Chapter 15: Who’s Going to Make Up the Stats I’m Missing?
Vivian was not a fool. On the contrary, she was exceptionally intelligent, and she had long since seen through the root cause of the estrangement between herself and Faust.
Her very existence threatened Faust’s claim to the throne.
Because of the broad-minded attitude of the older generation, both Count Roselin and His Majesty the King did not insist on whose bloodline would rule. As long as it benefited the Qingxi Kingdom, that was enough.
Thus, the King had granted immense authority to his friend’s family—almost designating that military power would one day be entrusted to a descendant of the Roselin family, as a testament to their bond.
This was not something Vivian could avoid simply by expressing loyalty.
Even if the knightly girl had no interest in power whatsoever, the mere fact that she possessed such ability was itself a problem.
On the other hand, Faust rejected political marriage entirely.
After all, he had never even tried to hide his intention of forming alliances through marriage with foreign nations.
His ambition was to conquer the world.
Faust… giving up the throne? How could such a thing even be possible?
To be honest, even though she had desperately wanted to see his resolve, Vivian had never imagined that the prince would say such words.
Faust let out a long sigh.
“Vivian, I understand your anger, your resentment, your unwillingness. I understood it even before… it’s just that at the time, I was already trapped in my own foolishness and arrogance.”
“So you did know…”
The knightly girl brushed aside the strands of hair clinging to her cheek, her long lashes fluttering as she spoke softly.
What Vivian found most unbearable about Faust was that—
He had known her feelings, yet still pretended not to see them.
He had even used those feelings as leverage to command her at will.
To be fair, the fact that Vivian had endured it for years before finally breaking down already made her practically a saint.
“I used to disdain romantic attachment,” Faust said with unprecedented sincerity. “I believed that only power and authority mattered—that everything else could be traded as bargaining chips.”
“And now… because of you, I’ve changed my mind.”
“When did I become a beast obsessed with power? That isn’t how a person should live.”
Vivian silently observed him, her melancholy gaze tracing his handsome features.
Faust struck his chest in frustration.
“Am I truly such a heartless man? No—it’s just that, in pursuit of my ambition, I chose to sacrifice everything else. Looking back now… that was the wrong path.”
With absolute determination, the Prince of Qingxi declared:
“Now more than ever, I understand that the crown is meaningless. What truly matters are the bonds and emotions between people!”
“Your Highness… look at me.”
Vivian’s voice came softly.
Faust realized that his childhood companion wanted to confirm whether he was telling the truth.
She could do that.
With a single glance, she could tell whether he was lying or sincere—a perfect lie detector tailored just for him.
If he had fabricated an excuse, he would have been cornered.
But this time—
He was serious.
So the prince met her gaze without hesitation.
“…!”
This time, unlike the countless sweet words before, Vivian could not find even the slightest trace of falsehood in his reddish-brown eyes.
There was only unprecedented sincerity.
Her clear pupils trembled slightly as she grasped his hand tightly.
“Your Highness… So all this time, you were suppressing your true nature?”
“…You could say that.”
Faust gave a bitter smile.
“To cling so stubbornly to the throne… how foolish. Even if it starts now—from this moment onward—I want to live more freely. I want to enjoy the beauty of this world. Is that alright?”
“It is not too late, Your Highness.”
Vivian was already close to being convinced. She pressed his hand against her soft cheek and whispered:
“Even starting now, we can correct the past. Our relationship, our feelings, our future… we can begin again!”
“I understand your resolve. If this wish is genuine, then I will do everything in my power to help you fulfill it. I swear it in the name of Vivian Roselin!”
As she finished speaking, the girl closed her eyes and knelt on one knee with solemn reverence, as though making a sacred vow.
…That was surprisingly easy.
Seeing this, Faust finally realized he had passed the test and let out a breath of relief.
Because of the restrictions of fate, he could not reveal the truth of the “Witch’s Banquet” to her. He could not say things like “I was also deceived” or “it’s all fate’s fault.”
So he had to find another explanation.
And he could not lie.
He had to be completely sincere.
Thus, what he said was not deception—at most, it was slightly reserved.
Faust had indeed been moved by Vivian. His perspective had undergone a drastic change.
But not because her passionate love had melted him.
Rather—
He had been utterly awed by the overwhelming power of the “Witch’s Banquet,” capable of twisting both human hearts and the laws of the world at will.
【Now that you understand the power of fate… do you intend to submit to it? For a child of man, that would be a wise choice.】
“Submit? Don’t joke with me!”
Faust immediately rejected the idea.
“I’m simply going with the flow.”
In an ordinary world, his previous way of thinking would not have been wrong. To achieve great ambition, one had to cast aside personal attachments and avoid hesitation.
But here—
This was a fairy-tale world governed by fate itself.
It could not be judged by common sense.
Under the manipulation of fate, even the highest authority was nothing more than a toy.
No matter the story, no matter its foundation or direction, fairy tales ultimately celebrated the beauty of human emotions.
In such a world, those who schemed deeply, obsessed over power, and acted ruthlessly—
Were destined to become stepping stones for those driven by love.
So, isn’t being a hopeless romantic basically a top-tier stat here?
Whether genuine or feigned, Faust had to appear someone who valued emotion and loyalty.
Besides, who said giving up the throne meant giving up power?
In a fairy-tale world, a “Prince” was far more valuable than a “King.”
Even as a supporting character, a prince still had a place within the script of fate.
But once he ascended the throne and lost the “Prince” identity—
Who would compensate for the missing buffs?!
Ever since learning the truth of this world, Faust had already planned to remain a “Regent Prince” indefinitely. Now, he was simply going along with the situation and admitting it openly to Vivian.
【Oh? So that’s what you were thinking. How… perceptive of you.】
After hearing Faust’s true thoughts, Mephistopheles let out a meaningful chuckle, his tone clearly approving.
【In just a few days, you have grasped the essence. Most children of man—even if they awaken to fate—could spend a lifetime without ever understanding it…】
“Of course,” Faust replied with a smile. “Otherwise, how would I be worthy of being your contractor?”
【I grow more pleased that I chose to form a contract with you, Faust. What you bring is not merely an interesting story… perhaps you truly can help me accomplish that task…】
…That task?
Mephistopheles’ voice gradually faded.
Faust was just about to question him—
When Vivian, who had been kneeling for some time, finally stood up.
For some reason, she now seemed refreshed. Even the lingering melancholy in her expression had lightened.
“Your Highness, please forgive my transgressions during this time. Allow me to release you from your restraints.”
Faust shook his head.
“I should be thanking you. Otherwise, I might still be lost in my delusions.”
He really should thank Vivian!
As the knightly girl removed the magical restraints binding him, the invisible chains shattered.
The Prince of Qingxi stretched lazily.
“Alright… it’s time to leave this place.”
* * *