After examining the documents Shade managed to get, the night passed peacefully. Honestly, since I changed species, sleep has become something more enjoyable than essential. I spent the entire night awake, immersed in reading the documents. With everything I've discovered, it's clear that Darian won't be able to escape unpunished.

The next morning, as soon as the day dawned, I quickly got up and found Grid in a small restaurant near my inn. Honestly, I don't expect him to be very surprised since I sent Shade to find him. Besides, I chose not to question how Shade knew where Grid was.

As it was still morning, the walk to the restaurant proceeded relatively quietly. Few people occupied the streets, and most of the shops were still opening. Also, the cold was noticeable. I hadn't noticed before, but it seems that Anima is a realm that experiences quite low temperatures in the early hours of the day. As for the reason, honestly, I have no idea.

"Welcome"

Upon opening the restaurant door, I was warmly greeted by a Demi-human woman with cat ears. She wore the characteristic clothing of Anima's women, with some charming additional details.

"I'm looking for my friend; we arranged to meet in this restaurant... he should have arrived by now"

Expressing my concern, the woman's two ears moved slightly, catching my attention. Honestly, it was quite cute.

"Please, follow me"

Following the woman, we reached an area that seemed reserved. When she opened the door, I found Grid already seated, examining the menu. Upon realizing my presence, he lowered the menu and raised his hand in greeting.

"As soon as you decide what you're going to order, please ring the bell"

Saying these words, the woman made a brief bow before turning around and leaving, leaving me alone with Grid. I shrugged and simply sat down, staring at Grid, who was smiling at me.

"Well, I came as per your request, but please, avoid calling me that again. For a moment, I thought someone was trying to assassinate me"

Grid laughed, and to be honest, I still felt a little uncomfortable about it. The fact that Grid is Leona's older brother somehow made me see him as a family member or something.

"About that... I apologize. I didn't know how to find you, so that was the only solution I could think of"

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Listening to my words, Grid gave a small smile and then went back to examining the menu. I followed his example, starting to look through the available dish options.

"Anyway, I'm surprised you got leads so quickly. Honestly, I thought it would take at least a week for you to find any clues. However, considering how easily you located and caught me off guard, I guess I shouldn't be that surprised after all"

Well, technically speaking, that wasn't really my skill, but Shade's. However, I saw no reason to mention that, so I just kept quiet. After that, Grid and I ordered our breakfast, and as soon as it arrived, we started eating. While we ate, I took Darian's diary out of my storage and placed it on the table.

Grid slowly shifted his gaze from me to the diary, with a raised eyebrow. Shortly after, he picked it up in his hand and opened it, starting to read. As he read, Grid's expression grew darker and darker. Once he finished reading and closed the book, his hands clenched tightly to the point of bleeding.

"Darian, that bastard. It's hard to believe that all this time he managed to get away with it"

Grid's anger was entirely understandable; I would be extremely furious in his place.

"So, what do you plan to do now that you know this?"

Upon hearing my question, Grid slowly calmed down and closed his eyes. After a long sigh, Grid looked at me as he planned his next steps.

"Of course, I'll make him pay for what he did to my family, make him regret what he's done"

Listening to Grid's words, a small smile spread across my lips. To be honest, we weren't so different.

"In fact, I have a proposal that might interest you. What do you think?"

Upon hearing my words, Grid focused his attention on me, his ears perking with curiosity. With a cruel smile on my face, I began to outline step by step my plan.

***

After my conversation with Grid, time passed relatively quickly, or at least that's how I felt. The plan I shared with Grid was currently underway, probably even completed. All that remained was my part, which was actually the most crucial moment.

The tournament had already resumed for some time. As always, all my opponents were quite physically strong, but nevertheless, I managed to defeat them all. In the end, my plan was based on the idea that I would defeat all my opponents and reach the final.

After being defeated, Grid remained the whole time in the designated area for the royal family of Anima, where he watched the entire tournament. Leona was no different; she still wore the same outfit and observed with care and attention every fight that took place in the ring.

At the conclusion of the tournament, I was announced as the winner. While the announcer narrated the events for the audience, my gaze met Leona's, who showed genuine surprise and a touch of happiness. It was probably the same feeling you experience when you see a friend achieve something significant.

Suddenly, the voice fell silent as it declared that I had the right to make a request to the king of Anima. Grid had already instructed me on the fundamental rule for this situation, so, in a gesture taught by him, I thumped my chest forcefully and brought both feet together.

Immediately, I directed my gaze to Leona's father, the king of Anima, and proclaimed loudly the following words.

"I wish to ask for Leona Anima's hand in marriage, my desire is to have her as my wife"