Ares's words were quite blunt. Although he hadn't formally accepted the Bronze Black Cross's allegiance, he had already tacitly approved of their actions in using his name to gain power. Such actions would undoubtedly bring enormous benefits to the Bronze Black Cross in the short term. As for the distant future, whether he would return to this world was uncertain, and such matters could naturally be considered then.
Liliyana also understood Ares's words and showed her gratitude. However, since Ares was about to leave and would likely not manifest his presence in this world again, this title certainly couldn't be used for too long. This was essentially a short-term transaction between Ares and the Bronze Black Cross.
As for the extent of this, it would be up to the leader of the Bronze Black Cross to decide. Liliyana believed her teacher would certainly be able to manage it well.
"Now, let's talk about the most important matter."
Ares raised an index finger and said, "Regarding the Gods of Disobedience manifesting on this island, I can help you deal with them, but I hope you can prepare some things for me."
Then he listed a bunch of things, all dangerous items difficult for ordinary people to obtain. However, for a powerful magic society like Liliyana's, acquiring these things was not difficult.
Liliyana silently noted Ares's requests and then asked, "Mr. Ares, do you need us to track Veleslana?"
"No need. I stole his prey. As soon as he recovers, he'll follow like a dog that's smelled meat."
Ares replied, "You just need to prepare a venue for me, a place where I can fight Veleslana freely without harming ordinary people."
Hearing his words, Liliyana looked at him with some surprise.
"What? Surprised? Or can't you do it?" Ares retorted, hands on his hips.
"No, I'm just struck by it. I've never encountered a King like you who would actively choose to fight a God of Disobedience in a place away from ordinary people," Liliyana answered truthfully.
"Well, everyone has their own ambitions. Those other few, they think they've killed a god, they've made it big, so they don't treat their former kin as kin, but I do."
Ares looked at his palm, a complex expression flashing in his eyes, and then he muttered to himself, "That's right, I still consider humans my own kind."
For some reason, Liliyana showed a very moved expression and candidly said, "If you could truly accept the allegiance of us, the Bronze Black Cross, that would be wonderful."
"Next time for sure," Ares replied.
After completing his negotiations with Liliyana, Ares stayed at the hotel for one night. The next day at noon, after enjoying the lunch arranged by the Bronze Black Cross, he received news that the venue and items had been found and was asked when he wanted to use them.
Ares immediately had the Bronze Black Cross take him to the chosen location: an uninhabited island within Italy's territorial waters, near Sardinia.
Upon arriving, various items he needed were continuously transported there by boat. During this time, Ares noticed that among the arriving boats were not only those of the Bronze Black Cross but also those of the Red Copper Black Cross. It seemed Liliyana was also trying to help her childhood friend.
However, Erica Brantelli was not among the personnel who came with the boats. After inquiring, Ares learned that she was confined within the Red Copper Black Cross. It seemed the leader of the Red Copper Black Cross also knew that his niece had caused great trouble by attempting to scheme against a God Slayer this time.
Ares was not concerned with these minor matters. He focused all his energy on how to deal with Veleslana. After the supplies were delivered, the personnel from these magic societies gradually left, leaving only Ares and Liliyana on the island.
"Aren't you leaving?"
Ares asked the silver-haired, single-ponytail girl who remained on the uninhabited island.
"I was left behind to assist you," Liliyana said, placing one hand on her chest as she introduced herself, "Although I may be but a firefly compared to you, I am also a Great Knight and possess the bloodline of a witch. While I cannot interfere in your battle with a God of Disobedience, I can protect myself, and my spiritual vision might also be helpful to you in combat."
"Oh, I see, you want to be an eye, then," Ares nodded. "I don't mind; with my fighting style, it doesn't matter if you're here or not. But have you considered something? You and I, a single man and woman, alone on an uninhabited island, both of us in the prime of our youth, and you know very well you can't defeat me. Aren't you afraid something might happen?"
Presumably, Ares had acted quite proper before, so Liliyana clearly hadn't considered this question. After Ares brought it up, he saw the girl's face suddenly turn red at a visible speed, even emitting a visible puff of steam upwards.
"Is that internal energy?" Ares quipped, but Liliyana was so startled that she took several steps back, then chuckled awkwardly, "I-I'm just a rude and impolite Knight. I don't think Mr. Ares would be interested in a woman like me, right?"
"Nonsense, you're too humble, milady," Ares looked Liliyana up and down twice, then said, "You have a slender figure and delicate features. While you might not immediately inspire lewd thoughts, you certainly awaken a man's protective instincts. And your serious, stubborn personality easily arouses a desire for conquest. Being a Knight Princess is also a nice bonus... "
With every word Ares spoke, Liliyana took a step back, and Ares advanced another step. Finally, she was backed against a large tree by Ares, her back pressed against the trunk. The Knight Princess closed her eyes helplessly and mournfully, softly saying,
"If you truly need it, I have no choice..."
Having said that, she closed her eyes in despair, like a maiden chosen as a sacrifice.
However, despite her despair, a hint of forbidden anticipation arose in Liliyana's heart. After all, she secretly enjoyed indulging in slightly erotic fantasies in private and had even quietly written novels. Moreover, Ares's face was genuinely god-tier handsome, and his personality was undoubtedly much better than that of the other Demon Kings.
"Oh, well, time is long, and we're bored anyway. Why don't we do something meaningful?"
Ares's voice fell, but after a moment, Liliyana heard a clanging sound.
She opened her eyes in confusion and saw Ares on the beach in front of her. He had already opened a box and was taking out a Claymore mine, curiously fiddling with it.
Noticing her gaze, Ares called out to her,
"What are you standing around for? Veleslana is almost here! Come and help me build some defenses!"