Falling Star City, Alive (5000, requesting monthly votes~)
"What toy?"
Hearing Grand Duke Solin's words, before Ian could speak, Adalbert frowned, stepped forward, and stood before Ian. "The world Ian wants to create is one that is equally good for everyone, even the frailest and most powerless ordinary people."
He stared at the silver-haired man before him, weary yet solemn—his teacher, his first supporter, his benefactor, and... someone almost like a father—and said earnestly, "Grand Duke, years ago, I truly could not answer your question. I could not give you a 'better answer.'"
"But now, haven't Ian, all of us, and Silverpeak Domain already done better than you did back then?"
"What right do you have to call all this a 'toy house,' and those who follow Ian 'toys'?"
Back at the Avak Research Institute, Adalbert had expressed his disapproval of what Grand Duke Solin had done, yet he had been unable to offer a "better possibility," a "more perfect plan." Thus, he had been left speechless and could only follow Ian away with doubt in his heart.
But seven years later, Adalbert had built Silverpeak Domain alongside Ian, defended their home beneath the demon army's assault, created Terra's Heart together with him, and established Silverpeak Domain's entire scientific research system. Now, he had his own answer in his heart.
—He could accomplish everything without an Undead Monarch!
He now possessed his own pride and confidence, and so he could face his former teacher and benefactor directly.
Adalbert, very good.
Grand Duke Solin turned his head. He was not angered in the slightest by Adalbert's words. Instead, he said with a somewhat gratified tone, "Over these years, what you have done and the many achievements you have researched have already far surpassed me."
"You are right. I was wrong. Now,