At the beginning of his transmigration, Faust had already established his life's goal.
He would lead the Qingxi Kingdom to rise, step by step, to the throne of the supreme overlord! To become a legendary emperor whose name would be praised for ten thousand years!
For the ten years Faust had been a prince, he could be described as having worked with tireless diligence, governing with such devotion that he neglected sleep and food. Was all this not for the sake of achieving a great undertaking?
To do big things! Go!
【I see. You wish to become an "overlord."】
Faust keenly sensed the fairy's subtext: "Is that also a type of protagonist in a script?"
【Of course. "Overlord" is a role favored quite a bit by destiny. However, given your conditions, the possibility of you becoming an overlord is minuscule. To be blunt, there is no such possibility. It is not because of your personality, but rather because objective conditions do not allow it.】
As expected...
Hearing the fairy say this, Faust sighed inwardly.
The prince was actually well aware that it would be extremely difficult for him to dominate the world, because the Qingxi Kingdom was simply too weak.
This small, impoverished, and remote country had only been established for a few decades. In the past, it was merely a border province oppressed by an empire. To develop it into a foundation for expansion would be impossible without the efforts of several generations.
At the very least, Faust feared he would not live to see the moment of total hegemony. If his descendants were capable, perhaps they could achieve the great ambition by building upon the momentum of several generations.
However, Faust's disappointment lasted only a short while. He looked up, his gaze resolute:
"...Even so, my goal remains unchanged!"
"Whether it's extending my lifespan or finding some fortuitous encounter, there will always be a way, right? No matter what, I have to try, even if I end up crushed to pieces!"
Rather than looking back in old age and feeling deep regret for a life of mediocrity, Faust would rather fight until he had no regrets left!
A man should either dine from five cauldrons in life or be boiled in them in death!
【.......Very interesting. I think we can make a deal.】
"A deal?"
Faust’s eyes widened as he listened to the fairy speak slowly:
【Do not be surprised. In these incredibly long and tedious years, if one does not spend some effort to amuse oneself, most fairies would likely fall into despair.】
【Son of Man, my original plan was to quietly observe the "witches' feast" playing out around you. But since you have such a sharp determination to forge ahead, I can help you fulfill your wish.】
The prince hurriedly said: "Is that alright? I mean... aren't you..."
【It is not a defiance of destiny. I am merely performing my duty. It just so happens that you have been swept into destiny, and you happen to be guided by me.】
Faust understood the fairy's implication.
The so-called "destiny script" did not mean there was an actual, incredibly detailed script that dictated every word every person must say and every action they must take without the slightest error.
The "script" was merely a general process. As the host, there was plenty of room for the fairy to operate within it.
Faust was immediately overjoyed, the gloom from moments ago swept away.
With the assistance of a fairy—never mind a blessing—even if this ancient being merely provided a bit of guidance with its foresight and wisdom, it would be an incredible information cheat!
Faust steadied his mind and asked:
"What do I need to pay?"
If it was a deal, there naturally had to be a give and take. If it were a simple charity, he wouldn't even be comfortable with it.
Having a fairy's help and being completely dependent on a fairy were two entirely different concepts.
However, Faust racked his brain and couldn't think of what a noble fairy could possibly gain from a mortal.
【A son of man who can awaken within a witch's destiny is something that has not happened since ancient times. Perhaps you truly can... hm. I do have something I crave, but not now. Consider this my investment. We can talk when you have the ability to help me.】
An investment... that fit his expectations. At least for now, he was of no use to the fairy.
"I understand. I hope the day comes when I can repay you."
Faust nodded and then asked:
"By the way, how should I address you?"
After talking for this long, he didn't even know the fairy's name.
【...Mephistopheles. You may simply call me Mephistopheles.】
Mephistopheles... Faust had never heard of this fairy.
But that was normal. Although the existence of fairies was not a secret, they were far too mysterious. There were very few fairies that mortals could come into contact with, and even fewer whose names were recorded.
【I have plenty of patience to wait. But for now, your most urgent matter is to deal with the imminent "witches' feast." This is no joke.】
【Generally speaking, the script of destiny is bound to be completed. But if the characters on the stage awaken, this certainty gains variables. If the established destiny cannot be completed... it becomes an act of defying fate, and the consequences would be unimaginable.】
Hearing Mephistopheles's warning, Faust also became serious. He weighed the crystal shoe in his hand and said:
"Regarding this matter, I might have some guesses."
The prince sat down at his desk, picked up a pen and paper, and began to organize his thoughts seriously.
What could be confirmed for now was that the destiny script he was involved in was likely "Cinderella."
This could be said to be the most classic of archetypal plays. There were numerous versions across different eras and regions.
The image of Cinderella could be traced back to very early times. The Greek historian Strabo once recorded in the 1st century BC the story of a Greek girl named Rhodopis who married into Egypt, which is considered the earliest version of the "Cinderella" story.
Rhodopis was washing clothes by a stream when an eagle suddenly flew by, snatched her shoe, and dropped it at the feet of the Pharaoh in Memphis. The Pharaoh then ordered all the women in the country to try on the shoe to see if it fit, and eventually found Rhodopis.
Another version of "Cinderella" is the Chinese Ye Xian. In the story, the hardworking and lovely Ye Xian raised a goldfish. The goldfish and Ye Xian were close, only floating to the surface and poking its head out whenever Ye Xian walked to the edge of the pond.
Later, the goldfish was killed by Ye Xian's stepmother. Guided by a heavenly deity, Ye Xian secretly attended a festival gathering.
When hurrying home, Ye Xian dropped a shoe. The King of Tuhan found the shoe, fell in love with Ye Xian, and married her.
Of course, the "Cinderella" story in "Grimms' Fairy Tales" is the most famous.
If the "destiny script" of this world was also a type of "Cinderella," then it would surely follow a similar outline.
What was the core outline of the "Cinderella" story?
Faust tapped the tip of his pen lightly on the snow-white paper and listed a series of points.
【A heroine who is treated unfairly】
【Supernatural power providing assistance】
【An encounter with the male protagonist】
【The heroine being identified through an object】
【The union of the male and female protagonists】
Almost all "Cinderella" stories followed such a development outline, with little difference.
After Faust finished organizing his thoughts, Mephistopheles's voice of wonder rang out in its mind:
【Oh, what precise patterns. How did you do it, Faust?】
Rate on N.U.
