I returned to the inn with the same fancy carriage that brought me. "I forgot to request to see my father." By the way, I started comparing Rize and Circle City and realized the difference was like heaven and earth. How do these people sleep at night? Anyway, let me not get myself heavily involved in this.

You must be thinking, "Why did you not just one-shot Elmacia and win in a split second?" I understand your concern; however, please give me a chance to explain myself. Firstly, I was curious about her magic and wanted to see some cool spells, which I did. I also wanted to see holy magic, but sadly, she did not use it. Secondly, I did not want to embarrass her in front of her subordinate, I mean Zack. Thirdly, I came in peace and to negotiate, so I would rather make more friends than enemies.

Elmacia asked me a question: "If you are this strong, why did you come here? You can do whatever you like, and I do not think anyone in this country has the strength to stop you."

If someone is overwhelmingly strong and everyone knows it, they will see that strength as a threat to their interests and will do whatever it takes to eliminate that threat. I have a weakness, which is my family, and I want them to be safe and keep on living normal lives. When I show respect to Elmacia, she will not see me as a threat to her position and might even think I am naive and can be useful. Use me? Damn it, I should have lost that battle. Maybe by now, I would have been in her bedroom. I think pets are allowed to sleep in the same room as their masters, right?

The next day.

I am a creature of habit. As usual, I went downstairs for breakfast early in the morning. I have been wondering, since we live next to the sea, why have I not seen any fish dishes at home or in the capital? To protect the environment? I will ask Leon when I see him. Now that I think about it, how do I meet Leon? Last time he popped out of nowhere like a stalker, and I was so surprised that I forgot to ask him which inn he was staying at. After eating, I went to my room, prepared myself, and left. Here we go again, I knocked on Vivia's door.

"Good morning, Mr. Elfan. Please come in."

The one opening the door was the green-haired dude from before.

"Thank you."

"I apologize for not introducing myself last time. You can call me Edgar Elrak."

Elrak, huh? Anyway, when getting married, do men take the woman's last name?

"Nice to see you again, Mr. Elrak."

"Please call me Edgar, just Edgar."

"You can also call me Elfan, drop the 'Mr.' please."

He guided me into the sitting room, where I saw the table filled with food and Vivia already seated. When I entered, she stood up and bowed gracefully. I thought to myself, 'What are we celebrating here?' I felt a little guilty since I lied to her.

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"Good morning, Mr. Elfan, please have a seat."

"Morning, Lady Vivia."

Wait, should I not be calling her 'Lady Elrak'? Damn that Leon. I think it would be rude if I refused to eat here, right? Should I create a poison resistance skill?

"The weather is nice today," Vivia said.

Why is she talking about the weather now?

"Please enjoy the meal," said Edgar.

"Thank you."

The food tasted great. Whoever cooked this has my respect. Maybe I should ask them to teach me how to cook. Nah, that would be rude. We talked about a lot of things, like life in the capital and Elgrasia. Elgrasia sounds like a cool place; I have never been there, even though my paternal grandparents live there. They would visit us in Eldorado.

"Mr. Elfan, I ended our cooperation with the Eclipse family."

Ah yes, this is the reason why I came here. I nearly forgot. I blame this delicious food.

"Really? And how did they take it?"

"Not well, unfortunately. The messenger was almost killed."

Please forgive me, Mr. Messenger.

"Good, I will inform the elders. I'm sure you will be rewarded."

"Thank you, thank you, sir."

Come on, stop with the formalities already. Why are her eyes sparkling?

"It is getting late, I will get going."

"Have a nice trip, Mr. Elfan."

What do you mean, trip? Just going to the inn? Wait, do not tell me she thinks I am going to Circle City. No way, right?

A few days passed, and nothing important happened except for me continuing to explore Rize. I also wanted to go to Circle City, but I do not think they will approve my request to enter just for exploring. I do not want to misuse Elmacia's name. We're not that close yet. I am starting to run out of money. I cannot just go and sell dragon scales like it is nothing. I will stand out and might attract unwanted attention towards myself. I heard there is a black market here; maybe I can sell them there.

Three days later, while eating my breakfast, Jonathan entered the inn and greeted me politely, bowing gently. OK, why do these people always come in the morning?

"Good morning, Mr. Elfan. My lord requests your presence."

I do not want to. Can you not see I am eating? I thought to myself.

"Okay, let me quickly run to my room. I want to take a few things." After entering my room, I bathed again.

"I am ready to go."

We left the inn and entered a carriage. This one had no emblem. It was not even fancy like the last one; it was just normal. What is Elmacia planning? After entering Circle City, we headed towards the Whiteheart estate. Upon arrival, I was immediately guided towards Elmacia's office. Jonathan knocked softly, and a voice from inside beckoned us to enter. As the doors swung open, Elmacia was sitting down at her desk. She smiled at me, and my heart stopped. Jonathan bowed towards her and left the room. Now it is only the two of us. My lady, is the offer you made if I lose the duel still on the table? I thought to myself.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Elfan."

While sitting down, I said, "I do not think it is fair for me to call you just Elmacia while you still call me 'Mr.'"

"Elfan it is then."

"Thank you, Elmacia."

"Let's get straight to the point then. As I promised, your father is on his way home now, and—"

"On his way home? Man, I wanted to meet him first."

"Huh? You never said you wanted to meet him. So I did as you requested."

I did say I wanted him to go home and be safe, not leave without me knowing. She let out a little cough. "As for the other matter, we came up with a faster solution." She clapped her hands. A beautiful woman entered the room. Shiny golden hair, wearing a long blue dress, and a chest size F cup. She started approaching us, walking as if she was floating on air. So gentle. I would not mind if she stepped on me. What an angel. Wait, wait, wait—this face looks familiar. Ain't no way it's who I think it is, right?