After such a celebration, Uchiha Hikaru became even more clearheaded. He understood better what he should do in the future to repay these villagers—and himself.
After seeing everyone off, they returned to the Imperial Palace. Uchiha Hikaru would be resting there again tonight, but he had long grown used to such a life and felt no awkwardness whatsoever.
"So, Uchiha Hikaru, entering the city felt pretty good, right? You don't seem to have had much trouble adapting." The First Prince, standing beside him, spoke in a tone that had long carried an air of superiority.
No matter what, Hikaru had not taken anything from the First Prince. Instead, he had done him a huge favor. Now, Uchiha could summon such divine beasts whenever he wished without expending any stamina.
"Not bad. I feel like my body's adaptability has been getting stronger and stronger." Hikaru suddenly showed off his muscles. At first, that had seemed to be the Second Prince's personal trademark.
"I say, Uchiha Hikaru, how could you steal my move? That's clearly my signature pose." The Second Prince was joking with him, and it was clear from their interaction that there was no barrier between them.
"Why should that be your signature pose? You should know that I, Uchiha Hikaru, am much stronger than you." He had become even more smug around him now.
Watching the two of them gradually grow cheerful and slowly forget their former grudges, the First Prince felt deeply envious. He no longer pursued the Second Prince over the matters of the past.
"Second Prince, come upstairs with me. I want to give Uchiha Hikaru something special." As they walked, the First Prince suddenly said this, his eyes full of mystery.
Naturally, Uchiha Hikaru had no idea what it was, so he could only carefully