The expressions on everyone’s faces around me make it clear just how dangerous the situation I faced truly was. I can’t judge them—at this table, aside from Tiani, all of them would have met the same fate.

  Everything had gone well at the beginning. Their faces reflected expectation and confidence, then transformed into happiness and pride when I reached the point where I had annihilated all the grade four monsters. Learning about a woman at Diamond rank was like a bucket of cold water—most of them already knew her history, which only made the situation worse.

  “Son…” My mother’s voice was very soft. She is still analyzing everything in her mind.

  “We didn’t know anything…” My father also speaks in a whisper. So many emotions are reflected on their faces that it’s hard to guess their thoughts. I only know one thing: they are both blaming themselves for sending me, and they are suffering right now.

  They are searching for the right words, but before giving them time, I raise my hand. “It’s not your fault. You don’t need to apologize. I understand the situation I was in—believe me, I know better than anyone how close I was to dying or becoming a damn lab rat. To be honest, I feel pretty uncomfortable talking about it.” My words make everyone’s eyes widen.

  “I don’t blame you, and I never will. I chose to go fight knowing I could die. Honestly, if a similar situation happens again and I have to sacrifice myself to save you, I will.” I close my eyes for a moment, then open them to continue. “I appreciate your concern—it really makes me feel loved—but this isn’t the time to talk about it. There are more important things.” I put on the best smile I can for everyone in front of me.

  I like feeling loved—it makes me feel special and very much alive—but I hate seeing the people I love feeling sad because of me. I hate seeing them apologizing for something that isn’t their fault. No one at this table forced me to go fight; it was my decision.

  My parents are holding hands tightly under the table—I only notice because of my heightened perception. My grandmother is staring at the sky; I have no idea what she’s thinking. Patt has a rather aggressive smile, and I can feel his approval in his gaze. Lastly, Joaki remains in the same position, looking somewhat resigned.

  Brendu is the angriest one beside me. She would have already hit me if we were alone—she hates my suicidal side with every fiber of her being. She knows very well that I would give my life for her and my family. I’m sure the princess understands my feelings; she isn’t against the way I am, she just doesn’t want to see me die. I mentally prepare myself for a nighttime scolding from Brendu.

  “This topic is closed. If you want to reopen it, do it at home later. Let’s move on to the next matter.” My grandmother claps her hands to draw attention. Her words are firm. Everyone gives me one last look and simply turns the page, leaving a bookmark so it won’t be forgotten.

  Everything flows like water. No one at the table is acting out of self-interest, and when no one puts up obstacles, conversations move forward smoothly. Everyone here only expects to receive their rewards for their work. I’m sure Patt or Joaki wouldn’t mind if they received nothing—they’re betting on the future.

  My family’s direction has been clear to me for some time now. When my father achieves his promotion to baron, he wants to expand the territory. The only option without invading our neighbors is to take over the forest where the stampede originated.

  Technically, that entire area belongs to the Empire and the Marquisate. No lesser territory has claimed it. If we want to expand, it’s a good future option, and everyone at the table knows it—they would be securing the lives of their future generations.

  I don’t think the Empire or the Marquis will have any objections. They’ll be happy to see us take unused land and turn it into something productive. The Weri territory might feel slightly threatened—or that was the case in the past. Ritmo has done a wonderful job becoming close friends with their family, and now Count Weri also supports our actions. Everyone stands to gain.

  The conversation continues for several hours. During the meeting, I see carts returning after collecting monster cores. Part of the profit from those cores already has a destination: the families of those who fell during the stampede and the reconstruction of the affected territory. The rest will be used to reward participants and improve defenses.

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  I’m very glad I came with Brendu today. She contributed greatly to the meeting with advice and different perspectives—she has extensive knowledge as a princess. She also refused any reward, and my cheeks turned red when she said, “We’re family now. Supporting my future husband’s family is the least I can do.”

  For a moment, I thought my grandmother and mother might get cramps in their cheeks—they couldn’t stop smiling the more Brendu spoke. Naturally, Tiani also refused a reward, making her position clear. If they still wanted to reward her, they could send a gift to the Crown Prince—he was the one who sent her here.

  Tiani’s reward is having captured the deranged mental-magic user. “I’ll be leaving now. I’ll return as soon as possible with news.” The Diamond-rank woman speaks when she finds an opening.

  “Thank you for your help. My territory will always be grateful to you. We’ll be waiting for your return with any updates.” My mother bids farewell to Tiani.

  “Come back soon. Say hello to my brother.” Brendu also stands and hugs her.

  Tiani will return to the kingdom. She already reported the capture of the mental-magic woman and waited for instructions to return. The royal family has summoned specialists to extract as much information as possible—it’s difficult to obtain information from a Diamond-rank individual, even more so from one specialized in that type of magic.

  The Kingdom of Juka has contacted the Empire and the Kingdom of Quyr to gather the best specialists. Everyone accepted immediately—the response was incredibly fast. That woman is a criminal wanted everywhere, and everyone is seeking answers for countless past incidents.

  Tiani’s departure also marks the end of the meeting. Most matters have been settled, and any remaining details can be adjusted tomorrow as situations unfold.

  Just as we’re about to leave, someone comes running at full speed. From afar, I see a woman walking calmly behind him. The man uses lightning affinity to reach us as fast as possible and throws himself straight at me. I don’t move and accept my fate—we both fall to the ground.

  “Always a pleasure to see you, Sers.” I greet my older brother.

  “You arrived at the perfect moment—you already look like a hero.” We both laugh at his comment. “It sucks missing all the action. Responsibilities come first, and now I have to be a mature man.” I never thought I’d hear my brother say something like that.

  “It was about time you spoke like a man. If you keep that up, you might become like me.” I joke, and he responds with a jolt of electricity.

  He stands up and offers me his hand so I can get up as well. Sers stayed in Puntsal City handling matters while Patt fought—someone trustworthy had to stay behind, and no one was better suited than him.

  “By the way, who is that woman?” Sers whispers as we stand, following his gaze toward Brendu. He looks confused and intrigued, with a hint of distrust in his eyes.

  “She’s the princess of the Kingdom of Juka. Her name is Brendu.” I answer casually. Sers watches her cautiously from where we stand.

  “What is she doing here? Did you get into trouble with the Kingdom of Juka? You need to control yourself—don’t cause problems at school.” I roll my eyes. He was a headache for our parents and cost them a lot of money in compensations.

  “I’m not like you. Obviously, I didn’t get into trouble…” I recall the times I had to fight for my life at school—and once even beat up other students for being drunk idiots. “I have no issues with the Kingdom of Juka.” I clarify after thinking a bit.

  A grin spreads across my face when I see his even more confused expression. “She’s my fiancée. We’re getting married. Go greet your new sister-in-law.”

  The gears in my brother’s head start turning, then finally click into place. I’m sure he had heard something like this from our parents before—he must have just forgotten.

  “You could die because of a woman in the future. Technically, you already have four fiancées. Have you talked to them?” He seriously thinks I might die from an attack by a jealous woman. Well… I can’t say I haven’t thought about it too.

  “They already know. I just haven’t told them face-to-face. I’ll have to do it in a few days when they arrive.” My brother puts a hand on my shoulder, clearly sympathizing with me. “That’s not something I need to worry about today. Future Maki will know how to deal with it. As a last resort, I can go live on a mountain and hide for the rest of my life.” My joke makes us both laugh.

  We walk over to Brendu. Sers greets her as formally as possible—it was pathetic. I almost laugh during his introduction. Brendu plays along and returns the greeting like a proper princess. My brother looks proud of his performance; I won’t say anything.

  The woman finally reaches us—obviously my brother’s fiancée, my sister-in-law. Ivad looks happy. When I focus on her, I notice something different, something new, and my mouth drops open. I look at my brother, who wears a proud smile.

  “You’re not the only one with a surprise.” My older brother winks at me. I teleport to his fiancée’s side. She looks a bit surprised at first.

  “Congratulations, Ivad. I’m very happy for both of you.” She’s pregnant. I’m going to be an uncle!