"Did you make all these desserts?" Higokumaru asked, holding up a pastry and looking at Liliana. She suddenly wondered if she had gone too far.
In truth, Higokumaru had been outside the door for some time, arriving just as Liliana was asking Phoenix about the King's preferences. She hadn't bothered to enter until she overheard Liliana preparing to confess, at which point she couldn't resist bursting in to interrupt.
"Yes! Do you like them?" Liliana replied. Though annoyed by Higokumaru, she had to remain polite—this was the King's younger sister, after all. Besides... Higokumaru possessed the power of a Heretic God.
She wasn't someone Liliana could afford to antagonize.
"Not bad. They're alright," Higokumaru said dismissively.
But despite her nonchalant words, she didn't slow down her eating. Within half a minute, she had devoured several pastries.
The three others at the table exchanged speechless glances.
The atmosphere grew awkward, and Liliana didn't bring up the earlier incident again, not with Higokumaru causing such a commotion.
After all, with Higokumaru's antics, there was little point in mentioning it.
After the group had eaten a few more desserts, a high-ranking member of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains approached Phoenix, relaying Cult Leader Luo Hao's invitation for tea.
Phoenix, having no pressing matters to attend to, personally traveled to Mount Lu.
Although Mount Lu had been nearly destroyed a month prior, the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, a top-tier organization, had largely restored its scenic landscapes in less than a month, including Cult Leader Luo Hao's residence.
Two weeks passed, and Phoenix thought she could finally enjoy a peaceful month in China. But then the unexpected happened.
Or perhaps it wasn't so unexpected after all. It was more like something that was bound to occur sooner or later.
"You're saying... the King of Swords, Salvatore Doni, has returned to Southern Europe? And he specifically went to Italy to challenge me to a duel?" Phoenix asked Erica, lounging on a swing suspended between two trees in the manor's courtyard. She swayed gently as she spoke, turning to Erica for confirmation.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Salvatore Doni is the 'King of Swords,' the ruler of Southern Europe's magical societies, and Italy is one of his territories. While he may not be the most reliable leader, no one enjoys returning to find their domain usurped," Erica replied with a smile, seemingly unfazed by Doni's declaration of war against Phoenix.
But then again, the King she served had sparred with the formidable Luo Hao upon their first meeting. Not only had Phoenix emerged unscathed, but the imperious Cult Leader Luo Hao had even addressed her as "Sister."
This alone proved that Phoenix's strength rivaled Luo Hao's.
If Phoenix wasn't afraid of Luo Hao, why would she fear the mere King of Swords?
Besides, Erica had always found the King of Swords, especially his personality, unreliable.
"Since he's come looking for me, it seems it's time for a trip back to Italy," Phoenix said, rising from the swing with no trace of concern on her face.
After all, she wanted to declare to all the Campione in the world, not just the King of Swords: "All of you are trash!"
As for why Doni, the battle maniac, hadn't come to China himself to confront Phoenix for seizing his territory, the answer was simple: he feared Luo Hao. Even a battle maniac wouldn't dare challenge her again after being defeated by her.
"By the way, wasn't Doni supposed to be searching for Heretic Gods this time? Did he have any luck?" Phoenix asked Erica curiously.
"No, Your Majesty," Erica replied directly. "The King of Swords has traveled the world without finding a single Heretic God."
"Looks like my trip to China was quite lucky, then, to run into one," Phoenix mused.
Just as I thought... Phoenix thought, I'm definitely not as unlucky as Fu Hua!
Perhaps Fu Hua had lost not only her memories but even her luck, explaining why she was so unlucky.
"The King's luck is unparalleled. The King of Swords' declaration of war is nothing but a fool's errand. Leaving aside her strength, her luck is worlds apart—a hundred thousand miles short!" Erica said shamelessly, showering Phoenix with flattering words.
"Erica, since when did you learn to flatter so skillfully? This isn't like you at all! You're a noble lady. Hearing such words from your mouth is quite jarring!"
Phoenix was slightly surprised by Erica's flattery. How could this proud Italian noblewoman, a magician by birth, stoop to bootlicking?
I love it!
"That's not flattery! I'm speaking from the heart," Erica retorted, immediately defending her sincerity.
"Alright, alright, let's drop this. Make arrangements for us to return to Italy tomorrow."
Phoenix waved her hand to cut Erica off before her carefully maintained facade completely crumbled.
Though, in truth, that facade had already crumbled long ago.
"As you command, King. I'll see to it at once."
When it came to serious matters, Erica wasted no time, immediately attending to the arrangements.
After bidding farewell to Cult Leader Luo Hao, Phoenix boarded the plane under her lingering gaze.
It wasn't that Luo Hao had developed romantic feelings for Phoenix in such a short time. Rather, without Phoenix around, she would have no one to explain the many questions she still had about the Martial Dao. After all, apart from Phoenix, no one in the Martial Dao realm could rival Luo Hao's skill.
The flight to Italy proceeded smoothly, just as it had on the way there. There were no plane crashes, no inept hijackers attempting to take over the aircraft, and no disturbances of any kind. Phoenix returned to Italy safe and sound.
Almost as soon as Phoenix stepped off the plane, the leaders of Italy's seven major factions and the supreme commander of the Copper-Black Cross were there to greet her personally, demonstrating their utmost respect.
They couldn't afford to take her lightly.
With the King of Swords now in their territory, they were considered part of Southern Europe, even though they hadn't pledged allegiance to him.
Defecting to the Seventh Campione now would be seen as an act of betrayal by outsiders.
"Your Majesty, you're finally back! If you hadn't returned, Italy would have been lost," one of the Italian commanders exclaimed, rushing forward with a look of heartfelt relief as Phoenix emerged from the airport.
"Don't exaggerate," Phoenix retorted, rolling her eyes. "As far as I know, even though Doni's a battle maniac, he wouldn't take his anger out on you."
Phoenix's remark hung in the air. These commanders had given Doni no reason to bother with them. His insatiable hunger was for opponents of equal caliber—Campiones or Heretic Gods. Ordinary Magicians and Knights simply couldn't satisfy his appetite.
Even the greatest knights were utterly insignificant before a Campione.