Faust set his life goal early after his transmigration.
He wanted to lead the Qingxi Kingdom to rise. He would climb to the position of supreme Overlord step by step. He intended to become a legendary King who would be praised for myriads of years.
As a prince for the past ten years, Faust worked with great diligence. He woke up early and slept late. All his efforts were for the sake of achieving a great legacy.
Do great things. Just do great things! Go!
[I see. You want to become an "Overlord."]
Faust keenly detected the subtext of the Fairy. "Is this also a type of protagonist for a particular script?"
[Of course. An "Overlord" is a role favored by fate. However, given your current conditions, the possibility of you becoming one is very small. To be blunt, it is impossible. This is not because of your personality. It is because objective conditions do not allow it.]
'So that is how it is...'
Faust sighed inside as he heard the Fairy speak.
The prince knew very well that it would be difficult to dominate the world. The Qingxi Kingdom was simply too weak.
This small, impoverished country was only a few decades old. It was once a border province oppressed by the Empire. It was impossible to develop such a foundation without the efforts of several generations.
Faust would likely not live to see the moment of total domination. Perhaps if his descendants were capable, they could use the accumulated power of several lifetimes to achieve that goal.
However, the disappointment of Faust only lasted for a short moment. He raised his head. His eyes were firm.
"Even so, my goal has not changed!"
"Whether it is extending my lifespan or finding a lucky encounter, there will be a way. I must try regardless. Even if I fall and my bones are crushed!"
He did not want to look back in his old age and feel regret for a life of mediocrity. Faust preferred to fight until he had no regrets.
If a great man cannot eat from five cauldrons in life, he shall be cooked in five cauldrons in death!
[...Very interesting. I think we can make a deal.]
"A deal?"
Faust widened his eyes. The Fairy spoke slowly.
[Do not be surprised. In these incredibly long and boring years, most Fairies would likely fall into dragonhood if they did not find ways to amuse themselves.]
[Son of Man, my original plan was to quietly watch the 'Witch's Banquet' that is about to happen around you. But since you have such determination, I can help you fulfill your wish.]
The prince spoke quickly. "Is that alright? I mean... are you not..."
[I am not defying fate. I am simply fulfilling my duty. It just so happens that you were swept into fate, and it just so happens that I am guiding you.]
Faust understood the hint of the Fairy.
The so-called "Fate Script" did not mean there was a literal, detailed script. It did not strictly dictate what every person must say or do. It did not forbid even a tiny mistake.
A "Script" was just a general process. As the host, the Fairy had a lot of room to operate.
Faust was immediately overjoyed. His gloom was swept away.
The assistance of a Fairy was incredible. Even if this ancient being did not give him a blessing, her foresight and guidance would be a powerful information cheat!
Faust calmed himself and asked a question.
"What do I need to pay?"
If it was a deal, there had to be a fair exchange. He would not be happy if it was a simple gift.
Having the help of a Fairy was different from being completely dependent on one.
However, Faust could not imagine what a noble Fairy could want from a mortal.
[A Son of Man who can awaken within the fate of a Witch is something that has not happened for ages. Perhaps you really can... Well, I do have things I desire. But not right now. Consider this my investment. We will talk when you have the ability to help me.]
An investment. This matched his expectations. At least for now, he was of no use to the Fairy.
"I understand. I hope the day comes when I can repay you."
Faust nodded. He then asked another question.
"By the way, how should I address you?"
They had talked for a while, but he still did not know the name of this Fairy.
[...Mephisto. You can just call me Mephisto.]
Mephisto. Faust had never heard of this Fairy.
That was normal. The existence of Fairies was not a secret, but they were very mysterious. Mortals rarely encountered them. Only a few names were ever recorded.
[I have plenty of patience to wait. For now, your most urgent task is to deal with the approaching "Witch's Banquet." This is no joke.]
[Generally, the script of fate must be completed. But if a character on the stage awakens, that certainty becomes a variable. If the established fate cannot be completed... that is an act of defying fate. The consequences would be unimaginable.]
Faust became serious after hearing the warning from Mephisto. He weighed the glass slipper in his hand.
"I have some guesses regarding this matter."
The prince sat at his desk. He took a pen and paper to organize his thoughts.
One thing was certain. The fate script he was trapped in was likely "Cinderella."
This was a classic story. Many versions existed in different eras and regions.
The image of Cinderella could be traced back to ancient times. The Greek historian Strabo recorded the story of Rhodopis in the 1st century BC. She was a Greek girl who married into Egypt. This was considered the earliest version of "Cinderella."
Rhodopis was washing clothes by a stream. An eagle flew by and snatched her shoe. The eagle dropped the shoe at the feet of the Pharaoh in Memphis. The Pharaoh then ordered all women in the country to try on the shoe. He eventually found Rhodopis.
Another version of "Cinderella" was the story of Ye Xian from China. The hardworking and lovely Ye Xian raised a goldfish. The goldfish was close to her. It would only surface when she walked to the pond.
Later, the stepmother of Ye Xian killed the goldfish. Following the guidance of a god, Ye Xian secretly attended a festival.
She dropped a shoe while rushing home. The King of the Tuohan island found the shoe. He fell in love with Ye Xian and married her.
Of course, the version from "Grimm's Fairy Tales" was the most famous.
If the "Fate Script" of this world was a type of "Cinderella," it would follow a similar logic.
What was the core logic of the "Cinderella" story?
Faust tapped the tip of his pen on the white paper. He listed a series of key points.
[A heroine who is treated unfairly]
[Help from a supernatural power]
[A meeting with the male lead]
[The heroine is identified through an object]
[The union of the male and female leads]
Almost all "Cinderella" stories followed this development.
After Faust finished his summary, the amazed voice of Mephisto rang in his mind.
[Oh. Such precise patterns. How did you do it, Faust?]