In a carriage coming from the Mather's territory, the 'Sword Demon' Wilhelm Van Astrea and the 'Blue' Felix Argyle were conversing. The two had recently departed from the mansion and were headed back to the capital.
"I was surprised to see you talk to that boy. I thought you preferred chopping people in half than talking to them."
"That is a grave misunderstanding. I merely took a liking to his eyes. They are the eyes of someone who's felt death near. He was a knight as well."
"You've lost me neow, but if the sword demon says it, it must be."
A week later, Emilia's camp was ready to travel. Subaru offered to teleport them all straight to the capital, but they needed to be mindful of their appearances. If they appeared out of nowhere, it could cause a lot of suspicion and unwanted attention, plus they needed a carriage in the capital.
They set out in a carriage that Subaru had to drive. Once again, this was a skill Subaru had to learn without the help of the system. It was possible there was another skill that helped with it or something, but without it, Subaru had to make due. He had learned how to drive from Rem. He had to drive and keep an eye out for threats, but he figured that if there were highway bandits out there, they wouldn't attack during the day in the middle of an open plane on what looked like a high class carriage. It was a day long trip to the capital, but he kept himself busy by watching the map fill in. He decided that if he got a day off, then he would try flying between the capital and back. There was also a massive tree on the route that looked amazing. It was bigger than any tree in his world. He decided to climb it if he ever got the chance. Nothing interesting happened on the trip.
When the group arrived in the capital, the first order of business was to find a place to stay. Luckily Roswaal already had a place in mind. Emilia and Subaru disembarked after finishing getting ready. Subaru had his katana materialize if only to ward others away and solidify his place as her guard. Emilia wanted to contact Reinhard, and Subaru also wanted to check in with him as well. Apparently after Subaru had passed out, he had taken Felt, which was rather out of character from Subaru's perspective. The two headed to a guard station to try and get in touch. Maybe he would be on duty, or they could find where he was.
Upon arriving at the station a man called out to the two.
"Well if it isn't Emilia-sama. It is nice to see you again. Have you been well since we last met?"
The man was clearly a knight. Subaru being curious used inform on him. 'Julius Euclius, Knight of Knights, level 87.' He was very strong, and while he knew that the recommended level was way over shot, he also knew that in a fight, he would probably lose anyway. He felt a bit sad that he probably wouldn't be able to match up to this knight, but based on his title, he hoped that he was around the peak for them.
"Yes, I've been doing very well. You also seem well Julius"
"The mere fact that you remember me is an honor. You've only grown more beautiful."
Julius kneeled and kissed Emilia's hand. Subaru felt that what he was doing was a little over the top, but maybe that was typical knight behavior. Should he be doing the same?
"Thank you; forgive me for asking so abruptly, but I have business here and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle."
Subaru knew that it would normally be his job, but he wasn't familiar with the castle nor were its residents familiar with him. Julius would have to take care of them.
"Does your business involve this young man?"
Julius featured to Subaru who had stayed silent the entire time. He wasn't sure if he would be allowed given that he wasn't officially a knight or known to them at all. Subaru stayed silent.
"You seem well manned. Are you her guard?"
"Yes. I am to be Emilia-sama's knight. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Subaru bowed respectfully as Julius had done. He didn't want to make a fool of himself right in front of someone with a title like the Knight of Knights.
"I see. I'll show you to the conference mirrors."
Julius turned and Subaru and Emilia followed. Subaru could guess what the conference mirrors were based on what they sounded. It was very fantasy like to have mirrors like this. Subaru smiled as he walked behind Emilia. The inside was well decorated, suitable for the location of the guard house. They were guided to a room with a mirror in it.
"Can you wait outside, Subaru."
Emilia was asking Subaru to wait outside for this conversation. Although it was likely only in relation to Felt, he still wanted to converse with Reinhard. However, that wasn't his job. His job was to obey Emilia, and she wanted him to stand outside.
"Of course; I'll be right outside if you need me."
"I'm sorry, I won't take very long. I know you wanted to talk with Reinhard, but you should be able to talk to him in person tomorrow."
Subaru nodded and Emilia entered the room. He was left alone with Julius, who would also have to wait for Emilia. The two stood in silence for a few seconds before Subaru broke it.
"Can I ask how long you've been a knight?"
Subaru thought Julius was very young to have that title and his amount of strength. It might have bee par for the course in this world, but Subaru didn't know. He also wanted to see what kind of person he was when he wasn't speaking to someone of high status.
"I've been a knight for a few years. I've been blessed with the talents to work like this, so I've dedicated myself to this."
"Do you just work as a knight of the kingdom? Or do you have someone you are assigned or have sworn to?"
"I've worked as a knight of the kingdom, but I've recently sworn myself to one of the candidates to the throne. Why do you ask?"
"Sorry if I'm being too pushy. I'm very new to being a knight, and you seem to be quite a prime example. Although I have studied up on the mannerisms of being a knight, I don't have much experience. Although we seem to be sworn to different candidates, I hope we can get along."
"I'd like nothing but the same. If you'd like, and if you have time, you could come by tomorrow or the day after. If you are a new knight, then I'd like to see your strength. A friend of mine has also sworn to another candidate, so I'd like to emulate the same feeling to you."
Right then, Emilia came out of the room.
"Sorry if I took too long. I tried to keep it short."
"No, it fine. I was just talking to Julius. How are things with Reinhard?"
"He's doing well. Felt is doing fine as well. Reinhard also asked how you were doing. He was surprised when I told him you were becoming my knight. He asked to meet with you tomorrow. We'll be staying in the capital for a couple days after the election starts, so you should be able to meet."
The three began walking back to the entrance. Emilia would have to prepare and Subaru needed to get ready as well. He knew the candidates Emilia was facing, but he didn't know their personalities beyond a brief description. The royal election that was taking place today was his chance to see what Emilia was up against as well as hear the wishes of each candidate.
"Well, it appears this is where we part Julius. I'll see you at the election."
"I as well, Subaru. Farewell."
Subaru and Emilia left and made their way back to the inn. Emilia prepared herself for what was to come while Subaru occupied the brief time thinking of Julius. He had sworn himself to a candidate, but he didn't know which. He guessed that with his polite disposition, he might have sworn to Crush, but he would just have to see. He went over with Roswaal what he needed to do. He would walk in with them, and then stand by with the rest of the knights. He was happy about this arrangement because he wanted to check the regular knights around for their strength. His only point of reference right now was the 'Knight of Knights,' so he wanted to see if he could live up to their average.
They got in the carriage and departed to the the castle. The royal selection was about to be underway.
Natsuki Subaru, Lv. 26, Genius, Lifesaver, Hero of the Village
Job: Sage Candidate
Secondary Job: Swordsman Lv.7 (Apprentice Swordsman Lv. Max) (Apprentice Mage lv. Max) (Mage lv.5)
Stats: (80 Stat Points)
Attack: 30[+20](+32)
Defense: 30[+10](+32)
Magic Attack: 30
Magic Defence: 30
Speed: 65[+6][+10](+32)
Skills:
Mana Wings
Lugnica Common Language MAX(5)
Arithmetic 1, Writing 1, Magic Resist 1, Knife 1, Strategy 1, Last Strike 1, Last Spell 1, Last Defence 1, CQC 1, Boxing 1, Enhance Strength 1
Sense Danger 2, Fear Resist 2, Space Resist 2, Negotiate 2, Curse Resistance 2, Curse Removal 2
Footwork 3
Pain Resist 4, Inspect 4
Cleaning 5
Madness Resist 6
Lugnica Common Language 7
Flight 8
Hand to hand 10, Musicianship 10, Space Magic 10, Healing Magic 10, Ice Magic 10
Last stand 14
Swordsmanship 15, Sprinting 15
Unique: Return by Death
I'd like to thank everyone leaving reviews on my writing. I'm very aware that I rushed arc 1 and my prologue made less than adequate sense. I don't plan on rewriting it right now though. It's very difficult to write sometimes, but I'm enjoying it. Sorry for taking so long to write this. College is destroying me and classes haven't even started. Next chapter should be up much sooner. I needed a chance to organize what I wanted to do and where I wanted the story to go. The notable differences being Rem not being there and Subaru not making a fool of himself. I hope everyone enjoys.