Nick's reception room in the mayor's office.
Nick was thirty now. After years of taking care of his health and living in comfort, he had developed a tall, handsome bearing. Neatly dressed and mild-mannered, he carried himself with graceful composure.
Romon could not help remembering the fifteen-year-old boy he had known fifteen years ago.
"My lord!"
"Count Teta Xiao!"
As Romon entered, Nick and the Dwarven representative greeted him with different forms of address.
Ever since Romon had entered the Legendary Realm, elemental tides had constantly circulated around him, lending him an air of profound power and majesty. It was undeniably useful: the Dwarven representative, Butland, immediately felt a measure of awe toward him.
Romon accepted their greetings, asked them both to sit, and listened to what they had to say.
"...What? Your lord Puta has achieved apotheosis, and your king Ituka has founded the Izfa Kingdom?" Romon was astonished by the news.
When he spoke the name "Puta," Romon suddenly sensed a strange presence around him. It lingered only briefly before disappearing.
But that presence was not strong enough to penetrate the barrier of someone in the Legendary Realm.
Romon recalled an entry in the Ice and Snow Sage's records. Supposedly, a god could perceive anyone who spoke its name, along with the conversation and surroundings for some time afterward.
"Yes. Our lord Puta has achieved apotheosis, and his noble son Ituka has become the first king of the Izfa Kingdom," Butland said respectfully, with a touch of pride.
"Then allow me to offer my congratulations to your lord and His Majesty." Romon stood and bowed.
Without question, this gesture pleased the Dwarf.
The atmosphere immediately relaxed. After a little small talk, Romon learned what they wanted. "Oh...you wish to trade with our territory and establish an outpost!"
"Yes.