out names that felt too common or too popular.

One by one, the options were narrowed down, shifting from a long list of possibilities to a handful of serious contenders.

After researching the origins and checking for any existing noble ties they wanted to avoid, they finally stared at the final three names glowing on the screen.

"So, it’s between these."

"Amari."

"Aris."

"And... Everly."

"Hmm..." Ethea hummed in response.

"Amari and Everly." Soren squinted. "Both of them have similar meanings. Everlasting and long living."

Actually, he had been the one to steer their search toward those specific definitions. Because he wanted a name that represented the future he planned to create, one where he finally found a cure for Ethea and ensured she lived a long, healthy life.

"Aris," Ethea murmured, her voice pulling his attention back to the list. "It means the best... Superior."

Soren looked over at her.

"Which one do you like the most?"

Ethea furrowed her brows as she struggled to make a choice. Honestly, all three were good, but the finality of the decision made her hesitate. Each name felt like a different path, and she wanted to be sure before they committed to one forever.

"What about you?" She asked, turning the question back to him.

"Honestly, I don’t know which one to choose," Soren replied as he locked his phone screen. "They all have their merits. Let’s sleep on it and continue tomorrow. It is getting late, and you need your rest."

Ethea gave a small nod of agreement.

Soren stood up and went to the kitchen to prepare her daily special tea. He waited for the leaves to steep properly before bringing the cup to her, making sure she finished every drop of the medicinal brew. Once she was done, he helped her to the bedroom.

He moved her into the bed, adjusting the blankets to ensure she was comfortable. After making sure she had everything she needed, he stepped over to his own mattress on the floor and sat down. He took a deep breath, letting the quiet of the room wash over him, and finally closed his eyes.

As he drifted into his usual meditative state, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.

In his vision, a new set of glowing messages began to scroll past.

[Investment detected.]

[Target: Ethea (Wife)]

[Analyzing investment...]

[Investment: Over the past several days, you have provided consistent daily care for the target. You took her outside to tour, bought sweets, watched movies and shows together, and included her in a significant life decision — the choice of a new family name. You treated her as an equal partner rather than a patient under care.]

[Analyzing target response...]

[As a result of your actions, the target’s mental health has improved significantly. The hollow apathy that once defined her has begun to crack, allowing a genuine sense of purpose to take root. She has overcome suicidal thoughts and begun to focus her thoughts on a shared future. For the first time, she views your presence as a permanent anchor and accepts her role as your wife. The concept of "family" is no longer an abstract memory but a present reality she has chosen to embrace.]

[Evaluating investment significance...]

[Evaluation complete.]

[Investment Grade: SUPREME]

[Calculating returns...]

[Calculation complete.]

[Returns granted:]

[1. Resonant Bond (Shared)]

[2. Guardian’s Resolve (Passive)]

[3. Investor’s Eyes → Investor’s Insight]

[Integration initiated...] 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

[Progress: 10%... 30%... 50%... 80%... 100%]

[Integration complete.]

’W-Woah!’

Soren’s eyes snapped open, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.

He hadn’t expected this. Not even close.

After all, he had been through hell for the first Supreme grade, nearly dying from a poisoned blade and a shattered body.

This time, all he had done was spend time with her. He had bought some sweets, watched some television, and so on. To think those mundane moments were worth just as much as a life-or-death struggle.

’Unbelievable...’

However, as he continued to read, his chest tightened.

’...the target’s mental health has improved significantly. The hollow apathy that once defined her has begun to crack... She has overcome suicidal thoughts... she views your presence as a permanent anchor and accepts her role as your wife...’

’So... that was why.’

The Authority wasn’t just measuring his actions. It was measuring the effect those actions had on her. The first Supreme grade had saved her body from an assassin. This one had saved her mind from despair.

’Which one is more important?’

He didn’t know the answer. But he was glad he didn’t have to choose.

He looked toward the bed.

’Thank you, Ethea...’

’Thank you for not giving up.’

’And thank you for trusting me... for accepting me.’

He smiled softly, the tension in his shoulders melting away.

All the rewards, the abilities, the upgrades, none of them mattered as much as this single truth. She was healing. Not just her body, but her mind. Her spirit. The parts of her that no potion or healer could reach.

Knowing that she had started to see him as her husband, that she had begun to think of them as a family, that she had chosen to hope for a future together...

These were the biggest rewards he had received from this investment.

The rest was just a bonus.

He closed his eyes and let the quiet settle over him.

Only after he had let that realization truly sink in did he turn his attention back to the specifics of the returns.

’Let’s see what these ’bonuses’ are capable of then...’