After leaving Astrea's mansion, Fang Li found a hotel in the Royal Capital that was neither overly luxurious nor too basic; it was modest and met his needs just fine.
The money Fang Li received from Roswaal was considerable, probably around ten thousand holy coins. Such wealth was more than enough to book a hotel room, and even enough to potentially buy an entire hotel.
Therefore, money was the least of Fang Li's concerns.
Fang Li's plan for his time in the Royal Capital was straightforward.
"Now that Natsuki Subaru's situation is settled, it's time to focus on dealing with the Witch's Cult."
Natsuki Subaru was no longer a priority.
Since Natsuki Subaru continued to live under Reinhard's protection, there was no reason for Fang Li to remain with him. It was better for Fang Li to focus on his own objectives.
"Given the situation, I hope the Witch's Cult will appear around this time, as it does in the original story."
This would indicate how much influence Fang Li's presence had on this world.
"Once tomorrow's Royal Selection meeting concludes, Emilia will likely return to the mansion, right?"
If the Witch's Cult doesn't show up by then, Fang Li might stay in the Royal Capital.
"After all, arrangements have been made for the mansion, and I need to keep an eye on this place."
According to information from Elsa and Meili, the Witch's Cult was targeting Emilia.
However, Fang Li believed that the Royal Capital held something else that could attract the Witch's Cult.
This was one reason why Fang Li chose to confront Natsuki Subaru directly.
"This way, I can act freely and without restraint..."
And so, the first day of Fang Li's return to the Royal Capital quietly came to an end.
The following day, Fang Li started his day as usual, beginning with his Prana training, and then leaving the hotel to explore the city.
However, as soon as he left the hotel, a voice called out to him.
"Someone who stands out from the ordinary crowd— that must be you, right?"
When this voice sounded, Fang Li stopped in his tracks.
If taken literally, that statement might not seem directly aimed at him. However, Fang Li was certain it was aimed at him because a presence immediately locked onto him.
It carried a sharp, sword-like aura similar to the elderly gentleman he had met before.
The person speaking was undoubtedly a skilled combatant.
Fang Li turned his head to see the source of the voice.
"Hello there," The speaker greeted him. The person was dressed in an intriguing and distinctive manner.
Wearing an iron helmet and a half-cloak resembling a straw raincoat or one woven from rice straw, their attire was reminiscent of a wanderer.
Underneath the cloak, the person wore rugged clothing and carried a sword on their back.
Standing in front of Fang Li was a striking and tall man waving at him.
Fang Li noticed that the man was missing one hand and it looked as if it had been amputated and was entirely absent.
Observing the man, Fang Li narrowed his eyes and remembered the man's identity from his memories.
However, he did not reveal this outright and instead feigned curiosity.
"Who might you be?" Fang Li's question prompted the man to scratch his head, only causing a loud screeching sound against his helmet.
"My name is Al," The man introduced himself, speaking in a lighthearted voice that hinted at his playful nature. "Telling you my name probably won't mean anything, so why not just come with me for a little walk?"
This statement carried an air of suspicion and seemed like a prelude to something malicious.
Most people would be wary of accompanying such a suspicious character unless they knew him well.
"Of course, I don't plan to kidnap you," Al said, as if aware of how suspicious he sounded. "With your skills, you probably aren't afraid of anyone trying anything, right? Take this as a chance to show off your manliness, how about it?"
"Not happening." Fang Li declined bluntly. "I'm busy and don't have time for games. You'd be better off finding someone else."
After speaking, Fang Li began to turn away and leave.
However, Al's next words made him stop in his tracks.
"The Witch's Cult..."
Just those three words were enough to make Fang Li pause.
"Did you really stop when I said that?" Al expressed surprise. "The princess was right!"
Fang Li paid no mind to Al's playful demeanor and turned to face him and a flash of icy blue appeared in Fang Li's eyes.
"What do you know?"
A hint of pressure emanated from Fang Li.
"Woah, that's terrifying. I've never felt such a pure murderous aura before. It's like you were born just to kill." Al seemed both impressed and taken aback. "Relax, I'm just the messenger. I'm supposed to say those three words to get you to stop and listen."
"Oh, and by the way, I didn't intentionally find out where you're staying." Al held up his remaining arm. "The princess told me you'd be here. She randomly pointed out this location, but the world revolves around her, so of course you ended up here."
Al's statements were still confusing, but Fang Li understood.
Fang Li lowered his head and muttered.
"Really treating me like a plaything for amusement."
Saying this, Fang Li's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Let's give you something interesting, then."
After saying this, Fang Li raised his head and looked at Al.
His eyes glinted with danger.
...
In the Royal Capital, within the aristocratic district.
On the road leading to the Royal Castle, a luxuriously extravagant dragon carriage was moving forward at a leisurely pace.
Inside the carriage, Priscilla sat on a plush couch with her legs crossed. She cast a sidelong glance at Al, who was lying on the ground, looking miserable.
Al was pinned down by someone's foot.
The person standing on Al needed no introduction.
"I apologize for treating your knight this way." Fang Li sat across from Priscilla, smiling as he pressed his foot on Al.
"This meeting gift should be quite unique, don't you think?"
...
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