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
Amidst the solemn and sacred halls, the sound of high heels striking the floor echoed crisply, adding a touch of elegance to the austere atmosphere.
Priscilla walked confidently ahead, with the uniquely dressed Al by her side, both heading towards the distant end of what seemed like an endless corridor.
On either side of the hall, fully armored guards stood in formation, holding long spears and looking like statues as they maintained their positions without moving a muscle. This showed their rigorous training.
All the guards' gazes were fixed solely on Priscilla, as if she were the sole focus of the entire hall, completely disregarding Al, who walked beside her.
Similarly, they paid no heed to Fang Li, who walked on the other side.
Unlike the upright and confident Priscilla or the nonchalant Al, Fang Li merely walked silently, his demeanor lacking any expression of personality or curiosity, appearing somewhat disinterested.
After all, Fang Li had never intended to come here in the first place.
"You obediently followed me even though you had no intention of coming here?" Priscilla spoke, not turning back, only using her fan to cover the lower half of her face and smiling for reasons unknown.
"Despite this being my desire and knowing the world will fulfill it, I thought you might struggle a bit before coming."
Upon hearing this, Fang Li did not even glance at Priscilla. Instead, he responded casually.
"Setting aside your intentions, even if I were to leave now, circumstances would likely draw me back here sooner or later."
Fang Li seemed to resign himself to the fact that someone hoped for his presence, as evidenced by the obvious signs pointing him to Royal Castle.
"So, you plan to confront any possible traps head-on without hesitation?" Priscilla retorted mockingly. "I'm unsure whether to call you bold or simply self-assured."
"No, no, no," Al chimed in with a light-hearted tone. "Speaking of boldness and confidence, no one can match you, Princess. In that regard, this guy here seems like a perfect match for you."
"Your statement isn't entirely wrong," Priscilla surprisingly agreed. "If he were just another ordinary person who feared the unknown fate ahead, he would only end up as my eighth unfortunate husband."
These words from the notorious "Bloodstained Bride" sounded all too believable.
"So, my friend," Al said, nudging Fang Li's side playfully, "are you afraid of being Priscilla's eighth victim, is that why you rejected her?"
Fang Li cast a sidelong glance at Al and replied, "If you truly possess the ability to make me fear death..."
With such emotionless words, Al immediately fell silent.
Even Priscilla, relying on her keen instincts, seemed to sense something. She did not turn back but continued to smile, her expression unreadable.
Soon enough, the group reached the end of the corridor.
At the far end, they found an enormous set of double doors.
In front of the doors stood a figure.
"Thank you for coming, Lady Priscilla."
The person greeted Priscilla with a respectful bow.
The figure was a middle-aged man, roughly 40 years old, fully armed, but without a helmet on his head. His bearing was clearly distinguished from that of ordinary guards.
His demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant.
It was evident that this individual was not just a guard, but a Knight.
Furthermore, the Knight was a member of the Royal Family's personal guards.
In response to the Royal Knight, Priscilla arrogantly gave a single command.
"Open the door."
Upon hearing her words, the Knight didn't comply immediately; instead, he glanced at both Fang Li and Al.
Then, he asked the question.
"Are these two gentlemen Priscilla Sama's Knights?"
Priscilla answered his question succinctly. "Only that jester over there is my Knight, and the other one is my future husband."
"Husband?" The Knight was taken aback.
"Yes, husband." Priscilla confidently declared. "This country's future king's husband. You are not allowed to deny him entry."
Priscilla's unreasonable and overbearing attitude made the Knight frown and discreetly assess Fang Li.
However, since Fang Li didn't pay any attention to Priscilla, he naturally disregarded the Royal Knight as well.
Therefore, the Knight simply acquiesced.
"Please proceed."
With that, the massive doors slowly swung open.
The scene that greeted Fang Li was a grand hall befitting the term "palace."
The floor was adorned with a red carpet. The walls were decorated lavishly and brilliantly. Luxurious chandeliers hung down from the towering ceiling.
At first glance, it resembled a grand ballroom for a dance party.
The notable difference was the elevated platform at the far end of the hall.
On the high platform were rows of seats.
In the most central position of these seats, nestled at the deepest part of the hall, was a seat that stood out distinctly.
It was a throne backed by a wall adorned with a dragon motif.
This was the royal audience hall of the castle. A hall for audiences with the king.
As Fang Li stepped into the hall, nearly everyone turned their attention to him.
Inside the hall, there were already many people gathered.
These individuals fell into two main groups.
One group consisted of individuals dressed in white uniforms with Knight swords at their waists.
These people were Knights from the Royal Guard.
The other group was composed of individuals in formal attire, likely nobles.
On one side, there were military officers, primarily Knights.
On the other side, there were civilian officials, primarily nobles.
Those present formed the central structure of the entire kingdom, making up the highest-ranking officials in the kingdom.
It was entirely expected, given the occasion.
Today was the meeting to officially announce the commencement of the Royal Selection.
In the deepest part of the hall, near the high platform, the central figures of the meeting were already assembled.
Among them were individuals wearing military attire.
There were individuals in casual clothing.
There were young ladies dressed in formal attire.
There were also individuals dressed in white robes, indicating their Half-Elf status.
"Fang Li?"
Upon seeing Fang Li slowly enter the hall, a silver-haired Half-Elf covered her mouth in shock, her purple eyes filled with astonishment and surprise.
It was none other than Emilia.
...
At that moment, it seemed as if the surrounding sounds were completely muted, leaving only the two people staring at each other.
Fang Li gazed at Emilia, who was standing in front of him, without speaking.
Emilia, on the other hand, was full of surprise, shock, and unease.
"Why...why?" Emilia asked in a stunned tone.
Emilia's reaction was somewhat exaggerated but understandable as she never wanted Fang Li to get involved in the Royal Selection.
Fang Li had already expressed his lack of interest in the Royal Selection and the two had gone their separate ways in the capital.
This had left Emilia feeling uneasy, fearing that Fang Li would disappear and never return.
Yet here he was, showing up at the one place Emilia least wanted him to be.
Fang Li sighed and gave a simple answer.
"Perhaps this is just fate."
Just a few words, yet Emilia understood the complex reasons behind his presence.
"But..." Emilia's eyes darted to Priscilla's body, and her voice grew quieter, almost whispering, "Why did you come here with her?"
This was the source of Emilia's unease.
After all, Priscilla was one of the Royal Selection candidates and clearly a rival.
If Fang Li was with Priscilla, anyone would immediately assume he was part of her camp.
In other words, Emilia feared that Fang Li's previous proximity to her might have been a strategic ploy on Priscilla's behalf.
Had it not been for the month Fang Li spent with her, including the two times he saved her, Emilia might have believed this theory.
Of course, Emilia's supporters shared similar suspicions.
"Though I never expected Fang Li to appear like this, I had a feeling you would show up," Roswaal said.
Roswaal, dressed in his usual flamboyant style, smiled at Fang Li. "Could it be you came here out of concern for Emilia?"
Roswaal's statement implied Fang Li was not on Priscilla's side.
Both Emilia and Priscilla understood what he meant.
"How naive," Priscilla chuckled. "Regardless of what side he's on, if I want him to come, he will. Besides, he's going to be my future husband."
"Husband?" Roswaal was taken aback.
"Husband?" Emilia's eyes widened.
No one had expected this possibility, especially those who knew Fang Li.
Unfortunately, Fang Li did not show any reaction to the situation. Instead, he simply brushed it off with a dismissive remark.
"You take yourself too seriously," Fang Li said with a hint of disdain.
This lack of emotion only confirmed to everyone that the idea of him being Priscilla's husband was unfounded.
Al, meanwhile, found the whole situation amusing. "Wow, Priscilla got rejected again! What a rare sight," he commented with a grin.
Priscilla didn't seem as shocked this time. She simply brushed it off.
"I've already said that the process doesn't matter as long as the result is the same," Priscilla declared with arrogant confidence.
"Once I've declared someone my husband, he will inevitably become my husband in the end."
Leaving behind such self-assured words, Priscilla continued walking forward without looking back.
"Truly a woman blessed with the world at her feet," Al said, following after her.
"I won't disturb the two of you any longer," Roswaal remarked with a smirk as he left.
Finally, only Fang Li and Emilia remained standing together.
"I..." Emilia was at a loss for words.
Her thoughts were in turmoil. She never wanted Fang Li to get involved in the Royal Selection, yet here he was.
Emilia had feared he would leave and never return, but now he was here in a place she least expected.
Seeing Emilia's confusion, Fang Li spoke to her.
"Don't overthink it. Just go about your business as usual."
His calm demeanor helped soothe Emilia's mind.
Seeing this, Emilia felt a sense of relief.
(Indeed, he's still the Fang Li I know...) she thought.
He's always calm and unshaken. Being around him brought a sense of tranquility.
Over the past month, Emilia had lost count of how many times she found herself at peace around him.
Despite feeling calmer, Emilia still had many things she wanted to express to Fang Li.
She didn't want him to step into this world, yet he had come.
She came here thinking she might never see him again, but he was here now.
With all these emotions swirling inside, Emilia found herself speechless.
Fang Li seemed to understand what Emilia was thinking and gave her a piece of advice.
"Don't hold back. Just say what you truly want to say."
Her true thoughts? Emilia placed a hand on her chest as if asking her heart for the answer.
What was Emilia's true desire at that moment?
Undoubtedly, it was one thing.
Emilia opened her purple eyes and looked at Fang Li.
A smile gradually spread across her face.
"Being able to see you again... is a blessing."
Yes.
This was Emilia's true desire.
Without any other reasoning, it was purely her wish.
Fang Li offered her a gentle smile in return.
There was only one answer.
"I feel the same way."
...
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
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