Fú Nī Yà’s Debate

Ludwig, sitting nearby, furrowed his brow, unable to fathom the purpose behind Albert’s actions.By doing so, Albert was essentially confirming his involvement with a half-elf s*ave, an act that would bring him only detriment, without a single benefit.Why would he choose this path?It was bizarre, utterly inexplicable.

While it was certainly gratifying to see an adversary leap into a pit they themselves had dug, a different emotion arose when that foe not only showed no panic upon entering but proceeded to dig several more meters deeper, burying themselves completely.In such a scenario, a normal person would likely be left with nothing but bewilderment, perhaps even unease.

‘Had he jumped into this pit intentionally?’

Ludwig found himself in precisely this state of mind.Albert’s unexpected actions filled him with profound unease.Did Albert have another move up his sleeve?

What Ludwig failed to realize, however, was that Albert had indeed willingly plunged into this trap.After Aila’s audacious move, the greatest controversy surrounding the matter had been absorbed by her.Yet, for Aila, public criticism was akin to having too many lice to itch or too many debts to fret over.Moving forward, Albert merely needed to offer a partial acknowledgment of the affair.This would bestow upon Fú Nī Yà a temporary, protective aura, a “golden body” as Albert’s wife.

While this protective status was fleeting, a mere consequence of Aila’s impulsive act, it meant that should anyone dare to disparage Fú Nī Yà for her half-elf heritage in the future, they would incur Albert’s wrath.An insult to Fú Nī Yà would be an insult to both Albert and Aila.In that case, the two of them seeking a duel would be entirely justified, wouldn’t it?Given their virtually unmatched prowess among their peers, most would wisely refrain from provoking such a formidable pair.

Inevitably, Albert’s reputation would suffer some damage.However, Albert believed that both he and Fú Nī Yà had ample time to prove themselves.Once he ascended to the throne as emperor and Fú Nī Yà achieved legendary status, those who gossiped behind their backs would be revealed as mere jesters.

These intricate calculations were entirely beyond Ludwig’s comprehension.

“Of course, of course.”

Everyone present raised their goblets, drinking deeply in a show of deference to Albert.

Having concluded this performance, Albert settled back into his seat, casting a grateful look towards Aila.Aila simply offered him a gentle smile in return.

Fú Nī Yà, observing that the gazes of those present no longer held their previous strangeness, felt a pang in her heart.

‘Albert, Aila…’

Her rational mind urged her not to succumb to emotion.Yet, Albert’s selfless act of assistance, offered without a hint of past grievance, compelled her heart to soften.

Taking a deep breath, Fú Nī Yà rose and spoke.

“I have something to say, though I’m unsure if I should voice it.”

At her words, everyone’s gaze immediately shifted to Fú Nī Yà.Despite their disdain for the half-elf, Albert’s standing commanded their attention.Albert and Aila, too, looked over with curiosity, wondering what Fú Nī Yà intended to say.

“Ladies and gentlemen, do you know what the common folk perceive as the very definition of nobility?” Fú Nī Yà inquired softly, then answered her own question.”It is synonymous with foolishness, laziness, and greed.”

Every noble present displayed expressions of indignation.Fú Nī Yà’s words had, after all, inflicted a broad, sweeping insult.However, witnessing their reactions, Fú Nī Yà merely smiled.

“It seems my words have provoked strong opinions among you… Is there any disagreement?”

“Lady Fú Nī Yà!” a young noble with a scar across his face rose, vehemently protesting.”As you said, there are indeed some amongst the nobility who are utterly irredeemable.However, the majority of us are courageous, wise, and filled with honor!Please, do not insult us in such a manner!”

“Indeed, I share that sentiment,” Fú Nī Yà responded, her gaze approving as she looked at the young man who had unwittingly played into her hands.”To label an entire group is always the most foolish and ignorant of acts.This holds true whether speaking of half-elves or nobles.”

Upon hearing this, the expressions on the faces of those present subtly shifted.

“Half-elves are not merely a race for pleasure, just as not all nobles are depraved and corrupt.A person’s future is shaped not only by their individual actions but also by the influence of their surroundings.”

“Born into lives free from want, nobles can either perpetuate their comfortable existence or dedicate their leisure to study and training.This explains why some nobles are valiant and wise, while others are foolish and avaricious, yet none are found tilling fields in the countryside.”

“The same holds true for half-elves.No one is born wishing to be scorned; most are driven by circumstance.I ask you all, when half-elves are branded a race for pleasure, is it because they are inherently beyond redemption, or because the lustful desires of certain individuals have forced them into such a plight?”

As Fú Nī Yà’s words resonated through the hall, some guests furrowed their brows in contemplation, others bowed their heads in shame.A few, though their expressions remained impassive, subtly reined in the arrogance in their demeanor, out of respect for Albert and Aila.

Albert’s banquet was attended exclusively by young nobles, many of whom still possessed a sense of aristocratic conscience and honor.Had their parents—those hardened, shameless old figures who had weathered many storms—been present, they would likely have righteously declared half-elves inherently beyond salvation.These youths, however, still lacked the harsh lessons of the world.

“If Lady Yietta, the Earth Mother Goddess, had created life solely by race, then there would be no distinct individuals,” Fú Nī Yà stated sincerely.”First and foremost, I am Fú Nī Yà, with my own unique joys, sorrows, and angers.Only then am I a half-elf, possessing facial features similar to others of my kind.And beyond that, like all of you, I was created by the Mother Goddess and share this world alongside you.”

“There is no fundamental difference between us.The Mother Goddess created such a multitude of races merely to enrich this world with greater diversity. To judge a person’s nobility, one should look to their heart, not their status or race.A foolish, lazy, and greedy individual, whether noble or not, will be despised by all from the depths of their being. Conversely, a person like Albert, who rescued me from a tragic fate and offered me work, would command my heartfelt respect, even if he were not a noble.”

As Fú Nī Yà spoke, she lifted the hem of her skirt, performing a graceful curtsy towards Albert, who sat across the long table.

Albert’s expression grew somewhat awkward.

‘Fú Nī Yà’s praise was a little excessive…’

“Finally, I implore certain individuals not to project their own impure thoughts onto others.Albert and I share no special relationship; I am merely a maid in his employ.I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Albert and Miss Aila for their protection, offered even at the cost of their own reputations.However, I would not wish for their good names to be tarnished on my account.”

With these words, Fú Nī Yà picked up the wine bottle once more.She moved from the hostess’s position, approaching Albert to refill the goblet he had just emptied.

“I am but a maid, and I have no relationship with Mr. Albert beyond my work.That seat does not belong to me; I hope it finds its true master.”

All those present gazed at Fú Nī Yà in astonishment, before applause erupted.Among them, the noble who had earlier challenged Fú Nī Yà clapped the loudest, his face alight with excitement.

As the saying goes, young people are always full of idealism.Fú Nī Yà, with her charming wit and elegant words, had captivated them, much like the clever peasant girls in storybooks.

True nobles never withheld their applause.Even Ludwig, letting out a sigh, joined in the ovation for Fú Nī Yà.

He had lost, not to Albert, but to the half-elf s*ave he had never truly deigned to notice.By tomorrow, Fú Nī Yà’s praises for Albert would echo throughout the entire aristocratic circle, carried by the guests present.Fú Nī Yà herself would, moreover, become the dream goddess of countless young nobles.

After all, what young noble wouldn’t desire a clever and charming girl like Fú Nī Yà by their side?Even if she was a half-elf.

However, Ludwig was not one to be a sore loser.Having lost this round, he would simply learn his lesson and return for the next.Yet, Albert, that fellow, truly possessed remarkable luck…A flicker of regret passed through Ludwig; he wished he had bid higher to acquire Fú Nī Yà that day.

Meanwhile, Albert regarded the young woman beside him with a complex expression.

‘So, this is what you truly thought, Fú Nī Yà…’