As a result, the night passed much faster than expected.
Before long, the sky began to brighten.
Early the next morning, Fang Li woke up from his slumber, drew back the curtains, and let the sunlight pour into the room.
"The weather's not bad, perfect for morning practice." With this thought in mind, Fang Li immediately prepared to refine his Prana.
"Hmm?" At that moment, Fang Li noticed something unusual.
He saw many people bustling around inside and outside the Karsten family's mansion.
Some were welcoming guests at the entrance.
Others were ushering Dragon Carriages into the mansion.
Some were fully armed, moving in and out of the mansion.
And others were transporting goods unloaded from the Dragon Carriages in a particular direction.
The scene resembled preparations for a major battle.
"A battle?"
Fang Li squinted slightly, pondering.
His memories were somewhat stirred, reminding Fang Li of some important events from the original story.
"If that's the case..."
Fang Li suddenly smiled and sparks like stardust leaped from his silhouette.
"Perhaps I can intervene a little..."
As soon as these words fell from Fang Li's lips, there was a knock on his door and Rem entered from outside.
She wore her usual tidy maid attire with a hint of sentimentality.
Rem entered from outside, her gaze towards Fang Li calm and collected.
It was proof of her professional demeanor.
Without delay, Rem spoke to Fang Li. "Fang Li Sama, Crusch Sama has sent someone to invite Emilia Sama."
In other words, the postponed meeting was about to begin.
...
The location was no longer the previous reception room but Crusch's study.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Crusch sat on the sofa, with Ferris and Wilhelm standing behind her. Her stern expression exuded a sense of authority, and her gaze was even more serious than yesterday.
Emilia sat opposite Crusch with Fang Li and Rem standing behind her.
With this lineup, the two Royal Selection candidates sat face to face.
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Then, Crusch looked at Fang Li again, lowering her head slightly, and said a line.
"Thank you for your help yesterday."
Clearly, from Wilhelm's description, Crusch understood that Fang Li had guessed they were testing him.
Even so, Fang Li cooperated with Crusch and the others' testing without any suspicion.
This signifies two things.
Firstly, it's an expression of goodwill towards Crusch, increasing the likelihood of successful negotiations.
Secondly, since the cards have been laid on the table, it's equivalent to Crusch owing this side a favor, which can also provide an advantageous edge in the negotiations.
"As Wilhelm said, Your Excellency not only possesses exceptional abilities but also remarkable intelligence," Crusch offered Fang Li an admiring smile.
"Just as Captain Marchosias mentioned, you are a knight worthy of respect," She added.
However, Emilia wore a puzzled expression at Crusch's words.
Looking between Fang Li and Crusch, Emilia asked, "Um, what's going on?"
"Somewhat," Crusch nodded at Emilia, meticulously explaining, "Fang Li Sama has already paved the way for this negotiation in advance. You truly are an outstanding knight."
"Eh?" Emilia looked surprised, turning to Fang Li, "Is that so?"
"Somewhat," Fang Li echoed Crusch's response, smiling at Emilia, "Let's just say, in reality, this negotiation began yesterday, didn't it?"
This remark even elicited a smile from Crusch.
"As you said, this negotiation began yesterday," Crusch acknowledged.
Then, addressing Emilia, she said, "And I can somewhat guess the reason for your visit here."
With a hint of intimidating aura in her demeanor, Crusch's words carried an undeniable presence that left Emilia's hands tensing involuntarily.
Under this imposing aura, Emilia couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated.
Crusch continued, "Are you here to declare war?"
Her serious words left Emilia wide-eyed in surprise.
Not only Emilia but even Fang Li was taken aback.
As for Rem, she looked at Fang Li with utter amazement, as if saying, "When did this happen?"
Naturally, neither Fang Li nor Emilia had such intentions.
Wilhelm seemed to perceive this and advised, "Crusch Sama, it seems we've misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?" Crusch frowned slightly, then said, "But Ferris mentioned that, given the Royal Selection has just been announced, if someone immediately comes knocking on our door, it's highly likely they're here to declare war, intending to eliminate the most advantageous competitor first."
This statement prompted a response from Ferris.
"Crusch Sama, Crusch Sama," Ferris chuckled mischievously, "I only mentioned it as a possibility, not the only possibility, meow~~~"
"Is that so?" Crusch realized, then lowered her head toward Fang Li's group, "It seems I misunderstood. I apologize. Let's start over."
"......"
Fang Li's group was at a loss for words.
Should they say the other side was too serious or too naive?
Only Emilia seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her seriousness and innocence matching Crusch's.
"In any case, we're not here to declare war. We want to establish a covenant with you on equal terms," Fang Li intervened as he noticed the tension easing.
"Could you hear us out first?" As Fang Li anticipated, the atmosphere tensed up again.
"A covenant?" Crusch's gaze sharpened once more, and she leaned forward slightly, focusing on Emilia.
"Let me hear your thoughts," She said.
Listening to Crusch's words, Emilia's grip tightened on her palm.
However, at the same time, Emilia's expression grew increasingly resolute.
Finally, Emilia spoke up.
"Our thoughts were already stated just now. Please, let's establish a covenant on equal terms."
...
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