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When Emilia's clear voice echoed through the study, it was followed by a stifling silence that seemed to evade the atmosphere.
Crusch closed her eyes, speaking almost to herself. "So that's how it is. Even with the Dragon's approval, as a Half-Elf, you lack any real advantage or supporters in the Royal Selection. Therefore, you need to form an alliance early to secure your position and avoid being eliminated right away."
Crusch's guess hit the mark.
If Fang Li didn't understand Crusch's straightforward nature, he might have suspected that the earlier "declaration of war" was a deliberate act to catch them off guard.
However, it wasn't difficult to deduce what Crusch was thinking.
Apart from someone like Felt, who lacked political experience, the other Royal Selection candidates could easily guess Emilia's situation.
"I understand the situation," Crusch said, opening her eyes and looking at Emilia. "Indeed, among the five Royal Selection candidates, the conflict between you and me is the least clear. Forming an equal alliance temporarily, until the other candidates are dealt with, certainly has its benefits."
Hearing this, Emilia leaned forward eagerly. "Then we can..."
"Wait, don't be hasty," Crusch raised a hand to interrupt Emilia, speaking decisively. "While forming a covenant has no downsides, if there are no benefits, there's no need for such an alliance either, right?"
Emilia lowered her head slightly when she heard these words.
Clearly, Emilia had anticipated Crusch would say this.
It was only natural.
"You want to form a covenant with me to secure your position and avoid being seen as the weakest and eliminated first," Crusch stated bluntly. "But that's your goal. What benefits do I gain from forming a covenant with you?"
As soon as Crusch finished speaking, Ferris chimed in.
"From what we know, although Margrave Roswaal supports Emilia Sama, and he's powerful enough to support the entire border alone, that's all there is to it."
Ferris, dropping his playful demeanor, spoke sharply, "Honestly, Emilia Sama's camp lacks both manpower and popularity. Forming a covenant with you only brings us Margrave Roswaal, the strongest magic user, but nothing else. Even if the Mathers family supports your finances, the Karsten Family doesn't lack in that area either."
"In summary," Ferris concluded with a smile, "forming a covenant with Emilia Sama means we only give without receiving any benefits. There's no reason to form such a covenant."
Though what Ferrid said was harsh, this was the truth.
In essence, Crusch and her allies meant one thing.
"What do you offer to entice us?" Crusch asked Emilia. "If your offer truly meets the 'equal' condition, then I won't hesitate to accept."
This was Crusch's point.
This time, it was Emilia who closed her eyes.
Rem also closed her eyes, adopting a bystander's stance, perfectly embodying a servant's demeanor.
As for Fang Li, he exchanged a glance with someone.
That person was Wilhelm, who remained equally silent.
Then, Fang Li looked at Emilia.
He knew that while Emilia was innocent and kind, she was not thoughtless.
If it were this young girl, she should be able to understand, right?
Understand where the current atmosphere would lead.
And Emilia did not disappoint Fang Li.
"Don't need to hesitate...?" Emilia suddenly opened her eyes, her purple gaze locking onto Crusch. "If Lady Crusch speaks so decisively, it means I have something you want, right?"
Emilia hit the nail on the head.
Crusch also revealed a satisfied expression on her face when she heard this.
This expression told everyone that Emilia was correct.
"Please, tell me," Emilia spoke solemnly. "What should I offer?"
"It's simple." Crusch turned her gaze and her eyes landed directly on Fang Li.
Fang Li raised an eyebrow slightly.
Emilia seemed to realize something, exclaiming, "Could it be..."
"Yes." Crusch nodded firmly, presenting her condition.
"I want Fang Li Sama's strength."
...
The negotiation concluded swiftly after that.
The final outcome was a successful covenant between Emilia's camp and Crusch's camp.
What did this signify?
It meant Crusch had obtained what she wanted.
"Is this really okay?" Emilia asked Fang Li as soon as they returned to their guest room in the Karsten estate.
"This is clearly my issue. There's no reason for you to make sacrifices alone."
At that moment, Emilia's eyes were filled with guilt.
Guilt for her own helplessness.
If possible, Emilia would rather be the one making sacrifices, and not making Fang Li do it.
This was Emilia's nature.
In response, Fang Li merely shook his head, saying, "I've already told you, this benefits me too, and I am not doing this solely because of you."
With that, Fang Li moved to the window and drew back the curtains.
Below, the bustling activity in the courtyard continued unabated.
From there, he could see it.
From the Dragon Carriages below, people were unloading heavy crates one by one.
Those crates were filled with martial tools.
Watching this scene, Fang Li smiled.
"I originally planned to get involved if an opportunity arose. Now, the opportunity has come to me. Why not take it?"
Hearing Fang Li's words, Emilia didn't know what to say.
Then, she recalled the details of the recent meeting.
...
After stating her demand, Crusch didn't give Emilia time to be surprised or object. She immediately added, "Don't misunderstand. I'm not trying to pull Fang Li Sama into my camp with this opportunity."
Indeed, her earlier words might have sounded like she was treating Fang Li as a bargaining chip.
However, given Crusch's character, she wouldn't engage in such underhanded tactics.
Crusch's request had one purpose.
To gather reliable combat power for the upcoming battles.
With this in mind, Crusch spoke seriously.
"You know about the Hakugei (White Whale), don't you?"
...