Just as Yusei was feeling satisfied and preparing to return, a voice suddenly called out.
"Yusei-sama!"
Erica stood up, shouting loudly behind Yusei.
Yusei stopped walking. Without turning his head, he asked, "What is it?"
"I want to tell you... perhaps for the Copper-Black Cross, choosing the stronger side is the better option. But for me, Erica Blandelli, your fighting style, your ever-confident smile, your charming personality… these are the things that most attract me, Erica."
Erica stood behind him, her expression extremely serious as she looked at Yusei's back. She wasn't kneeling, and she was uncharacteristically earnest and solemn.
Hearing Erica's words, Yusei turned to look at her and said, "So you're saying you've fallen for me?"
"Yes! The girls of Italy do not hide their passionate love! I have already sworn an oath to become your knight, to protect your safety, and I also want to... become your wife."
Erica's face was slightly red, and she stammered a bit, but she still said, "Although it might be a bit wishful thinking, I, Erica Blandelli, am striving towards this goal. Please accept this loyalty, Yusei-sama."
Yusei looked at the blushing girl confessing to him, 'Could this be considered a knight's unique way of confessing?'
He shook his head and didn't respond, simply continuing to walk on his own.
He wasn't avoiding it, and he simply didn't want to answer. The reason was simple: he had no interest in Erica, or rather, he had a natural bias.
Associations curry favor, using beauty, power, and anything that can corrupt people's hearts to win over Campiones.
What they seek is naturally greater influence under the protection of the Campione's immense power.
But ultimately, it all comes down to that powerful Authority.
For Yusei to be interested in a woman who changes her allegiance based on strength... wouldn't that be an insult to him?
Women are always troublesome.
Similarly, Yusei also believed that Erica was lying. Or perhaps she was telling the truth, but it was a truth built upon his powerful strength.
He truly had no interest in such a woman.
If anything piqued his interest, it would be Athena.
Even if they weren't the same species, being cute was enough.
Erica stood in place, silently watching Yusei enter the residence. She lowered her head, and sparkling teardrops fell onto the ground.
She, known as the Red Devil, was actually crying.
She stood alone for a long time, lost in thought.
Finally, she wiped the tears from her eyes, "A great beauty like me... how could I give up so easily? I must capture the King's heart!"
Lifting her head, her usual bright, confident smile reappeared on her face, though the traces of dried tears still marked her lovely cheeks.
...
Mount Lu, China.
As one of China's famous mountains, this place has always been a scenic spot. With beautiful landscapes and towering peaks, it is renowned for its grandeur, uniqueness, steepness, and beauty.
This famous site belonged to Luo Hao, the [Fist King], and was an absolute forbidden ground. The Fist King's temper was never good, and anyone entering without permission would be directly executed.
Kaoru, who had traveled far from Japan, waited respectfully in a thatched cottage at the mountain's base.
Beside her, Touma followed as her guard.
Neither was impatient, silently kneeling in the thatched cottage, waiting for the person who had gone up the mountain to report.
After an unknown amount of time, a black-haired young man appeared in the cottage.
"Come. Master has agreed to see you."
Touma stood up, a faint, elegant smile appearing on her face as she bowed respectfully, "Thank you very much for the Fist King's grace. And thank you, Lu Yinghua, for your notification."
"No need. Master agreed because you brought something interesting. If you disappoint her, whatever happens is not my concern."
"Naturally." Kaoru smiled. She turned to Ganbao Dongma. "Wait here."
"Yes."
Kaoru and Lu Yinghua quickly ascended to the peak of Mount Lu.
At the mountain peak, Luo Hao sat cross-legged on a flat, massive rock, dressed in a light yellow Hanfu, her eyes closed as she meditated.
The moment Kaoru saw Luo Hao, she felt an overwhelming pressure, even though the other was simply sitting there without any movement.
This immense pressure was something she hadn't even felt from Susanoo.
In that moment, she immediately judged that even Susanoo would be hunted and eliminated by this King.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, she quickly returned to normal. She clearly knew what she needed to do and respectfully lowered her head, speaking reverently.
"It is a capital offense to disturb your quiet cultivation. I beg for your magnanimous forgiveness for my presumption."
Luo Hao, with her beautiful and graceful figure, sitting cross-legged with closed eyes in meditation, slowly opened her eyes. She didn't turn her head, only her enchanting voice was heard.
"State your business." Her tone was faint, showing no intention of acknowledging Kaoru's apology, getting straight to the point.
Knowing this King disliked small talk, Kaoru went directly to the main point, "We, the History Compilation Committee, wish to propose a transaction with you, King."
"Oh? A transaction? It's been a long time since I've heard that word. Do you believe you have the qualification to discuss a transaction with me?"
Luo Hao turned around, her faint gaze sweeping over Kaoru. The standing Kaoru immediately knelt. In that instant, she felt as if her body had been plunged into an icy abyss.
"P-Please forgive this offense, King. We... certainly have no qualification. But I beg you to hear about the deeds of your fellow countryman, the Seventh Campione." Kaoru hurriedly said.
Luo Hao's originally impatient thoughts suddenly paused because she had just heard the words 'fellow countryman'.
"You mean fellow countryman? Someone from the same country as me?"
Seeing that Luo Hao was interested, Kaoru quickly continued.
"Yes. Although not yet confirmed, according to intelligence, that King has Asian features. Like you, King, he is also Chinese."