Duke withdrew his hand, letting Neeko continue to eat the cake, while he rested his chin in thought.
"I originally thought it was like Big Mom's Soul-Soul Fruit, which could give life to inanimate objects, but this trip to Bilgewater made me realize the undeveloped potential of my magic talent."
"It seems my magic talent is indeed a miracle among miracles, as Heimerdinger said.
Not only can it give life to inanimate objects, but it can also silently infect any life, perceiving their thoughts and emotions."
"Graves's example let me know that my magic can influence others while perceiving them."
"It's just that, even for an existence like Neeko, who naturally possesses powerful magic, my talent can still infect her.
It seems I need to re-evaluate my magic!"
"To what extent can I perceive a living being, and to what extent can I influence him!"
Duke felt that he should temporarily put aside his research on the second original sin and instead focus on his magic talent first, to see how much undeveloped potential his own magic talent still held and what level it could reach.
Speaking of which, he also had to thank the spider; if she hadn't confused the Swordfish crew besides him back then, he wouldn't have infused his magic into Captain Lister and then noticed this point.
"Sir, he's here!"
A Swordfish sailor suddenly appeared at the kitchen door, respectfully reporting to Duke.
Duke waved his hand, and under Neeko's curious gaze, he had the sailor bring in the person he had invited.
Soon after, Korete, with goat horns, appeared in the kitchen.
Korete, who walked into the kitchen very awkwardly, saw Neeko, whose face was covered in cake crumbs, and his expression changed.
"Sorry, sir, I didn't know Neeko would barge onto your ship so rashly.
If she caused any damage, I can..." Korete gritted his teeth, "...make it up!"
"No need, in fact, I was the one who lured her over!"
"Ah?"
Korete's expression changed, and his eyes held some unfriendliness as he looked at Duke.
Neeko looked at Duke blankly.
Duke waved to Korete, "Come and sit!"
"My apologies!"
Korete sat at the table next to Duke, somewhat confused by Duke's thoughts.
After a moment of contemplation, Duke got straight to the point: "In fact, I want to adopt her!"
"This..."
"Don't worry, I have no ill will towards Neeko.
In fact, besides herself, I am the person in this World who understands her the most..."
"But she left her own tribe.
If she doesn't go back!"
"Her tribe has already disappeared."
"What?!"
Korete's expression changed, and when he looked at Neeko again, his face was incredibly complex; no wonder Neeko never talked about her tribe.
Duke glanced at Korete, "I know what you're thinking. You're afraid I have ulterior motives for her, which is normal. No one wants to trust a stranger they just met."
"But I can guarantee you on my honor that I have no ill will towards her. In fact, I plan to adopt her, which is also a form of protection for you all!"
"Protection?"
"You are well aware of Neeko's powerful talent, and you must also know what kind of existence such talent is in the eyes of outsiders."
"Then your meaning is..."
"I will adopt her!" Duke took out a bag of golden sea. "Since you saved her at sea, I'll consider you her temporary guardian."
Pushing the golden sea towards Korete, Duke said earnestly, "You've drifted at sea, alone and away from home, so you know the hardships involved. Neeko following you would eventually lead to her leaving one day without a word, leaving you to constantly worry about her."
"I understand what you mean, sir."
Korete looked at the money on the table, intending to push it back, but Duke forcefully put the money bag into his hand.
"This is what you deserve, and it's a small token of my gratitude."
"I hope you can take good care of her, sir!"
"I swear by my ancestors, I will!"
Looking at Duke's incredibly sincere expression, Korete nodded, then turned to Neeko, a smile appearing on his face.
"Neeko!"
"What's up, Elder!"
"Don't run around anymore!"
"Neeko knows, you're so annoying!"
Neeko continued to eat her cake with a hint of impatience. Korete bowed slightly to Duke, then left the kitchen without looking back. As he was about to step out the door, Duke softly said, "I'm in Piltover. If you ever come to Piltover, you can find me at Blue Lavender Manor or Colin Workshop."
Korete nodded lightly, then left without looking back.
When Duke looked at Neeko again, her eyes were filled with tears, which streamed down her face.
"Will I never see Elder again?"
"No, there will always be opportunities in the future!" Duke stroked Neeko's hair. "There's no banquet that doesn't end, but every life will eventually have a day of reunion!"
"Mhm!"
"So Neeko will follow Duke now?" Neeko had already sensed Duke's emotions. Although she couldn't clearly see Duke's secrets and past, Neeko, who had absorbed Duke's Spark Code, still knew some of Duke's thoughts about her.
For her, who had nowhere to go, and hadn't yet dreamed of her Elder, hadn't received their guidance and revelations, Neeko was now aimlessly wandering.
"That's right, I'll take good care of you. You don't have to wander anymore!"
"Can Neeko have another piece of cheesecake?"
"Of course, as much as you want!"
"That's great, Neeko loves cheesecake the most!"
From sorrow to joy, Neeko happily raised her arms, while Duke watched the little girl with a smile.
May this innocence be preserved forever.
....Continuing tonight....
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