At the very beginning of his transmigration, Faust had established his life goals early on.
He wanted to lead the Kingdom of Qingxi to prominence, ascending step by step to the position of supreme hegemon! To become a legendary emperor whose name would be praised for ten thousand years!
In the ten years since Faust became a prince, he had worked diligently, rising early and sleeping late. What else was he seeking if not to achieve a great undertaking?
To do big things! To achieve greatness! GO!
[I see. So, you wish to become a "Tyrant."]
Faust keenly detected the subtext in the Fairy's words: "Is that also the protagonist of a certain type of script?"
[Of course. The 'Tyrant' is a role favored quite heavily by Destiny. However, given your current circumstances, the possibility of you becoming a Tyrant is infinitesimal. To be blunt, it is impossible—not because of your character, but because objective conditions do not allow it.]
As expected...
Hearing the Fairy say this, Faust sighed inwardly.
The Prince was actually well aware that it would be extremely difficult for him to dominate the world, simply because the Kingdom of Qingxi was far too weak.
This small, remote backwater had only been established for a few decades. Previously, it was merely a border province oppressed by the Empire. To use this as a foundation to rise up was impossible without the efforts of several generations.
At the very least, Faust feared he wouldn't live to see the moment of domination. If his descendants were capable, perhaps they could achieve hegemony by building upon the legacy of several generations.
However, Faust's dejection lasted only a moment. He raised his head, his gaze resolute:
"...Even so, my goal remains unchanged!"
"Whether it's extending my lifespan or finding a fortuitous encounter, there will always be a way, right? Regardless, I must try, even if I end up crushed to pieces!"
Rather than looking back in his twilight years and feeling deep regret for a mediocre life, Faust would rather fight until he had no regrets!
If a man cannot live eating from five cauldrons, then let him die being cooked in five cauldrons!
[....How interesting. I think we can make a deal.]
"A deal?"
Faust's eyes widened. He heard the Fairy say slowly:
[Do not be surprised. In these interminably long and tedious years, if one does not spend some effort on self-amusement, most Fairies would likely fall into decadence.]
[Human child, my original plan was to quietly observe the 'Witches' Feast' playing out around you. But since you possess the determination to forge ahead, I can help you fulfill your wish.]
The Prince hurriedly said: "Is that really okay? I mean... aren't you..."
[It is not defying Destiny. I am merely fulfilling my duty; it just so happens that you were swept up by Destiny, and it just so happens that you are being guided by me.]
Faust understood the Fairy's hint.
The so-called "Script of Destiny" did not mean there was literally a detailed script dictating exactly what everyone must say and do without the slightest deviation.
the "Script" was just a general process. As a presider, the Fairy had plenty of room to maneuver.
Faust was immediately overjoyed, the gloom from moments ago swept away.
With a Fairy's assistance—not even mentioning blessings—even if this ancient being merely offered a few pointers based on its foresight and wisdom, it would be an incredible "information cheat"!
Faust steadied his mind and asked:
"What do I need to pay?"
If it was a deal, there naturally had to be a give-and-take. If it were a simple gift, he wouldn't even be comfortable with it.
Having a Fairy help and being completely dependent on a Fairy were two entirely different concepts.
However, Faust racked his brains and couldn't imagine what a noble Fairy could possibly gain from a mortal.
[A Human child who can awaken within a Witch's destiny is something unseen since ancient times. Perhaps you truly can... well, I do have something I crave, but not now. Consider this my investment; wait until you have the ability to help me.]
An investment... it fit his expectations. At the very least, he was of absolutely no use to the Fairy right now.
"Understood. I hope there will be a day I can repay you."
Faust nodded, then inquired:
"By the way, how should I address you?"
After talking for this long, he didn't even know the Fairy's name.
[...Mephisto. You may simply call me Mephisto.]
Mephisto... Faust had never heard of this Fairy.
But that was normal. Although the existence of Fairies wasn't a secret, they were far too mysterious. There were very few Fairies that mortals could come into contact with, and even fewer whose names were recorded.
[I have plenty of patience to wait. For now, your most urgent task is to handle the impending 'Witches' Feast.' This is no joke.]
[Generally speaking, a Script of Destiny must be completed. But if a character on the stage awakens, that certainty gains a variable. If the predetermined destiny cannot be fulfilled... that is an act of defying fate, and the consequences are unthinkable.]
Hearing Mephisto's warning, Faust grew serious. He toyed with the glass slipper in his hand and said:
"Regarding this matter, I might have some theories."
The Prince sat down at his desk, took out a pen and paper, and began to organize his thoughts seriously.
What was certain for now was that the Script of Destiny he was caught in was likely Cinderella.
This could be considered the most classic of archetypal plays; there were numerous versions across different eras and regions.
The image of Cinderella could be traced back to very early times. The Greek historian Strabo recorded the story of Rhodopis, a Greek girl married in Egypt, in the 1st century BC, which is considered the earliest version of the Cinderella story.
Rhodopis was washing clothes by a stream when an eagle flew by, snatched her shoe, and dropped it at the feet of the Pharaoh in Memphis. The Pharaoh then demanded that all women in the country try on the shoe to see if it fit, eventually finding Rhodopis.
Another version of Cinderella is the Chinese Ye Xian. In the story, the hardworking and lovely Ye Xian keeps a goldfish. The goldfish and Ye Xian share a close bond, only floating to the surface whenever Ye Xian walks to the pond.
Later, the goldfish is killed by Ye Xian's stepmother. Following the guidance of a celestial being, Ye Xian secretly attends a festival gathering.
While hurrying home, Ye Xian loses a shoe. The king of the island nation of Tohan finds the shoe, falls in love with Ye Xian, and marries her.
Of course, the "Cinderella" story from Grimm's Fairy Tales is the most famous.
If the "Script of Destiny" in this world was a variation of "Cinderella," it would certainly follow a similar outline.
What was the core outline of the "Cinderella" story?
Faust tapped the tip of his pen on the snowy white paper, listing a series of key points:
[The mistreated heroine][Supernatural assistance][Meeting the male lead][Identity verification via an object][The union of the male and female leads]
All "Cinderella" stories followed this general development.
After Faust finished his summary, Mephisto's voice of astonishment echoed in his mind:
[Oh, what precise patterns. How did you do it, Faust?]