In that instant, the air in the dining hall seemed to freeze, becoming extremely eerie.
Rem and Ram's complexions completely froze.
Emilia widened her eyes in disbelief.
While Roswaal still wore a smile on his face.
Only Fang Li, pretending not to understand anything, said with feigned ignorance, "I don't understand what you mean, Count."
"Is that so? Is that so?" Roswaal shook his head as if singing a song, wagging a finger like a playful dance move, and said, "Actually, it's not that difficult to understand. When you see a rare talent, anyone would want to get their hands on them, right?"
"But not everyone who sees a noble person will shamelessly approach them," Fang Li retorted, curling his lips. "Following someone means that your own interests are directly tied to theirs."
"If that person becomes prosperous in the future, then the followers will also share in that prosperity," Fang Li looked at Roswaal with meaningful eyes, smiling as if to imply something. "But if that person is destined for a path of destruction, then as a follower, is there any other option besides dying before the Master, or perhaps, also taking the second path?"
With these words, the stagnant air around them seemed to freeze like ice, causing the temperature to plummet suddenly.
The atmosphere was so stifling that Emilia felt almost intimidated, closing her mouth and not daring to say another word.
Rem and Ram, on the other hand, clenched their small hands slightly, their eyes fixed fiercely on Fang Li's body, radiating a strong sense of hostility.
As a result, only Roswaal, facing Fang Li's gaze, smiled and said as if acting, "Oh my, guests do love to joke around~~"
With that said, Roswaal didn't continue the topic any further, abruptly turning to the main subject.
"By the way, I've heard a little about your situation from Lady Emilia."
Roswaal leaned his chin on his hand, casually resting his elbow on the table, and leisurely said, "You're here because of the Witch Cult, aren't you?"
"The Witch Cult."
When this name came out of Roswaal's mouth, two people raised their heads forcefully.
It was none other than Rem and Ram.
"The Witch Cult..."
Ram's complexion tightened.
"......"
Rem, on the other hand, said nothing, maintaining silence.
However, an extremely terrifying imposing manner emanated from her body.
It was imposing like a raging fire, yet filled with hatred.
Feeling this imposing manner, Emilia couldn't help but be surprised.
Fang Li, however, seemed completely oblivious, playing with the utensils in front of him as if nothing had happened.
As for Roswaal, without even turning his head, he simply called out, "Rem."
Although it was a casual address, it made Rem snap back to reality, lowering her head and continuing to remain silent.
The terrifying imposing manner around her body gradually dissipated.
However, Rem's gaze on Fang Li's body became even more blatant.
This made a hint of concern appear in Ram's eyes.
As for Emilia, she keenly sensed the change in the atmosphere and couldn't help but reach out, nervously grabbing Fang Li's sleeve.
In such a situation, only two people remained calm.
That would be Fang Li and Roswaal.
"I completely understand your purpose," Roswaal said in the same strange tone, singing as if performing on stage. "The Witch Cult has set their sights on Lady Emilia, and you have some grievances with the Witch Cult. In addition, Reinhard of the Sword Saint Family sent me a letter last night, bringing intelligence on the recent activities of the Witch Cult within the kingdom. So, you want to stay by Lady Emilia's side, waiting for the prey to come to you. Am I right?"
"Basically," Fang Li said indifferently. "Apart from that, I don't want to do anything else. If you find me annoying, I can go out to wander around."
"No, you can't," Emilia interjected before Roswaal, as if unable to tolerate such a thing happening, said earnestly, "You're my invited guest. I haven't repaid you yet, so how can I let you leave?"
"And since you're Lady Emilia's benefactor, that makes you a guest of my Mathers Clan," Roswaal said with his clown-like demeanor still intact, but his words carrying weight. "However, Lady Emilia, if it's like this, it will be seen as preparing to welcome the arrival of the Witch Cult, with Lord Fang Li constantly protecting you."
"Eh?" Emilia was suddenly taken aback.
"Because Lady Emilia has been targeted by the Witch Cult, but Lord Fang Li will counterattack when the Witch Cult comes knocking," Roswaal reminded her. "If Lord Fang Li's goal is achieved, then it would also mean rescuing Lady Emilia from the persecution of the Witch Cult, wouldn't it?"
This time, Emilia finally understood.
"Yes...yes," Emilia said in astonishment. "In that case, Fang Li has saved me again?"
Originally, Emilia invited Fang Li to the mansion to repay him.
But before the favor could be repaid, Fang Li ended up protecting and rescuing her. Isn't this adding even more to the favor?
"Of course, the Witch Cult is not so easy to deal with," Roswaal shook his finger, saying, "If a Sin Archbishop accompanies them, encountering a crisis would be considered normal. At that time, everyone would be in danger."
Emilia was speechless.
It wasn't until now that Emilia realized she might have inadvertently put Fang Li in danger by inviting him to the mansion.
(If, because of me, Fang Li falls into the hands of the Witch Cult...)
By then, Emilia wouldn't just be unable to repay her debt, but she would also be harming others.
"I..." Emilia felt at a loss.
However, at that moment, a finger suddenly reached out in front of Emilia's face. With a "Pā" sound, it flicked her forehead forcefully.
Emilia cried out in pain, clutching her head.
"Really, you're too much of a soft-hearted person," Fang Li withdrew his hand, sighing. "Listen, regardless of the circumstances, this is all about the outcome. I'm looking for the Witch Cult for my own purposes, so if I die because of it, it's my own business. Why should you pay the price for my death?"
"But...but..." Emilia wanted to say something, but Fang Li interrupted her.
"There's no 'but'," Fang Li said decisively.
"Regardless, I must find the Witch Cult. So, the Witch Cult will be dealt with by me."
Upon hearing Fang Li's words, Emilia could no longer say anything.
Meanwhile, Rem had been staring at Fang Li all this time, and finally, there was a hint of turmoil in her eyes.
...
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1. I am not Interested In Devil Fruit
2. Marvel Disassembler