Kazuma: (In a calm, controlled voice)
"Then, now, release Hiden."
Aiden:
(He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a smartphone, starting to scroll through it indifferently)
Kazuma:
"Is everything over between us?"
Aiden:
(Without lifting his eyes from his phone, in a dismissive tone)
"Yes, yes. Just take him and be gone."
(While Aiden was engrossed in scrolling through his phone, Petra was scrutinizing him and his phone with examining eyes.)
Kazuma: (Raising his voice slightly with clear sharpness)
"Tell me, why did you agree to negotiate with me in the first place?"
Petra: (She speaks very calmly, her tone carrying the weight of diplomacy)
"As you know, I am an accredited negotiator by the Shamahan Assembly. The one who accumulates the largest number of successful negotiations wins the highest position, to become the Chief Negotiator."
Kazuma: (With a calmness that hides a deep question)
"And does this Assembly, the Shamahan Assembly, acquire such paramount importance?"
Petra: (She nods slowly, with concise words)
"The Assembly is viewed by people from various angles. Everyone has their own opinion on the extent of its importance."
(Kazuma leaves the room accompanied by Hiden. As soon as Ai saw them, she rushed forward and hugged Hiden tightly.)
Ai: (In a choked, hushed voice)
"Brother... I was so worried about you."
Hiden: (He gently and affectionately pats her head)
"There's no need for all this worry, Ai. I am perfectly fine now."
Kazuma: (Calmly)
"I kept my promise to you, Ai."
Ai: (She looks at him with great shyness and gratitude)
"Thank you so much... my gratitude is indescribable."
Hiden: (He turns to Kazuma with a serious question)
"Kazuma, why did you specifically initiate giving him that land that is so precious to you?"
Kazuma: (He draws a confident and calm smile)
"Don't worry, Hiden, this matter makes me happy. I prefer for him to take it than for it to remain deserted and empty."
Hiden: (Gently and with deep appreciation)
"I will not forget this favor as long as I live, Kazuma. My deepest thanks to you."
Kazuma: (His face flushes with shyness, and he raises his voice with some agitation)
"Stop this, you fool! You're making me embarrassed!"
Kazuma: (He calms himself down and smiles)
"Since I have completed my mission, I will leave tomorrow morning."
Ai: (With a serious and gratitude-filled statement)
"I swear that your intervention will not fade from my memory as long as I am alive."
Kazuma: (Insistently, trying to end the talk of thanks)
"I said enough! No need for further thanks."
(Micha and Zarion approached Hiden and bowed to him with utmost respect and politeness.)
Micha: (Calmly and respectfully)
"We sincerely apologize, sir, for detaining you."
Hiden: (He replies gracefully and confidently)
"You made no mistake. You were only following orders."
(Early morning arrived. The sun rays and birds were appearing over Kimura's residence.)
(The camera focuses on confident footsteps. Two feet wearing long white socks appear, walking with stability and determination.)
(Kazuma wakes up. Everyone is waiting for him at the breakfast table, including: Ai, Raiden, Caro, Hiden, and even Aiden. Kazuma enters and sees them.)
Kazuma: (In surprise and astonishment)
"Were you waiting for me? Why haven't you started eating yet?"
Hiden: (Graciously and soberly)
"It is not appropriate for us to eat and forget our guest who is staying with us."
Kazuma: (Briefly, as he walks towards the table)
"In any case, I appreciate your kindness."
Aiden: (He forces a smile, carrying a hidden, provocative tone)
"How was your night? Did you enjoy a restful break?"
Kazuma: (With decisive seriousness, his eyes sending a meaningful look)
"It was a good night, provided we exclude the unwelcome intervention of intruders."
Aiden: (He stops smiling, asking calmly but with a sharp, inquiring gaze)
"Who exactly do you mean by 'intruder'?"
Kazuma: (Calmly and confidently, refusing to delve into details)
"Interpret it however you like. I am not obligated to offer justifications or explanations to anyone."
(A brief, tension-filled silence falls over the table. Everyone realizes that a hidden exchange of threats has occurred between Kazuma and Aiden.)
(Everyone continued exchanging conversations around the dining table. Signs of distress and annoyance were evident on Caro's face, while Aiden remained completely silent. Meanwhile, Kazuma, Hiden, and Ai exchanged playful banter with quiet cheerfulness.)
(Suddenly, Micha entered through the door.)
Caro: (Roughly, and with a tone lacking politeness)
"What brings you here?"
Micha: (In a calm, neutral voice)
"An old man wishes to meet you."
(Caro rose from his seat without hesitation.)
Caro:
"Enjoy your breakfast, everyone."
Kazuma: (In a quiet voice, preparing to leave)
"Hiden, get ready so we can return to the village."
Hiden: (Speaking with clear regret but firm resolve)
"I am sorry, Kazuma, but I have decided to stay here."
Kazuma: (He smiles calmly and closes his eyes in acceptance)
"That is your opinion, and I fully respect it. I have done my duty towards you, and I will let you make your decision freely."
(The scene transitions to Caro's room, where he was standing. His eyes were trembling, and his lips were visibly quivering, indicating a deep internal struggle or shock.)
The Voice: (A deep voice carrying a paternal and nostalgic tone)
"Did you not miss me, my son?"
Caro: (In a deeply affected, barely audible, trembling voice)
"Father... Is that really you?"