"As for Hulim, she'll probably receive invitations from major organizations around the world."

Alicia said with a smile,

"Don't be so difficult to choose when the time comes~"

"What a surprise..."

Hulim looked at Alicia in surprise.

"I thought you would take the opportunity to win me over on behalf of the Imperial Family."

Alicia smiled and shook her head.

"If it were a royal order, I would obey, but as a friend, I would not do that. I know very well that Hulim's stage should be higher and should not be bound by the empire."

"If you say that, the emperor will be sad~."

Alicia raised a finger to make a silencing gesture, blinked her eyes, and said:

"Just don't let him know."

"You..."

Hulim also smiled, then looked at Miko.

"We've already talked about our plans. What about you, Miko?"

"I--"

Miko paused, then stood up, raised his chin and patted his chest.

"I've already decided this!"

"Oh, that's unexpected. I thought you hadn't thought of anything."

"What? Hulim, don't treat me like a fool!"

Miko protested loudly.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself and blurted out what was in my heart~."

"Hugh—li—m—"

"Oh, sorry, sorry..."

Hulim quickly covered her mouth.

"Hmph! Hulim, what a fool!"

Miko glared at Hulim angrily.

Then he slowly expressed his thoughts.

"... Actually, when I saw Hulim defeat Lugi and become the champion of the King's Martial Arts Ceremony, I suddenly understood something."

"Be it the plight of the White Cat Royal Family, the enemies both overt and covert, or the powerful opponents they encountered, everything."

"As long as we become stronger, we can overcome them all."

“… …”

Seeing Miko like this, Hulim and Alicia quieted down and listened attentively.

"...So, at that time, I decided—"