...
On the light curtain, time did not halt because of Elbaf's tragedy.
The ruins of the brewing village were cleared, the involved giants severely punished, and Prince Loki paid the price for his rage.
He was temporarily confined deep within the royal castle for "deep reflection."
The screen briefly went black. When it lit up again, years had passed.
The outside world's impression of Elbaf and the giant race seemed to have undergone an earth-shaking change.
In taverns, docks, markets, and even in the palaces of certain kingdoms, people discussed fervently.
"Have you heard? The 'Mist Giant' destroyed another pirate crew that was rampaging in the first half of the Grand Line! The Marines even issued a battle report—super efficient!"
"Now on some routes, as soon as pirates hear rumors that the 'Giant Marine' is active nearby, they detour around!"
"Elbaf's giant strong liquor has been selling like crazy lately! They say it's potent enough to ward off the cold—North Blue merchant fleets are fighting over it!"
"And their handmade wooden carvings and furs are getting popular too. People used to think they were just scary, but now look—their craftsmanship is pretty impressive!"
Everyone began to change their views on the giant race; even those who once disliked them started trying to accept them…
In the newspapers, Morgans' World Economic Journal reported with sensational headlines: The Glory of the Giant Race: From Terrifying Legends to Peaceful Guardians!
Though it didn't say so outright, the subtext hinted that Elbaf was walking a path of "actively integrating into the world order."
Harald's name began to be frequently linked with words like "reliable ally," "powerful combat force," and "symbol of peace."
His prestige reached an unprecedented peak within Elbaf and gained widespread—even slightly awed—recognition from the outside world.
The light curtain returned to Elbaf.
At a grand ceremony, Harald stood on high. He appeared even steadier than a few years earlier, the vicissitudes in his brow replaced by a light full of hope.
He waved his massive arms, his voice booming like a bell as he painted a tangible future for his people: "Once we officially join the World Government and gain recognition and equal status from all member nations,
I plan to build an unprecedented 'Giant Sightseeing Cruise Ship' exclusive to our Elbaf!"
Excitement gleamed in his eyes: "It can let other countries visit Elbaf and showcase our Elbaf culture! Let the world truly see that we are not only warriors, but partners who can create peace together!"
Below the stage, countless giant warriors erupted in earth-shaking cheers and agreement, their faces brimming with pride and anticipation.
The long-standing shadow of rejection and fear seemed to be dispelled by the glory Harald had brought.
After the ceremony, Harald sat with the visiting Saul in the plaza outside the newly built Owl Library.
"Saul…"
Harald gazed at the giant children playing in the distance, his tone full of emotion and relief: "Elbaf… is truly getting better. The children's smiles are more frequent than before."
Saul smiled gently: "Yes, Your Majesty. Everyone sees your efforts. Knowledge is taking root here, and the barriers with the outside world are melting away.
Perhaps… the era of peaceful coexistence really isn't far off."
Two giants who had thought deeply about history and the future both held sincere hope for Elbaf's prospects at that moment.
Harald spoke from the bottom of his heart: "The turning point for all this… perhaps it all began when I met Ida.
Meeting her was the greatest treasure of my life as Harald!"
However, just as Harald uttered these words full of deep affection and gratitude…
The light curtain's lens moved slowly, as if with cold mockery, and froze at the edge of the plaza beneath an ancient tree.
There stood a simple yet meticulously maintained giant stone tombstone.
Carved in giant script were the plain words: "Ida."
Outside the light curtain, the real Harald's pupils suddenly contracted the instant he saw the clear close-up of that tombstone—his heart felt as if an invisible hand had seized it!
He had still clung to a faint, unrealistic sliver of hope.
Maybe… maybe Ida had only been gravely ill and was later cured by the famous doctors Hajrudin brought back?
Maybe she just needed long-term rest?
But now, this cold tombstone mercilessly crushed his last illusion and slapped him hard across the face!
She was dead.
While he was painting grand futures and basking in his people's admiration, the "greatest treasure" he spoke of had long since lain in eternal rest beneath the earth.
Immense pain surged over him like a belated tsunami, swallowing Harald once more just as he had begun to feel a slight solace from seeing "achievements."
His towering body swayed, nearly unable to stand.
As if to rip open this deepest wound completely, the light curtain did not continue showing the "successful" Harald…
It abruptly rewound to that decisive, heartbreaking moment: Ida's final scene before death.
The location was the familiar wooden house in the fishing village, the air thick with the heavy scent of medicine and the icy breath of impending death.
Harald had rushed back from afar, dust-covered, not even having time to remove his salt-crusted cloak from the sea wind.
Hajrudin and his companions had also returned from the sea and stood outside the house with bowed heads and dejected expressions—they had tried their best but brought back no real hope.
A heavy, unshakable gloom hung over every face.
Inside, Ida leaned weakly against the raised head of the bed, her face paper-pale, lips cracked and peeling.
Yet when her eyes saw Harald, they still managed to curve into a gentle smile.
She listened quietly as Harald spoke rapidly, even somewhat incoherently, about how the outside world was changing its view of Elbaf…
Hearing Harald recount the good news, describing the growing expectations among the tribe.
"That's wonderful… Harald…"
Ida's voice was as faint as a thread, yet filled with genuine comfort: "I still remember… when I first came to Elbaf, the way everyone looked at me… and the fights between villages…
Now… things are really getting better every day…"
Harald fought back the soreness at the tip of his nose and the burning in his eyes. He sat on the edge of the bed and extended his massive hand.
He wanted to hold Ida's hand but feared his strength might hurt her, so he could only hover it in midair.
A smile forced its way onto Harald's face. He began gesturing animatedly, using the most vivid and hopeful tone possible to describe the beautiful future blueprint in his heart:
The peaceful scene after joining the World Government, where Elbaf's children could freely choose their paths in life…
The image of all races living in harmony! And the softest scene in his heart
...