Mephisto did not hold back his praise when he saw what Faust had written on the paper.
[Fate is not something easily understood. Even the Awakened maintain an instinctive awe of it. They cannot guess the trajectory of fate because of fear and confusion. But you... it is as if you knew the whole picture from the start. You are not foolish at all.]
'If you put it that way, then I really did know the whole picture beforehand. I did not expect to be a clairvoyant in this regard.'
Faust smiled. "Mephisto, do you also think my summary is correct?"
[Who knows. We Fairies do not speculate on fate. We certainly do not evaluate it. This is especially true for the fate of a Witch. However, you managed to break free from the fate of a Witch. I will trust your judgment.]
The ethereal tone of the Fairy seemed to carry a deeper meaning. Faust took it as a compliment. He stood up and stretched.
The sun had risen. Soft morning light spilled through the window and into the bedroom. Faust had not slept at all.
He could not feel sleepy after the events of last night.
The Prince put away his notes. He picked up the glass slipper and left the bedroom.
"Your Highness!"
"Your Highness! Are you alright?"
"Did you... did you not rest at all last night?"
A group of servants surrounded Faust as soon as he stepped into the hallway. They looked like they had been standing guard all night.
It was understandable. The lives and honor of these people were tied to him. They could not afford for anything to happen to him.
"There are no official duties today. Your Highness should rest a little longer," the attendants advised. They carefully observed the expression on his face.
Faust waved his hand and smiled.
"I told you I am fine. In fact, I feel great right now. I have a task for you. You are going to be very busy."
His subordinates immediately showed their loyalty.
"Please give us your orders. We will go through fire and water for you!"
"It is nothing so dramatic. I want you to bring me my Princess."
"Yes. Which Noble family does the lady belong to? We will begin the preparations immediately."
Faust held up the glass slipper.
"The one who can wear this shoe will be my Princess."
"?"
The officials under Faust thought the request was strange. However, they still followed the order.
There was no need for an explanation. A Prince choosing a Princess was simply a small display of power.
Before Faust had awakened, he wanted to find Cinderella. Now he was putting that plan into action.
Cinderella had also hinted that he should look for her before she left.
Faust thought about the situation. He had to find her to move the script forward. He decided to pretend he was still under the effect of the Charm.
He did not hide his goal. He wanted to find the mysterious girl from that night. Even though people knew his motive, many applicants came forward.
The Prince said the person who could wear the shoe would be the Princess. He did not name a specific person.
A promise from royalty was a serious matter. He would not break his word.
It did not even have to be a Noble. If a commoner seized this chance, she could become the Princess.
A shoe always had a specific size. Many people thought they could fit into it. This speculative thinking was common.
A long line formed in front of the palace. Many young women dressed in their best clothes. They arrived with confidence. They believed they were the lucky girls of destiny.
However, the results were shocking. Out of a hundred girls, not a single one could fit into the glass slipper.
The shoe size was normal. But when they tried it on, problems appeared. Some toes were too long. Some heels would not go in. It did not fit anyone.
Every failure resulted in grief. Some girls cried. Others fainted. One girl even shouted and tried to lunged at Faust.
Some even went further. They cut off their own heels and toes. They ignored the bloody red mess and tried to force the shoe on.
"No! Let me try again! Let me try again!"
"I am the future Princess! I am! Hahaha!"
"Your Highness! Your Highness! Do you see? I put it on!"
The servants were shocked by the self-mutilation.
They looked at the Prince of Qingxi. They felt awkward. "Your Highness, this..."
Faust frowned and waved his hand.
"This is improper. Take her away! Secure the area. I do not want to see this happen again!"
Faust left the scene after banning any self-harm. He realized his presence made the atmosphere too frantic.
'There is definitely a problem.'
The Prince rubbed his chin. He thought to himself.
'Even if I am popular, they should not be this crazy. Is this also part of the fate of the Witch?'
Faust could only associate this madness with the power of the Witch. It was like the Charm that had made him fall hopelessly in love with Cinderella. It had the effect of twisting human hearts without logic.
"By the way... Witches are the darlings of fate. But what about their personal strength?"
Faust suddenly thought of a key factor. He asked the Fairy.
If a Hero had the power to achieve great things, then a Witch should be similar.
[That is hard to say. Fate only gives a Witch the highest level of Mystery. It ensures they will find happiness. Some can turn the world upside down. Others remain village girls their whole lives. Regardless, I suggest you stay safe.]
Faust blinked. "Is my life in danger?"
[I am just reflecting. Throughout history, Witches have always had very difficult personalities.]
Mephisto avoided the question. For a Fairy, this was a subtle hint.
"Will I die?"
[It is possible.]
Faust nodded. He understood the meaning.
He had not cared much about his safety before. He was a Noble of the occult. Usually, even powerful experts would show him respect.
'To be safe, I should find a guard.'
As Faust thought about this, an attendant stepped forward. He spoke in a low voice.
"Your Highness, Lady Vivianna has arrived."
"Ha. She arrived at the perfect time."
The corners of Faust's mouth curled up. He looked up immediately.
He saw his personal guard walking toward him.
She was a beautiful figure. Silver light armor covered her arms and knees. Her black inner shirt was stretched tight by her full chest. She stood with a posture that insulted gravity.
The Qingxi crest was embroidered on her cloak with gold thread. A light blue belt circled her thin waist. Her long, straight legs were wrapped in tight trousers.
A hood covered most of the girl's face. Only the lower half was visible. Her snow-white chin and beautiful nose proved she was a stunning beauty.
Faust knew this was true. He was her childhood friend. He was the best person to judge her looks.
"Good day, Your Highness."
The guard stopped in front of the Prince. She placed a hand over her chest and bowed. Light blonde hair fell from the gaps in her hood. It rested on her shoulders.