"I've given up on Aria."
When Watson spoke these words, they reached Fang Li's ears, causing him to raise an eyebrow slightly and look over.
He locked eyes with Watson.
The atmosphere between them instantly became delicate.
In this situation, Watson, seemingly unable to endure it, said, "Aren't you going to say something?"
"What do you want me to say?" Fang Li shrugged and replied, "Should I ask you why?"
"At the very least, you should ask to understand why a rival would give up competing with you," Watson said. "Although, in the truest sense, we aren't exactly rivals."
They weren't exactly rivals.
After all, although Fang Li and Aria were partners, they were not lovers. Whether there were such feelings or not was beside the point; outwardly, their relationship was not ambiguous.
Watson's words were also thought-provoking.
"I imagine you can see what I'm getting at," Watson said, gazing at Fang Li. "I didn't come here because I like Aria."
Indeed.
Watson did not like Aria.
"The reason I came here to secure a marriage with Aria was entirely due to family matters," Watson admitted with a hint of helplessness. "I don't mind telling you that the Watson Family's current status is quite precarious."
In the United Kingdom, although there were so-called aristocrats, being an aristocrat was not an easy task.
To maintain the reputation of being an aristocrat, one had to first achieve prominence in society; otherwise, even with an aristocratic title, one could only become a mere figurehead.
In this regard, the Watson Family had been very successful.
The Watson Family held a high status in the financial and social spheres and even participated in secret activities. They were part of Liberty Mason, a society comprising numerous prominent characters and politicians.
The family had a long history of producing talented individuals, with even young Watson being recognized as a top-tier Butei by the Royal Family. It was clear how much prestige the family held.
However, Liberty Mason was a secret society with the noble ideal of selflessly saving society.
As members of Liberty Mason, everyone had to contribute to society in some way behind the scenes.
"But the Watson Family's charitable activities have been gradually declining since thirty years ago."
Watson's expression showed some bitterness.
"The Watson Family's past achievements have kept us in high standing within Liberty Mason. Even a young Butei like me was promoted to a top-tier Leader and received much recognition. But because we focused on societal success and neglected our social responsibilities, our position in Liberty Mason has become precarious, and we are at risk of being expelled."
If that happened, the Watson Family would lose its aristocratic honor in the truest sense, lose its biggest support in Liberty Mason, and eventually decline in the financial and social spheres.
"To remedy this situation, the previous Family Head hoped to secure a marriage with the Holmes family for salvation."
Watson explained.
"Although the Holmes family hasn't joined Liberty Mason, they have supported our activities for a century. If we could gain their assistance, we could escape our current predicament and restore our former glory."
That was why Watson had to marry Aria.
In other words, for Watson, Aria was merely a bridge to saving the family crisis.
Watson's repeated interference with Fang Li wasn't because of genuine feelings for Aria, but rather to ensure the marriage itself.
"For this marriage, both my family and I have made various sacrifices."
Watson's voice lowered as he said, "As for me, I've been groomed from a young age to be a suitable match for Aria, and I've long since ceased to be myself."
Watson might have thought Fang Li hadn't heard this, but Fang Li keenly picked up on it.
Fang Li looked at Watson's somber expression.
It was undeniable that Watson's downcast look had an element of a sorrowful, almost pitiable quality to it.
Looking at Watson like this, Fang Li was reminded of what Riko had called Watson yesterday at Sky Tree.
"Western Europe Ninja San."
With this address, this demeanor, and Watson's earlier statement about being trained as an "excellent male," Fang Li seemed to understand something.
However, Fang Li chose not to reveal his realization.
There was only one question remaining.
"Since the engagement with Aria is so important, why are you suddenly giving up now?" Fang Li asked. "Isn't it crucial for your family's future?"
"That's true, but yesterday's experience clearly showed me that I have no odds of success against you," Watson said candidly. "Only now do I understand why Liberty Mason has been reluctant to heed my advice to join Grenada (servant) and instead asked me to keep an eye on Deen, especially on you."
Watson acknowledged that his own strength was not lacking.
At least within Liberty Mason, Watson was a top-notch intelligence agent, rated even higher than the S-Rank Butei, and stronger than the typical S-Rank Butei.
Yet, against Fang Li, Watson found himself powerless.
"If even Hilda in her transformed state is no match for you, then my chances of winning Aria from you are virtually non-existent," Watson stated plainly.
"Therefore, I have decided to give up on Aria and advise Liberty Mason to join Deen. This was also the conclusion I reached after negotiating with Jeanne and Tamamo yesterday. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to regain my freedom and meet you here."
Of course, Watson's decision was also influenced by witnessing Fang Li's strength.
"I believe that with you in Deen, its chances of success are not lower than Grenada (servant). After all, Grenada (servant) also has exceptional individuals, just like you in Deen. The reason I previously concluded that Deen had no odds of success was because of this," Watson said with some gravity.
Thus, Watson had kidnapped Aria, hoping to connect with Grenada (servant) and persuade Liberty Mason to join Grenada (servant).
If he could be active enough in the Far East Warfare, the Watson Family's position in Liberty Mason could be solidified, even if a marriage alliance with the Holmes family didn't come to pass. This would help avert the family crisis.
"Now, I plan to gamble on you."
With that, Watson stood up, walked over to Fang Li, and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "If you fail, then I will have no choice but to continue competing for Aria."
After saying this, Watson left the restaurant.
Fang Li was left alone, gazing at the table filled with exquisite dishes, and smiled slightly.
"Competing with another person for a girl— such an experience is probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing."
(End Of This Chapter)
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