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It's worth noting that when Allen publicly executed a noble sir on the dock.
The fiery clamor on both banks instantly died down.
Because everyone was abruptly ripped from the feeling of watching a storybook unfold, realizing that Allen was not merely a simple symbol like 'knight' or 'hero.'
He was dangerous, not harmless at all; killing was as easy as eating and drinking for him.
Thus, the fervent emotion, akin to celebrity worship, transformed into deep reverence.
Even the couple who had been boisterously shouting about a threesome with Allen just moments ago fell silent.
The crowd's gaze followed the blood-stained figure back into the boat's cabin, through the eerie silence as the deck maids and guards wordlessly parted to make way.
Allen ascended to the third floor once more.
This time, however, a little red-haired tail followed behind him.
Eris was holding Allen's hand, trailing behind her older brother.
He pushed the door open.
Derrick Redbat immediately rushed forward. He took Allen's hand with immense respect and care.
His expression was earnest, somewhat agitated, filled with deep admiration, and his hand even trembled unconsciously.
"Thank you."
Allen didn't actually hold any ill will towards Derrick Redbat; he simply patted the back of his hand.
"Neither of your proposed two options were particularly good, so I paved a third path for you. You should see results soon."
"However, I need to remind you: your unpretentious way of dealing with people works well with the common folk, because the sense of status disparity deepens their impression of you and makes them appreciate your lowering yourselves. But this approach won't work well with these nobles, because they know you need something from them. At a crucial juncture requiring allegiance in the succession struggle, these scoundrels will not only not be grateful for your behavior but will even perceive you as weak and unfit for great responsibility."
"Even if you found someone who could protect your safety, following your original plan and proceeding as before would only earn you their contempt."
"So now, since this assassination incident has occurred, providing an opportunity to exert pressure on them, you cannot show leniency."
However, this explanation was less for Derrick Redbat and Ariel, and more for Sylphy and the others beside him, clarifying his actions.
To the side, Ariel had been leaning out the window, watching Allen's return. She naturally didn't avert her gaze now. She effortlessly pinched the hem of her skirt and performed a polite curtsy, much like one would at a noble banquet. It wasn't a royal gesture; rather, it was like meeting a knight she was smitten with at a ball, after he had just invited her to dance.
Then, however, like Derrick Redbat, she walked over, subtly and seamlessly taking Allen's hand from Derrick Redbat's grasp.
Derrick Redbat, who had been an Allen fan since way back, only realized what happened when the warmth of Allen's skin left his hand. Possessed by some strange impulse, inexplicably, uncontrollably, and naturally, he subconsciously looked at Allen's other hand.
His other hand was being held by the red-haired girl, who was raising an eyebrow at him.
Derrick Redbat: What am I doing...?
Immediately, Ariel's voice sounded by his ear.
"Thank you. Indeed, thinking about it carefully, this is a much better way to handle the current situation. But in doing so, your reputation..."
Allen chuckled slightly. "Reputation? You're the candidate for the throne, not me. For you, reputation is more important; for me, awe is more useful than that. A role requiring social finesse doesn't suit a swordsman like me. And, I haven't even joined your 'ship' yet, so you don't need to worry that my actions will affect your public support."
Ariel frowned tightly at his words, and the smile on Derrick Redbat's face disappeared.
"You've misunderstood; I didn't mean that."
Allen smiled. "But I did."
Ariel looked flustered, choked by Allen's retort. The conversation seemed to be heading nowhere, but then, she faintly felt a slight resistance from the hand she was holding, subtly trying to withdraw.
After a brief pause, her lips curved into a slight smile, and she turned the topic to the current matters.
"...Your method is very effective, but unfortunately, I don't have the authority to act in such a way. You must understand that the prerequisite for deterrence is having the strength to deter..."
Allen looked down at Ariel's suddenly tightened grip, debating whether to kick the woman away. Hearing Ariel's words about 'authority,' he looked up.
The two stared at each other in silence for a moment.
Allen didn't respond to Ariel's implication.
She chose her words carefully and continued.
"So... I want to ask, is there a possibility of extending the 'loan period'?"
Allen thought about his planned trip to the royal capital. Before he could speak, he felt his scalp tingle under two intense gazes.
He suddenly felt his throat dry, and involuntarily licked his lips, following his gaze.
Sylphy lowered her head slightly, looking up at him with puffed cheeks.
And Isolte, with a full smile, was slowly tracing the hilt of the sword at her waist.
Seeing this, with almost no hesitation, Allen immediately chose to follow his inner will.
"No."
His voice rang out, firm and resolute.
Ariel sighed softly at his answer, though her face showed little regret. She continued.
"I see. That's truly regrettable. It seems we are indeed too weak right now, but I will truly... try my best."
"However, since you saved my life, the royal family also knows how to return kindness. If you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to come find me at the palace, for anything at all. As long as I can help, I will certainly do my best."
"Oh, and I heard from Isolte that you are also traveling to the royal capital. If you don't mind, after today's events, could we offer our humble assistance and give you all a ride along the way?"
"Compared to civilian ships, this vessel under my skirt is quite fast, and the facilities on board are quite complete. There are also guest rooms where you can rest very comfortably."
Allen was completely bewildered by her words. In Asuran, 'under my skirt' was a term similar to 'underfoot,' which didn't pose a huge problem. And the casual remark about the boat being fast was quite normal, as were the guest rooms, which was an objective fact.
Civilian ships, let alone guest rooms, were basically standing-room-only tourist boats; good ones might offer a few seats.
And Ariel had been completely natural throughout. As soon as she finished speaking, she immediately released Allen's hand, showing the demeanor of a 'wise ruler' who was 'graciously descending to the humble.'
But damn it, she let go, then scratched his palm with her fingertip—was that appropriate?
He looked at Ariel in surprise. She blinked at Allen, looking almost mischievous, full of girlish charm.
At this moment, her subtle actions, expression, and her previous words, truly felt like a timely invitation of "my bed is quite spacious," or rather, an invitation with a sense of déjà vu.
But this feeling, as soon as it arose, was immediately dispelled by Ariel's girlish playfulness.
As if the slightly ambiguous behavior just now had been an illusion.
Most importantly, her actions were completely hidden from Isolte's and Sylphy's sight, concealed by his own body.
Absurd.
However, Ariel's words and actions effectively softened the confrontational tone of Allen's earlier, bloodthirsty words after the killing.
This was her natural instinct for 'atmosphere.'
Afterwards, Allen discussed it briefly with the others, then accepted Ariel's offer for a ride.
The facts were clear: compared to civilian ships, returning to the royal capital on Ariel's vessel would be much faster.
And the ship had already been 'cleaned.' Everyone should be able to get a good night's sleep on board tonight.
On another note, while Eris herself didn't yet know she suffered from seasickness, Allen did. His original plan was to travel by boat—rest at a transit dock—then travel by boat again, all the way to the royal capital.
But now that there was a royal pleasure boat that could get them there overnight...
...Not taking it would be unthinkable.
It didn't even take an hour; just half an hour later, a whole swarm of municipal officials arrived on the boat, inviting Ariel to disembark. At the same time, they brought along a line of 'suspects' from the assassination case, awaiting Ariel's judgment.
Allen naturally detached himself from the crowd, leaning against the ship's railing with interest, playing the 'spectator.'
And no nobles approached him. Even a mere passerby, after such a prominent assassination incident, should have had some presence in such a setting.
But the area around Allen seemed isolated from the world; the nobles deliberately avoided looking at him.
Allen's reserved coolness only further highlighted the fervor around Ariel.
Nobles like the mayor, who could assess the situation and were ready to take a stance, were naturally outspoken. Other nobles, less sensitive to the succession struggle, also instinctively developed a good impression of Ariel because she had rebuked the 'god of slaughter.'
As Ariel utilized her innate talent for handling interpersonal relationships, through the manipulation of her words.
Atmosphere built upon atmosphere, emotion pushed emotion. In just a few tens of minutes, the scene truly became as fervent as if they were championing a monarch.
And the crowds on both banks successfully directed their fervor towards today's 'protagonist.'
The original plan to visit the Styrian Well and parade along Flowing Falls City's main thoroughfare was directly postponed. Striking while the iron was hot, Ariel ascended the now broken Bridgit Continent Bridge to deliver a live speech.
At this moment.
"Flowing Falls City is an ancient city, and it is my honor..."
"Princess Ariel!!"
"Princess Ariel!!"
The people on both banks couldn't make out what Ariel was saying, but that didn't stop them from shouting Ariel's name in unison.
"Tch, how enthusiastic. So 'enthusiastic' that Ariel almost died here."
Allen leaned against the ship's railing, watching Ariel, resplendent in the sunlight on the broken bridge, across the water.
He tapped the mast with his finger.
His thoughts rose and fell with his gaze on her hair fluttering in the morning breeze.
There was no such assassination in the original story; otherwise, Ariel would have died before the Great Teleportation, and there would be no storyline of Sylphy falling into the Silver Palace afterwards.
But now, it seemed, it was probably another butterfly effect of that commendation banquet, though he wasn't sure exactly where it originated.
Previously, Allen had thought he hadn't caused too many butterfly effects in the royal capital, but now, it seemed, that wasn't the case.
The impact he had caused was somewhat too great.
In that case, how would Orsted react upon seeing this Allen Boreas Greyrat, who was completely different from previous loops?
However, causing an impact in the royal capital isn't entirely a negative butterfly effect in Orsted's eyes.
Because Orsted had explicitly mentioned that Ariel becoming king and prioritizing magic would have a positive effect on weakening Laplace in the future, and his bringing Eris to the royal capital also aligned with the original storyline without Rudy.
He might come looking for him, but as long as he didn't overtly 'reveal his hand' like Rudy, he would be more inclined to first observe where this variable, completely different from previous loops, was going wrong, rather than immediately attacking without a word.
But, ultimately, the plan in the royal capital still needed to be executed swiftly and decisively.
To avoid as many variables as possible.
"This city possesses a dazzling history, astonishing Styrian religious customs, exquisitely planned urban construction, and warm, welcoming people..."
As Ariel's speech continued, a teasing voice came from beside him.
"Indeed, very warm and welcoming."
This broke Allen's train of thought. Allen turned to his side. Isolte was looking at him with a smile.
Allen chuckled.
"Indeed, so warm and welcoming that people almost died before they even landed, so..."
Before he could finish, he felt his hand, which was resting at his side, being grasped. Then, a finger slipped into his palm.
Slowly tracing his palm, it was slightly ticklish.
So ticklish that a chill ran through Allen's heart.
His smile froze.
He swallowed, looking at Isolte, who was smiling with narrowed eyes and tilting her head. He realized Isolte had clearly 'seen' Ariel's subtle action using 'Sense Flow.'
This 'warm and welcoming.'
It's radiating killing intent...
The next instant, Isolte, however, smiled and patted Allen's hand. She glanced at Ariel's elegant posture on the bridge beside them, looking somewhat dazed and admiring her beauty, and whispered.
"No need to be nervous, Senior Brother, it's alright. I won't tell Sylphy."
Allen: ...I was worried you'd cut me.
Isolte then changed tack, her smile fading, her tone becoming somewhat serious.
"Earlier, Senior Brother said he wasn't interested in the power of the royal capital. I thought Senior Brother would choose to join 'Dawn,' but looking back at this period, I always feel that Senior Brother is somewhat... hasty in his steps. It doesn't seem like the state of gradually joining 'Dawn' at all. If he truly joined Dawn, that would mean Senior Brother wouldn't have much opportunity to act against James for a very long time..."
"After all, 'Dawn' is fundamentally the 'enforcer' that maintains order in the Noble District and the Free Zone."
"So, if Senior Brother plans to act against James, then why didn't you take the opportunity to join Princess Ariel's faction just now? If it's truly as Princess Ariel said, to choose to join the First Prince's faction, James is already under the First Prince, and Senior Brother, as the next generation of Boreas, and ostensibly a Boreas of the royal capital, would surely still be suppressed by James."
"I can't quite understand what Senior Brother is thinking..."
Allen froze, seeing Isolte's genuinely serious expression, and was about to speak.
At that moment, the wind was soft, pressing close.
Whispering intimately, with a hint of allure in its breath.
Speaking words full of temptation.
"No matter what Senior Brother is thinking, I want to tell you, Senior Brother, if it's inconvenient for you."
"I will be your blade."
"To kill James."
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