The door slowly opens in front of my eyes. I don’t need to do anything; the people inside already know about my presence. I wait until it is completely open, then step in slowly, and with a single glance I can see four people sitting there waiting for me.
I know all four of them, but I’ve only had the chance to speak with three. Susan is as elegant as always, holding a glass of wine in her hand, Julio sitting beside her, and the other two people are far more important by comparison.
I’ve already had the chance to speak with one of them before—one of the kings: Jucam Qolud, my father-in-law. His well-combed blond hair makes him look both younger and more intimidating. I didn’t expect to see him here. Brendu had told me there was a chance her father might appear, but I didn’t expect to find him in this place.
The other person is the emperor. I’ve seen him before, right after the problem that happened during the last event. Sadim Kar. His presence is just as powerful as Jucam’s; it feels like staring into a vast ocean with no visible end.
The emperor’s blond hair is darker, just like Charles’s. I can see where he inherited it from. His dark red eyes are a symbol of the imperial bloodline.
I can’t observe anything else because I perform the most formal greeting possible. I must show proper manners. My mother and grandmother would strangle me if they found out I had disrespected any of these four people. It doesn’t matter if I consider some of them family—I can’t show familiarity in front of someone like the emperor.
“Long time no see.” The first to speak to me is Jucam. The king has softened his gaze. “Relax a little and take a seat. This meeting doesn’t need so many formalities.” I lift my head and move toward an empty seat.
“Jucam is right. We didn’t call you here to see you nervous.” The emperor speaks. I notice his red eyes, where small yellow points float inside like a sky of blood.
A glass filled with wine appears in front of me. Susan’s control when moving objects filled with alcohol at high speed never stops impressing me. She has never spilled a single drop. It’s perfect control.
I look at her a little doubtfully, relax my mind slightly with Thundersnow, and accept the glass. Susan wouldn’t do anything that might embarrass me or anger the emperor.
“First of all, Maki, I want to thank you as a father. Thanks to you, my son came out alive.” The emperor’s smile is somewhat shy.
“You don’t need to thank me. Prince Charles also helped, along with Areci and Salvaj. Without the three of them I wouldn’t have been able to hold out long enough.” Not only is he a respectable emperor—he also seems like an affectionate father.
“Are you sure?” The emperor gives me a deep look. I feel as if he could see my cube with just a casual glance. “If you had encountered Aaron at the beginning, would you have been able to hold out long enough to keep everyone safe?” His question is very direct.
This is something I’ve also thought about. What would have happened if I had been the one to meet that terrorist first? Would I have tried to drag him away as far as possible? Would I have looked for help?
The answer hasn’t changed this entire week. I would have done everything possible to keep him away from everyone else for as long as I could, and I would have destroyed my own body before letting him go.
“Your silence speaks for itself. I’m proud of my son—he did everything he could and exceeded my expectations—but without your presence everything would have been different. Everyone would have died. Without exception.” His words are heavy and strike me like a hammer.
“Now I would also like to thank you as an emperor. Thanks to your efforts, Maki Vichag, we have managed to keep a generation safe. Losing such a group of geniuses would have been a massive blow to the empire, the kingdoms, and many others.” His smile now becomes more formal and authoritative.
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“I also want to formally thank you, Maki. Thank you for helping my daughter at the last moment and for saving all those precious students.” Susan thanks me as well.
I bow to both of them in respect. It’s a formal greeting for situations like this. I’ve already learned that it’s better to accept their gratitude.
“I was told you have a reward in mind.” The emperor’s words carry a certain weight. It’s the same feeling I had when I spoke with Brendu’s father for the first time. Is that something unique to royalty?
“Yes. I’ve been thinking about it a lot these past few days.” I try to remain calm. “I would like to know if it’s possible for me to use the empire’s Hero Dungeon. If that’s beyond my merits, I will understand.” I’m not sure if what I did is enough to deserve access to one of the three best Hero Dungeons ever discovered.
“The Hero Dungeon? Are you sure?” The emperor strokes his short beard thoughtfully.
“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s the only thing that came to mind,” I reply quickly.
“You have my permission.” His response makes me smile like a child waking up on Christmas morning and seeing gifts under the tree. “Just let me coordinate the timing. In about two months I’ll send someone to inform you of the exact day.”
Two months? That’s not much time. I could still be in the Sapphire rank by then. I thought I would have to wait years.
“Thank you very much.” I quickly remember to thank him.
“Will you never abandon those thoughts of becoming stronger and stronger?” Julio finally speaks for the first time.
“Not until I’m strong enough to protect the people who matter to me.” My answer comes out automatically. I didn’t think about it for even a moment.
My answer makes everyone in the room smile—especially King Jucam. He seems the happiest of all, by a wide margin.
The conversation continues calmly. My opinions about the events, some suggestions for future changes, or which event has been my favorite so far. Everyone shares their own views.
We talk about the participants as well. They all pay attention to my opinions about the others.
Today I learned that this generation is one of the strongest in the last fifty years. It’s on the same level as the generation of Emperor Sadim and King Jucam, where several people became extremely prominent and influential figures.
A lot is expected from us in the future. That’s why the thought of losing all of us at once terrified everyone. Everyone in this room agrees on one thing: there is no way to force all fruits to grow, nor can you compel someone to become stronger without threatening circumstances. That’s why people are given a great deal of freedom.
If someone lives inside a bubble, they will never understand reality and will be crushed the moment they are thrown into the real world. It’s better to let them adapt as soon as possible. The only problem is the risk of premature death, which has happened in many cases. That’s why most talented individuals carry some kind of object capable of guaranteeing their survival.
“Thank you for the invitation.” It’s time for me to leave. I thank everyone for the pleasant time, the drinks, and the food. The dishes were delicious—the cook is part of the imperial household, and every plate was exquisite.
King Jucam stands up from his chair at the same time. “Can we go together? If my daughter finds out I didn’t visit her during my short stay, I’ll be in trouble.” Jucam scratches the back of his head awkwardly.
“How are things going with Brendu? She can be a little aggressive and stubborn, but she has far more virtues than flaws.” Jucam chuckles. “She resembles her mother a lot—that strong personality came from her.”
“Everything has gone well so far.” I smile awkwardly. “I’ve already gotten used to being hit or staying alert to defend myself. Though most of the time, I’m the one who ends up causing those hits.” I let out a sigh.
The entire way we talk about stories involving Brendu and me. The king had many similar situations with Brendu’s mother in his youth. It feels relaxing to talk with someone who has been through something similar to your own experience.
The more we talk, the closer we seem to feel. In moments like these I’m reminded of something I’ve always believed: no matter someone’s status, we’re all still ordinary people. In the right moments you can see that there’s no real difference between nobility, royalty, or common folk.
Brendu jumps into her father’s arms like a little girl. The king catches her easily, wearing a huge smile.
The three of us will go to a restaurant together to keep talking. There are several small family matters we need to discuss.
“Have you two talked about having children yet? I’d like a grandchild from you.” The king places one arm around his daughter’s shoulders.
“Not yet. You’re in the Obsidian rank—you’ll live hundreds of years, father. You can wait a little longer.” Brendu lightly punches him in the ribs.
I simply ignore their comments as best as I can. I admire some abstract paintings along the hallway leading to our private room. This wall is very well painted… I don’t see a single stain anywhere.
I can feel both of their gazes on me. I’ll just keep looking around until they change the subject.