A sudden, indescribable tension filled the space due to Crusch's words.
"Hakugei (White Whale)?"
Emilia reacted strongly to this sentence, and she raised her head with her purple eyes glittering in shock.
It wasn't just Emilia. Even Rem, who usually maintained a poker face, showed a fleeting expression of surprise.
In contrast, Fang Li furrowed his brow and exchanged another glance with Wilhelm.
But Wilhelm's demeanor had completely changed from before.
He remained silent, yet in his usually dignified and powerful eyes, a fierce fire was burning.
It was a dark, intense fire named hatred.
Wilhelm, known as the 'Sword Demon', exuded a ghostly aura filled with this burning hatred.
Most people, facing such an imposing presence, would find their legs weakening and they would find themself unable to move.
Even the silver-haired half-elf with a contract with a great spirit and the Oni girl known for her combat prowess held their breath in the presence of Wilhelm.
Crusch and Ferris remained silent as if they had expected this reaction from Wilhelm.
Perhaps no one present, including Fang Li, failed to understand why Wilhelm reacted this way.
However, no one voiced it.
Especially the kind-hearted Emilia, who diverted the topic slightly, asking, "The Hakugei (White Whale) you mentioned, Crusch Sama, could it be that Hakugei (White Whale)?"
"Of course." Crusch nodded solemnly, her charming face tense. "When it comes to Hakugei (White Whale), there is only one creature known as the 'Demon Beast of the Mist' in this world."
With this statement, everyone fell silent simultaneously, enhancing the heavy atmosphere around them.
The "Demon Beast of the Mist."
When discussing Demon Beasts, aside from those created by the Witch four hundred years ago with magical power, there's no second thought.
Meili was one who controlled Demon Beasts.
Today, Demon Beasts exist in every corner of the world and are familiar to all.
However, even among the Demon Beasts that have ravaged the world for four centuries, there exist those considered the most emblematic.
The most vicious, most brutal, most terrifying, and most powerful Demon Beasts.
These are collectively known as the "Sandai Majū (Three Great Demon Beasts)."
The Hakugei (White Whale), known as the "Demon Beast of the Mist," is one of these Sandai Majū (Three Great Demon Beasts).
"For four hundred years, it has been elusive, with no fixed habitat, wandering the world's corners, devouring all life it encounters, not allowing even existence — the Hakugei (White Whale)."
Crusch's gaze on Emilia sharpened as she spoke with unprecedented intensity.
"It is considered a symbol of disaster and misfortune, appearing randomly, unpredictably, and irresistibly, leading to annihilation wherever it goes."
"Because of it, countless merchant caravans between nations have suffered, with untold blood spilled."
"Because of it, the Kingdom sent out an extermination squad, but not one person returned."
"If there's anything in this world worth everyone's hatred, besides the Witch of Envy, it is the Hakugei (White Whale) and its kin among the Sandai Majū (Three Great Demon Beasts)."
Crusch finally revealed her goal.
"I want to slay it."
"For that, I need Fang Li Sama's power."
The impact of this revelation struck Emilia and Rem deeply.
Slay the Hakugei (White Whale)?
Slay the Demon Beast that has ravaged the world for four hundred years, regarded as a natural disaster, annihilating even the Kingdom's extermination squads?
So, that's why Crusch's mansion had so many people coming and going, and such a large stockpile of weapons and supplies?
Emilia and Rem were caught off guard by this unexpected information.
But an even more significant impact was Crusch's intention to enlist Fang Li in this battle.
This was what Emilia and Rem were most concerned about.
So, Emilia couldn't help but ask.
"Why?"
To Emilia's question, Crusch gave this answer.
"There are various reasons, but the primary reason is the honor of slaying the Hakugei (White Whale)."
A Demon Beast that even the Kingdom's extermination squads failed to kill, ravaging the world for four hundred years?
If Crusch were to succeed in this endeavor, her fame and popularity would skyrocket, giving her a significant advantage in the Royal Selection.
Indeed, this was a compelling reason.
But Emilia's true question was not this.
And Fang Li voiced what Emilia truly wanted to ask.
"For a Demon Beast that annihilated even the Kingdom's extermination squads, what difference would my power make?"
Fang Li spoke coldly.
"That's what Emilia wanted to ask, right?"
That was indeed the straightforward question.
It was a logical query.
Even though many knew Fang Li was extraordinary, no one believed he alone could alter the outcome against such a disaster.
So why would Crusch insist on Fang Li's assistance as a condition for forming an alliance with Emilia?
"I can give you a reason."
Crusch looked at Fang Li and spoke with utmost seriousness.
"I believe your abilities will be crucial in the upcoming battles."
This reason was hardly acceptable.
Crusch knew little about Fang Li's capabilities, learning only bits from Wilhelm.
"That's not enough to use my abilities as a bargaining chip for an alliance." Fang Li bluntly pointed out.
"If I'm not mistaken, Duchess Crusch, you aim to publicly announce 'the knight who once threatened the dragon fights alongside me,' hence proposing this condition."
Crusch didn't respond, only offering a smile of admiration and respect.
Before Emilia could react, Fang Li gave his answer.
"Very well, I accept."
...
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