"I see... I have no objection to helping summon the Heretic God, but pledging loyalty to you... even making the Wise Men's Council swear allegiance... might I request some time to consider this?"
Having healed her body, pledging loyalty to Phoenix wasn't entirely unacceptable. But the entire Wise Men's Council... that would require careful discussion with those members.
"Agreed, but I hope you won't bring me bad news," Phoenix nodded nonchalantly.
She could tell Princess Alice wasn't particularly resistant to becoming her servant. The extended deadline was likely meant to give Alice time to persuade the Wise Men's Council members.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's understanding," Alice said respectfully. "However, this body temporarily cannot adapt to new movements, so I require one more day of rest. Your Majesty and your companions may stay in this residence to rest and explore for a few days. After all, London still has many interesting places to visit."
"Very well! I haven't even had a chance to explore London properly yet... But you needn't stay here."
Hearing Princess Alice's words, Phoenix turned her gaze toward the window. With her purpose here fulfilled, it was time for some leisure. Upon reflection, she realized she didn't have any pressing matters to attend to.
The matters that truly concerned her required waiting - whether it was the Heretic God or those Campione.
Though this was the case, the recovered Princess Alice still took Phoenix and her companions on a tour of her palace. This royal residence remained strictly off-limits to the public.
After the tour, despite the palace's opulence, for Phoenix - well-versed in worldly sights - it proved rather unremarkable.
Thus, they didn't linger long. Phoenix and her companions bid farewell to Princess Alice, departing the palace to explore the city for several days.
English architecture largely preserved its medieval charm.
Tall spires and steeples towered skyward, the Admiral Nelson statue symbolizing victory stood imposingly, Westminster Abbey entombed countless human luminaries, and Saint Paul's Cathedral embodied the Renaissance spirit...
The Tames River's mouth bustled with merchant ships.
On the bridge bathed in the fading sunlight, four beautiful young girls from the East and West drew the attention of those around them.
In truth, Phoenix didn't mind these gazes at all, having grown accustomed to them. At first, she had been somewhat uncomfortable, but after gradually adjusting, she simply stopped caring.
However, the combination of these burning stares and the gentlemen who kept approaching to strike up conversations forced Phoenix to have Erica use suggestion magic to make them leave.
Following behind Phoenix, Erica once again employed suggestion magic to make an English gentleman depart. She then glanced at Phoenix's visibly impatient expression beside her, fearing that she might lose control and kill these people.
After all, as "queens," they could essentially do whatever they pleased. One could draw comparisons to a certain cult leader.
Yet this situation also served to highlight Phoenix's complete disinterest in men.
Walking through the bustling streets, the four had just enjoyed a hearty meal of traditional London Irish stew, courtesy of Higokumaru's hunger.
But for Higokumaru, it was far from enough. Now she clutched several boxes of chocolate, devouring them with abandon.
After all, no matter how much she ate, she wouldn't gain weight. Phoenix made no attempt to stop her.
And even if she did gain weight... it would just make her a plump fish ball, right?
"Phoenix-nee, you should eat too."
Higokumaru held out a piece of chocolate to Phoenix, her hand extended in invitation.
"..."
Phoenix glanced at Higokumaru, whose large eyes showed no refusal. She opened her mouth and bit into the chocolate.
Not only was the taste quite good, but the chocolate here was also very cheap. It could be said to be the cheapest and tastiest chocolate in the world.
"King..."
Erica, who had been following behind Phoenix, suddenly couldn't help but call out softly.
"What is it?"
Phoenix turned to look at her.
"King, if you could subdue the Wise Men's Council, it would indeed be of great help for our future life and battles. But don't you think this might be somewhat rash?"
The blonde young girl unconsciously used a hinting magic on passersby, allowing her to discuss such matters without restraint.
"Why do you say that?"
"Please forgive my boldness. While the Wise Men's Council is an excellent intelligence organization, Europe's renowned White Princess has some connection to the Black Prince."
Liliana spoke softly, her expression serious.
"He is a Campione from England, and according to rumors, he has an unclear relationship with Princess Alice. Your actions might put you in opposition to him."
The Black Prince Alec, whose true name was Alexander Gascoigne, had defeated the magnificent vision and the fallen angel Ramiel of lightning, usurping the power of divine speed as the Black Noble Young Master.
In the past, he had instigated the attack on the British Library, the greatest chaos in the silver-haired European magic world during the Holy Grail War, and various other incidents.
Having known Princess Alice since childhood, their relationship was extraordinary.
"You're right, but do you really think Alexander would come to fight me over Alice and the Wise Men's Council?"
The Black Prince Alec considered himself a rational person, different from other Campione.
"But it's not impossible. In Italy, you've already offended the King of Swords. Now you've added the Black Prince, and possibly even the Marquis Voban. Offending three Campione at once is truly unwise."
In response to Phoenix's words, Erica shook her head and replied solemnly:
"You're overthinking it. The King of Swords will only challenge me to a duel. As for the Black Prince, he might not act over such a trivial matter. Even if he does, I won't take it seriously. As for... the Marquis Voban, I'm waiting for him to come..."
Phoenix paid no heed to Erica's words. These Campione were just Campione after all.
As for herself... being a Campione was merely a side note. As an SSS-rank Valkyrie who wielded the divine weapons of several gods, she had no reason to fear anyone.
"Don't worry. Higokumaru will protect Phoenix-nee. Whatever Campione... come one, I'll kill one."
Higokumaru swallowed the chocolate in her mouth, patted her flat chest, and added with perfect composure.
"You..."
Hearing Higokumaru's voice, Erica and Liliana both gave her speechless looks. What was this girl under ten years old talking about?
They clearly took her words as mere boasting, completely disbelieving.
"Don't look at Higokumaru's small size. She truly possesses strength enough to contend with Campione!" Seeing their expressions, Phoenix patted Higokumaru's hair and said earnestly.