Returning from the Governor's Mansion to the residence in the Sanctuary district, a few more days passed.
As news of the Zhexuan Kingdom's plea for aid spread, Saint-Vevia, the imperial southern stronghold, grew increasingly lively. Messengers arrived daily, seeking intelligence regarding the prophecies of the Zhexuan Kingdom.
Along the roads leading to the Zhexuan Kingdom, the probability of encountering adventures and trials had increased significantly; come and find a brother, come and find a prize.
Although in this fairy-tale world, adventures and trials were common occurrences, the odds were not usually so skewed; otherwise, there would be no need for the dedicated pursuit of adventure.
What was clear was that the Azure Maiden had truly invested heavily. This Lady of the Lake seemed to have emptied out her bottom-of-the-box treasures to entice everyone to head toward the elflands.
Azure Maiden, you fellow, do you really not want to admit defeat that much?
Upon learning that the information was true, regardless of whether they were member states of the 【Sacred Alliance】, nations could not suppress their impulses and dispatched trial-seekers to the Zhexuan Kingdom, most of whom were their own princes. It had already become a trend.
However, Faust remained indifferent to such a fanatical atmosphere. Compared to immediately heading to the Zhexuan Kingdom, he was more concerned with the primary goal of this trip.
Testing the sequel effects of the 【witches' feast】 during the trials was paramount; all other matters had to be subordinated to this.
And the content Faust requested Yusewood to write was quite clear.
【In the trials prepared by the Sanctuary for the Brave One candidates, the hunter Irithea shall carve out victory in the secret realm and achieve gratifying results.】
Not long after, Sister Helen conveyed to Faust that the trials were prepared, along with the relevant arrangements.
"We have obtained three magic beans in total, each capable of opening a path to a secret realm prison. We intend to plant them in different locations."
"One will be sent to the north, where there is another Brave One candidate; it will be opened in the wild lands ravaged by monstrous beasts."
"Another will be sent to the western fiend defense line, to be opened in the empire's fiend-infested territory."
"The last one will be planted in the nearby forest, which is teeming with monstrous beasts."
"By the morning of the day after tomorrow, all three magic beans will be planted simultaneously. At that time, all trial-seekers certified by the Sanctuary may enter the secret realms."
"Brother Faust, the Sanctuary does not harbor high expectations for this trial. As for suppressing the brave ones, just do what you can."
The Sanctuary had long since planned the locations for planting the magic beans.
After all, one didn't need a genius to realize that once the passages opened, the imprisoned titans would inevitably escape their cages at any cost. Therefore, the locations for planting the magic beans were carefully considered; they certainly couldn't be opened in a bustling downtown area, could they?
Ugh, they are farming kills here. If they want to be a demon king and be subjugated, they should just say so.
Consequently, the opening sites for the magic beans were all chosen in the most dangerous restricted areas, places filled with fiends and monstrous beasts. By then, even if a titan managed to escape the net and break out, it would just be locked in a struggle with the local wild monsters.
This is what you call using barbarians to control barbarians.
In fact, this was the original intended use envisioned by the Sanctuary. As for the trials, they simply felt it would be a pity to waste such rare artifacts, so they decided to reuse them as trial grounds.
After Faust returned, he shared the news with the girls.
Irithea stretched: "I almost thought we were here for a vacation. Are we finally doing some real work?"
Selena rested her face on one hand and said:
"Although I am not interested in killing and fighting, it is fine if my talents must be used here."
Viviana said calmly:
"Your Highness, I shall surely prove that I am your most reliable blade."
Everyone’s reactions were very positive and full of motivation.
After all, according to the previous agreement, an implicit competition would unfold among the girls.
Setting aside the struggle for the status of the main wife, winning more customized dreams for sweet, shared sessions with Faust was also excellent.
For love-struck witches, this was far more stimulating than conquering the world or fighting for power. Palace intrigue, hmm, even if it only remained on the surface, was enough to excite them.
The pity is, if the sequel really takes effect, the winner has been decided from the very beginning. Sigh, the pre-fabricated champion.
Just as Faust and his group were about to leave, an unexpected guest paid a visit.
Dressed in mysterious robes, a tall and beautiful elf woman pulled back her hood and said:
"Prince Faust, do you have a moment?"
"An observer from the Purple Chamber, Danilla Starfall, I recall. What is it you want with me?"
Faust asked, though he already had a guess in his heart.
His only intersection with the elves was through Mystoria.
As expected, Danilla nodded and said:
"I heard that you have received instruction from Mystoria. Is she in your court now?"
"That is the case. Teacher Mi is my guide on the path of the 【martial saint】. As of now, she is helping me guard the royal capital and clearing out the bandits within the borders."
Upon hearing this, the silver-haired, purple-eyed elf observer’s expression, which had been as still as an ancient well, revealed a look of surprise for the first time:
"Mystoria... she would actually serve a human. If that is the case... you are the candidate chosen by Mystoria."
As if seeing Faust for the first time, Danilla scrutinized the prince carefully before saying:
"I originally came to summon Mystoria back, but now it seems that is unnecessary."
Faust said:
"I am a bit curious. Mystoria, much like you, seems to be seeking a way to solve the fiend disaster. Why is the prophecy she mentioned different from yours?"
The elf observer fell silent for a moment before saying:
"Actually, regarding the prophecy of that night, we deliberately concealed the latter half."
She opened her violet eyes and said flatly:
"The curse barrier of the Zhexuan Kingdom does indeed require humans from the outside world to undo it, but one must either wait a hundred years, or feed the thorns with the blood of a hundred princes."
Now he understood. It was no wonder Artedinis was so actively keen on aiding the Zhexuan Kingdom; it was all to see the rivers run red with blood.
Faust laughed in disbelief:
"You observers are really something as elves. We human princes are living people, not cold numbers for sacrifice!"
"Even if the complete prophecy were revealed, there would never be a lack of those willing to challenge it, or those harboring delusions of luck."
Danilla lowered her eyes and said calmly:
"But in terms of morality, our actions indeed have flaws. Calling them dirty and despicable is not an overstatement; this must be admitted."
"Within the royal court, there are also disagreements on how to break the curse. One group chooses to wait through the long years, while the other—which is us—chooses to dissolve the fiends' barriers as quickly as possible."
"For this, even if the rivers run red with blood, we are willing to cast aside our dignity."
Faust laughed:
"No wonder Teacher Mi was so cryptic when I asked her about this matter, saying only that the time had not yet come. When it comes to the moral baseline, we of the White Court are clearly superior."
The prince seamlessly adopted the identity of the White Court, even though he had only received instruction from one martial saint and, by all accounts, did not inherit the White Court’s legacy.
But he felt he was, so he was!
Rate on N.U.
