In the Kingdom of Lugnica, in the Royal Capital.
Just like a month ago, there were still crowds of people coming and going everywhere.
Humans and Demi-Humans mixed together, appearing to be in harmony, forming crowds with their respective activities, ultimately creating the lively scene that the Royal Capital of this Kingdom possessed.
Dragon Carriages raced along the main roads.
Pedestrians traversed the streets.
Stalls lined both sides of the streets, causing the continuous sound of shouting.
Shops were spread all over the Royal Capital, showcasing the city's prosperity to the world.
However, such scenes were limited to the commercial avenues.
After all, in the Royal Capital, apart from the glamorous commercial avenues, there were also impoverished areas that couldn't be equated.
And since there were impoverished areas, there were also noble districts.
Isn't it reasonable to think so?
Where is this?
This is the Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Lugnica, the location of the Royal Castle.
Although the Royal Family has completely died out, there are still nobles, whether in the Royal Capital or in the Royal Castle. However, nobles naturally cannot live with commoners.
Therefore, there are areas in the Royal Capital where the upper class resides.
The buildings there are noble and beautiful.
The streets and walls are as clean and beautiful as chalk castles.
In addition, there are forest paths deliberately built to maintain the scenery, along with gardens for viewing.
Compared to the commercial avenues, it was undoubtedly much quieter there.
At a certain moment, a Dragon Carriage came rushing down the main road and eventually stopped in front of a park.
Rem was sitting in the driver's seat of the Dragon Carriage.
The person getting off the Dragon Carriage was Fang Li.
Almost as soon as Fang Li got off the Dragon Carriage, Emilia poked her head out of the carriage with a somewhat concerned expression and somewhat concernedly asked Fang Li.
"Are you sure it will be alright here?"
Not only Emilia, but Rem, who was in the driver's seat, also subtly glanced over, with a hint of worry in her eyes.
Only Roswaal remained seated in the carriage, looking at Fang Li with a smile, seemingly not intending to intervene in this matter.
So, Fang Li just shrugged at Emilia and said.
"Anyway, you wouldn't want me to come along, right?"
Fang Li's straightforward words left Emilia speechless on the spot.
That's right.
Emilia didn't want Fang Li to continue following her.
Just like before, this kind-hearted girl didn't want to involve innocent Fang Li in her affairs.
Because Emilia knew how difficult the path she was walking on was.
If that's the case, she shouldn't involve unrelated people.
That's been Emilia's thought all along.
She's clearly the type who can't stand seeing others in distress, yet she's reluctant to accept help herself, fearing that others might suffer because of her. That's the essence of the girl named Emilia.
She's an incredibly kind-hearted person who often ends up being taken advantage of.
Therefore, Emilia prefers not to speak too directly, so Fang Li speaks on her behalf.
"I came to the Royal Capital for my own reasons."
Fang Li didn't beat around the bush and said it straight out.
"Now that we're already here, and I reckon people from the Witch Cult won't show up so close to the Royal Castle, I have no reason to tag along with you."
"Moreover, I need to go find some acquaintances."
So, it's best to part ways here.
Although Fang Li didn't say this out loud, Emilia understood it.
Undoubtedly, this is what Emilia hoped to see.
However, being so clearly separated from Fang Li made Emilia really uncomfortable.
Although seeking this discomfort was Emilia's own doing.
Moreover, Emilia still had some lingering anxiety in her heart.
This anxiety was immediately voiced by Rem.
"Lord Fang Li..." Rem hesitated for a moment, then gathered up her courage to ask, "Afterward, will you come back?"
That's right.
This is the source of Emilia's anxiety.
Emilia was genuinely scared.
She was afraid that the one person who was willing to accept her would distance himself because of her capriciousness.
A month's time was neither too long nor too short. But for Emilia, this month could truly be considered the happiest time in her memory.
Because outside, Emilia only faced rejection and refusal. But inside the mansion, although Roswaal and the others revered her, there was no emotion beyond that.
Even Beatrice, who only cared about Pack, never showed any closeness to Emilia.
In other words, if Pack was Emilia's only family, then Fang Li was Emilia's only friend.
This friend would joke and laugh with her.
This friend would chat casually with her.
This friend would show concern for her.
This friend would share in her daily life.
While in the mansion, apart from studying knowledge related to the Royal Selection, Emilia only had the task of conversing with the minor spirits in the courtyard to deepen their bond.
And after Fang Li arrived, Emilia had a period of quite leisurely time.
During that period, Emilia truly enjoyed herself. And then, she couldn't go back to how things were before.
If this period of time were to disappear...
As she thought up to this point, Emilia couldn't help but feel a bit scared.
(What if Fang Li decides not to come back? What would I do?)
This thought was all that remained in Emilia's mind.
Fortunately, Fang Li didn't have that thought for now.
"The issue with the Witch Cult hasn't been resolved yet. If it can be resolved smoothly this time, then that's naturally the best outcome. If not, then the methods I arranged in the mansion will also come in handy."
Fang Li said calmly, "So if the Witch Cult doesn't show up this time, I'll return to the mansion afterward."
Leaving behind these words, Fang Li turned and left directly.
"Fang Li..." Emilia let out a somewhat reluctant voice.
"Lord Fang Li..." Rem, too, watched Fang Li's departure, seeming somewhat depressed.
"My, my..." Roswaal looked at Emilia and Rem's expressions, sighing as he spoke, "To be able to withdraw so decisively in such a situation, Lord Fang Li, you truly are not an easy person to deal with..."
Regardless, Fang Li did indeed leave.
Turning his back to the luxurious Dragon Carriage, he walked straight out of Emilia and Rem's sight.
...
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