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“Covenant?” Emilia looked at Fang Li with a hint of surprise on her face.
They were in the suite of a hotel, one designated for royal and noble use. The opulence of each room was astonishing, almost resembling independent residences with multiple smaller rooms and even a living room and kitchen.
That’s why Fang Li had been invited by Emilia and Rem to stay here just yesterday.
At this moment, Fang Li, Emilia, and Rem were gathered in the living room.
It was the day after the Royal Selection meeting.
Just now, Fang Li had read the contents of the letter given to him by Roswaal to Emilia.
Hence, Emilia’s reaction.
Conversely, Rem, in such a formal setting, exhibited exceptional servant qualities, standing expressionless on the side, minimizing her presence, silently awaiting the conversation’s development.
In this scenario, Fang Li, clad in the uniform of the Royal Guards, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed as he casually responded to Emilia’s surprise.
“According to the clown himself, this is a measure taken to ensure that you, who don’t have a significant advantage in this Royal Selection, can stand firm and not be eliminated prematurely.”
His candid words brought Emilia back from her surprise, leaving her speechless.
That was true indeed.
In this Royal Selection, Emilia had no advantages whatsoever.
Even though, through Fang Li’s connections, she had gained the recognition of the dragon, allowing her to compete fairly, it was superficial at best.
Her identity as a silver-haired Half Elf undoubtedly posed many obstacles.
And seizing the moment, Rem spoke up.
“This morning, the news of the Royal Selection was announced publicly, including information about the candidates for the throne. Once the citizens understood Lady Emilia’s presence, their reactions were quite subtle.”
Subtle.
Indeed, that was the most suitable description for the current situation.
Without the dragon’s recognition, wouldn’t opposing voices relentlessly assail Emilia once her participation in the Royal Selection became public?
However, as indicated by Miklotov, the representative of the Sages, the dragon had acknowledged Emilia’s claim to the throne. Anyone opposing this would be disrespectful to the dragon, akin to insulting the king.
This was undoubtedly a remedy.
To the people of this country, the dragon was equivalent to a deity.
Since the revered dragon had recognized Emilia, there could be no questioning it.
However, the absence of overt doubts didn’t mean that the citizens would support Emilia’s ascension to the throne.
So, even if they didn’t overtly discriminate against Emilia, the citizens of the Kingdom would not actively support her ascent to the throne either, right?
Neither supporting nor opposing.
If this situation wasn’t subtle, what could it be?
Moreover, this situation was definitely not favorable for Emilia.
If this continued, while the popularity of the other candidates soared, Emilia’s popularity would stagnate, ultimately leading to her defeat, with no other possibility.
For this reason, change was necessary.
Change to increase Emilia’s odds of success.
“Forming an alliance? That’s undoubtedly a good choice.”
“Yesterday, when Roswaal Sama left, he instructed Rem that no matter what, she must assist Fang Li Sama in completing the covenant,” Rem said.
At this point, a faint smile appeared on Rem’s usually expressionless face, seemingly proud or perhaps just genuinely happy about the matter.
She turned to Fang Li and continued, “Roswaal Sama has spoken. From now on, it’s all up to you, Fang Li Sama. Rem will obey all of your commands.”
From Rem’s tone, one could sense emotions that were previously absent, proving that her words came from the heart.
After Fang Li had untied the Heart Bond, this Oni girl had indeed elevated Fang Li to the same revered position as her admired Elder Sister.
If Ram had been Rem’s pillar of mind and energy since childhood, now Fang Li, who had delved deep into Rem’s soul, had become a similar pillar.
Otherwise, Rem wouldn’t have said such things.
“Well, I appreciate your sentiment,” Fang Li shrugged at Rem and said, “But the decision-maker here isn’t me; it’s Emilia.”
Originally, Emilia was the one participating in the Royal Selection.
As for Fang Li, even if recognized as Emilia’s Knight in front of the entire kingdom and enlisted in the Royal Guards, he was supposed to assist the heir to the throne, but these were all just positions.
The reason for Fang Li’s actions could be his sentiment, but it would never be his position.
So, regardless of how grandiose the surface identities were and regardless of Roswaal’s plans in it all, Fang Li would discard them all.
As Emilia said, Fang Li was only dragged into the Royal Selection.
However, what actions to take after being dragged in depended entirely on Fang Li’s sentiment.
If Fang Li himself didn’t want to, who could force him to participate?
Therefore, Fang Li wouldn’t bother with Roswaal’s intentions; he could simply ignore them.
In that case, Emilia would have to make the decision on her own.
Though he had said it like this, Fang Li could still guess what Emilia’s choice would be.
Sure enough, after a moment of contemplation, Emilia raised her head, determination evident in her eyes.
“If forming a covenant is necessary, then let’s do it.”
This answer didn’t surprise Fang Li in the least.
So Fang Li smiled and asked, as if he already knew the answer, “So, do you want to negotiate in person, or should I, as Roswaal suggested, take the lead?”
This question was indeed asked with foreknowledge.
Given Emilia’s personality, there was only one choice she would make.
“Of course, it’s going to be me,” Emilia said without the slightest hesitation. “After all, this is my affair. How could I let you bear it all for me?”
Though she said so, there was a hint of unease in Emilia’s eyes.
After all, negotiating with others wasn’t Emilia’s forte. If it were before, Emilia would silently bear this unease and strive hard on her own.
But now, Emilia only glanced at Fang Li quietly, her tone carrying a hint of hope as she said such words.
“But, could you accompany me?”
Undoubtedly.
Emilia wanted to gain courage from Fang Li.
To gain the courage to move forward from the body of the only person who truly accepted her.
To this, Fang Li smiled suddenly.
“Then let me accompany you on this journey.”
…
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