Chapter 53

When I realized it, I was in a deep forest, completely covered in green.

The air was thick with dense vegetation, and although it was an unfamiliar place, it felt strangely nostalgic.

"Have you finally woken up? My ally."

The voice that spoke in my head was neither male nor female, and it sent a tingling sensation deep in my gut.

The owner of the voice was in front of me.

Yes, there was something with an immense presence, like a massive weight, right in front of me.

Yet, it was as if shrouded in mist, and I couldn't see its form. The only thing I could tell was that it was incredibly large.

"My ally, why don't you come to me quickly?"

The voice didn't sound irritated but rather exasperated, as if saying, "Well, what can you do about this guy?"

Even if you tell me to come, I don't know where this place is.

"How could you not know? This is the place where you must be."

The place where I must be?

"Are you still half-asleep? There is only one place where you should be. Remember our pact. Don't forget. Hurry back and come to me."

No, wait a moment. Even if you say that, I have no idea what you're talking about. And I don't remember making any pact with you.

Hey! Hey! Answer me!

I woke up with a start, and the first thing I saw was the canopy of the bed where I was lying.

The curtains of the canopy prevented the sun from hitting my face directly, but the brightness suggested it wasn't too high in the sky... but my room gets a lot of sunlight...

"Good morning, Lord Alberto. Have you woken up?"

Silt, who was gathering the curtains, greeted me.

"Yeah. Good morning."

I sat up and felt dazed on the bed.

"What was that?"

It was a strangely realistic dream.

Still, I don't remember making any pact or being an ally with anyone.

"Hey, Silt."

"What is it?"

"Where should I be?"

In response to my question, Silt smiled wryly and answered.

"What do you mean? The only place Lord Alberto should be is in Fulftbahr."

Oh, right.

That means the place in the dream was the Land of Fulftbahr... the Forest of No Return. So, does that mean someone is waiting for me in that forest?

Could it be the entity that reincarnated me into this world?

"Umm, I don't understand."

I'll put this mysterious dream on hold for now.

Let's have a good day of study and training!

I wanted to laugh at my cheerful morning self.

Today, neither Nebel nor Hilt is coming, so after breakfast, I'll have training with Fairvalter in the morning, lunch, and then in the afternoon, I'll learn about the territory of Fulftbahr.

After that, during my free time, Silt informed me that another meeting request had come in.

The person was Duke Einhorn.

I thought the matter with the Einhorn family was settled after the meeting with the princess.

Well, I know, right? The princess is a child, so it's the parents' responsibility. So, shouldn't it be settled with a conversation between the duke and my grandfather?

"Can you contact my grandfather?"

I asked Silt to contact my grandfather, and I was led to the room with the communication magic device to talk to my grandfather in Fulftbahr.

The magic device, when both parties are in the magic circle, can project holographic images and allow conversation.

"Alberto, what's the matter?"

"Duke Einhorn has requested a meeting."

"Duke Einhorn?"

"I received the princess's apology, so it was supposed to be settled between you and Duke Einhorn, right?"

"Yes, the damage to Alberto's reputation is entirely due to Duke Einhorn's lack of education. The Einhorn family is responsible for clearing Alberto's reputation, and we agreed to settle it privately."

"Is everything settled, then?"

"Yes."

Then why did he send a meeting request to me?

"Do I have to meet him?"

"I don't understand Duke Einhorn's purpose. I'll contact him."

I feel bad asking my grandfather, who is busy with monster hunting.

Two weeks after contacting my grandfather, I was invited to the townhouse of the Marcocius family in the capital.

The meeting was to be held at the Marcocius family's townhouse, and I was to attend as well, as a result of my grandfather's communication with Duke Einhorn.

I wondered what the conversation would be about.

Before my grandfather and I sat down, Duke Einhorn, who was sitting opposite us, started the conversation with an awkward expression.

"I am fully aware that our mistake has caused inconvenience to His Highness, Prince Alberto."

Despite his higher rank, Duke Einhorn was clearly deferential to my grandfather.

It seemed that Duke Einhorn wanted to ask me for a favor.

"I would like to request His Highness, Prince Alberto, to attend our tea party."

Apparently, the Einhorn family found it difficult to completely clear the damage to my reputation, and the most effective way to resolve it quickly was for me to attend their tea party and show that I am not in conflict with the princess.

Well, um, isn't Duke Einhorn being a bit too lenient with his daughter?

"I know it's a lot to ask, but please help me."

Duke Einhorn bowed, and his desperate plea, without any pride or dignity, made me wonder if it was better than the previous situation.

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