After descending from the platform, Fang Li originally intended to leave the Royal Castle and return to his lodging. However, before Fang Li could depart, a voice called out to him.
"Wait, Fang Li."
Hearing the voice, Fang Li halted and turned to see the source of the voice. There were three individuals clad in the pristine uniforms of the Royal Guards— Reinhard, Julius, and Ferris— who were approaching him.
Seeing them, Fang Li couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.
"I thought you three would stay until the end of the ceremony," Fang Li remarked.
With the Royal Selection officially underway, the candidates for the throne were listening to the Sage Council's announcements in the Audience Hall. Except for the candidates themselves, there was no need for anyone else to remain there.
So, not only Fang Li and Roswaal left the Audience Hall, but many others did too. Among them were Reinhard, Julius, and Ferris.
Fang Li had expected these three Royal Guards, known for their dedication, to remain by Felt, Crusch, and Anastasia's sides. Therefore, their presence here was indeed surprising to him.
To this, Ferris innocently smiled and said, "But Fang Li Kyun didn't stay either, did you?"
"I've said it before, haven't I?" Fang Li replied. "I'm not like you guys. I'm not the honorable type of knight."
If he were an honorable knight, he would have stayed loyal to his allegiance until the end. But Fang Li simply acted as he pleased, hardly fitting the description of a noble knight.
However, surprisingly, Julius was the one to refute Fang Li's words.
"I believe that by now, no one doubts that you are a knight," Julius stated, his expression serious as he looked directly at Fang Li.
"Because you were acknowledged as such by our Captain," Julius continued.
In the Audience Hall, Marcos had already stated, "You are a knight worthy of respect."
If even the Captain of the Royal Guards expressed such sentiments, then who in the kingdom would dare to deny Fang Li's status as a knight?
"I am genuinely pleased," Reinhard said, smiling at Fang Li. "To think that my friend is such an outstanding individual. I feel honored."
"Well, anyone who can draw the Dragon Sword can't be a cunning villain," Ferris added with a playful wink. "Although, we certainly didn't expect Fang Li Kyun to excel to this extent."
Ferris's words elicited laughter from Reinhard and Julius as well.
Surely, not only the people here but also everyone in the Audience Hall just now must have been surprised by Fang Li's accomplishments, right?
"And what's next?" Fang Li asked directly. "The three distinguished Royal Guards come to me; it can't be just to compliment me, can it?"
Upon hearing this, Reinhard, Julius, and Ferris all became serious.
Then, Julius spoke up.
"We're here because the Captain issued an order to us."
As the most outstanding knight equivalent to the Vice-Captain of the Royal Guards, Julius made this declaration to Fang Li.
"We're here to invite you to join the Royal Guards."
…
Adjacent to the Royal Castle stood the barracks of the Knight Order.
At this moment, in the Captain's office, Marcos stood facing away from the door, gazing out the window towards the Royal Castle. Until, at a certain moment, the door to the Captain's office swung open.
The newcomer, apart from Fang Li, was the last person anyone expected to see.
And the one leading him was none other than Reinhard, Julius, and Ferris.
"Has he arrived?" Marcos turned around to face the door.
Due to the desk in front of him, there was some distance between Marcos and Fang Li. However, despite this, Marcos wore a smile on his stern face.
At this moment, Reinhard, Julius, and Ferris all respectfully bowed to Marcos, offering their formal greetings simultaneously.
"Captain, Knight Fang Li has been brought here," They reported in unison.
Whether it was the hearty Reinhard, the elegant Julius, or the playful Ferris, they all observed the utmost formality in this official setting, indicating the significant value they placed on Fang Li.
Though Fang Li didn't feel particularly flattered, he could sense the sincerity of these knights.
So, Fang Li raised his head and looked at Marcos without beating around the bush, getting straight to the point. "I appreciate your kindness, Captain Marcos, but why invite me to join the Royal Guard at this time?"
Now that the Royal Selection was underway, in the eyes of others, Fang Li was already recognized as Emilia's knight, and his true duty should be to assist her. Joining the Royal Guard at this point would merely be a title.
"After all," Fang Li continued, "Joining the Royal Guard now would only serve as a distraction from my primary duty of assisting the candidate for the throne."
Fang Li laid out his thoughts plainly.
"And besides, I have my own matters to attend to and don't have the heart to take on additional responsibilities."
The implication was clear— Fang Li had no intention of joining the Royal Guard.
However, Marcos seemed to have anticipated Fang Li's response. With his eyes closed, he nodded and spoke. "I understand your perspective, Fang Li San. That's why we intend to extend an invitation to you to join the Royal Guard as an honorary knight."
Upon hearing this, Fang Li raised an eyebrow.
"Honorary knight?" Fang Li inquired. "In other words, I would only join the Royal Guard in name, without the responsibilities that come with it?"
"That's correct," Marcos replied. "So, you won't have to worry about the duties of the Royal Guard. Unless there's an emergency, you'll only enjoy the privileges of being a Royal Guard."
With no duties to worry about but enjoying the privileges, being a Royal Guard would only bring benefits to Fang Li.
After a moment of consideration, Fang Li nodded.
"I understand. In that case, I'll join the Royal Guard."
As Fang Li uttered these words, the first reaction came not from anyone present but from the system notification sound echoing in his mind.
"Serial Number 11273 joins the Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Lugnica. Title gained— Royal Guard."
...
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