In the guest room of the Karsten mansion.
"What's going on?"
Seated on the sofa, Emilia's expression was filled with confusion and unease.
"Why would Crusch Sama suddenly invite us to stay?"
Emilia's confusion mirrored the perplexity of Fang Li and Rem.
However, Rem, in her capacity as a competent servant, chose not to dwell on it and instead listened quietly.
Fang Li, on the other hand, had been leaning against the wall since the beginning, absentmindedly stroking the sword at his waist, lost in thought.
Recalling Crusch's scrutiny of him in the meeting room, Fang Li pondered.
"Could it be because of me?"
Otherwise, there was no way to explain the meaning behind Crusch's glance.
"Unexpectedly, the butterfly effect, which has been ineffective since coming to this world, is showing itself here."
However, upon serious consideration, perhaps this was the development that should have occurred.
After coming to this world, despite trying to focus on the matters of the Witch Cult and restrain his actions, Fang Li's very existence was bound to have some impact.
Whether it was repelling Elsa, who came to stop Emilia from participating in the Royal Selection or dealing with the Curse User spreading curses in the Mathers domain, Fang Li personally intervened in these matters. It would be strange if there were no consequences.
However, it seemed that Fang Li's influence had not reached the Witch Cult, or perhaps even suppressed its emergence, resulting in the cult operating clandestinely without any news.
But at the Royal Selection meeting, Fang Li had dramatically changed Emilia's treatment in front of all the Kingdom's dignitaries, entering the sight of the people of the Kingdom in the most conspicuous way.
This naturally had a tremendous impact.
Being invited to join the Royal Guard was one result.
Now, the current situation resulting from the negotiations in this mansion was another.
"Indeed, does the main Divine Envoy always bring change to a world, no matter what?"
After all, the main Divine Envoy was a character that did not originally exist in this world.
Just like throwing a stone into a calm lake would inevitably create ripples, once the main Divine Envoy was introduced into a world, under the influence of the butterfly effect, the original world would undergo more or less change.
This, up to this point, had been experienced by Fang Li in all the Dungeon Worlds he had encountered.
"So, what impact have I caused here this time?" Fang Li pondered.
In the end, combining the plot of the original work and various conjectures, Fang Li could only come up with one possibility.
So, Fang Li raised his head and looked at Emilia and Rem, speaking.
"I'll go for a walk outside. Don't think too much about it. Rest here today and think about how to handle tomorrow's negotiations."
Hearing this, Emilia and Rem exchanged glances, and in the end, both could only nod.
With a slight smile, Fang Li waved to the two girls and left the room.
He headed towards the courtyard outside.
---
The weather today was exceptionally clear.
The sunlight streamed down from the sky, enveloping the entire Karsten mansion in golden light, illuminating the lawn spread out on the ground.
As Fang Li stepped out of the mansion and into the courtyard, he immediately witnessed this scene.
"Hah!"
Amidst the low, resounding shout, Wilhelm tightly grasped a Knight's sword and suddenly unleashed a powerful swing.
The Knight's sword cleanly cut through the air, creating a sharp sound of the wind, which surprisingly felt rather soothing to the ears.
However, despite the comforting nature of the slash, it was anything but ordinary.
Firstly, the speed of the slash was astonishing.
It flashed through the space like a single arc of light, so fast that an ordinary person might think they were seeing things or experiencing a momentary blur.
Secondly, the force behind the slash was also meticulously controlled.
While the wind was cleanly cut, the atmosphere remained undisturbed, as if only the trajectory of the Knight sword's swing had produced any movement, without generating any gusts.
It was evident how masterfully the person who swung the sword had controlled both speed and force.
The essence of it all perhaps could only be perceived by someone with extensive combat experience.
In response, Wilhelm sheathed his Knight sword, turned around, and bowed to Fang Li, saying such a line.
"My apologies for the spectacle."
"Spectacle?" Fang Li chuckled, "If such skill is merely considered a spectacle, then more than half of the Royal Guard would have to pack up and go home."
"It's only thanks to your high regard," Wilhelm said expressionlessly. "After all, I am just a servant. Handling weapons may no longer be suitable for someone of my age."
"You're being modest, Wilhelm San," Fang Li glanced at Wilhelm disapprovingly, "If even the rumored 'Sword Demon' is just a mere servant, then the standards of this world must be exceptionally high."
--- 'Sword Demon'.
In today's Kingdom, this title was no less esteemed than that of 'Sword Saint'.
Because the person who held this title once disregarded the presence of allies in a war, rampaged on the battlefield, charged into enemy lines, defeated entire enemy armies, and returned unscathed after causing a reign of terror, earning the title.
And shortly thereafter, he defeated the previous 'Sword Saint' and eventually became the Captain of the Royal Guard, leaving behind astonishing achievements and rumors.
This person was none other than the elderly gentleman before them - Wilhelm-Trias.
That's why this old man exuded such a sharp sword aura and heavy aura.
Unfortunately, Wilhelm remained indifferent to Fang Li's words.
"It's all in the past. Now, I've retired from the Royal Guard and only serve as a servant to Duke Karsten," Wilhelm said, raising his gaze to meet Fang Li's, "You, on the other hand, are the real talent. I could sense a faint, skin-prickling murderous aura the first time we met. I just didn't expect you to join the Royal Guard in the end."
As he spoke, a powerful pressure began to emanate from Wilhelm's body.
Then, addressing Fang Li, he said such a line.
"Perhaps, you'd like to spar with me."
The implication was clear, needing no explanation.
Feeling the immense pressure, Fang Li only curled his lips into a smile and responded.
"Well then, I'd be honored to oblige."
...
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