In response to Phoenix's summons, a young woman dressed in a red formal gown entered like a proud phoenix. Her feet were adorned with crimson heels, and white fleece socks covered her delicate ankles and calves. Though only a slender length of leg was visible, it was enough to inspire the urge to cradle it in one's palm.
However, when Erica saw the New King studying a magic manual, she was slightly taken aback. Since magic's power could hardly harm Campione or Heretic Gods, she'd assumed the New King would be like the others – one who would disdain magical knowledge.
"What? Is Erica surprised?"
Phoenix shifted her gaze to the young girl before her. No wonder they said that visiting the Campione World without meeting Erica would be a wasted trip.
Phoenix was beginning to understand. Though Erica's domineering nature and scheming ways were off-putting, her allure was undeniable. A red outfit could easily look vulgar on anyone else, but on Erica, it only accentuated her innate noble lady's grace.
"I expected all Kings to have no interest in magic knowledge."
Erica studied the New King before her, curiosity burning in her eyes. This new ruler seemed shrouded in countless mysteries, begging to be unraveled.
She possessed an inexplicable charm that drew both men and women to her.
No one knew anything about the New King beyond her Campione status. It was as if the world held no records of her existence prior to her ascension.
As though she had materialized out of thin air.
"Nothing is useless; we simply haven't discovered its purpose yet. Especially not these precious magical knowledge."
Phoenix had never looked down upon magic. Anyone with even a basic understanding of the world would never scorn magic—countless lives had been devoted to its pursuit.
These magical knowledge were invaluable to any family or power. With them now within reach, Phoenix would never let such treasures slip away.
"You're right, Your Majesty."
Erica gazed at Phoenix before her. Though not fully understanding the New King's nature, she sensed this ruler wouldn't be unapproachable despite initial aloofness.
"What's your view on... the King of Swords? You've encountered him before, haven't you?"
Draped in light gray Han-style robes, Phoenix settled into a nearby chair. After taking a sip of juice, she turned to look at Erica.
"The King of Swords..."
Erica fell silent for a moment before meeting Phoenix's gaze with solemn intensity.
"What about King of Swords, Lord Salvatore...?" Phoenix asked.
"He's too impulsive. Though he's a king, he's not suited to be a leader. Even if Rome were destroyed, he might not feel any sympathy."
Erica's assessment of the King of Swords was blunt. The Campione's personality was easy to read.
Previously, all Italian magic societies had been under Lord Salvatore's command, but they only obeyed him. None had ever formally sworn loyalty.
For in Salvatore's heart, there was only battle. Everything else held little importance.
"But he was once your ally. Don't you fear angering him if he heard you say that?"
Hearing this, Phoenix set down her juice and casually crossed her right leg over her left. At that moment... Erica noticed the New King was barefoot.
She hadn't seen this earlier because the long skirt of her Han costume had concealed it when she stood.
Though confident in her own appearance, Erica felt her pride in her looks pale in comparison to the king she now served.
But the moment this thought surfaced, Erica hastily dismissed it. She lowered her head and said, "I was merely speaking the truth."
"Truth indeed! Oh, and speaking of which... I heard there's a Knight at Bronze Black Cross who is no less capable than you. Is that correct?" Phoenix suddenly recalled something and asked Erica.
"That... is true." Erica hesitated briefly before nodding.
"What's her name?" [
"Liliana Kranjcar. She's the eldest daughter of the renowned Kranjcar family in the magic world, and a member of the Bronze Black Cross."
"To be frank, Your Majesty, although we're part of the Seven Sisters, my Copper-Black Cross and Liliana's Bronze Black Cross have always been rivals. We've been both close friends and competitors since childhood, maintaining a fairly good relationship."
Erica couldn't understand why Phoenix had suddenly asked about Liliana, but instinctively... she didn't want the New King to interact with her.
Yet she had to answer the New King's question.
If the New King were a man, Erica could have used her beauty as leverage. As a noble young lady and a genius mage, few men could catch her eye. But if it were a king... someone slightly more suitable would have been acceptable.
However, this New King was a woman even more beautiful than herself.
"Liliana Kranjcar... Yes, that's her. Since she's your close friend, it'll be even more convenient. Have her report to me too!"
Liliana and Erica were equally exceptional, both capable of using Europe's "Witchcraft" and possessing miko bloodlines.
If Erica was already being sought after, wouldn't adding Liliana make things even better? Moreover... summoning a Heretic God would require her miko lineage.
"This..."
Erica was immediately stunned by the words. While it would be great to swear allegiance to the New King alongside her friend, but... she hadn't even established any advantages for herself yet, and now someone else was coming to compete for the New King's trust?
"Yes."
However, Erica couldn't possibly refuse the King's command.
"But Your Majesty..."
"What's wrong?"
"Liliana's grandfather is a follower of Voban, the Demon Lord of Eastern Europe, and Liliana herself possesses miko blood..."
"Voban? Uh... Do you think I'd fear him?"
Phoenix stood up immediately upon hearing this, walking over to face Erica.
"I wouldn't dare..."