"Heart of God… what an exaggerated name."
Leon raised an eyebrow. Although he already knew it was an important treasure symbolizing the royalty of Sumeru, he hadn't known that it was named after the [Heart of God], or something along those lines.
He couldn't help but feel that its quality was truly exceptional.
But thinking about it carefully, it did seem consistent.
After all, the Lord of Sumeru, with the Heart of God, could connect to the world's database—the World Tree. Didn't that mean such a person had attained [omniscience]?
Calling him merely a demigod would be an understatement.
"Besides, aside from being the key to accessing the World Tree, the Heart of God itself is also an enormous magical tool. One could say that as long as you possess it, you basically don't need to worry about magical energy consumption," Nahida said in an explanatory tone.
"Ah… it's an ability that doesn't really help me much. I can't even use everything I already have."
Leon raised his hand and placed it over his chest.
An artifact that provides nearly limitless magical power.
As incredible as it sounded, it was a shame that he had already reached this level purely through his own abilities. The sea of magic within Leon's heart was almost inexhaustible.
"My sister originally gave me the Heart of God and the throne of Sumeru, but when I was imprisoned, the Heart of God was taken by the Grand Sage."
Nahida's eyes dimmed, revealing a look of despair.
"Hmph, don't worry, Nahida. I'll come back for you. The Grand Sage… a single life isn't enough to atone for his sins."
Leon's eyes were cold and severe.
To steal something from a cute girl like Nahida… how shameless. That had been the only [relic] her sister left behind before departing.
Adding that to all the grave crimes he had already committed, Leon felt that killing him a thousand times still wouldn't be enough.
Maybe I'll hand him over to Esdeath… Leon thought.
"By the way, where is your sister? I've received information that she isn't actually dead."
"You really are amazing. You even know that. My sister really is still alive," Nahida said, surprised.
"My sister paid an enormous price to remove the taboo curse, but in the process she herself was infected by it. To minimize the impact, she sealed herself within the World Tree and cut off contact with the outside world."
"She also told me that when the right time comes, I will go to the World Tree and completely eradicate the final taboo of this world."
Leon frowned slightly. Although he already knew a great deal, he still had some questions. However, Nahida could only answer up to a certain point.
But now that he had Apep's permission…
After that, things would become simple.
After conquering Sumeru, he would personally go to the World Tree, resolve the so-called [final taboo], and then everything would be fine.
"Alright, thank you for answering my question."
"You're welcome. I wish I could help more. Leon, it looks like it's almost time. Could you take me somewhere now?" Nahida looked at the setting sun, clearly reluctant to leave.
She gently tugged at Leon's clothes as she asked.
Looking her up and down, her pitiful expression struck Leon as adorable.
"Of course. I said I'd take you anywhere, didn't I?"
"Thank you. Please show me Sumeru."
Leon was stunned for a moment upon hearing that and sighed helplessly.
Today they had seen countless mountains and rivers, as well as many human kingdoms flying on the backs of dragons, yet Leon hadn't taken Nahida to see Sumeru.
After all, it was a kingdom that had failed her. As someone pure and kind, she would surely feel sad upon facing what had disappointed her—like a girl meeting an ex-boyfriend who had betrayed her.
He didn't want to make her sad.
Besides, there was also the risk of his identity being discovered.
In short, Sumeru's sightseeing spot had been skipped… but now—
Nahida said firmly:
"I am still the Lady of Sumeru at this moment. No matter what happens, I want to see with my own eyes the land to which my sister and I devoted our lives."
Leon sighed.
"Hey… alright, alright. I'll think of a solution. Come on, put this on."
"Huh? What is this?"
"A magical invisibility cloak. It not only conceals the body's form but also suppresses one's magical aura. It's an indispensable magical item for spies."
He took out a silver cloak and draped it over Nahida. As long as magical energy was infused into it, the cloak could automatically mimic the surrounding environment.
It was the magical accessory Yelan frequently used. However, over the years, it had been upgraded ten times, resulting in a qualitative leap in performance.
Once worn, it was possible to enter the royal palace, the women's changing rooms, or even bathhouses without worry—a true dream artifact.
"So amazing…"
"Right. I still have plenty of accessories like this. I'll give you some later to play with," Leon said.
"Well… but I'm not talking about the cloak. I'm talking about you, Leon. You're amazing. It feels like you can do anything."
"You can praise me more—I like hearing it," Leon said with a smile.
"Alright, alright. You're also very handsome. You're the most handsome person I've ever seen, aside from my sister. Your behavior seems casual, yet it reveals elegance. Most importantly, you're very kind. Thank you for getting so angry on my behalf. People who can get angry for others must be kind and—"
"Wait, wait! That's enough!" Leon stopped her immediately.
Leon blushed. Being praised so sincerely by her left even him feeling embarrassed.
Nahida was simply too honest by nature.
He crouched awkwardly in front of her, covering his flushed face with one hand while gently pressing the other against the girl's mouth.
"What's wrong, Leon?"
"You're praising me too much… sorry," Leon replied.
"Huh? But everything I said is true."
"Yes, I know… but they say sincerity is the greatest killer. Now I feel like I'm being flirted with. It must just be my imagination." Leon took a deep breath to calm himself.
He helped Nahida adjust the invisibility cloak, making sure that even while walking through the streets of Sumeru, they wouldn't have to worry about being discovered by members of the Akademiya.
Nahida looked around with curiosity.
Although she was the Lady of this kingdom, she had never freely walked the streets like this—not because she didn't want to, but because she couldn't.
Now, Leon had freed her from the cage, and the two of them walked hand in hand through streets that felt both strange and familiar. Leon acted as her guide, introducing every detail of the city.
"This is the [Lambad Tavern], a tavern near the busiest district of Sumeru. The owner claims to be a legendary sailor who has traveled to many countries."
"Yes!" Nahida nodded enthusiastically.
"This is the [Puspa Café], a social spot where all kinds of people gather. Today's acting manager specializes in reading customers' fortunes using coffee grounds. They say the results are even more accurate than those of professional fortune-tellers."
"Divination… that's a romantic form of wisdom," Nahida murmured.
"Down there is the [Grand Bazaar]. There's also an excellent place called the [Zubair Theater]. The best dancer in Sumeru performs there… well, she's very beautiful."
"Why do you know Sumeru so well? Are you really the prince of the Magical Kingdom?" Nahida couldn't help but ask in surprise.
Throughout their journey, no matter where they went, Leon could introduce every shop in vivid detail.
She was stunned.
(End of Chapter)