You can read ahead up to 70 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/GGS6395
Reflecting on the conversation in the study, Emilia couldn't help but sigh.
From the public's perspective, the influence of one person like Fang Li might not be enough to forge an alliance between two royal contenders.
However, anyone aware of Crusch's ultimate goal and Fang Li's achievements would understand what a masterful move Crusch had made.
Crusch's ambition to become the ruler of the Kingdom of Lugnica was driven by her desire to end the covenant with the dragon, aiming to make the country self-reliant and strong.
But for a kingdom that had long depended on the dragon, this decision could cause massive upheaval, possibly even causing rebellion.
If Crusch truly ascended to the throne and ended the dragon covenant, the Kingdom of Lugnica would face a harsh future.
Not only would there be internal unrest, but foreign nations, previously deterred by the Divine Dragon, would see Lugnica as vulnerable and might launch invasions.
Without the dragon's protection, the Kingdom's situation would be dire.
That's why the Kingdom couldn't part with the dragon.
For the sake of the future, Crusch needed Fang Li to join the upcoming battle.
Fang Li's actions in the audience hall were becoming widely known. Many now knew that at the Royal Selection meeting, he had challenged the dragon before the Dragon History Stone, causing the dragon to manifest.
If the soon-to-be-queen, Duchess Karsten, fought alongside such a person, it would leave a significant impression on the people.
Knowing that Duchess Karsten was allied with someone who had challenged the dragon would soften the impact if Crusch later announced her intention to end the dragon covenant.
This alliance would serve as a buffer.
As a result, Crusch's path to the throne would be smoother, with fewer unseen obstacles.
This was the influence Fang Li could bring.
An influence solely beneficial to Crusch.
"I think, when you proposed the alliance, the Duchess had already considered this point," Fang Li shrugged, speaking to Emilia. "So, the reason for making me a condition, even though my role in battle is minor, lies in this true purpose."
What did this imply?
It implied that as long as Fang Li continued to be active as Emilia's knight, the alliance with Crusch would be stable and unwavering.
Understanding this, Emilia lowered her head.
In the end, must she still rely on this man before her?
It was Fang Li who mitigated the negative perceptions brought by her silver hair and half-elf status, giving her a fair chance to compete.
It was Fang Li who ensured she could stand her ground in the upcoming Royal Selection, preventing her from being eliminated early on and allowing her to continue competing.
The arduous path Emilia had been walking became significantly less difficult because of Fang Li's presence.
Despite not wanting to involve Fang Li, she had benefited immensely from his support, making her feel despicable.
Thinking this, an overwhelming sense of guilt surged in Emilia's heart.
Until a hand suddenly reached out to her.
"Pā!"
A crisp sound echoed as Emilia's smooth forehead received a heavy flick.
"Ah…"
Emilia cried out in pain immediately.
Seeing her clutching her reddened forehead with teary eyes, Fang Li retracted his hand, looking somewhat exasperated.
"Just by looking at you, I can tell you're overthinking again. I've always said your personality makes you vulnerable, but you never believe me."
Hearing Fang Li's words, Emilia, still holding her forehead, retorted defiantly, "I think your personality also makes you vulnerable. You help me so much and—"
"I help the people I want to help, unlike you, who want to help everyone," Fang Li interrupted, rolling his eyes. He then turned his gaze back to the bustling courtyard outside the window and added, "Besides, I've told you, dealing with the Hakugei (White Whale) is beneficial for me as well."
This wasn't just to comfort Emilia.
Why had Fang Li agreed so readily to this?
There were three reasons for this.
First, the extermination of Hakugei (White Whale) would allow Fang Li to obtain the Witch Factor.
Yes, the Witch Factor.
The Witch Factors, originating from the Witches of Sin who existed four hundred years ago, possessed incredibly unique effects.
The Witches could use a special kind of magic called "Authority." While its power might be debatable, its effects were far more extraordinary and surpassed ordinary magic.
For instance, the "Witch of Envy" Satella was said to be able to transform her shadow into two thousand Black Hands, capable of devouring everything around her.
Disregarding any potential side effects, if one could obtain and use a Witch Factor, they might be able to replicate the corresponding Authority.
There were seven Witch Factors in total, each corresponding to one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
The Sandai Maju (Three Great Demon Beasts) created four hundred years ago and plaguing the world ever since, carried the "Gluttony" Witch Factor.
One of Fang Li's Main Quests was to acquire Witch Factors.
Originally, Fang Li intended to seek these Factors from the bodies of the Witch Cultists.
Now that Hakugei (White Whale) had appeared, Fang Li was more than willing to harvest this "Gluttony" Witch Factor.
The second reason was even simpler.
After Crusch proposed the plan to hunt Hakugei (White Whale), a system notification sounded in Fang Li's mind.
"Serial Number 11273 triggered A-Rank Side Quest: Actions in the Extermination Battle."
"Quest Details: Protect the key plot characters Emilia, Crusch Karsten, and Wilhelm Trias during the extermination battle against Hakugei (White Whale) until the battle concludes."
"Quest Reward: 30,000 Exchange Points."
That was the second reason.
In other words, the Hakugei (White Whale) extermination battle was crucial for completing both Fang Li's Main Quest and Side Quest.
Considering the third reason being Emilia, was there any reason for Fang Li not to agree?
Only one thing made Fang Li frown slightly.
"Have you really thought this through?" Fang Li looked at Emilia seriously. "Do you really plan to join us in the battle against Hakugei (White Whale)?"
"Yes." Emilia nodded firmly, her tone uncharacteristically resolute. "Duchess Crusch is also going to the battlefield. If that's the case, I have no reason to wait in a safe place while you all fight."
This was Emilia's sole insistence.
Seeing Emilia's unwavering determination, Fang Li had no choice but to relent.
"Well, it can't be helped then..."
...