*Thud!*
With a resounding noise, Beatrice closed the book in her hand heavily, just like the first time she met Fang Li.
However, this time, Beatrice wasn't about to engage in a confrontation with Fang Li.
"That's quite an unexpected statement," Beatrice said, raising her innocent face to look at Fang Li. "You've been in this mansion for a month now. Why the sudden decision to leave?"
Although she usually hid in the forbidden book library, it didn't mean that Beatrice was oblivious to what was happening outside. At least, she was aware.
She knew why Fang Li had chosen to stay here for a whole month. It was for the Witch Cult.
If not for the Witch Cult, Fang Li would never have stayed here for so long.
Why Fang Li was so determined to pursue the Witch Cult, Beatrice didn't know. She only knew that since Fang Li had made such a sudden decision, it meant one thing.
Fang Li's peaceful days here were probably coming to an end.
And indeed they were.
"Soon, the Witch Cult may take action, targeting Lady Emilia," Fang Li said without beating around the bush.
"And with the Royal Selection about to begin, the recent arrivals are here to inform Lady Emilia about it. So, Lady Emilia is likely to depart immediately for the Royal Capital."
Since the Witch Cult was preparing to act and Lady Emilia, their target, was about to leave for the Royal Capital, Fang Li would naturally follow suit. If, during this process, the Witch Cult were to appear, it would be even better.
This way, Fang Li could finally start executing the Main Quest.
Once completed, Fang Li might not return here.
"At that time, I want you to make sure Meili leaves this place. If the issue with the Witch Cult isn't resolved, I also hope you'll keep an eye on her while we're away," Fang Li said to Beatrice, spreading his hands. "After all, besides me and Roswaal, you're the only one with the ability to look after her in this mansion."
That was what Fang Li wanted to entrust to Beatrice.
As a Divine Envoy, although Fang Li was familiar with the original work, he also understood that the so-called original work couldn't be completely trusted.
Leaving aside other matters, just Fang Li's arrival in this world and his interactions with the main plot characters would undoubtedly cause a butterfly effect, resulting in various deviations and ultimately leading to a major plot twist.
In the Dungeon World, Fang Li had already experienced many such incidents.
Therefore, Fang Li couldn't be sure that the Witch Cult would act as they did in the original work.
Hence, Fang Li had to consider all aspects and set up heavy safeguards.
Beatrice was Fang Li's insurance in this mansion.
"To think you've considered to this extent to deal with the Witch Cult," Beatrice sighed, unsure whether to admire or find it boring. "After all, how did you even find out that the Royal Selection has started? Hasn't it been delayed for quite some time?"
The Royal Selection of the Kingdom of Lugnica required the gathering of five chosen Dragon Maidens before it could officially begin. However, until now, there had only been four Dragon Maidens with insignias, and there was still no news of the last Dragon Maiden.
"So, the Royal Selection has been in a stalemate for quite some time without any progress."
If that's the case, how did Fang Li know that the Royal Selection was about to begin?
"It's simple," Fang Li said indifferently. "Because I know who the fifth Dragon Maiden is."
"What?" Beatrice was stunned.
However, Fang Li didn't continue on this topic.
"Anyway, I just want you to help me with this," Fang Li said to Beatrice. "Besides, it's been a month since then, and the Witch Cult should have entered Mathers' territory and taken root in the shadows."
In the original work, the Witch Cult only appeared after the Royal Selection was officially announced to begin.
Fang Li didn't know if this development would proceed as expected after his influence. But since the Witch Cult hadn't appeared before, it meant that Fang Li's influence hadn't reached them yet.
In other words, just like in the original work, there was a high probability that the Witch Cult would appear after the Royal Selection was announced.
At least, that's what Fang Li hoped for.
"It's time to wrap things up," Fang Li said with a smile. "Moreover, I have acquaintances in the Royal Capital. If the Witch Cult doesn't act, I should return to my main goal."
He is referring to Natsuki Subaru.
"Your plan is quite ambitious, even Betty is surprised," Beatrice squinted her eyes slightly, showing no trace of politeness. "But why should Betty help you?"
Indeed.
Just as Fang Li had no reason to intervene in Emilia's affairs, Beatrice had no reason to interfere in Fang Li's affairs either.
In this respect, Fang Li and Beatrice got along quite well. Both were personalities who wouldn't meddle unnecessarily.
Of course, Fang Li and Beatrice also had other things in common.
That was, on the surface, they might say one thing, but in reality, they would still intervene in various matters for various reasons.
Fang Li's reasons were unpredictable, depending on his whims at the time.
Beatrice's reasons, on the other hand, were very simple. She might seem cold on the outside, but she was warm on the inside. Once someone asked for her help, she wouldn't coldly refuse like she seemed to on the surface.
As Pack had said, this girl wasn't straightforward.
But from another perspective, as long as Beatrice was given a reason, this spirit girl would agree to help.
So, Fang Li crouched down in front of Beatrice, keeping his gaze level with hers.
"W-What are you doing?" Seeing Fang Li's face suddenly approaching hers, Beatrice was not just scared; her expression even stiffened, and her voice rose.
"Don't get so close to Betty!"
Hearing this, Fang Li remained unfazed, wearing a cheerful smile as he said, "If you help me, next time I come back, I'll make a doll of Pack for you as a thank-you gift. A fluffy doll, how about that?"
Beatrice's eyes widened suddenly.
Noticing this change, Fang Li's smile became even more cheerful.
"Don't tell me you don't fancy such a thing? If you say that, then I'll go tell Pack that you don't think his dolls are worth anything. Maybe it's better to keep your distance from him in the future, to avoid being hated."
"You're despicable!" Beatrice's face turned red with anger.
In the end, Beatrice gave in.
"Meeting you is definitely the biggest mistake of Betty's life."
Despite saying such words, Beatrice's expression suddenly became serious.
"You, hold out your hand."
...
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