Chapter Nineteen: The Duchess Victoria

"Victoria. The Norman Duchess?" Sun Li felt that the name Victoria sounded somewhat familiar.

"I never expected the actual ruler of this world's Anglian Empire would also be named Victoria—and a woman, at that. Wait, that's not quite right. On Earth, Victoria is a surname, but here it's her given name, and her surname is Norman..." Sun Li couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Since the leader of the Anglian Empire has summoned me, if I ignore her, my journey through Europa will likely end here. If I display the slightest hint of hostility, this duchess who rose to power through intrigue would surely not hesitate to kill me. Indeed, once your strength is exposed, there is no peace to be found anywhere. Well, I might as well go and see her—who knows, I might even profit from it. After all, it's the duchess who needs my help right now, so I still hold the advantage as the seller.

Having made up his mind, Sun Li gave his final instructions for the expansion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, then boarded a carriage with members of the Norman family.

After a day's journey, Sun Li and his entourage arrived at a classical Gothic castle. At first glance, it was clear the castle was built purely for pleasure, with no military defenses whatsoever. There were, however, plenty of vigilant guards—enough to deter assassins and the like, but as a defensive army, it was laughable. Perhaps the Norman family was confident no enemy would dare attack? Judging from the current situation, the Norman family, settled on Anglian soil, was indeed very safe. The Anglian navy was the most powerful in the world—bar none! And the heartland of the Anglian Empire was an island, making it perhaps the safest place on the European continent.

Passing through an opulent castle hall, Sun Li was led by an attendant to a dining room. The table was laden with dazzling, exquisite dishes, but only two people were actually dining: Duchess Victoria Norman and the honored Grand Knight from Song, Sun Li.

Victoria's eyes were as clear and pure as water; her nose was perfectly shaped, her lips as delicate as cherry blossoms. Her long, brown hair cascaded over her shoulders like a silken waterfall, every strand enchanting. Long, thick lashes and a bewitching gaze revealed endless allure, while her lavish noble attire only served to accentuate her exquisite figure.

She exuded both the purity of a youthful maiden and the seductive beauty of a mature woman—a truly captivating creature. Judging by looks alone, Victoria could easily rival the loveliest of the wood elves.

However, after the initial moment of surprise, Sun Li's gaze held no trace of desire—he greeted Victoria with courteous indifference and introduced himself. Accustomed as she was to men's fawning admiration, Victoria was taken aback by his composure—though only slightly.

Both knew very well the purpose of their meeting today.

Victoria regarded Sun Li's youthful face and smiled sweetly. "To have you here, Sir Sun Li, is truly my honor. I have prepared a small token of welcome for you—please accept it." As she finished, Victoria clapped her hands. The side door of the dining room slowly opened, and a servant led in a line of scantily clad wood elf beauties. These ten had clearly been carefully selected; each was a paragon of beauty and figure, even by wood elf standards. More impressively, all had clearly received a fine education; gone were the vacant stares of ordinary wood elf slaves. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they regarded Sun Li, yet they remained impeccably polite, bowing gracefully and greeting him in soft, melodious voices—enough to make any man's heart race. These wood elves were, without exaggeration, every man's ideal attendants.

Noting Sun Li's astonished expression, Victoria smiled and explained, "These wood elf maids have been meticulously trained by the Norman family. All are untouched. Only such attendants are worthy of serving a Grand Knight of your stature."

So, in the eyes of the Anglians, I'm nothing more than a notorious lecher? To greet me with such an irresistible temptation right away... It's honestly difficult to refuse. Sun Li was inwardly conflicted.

"To accept such a precious gift without having earned it would be inappropriate," Sun Li replied, deciding to wait and see what Victoria intended.

"This is merely a small gesture to express my respect for you, Grand Knight. The Norman family hopes to forge a deep friendship with you. As long as you remain in the Anglian Empire, we will provide you with treatment befitting royalty and fulfill any request you might have. These ten wood elf maids are just a token of my personal goodwill." Victoria smiled as she spoke.

Only a token? If I truly joined the Norman family, would they build me a harem of three thousand beauties? They must have learned in Mexico that I had a pair of twin sisters at my side, and even fought the Imperial Army over them. No wonder they see me as a libertine who pursues pleasure above all else. There's just no clearing that reputation now.

"I'm sorry, but I am not one to be tied down. I prefer to wander the world and explore at will. I appreciate the Norman family's kindness, and if you ever require my assistance, I will do all I can. While in the Anglian Empire, I'll be opening a few shops—you can always reach me through them. The friendship of the Norman family will always be remembered in my heart." In order to continue his travels across Europa, Sun Li had no choice but to offer some polite evasions. As for the maids, he accepted them—refusal would have been a direct insult.

"Oh, then during your stay in the Anglian Empire, let us Norman family handle your daily affairs. I would be honored to serve as your host. Should you need anything special, do not hesitate to ask." Victoria seemed unconcerned, maintaining her warm smile as they conversed.

Soon after, Victoria dismissed the wood elf maids; they would later be sent to the villa the Norman family was gifting Sun Li. All his expenses in the Anglian Empire were covered by the Normans. As the saying goes, one who eats another's food is bound by gratitude. During their conversation, Sun Li laughed and chatted with Victoria over various amusing anecdotes. Whether in terms of her poise and beauty or her tact and conduct, Sun Li could find no fault with this impeccable duchess, and thus could not bring himself to dislike her. Though he knew he would one day face Victoria on the battlefield—such were their opposing positions—he thought that, were it not for his status as Emperor of Song and the aid of his system, he might well have fallen for her kindness and joined the Norman family. This woman was no ordinary figure!