– Well… based on your rather curious question, what comes to my mind are only two things – Evo said, his voice slower than usual.
Evo's gaze turned more serious as he continued:
– I can answer your question, Your Highness… but – Evo paused, making sure she was listening closely.
– Only if you promise that nothing said here will ever leave this place.
– Do I have your word that everything will remain a secret? – He asked, staring directly into the Empress's eyes, waiting for her answer.
Evo could have made something up or danced around the conversation to keep his secrets safe, but deep down he knew it would be useless. Looking at her, Evo was certain that this woman would know if he lied about anything. On top of that, she was immensely powerful.
The Elven Empress, Ilytrha… this woman was the third most powerful person Evo had ever met, surpassed only by Freya and Ravina — those two monsters.
Another reason Evo didn't want to lie was far more selfish and not benevolent at all. He would use the act of "revealing his secrets" to stay on good terms and earn many points with that milf. That way, when he eventually claimed her in the future, her acceptance of him would come more easily. Conquering her heart would not be an impossible mountain to climb.
Evo could use his authority in the future to help win her over, but he didn't want that. If these women were to be part of his life — whether Freya, Ravina, Ilytrha, or any woman in the future — he wanted them by his side through his own merit. Together because they genuinely loved each other, not because of manipulation.
Those were his desires. Evo might have considered using the trick of revealing his secrets to gain her trust, but that would be the limit — he would never cross that line.
Evo always maintained a boundary that must not be crossed, constantly reminding himself of his character as a just man.
But then another question surfaced in his mind.
– Ilytrha is a married woman, isn't she? – He thought inwardly.
Of course, that wouldn't stop him from taking her for himself — it would only make things more difficult. In that regard, Evo didn't care in the slightest whether she was married or not. She would be his, and he would not allow anyone to stand in his way.
– Come to think of it… why am I so convinced that she will be my woman?
– Why am I so certain that she belongs to me? – He pondered.
Ever since he arrived on the Elven continent, Evo had been acting differently. Strange emotions constantly seeped into him.
First came that intense nostalgia, and now, standing before the Empress, the feeling that she had always been his woman stirred his blood.
Amidst this whirlwind of thoughts, only a few seconds passed — just enough time for the Empress to answer.
– Very well! – Ilytrha replied, her voice calm and resolute.
As she looked at Evo, she realized he was about to reveal one of his secrets, and she felt grateful for the trust he placed in her. She didn't want to interfere in his life — she knew that would be deeply disrespectful — but there was no way to avoid it…
How could she, when the young man before her held one of the greatest secrets of the Elves — perhaps the greatest of all — and if it were to spread in any way, it could lead to dangerous situations?
As the leader of the continent, she could not allow such things to happen, even if it went against her own principles.
– I swear it in the name of the Goddess of the Elves and our ancestors – Ilytrha raised her hand in oath, even daring to invoke her Goddess, showing just how serious she was.
Seeing her sincerity, Evo nodded, but his eyes narrowed slightly.
– Who is their Goddess? – He wondered.
Evo had always enjoyed stories about civilizations and their religions back on Earth, but he was never religious himself, so he never took such matters too seriously…
– But now it's different – he confirmed internally.
– I'm constantly being involved, directly or indirectly, with gods. Maybe I should study them properly later.
After all, Evo was living in their ancient homeland — what better place to study them than here?
Evo turned his attention back to the Elf.
– Very well, Your Highness. I will answer your question.
– Based on what you asked, I can give you two answers.
– First: I possess a high sensitivity to mana.
Ilytrha looked at Evo with one eyebrow slightly raised in doubt.
– Sensitivity? – She asked.
Evo nodded and glanced toward Elizabeth, who had remained silent until now. Noticing his attention, she tilted her head slightly.
– Heeheehee, how cute! – Evo was charmed by her gesture.
Seeing that she looked at him as if expecting something, he asked:
– Instructor Elizabeth, do you remember when you attacked that sea beast while we were on our way here?
Elizabeth nodded, recalling the moment.
– Do you remember what I told you about your attack when I came to your side?
Elizabeth remembered the scene clearly. Evo had appeared beside her and casually commented:
– "Penetration power… right?"
He had spoken about the nature of her attack before she even launched it. She was still preparing the spell when he made that remark.
Realizing where he was going with this, Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly.
– You commented on the nature of my magic… as if it were nothing special.
Recalling the conversation that followed, another exchange came to mind:
– "So you knew, right?"
And Evo had answered:
– "I'm quite sensitive to spells and magic."
– You told me the same thing back then… that you were sensitive… – She paused, tilting her head in doubt.
– But I thought it was only to magic and spells?
Evo let out a small chuckle.
– I don't think I explained it properly back then – he replied with a wry smile.
– What do you mean? – Elizabeth asked.
Evo raised his finger and pointed to his eye, tapping lightly beneath his lash.
– The more accurate answer for you… – Evo turned toward the Empress – and for you as well…
– Is that my perception of mana is extremely high.
– But I don't think I'm the only one with this capability – He shrugged, as if unsure.
Both Elves understood what he meant and nodded. Having sharp and fast perception was incredible in itself — rare and immensely powerful in the right hands. And highly uncommon…
But that alone did not answer the Empress's doubt.
Sharpened perception could never allow someone to see Fairies. That was impossible.
– Then it must be something else… – She murmured internally.
– Wait! – She spoke more urgently, drawing Evo and Elizabeth's attention back to her.
The Empress looked at him carefully.
– You said there were two answers – She narrowed her eyes.
If he had asked for secrecy, then what he had said so far about perception didn't warrant such caution. There had to be more.
Seeing what was going through her mind, Evo gave a playful smile.
– That's exactly what you're thinking! – He replied, as if reading her thoughts.
She flinched slightly, but waited.
– The second reason… – Evo paused dramatically.
– Is a very special ability that I possess.
Both asked at the same time:
– Special ability? – 2x
Evo looked up at the ceiling, staying that way for a few seconds.
He wondered whether it was truly fine to reveal one of his greatest weapons so easily. It was true that Evo hadn't been using his full potential until now, for two reasons.
First: he didn't want to rely on it for everything. The "Eyes of Pride" were a support ability far beyond merely seeing information. They were like a sixth sense, preventing him from falling into illusions — as long as they weren't divine in nature, like what had happened that time.
As long as it wasn't something beyond the mortal realm, Evo was confident it wouldn't affect him.
His eyes also allowed him to analyze and understand people's emotions, making it easy to tell, for example, if someone was lying.
Evo was extremely grateful for this ability.
The second reason he limited its use was fear — fear that someone might discover he had a way to see their secrets. If someone had sharper senses or was far stronger than Evo, they could detect someone probing into their being.
That was why he never tried to view Freya's or Ravina's information.
Evo remembered the day in Freya's room, when they were talking about the Wanderers. She had been in a terrible mood — cold, furious, like a completely different person.
He had only lightly analyzed her emotions, and she noticed immediately.
– "That ability of yours is pretty intrusive, isn't it?" – She had said back then.
Evo remembered how terrified he felt in that moment, though Freya had been understanding. Since then, he had been extremely cautious.
He had only looked at Elizabeth's information that day because he was certain all her attention was focused on the sea serpent. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken such a risk.
Evo could have been caught red-handed.
And there was one more thing he worried about.
What if, one day, his ability became completely useless?
What if an enemy managed to block its effects?
Evo had been limiting its use so he wouldn't become completely dependent on it — only to end up helpless if it ever failed.
Evo let out a deep sigh.
– There's no turning back now.
– I've started this, so I'll see it through – He shrugged, deciding to stop overthinking.
Evo then nodded.
– Yes, I possess a very special ability.
– This ability has several effects. First! – Evo took a sip of his tea and continued.
– With this ability, I can see the information of anyone I choose.
Both of them were shocked.
– By "information," you mean… – The Empress spoke carefully.
Evo shrugged.
– Yes, exactly that!
– Level, abilities, amount of mana, strength, dexterity, charm, luck, spells, magic, race, name… – Evo paused and stared straight into Ilytrha's eyes.
Both held their breath.
– I can see everything!
– In my presence… if I wish… there are no secrets.
Both froze at those words.