"My apologies for the modest surroundings, but this is where I usually conduct business—it should serve as the best place for our discussion."
In an ordinary five-story building in New York City, Annie Charlton led Roy into a rather plain office.
The office spanned no more than fifty or sixty square meters, furnished with items that clearly dated back to the 1990s in America. A simple desk, an ordinary chair and sofa, along with two paintings on the wall, comprised the entirety of the space. For a Campione who ruled over America, calling this place unassuming would be an understatement.
"To receive a goddess like me in such a place—you must be doing this on purpose, Campione!"
Aphrodite brushed her delicate hand over the aged sofa, which, despite its appearance, was completely free of dust. Though the office looked shabby, it was immaculately clean.
Alice, meanwhile, casually took a seat. As an astral body, she wouldn't have noticed even if the room reeked of mildew.
"Of course not. You can ask my subordinates—this is where I usually work, Princess of Cyprus."
Annie Charlton replied with impeccable politeness, her cheerful tone carrying the distinct romanticism of America.
Seeing that everyone in the office knew her true identity—except Aphrodite, though since the goddess had become Roy's possession, Annie no longer considered her an outsider—she proactively removed her helmet, revealing a face that, while not stunning, could be described as pleasant for a woman in her twenties.
"Oh?"
Aphrodite let out a surprised sound, clearly not expecting this Campione to be female. However, after scrutinizing Annie Charlton and realizing the other woman couldn't compare to her in either looks or figure, she relaxed.
'Really, when did I start worrying about other women being more beautiful than me?'
Aphrodite mocked herself inwardly, then glanced subtly at Roy.
Though the Princess of Cyprus didn't want to admit it, she knew this insecurity stemmed from fear of losing his favor.
'I've become exactly like my mythological counterpart!'
Aphrodite felt a growing restlessness within her. This temperament bestowed upon her by myth was something she couldn't resist at all. Despite having no actual experience with intimacy, the myths had endowed her with adulterous tendencies. Her mind was filled with extensive knowledge about carnal matters, and her behavior was becoming increasingly coquettish—especially in bed, where the slightest stimulation made her lose control, insatiable in her demands. Ever since Roy had tricked her into bed, she felt her body becoming more sensitive and harder to refuse, as if she wanted to stay physically connected to him forever.
This temperament was far from Aphrodite's original nature. As the goddess of harvest in Cyprus, she should have been dignified and composed.
"Throughout history, there have been many Campiones, but one like you, Annie, is truly unique," Roy remarked with a sigh.
Annie Charlton was not like Salvatore, who was obsessed with the sword, nor was she as arrogant as Luo Hao, and she certainly didn't share Lady Aisha's carefree attitude. In fact, Annie Charlton's personality was remarkably close to that of an ordinary person. Someone like her would typically have strong material desires, yet Annie Charlton was the opposite—she lived a low-key life, always wearing a mask to conceal her face, and her lifestyle was simple and unadorned, a stark contrast to Roy's extravagance.
Roy's Clairvoyance had observed countless Campiones over time. Each one was either eccentric in character or as unrestrained as Roy himself. Someone like Annie Charlton? She was truly one of a kind.
"Haha! I'll take that as a compliment, Roy!" Annie waved her hand dismissively. She sat casually in her chair, exuding an air of freedom like those lone heroes from Hollywood movies who save the world.
"Now then, Roy! Tell me why you've crossed the Atlantic to come here. Since you've helped me before, I owe you a favor. Besides, the Last King is a common enemy for all of us Campiones. Though we proud Campiones might prefer to face him alone, I know deep down that cooperation is the best solution!"
Annie Charlton placed her helmet on the table, her expression gradually turning serious. She leaned forward slightly, her tone heavy as she spoke.
"Before I make my request, I need to ask you something. Lady Aisha's Authority, Fairy's Corridor, originates from Niamh, the Queen of the Celtic Land of Eternal Youth. And you once slew Oberon, usurping not only his Authority but also his position. So, Annie, you should know whether a fairy kingdom exists in the Netherworld, right?"
Roy rested his elbow on the armrest of his chair, propping his chin with his fingers as he asked.
"I can answer that. There is indeed a fairy kingdom in the Netherworld, where many fairies from Eastern and Western myths reside. However, I'm afraid I can't tell you the exact coordinates of the fairy kingdom in the Netherworld. That's a contract every Fairy King must abide by."
After carefully considering her words, Annie Charlton nodded and replied.
"I have no interest in the fairy realms of the Netherworld. I only want to know whether, compared to Lady Aisha's runaway authority, these true fairies can precisely determine the specific time when returning to the past during their fairy pranks."
Roy continued his inquiry, seeking the power to distort time. The authority of the Fairy Kings was the most effective method, as evidenced by Aisha's multiple journeys to ancient times, proving that returning to the past was indeed possible in this world.
Annie Charlton visibly relaxed upon hearing Roy had no intention of visiting the Fairy Kingdom. If he had made such a demand, it would have placed her in a difficult position.
"A single Fairy King cannot accurately return to a specific point in the past. However, if multiple Fairy Kings collaborate, it becomes entirely feasible. The Fairy Kings residing in the Netherworld include Sheitan, Princess Salome, Boreas the North Storm King, Alberich the Black Dwarf King, Simon the Sandstorm King, and the Polish Witch Kikimora, among others!"
....
"...I think I understand what you're trying to do. You wish to return to a specific moment in time to accomplish something. However, I must caution you—due to the force of historical correction, even if you return to the past, you cannot alter the future!"
Annie Charlton recited the long list of names while gaining insight into Roy's intentions, offering him earnest advice.
"You needn't worry about the force of historical correction, Annie. I already have a solution for that. I only ask you one thing: if Lady Aisha actively opens the Fairy's Corridor, can those Fairy Kings accurately transport me to a specific era?"
Roy straightened his posture, enunciating each word clearly. This was the second step of his grand ritual—a crucial one.
"They can!"
Annie affirmed without hesitation.
"Then, can you persuade the Fairy Kings to agree to this?"
Roy pressed further. If Annie refused, he would have no choice but to resort to extreme measures—obtaining the coordinates of the Fairy Kingdom through force and fighting his way there.
"No problem. As one of the Fairy Kings, I have the authority to ask them for a favor. And I'm willing to help you. Unlike other Campiones, I don't wish to see the Last King wreak havoc upon this land, as it would cause countless innocent casualties."
Annie Charlton declared with a strong sense of justice.
"Then I leave it to you, Annie Charlton!"
Roy relaxed, his face breaking into a broad smile.
The second part of his trilogy was now complete. All that remained was the final piece—the 'wisdom' and 'knowledge' capable of deciphering the ritual!
***
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