Is This Considered Star Bribery?

The Sanctuary's request took Faust quite by surprise. The Prince raised an eyebrow and said:

"I never expected you to value that imperial brave one so highly. Why is that? Logically speaking, an aristocrat who already holds a high position would be even harder to control and would require suppression, would they not?"

According to the Sanctuary's strategy as previously described by Helen, one should be strictly wary of an ambitious brave one. How could they possibly be in league with such a tiger?

"She is different."

Faced with Faust's question, the cold, charming, and beautiful nun simply replied:

"Her Highness Atetinis is the most unique individual among the Radiant Dynasty's imperial family..."

Helen drifted into memory, a subtle smile appearing on her beautiful face:

"I have only had minimal contact with her, but even so, I consider her a monarch of immense charisma. Her style of conduct is uninhibited and carefree, yet she possesses the mettle to make others follow her."

"And most importantly, Her Highness Atetinis does not fight the dragon for the sake of restoring the empire. She does it purely to satisfy herself and her need for stimulation. Engaging in battle with the continent's powerhouses to determine who is superior is her only condition."

"Precisely because of this, when the Sanctuary made its request, Her Highness Atetinis agreed quite readily to join us in intercepting the brave one."

Faust pondered for a moment and said, "A martial fanatic?"

Helen blinked her beautiful eyes and tilted her head:

"A martial fanatic... that is not quite right. Although Her Highness Atetinis is indeed exceptionally gifted, she is quite different from a 【martial saint】. She is not obsessed with martial arts."

"In short, she gives me a feeling very similar to you, Brother Faust."

Is that so? Then I understand; she is definitely no good.

Faust possessed a great deal of self-awareness and smiled:

"I hope we can get along."

"We will. If you are able, please head to the Sanctuary diocese in the southern part of the empire to rendezvous once you are prepared, Brother Faust."

"Does the 【Sacred Alliance】 intend to declare war on the dragon now?"

Faust was startled to hear this; he had assumed the 【Sacred Alliance】 was satisfied now that they had a soaring dragon like himself.

"How could that be? We are still in a period of confrontation, and the encirclement network has yet to fully take shape. Before officially declaring war on the dragon's kingdom, the brave one candidates need time to grow. The 【Sacred Alliance】 currently has no plans to wage war on the dragon."

The Second Empire, governed by Lian, had never launched a campaign against the outside world, which allowed the many kingdoms in the encirclement network to breathe a sigh of relief.

After all, no matter how numerous their forces, the dragon's reputation was too fearsome. No one doubted that they would eventually achieve victory, but at what cost would that victory be bought?

The casualties of past dragon disasters ranged from tens of millions to over a billion. Truly, one would be terrified just looking at those figures.

Were it not for the deeply rooted impression that the dragon was absolutely impossible to negotiate with and beyond reason, it is doubtful that many kingdoms would have dared to resist or defy the dragon king.

"The dragon, which degenerated from the guardian fairy of the empire, is a mysterious situation. But thus far, this dragon has acted with great restraint, which has given the 【Sacred Alliance】 an opportunity to accumulate strength."

"The Sanctuary plans to organize an operation to sweep out giants as a trial before the crusade against the dragon. If we cannot even accomplish a crusade of this level, then victory over the dragon is out of the question."

"Giants?"

Faust was stunned at first, unsure where these giants came from in this world, as he had never heard of them.

Seeing this, Helen immediately explained:

"That was a long time ago. Once, a magic bean grew into a giant vine reaching toward the clouds, and upon it were giants imprisoned by the gods... though they are called giants, they are actually just a group of man-eating monstrous beasts."

"At the time, the vine leading to the clouds was cut down, and the secret realm was blocked. Only recently has the Sanctuary recovered the magic beans lost from that era. It is time to clear out these remnants of the past."

Faust immediately realized which fairy tale this was; even the magic beans had appeared.

And looking at the situation, this script had ended long ago. Could it actually be restarted?

Perfect. I shall experiment with integrating the 【witches' feast】 into this script.

Thinking this, Faust nodded and said:

"I understand. I will bring my people and arrive in time to participate in this grand event."

The golden-haired, golden-eyed nun lowered her head in acknowledgment:

"Yes. Then, we should be leaving."

"By the way, before you go, there is one more thing."

Faust suddenly remembered something and said to Helen:

"Later, I intend to develop some trade relations with the Second Empire. I hope the Sanctuary will be understanding of this."

"Ah?"

The nun's expression became difficult to maintain, looking as if to say, "What are you talking about?"

However, Faust said with righteous indignation:

"We in the Qingxi Kingdom must also do business with the Second Empire. I see that not everyone in the Second Empire is an enemy. Under the dragon's pressure, there are many who wish to break free. We can certainly be friends."

"Could it be that the 【Sacred Alliance】 intends to liquidate all the commoners living under the dragon's rule? I could never accept such a brutal act!"

Had it been before, Faust would never have told Helen this; he would have secretly contacted the Second Empire as usual. But after the whipping he had administered during this period, the Prince wanted to see just how much control he had over Helen.

"This... is that so?"

Helen knitted her beautiful brows and said:

"The Sanctuary naturally has no intention of conducting a great purge, but the encirclement network should logically blockade the enemy and incite defection among the humans within the Second Empire... but such things have very little effect, and no one is willing to do it."

Faust said coolly, "If you agree, next time I will do as you wish and use the 【Great Thunder】 to swell your cheeks."

"Mm!!"

The nun's beautiful eyes widened suddenly. She seemed to be imagining the scene, her red lips twitching and her breathing growing heavy.

Finally, she cupped her hands over her heart and trembled all over, saying:

"Understood. If you intend to exert effort on the path of inciting enemy defection, I will help you secure a special exemption. I only ask that you, Brother Faust... continue to whip me on the 【pilgrimage】 path."

She just gave her word like that? Sigh, it is still better to have someone on the inside.

Come to think of it, is this considered star bribery?

After Helen left, intending to lead the Sanctuary's delegation back, Mephistopheles's voice echoed in the Prince's mind:

【Hmm... giants, their story should have ended long ago. To think they have been dug up again. Those magic beans, I remember they were entrusted to the Lady of the Lake for safekeeping.】

"The Lady of the Lake? Is that the same Azure Maiden again?"

The Prince had no choice but to think of the Azure Maiden. The taste of the 【Great Thunder】 was truly wonderful. Ever since he obtained the 【Great Thunder Mark】, the Prince of Qingxi had truly been able to open his 【witch】 harem.

The Azure Maiden is a benefactor; does anyone understand that?