『Elisabeth: Thank you, I just wanted to know. 』
Erick observed Neizan with a sly smile.
『Erick: Well, it seems you're not only a young and strong warrior; I can also see you have some trouble with love. 』
Neizan, feeling uncomfortable, remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.
『Erick: Well, Neizan, I hope you find love, but if you don't manage to, you can always return here and ask for her hand. 』
Neizan, grateful, gave a slight nod and placed his hand on his chest as a sign of respect.
『Neizan: Thank you. 』
The emperor nodded, but soon his expression turned serious.
『Erick: Now, changing the subject, I want to ask you something important. 』
Neizan looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and caution.
『Neizan: Go ahead. 』
『Erick: Do you really know who you are? 』
『Neizan: What do you mean? 』
Erick looked at him intently, evaluating his reaction.
『Erick: From your attitude and the power you showed earlier, I can see you don't fully understand what's happened to you… but I have the answer. 』
A flash of memory crossed Neizan's mind: the first time he arrived in this world, a strange and unknown place, with no apparent reason. That lingering question had always been there, that sense of being trapped in an unfathomable mystery. His superhuman strength, the power that had erupted within him on the brink of death as he fought the giant… all remained unanswered.
『Erick: Would you like to know? 』
Neizan took a deep breath, his gaze turning intense, as if searching for words he had never spoken.
『Neizan: Yes. I want to know. 』
『Erick: Your power was ******** ** * *******. 』
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
On the way back to the hotel in the carriage, Neizan seemed unsettled. Throughout the journey, he was more serious and quiet than usual, something that didn't go unnoticed by his companions. Curious, they asked what was bothering him, but Neizan avoided giving details and maintained an impenetrable silence, deflecting any attempt to dig deeper.
Once they arrived at the hotel, Neizan wasted no time and went straight to find Miguel. With an urgent expression, he requested a private meeting with Alberto, explaining that he needed to discuss something important. Miguel agreed, and shortly after, Neizan and Alberto found themselves alone in the noble's elegant room.
Alberto greeted him with a smile and a formal tone.
Alberto: Congratulations on everything you've achieved, Neizan. I'm sorry to be the last to congratulate you on your hard work and dedication; I've spent the whole day handling important matters.
『Neizan: It's fine; I don't mind. 』
Alberto raised an eyebrow, almost amused.
『Alberto: You should start addressing me with a bit more respect. Next month, I'll be the one assuming the throne as the new emperor. 』
Neizan kept his expression calm.
『Neizan: I know… But I want to ask you something. 』
『Alberto: What's the matter? 』
『Neizan: How can I get to the village of the giants? 』
Alberto looked surprised, frowning for a moment before responding.
『Alberto: Their village is located to the east, near the mountains. Why are you interested? 』
『Neizan: I need to go there… There's something important I need to resolve. 』
Alberto observed him with curiosity, as if trying to read between the lines.
『Alberto: I understand. Do you need me to arrange a carriage to take all of you? 』
『Neizan: Yes, and as soon as possible. 』
Alberto nodded, sensing that this mission was more personal than Neizan was letting on.