Bianca Withdraws from the Competition and Wrap-Up / Rhine Lab

It's fortunate that Rita came out; these complicated and convoluted things can be completely handed over to her, this "external brain."

Otherwise, leaving Bianca to face so many sharp-tongued and scheming politicians alone would be an absolute nightmare...

After all this hard work, the results were satisfactory. It can be said that the goal that Dai'e wanted to achieve and the rights it desired have been initially obtained.

After some negotiations, Bianca secured the support of the Grand Knight Council. Even the Commercial Union, which might suffer huge losses due to her actions, compromised in the face of overwhelming power.

It could even be said that they signed numerous "unequal" treaties, including, but not limited to, handing over the Armorless Union...

While Dai'e achieved what she wanted, she was also aware that many people were dissatisfied behind the scenes because her actions ultimately affected the interests of too many people.

However, Bianca's attitude towards this is very simple: she doesn't care if they're dissatisfied in private, but if they start causing trouble... then the Armorless Union, which has just been taken over and managed by Rita, will be in trouble.

Furthermore, after negotiations, as long as Taiwan doesn't go too far, the Grand Knight Council will choose to turn a blind eye.

However, even though everything seemed perfect and everything seemed to be resolved, there was still one thing that kept "troubling" Bianca... that was, she was about to receive her own title.

Of course, that's not the most critical issue. The most critical issue, and what annoys the most for the Indians, is that... in order to show the outside world and other countries that have already learned the news that she has been tied to the ship of Kazimierz, this investiture ceremony is very grand and will be broadcast live.

If she could, Bianca would absolutely not want to participate in this ceremony; after all, there would be so much better use of that time, even training could improve her skills. But unfortunately, this matter couldn't afford to go wrong, and she couldn't back out...

So there was no other way but to bite the bullet and participate when the time came.

Incidentally, when asking Bianca about her preferred knight title, she immediately suggested [Radiant Knight]. After all, why not use a ready-made title?

Because of her current high status, nothing has happened involving betting on her knighthood or tricking people into placing bets.

Otherwise, she wouldn't mind teaching these people who had their eyes on her from the very beginning a lesson.

In the tavern--

"Mmm! Rita, your desserts are delicious!"

After taking a bite of the pastry Rita brought, Maria Nearl couldn't help but give it a thumbs up and praise it.

"As long as Maria Nearl is happy."

Rita simply smiled politely and responded gently to Maria Nearl's compliment.

During this time, through Bianca's introduction and daily interactions, Maria Nearl and Rita got to know each other and their relationship improved. After all, who doesn't like an elegant and caring maid?

Even at the pony's insistence, Rita changed her address from "Miss Maria Nearl" to calling her by her first name.

However, there was one thing that still made Maria Nearl feel a little uncomfortable: for some reason, she always felt that when she was with Bianca and Rita, she was somewhat radiant... like a third wheel.

"Rita's skills are indeed excellent, especially her black tea." After listening to their conversation, Bianca, who was sitting to the side drinking black tea, couldn't help but praise her.

"Yes, indeed!" Maria Nearl nodded upon hearing this, then quickly added as if she had just remembered something, "Oh, and congratulations to Bianca on your upcoming knighthood!"

"So, can you secretly tell me what the title is?"

After she finished speaking, Maria Nearl opened her golden eyes wide and stared longingly at Bianca.

"Pfft, it's no big deal to tell you, your title is [Hui]."

Seeing her friend's expression, Bianca smiled helplessly and then replied.

Before Maria Nearl could say anything after hearing the address, the old knight, who had been eavesdropping the whole time, spoke up first:

"Radiant Knight? Hahaha, that's certainly a good name. It sounds dazzling and radiant."

"That's true. I think you and Maria Nearl's sister, the Shining Knight, must have a lot in common. It's just a bit of a pity." Upon hearing Bianca, bald Martin, who was wiping glasses on the side because the tavern was not accepting customers, couldn't help but sigh.

"There's nothing to regret. Given that Shining Knight's character, she will return one day, return to this homeland. Besides, I'm here now." Bianca smiled gently at Bald Martin's sigh, then said confidently.

The goose's conviction stemmed not only from the plot, but also from her belief that those who could utter the words, "A knight is a noble one who illuminates the whole earth," and who were steadfast in their path, would not abandon their homeland.

Even if Margaret Nearl changes things here and doesn't stay in the Great Knight's Territory permanently like in the story, she will definitely still find time and opportunities to go home and visit.

"Haha, you're right. With the Shining Knight's personality, she'll come back someday. I just wonder what she'll think when she sees the city that's changed so much because of Bianca."

At this point, the old craftsman Koval, who had been drinking silently to the side, couldn't help but chime in.

"Given that girl's personality... once she comes back and sees that the Great Knight's Territory is alright, she'll probably run off to help others instead." Hearing this, Zofia raised an eyebrow and said with a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

"..."

Hearing everyone's words, Maria Nearl's lips curled slightly, but she didn't say anything more. However, she believed that she would meet her sister again someday.

"Ah Qiu--"

A blond Kuranta, far away in another city, suddenly sneezed without warning.

"Margaret Nearl, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to treat you?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about me. Continue treating them." Margaret Nearl simply shook her head gently at her companion's concern.

Then, as if sensing something, she glanced towards her homeland. But it was only a glance; she quickly looked away and returned to her work.

Chapter 58 Bianca's Withdrawal and the Ending

Finally, as time passed, Bianca finally had her investiture ceremony.

Although she disliked such a grand display, she still made some serious preparations on the eve of her investiture. In fact, this time she was not wearing the armor she had previously crafted, but her own exclusive armor [Radiant Knight: Moon Soul].

After all, this investiture represents many things; it not only reflects the attitude of this country and the Radiant Knight Bianca.

In Bianca's own mind, this investiture also represented her formally taking over "power" and assuming obligations and responsibilities.

Immortal Blade Knights' Base --

"Hmm."

At this moment, Bianca, wearing a pretty dress and exaggerated glasses, with her hair a little messy and her expression still unsettled, glared resentfully at the person following not far behind her.

As for why Bianca looks so disheveled now, it all started with the investiture ceremony that just ended.

The ceremony itself was somewhat complicated, but overall there were no problems. The issue arose when... people left after the ceremony.

Even though she was disguised, Dai'e was still recognized by the fans and surrounded by a group of enthusiastic fans. It took her half a day to quickly escape and run back here.

"This isn't my fault, Durandal. It's just that your fans adore you too much." Rita spread her hands innocently, looking at the resentful look her goose was giving her.

"Hmph~ If that's the case, I think we won't need to pretend next time." Bianca snorted as she looked at Rita's innocent expression.

To be honest, Dai'e felt she shouldn't have listened to Rita's advice in the first place, why bother with the little skirt and the disguise? In the end, not only was she recognized, but she also became even more conspicuous than in her usual attire.

"That's not how it works, Durandal. Perhaps this time the disguise wasn't quite right. Next time I can help you with a different style," Rita said gently with a smile after hearing Bianca's words.

Upon hearing this, Bianca narrowed her beautiful blue eyes suspiciously, then said, "Rita, you just want to see more. I'll change into a different style of dress."

"How could that be? Although Durandal does look beautiful in a dress, my intention was still to help you disguise yourself~" Faced with Bianca's suspicion, Rita smiled gently and said without the slightest guilt.

"Alright. But let's try to avoid this situation next time; it's a bit troublesome."

"Okay."

Not long after Bianca's coronation ceremony, another event ignited public opinion: the other biggest dark horse in the tournament besides Bianca, [Blazing Axe Knight] Dikaiopolis, was revealed to be infected.

This news surprised Dai'e somewhat. Others might not know, but she knew very well who [Blazing Axe Knight] Dikaiopolis was; he was the original champion of this year's competition who later changed his title to [Blood Knight].

Bianca wasn't surprised that [Blood Knight] could emerge as a dark horse and break through the crowd despite being unexpectedly injured.

To her surprise, despite her efforts to disrupt the established order and intimidate higher-ups, Dikaiopolis's status as an infected individual was still unexpectedly revealed.

However, although somewhat unexpected, the revelation of this matter actually presented an opportunity to the idiot.

After this incident, Bianca didn't give the public time to ferment. She directly joined forces with the Knights Association to release a competition system for infected individuals, giving them the same right to participate in knightly competitions as ordinary people.

At the same time, she also announced directly to the public that she would not participate in this year's Knights Championship.

After all, Bianca has already achieved her goal, and there's absolutely no need for her to participate in this bullying, horseplay-like competition anymore.

In this situation, wouldn't it be better to give others a chance?

These successive news reports completely stunned the public, who were still basking in the afterglow of Bianca's investiture as the [Radiant Knight].

Putting aside the infected individuals, Bianca's withdrawal from the competition alone caused an uproar among her fans, with the Swarm group even blocking the entrance to the Knights' headquarters.

It wasn't until someone reluctantly stepped forward to explain and offered some autographs and photos that the group of enthusiastic fans gradually dispersed and stopped affecting the members of the Knights.

As for the infected, they were already moved by Bianca's words when she protected the city, and this latest action made them feel completely grateful and admiring.

It's important to understand that the rules and regulations regarding the infected participants that Bianca negotiated with the higher-ups to obtain were completely different from those that the Blood Knight obtained in the original story.

Compared to the original story, where infected individuals had to fight and win like beasts to gain the right to participate in competitions as ordinary people, the direct registration qualification that the Goose gave to infected individuals is quite fair and equal.

To put it dramatically, Bianca's actions would be considered somewhat ahead of their time, or even shocking, anywhere on this continent.

After all, in too many places on this continent, infected people are no longer considered "human beings".

Because of Bianca's actions, the public opinion crisis of [Blazing Axe Knight] Dikaiopolis was directly resolved, and he also became the first infected knight (openly) active in the arena in the history of Kazimierz.

Moreover, with the withdrawal of the "Dumb Goose" (a nickname for a player), he has become the most likely candidate to win this year's Knights Tournament championship based on his own strength.

However, to everyone's surprise, the infected knight who was the most talked-about under this [Radiant Knight] actually turned around and applied to join the Immortal Blade Knights after winning another game.

What's most shocking is that [Radiant Knight] actually approved his application and even announced that he welcomes the Infected Knights to join.

Bianca's actions not only caused the already unsettled crowd to erupt again, but also allowed her knightly order to absorb a number of powerful infected knights.

Of course, every event has positive news and voices, but there are bound to be negative ones as well, especially something as shocking as what Bianca did.

However, with the capitalists refraining from fanning the flames due to the power of [Radiant Knight], this voice was far too weak. So weak that Rita easily silenced it in private.

Chapter 59 Rhine Lab

"Hmm..."

As the morning sun streamed in, a woman lying face down on her desk in a dimly lit office in the Rhine Lab Building slowly awoke, opening her slightly dazed eyes.

"Did I... accidentally fall asleep again? Honestly, Klein..." As his body subconsciously uttered that name, Mobius, who was still a little drowsy, instantly woke up.

Then she sat up, gently touched her forehead, and said with a self-deprecating laugh:

"Ha, I've been reading too much data and I'm not really thinking clearly. How could Klein possibly be here?"

Then, Mobius looked at the scattered documents on the table as if he had remembered something, stopped tidying his appearance, and silently thought to himself:

"You've made quite a commotion over there, [Radiant Knight]~ Now that you've almost finished your business, remember to bring Sakura over to me after the handover is complete~"

"Also, remember to come over when you have some free time, as we agreed! I've been really looking forward to this experiment."

Upon hearing Mobius's "reminder," Bianca's formulaic reply rang out almost instantly.

"You don't need to remind me of that. Just focus on your work. I'll have Sakura go over after I've finished handing over my duties."

As for the Abyss Flower experiment... it will take some time. Recently, various forces have been keeping a close eye on me. I'll come find you as soon as I can get away."

'Hehe~ Well then, I look forward to your arrival, [Radiant Knight]~'

Having received the reply he wanted, Mobius chuckled to himself, completely unconcerned about Bianca's businesslike attitude.

"..."

After ending his conversation with "himself," Mobius slowly stood up, stretched, straightened his white coat, and walked slowly outside.

Another day has passed since her last meal, and she needs to go out to "find food" now.

Although the Mobius, in its current state, doesn't need to eat at all as long as it has enough energy, it still needs to put on a show since it's currently under someone's watchful eye.

Mobius absolutely did not want to be noticed or suspected by observant people because of something as trivial as not eating. That would be a real loss for him.

You know, Rhine Lab isn't exactly a clean company these days.

However, it was precisely for this reason that Mobius set his sights on this place, since some things are inconvenient to do in a place that is too clean.

"Seriously, looks like I'll have to stock up on instant noodles next time."

Leaving his office, Mobius muttered a helpless remark before relying on his memory to find his way to the cafeteria.

Almost every time she encountered such a situation, Mobius would sigh, but after finishing her meal, she would immerse herself in the various new knowledge and experiments of this continent, completely forgetting about the incident.

After all, this isn't a place for Fire Moth, and there's no Klein, that hardworking and devoted assistant, here either.

Furthermore, it's important to understand that although Mobius did manage to infiltrate the project, because it was done intentionally, the project she submitted to Rhine Lab was relatively small and not highly regarded.