It took less time than expected for Eugene to convince Ivatar of his true identity as Hamel’s reincarnation. At first, Ivatar’s face showed disbelief at the absurd claim.
"No, what I'm saying is, I am the reincarnation of Hamel," Eugene repeated with emphasis in clear frustration.
Eventually, Ivatar had no choice but to nod in acceptance. He didn't inquire about how it had been possible for Eugene to reincarnate.
"Why are you telling me this…?" Ivatar asked cautiously.
Eugene found himself at a loss for words. Why… was he telling Ivatar?
Initially, Eugene had no intention of revealing this to Ivatar. He would have invited Ivatar to the roundtable meeting if he had planned to do so. Although more people would eventually come to know the truth, Eugene’s initial plan had been to only confide in his family.
In other words, Eugene’s decision to reveal the truth to Ivatar had been more impulsive and emotionally driven.
It might have led to a different outcome if he had not told anyone the truth. But he had revealed his secret to his immediate family only a few hours ago, and it had led to an unsatisfactory outcome. If only it had been serious and solemn…
'No, at first, it was serious and solemn,' Eugene corrected himself.
—I am Hamel's reincarnation.
—I will save my friend Vermouth.
The atmosphere was quite grave until then.
However, Carmen’s nonsensical remarks and Cyan’s mockery instantly deprived the moment of any seriousness.
In other words, it was partly Carmen and Cyan’s fault that Eugene could be moved so easily.
Of course, Eugene didn't blame them entirely. He wasn't that shameless. He had revealed his true identity to Ivatar because he realized Ivatar was the reincarnation of the Great Warrior. He intended to make Ivatar his Great Warrior one day, and for that, he needed Ivatar to know the truth. He would leverage Ivatar to garner massive faith in the Great Forest.
Strictly speaking, he could have achieved that without revealing the truth about his reincarnation. However, he thought he could gain more respect from Ivatar if he revealed his past identity.
'Respect,' Eugene mused silently.
That was the main issue.
Ivatar didn't respect Hamel. He acknowledged Hamel as a hero but not as a warrior, which Eugene found immensely irritating.
A hero was a warrior. How were they any different? Hamel was an incompetent warrior because he caused his comrades trouble in Babel?
That was complete nonsense.
Hamel had never foolishly fallen into traps in Babel and endangered his comrades.
"I am... telling you this fact because—" Eugene stopped mid-sentence and composed himself. He was sure he could honestly express his feelings and thoughts without issues. Eugene was proud and confident of his identity from his previous life.
But... the problem was Ivatar, not Eugene. It would be very awkward for Ivatar if Eugene said he had revealed his identity because Ivatar didn't respect him enough.
Eugene had known Ivatar for a long time. In fact, Ivatar had helped him out initially, and the two of them had fought as allies, albeit not back-to-back, on the same battlefield. And now, Ivatar stood as the Chief of Zoran. He was the monarch of the entirety of Samar Forest. His position was comparable to that of an emperor.
Naturally, such a stature deserved respect. To imply that he revealed his secret because Ivatar didn't respect him would be akin to oppressing Ivatar with his authority from three hundred years ago.
Therefore, for Ivatar's sake, Eugene had to offer a different reason.
"It's because you suffered because of me," Eugene said solemnly.
"What do you mean by that?" Ivatar asked, looking even more puzzled. Eugene maintained his serious demeanor.
It wasn’t difficult to give a reason, as it would be the same narrative he had shared with his family at the roundtable.
“The Black Lion Castle was attacked by Hamel's Death Knight. The Death Knight realized he was a fake and attacked to provoke me, the real reincarnation of Hamel. He deliberately chose a time when I wasn't here, and innocent Black Lion Knights and Zoran warriors suffered….”
"Fortunately, no one died, but surviving and feeling humiliated are two different things, right, Ivatar? That bastard could have killed you, but he chose not to,” said Eugene.
"....." Ivatar listened to the explanation in silence.
"His target wasn't you but me. That's why I'm revealing my secret to you, the Chieftain of Zoran. I'm taking responsibility for this situation and apologizing to you,” continued Eugene.
"There's no need to apologize." Ivatar shook his head vigorously. "Why should you apologize for the rampage of that impostor? I harbor no resentment towards you, not one bit. It’s not just me, either. The warriors of Zoran don't blame their incompetence on anyone else,” responded Ivatar.
"Ivatar, you truly are like a warrior. I acknowledge you as a warrior."
Eugene's words were deliberate, but Ivatar didn't notice their manipulative undertone.
Instead, he was visibly moved and firmly took Eugene's hand.
"Oh, hero of three hundred years ago, I have misunderstood you,” admitted Ivatar.
"Hmm."
"I know very little about you. What I knew was from old fairy tales from my childhood in the forest. Ever since I was little, I always wanted to know about the outside world, especially the Lionheart family, as renowned as it was across the continent. I admired and respected the Hero, Great Vermouth, the founder of the Lionheart clan,” explained Ivatar.
"Hmm."
"I respected all the heroes who brought peace to the continent three hundred years ago, but Hamel , as told in stories, didn't seem very remarkable to me. I did think that his end was heroic, but as a warrior, the Brave Molon and Great Vermouth seemed more admirable to me."
"Hmm."
Eugene squeezed Ivatar’s hand tighter.
"But... it was I who was stupid. Hamel, please forgive my ignorance. I may not know much about Hamel, but I know a lot about my friend Eugene. Eugene is a hero and warrior esteemed by everyone in this world. Naturally, Hamel would be the same,” said Ivatar.
"Hmm."
Eugene maintained a grave expression despite feeling extremely satisfied.
"Great and brave warrior, hero transcending three hundred years through reincarnation, to walk the path of hardship again to save the world. To describe you simply as a warrior and hero would be an understatement. It would be disrespectful. You are the miracle of the World Tree itself, embodying the cycle of all souls and the Hero awaited by the world,” continued Ivatar.
“Hmm…” Eugene sounded satisfied.
That seemed sufficient.
Eugene released Ivatar’s hand before responding, “I am the reincarnation of Hamel, but there’s no need for formalities. Just call me Eugene, like you always have.”
Ivatar started, “How could I possibly…!”
“No, really, it’s fine. It’d be ridiculous for you to suddenly start calling me ‘Lord Eugene.’ I mean, I don’t intend to publicly reveal that I am Hamel’s reincarnation,” assured Eugene.
But was it perhaps the right time to go public with the truth? Eugene previously guarded the secret of his reincarnation because he wasn’t ready to face the enemies from his past.
Eugene had not been satisfied with his strength until a few years ago. He had been worried and feared premature confrontation with the Demon King of Incarceration, especially Gavid Lindman if the truth came out.
But now, those worries were unnecessary. Eugene had grown significantly stronger, and Molon and Sienna were around. Anise had died, but her spirit resided with Kristina. Various nations across the continent supported Eugene wholeheartedly.
Moreover, the Demon King of Incarceration had vowed not to disturb the peace until Eugene ascended Babel.
Revealing his true identity wouldn’t pose a danger. It was just a matter of overcoming personal embarrassment. But it had been partly alleviated by disclosing the truth to the Lionheart family.
Of course, there were still other things to consider before revealing the truth. If Melkith learned of Eugene’s identity, she would squeal like a goat. Afterward, she would tease him, just like how Cyan had done….
‘No… There’s no need to publicize it,’ Eugene decided.
It seemed too abrupt. Eugene’s deeds had already earned him widespread recognition. It seemed superfluous to reveal his true identity as Hamel’s reincarnation.
It would be uncalled for to suddenly gather people only to reveal that he was Hamel’s reincarnation.
‘Unless the right moment comes.’ Eugene thought as he stole a glance at Ivatar.
Ivatar had composed himself. Instead of awe and surprise, he now looked at Eugene with wonder.
“Anyway, I have no plans to reveal I’m a reincarnation of Hamel,” Eugene assured once more.
“Hmm…. Then, who else knows besides me?” asked Ivatar.
“Molon, Sienna, and Kristina. From the Lionheart family, the members of the main family and the elders know, and among the Black Lion Knights, Genos knows. Ah… also… the Red Tower Master and the Emperor of Kiehl,” Eugene answered.
“It’s quite unexpected that the emperor knows as well. Aside from him, it’s just those you are close to, is that right?” said Ivatar.
That fact amused Ivatar.
“Eugene. You’ve shared your secret with me because I’m the Chief of Zoran, right?” questioned Ivatar.
“Well, I think I might have told you even if you were just a regular warrior. Honestly, I’m not sure. Whatever answer I give is just speculation, and you are indeed the grand chief, right?”
Eugene smiled wryly while shaking his head.
“But if I didn't like you, even if you were the grand chief, I wouldn't have revealed my identity to you. I wouldn’t have come to comfort you, nor would I have felt any guilt,” admitted Eugene.
If Eugene didn’t like Ivatar, why would he have revealed his identity as Hamel? Instead, he could have found any reason to pummel him.
“Hahaha!” Ivatar burst into hearty laughter, unaware of Eugene’s thoughts. It brought him joy to be recognized as a warrior by the reincarnation of Hamel, but hearing such words from Hamel felt even more gratifying.
After laughing for a while, Ivatar looked straight at Eugene.
“Am I your friend?” he asked.
“Why are you asking such a thing all of a sudden?” replied Eugene.
— Eugene Lionheart. Even if you are not the head of the family, the Lionheart clan will not be able to ignore your existence and power.
— I want to be friends with someone like you. We are of the same age and strong. Being friends with me won’t be a bad thing for you.
It was four years ago when Ivatar and Eugene first met and had this conversation. Ivatar had reacted passionately, despite Eugene’s lukewarm response.
Ivatar nodded vigorously, and his shoulders quivered.
“The Zoran Tribe will always be a staunch ally to you. Even if I die, Zoran will never become an enemy to you, to Lionheart,” Ivatar swore.
“Die? What are you talking about?” Eugene replied.
Thump. Eugene patted Ivatar's shoulder.
“I've died once, so I know. You can never tell what will happen after death. No matter what you say, things can change if you die,” said Eugene.
From Agaroth’s memory, he didn’t get to see the Great Warrior’s death properly. Agaroth had briefly lost consciousness when the Demon King of Destruction ran rampant, and when he awoke in the arms of the Twilight Witch, the Great Warrior was already dead.
It was a bitter memory.
“So don’t go talking about after death. You should plan on not dying,” said Eugene before turning away.
***
Sienna went to Aroth, and Kristina to Yuras. Gilead had not yet returned from the imperial palace, and Carmen, Gion, and Ciel remained in the Black Lion Castle.
Eugene returned to the Lionheart mansion with other family members.
“Nice to see after so long—” Eugene had to stop mid-sentence. The main mansion had changed so much in the nearly one year of his absence since he last visited. Eugene surveyed the forest, which brimmed with mana and spirits, before giving a hollow laugh and raising his finger.
“What's that about?” Ancilla asked. She had returned with the others to the main house and looked at Eugene with a complex expression.
She still found it awkward that Eugene was the reincarnation of Hamel. As such, she didn’t blatantly glare at him, but still, her gaze was sharp. Eugene cleared his throat and lowered his finger.
“Hmm, perhaps hiring a skilled landscaper would be a good idea,” he suggested.
“Are you serious?” Ancilla shot back.
Her gaze sharpened. Recognizing that she had reverted to her fierce demeanor from long back before she softened as the lady of the Lionheart family, Euegen felt a sting from her piercing look.
“Should I personally trim them…?” Eugene asked.
“Don’t ask me, ask Sir Signard. I wonder if that strict elf would even allow a single pruning,” Ancilla said irritably.
Eugene averted his gaze to dodge her biting remark. He had transported three saplings of the World Tree from the Great Forest in the past. In the beginning, the saplings had stood smaller compared to other trees. However, each time Eugene left and returned, they had grown significantly….
‘But who would have thought they would grow that much?’ Eugene thought as he gazed in the distance.
Three trees towered over all the others in the meticulously tended inner part of the Lionheart estate’s forest. Their immense presence made it seem like the entire forest was there to guard them.
It had not even been a year yet, so how had they grown so big?
“…..”
He did have his suspicions about the reason behind their sudden growth. Sienna and the elves had awoken from their long slumber in the Great Forest. The World Tree had regained its vitality, along with the territory of the elves.
“Not really just saplings anymore, are they?” Eugene commented.
“Now that we’re on the topic. What exactly do you plan to do with those trees?” Ancilla questioned.
“Hmm…. Leaving them alone might be best, don’t you think? Their presence has filled the forest with mana, making it an ideal place for training. It’s definitely beneficial for the future of the Lionheart family,” said Eugene.
“I agree, but we can’t let the trees keep growing. Eugene, you might not realize this, but it's not just the World Trees that are growing,” responded Ancilla.
“The forest does seem denser,” commented Eugene.
“The main house of the Lionheart clan is a venerable place. But at this rate, it will be swallowed up by the forest. And!” Ancilla pointed towards the edge of the forest in vexation.
Eugene observed the towering chimneys, forges, and furnaces below. He quietly closed his mouth.
“How does this look to you?” questioned Ancilla.
“Magnificent,” responded Eugene.
Crack!
Ancilla’s fan shattered.
Cyan, Gerhard, and the servants looked uneasy. Eugene quickly added, “The forge produces weapons and armor for the great Lionheart clan, doesn’t it? And not just that, the dwarves can craft anything, even fine ornaments for Lady Ancilla.…”
“…..” Ancilla stared at Eugene without responding.
“This is just my personal opinion, but what about relocating the manor? Leave this place to the elves to manage, turning it into a training ground, forge, promenade, and forest for the Lionheart clan…. Then build a splendid new manor nearby,” Eugene suggested.
“This place was chosen by our founder, Sir Vermouth,” retorted Ancilla.
“But the manor has been rebuilt several times in the last three hundred years, right? In my opinion, our founder wouldn’t mind if his descendants moved elsewhere.”
Eugene made sure to emphasize certain words as he spoke.
“…..” Ancilla didn’t respond, but she didn’t seem too displeased.
Eugene exhaled deeply with relief after confirming her reaction.