"Ahem... So, Michael..." Imu said as she detached herself from Michael, trying to maintain dignity despite her lingering blush.
"Could you... forget everything I just said?"
Now fully recovered, she still couldn't hide her embarrassment, the crimson hue stubbornly clinging to her cheeks.
Michael had seen many beautiful women...
But even among them, Imu stood out.
Especially when flustered—it was downright captivating.
"Forgetting might be a bit difficult... after all, it's my first time hearing such outrageous and shameless words." Michael's lips twitched.
"But rest assured, no one else will know besides me."
King Donquixote had already retreated into the cabin the moment Imu clung to Michael.
This overly upright king still had considerable tact.
He knew exactly what should be heard and what shouldn't!
He had no desire to draw the attention of Imu—a woman bold enough to paralyze her own father to seize power...
Moreover, being middle-aged now, he figured the affairs of youth should be left to the young to sort out themselves.
He wanted no part in it!
Thus, only Michael and Imu remained on the deck.
Though still somewhat embarrassed and annoyed upon learning what had transpired, Imu ultimately breathed a sigh of relief.
At least the humiliation wasn't completely thorough...
"So what exactly is the true identity of this leader? Even someone like you serves him?"
"Serve him? No, no, I'm merely a latecomer." Michael waved his hand dismissively. "But I genuinely hope he grows stronger quickly... After all, only when he stands tall can this rebellion truly be called 'justified.'"
"Justified?"
Imu's beautiful eyes flashed.
The implication of that word here... was entirely different.
She had already prepared to thoroughly eradicate the so-called Celestial Council and bury all traces of its existence in the dust of history by rewriting it.
But Michael... seemed to be hinting at something else.
"With words like that, my interest in this leader of yours grows by the minute."
"Rest assured, Queen Imu, he will exceed your expectations."
...
After crossing the Rainbow Bridge once more, the group set foot on the land of Elbaf.
Imu was met with yet another unexpected shock.
"The legendary warrior nation, Elbaf... Your leader is actually a giant!?" A series of incredulous expressions flickered through Imu's crimson eyes.
"Giants are the ancestors of the Buccaneer Tribe, theoretically equal in status to the Lunarian Race... When the Ancient Kingdom was founded, the giants had no interest in power and no desire to leave their homeland of Elbaf to settle in the center of the Red Line. So they relinquished their rights and status, returning to Elbaf... So this is what you meant by 'justified'!? This truly is... a colossal surprise!"
"Eh!? Is that so!?" Michael blinked in surprise. "There's actually such a backstory!?"
"...Wait, you didn't even know this!?" Imu whirled around and grabbed Michael's collar. "If your leader isn't a giant... then what in the world is he!?"
"Calm down, Imu." Michael clasped her smooth little hand, prying it off his clothes. "Aren't we about to take you to meet him?"
With that, Michael shamelessly maintained his grip, leading Imu through the western village of the surface world.
Along the way, Donquixote kept winking at Michael and secretly gave him a thumbs-up.
Already making moves this fast?
You've really got some skills!
Michael could only laugh helplessly and flipped Donquixote the bird before leading the group into the vast forest where Joy Boy lived in seclusion.
Imu observed the towering giants, enormous houses, and even more colossal trees as they traveled, finally arriving at the center of the forest—outside a wooden cabin that had been expanded multiple times.
"Father! You're back so soon!!" Toki popped out from the bushes nearby. "It's only been five days!"
"How have you been these five days? Where's Lily?"
"Oh, Lily's inside cooking for that guy Joy Boy!"
"Lily... can she even reach the stove?" Michael's lips twitched. "And Joy Boy—doesn't he have hands? As an adult, he should take responsibility and cook for the kid!"
"Let's not go there..." Toki shook her head like a rattle drum. "Anyone who can keep his food down without throwing up must be a saint."
"Is it really that bad...?"
"Absolutely." Toki sighed. "The injuries he got from sparring with Father healed in less than a day... but after eating his own cooking, he's been bedridden ever since. If he weren't still able to eat, I'd have thought he was dead."
Watching the interaction between Michael and Toki, Imu remained expressionless.
Because she had been completely stunned...
By that name.
After a long pause, she mechanically turned her stiffened head.
"Joy Boy!? The Joy Boy you're talking about—is he the same one I know!?"
"With a name that bizarre... could there possibly be a second one?" Michael chuckled. "I told you—it'd exceed your expectations."
"No wonder you insisted on making him the leader... Indeed, in this entire world, only he has the legitimacy to overthrow the Celestial Council." Imu exhaled deeply, calming herself. "Before he disappeared, I had seen his face a few times during festivals... Who'd have thought he'd go from king to leader of the rebellion?"
"That's what they call 'the unpredictability of life.'"
Michael smiled and stepped forward, pushing open the door.
First, he walked to the kitchen stove, observing Lily—standing on a stool, expressionless as she cooked—before patting her little head.
Only when Lily's face began to flush did he turn and enter Joy Boy's room.
A brilliant flash of Holy light and the murmured incantation of the Holy Healing Art later, Joy Boy emerged behind Michael, grinning.
And at that moment, Imu finally relaxed completely.
Though his hair had grown peculiar and wisps of white Cloud swirled around him, Imu was absolutely certain—this was the former king.
Joy Boy, too, immediately noticed the sole stranger in the room.
"Huh!?"
"When did Lily grow up so fast?"
Michael nudged Joy Boy.
"Though they're related... aside from the red eyes and blue hair, their facial features aren't even the same, okay?"
"Let me introduce you, this will be our rebellion army's supreme commander from now on..."
"Nerona Imu."
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