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“That’s impossible. They are aware of the things that I will do if they tried to drag the neutral Illyna into this mess. And you have to know…”

Illyna had always found those people’s ideals to be repugnant. They were as unmixable as oil and water, since they stood on opposing sides from the very beginning.

“I know that you are good friends. That’s why I hope that you, the First Prince, would understand why I’m telling you this and not anyone else.”

Sullivan was hoping that Illyna’s friend could help him to keep his sister’s heart pure and innocent.

“If we could proceed with the royal marriage, then there’s nothing that I could ever wish for. But…”

Sullivan thought that it was better for Illyna to be taken away into another nation instead of being dragged through the mud and darkness of the empire. Of course, the best case scenario would be Illyna marrying a man who was a strong and sturdy pillar, being allowed to live freely, and not getting dragged into this political mess.

Davey was aware of the intention of Sullivan’s handshake, and still took the offered hand. After all, Davey could tell that this man would be a very dangerous person if they became enemies. He thought it better to be allies with someone as black-hearted as Sullivan.

“Illyna acted immaturely when she asked if you truly knew what sacrifice meant. I’m curious though, when did you start protecting her?”

“I’m just using a different method from our brother, and I have never stopped doing so or changed my intentions. The problem is that I’m the only one that can step forward to do so now.”

Prince Sullivan was and had always been protecting Illyna. This was contrary to what Illyna thought, which was why she had asked him if he truly knew what sacrifice meant. She just could not see it because he was using a different method to protect her.

“She’s still a child. How could she bloom if a young bud like her is not allowed to grow and reach her fullest potential?”

Sullivan’s heart was genuine and his words were free of deceit. He spoke the truth.

For a moment, Davey thought that it was really good to have his cheat-like lie detector power during such situations. After all, it could play a huge factor in helping him decide if he would trust the person in front of him or not.

Sullivan finally showed a smile that was different from all of the other smiles that he had shown to others. He said, “To each their own. Besides, I’m more used to doing it this way.”

Sullivan was doing so much because he wanted Illyna to live a life that was free from the darkness of the empire and the mess of politics. Everyone had their own thoughts, ideals, and ways of living. They were free to do whatever they wanted since they were the star, the main character, of their own world.

Davey thought that he was not in the position to say anything, because the future that he had planned out was different from the future that the man in front of him was imagining.

“I’ll clear my debt over here first. Did you say something about enemies? Let them come, I’ll make sure to smash them to pieces.”

“I appreciate your thoughts, but the moment the World Tree steps forward, the Pallan Empire would be driven to a corner and would not be able to endure for long. That’s why…” Davey turned away from Sullivan and he slowly relaxed his balled-up fist. He continued, “…you have to listen carefully to what I say from this point on.”

***

Davey did not know what Illyna had said to the Crown Prince’s soul, but he noticed that her spirits appeared to be lifted after the conversation. She no longer appeared to be empty and lost.

Illyna approached Davey and said, “I’ll try the closed-door training that you talked about before.”

Davey nodded. “You can’t leave until you accomplish what you want to achieve.”

“It won’t take too long.”

Illyna was talented, and whatever that Davey had done for her had a pretty huge impact on her development. Even if they were just slight adjustments and changes, they would make a huge difference once they were accumulated. In terms of swordsmanship, Illyna would also be able to reach the master-level sooner than anybody else.

After the unintentional farewell with Illyna, Davey left the headquarters and embarked on the journey back to Heins Territory.

Creaaaaaaaak!!!

The huge gate, crafted from the dwarves\' amazing skill, slowly opened as the armored soldier shouted, “The seigneur has returned!!!”

As if they had been waiting for this moment, the soldiers immediately lined up and saluted.

Davey placed his hands together and said, “Everyone must be exhausted from continuously monitoring and maintaining the security of the territory. So, let’s skip the trivial formalities and get back to your posts.”

“We understand, sir! Everyone, at ease!!!”

Swoosh!!!

“At ease!”

The armed soldiers all took a step back after hearing the command.

“Welcome back, Your Highness. We have been waiting for your arrival.”

“Good work, everyone. Do you have something to report?”

“There are a few matters but none of them are urgent. With proper coordination, we have solved them or are in the process of solving them.”

“You did not have much time to rest. You must have had a hard time.” Davey nodded.

“Hehe. These are the things that I should do. Although I’m still rough around the edges, I’m trying to do my best since I know that Your Highness has great trust in me and has left me with tasks of extreme importance. This is more of a redemption for me,” Amy said with her eyes sparkling.

“Brother!”

When a green-haired girl ran over from afar, Davey said, “Goodness! Winley, how have you been?”

“Brother! Aren’t you being a bit too distant from me these days?”

“Haha. Sorry.”

Davey hadn’t been paying much attention to his sister, because he had been dealing with matters on a very large-scale level.

Yulis had been taking care of Winley while Davey had been busy. However, Yulis was not present at the moment, since he had returned to the Red Tower’s headquarters to deal with the aftermath of the recent war.

“Oh. It seems like you’ve been working hard during my absence, huh? Your magic skills have improved,” Davey said proudly. He patted Winley on her head as he looked at the four mana circles spinning on her chest.

Winley had climbed up to the true entrance of mages, the 4th Circle. In other words, she was no longer stagnant at the 3rd Circle and had finally surpassed the limits of an average mage to cross the threshold.

Winley studied magic because she was a talented genius in this field. Davey knew that his sister would reach this level someday, but he still felt proud to see it for himself.

“It seems like this happened a while ago. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“How was I going to tell you when you’re so busy, brother? Besides, I thought that it was better to surprise you!”

Davey had to admit that he was not really that interested in what Winley was trying to say, but…

‘I know that family is the most important thing in the world.’

Perhaps the incident with Sullivan made Davey feel that Winley was more special than others.

“You’ve worked hard. This brother of yours is very proud of you.”

Davey was just very grateful that both Baris and Winley were able to grow up with a bright and positive attitude despite the bad situation they had been born into.

“Hehe!” Winley was pleased with Davey’s compliment, so she burrowed deeper into his arms.

Davey patted Winley on her back as he looked at the people around him.

“Cough!

You’re back, Wise Teacher!”

“Elder Golgouda, have you been well?”

“Hahahahaha! I’m still hale and hearty! I just thought that I should come to update Wise Teacher on the results of the designs that you’ve left with us. I was just barely able to leave my whiny brother to come here. He said that he wanted to be the one to do it! Bwahahahahaha!”

The boisterous dwarven behavior brought a smile to Davey’s face.

Elder Goulda was in charge of the designs, but Elder Golgouda had taken the opportunity away out of personal interest. Well, even if the two of them quarreled and fought, Davey did not have to worry about a thing. After all, the two brothers were very close.

“Mr. Benefactor.”

“Yuria… Is this about the previous generation’s Divine Tree Saintess that we’ve captured as hostage?”

“Yes. I believe you can talk to her now since she is stable enough.” Yuria nodded.

Davey lowered Winley, who was snuggled in his arms, and turned to speak to Golgouda. “I’m sorry, Elder. I think I need to deal with this problem first.”

“Haha! Please don’t worry. I have a good sense of propriety. I know which issue is more urgent. I’ll be finishing the design in the workshop, so just stop by and let me hear your thoughts on the matter.”

“Thank you.”

“What, thanks?! You don’t have to thank me! I have never done anything more interesting than this in my entire life! Bwahaha! If you have a job like this in the future, do make sure to call me and let me work on it!” Golgouda chuckled. He glanced at their surroundings before whispering, “Look forward to it. I already got those jaw-dropping guys ready and set to go.”

After Elder Golgouda patted Davey on the back and left, Davey no longer had a smile on his face. He said seriously, “Guide me there. Where is she now?”

“She’s in the forest. Miss Emilia has been living in the Divine Tree all her life, so I don’t think she will remain calm if she stays in the territory where there are many humans.”

Davey nodded silently at Yuria’s words.

***

The Third Central Official Emilia… The Third Central Official was a special rank or class that existed only among the elves.

“Uncleeeeeeee!”

The elves immediately appeared to welcome Davey who just entered the forest. Of course, the one who barrelled straight towards Davey and hugged him tightly as if she had been waiting for a long time was none other than Myuu.

“Goodness! Myuu, you always seem to grow a bit more whenever I see you.”

Davey had not seen Myuu for quite a long time. He could tell that the girl was definitely healthier than she was before.

“Uncle! Why did you go so far away just! Just! Just! Just by yourself?! Why did you leave Myuu behind?!”

“Huh?”

“Myuu missed uncle!” Myuu shouted. She thumped her small fists against Davey’s chest as fat droplets of tears fell from her eyes.

Yuria reached out and stroked Myuu back to soothe her. “Myuu, you can’t do that to Mr. Benefactor. Come over here.”

“Hiiiik! I… I dwon’t want!”

Davey tilted his head in surprise when Myuu burrowed even deeper into his arms. Myuu was living together with Yuria, so he was quite perplexed by her show of fear towards Yuria.

“Sis… Sister. M-Myuu made a mistake!”

“Then, quickly come here.”

“Pl… Please.” Myuu’s eyes darted around as she felt flustered. She quickly stepped away from Davey.

“Welcome, Benefactor.” Verdis, a young Elf Guardian, stepped out to greet Davey.

“Ah. It’s been a long time.”

Looking at Verdis’ bitter smile, Davey asked, “What’s wrong with her?”

“That…” Verdis mumbled, not completing his sentence. He looked at Yuria.

Looking at their reactions, Davey had to wonder what had happened during his absence.

“You guys are too much. I’m just trying to teach Myuu the profound world of tea.”

“Ah, I can roughly understand the situation now. Myuu, would you like to stay in the territory with this uncle of yours for some time?”

“Yeah! Yep! Myuu wants to go to that wide place! The wide and pretty place! Oh, and… And! Red Ribbon! Red Ribbon and Blue Ribbon!”

As if responding to Myuu’s words, the two swords hanging on Davey’s waist flashed brightly. Both of them transformed into their human appearances.

“Wow! Blue Ribbon! Red Ribbon!”

“Hihihi! Myuuuu!”

Davey could see that all three children were getting along just fine. They hugged one another and ran around. He could tell that it would be fine to leave them alone.

“Red Ribbon, Blue Ribbon, Myuu, play nicely, alright?”

“Yes!”

Davey gently pinched the cheeks of the three girls who answered in unison.

At that moment, Rinne suddenly hid behind Davey. Surprised by her reaction, he asked, “Rinne?”

“Ri… Rinne wants to follow Davey. Rinne strongly suggests this… Rinne must definitely, absolutely, accompany Davey!” Rinne said. She trembled, having already seen the future that was awaiting her.

Davey decided not to order Rinne to play with the girls today since he would not take that long.

Yuria guided Davey to the place where Myuu used to live. It was a separate space in the forest, further away from the elven village. Now, it was a lonely and abandoned part of the forest.

“Yuria, Benefactor, welcome.”

“How’s Miss Emilia doing?”

“That… She’s still communicating with the spirits.”

“I understand. Good job.”

After walking under the shade of the trees and passing by the purple plants, Davey saw a girl with emerald hair sitting on one of the large tree branches. She was smiling at the crowd of lights that surrounded her.

“I lied about this place. I told her that this was a small elven village, one of the villages that have spread all over the continent.”

“Why?”

“It’s not a problem to torture and torment her, but it would be a problem if she escapes, right? Fufu.”

Should an elf really say something like that when they were dealing with their ancestor?

“Miss Emilia,” Yuria called out while approaching the girl.

The girl, who was communicating with the spirits, slowly turned to look at Yuria. She also quickly spotted Davey, who stood next to Yuria. “Ha! A… A human?!”

She panicked, her hands immediately reaching for the weapon hanging on her waist. Unfortunately, she had already been disarmed and there was nothing there.

“Yu… Yuria?! What is happening?! Why is a human here?!”

Davey, despite the girl’s outburst, just strode towards her, grabbed her head, and looked right into her eyes.

“U-Urk! L… Let go of me! Human! How can you be so rude?!”

“You’re quite funny.”

“Ugh?!”

The girl struggled. Her yellow eyes darted all over the place to avoid making eye contact with Davey.

However, Davey had seen something in her eyes. He felt that there was something in there, something that was not elven. Davey narrowed his eyes at the strange familiarity he had a glimpse of.

“This…”