The journey back to Vailor was peaceful.
After spending a few days in the hot springs city, returning home brought a familiar feeling. It was strange to think about it, but my mansion had truly become my home.
When we passed through the gates of the estate, several staff members came to greet us. I quickly greeted everyone before entering with the girls.
The rest of that day passed without any major events.
We rested.
We talked.
We enjoyed the peace.
However, while we were having dinner that night, I found myself thinking once again about something I had been putting off for quite some time.
My lands in the Kingdom of the Giants.
Ever since I had received those lands as a reward, I had sent administrators, merchants, and several specialists to help manage the region. Reports arrived regularly, showing that everything was going well.
Even so, it had been a long time since I had visited the place in person.
And honestly, it was beginning to bother me.
It was my responsibility.
Besides that, I also hadn't seen the King of the Giants in quite some time.
Nor the princess.
Thinking about it more carefully, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
The war had ended.
The kingdoms were at peace.
And I finally had some free time.
After dinner, I brought up the idea.
"I'm thinking about visiting the Kingdom of the Giants."
Liriel was the first to respond.
"That sounds like a good idea."
"I think so too."
Said Lyannis.
"You haven't visited those lands in quite a while."
The others agreed.
Even Liriel's assistant looked curious.
"I've never visited a kingdom of giants."
"Then this will be a good opportunity."
I replied.
The decision was made quickly.
We would leave the following day.
The next morning, we left the mansion shortly after breakfast.
This time, we would use transportation magic to shorten part of the journey. Even so, it would still take some time to reach the giants' territory.
As we traveled, the landscape gradually changed.
The ordinary forests gave way to much larger trees.
The roads became wider.
Even some of the buildings along the way looked enormous compared to those found in the human kingdoms.
It was one of the signs that we were getting close.
Liriel's assistant observed everything with curiosity.
"So this is the territory of the giants."
"We're only in the border region."
I explained.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
She seemed intrigued.
Several hours later, we arrived at the main gates of the city where the administrative center of my lands was located.
As soon as the guards recognized us, the massive gates were opened.
Even after so many visits, the sight was still impressive.
The walls looked like small mountains.
The towers were so enormous that some human buildings could fit inside them.
Everything in that kingdom was built for giants.
Literally.
When we entered the city, some people quickly recognized our group.
It didn't take long before comments began to spread.
"It's the Hero."
"Lord Takumi has returned."
"He's back."
Many residents waved as we passed.
Others simply watched with curiosity.
Liriel's assistant looked surprised.
"You're popular here."
"More than I'd like to be."
I replied.
Scarlett let out a quiet laugh.
"You say that every time."
"Because it's true."
We continued through the city.
Unlike human cities, the pace was somewhat different.
The giants had their own rhythm.
Even the simplest tasks seemed to happen more slowly and calmly.
Yet at the same time, everything functioned smoothly.
It was a fascinating characteristic of their people.
After some time, we arrived at the castle.
The guards immediately allowed us through.
As soon as I entered the main hall, I heard a familiar voice echo through the room.
"Takumi!"
I looked toward the voice.
The Giant Princess was walking quickly toward us.
Her face showed genuine happiness.
It had been quite some time since our last meeting.
"I was starting to think you'd forgotten about this kingdom."
She said.
"I was busy trying to stop the end of the world."
I replied.
She crossed her arms.
"Apology accepted."
Her response drew several laughs.
Shortly afterward, we were escorted to a private area of the castle.
There, we met the King of the Giants.
Even while seated upon his enormous throne, his presence remained overwhelming.
But unlike many rulers, he had always treated me in a very straightforward manner.
"So you finally decided to show up."
He said.
"I could say the same to you."
I replied.
The king burst into laughter.
"At least you still have the courage to answer back."
"Someone has to."
The princess shook her head.
"I don't think the two of you will ever change."
Perhaps she was right.
After the initial formalities, we spent some time talking.
The king was interested in everything that had happened during the war.
Especially Vaelthor's defeat.
I gave him only a summary.
There was no need to go into every detail.
Even so, he seemed satisfied.
"Defeating one of the Demon King's chief generals is no small feat."
"I didn't do it alone."
I replied.
"I know."
He said.
"But I also know your role was decisive."
After that, the conversation shifted to another topic.
My lands.
That was the very reason I had come.
The king summoned several administrators responsible for the region.
Before long, numerous documents were brought in.
I spent most of the afternoon reviewing reports.
Agricultural production.
Trade.
Construction.
Investments.
Revenue.
Expenses.
The numbers were better than I had expected.
Much better.
Several villages had grown.
New trade routes were thriving.
Tax revenue was steadily increasing.
And most importantly.
The residents seemed satisfied.
That was a good sign.
An excellent sign.
As I reviewed everything, I realized that the administrators had been doing an extremely efficient job.
The investments made over the past few months had produced real results.
When I finally finished reviewing the reports, I felt satisfied.
Perhaps for the first time since I had received those lands.
Because now I could clearly see the progress.
Not only on paper.
But in reality as well.
Later, the princess insisted on showing me some of the areas that had recently been improved.
I accepted.
We spent the rest of the afternoon touring part of the territory.
We visited small communities.
Warehouses.
Farming areas.
Commercial centers.
Wherever we went, the residents seemed cheerful.
Many came to thank us for the investments that had been made.
Others simply greeted us politely.
I knew that most of the credit wasn't mine.
The administrators had worked hard.
The residents themselves had as well.
Even so, it was good to see the results.
At one point, we stopped near a hill.
From there, we could overlook a large portion of the region.
Houses.
Roads.
Fields.
People working.
The princess stood beside me.
"So?"
She asked.
"What do you think?"
I observed the landscape for several moments.
Then I smiled.
"It's doing even better than I imagined."
She looked pleased with my answer.
"I knew you'd say that."
"Because you already knew the answer."
"Exactly."
I shook my head.
There was no arguing with her when she was like that.
The sun was already beginning to set as we returned to the castle.
That visit had only just begun.
There was still much to see.
Many conversations to have.
But one thing was already clear.
The lands were prospering.
The residents were living well.
And the efforts made over the past few months were paying off.
When I finally settled into the room prepared for our stay that night, I felt a satisfaction that was difficult to describe.
After so many battles.
So many wars.
So many dangers.
It was good to see something growing instead of being destroyed.
It was good to see progress.
It was good to see lives improving.
And as I watched the sky darken through the window of the giants' castle, I thought that perhaps this was one of the most valuable outcomes of my entire journey so far.
Not a victory in battle.
Not an enemy defeated.
But the certainty that the people under my responsibility were living better lives than before.
And that alone made the entire journey to the Kingdom of the Giants worthwhile.