This was the North Territory of Drakonia.

"Gorgeous Country?" Nash asked unsurely, and Theo simply nodded.

"Yeah, Nash. What do you think? Let's go to Gorgeous Country and have some fun."

Nash could tell there was more to Theo's words. Most of the Schmidt family's business interests were overseas. The fact that Theo wanted him to go with him this time meant that it was probably not just for leisure.

"What am I supposed to do there?" Nash asked.

"Hehe, well..." Theo began.

Nash squinted his eyes. Looking at Theo's cheesy smile, he decided to cut to the chase. "Just say it. I'll help you out if it isn't something too troublesome."

"Really? Haha, I knew you're the best."

"Alright, alright." Nash pushed the overly affectionate man away. "Start talking. Let's skip the cheesy part."

Theo chuckled. "Hehe, alright, alright. As you wish. Actually, I really need you to back me up this time."

"What? Are you serious?" Nash was speechless. Theo had said the same thing before when they went to the Land of Nion. At that time, Nash thought Theo was just kidding, but now, he realized that Theo's heartfelt act back then was leading up to this.

"Of course, I'm serious. Nash, as you know, a large part of my business is overseas, and it's a real headache. Especially the ones in Gorgeous Country. Those guys are boycotting my companies and making things really difficult," Theo explained. "Alright, alright. I've heard all this before. So, you just want me to go to Gorgeous Country, right?" Nash asked.

"Uh-huh." Theo nodded as he tugged on the lobe of his ear.

"No problem. So, just me, right?" Nash asked again.

"No, I'll be going with you. Don't worry, you just need to be there. anyone steps out of line, you take action. Rest assured, I've got connections there. We'll be covered," Theo assured him.

Nash reluctantly nodded in agreement. "It'll be a quick trip this time. Also, there's no need to tell Hera and the others."

"Got it, got it," Theo nodded in agreement. "By the way, are you arranging for any reporters this time?"

Nash slapped Theo's round belly, saying, "Of course not. We're keeping a low profile this time. A quick in and a quick out."

"Alright, alright. Whatever you say, Nash," Theo agreed.

...noveldrama

At the Varhess residence, Benedict was burdened with worries and walked to the back of the courtyard into a secluded forest area. Moving further, he arrived at his father's gravestone.

"Dad... I'm here to visit you," Benedict

said as he took out two glasses and filled them with liquor. He drank from one of them in one gulp and then sat down on the steps beside the gravestone.

"Do you think you would support me in what I'm doing now if you were alive? Or perhaps, if you were still here, I wouldn't be doing this at all...

"I'm not blaming you, of course. You had always protected me when I was young. I've grown accustomed to your protection, so when I finally took this step, I kept thinking of you.

"I... am still the same weak, ineffectual person I was before... and you... You remain in my heart..."

Benedict opened another bottle of liquor and drank. No matter how sharp he appeared in front of others, it was only at his father's grave that he could truly express his innermost feelings.

en

"Zaafea advised me not to use my powers anymore. I know the harm they cause me, but... I..."

Nash had said that if Benedict devoted himself to training, he would surely make remarkable progress.