"She only has bad memories of the capital, so she's probably scared stiff."
Last time Emilia went to the capital, she suffered just as much hardship as he worried, she would.
Probably, in spite of having arriving at the capital secretly, enemies who want the insignia would probably take it, and maybe her life along with it.
Subaru knew that if hadn't been there, she would have met that fate.
–If he recalled the day they met, Subaru couldn't place himself if he wasn't aware.
Having suddenly been summoned to an alternate world, Subaru hadn't been given a single thing that could be called a mission. On the surface, his insolence was disguised through positivity, but on the inside, you could only call him rash and reckless.
In short, he was basically the same inside and out, so it was undeniable that the developments up till now that let to him being in his current situation were not in his control.
However,
"People who just go with the flow should swim to and choose which currents to follow."
Without denying that he had simply followed along up to this point, he could also have chosen options that did not lead to this point. And the reason he was here now, was because he had chosen so.
Subaru, who was dropped into an alternate world without so much as a goal.
It's because he had that perspective that he was now thinking about turning his powerless situation around.
If he wasn't given a mission, he simply had to decide on one himself.
"Let's go save Emilia."
It wasn't just because he had been saved by her.
It was because the feeling of wanting to become Emilia's strength brimmed over from the bottom of his heart.
"That's the power of love!"
"What did you say just now?"
"Sorry, it was kind of serious, so having to say it again is embarrassing,"
was Subaru's one-sentence answer to Rem, who had asked him with her head tilted. Then, Subaru collected himself by clearing his throat, and set his mind in full operation in order to break through the obstacle in front of him.
Even if he managed to escape this place, he couldn't think of a single way to get to the capital. But none of that mattered if he didn't manage to escape this place first.
And regarding that, it was more Subaru's style to force things rather than go with the flow.
"Although the situation's badness doesn't really change."
Getting past Rem, who was standing imposingly with arms outstretched, was like clearing an insanely difficult last boss.
Morgan only said" If you managed to sneak past the Oni, I will not say a word to Emilia or Roswaal about your escape. Just don't interfere in the events in the capital.
As Subaru ponder his predicament he stumbled upon the solution.
"I can't believe that actually worked." Morgan thought to herself as she was with Emilia. She heard over the link what Subaru had use to escape Rem.
"She must have disobeyed Emilia." Morgan soon came to that conclusion. She sensed Subaru coming closer. She turned around and Emilia and Roswaal also turned as Priscilla, Al, and Subaru came in.
Many of the royal knights and magic users stared at the trio that had just entered the room.
Emilia looked back to see what the fuss was about… she hitched in exclamation.
Subaru stopped dead in his tracks in alarm.
"Subaru?"
"Um… Emilia, I… "
As Subaru began speaking fish, Priscilla quickly clung to his arm and pressed her large chest against him while shooting Emilia a smug smile.
"Is there a reason you're staring at my manservant, half-wit?"
"Get off! You'll give Emilia-tan the wrong idea!"
"My, how nice to see you, Priscilla-Sama! Do forgive my servant for troubling you so." Roswaal quickly interjected, making the smirking fiery-headed woman let go of the boy and snort.
Priscilla passed by Emilia without even a glance between them.
The half-elf had her sights on someone else at the moment.
"Why are you here, Subaru? Didn't I tell you to be good and wait for me? Don't you remember?" Emilia shook her head and looked at the boy with hurt in her eyes.
"It was inevitable that he would have made it here." Morgan replied before walking off to where a group of people were at.
Subaru struggled to answer from guilt but then a loud voice spoke through the great hall.
"The council of wise men will now enter."
The magic users and the royal knights all lined up and bowed for the many old men walking in lavish robes towards the seating arrangement at the end of the hall.
"The wise men…They're the people managing the country in the king's absence, right?"
"Hey. That's where we're supposed to stand." Al pointed at the place where the knights all stood.
"I can stand there, too?" Subaru asked Roswaal as he pointed at Al.
"Hmm, it sounds amusing, so you may accompany him."
"Wait, Roswaal!" Emilia exclaimed to the clown. "If Subaru is allowed to stay, he'll-"
But the lord cut her off. "Emilia-Sama, the conference is beginning. To the center."
Emilia looked upset and scared at the same time.
She looked behind her to find everyone seated and three girls standing in front of the council.
She turned to the boy with a glare on her face.
"You're going to explain this to me later."
"So those are the participants in the royal selection… The candidates to be the future ruler?" Subaru stood beside Al in the royal knights' line as he looked at the three other girls standing alongside Emilia.
"So those are the participants in the royal selection… The candidates to be the future ruler?" Subaru stood beside Al in the royal knights' line as he looked at the three other girls standing alongside Emilia.
"So, you came, after all, Subaru."
The nasty-eyed boy was met by a dashing young man with red hair and blue shining eyes smiling charmingly toward him.
"When I heard Emilia-Sama would be here, I suspected you'd be here, as well."
Subaru's face brightened. "Reinhard, I've been looking for you!"
"It is nice to see you."
Subaru looked behind him and noticed a familiar-looking young man.
He glared.
Julius looked back and nodded his head at the boy.
"Subaru, what's the matter?" Reinhard asked when he noticed the animosity.
"Where I'm from, this is the face you make when you see a romantic rival!"
Reinhard blinked.
"Now, if I may be so forward, I, Marcos, leader of the Imperial Knights, will direct today's proceedings. It all happened about half a year ago, when members of the royal family, starting with the king, went into hiding one by one, causing-"
"Listen… I get that you wanna talk up a good show here, but I'm busy, y'know. As we say in Kararagi, Time is money."
Subaru is shown looking at the purple-haired girl speaking with the guard in a surprised expression.
"She's speaking in the Kansai dialect? Are you kidding me?"
"Evidently, everyone in western Kararagi talks that way." Al provided making Subaru think.
As the purple-haired lady stopped talking about how precious her time was, the green-haired Duchess-looking lady spoke.
"I agree."
"Crusch-sama, should the head of the Karsten family say such a thing?" The knight asked.
The duchess confidently glanced at the guard. "It is important to observe formality, but it is also a fact that our time is limited. It would be wise to immediately inform us why we are here. Naturally, I do have a general idea."
One of the wise men had looked up at the girl in question.
"You already know the purpose of this meeting?"
"Yes, Lord Miklotov. For a drinking party, correct? One day, we will face each other as rivals, but by sharing drinks at the same table, we learn more about one another." Crusch smirked up at the lord.
He did not look impressed.
"No, that is not correct."
Anastasia winced for the girl beside her as Crusch quickly looked at the cat boy in the royal knight's quarters.
"Felis, this isn't what you told me."
"Oh, come on. All I said was, maybe it'll be a drinking party."
"I see. I jumped to conclusions." Crusch turned from the cat boy and looked up at the council. "Forgive me. Allow me to retract everything I just said."
"Hey, now! Even if she backs down, my opinion ain't gonna change. No need to explain the royal selection now. We already know. Right?" Anastasia looked at Emilia and Priscilla.
"I think we should hea-" Emilia tried to say but was cut off.
"Sorry, but I wasn't askin' for your opinion."
Subaru gritted his teeth at the insolent purple merchant. "Why you-"
"Hey!" Al raised his voice out loud. "I don't know what's up with the royal selection, so I'd kinda like to hear the rest."
The old man looked from Al to a certain fiery head.
"Priscilla-Sama, I'm told this man is your knight. Have you explained the selection to him?"
"Whether I have or not, you men will still ramble on about it, yes? Continue Marcos."
"Then…The reason we've gathered you who are qualified to be the dragon's priestess is because a new prophecy has been engraved in the dragon stone. It says, 'From the five capable of becoming the nation's new leader, choose one priestess to enter into a covenant with the dragon.'"
"Five?"
"Yes, Five." Reinhard smiled warmly. "Currently, there are only four candidates. The royal selection hadn't even begun yet. But today, history is set in motion."
"Knight Reinhard van Astrea, come forward."
"Yes, sir."
Reinhard stood forth before the entire hall and bowed his head.
"Honored members of the council of wise men, I, Reinhard van Astrea of the imperial knights, would like to announce the completion of my mission."
Reinhard rose and showed his stern determination as he proclaimed for the council.
"The dragon's priestess, the fifth and final candidate for the throne, has been located."
Everybody in the hall looked on as the doors opened.
And a little girl with blonde hair and blood-red eyes entered wearing a most regal and refined-looking dress.
"The one I, myself, revere as queen… is Felt-Sama!"
"Felt-Sama, thank you for gracing us with your presence."
As the Sword Saint bowed before her, Felt could only smile sweetly.
"Reinhard…" The little girl walked in front of the knight and smiled up at him softly.
He smiled back.
That's why when Felt tried to dropkick him in the face, he instantly caught it, because he's too used to this.
"You bastard! You dragged me here with no explanation, and what do you call all this?!"
Subaru felt a twitch of emotion come off of the mental link with Morgan but it disappeared quickly.
"You surprised me. What's brought on such behavior?" Reinhard asked as he held her booted foot.
"Don't just stop my kick and ask me like nothing happened! I've had just about all I can take!"
"Does the dress not suit your taste? It looks lovely on you." Reinhard knelt and placed her foot on the floor.
"I'm not talking about the dress, and I'm not embarrassed!" Felt angrily retorted.
"That's the girl from… " Emilia uttered in recognition.
"I guess it's not that easy to change someone at their roots. And not just me." Subaru sighed at the scene.
Felt looked at him with wide eyes. "What the heck are you doing here?"
"Hey, it's been a while. How've you be-"
Felt kicked him in the stomach.
"Looks like the hole in your gut isn't bothering you anymore," Felt smirked.
"If you were worried about that, be nice to me!"
"Felt-Sama, if you have finished rekindling old friendships, please step over here."
Felt did what was acquired.
"So, what is it you want me to do?" She asked harshly.
"I would like to say, act more ladylike. But this comes first." Reinhard stepped closer and placed the insignia in her hand.
Gasps and sounds of surprise filled the whole as it glowed brightly.
"As you can see, the dragon gem has recognized Felt-Sama as a priestess. Now that her participation has been approved, I believe it is time to begin the royal selection in earnest."
All around, the imperial and the royal knights placed their hands on their hearts in respect.
"Even if the Dragon Stone has recognized her, do you not think her selection is a bit problematic?" One of the magic users voiced his worry.
Marcos looked down at the man. "You believe we, the Imperial Knights, have made an error?"
All Royal Knights and Imperial Knights turned their heads toward the line of Magi users.
"The air's kind of dicey in here…" Subaru uttered.
"Yea, it doesn't bother me, though." Al shrugged.
"It's nyo big deal to me, either." Felix flapped his ears.
"After all, I've already pledged my loyalty exclusively to one lady!"
"I feel the same. My sword already belongs to Anastasia-Sama." Julius said with a resolved stare.
"My Magecraft works with Emilia. Morgan said in calm tone.
Subaru glared and gulped.
Well, my feelings for Emilia won't come in second to anyone else's especially that pompous Knight!
He ignored the fact that Morgan was working more with Emilia instead him and not acting anyway the servants he had read a long time ago in Japan.
The magi corner of the room was muttering to themselves as they inspected Felt.
"She doesn't have the self-awareness to become a ruler."
"You may dress her up, but she still lacks grace."
"She's uneducated, as well."
"Silence!" The old councilman ordered.
"Knight Reinhard, would you begin by explaining to us what led you to your discovery?"
Reinhard quickly placed his sheathed Heavenly Dragon Sword on the carpeted floor beside Felt and knelt on one knee before the council.
"I took custody of Felt-Sama about one month ago, in the slums."
"She's a gutter rat from the slums?!"
The magi users began muttering and growling.
Felt sighed tiredly and turned around.
"Well, sorry for being a gutter rat! You were the ones who dragged me here against my will!"
Priscilla sighed. "All of this long-winded blather could not be more tedious. Of course, I suppose you lived as a gutter rat in the slums because you could only manage tedious conversation."
"What? If you want a fight, you've got one."
"What insolence. Who do you think I am?" Priscilla glared as the air around her began to emit a dangerous aura.
"Princess, that's not…" Al called from the back in worry.
Priscilla had already moved her fan and sent a wave of attack at the little girl.
But she was instead met with Reinhard's bowing head. "Many pardons, Priscilla-Sama."
"What are you thinking, in a hallowed place like this?" Emilia scolded as she stood behind Reinhard and shielded Felt.
"I was only trying to teach an undisciplined little bitch her place."
"You won't even apologize?"
"Then, will you also apologize for being born? You silver-haired half-elf."
"I'm not connected to the witch at all." Emilia coldly said after remembering some of Morgan's lessons.
Subaru glared hatefully at Priscilla while Al scratched his helmet from behind him.
"Princess, could you drop it now? I'll be the one to suffer if you make too many enemies, seriously."
"Are you all quite finished?" The old councilman asked in a tired tone.
Marcos took the chance.
"Then, royal selection candidates, please come forth.
Priscilla Barielle-Sama and her attendant, Al."
"The selection is pointless. I am the one suited to rule this nation! All you people need to do is grovel at my feet and serve me!"
"Head of the Karsten family, Crusch Karsten-Sama, and her attendant, the knight Felix Argyle."
"Should I become the new ruler, I will make the dragon forget the covenant it demanded.
The dragon's empire of Lugunica belongs not to the dragon, but to us."
"Anastasia Hoshin-Sama of the Hoshin Company, and her attendant, the knight Julius Euclius."
"I'm a greedy gal, so I want everything. No amount of commercial success can satisfy me. I want my own nation!"
"Emilia-Sama and the man endorsing her, Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers."
"I have only one wish. For all to be equal. I desire to create a nation where all citizens are equal."
Roswaal looked around with a smile as he mused to himself. "Still, after the introduction of all those knights as attendants, I feel terribly out of place here!"
"Finally, Felt-Sama and her attendant, the knight Reinhard van Astrea."
"Hang on! Don't get the wrong idea! I never said I'd be the next ruler! Who'd want to be in a royal selection?!"
"Are you saying you withdraw?" Marcos asked in surprise.
"Damn right I am!"
"Watch and you'll see."
"This is a joke!" A magic-user shouted.
"I've overlooked this because the situation was urgent, but to drag it out this long is senseless!"
One of the wise men suddenly sounded his agreement with the magi.
"He's right. The Astrea family offers a gutter rat to rule us, while Margrave Mathers endorses a half-devil? Utter foolishness!"
Subaru stared at the man with hate.
Roswaal stopped walking back into his position and smiled up at the man. "It's not at all nice to call a half-elf a half-devil."
Subaru could be seen shaking in place.
"That silver-haired half-devil"
Subaru gritted his teeth.
"She matches the appearance of the Witch of Envy as it has been described for generations! Why do you not realize that even allowing her in the throne room is dreadful?"
Emilia closed her eyes and walked down from the stage as the councilman shouted.
"Filthy Woman!"
"Enough."
That single word echoed through the chamber was followed by a slight decrease in temperatures in the chamber. Subaru turned to the source. Morgan was standing with a slight aura around her with ice-cold blue eyes gazing upon the councilman.
"The dragon was the one that picked the candidate, are you saying the divine dragon is wrong?" She spoke.
"No, I mea-"
"I think you should hold your tongue and finish the rest of your duties.
"Yeah, enough of your crap!" Subaru rushed into the middle of the room. Shocking almost everyone except for Priscilla and Morgan. Morgan had suspected he would speak up.
Emilia looked down and in dread. "Subaru, it's all right! Stop this!"
"I will not stop! You people are full of crap! Apologize to Emilia!"
"Subaru!"
The boy flinched from her shout.
Emilia slowly turned to the council.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself to the honored council of elders. My name is Emilia. I am accompanied by Puck, a great spirit who controls fire, and I am a silver-haired half-elf."
"A great spirit?"
Mutters of shock and indignation covered the hall.
Emilia turned and faced the entire room. "I understand that my half-elf lineage and other similarities to the witch subject me to prejudice. However, I adamantly refuse to let all my potential be plucked out simply for that reason."
"Emilia..."
By the way… What, exactly, is that young man's position?" The old bearded councilman asked.
Emilia quickly turned around with a struggling face. "Hug? Um, well, he's… "
"It's okay, Emilia. I've made up my mind, too."
"Your mind? To do what? Hey… Subaru, what are you going to do? Wait!"
Subaru walked up and stood before the Dragon Throne of the kingdom.
He placed his hand behind him and bent both knees.
"Nice to meet you, members of the council of elders. My name is Natsuki Subaru. I am a manservant in Roswaal's mansion, student of the mage Morgan and I serve as this candidate's… Emilia-Sama's best knight!"
"I did not think he would be that arrogant to declare himself Emilia's knight and as the best Melusine takes that position." Morgan thought to herself as the icy mask she usually wears cracked at Subaru's words.