As a fairy, Mephistopheles's mind drifted beyond the firmament. As long as a coordinate was inscribed, it could observe the mortal world at any time and place. Faust also knew that most of the time, the fairy kept its attention focused on him.
However, there were times when it would wander off to tend to other matters.
Faust understood this well and never questioned what Mephistopheles was actually doing. Regardless, it generally turned out to be a good thing.
Whether it was tricking Mystoria into becoming his teacher or securing the alliance with the Second Empire, it was all Mephistopheles's doing. These were positive developments; whether they were connections or sponsorships, the more the better.
'It seems fine to me. At least it's lively.'
But in all the time Faust had spent with Mephistopheles, he had never heard the latter break out into a cursing fit. For a primordial fairy with such absolute seniority, what in the world could make it so agitated?
【It is nothing. I simply encountered a total bastard. Sigh, the ingratitude, the lack of traditional values...】
Mephistopheles let out a long sigh and spoke gloomily to Faust:
【I believe the most important trait a person can have is gratitude, to be worthy of the guidance provided by their predecessors. Wouldn't you agree?】
"That is true."
Faust didn't take up his usual contrary persona this time and nodded in agreement.
He had always been a man who clearly distinguished between favors and grudges. If he didn't value gratitude, he wouldn't have respected the old king who adopted him so much, nor would he have developed feelings for the entire Qingxi Kingdom.
In truth, Faust wasn't originally from Qingxi. When he first transmigrated, he was outside the kingdom's borders; he shouldn't have felt any sense of belonging.
However, his adoptive father loved this land dearly, and Faust had his own need to realize his self-worth. The two combined to create the ideal of "leading the Qingxi Kingdom onto the world stage and dominating the heavens."
【Mhm, mhm... As expected, you are the most adorable one, Faust.】
Mephistopheles couldn't stop praising him, clearly satisfied with Faust's stance.
The prince said expressionlessly:
"If you call me 'adorable' again, I'm really going to lose my temper. Unless you are a mature, cold yet charming, maternal, tall and curvaceous, black-haired, red-eyed 'gap-moe' big sister in a one-piece black silk bodycon dress—only then would I reluctantly accept you calling me adorable."
【Are you... making a wish? Unfortunately, my spiritual projection is already fixed. Even a dragonfall won't change it. I do not possess such a vulgar and seductive appearance.】
Faust: "Dammit, then why even say it! I happen to like that kind of vulgarity."
【Sigh, Faust, realize one thing. No human can simultaneously be your psychiatrist, mother, lover, toy, best friend, and worst enemy.】
【But a fairy can.】
"Ha, you don't even dare to show your face. Don't make me laugh."
The Prince of Qingxi laughed in exasperation. He shook his head; sometimes talking to Mephistopheles was profoundly beneficial, but more often, it was this kind of utterly nutritionless banter where they attacked and teased each other.
Refocusing his attention on choosing a mount for his travels, the prince suffered from a bout of indecisiveness.
Faust naturally had mounts before. The royal stables held hundreds of excellent steeds, each tall and sturdy.
However, the Qingxi Kingdom was simply too small. Usually, a carriage was enough for commuting, and he only rode horses during hunts.
But Faust wasn't quite satisfied. No matter how well these royal steeds were bred, they were merely mundane creatures.
Truly high-end mounts were elven warhorses with unicorn blood or exotic beasts with griffin blood. Those were fully domesticated. In this fairy tale world, if you were brave enough and had deep enough providence, you had the chance to obtain all sorts of strange and wonderful mounts.
Faust actually really wanted a griffin, and he'd even thought of the nickname "Deathclaw," but the conditions weren't right. He could only choose a white horse with the purest coat from among the many steeds. He spent a few days familiarizing himself with it by hunting and strolling in the wild.
And the reply the prince had been waiting for arrived in the Qingxi Kingdom shortly after.
The silver-gray-haired royal sister personally delivered it to Faust, who couldn't wait to tear the letter open.
After a brief scan, the prince's heavenly handsome face immediately twisted into an expression of indignation and sorrow.
"I wrote to the Midwinter Kingdom to ask for the princess's hand in marriage. Midwinter has sent their response."
Faust looked up at Viviana, Mystoria, and Yusewood who were gathered around, and shouted:
"They dared refuse!"
Yusewood frowned slightly. "It would be stranger if they allowed it, wouldn't it? Have you even met her? You don't even know her name, yet you proposed just because you heard she existed."
Faust ignored his sister's words and continued to beat his chest.
"I see it now! That Midwinter Kingdom must feel that our Qingxi is growing stronger by the day, so they intentionally rejected my request! No, I must go there in person to show my sincerity."
The silver-gray-haired princess folded her arms and said coldly:
"If you want to go out for some 'courtship training,' just say so. There's no need for this theatrical performance."
Others might have thought Faust was just putting on a show, but the Prince of Qingxi had his reasons; this process was necessary and unavoidable.
In principle, the wheel of destiny would not allow the 【prince】, an important supporting character, to leave the stage.
Thinking back, Faust had never left Qingxi in all these years. It was quite possible he had been restricted by some unseen force.
All other reasons would face obstacles, but if it was for the sake of "pursuing a romantic encounter," then it was a different story.
A prince pursuing the beautiful princess of his heart—there was nothing more natural or justified than that! Even if the sky fell, it wouldn't be interrupted!
The only thing that could hinder this was the will of 【Cinderella】, the 【witch】, but Viviana had long since tacitly approved of Faust's actions, indicating she had no objection.
Furthermore, as soon as the prince received the reply, she immediately began helping Faust change into his traveling attire.
Compared to the light gear of ordinary travelers, the Prince of Qingxi rareley paid such attention to his appearance. He asked 【Cinderella】 to help him design a set of travel clothes.
The gray-black coat, adapted from hunting attire, was simple and slim-fitting. Although the dark gold embroidery wasn't complex, the sense of magnificence it provided was not inferior to an evening gown. A single-sided shawl embroidered with the Qingxi emblem hung down.
His brown belt over the trousers held a sword, a dagger, and a crossbow. Faust, mounted upon the snow-white steed, gave the clearest possible physical form to the concept of a "Prince Charming."
Faust spread his arms and asked, "How do I look?"
"Not bad. Remember to gain more path experience and promote as soon as possible."
Mystoria had the plainest reaction. The elf martial saint held her scabbard and nodded to Faust.
"With the experience and understanding of the 【martial saint】 path you possess now, going out into the world won't be a problem."
"Clothes make the man, and the saddle makes the horse... You actually look the part like this."
Even his royal sister, who was always cold toward him, couldn't help but feel her eyes light up as she gave a slight nod.
The prince finally looked at Viviana, anticipating the reaction his childhood friend would give...
Viviana: "I regret it."
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