Liria boldly spoke first.

“I couldn’t tell you earlier because of Father’s request. So I’m not at fault. Of course, you can take your anger out on me if you want.”

After a moment’s pause, the old Duke spoke.

“…Hmm, yes. I wasn’t angry with you.”

Finally, Grandfather honestly acknowledged his true feelings.

A smile-like expression briefly passed across Vladimir’s lips as he languidly looked down at the child.

Liria caught it and was surprised with an “Eh?” but the old Duke immediately stiffened his lips again and asked.

“Ahem. So, what business do you have?”

“Well, Grandfather. Do you remember when I said I would show you a new magical achievement within a month?”

“Yes.”

“Actually, it hasn’t even been two weeks since I said that.”

“You know withdrawal isn’t an option, right?”

The Duke narrowed his eyes while stroking his beard.

“Of course! I’m not trying to withdraw… I might show you even sooner. Please look forward to it!”

“Hmph, already?”

Liria said this while slightly scratching her nose and added.

“And, I have something additional to propose, Grandfather!”

“…A proposal?”

“Yes. You never make deals where you lose, right Grandfather?”

“That’s right.”

“I’m the same way.”

“…What’s your point?”

“Please take me to the next family assembly.”

“You to the family assembly?”

“Yes, you don’t have to keep me by your side. I’ll just attend from a distance.”

The Duke’s eyes wavered momentarily as he quietly observed Liria’s bobbing pink head.

“Your father will be there.”

“…Father and I are keeping our distance for now. Not by my choice, of course.”

Though she had been disappointed and hurt, she could speak calmly about it now.

“……”

Vladimir recalled what Classid had said earlier.

“…I’m going to send Liria to her mother.”

“That fool son of mine has lost his mind.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Then please scold him.”

After blurting this out without thinking, Liria shook her head vigorously.

“No, what’s the point of blaming someone who’s sick? I should be the one to endure since I’m not ill.”

“Hmph, what did you say? That guy, really.”

Though small in stature, her inner thoughts seemed very adult-like.

“Hahaha! Hahahahaha!”

Grandfather’s hearty laughter echoed throughout the room.

Then suddenly stopping his laughter, he asked in a low voice.

His eyes were sharp once again.

“But, there was something missing from our earlier conversation, wasn’t there?”

“Oh right, I didn’t tell you what I would do for you, did I?”

“Correct. Let’s hear it. Make your offer.”

Now with his arms folded, clearly ready to properly listen to her words, she raised her small hand and gestured.

“Grandfather, could I have your ear for a moment?”

“…How bothersome.”

The Duke approached and presented his ear.

“Is this good enough?”

“Yes. Grandfather, you mustn’t tell this to anyone, alright?”

And at Liria’s next words, his eyes widened.

“I’m going to find the…”

“What? I don’t know where you saw or heard about this, but that’s impossible.”

“No, it’s not. I’m sorry that this is all I can tell you right now. But I will definitely find it and show you.”

The Duke was momentarily speechless at the strangely confident lime-green eyes and the child’s tone.

“Is this a satisfactory deal condition for you?”

It felt like that small child was manipulating him for a moment.

“Then I’ll see you next time. See you later too, Uncle Emmett!”

Having completed her behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Liria gave a bow and pattered away.

He noticed the pink teddy bear dangling from her white bear bag.

With fluffy fur.

‘She carries around something trivial, just like her.’

But the more he thought about it, she was quite adorable, not at all like a mere six-year-old.

***

“I’m going to find the mana cave in the eternal snow mountain.”

Finding the mana cave deep within the eternal snow mountain in northern Roberg had been Grandfather’s long-cherished wish.

Liria couldn’t forget his surprised expression.

It certainly wasn’t just an absurd story.

Of course not.

It was the one thing that Grandfather, who had succeeded at everything in the past, had attempted but given up on.

Something he had challenged throughout his life but failed to achieve would surely remain a knot in his heart.

In his younger days, he had even organized an expedition team to detect the cave but repeatedly failed to discover the entrance.

In fact, some magical scholars and geologists argued that the Roberg family’s development into a magical family might be due to the mana cave.

Because of the enormous mana emitted from the snow mountain and cave, the Roberg bloodline was born with strong magical power.

So the speculation that there must be something in the mana cave continued.

If discovered, there would be tremendous treasures or resources.

And that was true.

In the original story, Adrian discovered the mana cave in the snow mountain of the fallen Roberg.

Inside the mana cave, precious mana repositories existed in physical form.

From mana-filled magic stones to veins of spirit stones inhabited by elementals, and herbs with mysterious medicinal properties.

It was truly a natural heaven that could write a new history and a goldmine!

Liria remembered well the part where Adrian found the entrance to the mana cave with his expedition team.

However, there were several problems.

The snow mountain was crawling with powerful magical beasts.

There was also a guardian protecting the inside of the mana cave.

Currently, Liria had neither the power nor helpers to defeat them.

Anyway, though she didn’t have a hammer, she had the location and nails.

And as far as Liria knew, the only person who could do this well was Classid.

So she needed to open Classid’s heart quickly.

To find a new key as well.

To find the mana cave as well.

Furthermore, to prevent Osdel from taking control of the Roberg family.

Just then, Kiki emerged from the bag and scurried up onto Liria’s shoulder.

“Pit! Kyukyu!”

It was urging her to check the book quickly.

“Ah, right! Yes, I’ll go back and check right away.”

Returning to her room, Liria promptly summoned the key and book.

[The target’s heart is opening. (2/10)]

Liria’s eyes widened.

Does the current target refer to Grandfather?

⟨Still, I think I understand Grandfather’s heart.⟩

When she empathized with Grandfather’s feelings, an echo resonated in her chest.

And last time.

⟨I want to know Father’s true feelings.⟩

That’s what she had said.

Does the key and book give hints when she mentions someone’s heart?

Alright, let’s experiment.

Liria suddenly looked at Kiki in front of her and said.

“Kiki! I want to know your heart!”

Kiki jumped up as if cheering for Liria.

That’s when it happened.

The Key of Power glowed and the book page turned.

[The target’s heart is opening. (47/1000)]