Chapter 971: Aurora Becomes a Simp
In the chaotic room.
Aurora slumped against the wall, the wound on her chest slowly healing, yet the agony on her face remained undiminished.
I'll never forgive this bastard!
Raging flames burned in her heart, driving her to glare furiously at the scene, hoping the young knight would tear the scoundrel to pieces!
On the field.
Eiji landed on the floor on the other side of the room, looking disdainfully at the astonished young knight before him.
Her face was unmasked, her petite yet charming features directly meeting Eiji's gaze. Though they had no connection to speak of, Eiji could confidently say her allure was no less than Aurora's—perhaps even surpassing it.
However, running into her here was anything but pleasant!
"Why are you in such a remote southern city? As a Fairy Knight, shouldn't you be serving in Camelot up north, Lancelot?"
Eiji's expression was foul.
The petite young knight was none other than the strongest of the three Fairy Knights personally appointed by Queen Morgan—Fairy Knight Lancelot!
"I should be asking you! Why is the Queen's consort out relaxing all the way in Salisbury, and even attempting to assassinate Aurora… No, wait, I see now. You're here for revenge…"
Fairy Lancelot glared angrily at Eiji.
But then, as if struck by a realization, her expression shifted to one of understanding, gradually tinged with guilt.
Revenge?
Eiji's brows furrowed.
What was she talking about?
"Consort? He's the consort?"
A startled voice rang out.
Aurora stood up, clutching her bloodied chest, staring at Eiji in disbelief, caught completely off guard.
So it's out in the open now!
Eiji clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Disguises were useless against fairies—they could see through an opponent's magical energy at a glance and detect the subtlest of scents. Fairies recognized others by appearance, magical energy, and scent.
Once Fairy Lancelot arrived, Eiji knew he couldn't hide anymore.
The only way to avoid being identified was to flee immediately, before she saw him. But his goal wasn't yet accomplished, so he had no choice but to stay and face her.
He never expected Fairy Lancelot to show up!
Are you two that close?!
He didn't have many acquaintances in the Fairy Kingdom, and even fewer who could recognize him. Yet, of all people, he had to run into her here!
"Whatever. At this point, there's no use pretending anymore."
Eiji let out a long sigh.
Originally, he hadn't wanted to step onto the stage so soon. Secretly controlling various forces and unleashing them all at once was his preferred method of resolving conflicts.
Call it being cautious!
But since he'd been found out, there was no need to hide anymore!
No more acting!
I am the consort!
The calamitous seducer!
Without hesitation, Eiji removed his three-piece disguise, revealing a face that, if placed in a shoujo manga, would outshine even Aurora's radiance.
"Aurora, this probably isn't his fault, so you should just… Aurora?"
Her thoughts inexplicably tangled, Fairy Lancelot turned to look at Aurora.
She had intended to persuade Aurora to let the matter drop, but upon seeing Aurora's expression, she froze in place.
Aurora unconsciously held her breath.
Her eyes were fixed intently on Eiji, who had removed his disguise, shining with such brilliance that her gaze was so focused she completely forgot the pain in her chest.
As if the entire world had narrowed down to that one person alone.
"...What a dazzling person!"
She murmured in a daze.
In an instant, she understood.
That was a "radiance" she could never surpass, no matter what!
Indeed, Melusine was known as "the most beautiful and powerful fairy of Britain," but that brilliance paled in comparison to the one before her. Even if she despised that radiance, she could still feel smug, thinking it was nothing special!
But this human was different!
Although she had heard about it before, witnessing it in person shattered her thoughts with overwhelming impact!
His radiance surpassed any limit she could strive for. No matter how hard she worked or struggled in her lifetime, she could never reach such distant brilliance, let alone equal or surpass it!
Though he stood right before her, he felt as distant as an insurmountable chasm!
That radiance was absolute, unreasonable, enough to shatter a being's very perception!
"I want... that radiance, I want it..."
Aurora took a step forward.
She had no understanding of her current state, nor any desire to comprehend it.
Like a moth drawn to a flame, her burning desire felt like chasing a star she would sacrifice a lifetime to touch.
She didn't even realize she was walking into danger. Her eyes saw only the radiance growing closer, and she eagerly longed to seize it!
"Aurora!"
But then, an urgent voice reached her ears.
"Snap out of it!"
Her delicate frame trembled as if waking from a deep dream, and clarity returned to her eyes.
Glancing down slightly, she saw Melusine's face, so anxious it seemed on the verge of tears.
For some reason.
The once adorable face she had found utterly repulsive now seemed as insignificant as a pebble on the roadside, unable to stir even the slightest ripple in her heart.
"I'm fine, Melusine."
Aurora stared blankly for a moment before a gentle smile spread across her face.
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Seeing this, Melusine was visibly relieved, her joy evident.
A moment ago, Aurora had seemed so lost, as if she had forgotten herself. It was a relief that she was okay!
On the other side.
"Wow."
Eiji marveled silently to himself.
I haven't even used any charm, and you're already surrendering?
Aurora's dazed expression was all too familiar to Eiji—wasn't it the very manifestation of being captivated by his divine charm, sinking into an irrepressible infatuation?
"So, Miss Aurora, what is your answer to my earlier proposal?"
Eiji smiled and turned his gaze to Aurora.
"You're right..."
Bathed in that smile, Aurora wavered for a moment before snapping back to reality and flashing a radiant grin.
"It is my honor to be needed by you. Regarding opening the Belfry, I will personally explain it to the Child of Prophecy... Ah, and please rest assured, I will not disclose any information about you to anyone!"
As if rehearsed countless times, she spoke these humble words with remarkable fluency.
Her expression was filled with sincere reverence, completely different from before.
"Aurora, you..."
Yaolan stared at Aurora in astonishment.
Something had changed in that brief moment.
She seemed to realize something and quickly turned her gaze toward Aurora's wings.
Those radiant, exquisitely beautiful wings now appeared slightly dimmer in their brilliance.
"Aurora..."