Although Faust expressed that he did not care about the origins of his bloodline and only wished to be the prince of Qingxi, it was precisely this indifferent attitude that made the Sanctuary monastics even more convinced.
The slight arrogance originally held by the Sanctuary monastics, as well as the subtle, awkward atmosphere brought about by Helen's sudden loss of composure, all vanished in the face of this "highly probable sacred blood."
The way the Sanctuary monastics looked at Faust changed completely. If they had previously been viewing him as a local monarch with decent potential who needed to be courted, they were now looking at him as if they were admiring one of their own who was long overdue to return.
"Brother Faust, let us sit down and talk properly."
Helen had already taken the liberty of using the term "brother" to address Faust, who was not a monastic himself.
To this, the prince tacitly accepted. Although he was not a "descendant of the holy kings," he was a "contractor of the Sacred Deity." To put it plainly, wasn't this rarer than a "sacred bloodline"?
The arrival of the Son of the Sacred Deity... well, he would accept it gracefully!
The group moved from the audience chamber to the reception hall.
【Aren't you impressed, little Mephisto!】
On the way, Mephisto boasted in the prince's mind. As the greatest contributor to helping Faust pose as a sacred blood descendant, it could not wait to claim credit, then continued:
【However, in terms of seniority, you are quite far below me now. Is that really okay with you?】
Faust: "I don't mind."
If it were in the past, the prince would never have allowed himself to be taken advantage of, even if Mephisto's age was truly vast enough for it to be his ancestor.
A matter of principle was not to be trifled with. Bowing to little Mephisto? What kind of joke was that?!
However, he had already seen Mephisto. Even though he had forgotten the fairy's appearance, his remaining impressions told Faust that Mephisto was beautiful—extremely beautiful.
The kind of beauty that could make him lose his memories. Little Mephisto really hadn't been bragging; she hadn't lied to him!
She was practically on a mother-level of beauty. Since that was the case...
"If necessary, I can call you Mommy."
Faust said solemnly in his heart, causing the fairy to fall silent for a long time.
As a bystander, Mephisto had seen how the prince treated the "mothers" he had acknowledged previously.
【I suddenly don't feel happy anymore. Why don't you just call me little Mephisto?】
"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mephisto Mommy!"
Mephisto seemed to be shocked by Faust's shamelessness, but she was not simple either. After a brief moment of thought, she responded:
【Hmm, Mommy is here.】
You're actually agreeing to it? I'm amused to the point of frustration.
Faust shook his head. After arriving at the more private reception hall, the attendants withdrew, and the prince signaled for the envoy group to be seated:
"Sister Helen, distinguished guests."
"I have accepted the invitation from the 【Sacred Alliance】. I presume that since you have traveled from afar, it is for this very matter."
"That is indeed the case..."
Helen took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the agitation and curiosity still churning within her heart, and regained the demeanor and sense of duty befitting a Sanctuary envoy.
She nodded slightly, her golden eyes visible through the thin black veil. Her voice returned to its cold, clear state, yet one could still detect a slight, imperceptible tremor—presumably still shaken by the "Sacred Deity" aura emanating from Faust.
"The Sanctuary established the 【Sacred Alliance】 with the aim of uniting all righteous forces on the continent to crusade against the evil dragon that has usurped the imperial throne and blasphemed the glory of the fairies. Brother Faust, the Qingxi Kingdom you lead has achieved remarkable merit over this period, which is plain for all to see. It has become an important force in the southeast of the continent that cannot be ignored. The Sanctuary sincerely invites you to join us and participate in this great endeavor!"
Her statement was formal and high-sounding, in line with the usual tone of the Sanctuary.
"If one were to remain indifferent in the face of such a dragon-slaying feat, it would be destined to be a failed life."
Faust nodded, in complete agreement: "Opposing the evil dragon and maintaining order is an obligation that a mortal monarch should fulfill. The Qingxi Kingdom is duty-bound to do so."
After Helen revealed a pleased expression, Faust continued:
"However, joining the alliance is no small matter. I would like to know what the current specific structure of the alliance is? After we join, what obligations must we undertake, and what rights and support can we obtain? Especially... in the face of potential military pressure from the Second Empire, what level of protection can the alliance provide?"
He asked bluntly. Although Faust did not care about these things—joining the 【Sacred Alliance】 was merely to embed himself deeply into the enemy's interior.
But if one is going to pretend, one must do the whole thing. As a normal monarch, he must have tangible benefits and safety guarantees before joining.
Especially since the current territory of the Qingxi Kingdom was located on the southeastern frontier of the empire; once a full-scale conflict erupted between the alliance and the empire, the Qingxi Kingdom would likely bear the brunt of it.
Helen was clearly well-prepared for this. She signaled with her hand, and an elderly Sanctuary monastic beside her immediately stepped forward, unrolled a scroll of the treaty, and began to elaborate in detail:
"The 【Sacred Alliance】 currently includes seventeen major countries, such as the Saint-Laurent Kingdom, the Northern Alliances, and the Free Trade Cities of the Pan-West Coast, and has received support from multiple neutral organizations, including the Learned Society and the War Artisan Guild."
"After the Qingxi Kingdom joins, it must commit to abiding by the alliance treaty, submitting to the overall strategy of the alliance, providing the agreed-upon number of legions during wartime, and opening certain key passages for the transit of alliance troops or the transfer of supplies."
"Correspondingly, the alliance will recognize and guarantee the independence and security of the Qingxi Kingdom and its united kingdoms, Midwinter and Fog Moon. If any external enemy launches an attack on Qingxi, it will be regarded as a provocation against all members of the alliance. The alliance has the obligation to activate the mutual defense clause and provide military support to Qingxi. In addition, member states can participate in technical exchanges and enjoy trade concessions within the alliance."
Not bad. The conditions sounded quite generous, especially the mutual defense clause, which almost maintained a peaceful balance of power across the continent, preventing anyone from infighting within the alliance.
This 【Sacred Alliance】 was likely not established solely to resolve the dragon disaster. If it could be maintained after the war, it would absolutely be a behemoth. The Sanctuary had grand designs indeed.
After the elderly monastic finished summarizing the content of the treaty, Helen's golden eyes looked through her veil, gazing at Faust with intense focus:
"The Sanctuary established the alliance with the aim of pooling our strength to eradicate the dragon disaster and restore orthodoxy. We are seeking sincere and powerful allies, not vassals."
"If you feel the treaty is acceptable, we will stay in the Qingxi Kingdom for a while to conduct a detailed inspection of your national strength. I will do my utmost to secure better conditions and a higher position for Brother Faust."
Helen's words could hardly be called attentive; they appeared downright fawning.
There was a bit of personal emotion involved. Alas, Faust, you sinful man.
"I have felt the sincerity of the Sanctuary."
Faust finally spoke, "Opposing the evil dragon, Qingxi is duty-bound. In principle, I am willing to lead the kingdom to join the 【Sacred Alliance】."
Joy appeared on the faces of the Sanctuary group.
Helen's breathing grew slightly rapid for an imperceptible moment, and she nodded slightly: "It is an honor, Brother Faust."
Faust raised his wine glass and smiled at the Sanctuary envoys:
"For justice, for order, and also for... our glorious future."
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