She turned her head, with a hint of expectation in her eyes: "Do I look like her?"
Fang Hong nodded: "The Grand Princess did mention, the Queen is quite an outstanding woman," he paused, "but the Grand Princess also told me, you are not at all like her mother."
"In terms of excellence?" Affia said, covering her mouth, and laughed with a bit of playfulness.
"In every aspect."
"Thank you."
"I didn't lie to you, Affia." Fang Hong quickly said.
"I know, Captain Ade," Affia said with a soft smile, "I want to ask you a question, Captain Ade."
Fang Hong was startled. "What is your question?"
The girl brushed aside a strand of hair near her ear, turned her gaze, and asked: "How can I become a real person, Captain Ade?"
This question pierced into Fang Hong's heart like an arrow.
For a moment, he felt a bit uncomfortable, suddenly blaming Delan for bringing up this topic with her.
But after a moment's pondering, he said, "You are already a real person, Miss Affia, if you don't reveal your origins, no one would think you are any different from others."
"But I mean, that ordinary, plain girl."
Fang Hong couldn't help but smile wryly; some people strive to be unique, to be one in a million, yet some pursue being an ordinary, plain girl.
"Being ordinary has its advantages, being unique has its charm. Moreover, everyone should be unique; who is truly ordinary?" Fang Hong thought for a moment, then seriously replied, "In our eyes, you are you, and let me tell you a secret——"
Affia's eyes showed a hint of curiosity as she looked at him and asked: "What secret?"
"There's someone in our group, a fool, who from the first moment he saw you, never could escape the intricately woven trap of the Goddess Ilien," Fang Hong decided to give a hint to a certain Papalarian, thinking perhaps discussing this topic might help this self-pitying girl. "You've met him, short stature, though somewhat incorrigible, but at least a good person..."
There is nothing more important in the world than knowing someone cares about you. Perhaps it's the needs of one another that build bridges between people.
Sure enough, twin blushes appeared on the girl's cheeks; Ilien is the goddess of destiny, also the weaver of the threads of love's web, and this goddess's trap has a particular meaning in Eteliria.
Affia naturally understood.
She was a bit shy but also happily said, "It's Mr. Parker, right? Please thank him for me; it feels wonderful to be liked."
She said as she lowered her head, blinking quietly to keep her tears from falling.
Fang Hong didn't notice this scene, only sighed when he heard, naturally catching the girl's subtle hint, thinking Parker might already have no chance.
But so be it, let him keep himself busy for now; after all, that guy is full of energy and often idle.
...
With eyes slightly red, Affia returned to the hall. Only then did Fang Hong realize that Princess Rupert had returned, and others had also prepared.
All those he had come to know in the city over these days, including the knights from Marlan Cathedral, the clergy, Bishop Faris, even Alphonse and Miss Lavali, came one by one to bid farewell.
The Count's daughter even gave him a rare good look, reminding him to take care and protect the Grand Princess, before running off alone to Gita's side.
Yet Fang Hong always felt that the way she looked at him seemed to carry a sense of hoping he would not return.
After brief farewells, those in the hall left one by one under Aleph's arrangements; he was the last to come and bid them blessing, giving Fang Hong a strong hug.
"Be careful," he said. "Remember the Star Ceremony, everything will eventually pass, and the Light of the Stars will rise again."
Fang Hong nodded gently.
After Aleph left, only Fang Hong, Ye Hua, the Grand Princess, and the man named 'Star' remained in the hall, along with Lady Aierna, who hadn't yet left.
Aierna looked at them, her gaze finally landing on Fang Hong. The Lady Giant Spirit thought for a moment before abandoning frivolous words, simply stating: "The outside monsters are already restless. If they begin to attack, we can hold for about an hour."
"One hour is the time you have left."
"That's enough," Star replied. "If successful, no need for an hour. If failed, more time is meaningless."
Aierna nodded upon hearing this and then withdrew.
Star looked at everyone and said, "Now, place your hands on the Emerald Star; anyone who meets the criteria will automatically be transported into that world."
Princess Rupert was the first to reach out; she hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand on the crystal.
Then it was Ye Hua, then Star.
Finally, it was Fang Hong, who took a gentle breath.
And just as he placed his hand on it, he seemed to hear a voice from beside him. "Be careful, don't get distracted; there may be a small shock, but it should be safe for you." It was Ye Hua's voice.
The moment that voice sounded, Fang Hong felt a wave of dizziness hit him.
...