Preparations for the Envoy Mission II

The carriage soon arrived at Valhalla. After passing through a city gate along a road built atop the enormous tree roots, it stopped in the central district. Brando looked at the scenery outside, gestured for Fulo to stop, opened the carriage door, and jumped down. There, not far away, stood His Highness the Little Prince, waiting for him.

"Teacher."

Haruze bowed respectfully to Brando with the courtesy expected of a student. Nemesis stood behind him, along with another figure dressed in a spotless white linen robe, resembling a goddess from ancient Greece. However, she had snakes for hair and slit pupils—she was a Medusa. Brando had heard of this Medusa named Leisimeca long ago, but today was his first time meeting her.

"Your Highness, how has your swordsmanship progressed over the past two months?"

Haruze's face flushed red, and he stammered without managing to answer.

Apparently, it hadn't gone very well. Brando smiled faintly and patted the Little Prince's tender shoulder. "Don't worry. It's all right."

At that moment, several emerald-green vines descended from the canopy hundreds of meters above Valhalla. Each vine was as thick as an arm, and their ends intertwined into basket shapes. Brando had Haruze, Nemesis, and Little Roman ride in one basket with him, while the others took another. After he issued an order, the vines began to rise slowly. Although Little Roman had ridden this kind of conveyance before, she was still excitedly looking around. She swung the vine basket back and forth in midair, shouting loudly and frightening Haruze into gripping the rim tightly. However, once they reached a certain height, the young merchant heiress also clutched the rim and obediently sat without moving.

"Swordsmanship isn't everything, Haruze." Brando looked at the hills and brown forests gradually shrinking beneath their feet and continued