Her silver-brown hair danced like wheat in the wind, tied in a single ponytail. Dressed in a blue-and-black patterned formal gown, her doll-like features exuded confidence and determination.
In Italy, Liliana stood as one of the two greatest knights, equal in renown to Erica.
"Rise. There's no need for such formality in the future."
Phoenix still held a favorable impression of Liliana. Compared to Erica, she felt more at ease with the Italian mage.
Though Liliana and Erica were both considered Italy's most gifted mages and noble young ladies, their personalities couldn't have been more different.
Erica was the type of girl who exuded pride and scheming, while Liliana embodied the virtues of a true knight. In the original story, Liliana's unwavering sense of justice often left her vulnerable to manipulation by Erica.
"Yes, my lady."
Hearing Phoenix's voice, Liliana exhaled softly. Her first impression of the New King was favorable.
Previously, Liliana had learned from her master—the leader of the Bronze Black Cross—about the New King's rise. Particularly after witnessing the New King's display of authority over the seven great magic societies, she had initially thought the New King might be akin to some demonic cult leader from China.
The prospect of pledging loyalty to such a Demon Lord still weighed heavily on Liliana. However, her first impression of the New King was rather favorable—nothing like the tyrannical cruelty of Voban and Luo Hao.
"From today onward, you'll serve as my exclusive knight, just like Erica. No objections, I hope?"
Phoenix gazed at the gray-haired young girl knight with a single ponytail. This knight embodied everything she'd imagined an ideal knight should be.
"None at all. It's our greatest honor to become the king's personal knight."
"Oh, I've heard you're quite skilled at household chores?"
"Um... decent enough!" Liliana hesitated, unsure why Phoenix would suddenly ask about this. She nodded nonetheless.
"Then I'll entrust all my domestic affairs to you from now on."
"Understood."
"Good. Let's take a simple stroll to acclimate first. We'll head to England shortly."
With that, Phoenix offered no further explanation. After completing the brief investiture ceremony, she departed the location without delay.
After watching Phoenix leave, Erica suddenly approached Liliana and patted her small head with a smile.
"Ah, I didn't expect to see you so soon, Liliana-chan..."
"Don't call me so intimately, Erica Blamont! I'm not your friend, and there's no reason for you to address me so ambiguously!"
Feeling Erica's uninvited touch, Liliana's face flushed with anger as she impatiently swatted away the hand resting on her head. Though they had been childhood friends, Liliana truly disliked Erica's penchant for mischief.
"Oh? What's Liliana-chan saying now? Now that both the Bronze Black Cross and Copper-Black Cross are under the King's protection, our families are no longer enemies."
Erica withdrew her hand but immediately placed it on Liliana's shoulder instead.
As Liliana's close friend, Erica couldn't resist teasing her the moment she saw her.
Liliana's straightforward and honest nature made her an easy target for Erica's pranks. Even when tricked, Liliana would always thank Erica afterward.
"Still, there's no need for such intimacy."
Liliana pushed Erica away without ceremony, then looked at her earnestly. "Also, I need to prepare. You should do the same, Erica. Don't disappoint the king later."
"There's nothing to prepare. But why are you so stubborn? I've already pledged loyalty to a king. I just want to improve my relationship with Lili-chan."
"Or perhaps Liliana prefers to keep her emotions confined to novels, savoring them alone?"
"You... what are you talking about?! I've never written that... that kind of novel!"
"Oh dear... Could I have misread it? It was quite cheesy! Not inferior to any romance novel on the market!"
"S-st-stop talking!"
Unable to bear the humiliation, Liliana lunged forward and clamped her hand over Erica's mouth.
In her spare time, she did enjoy retreating into her own world and writing romance novels. Of course, she had never published any of them.
Until one day when Erica discovered her secret...
"Alright, enough teasing! By the way, do you know anything about the New King?"
Erica regained some semblance of normalcy, looking at Liliana with earnest intensity.
"I don't know much. There's very little information about the New King. It seems they suddenly appeared and became a Campione. Almost no one knows what happened before they became a Campione."
"However, I heard the New King gave our Italian 'Seven Sisters' a severe warning, forcing them to submit directly. We thought they might be like the Demon Lord Voban of the North or the Luo Hao cult leader... But from our recent encounter, it seems that's not the case. You attended the conference last time, Erica. You should know the New King better than me, right?"
Liliana shook her head immediately.
"I don't have specific details either, but... based on our interactions over the past few days, the New King values practical benefits greatly. They're very kind to their own people, but towards those who are insignificant or threaten their interests, they're like a true Demon Lord."
"By the way, I've noticed something recently. If we pull this off, we could become the New King's trusted confidantes. Want to know what it is, Liliana-chan?" Erica glanced around furtively before leaning in close to Liliana.
"What is it? And why would you be so kind?" Liliana eyed her suspiciously.
"Hey! Do you really think I'm that selfish? We're best friends! So, do you want to know or not?"
"...Yes."
Liliana hesitated briefly, then remembered her master's instructions - to gain the New King's trust was crucial for the Bronze Black Cross's survival.
"Then put your ear closer," Erica beckoned.
After a moment's consideration, Liliana leaned in.
"The New King... she... likes girls," Erica whispered into Liliana's ear.
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS