**Chapter 101: The Princess's Favor and the Fourteenth Step in the Main Questline**
Deep in the manor's grand hall, Su Yu was granted an audience with Princess Elijah.
Princess Elijah, appearing fresh from a recent bath, wore a simple, snow-white dress rather than her usual royal attire. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, unbound, lacking her signature tiara, giving her a refreshing, down-to-earth elegance that felt less like nobility and more like the girl next door.
Seated on the throne in the hall, she held her cat, Morningstar, nestled in her lap, looking a touch weary.
Su Yu approached and respectfully bowed. "Your Highness, may I ask what pressing matter brings me here so late?"
At the sight of Su Yu, Princess Elijah brightened slightly. She stood and slowly approached him. Morningstar, her cat, opened its eyes, and with a wave of its paw, a shimmering shield encircled Su Yu and the princess.
Su Yu recognized it as a **[Sound Barrier]**, a spell used to ensure their conversation remained private. Clearly, what she had to share was important.
As the princess walked closer, she paused just a meter away from Su Yu, who found himself quite taken aback. This was the closest he had ever been to her, close enough to sense her gentle breaths.
Yet, she said nothing, simply watching him with her soft, flickering gaze. Su Yu felt a tinge of curiosity and perhaps confusion. Was there some unspoken sentiment in her silence?
But if there was, he couldn't quite fathom it. He quickly dismissed any imaginative thoughts, thinking instead that the princess might be measuring him somehow. Holding his respectful stance, he waited quietly.
After a long pause, Princess Elijah sighed. "Too weak."
"Too weak?" Su Yu echoed, relieved that she had finally broken her silence. "Are you referring to… my strength?"
The princess turned away from him, walking back toward her seat. "Your strength is lacking, Nemesis. If you were to reach the fifth rank or above, I'd be able to rely on you even more."
Su Yu smiled. "Strength is a journey, Your Highness. Just as a humble caterpillar eventually emerges as a butterfly, so too will I one day stand at the peak of the world."
A faintly self-aware chuckle escaped him, realizing the grandiosity of his words. But then:
**Ding! [Queen Elijah]'s favorability rating for you has increased by +2, now at 'neutral' standing.**
**Ding! You have earned +3 world reputation.**
Su Yu was taken aback. Was it his earnestness that impressed her?
And that wasn't all. He noticed that an increase in her favorability also raised his **world reputation**. Reflecting on this, Su Yu muttered to himself, "If only Tina's favorability boosts were this useful. By now, I'd have claimed a domain and basked in glory."
He chuckled at the thought, veering momentarily into fantasy.
Back in her seat, Princess Elijah addressed him in a more formal tone. "Nemesis, I'd like to hear your take on the negotiations this morning."
At this, Su Yu collected his thoughts. He was grateful he'd taken the time to fully analyze the meeting; otherwise, he'd have struggled to offer insights, risking any goodwill he had just gained with the princess.
Calmly, he responded, "Your Highness, my interpretation is that this morning's negotiations are a strategic play. You're stalling for time, both to allow the forces in Forest City to mobilize and for… other reasons."
The princess listened intently, her expression encouraging him to continue.
"It's not only you," Su Yu went on, "but Duke Cypher, too, seems to be delaying matters for his own purposes. And as for Duke Lantilus… he's likely preparing an ambush for your return to Plantagenet City."
Su Yu laid out his entire analysis, connecting each strand of intrigue. By the end, Princess Elijah's eyes shone with admiration, and even Morningstar peered out from her lap, casting a curious glance at Su Yu.
It appeared that his assessment matched the princess's actual strategy. She couldn't help but respect his perceptiveness, perhaps as evidence of his unique "prophetic" qualities as an adventurer from another realm.
After his explanation, Princess Elijah nodded in affirmation. "Yes, just as you surmised, we are, indeed, buying time."
"For how long, Your Highness?"
"Another half month, if we can manage it," she replied. "By then, Forest City's mobilization will be complete, securing our position."
"Half a month…" Su Yu murmured, pondering her timeline. It wasn't long, but it was enough for Duke Lantilus to prepare a potent attack. When they finally returned to Plantagenet City, a battle seemed inevitable—and likely even more challenging than their last encounter.
The princess continued, unaware of his thoughts, "But we can't merely idle for those two weeks… Nemesis, can I trust you with a mission?"
"Of course, Your Highness. I am and always will be your loyal ally," Su Yu replied without hesitation.
"Good," she said with a faint smile. "Then, let me explain the real reason I called you here tonight."
Princess Elijah leaned forward, her expression somber. "Since we entered the city, Duke Cypher has been keeping us under close surveillance. This has hindered my communication with some of our contacts hidden within Maple Leaf City."
"However, as an adventurer, you are likely less restricted by his scrutiny. I need you to deliver this letter to someone we trust—a man named Colin Filler, residing at 213 Green Valley Street."
Reaching to the side, she picked up an elegantly wrapped letter and handed it to Su Yu.
**Ding! Your main storyline quest has been updated! [Glory of the Gorse Empire (14/100)].**
**Quest Objective: Deliver the Queen's letter to Colin Filler at 213 Green Valley Street.**
**Quest Reward: [Primary Energy Potion (Gold)] x1, EXP +500.**
Su Yu's eyes widened at the reward. A **[Primary Energy Potion]** in golden grade—an incredibly versatile item that could restore mana for a mage, rage for a warrior, or any other energy form for other classes. Even better, this potion could be brought back to the real world!
Such items were rare treasures, invaluable for real-life utility as well.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I'll see this mission through," Su Yu promised with conviction.
The princess nodded. "I'll await your return with news, Nemesis."
(End of Chapter)