### Chapter 105: 41. A Strange Atmosphere
They said that Fisher would protect her, yet not far from Elizabeth stood many Royal Soldiers dressed in white uniforms. The sunlight outside was just right, so Elizabeth put on a new wide-brimmed hat, different from the one she wore last time.
Only her golden hair was highlighted, making it look strikingly like gold.
Although Elizabeth’s face was not clearly visible, outsiders could still sense her noble and elegant aura. Perhaps some gentlemen looked at her companion with jealousy and curiosity, but upon seeing Fisher Benavides’ face, they fell silent.
Elizabeth and Fisher appeared to be an extraordinarily matched pair in Saint Nali, no matter how one looked at it.
Even a few years ago, when the King wanted to find a husband for Elizabeth, the Eldest Princess herself firmly refused with the excuse of being “too busy.” It was evident to outsiders that Elizabeth was waiting for Fisher.
“How do you feel about Saint Nali University?”
Despite being the guest, for some reason, it was Elizabeth who asked Fisher about his impressions of the school at that moment.
“The learning atmosphere is quite good, and the students are diligent and full of energy.”
“That sounds like a typical Fisher-like evaluation. Speaking of which, you’ve turned 28 this year, what are your plans for the future?”
Elizabeth turned to look at Fisher beside her and asked.
“What plans?”
“The gentlemen of Saint Nali always aspire to achieve great things, wanting to create their own legends. This often leads to additional hustle, but it seems to me that you don’t have such desires. So why not settle down and form a family right here? Or are you, Mr. Fisher, a free-spirited young man who doesn’t wish to be tied down by family and responsibility?”
Beneath her wide-brimmed hat, her light golden eyes were unexpectedly cold, contrasting sharply with her teasing and casual inquiry.
As she scrutinized him, Fisher smiled slightly, just about to respond when a middle-aged man in a Nali suit approached and bowed to Elizabeth.
“Honorable Princess Elizabeth, welcome to Saint Nali University. I am Board Member Gary. Hello, Mr. Fisher.”
Fisher glanced at the Nali Exploration Company badge on the man’s suit and understood that this was one of the wealthiest individuals in Nali.
The Nali Exploration Company had historically prospered through maritime trade, and when the royal family had no funds to support the expansion of their fleet, they pooled their entire resources to sponsor Captain Blake’s “Holy Maiden.” That had undoubtedly been a very forward-thinking decision.
In the years that followed, the Nali Exploration Company profited immensely through external exploration and aggression, monopolizing various fields such as resource mining, shipbuilding, and maritime trade in the Southern Continent. It had become a corporate giant in Nali, with the financiers behind the ruling New Party being this very company.
Elizabeth cast a cold glance at the man before her, but when she lifted her hat slightly and extended her hand, her eyes softened and became empty again.
“No need for formalities. The school has put in great effort for the Godlin Festival this time; when I saw the event arrangements, it was so rich that I didn’t know how to choose.”
“Your Highness is too kind. The Godlin Festival is the most cherished holiday for all Nali people, so we certainly cannot be negligent. Our poetry session is about to begin, and the committee has arranged special seating for Princess Elizabeth and Mr. Fisher. Please follow me this way.”
Elizabeth smiled gently and followed Gary towards the event venue with Fisher.
The so-called poetry session was actually a very traditional activity in Nali, where participants exchanged poems based on a specific theme without strict formatting—one just needed to write what came to mind.
However, in recent years, many popular poetry styles emerged, allowing people to fill in the blanks based on a template, enabling even those without great literary talent to compose poetry and avoiding embarrassing lines like “Oh ocean, you are full of water; Oh steed, you have four legs.”
“Hey, parents, please take a look. Our school has established the most complete pipeline system in all of Nali. This was built solely by the Nali Exploration Company, a world apart from the city’s complicated and ineffective systems.”
“Our cafeteria implements a la carte dining, and we are adept at preparing dishes from various countries.”
“The student dormitories accommodate three people per room. Yes.”
There were many activities as numerous parents and members of society, including media personnel, were present to learn about the school. Therefore, the school organized many guided tours, with several gentlemen from the committee holding glasses of red wine and leading groups through the institution.
By the time Elizabeth arrived, many students and professors had already begun to form circles and exchange poems, enjoying fine wine and food at the same time.
“Mr. Fisher, I’ll give a brief opening speech and be right back.”
Elizabeth nodded at Fisher and walked towards the podium. Fisher took a glass of red wine and sat in the front row. A lady was already seated next to him, and as he took his seat, she greeted him.
“Hello, Professor Fisher. Nice to meet you, I’m Laura.”
The lady appeared to be in her thirties, with her hair tied in a bun and wearing small, delicate glasses, exuding an intelligent atmosphere. She politely greeted Fisher, and he clinked glasses with her.
“Fisher Benavides, nice to meet you.”
“Even before you joined the school, I had already heard a lot about your name. Meeting you in person today truly lives up to its reputation; you are indeed the gentleman most deserving of the title in Saint Nali.”
“Too kind. Will Ms. Laura be creating new poems for the poetry session?”
“Ah, of course. It would be a pity not to express oneself through poetry on such a festival. Why do you suddenly ask this, Mr. Fisher?”
Fisher seemed to think of something, took a small sip of red wine, and said, “I once knew a girl who really loved your poetry. I think she’d be delighted if you released new works.”
Laura paused for a moment when she looked at Fisher’s profile, then smiled and said, “I will do my best to create works that live up to her expectations.”
“Thank you very much.”
Laura had a very positive impression of Fisher; at least after this brief conversation, she found him quite charming and worth getting to know. However, before meeting Fisher, her impression was solely based on what she knew about him and Elizabeth, leading to a somewhat derogatory view of him as someone “living off a woman.”
Interestingly, many of her works featured themes about girls of humble origins falling in love with wealthy merchants, yet she looked down on gentlemen like Fisher who seemed to be “climbing the social ladder.” But she never expressed this openly; it was merely a thought she kept to herself.
If only this gentleman had a bit more wealth, that would be even better.
Laura secretly observed Fisher’s non-custom black suit, making a judgment about his financial situation.
“I’m back, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Laura, hello.”
Just as Laura was stealthily assessing Fisher, a sudden voice appeared beside her like a bomb, causing her to quickly retract her gaze. She turned to see a beautiful princess with a polite smile.
Her smile was gentle yet hollow, and her peculiar authority made Laura unconsciously stand up and bow to Elizabeth.
“Princess Elizabeth.”
“No need for formalities. The poetry session is about to start; let’s invite some students to exchange poems as well.”
This statement was directed at Fisher, but Laura did not leave. She had been called in to co-host the poetry session with Elizabeth. Her role was to remain silent and then praise whatever verses Elizabeth recited, thus increasing the value of her poetry.
Such is the etiquette in Nali; many arrangements that seem natural and comfortable are actually meticulously designed.
“Elder Sister!”
Just as Elizabeth was smiling at Laura, someone rushed over from behind and tightly hugged the Eldest Princess.
“Mind your manners, Isabel.”
Though it was a reminder, Elizabeth still affectionately ruffled the hair of Isabel, who was clutching her from behind. Isabel blushed as she stood up, looking at the two professors beside her and bowing to them.
“Professor Fisher, Professor Laura, hello!”
“Princess Isabel.”
This was a formal occasion, not a classroom, so they had to use royal etiquette with Isabel.
But clearly, Fisher was not concerned that Isabel would retaliate against him for previous classroom incidents; this could only indicate that Isabel’s temperament as royalty was too small. Even without Fisher’s intervention, her sister would discipline her.
“By the way, sister, I brought my roommate and Mr. Fisher’s friend along. We’re all here to exchange poems!”
Isabel’s roommate, Jasmine, stepped forward without even greeting, while Isabel turned to look at the two ladies not far away.
Fisher and Elizabeth turned their heads to look as well; Isabel’s roommate, Milica, was so young that one could easily overlook her. However, behind that girl stood a woman with long black hair who smiled, though her smile lacked warmth.
She glanced at Fisher and then at Elizabeth, who was quite close to him. Then, she smiled at Fisher again. This strange gesture was quickly noticed by the sensitive Elizabeth, prompting her to turn her attention to Fisher.
“Ah, this lady is said to be a friend of Professor Fisher; she got lost in the school just now.”
“Friend?”
Elizabeth looked at Renee, and her warm smile revealed traces of emptiness.
The woman with black hair had deep purple eyes that blinked slowly. Without any apparent status, her presence was not inferior to Elizabeth’s.
She merely nodded, glanced at Fisher, and replied, “Yes, just a friend.”
After that one response, even though the venue was noisy, the atmosphere around Fisher suddenly became unusually strange.
