They don't want me to try anymore.

But whenever she couldn't bear it anymore, she would think of that wonderful night when she discussed life with Richard.

hum~

You barbarian princess, what good is your sharp tongue!

Have there been any tangible results?

Besides, Richard clearly enjoys practicing swordsmanship with me!

With this mindset, Luvia, despite her setbacks, maintained maximum restraint and did not intend to display any of her Gold-rank strength.

Gradually, both sides got a little tired.

The two beauties turned around together, their beautiful eyes, each with its own unique charm, blinked and looked at Richard.

Richard's forehead was beaded with sweat.

What... what am I supposed to say?

But I feel that taking sides now means certain death, and remaining neutral also means certain death!

Is this the tragedy of small countries?

Just then, a commotion came in from outside the window.

It sounds like the cook is getting angry with someone because they couldn't buy the best cream.

"Cough cough!"

Richard then said, “You officially announced that we’d arrive tonight, right? Then the palace will be very busy, with lots of people coming and going and a lot of noise. To be honest, this isn’t the right time or place for us to have a private conversation.”

Luvia and Alice exchanged a glance and both expressed their apologies.

"Sorry, we arrived a bit suddenly."

"There's no need to say such things. I'm really glad you could come."

Ultimately, the two men were only so concerned about him that they rushed to see him. Richard was very grateful, and then gently advised, "I just think we should talk at another time, perhaps... after the welcome dinner?"

Richard decisively employed the tactic of stalling.

Let's put the dispute aside for now, so that we don't accidentally make a big fuss and attract attention, okay?

My walk-in closet really can't fit three people!

Having said that, Luvia and Alice naturally agreed and returned to their respective groups, so that their companions wouldn't have to worry about not being able to find them.

The time comes at night.

A grand welcome banquet was once again held at Connaught Palace.

However, compared to Prince Sega last time, the guests this time were of an astonishingly high caliber.

The Sword of the Empire, the youngest Gold-ranked Sword Saint in the world, Luvia!

Alice, the princess of the great nation of Vanderbilt, a genius in magical cultivation, and a rising political star!

The Connaught people who heard about this were utterly astonished.

How could we possibly have managed to get these two people to come to our remote little town?

The nobles and officials who were eligible to attend the banquet were, without exaggeration, practically going crazy with excitement.

Whether they were simply happy, admired someone powerful, wanted to curry favor, or had some other purpose, that's something outsiders can't know.

In short, the palace was unusually lively today.

Luvia and Alice behaved very appropriately in the face of the enthusiastic Connaught people.

There was no bickering or arguing, no excessive favoritism towards Richard, but everyone gave him plenty of face. In their conversations, they either reminisced about their camaraderie in battle or praised Richard's outstanding performance, and finally wished for the lasting friendship between the two countries.

The Connaught people present all felt honored upon hearing this.

Henry II, in particular, was all smiles and felt proud of his son.

Of course, as someone who had been through it all, he also vaguely sensed something else in Luvia and Alice's eyes. Although he wasn't sure, it didn't stop him from laughing even more happily.

However, as the other main character at the banquet, Richard's smile now looked rather forced.

After all, banquets always come to an end, and the pigeon tactic will eventually fail...

But he hadn't figured out how to get through the long night ahead!

If those two break into his bedroom again tonight...

Hey, wait.

What's in the sea?

Lost in thought, Richard's gaze swept across the coastline outside the window and suddenly caught sight of a strange light.

But after he blinked, he couldn't see anything anymore.

Is it just my imagination? Or are some fishermen playing pranks?

He shook his head and rejoined the lively banquet hall.

Chapter 126 Open and Honest Between Women

At the end of the banquet, Alice, seeing that the atmosphere was right, simply introduced her investment and factory construction plans in Connaught to everyone present.

She had her subordinates bring her a crystal ball, and used magic to manipulate it, displaying various colored light and shadow images that showed her ideal company and the different kinds of products she wanted to produce.

The meticulous planning and ingenious product design impressed the Connaught people around them, who all praised the princess's wisdom.

Although they may not understand the details, they know that this represents a lot of profit!

We at Connaught are so lucky!

As Richard clapped, he clearly noticed something inside the crystal ball...

It looks like a bicycle has appeared?

Tsk tsk.

Actually, Alice felt a little embarrassed at that moment.

She knew that most of what was displayed in the crystal ball was learned from Richard in the simulation.

This made her feel like she was stealing Richard's wisdom.

That's why she was determined to build the factory in Connaught, and also to give Richard a large number of shares as compensation.

Richard, however, didn't really care about it.

He figured that since Alice was on his side anyway, it wouldn't hurt to borrow the knowledge of those time travelers.

Moreover, Vanderbilt is a large company with abundant resources. If Alice were to handle the inventions, technology, factory construction, and business operations, the profits might even be greater than if he did it himself.

Leaving aside their various ulterior motives...

As soon as Alice mentioned these plans, they immediately piqued the interest of Henry II.

As the king, he couldn't possibly ignore something that would benefit the country and its people.

Alice took the opportunity to suggest that Connaught should send someone to assist her in gradually implementing the investment plan in the future—a very reasonable request, which Henry II naturally agreed to.

As for who will be the assistant...

Richard felt the gazes gathering around him and suddenly realized what was happening.

Wow, senior, you've got a secret weapon up your sleeve!

Luvia, standing to the side, stared wide-eyed.

It can still be like this!

This woman is clearly and openly demanding that Richard accompany her!

Ugh... Damn it... Why didn't I think of that idea...

In her desperation, Luvia couldn't help but start a jumbled mess of thoughts.

As a warrior, I am indeed no match for Alice in matters unrelated to combat.

To regain the limelight, unless...

Unless Richard gets kidnapped and she heroically rescues him as the Golden Swordsman… or maybe she should just pretend to be the kidnapper… no, she should just abduct Richard directly… no, no, that’s a step backward…

Concern can cloud judgment, and the red-haired girl's mind went blank for a moment, leaving her attendants completely bewildered.

Only Richard had a clear view of everything on both sides, and in his helplessness, he had already come to a realization.

Tonight...

It's probably going to be a sleepless night.

The dinner ended an hour later.

After Richard saw the guests off, he returned to his bedroom, took a shower, and lay flat on the bed.

Yes, sacrificing oneself for the country shows a strong sense of responsibility.

However, several hours passed, and nothing happened.

"Strange, Alice is one thing, but has the cavewoman sister completely changed her gender as well?"