Invisible sparks of electricity seemed to crackle between Clorinde and Lynette.
Clorinde took a half-step forward, her expression stern, and said to Lynette:
"Miss Lynette has only followed Lord King for a short time. It is only right that she gains more experience and builds up her seniority in an important post like Ritou."
"As for the matter of escorting him, I alone am enough."
Lynette's cat ears twitched slightly. She bowed slightly, her tone flat but logically clear:
"I have followed Lord King for a short time?"
"Miss Clorinde only seems to have been with him a few days longer than I have."
"Furthermore, Miss Clorinde's martial arts are superb, making her the perfect candidate to guard a region and demonstrate the majesty of Fontaine."
"As for the role of escort..."
"Lord King's divine power is unparalleled; why would he need any physical protection?"
"Therefore, the role of escort requires meticulous attention to detail. Although I am untalented, I believe I do not lose to anyone in this regard."
"Miss Lynette is being too arrogant..."
"Lord Clorinde is the one..."
The two locked eyes, and sparks almost flew in the air.
Everyone else watched, dumbfounded.
Paimon bit her finger and whispered to Lumine, "Those two... it seems like neither of them wants to stay behind?"
Lumine helplessly covered her forehead.
King watched this silent 'drama of refusal' unfolding before him, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
He was just about to say something... "Um, that..."
A soft, thin voice rang out from the other end of the table.
Everyone turned to look and saw Miss Aeval raising her small hand. Her large, sapphire-like eyes blinked, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, but she tried her best to straighten her small frame.
"Lord King... if, if there isn't a more suitable candidate for now..."
She took a deep breath. Though her voice was still thin, it gained a touch of determination:
"Aeval is willing to stay and give it a try!"
The cabin fell silent for a moment.
Seeing everyone looking at her, Aeval twisted her fingers nervously, but her gaze did not waver:
"I, I am just a personal Melusine for Lord Furina, and I don't understand many big matters yet... but, I will work hard to learn!"
"Also, Aeval has a very good memory and is good at math. Lord Furina has praised me for organizing documents quickly and neatly!"
Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, finally ending in a mumble: "At least... at least I can help keep an eye on things until Fontaine sends someone more capable..."
Looking at this brave little Melusine, King felt a stir in his heart.
Aeval had a pure heart and was serious in her work. More importantly, she represented Furina.
Having her serve as the initial liaison and symbolic manager would both show Fontaine's importance and avoid appearing overly aggressive.
As for the actual management and technical matters, there would naturally be a professional team accompanying her to handle them.
"Good."
King nodded and made the final decision:
"Then, I appoint you, Aeval, as the first... well, Ambassador to Ritou for the Fontaine-Ritou Special Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, responsible for liaison and coordination."
"Eh? Is it really okay!"
Aeval almost jumped in shock, her large eyes filled with disbelief and joy.
"Of course," King affirmed. "I believe you can do a good job."
"Yes! Aeval will definitely work hard! I won't let down Lord King's trust!"
Aeval's little face flushed with excitement as she nodded vigorously, her small fin-like ears twitching happily.
The appointment was made, but the atmosphere in the cabin was somewhat subtle.
Raiden Ei listened quietly, her expression calm, having no objection to this arrangement.
Yae Miko's eyes flickered as she quickly calculated: A Melusine ambassador?
It was an unexpectedly gentle start. It seemed Fontaine had no intention of over-interfering in Inazuma's internal affairs, leaving plenty of room for future maneuvers.
Kamisato Ayato wore a perfectly measured smile, but his mind was already considering how to build a good relationship with this simple Melusine ambassador to secure more benefits for the Kamisato Clan.
On the other side... Arataki Itto sat in his chair, seemingly focused on picking a grain of rice stuck to his oni horn, but in reality, his heart was in turmoil, and he was restless.
It's over, it's over, it's over!
Lord King is leaving just like that?!
I, I haven't even managed to get a single official position yet!
Before, I was happily acting as a guide, offending everyone in the Kanjou Commission and Kanjou Commission. Now, I don't know how many people in Inazuma City hate my guts!
When Lord King was here, they didn't dare say a word.
But once Lord King leaves... won't I be like a grasshopper after autumn?
Arataki Itto could already see a miserable future where he was stuffed into a sack and thrown into the sea, his underlings in the Arataki Gang were targeted, and even Onibaba was dragged into it.
The more he thought, the more panicked he became. Cold sweat quietly soaked his back, and his fingers picking at the rice grain began to tremble uncontrollably.
What to do? What to do?!
Should I just run away dejectedly and leave Inazuma?
But Onibaba is still in Inazuma... The more Itto thought, the more flustered he got, feeling as if he were sitting on nails.
King took in all his unease and understood perfectly.
Just as Arataki Itto was in the midst of a mental struggle, his face turning pale—
King's voice rang out again, interrupting everyone's thoughts.
"Aeval, you are not yet familiar with the situation in Inazuma."
"You need someone who is 'very, very' familiar with every nook and cranny of Inazuma and its various social circles to assist you."
"Someone who can help you understand the situation quickly and has enough martial strength to handle some trouble."
King's words were like a thunderclap, striking violently into Arataki Itto's chaotic mind!
"Very, very" familiar with every nook and cranny of Inazuma and its various social circles?
Has enough martial strength to handle "trouble"?
This, isn't this talking about me?!
Who in all of Inazuma doesn't know the name of Arataki Itto?
Which alley in Inazuma City haven't I crawled through?
The Ronin, merchants, and craftsmen on every street corner—I have some connection with all of them!
More importantly—handling "trouble"?
Heh!
When it comes to "dealing" with those ruffians and scoundrels, I, Arataki Itto, am highly experienced!
Soft or hard, open or hidden, what haven't I seen?!
Arataki Itto's eyes grew brighter with every word King spoke, like two lit lanterns.
The blood in his whole body seemed to boil, and his heart hammered against his chest, making his eardrums ring.
He couldn't stop himself from trembling—not out of fear, but out of anticipation!
Could it be... could it be that something big is coming?!
Arataki Itto felt like his heart was about to jump out of his throat, and his hands and feet were shaking slightly.
King's gaze finally landed on this restless, white-haired Oni youth.
Looking at the Oni youth who was trembling with excitement, he slowly extended his right hand, palm up, his voice steady:
"Arataki Itto."
"To assist Ambassador Aeval, coordinate relations between Fontaine and Inazuma, and handle daily disputes and emergencies..."
"This responsibility is extraordinary, concerning the future of both Fontaine and Inazuma."
"You—"
King paused, watching Arataki Itto suddenly hold his breath and widen his eyes, and asked the fate-deciding question:
"Do you dare take on this responsibility?"
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