Chapter 82: The Deliciousness of Chocolate and Wild Berries
"Roy has always been a clever one since childhood!"
Amatsuki Toki recalled what Grandpa Jarul had once told her. But if Jarul and Jorul could see Roy now—pretending to be a "Thunder God" and tricking the people of Torino—they'd probably choke on their laughter.
"Roy is unbelievably strong! His potential is limitless!" a chubby man said proudly beside them.
They still couldn't get over the fact that Roy had stood in the middle of Horus's lightning and walked away unscathed. To them, that was proof enough that he really was Thor.
Roy only smiled and shook his head. If these islanders knew that although he was fated to become a "king," all he really wanted was to be a sea king—a free ruler of the waves—they'd probably faint.
"By the way, will you be staying with us for a while? Things have become so peaceful here," one of the men asked warmly.
The Kingdom of Torino had indeed become a rare place where humans and giant birds lived together in harmony.
"Gah!"
"Wow!"
"Hmm!"
The birds nodded in agreement, flapping their massive wings gently.
Roy smiled. "We'll stay for a while. Actually, I might need a bit of help from you all."
"Oh, of course! Whatever you need, we'll help," one of the men said eagerly. Then, rubbing his belly awkwardly, he added, "But… could you please stop calling me Uncle Potato? It's friendly, but it makes me feel like I'm about to end up in a stew pot…"
"Hahaha!"
"Pfft, hahaha!"
The people burst out laughing, and even the giant birds let out strange squawks that sounded suspiciously like laughter. The air filled with warmth and good humor.
After sharing a hot pot meal prepared by the villagers at noon, Roy took Toki's hand and followed one of the men to a massive structure in the center of the tribe.
"Here we are," the man said, pointing at the large wooden doors.
Before he could push them open, Roy placed a hand on the door and gently pushed—sending the heavy gates swinging wide.
"What terrifying strength! Roy's incredible!" the man gasped.
"My strength isn't the greatest," Roy said modestly, glancing inside.
Within the building stood towering bookshelves stretching nearly to the ceiling. Every wall was covered with books, filling the vast hall to the brim.
"This is our village library," the man explained as he led Roy inside, the grass skirt around his waist swaying as he walked. "If your companions ever come, they can use the resources here to study and research illnesses."
Despite their primitive appearance, the men's "spears" were in fact modified rocket launchers—remnants of their battles against the giant birds.
Roy gazed in awe at the massive shelves and winding staircases that spiraled upward, connecting the different levels. Sunlight streamed through the windows, and the lighting near the corners was soft and perfect for reading.
"What a place…" Roy murmured.
Being amazed while watching it in anime was one thing—but standing here in person, surrounded by countless books, was overwhelming.
Aside from Ohara, this was the most impressive collection he had ever seen.
Ohara held the world's knowledge of history and languages. Torino, on the other hand, possessed the greatest collection of medical books in existence.
"Can anyone really finish all this in two years?" Roy asked, still stunned.
"Two years? Hah! You're joking, right?" the man chuckled. "None of us could finish reading everything even in a lifetime."
After exploring the vast library, Roy made one simple request: when Charlotte Linlin arrived with her doctors, they should be allowed to freely study and research the books here.
Having seen how Roy resolved the conflict with the giant birds, the villagers agreed without hesitation.
Later that evening, Roy returned to the small wooden house the tribe had provided. He closed the door behind him and walked to the window, where Toki was sitting quietly.
He plopped himself onto her lap, grinning. Her skin was soft and smooth to the touch.
Still, Roy couldn't help but wish he'd grow up faster—just so he could have her sit on his lap next time. Those who knew, knew exactly what kind of excitement that thought carried.
"Sister Toki, I found these in the forest," he said with a mischievous smile, setting down a small basket of berries. "The uncle said they're the sweetest and most sour fruit around!"
"Oh? And then?" Toki asked, tilting her head curiously.
Roy said nothing. Instead, he picked up one of the small fruits and brought it to her lips. She took a bite without thinking—only for him to lean forward and steal a kiss before she could react.
"Wha—Roy!" she gasped, her cheeks burning.
The fruit was sweet and sour… but his trick made it even sweeter.
---
The next morning.
Roy woke early, holding a piece of chocolate in his hand. He glanced at Toki, then at the chocolate, licking his lips with a sly smile.
Toki stirred under the blanket but didn't open her eyes. If she did, that mischievous brat would surely start teasing her again.
Yesterday, it was wild berries. Today… chocolate?
Absolutely not.
"Still pretending to sleep?" Roy teased, leaning closer, the chocolate half-melted between his lips.
He slowly lifted the blanket. "Don't worry, I'm just checking your health~"
"Stop it! Don't go too far!" Toki squealed, clutching the blanket around herself.
Roy laughed wickedly and pounced, offering her the other half of the chocolate in a way that left her no choice but to "taste" it.
---
North Blue.
The home of comic strips.
At a naval base, Tsuru hurried to the base commander's office after receiving an urgent message. She knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," a voice called from within.
Tsuru entered and saluted smartly.
"Orders from above," the commander said with a cough. "This is your new… assignment. Go prepare yourself."
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